Upon Reflection - Thoughts on Tibetan Buddhism in western culture with Mark Trippetti

Hi, James Nave’ here, your host for Twice 5 Miles Radio. I'm pleased to welcome meditation practitioner and strategic planner Mark Trippetti to the microphone. The title of this Twice 5 Miles conversation is Upon Reflection. You will find this show divided into two parts. In the first part, Mark and I talk about his journey from his advertising agency in New York City to his fully realized practice of Tibetan Buddhism today. Today, Mark folded his Buddhist studies into his work as a strategic planner and brought them both forward in his relationships with his clients. His main client, CNN, asked Marc to design meditation centers for their corporate offices. Mark is quick to point out that even though he loves his "day job," his primary focus is his spiritual work which he thoughtfully assures us will hold his attention until the day he dies. In the last twenty minutes of this show, I tell the story of my time at the Dhagpo Kagyu Ling Tibetan Buddhist Center near Saint-Léon-sur-Vézère, in the south of France, in June 1985. I was hitchhiking through France that summer with no thoughts of Tibetan Buddhism when a woman and her son who gave me a ride suggested I go to the center because they serve vegetarian food. She and her son detoured from their journey to drop me off at the center. You might anticipate that I found a lifelong meditation practice at the Dhagpo Kagyu Ling Tibetan Buddhist Center. Indeed, while I was there, I came to appreciate meditation, but more I had to deal with a big drama that included a mother and her two children, a road trip to the west coast of France, and an uncertain ending that haunts me to this day. In the first half of this conversation, Marc will tell you that all things are connected. He will also tell you that sit quietly for a few minutes and listen if you want to sense that connection. I was pleased to sit with Marc and learn from him. I was equally delighted that our conversation prompted my memories of a time long ago in a place where things were beautiful and strange. Enjoy the show.