227_Bhaya Kaya Taya Prbhu_I_P

Turning Ahead

Dharma Talk with Dr. Cortland Dahl from September 10, 2020. Recorded via Zoom.

Three Yanas Introduction - Dr. Cortland Dahl [20200910] (TMAD)

When we think about Buddhism, we don’t often think about monks and nuns conjuring spells or curses to break up lovers, exorcise demons, prevent unwanted pregnancies, or kill enemies. But for over two and a half millennia, magic and healing rituals have been an integral part of everyday Buddhism. They were also key to Buddhism becoming a cosmopolitan religion, flourishing in areas beyond the Indian Buddhist heartland. The magical aspects of Buddhist history, however, have been ignored or dismissed by scholars of Buddhism and by Buddhists themselves, resulting in a distorted view of the traditions we may study and practice today.

In his new book, Buddhist Magic: Divination, Healing, and Enchantment Through the Ages, Sam van Schaik, a textual historian and practitioner of Tibetan Buddhism, makes a compelling case for why we should pay attention to Buddhism’s magical heritage—and what we lose by casting it aside. Having previously worked for the International Dunhuang Project, van Schaik currently heads the Endangered Archives Programme at the British Library in London. He is the author of Tibet: A History, Tibetan Zen, The Spirit of Zen, and The Spirit of Tibetan Buddhism.

In our latest podcast episode with Tricycle’s Editor and Publisher James Shaheen, van Schaik debunks misperceptions about early Buddhism by showing how magical literature can offer a more holistic and realistic view of Buddhism from the ground up. He also paints a vivid picture of the role monks and nuns may have played in the magical-gig economy as well as how we can view mindfulness meditation in a comparable way—as the magic of our current age.

Sam van Schaik: Buddhist Magic and Why We Shouldn’t Cast It Aside

Definitely listen to this episode if you want to discover how the geniuses, business superstars and ultra-effective people measure their level of mastery in all areas of their lives.

One Powerful Metric to Measure Your Level of Mastery By

Great businesses and world-class lives are not created in a day, but by steady and consistent refinement. So celebrate every win. Because small daily improvements when done consistently over time really do lead to stunning results.

Celebrate the Micro-Wins [and Build-In Rewards] for Sustained Success

Alexandra Cane is an inspirational online entrepreneur and Co-Founder of MILA Tribe a Premium activewear designed for EVERY-BODY.

She also featured on the Hit TV show Love Island and has since built a social media following of millions sharing her inspirational journey from physical transformation to spiritual, emotional and mental evolution.

Alexandra Cane - How To Overcome Perfectionism

We are shaped by our conversations. We are influenced by the ideas we hear and the people we meet. Listening is a master skill for personal and professional greatness. Leaders listen. Staggeringly well.

When we go deep into listening to the person we are communicating with, we truly have the opportunity to get behind their eyeballs and learn, grow and evolve into our highest and best from their sharing. And if you are lucky enough to be talking to the right person – at the right time – that single conversation might be the one to change the way you think, feel and behave.

Listen Deeply to x5 all of Your Relationships

Most of my life is spent working with teams in companies – helping grow leaders at all levels. I hear so much talk about "our competitors" and "how hard it is to win in these tough times" and that "the market’s shrinking." 

Thinking about your competition is a waste of time and a loss of minutes that you could be using to innovate and arrive at new forms of excellence. Every minute you spend worrying about and benchmarking your peers is a moment you’ve stolen from innovation, building a better team and growing your own brand. 

Now is a superb time to create even more value for your customers and be of acute use to even more people. Work on your professional knowledge and career skills even more. Listen to audiobooks, podcasts and coaching resources so you leap ahead of your previous leadership self. The marketplace demands [and will reward] your mastery as never before. And you’ll be an absolute standout. Which is what I wish for you.

Why You Shouldn't Focus On Your Competition in 2021

Find your circle of genius.

Behavioral scientists have discovered the phenomenon of “emotional contagion.” This describes the fact that, unconsciously, we adopt the beliefs, feelings and behaviors of the people we spend most of our time with.

Want to get ultra-fit? One of the finest ways is to join a running group or make friends with athletes. Ready to be happier? Then remove the energy vampires and complainers from your life. Set to build a truly world-class company? Then start spending far more time with those who have been there and done it. Their mindsets and ways of being will automatically influence you, over time. And associating with people whose lives you want to be living shows you what’s possible. And once you know more, you can achieve more.

Your Associations Predict the Level of Your Success

Bestselling author of 15 books (including The 5AM Club), globally celebrated leadership expert and philanthropist; Robin Sharma is considered to be one of the top 5 leadership experts in the world. His work is embraced by rock stars, royalty, billionaires and many celebrity CEOs. 

Deeply passionate about helping children in need live happier, healthier lives, Robin founded The Robin Sharma Foundation for Children (RSFC) as a registered charitable foundation. 

Visit www.robinsharma.com to learn more.