Buddhaland Podcast with Stacy

This is our final rewind episode from Season One, and our theme is technology. Specifically: what is artificial intelligence, and what does it mean for us as human beings?Michael Li, physicist and blockchain entrepreneur, believes AI is not yet artificial general intelligence, but already an industrial revolution, a shift as significant as the steam engine or the internet.Raymond Lam, senior writer at Buddhistdoor Global, points to Japan using AI chatbots to bring Buddhist teachings to younger generations, and shares why Buddhism sees humans as having a unique potential to attain enlightenment.Father Reginald Mary Chua, Catholic priest and doctoral researcher at Oxford, reminds us that the very concept of personhood in the Western tradition originates in Catholic theology, and asks at what point, if ever, AI might be accorded personhood and dignity.Khenpo Aachen Tenzin, Tibetan Buddhist teacher, speaks to the intangible dimensions of being human that are so easily overlooked, and offers an image that has stayed with me: a robot giving Buddhist teachings is like a flame on a television screen. You can see it, but you cannot feel the heat.Sairee Chahal, serial entrepreneur, brings a more optimistic lens on the democratising power of the internet and AI to give every person access to a personalised and premium experience of knowledge and opportunity.These are conversations we believe matter deeply. At a moment when technology is accelerating so fast, the exchange of ideas across religions, disciplines, and cultures has never felt more necessary.Next week, Season Two begins. Stay tuned.If you have been enjoying Buddhaland Podcast, please follow us on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts, like our episodes, and share with anyone you think might benefit. It really does help us reach more people who are genuinely seeking.

Spirituality is ultimately what Buddhaland is about. It is intangible, and yet it is what makes us fully human. It is what gives direction to art, and purpose to technology. In the contemporary world, it takes many forms, and this episode gathers some of the most honest and sometimes unexpected reflections we have encountered this season.You will hear from Sairee Chahal on micro spirituality, the quiet practices that sustain her through the demands of entrepreneurial life. From Father Reginald Mary Chua on the importance of retreat, as a space to return to yourself and to encounter the divine. From Michel Pascal on the surprising common ground between religious traditions, and his belief that at the root of every spiritual path is the same human longing to be happy. From Khenpo Aachen Tenzin on the nature of ultimate truth in the Dzogchen practice of the Nyingma tradition. And from Guoying Stacy Zhang, on one of the subtler obstacles on the spiritual path: the existential disorientation that can arrive precisely when practice is working.We hope these reflections are of some use on your own journey. If you have been enjoying Buddhaland Podcast, please follow us on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts, click the like buttons, and share with anyone you think might benefit. It really does help us reach more people who are genuinely seeking.

This rewind episode is dedicated to art. Not art as decoration or commodity, but art as a form of living, a path to self-knowledge and to the divine.You will hear from three voices. Prajwal Ratna Vajracharya, a 35th generation Tantric Buddhist priest and master of Charya Nritya, illuminates how statues and paintings carry profound wisdom, and how singing and dancing can be vehicles of spiritual transformation. Michel Pascal, meditator, composer, and filmmaker, speaks with characteristic passion about singing as a path to healing and inner freedom. Monica Laura Smith, holistic educator and creator of Soundgate, draws a quiet but important distinction between music and sound, and between meditation and therapy.If this conversation resonates with you, we invite you to subscribe to the Buddhaland newsletter and join our growing community.

Discover the rich history, rituals, practices, and dance tradition of Newar Buddhism through an enlightening conversation with Prajwal Vajracharya, a 35th-generation tantric priest from Nepal. Gain insights into how this indigenous tradition balances secular life with spiritual depth, and learn about its resilient lineage amid modern challenges.TakeawaysThe origins and unique features of Newar Buddhism, predating even the historical BuddhaThe role of rituals, dance, and art in everyday spiritual practiceThe responsibilities and lineage of Vajracharyas in maintaining this ancient traditionHow Newar Buddhism preserves texts and teachings through Sanskrit and modern disseminationThe significance of Charya Nritya, the sacred dance tradition, as a form of practice and offeringThe integration of dance and statuary in spiritual expression, and their historical interplayThe community-based approach to rituals marking life’s passages in the secular worldChallenges and opportunities for preserving Nepal’s Buddhist heritage in a globalized, digital ageChapters00:00 Introduction to Newar Buddhism00:54 Historical Roots and Distinctiveness of Newar Buddhism03:16 The Role of Rituals in Newar Buddhism07:33 Responsibilities of a Lineage Holder10:16 Non-Monastic Practices in Newar Buddhism13:38 Celebrating Life's Rituals16:30 Daily Practices and Their Significance17:31 The Art of Charya Nritya Dance18:17 Understanding Charya Nritya: Daily Practice in Buddhism21:43 The Role of Dance in Newar Buddhism24:09 Dance and Statuary: A Historical Connection33:35 Preserving Tradition in a Modern World35:52 Future Aspirations: Sharing Wisdom and ArtIf this conversation resonates with you, we invite you to subscribe to the Buddhaland newsletter and join our growing community.

Sairee Chahal is a serial entrepreneur, investor, and advocate for women's economic empowerment. In this episode, Sairee Chahal shares her journey from a college startup to building platforms empowering over 10 million women in India, connecting them to the economic mainstream via employment, entrepreneurship, and capital. She discusses the power of the internet, the challenges women face in entrepreneurship, and the role of spirituality in maintaining balance.TakeawaysSairee's early entrepreneurial experience building a navy communication companyThe realities of entrepreneurship: building durable ventures and resilienceOvercoming systemic barriers faced by women in India and AsiaThe transformative power of the internet for social and economic changeFuture trends in AI, blockchain, and personalized technologyThe integration of spiritual practices into leadership and daily lifeChapters01:12 - Sairee's first startup during college and lessons learned02:49 - Building innovative tech solutions for sailors05:03 - Secrets behind building lasting ventures06:53 - The mindset of resilience and accepting impermanence07:44 - The importance of consistency and managing entrepreneurial highs and lows09:44 - Addressing systemic gender barriers in the economy12:16 - Gender inequality and societal expectations in India13:20 - Balancing feminine traits and success strategies for women15:20 - The juggling act of women balancing career, family, and health18:31 - The transformative impact of the internet on women’s lives22:46 - Future opportunities in AI, personalization, and digital innovation25:34 - Integrating spirituality in a busy entrepreneurial life28:33 - How inner balance fuels leadership and social impact30:35 - The role of self-awareness and spiritual practice in fostering creativity and resilience31:42 - The evolving landscape of spiritual mentorship and learning in the digital ageIf this conversation resonates with you, we invite you to subscribe to the Buddhaland newsletter and join our growing community.

Discover the life journey, teachings, and perspectives of Khenpo Aachen Tenzin, a widely followed Buddhist teacher from Nepal, as he shares insights into Tibetan Buddhism, the path to enlightenment, and how ancient wisdom can be relevant today.Khenpo Aachen Tenzin mainly teaches in Tibetan, Nepali, and Hindi, and he has over a million followers online. Aachen Tenzin was born near the sacred Boudha Stupa in Kathmandu. At the age of nine, he became a monk at the Namdroling Monastery. After completing Buddhist studies in 2019, he has taught at different monasteries, and he was conferred the title of Khenpo in 2023.TakeawaysThe early monastic journey and karmic connections that shape spiritual lifeThe origins and distinctive features of the Nyingma tradition, including DzogchenPractical steps for beginners interested in Buddhist practice and the importance of foundational teachingsThe meaning and significance of the title Khenpo in Tibetan BuddhismThe relationship between traditional monastic life and engagement with modern platforms like social mediaPerspectives on AI's role in spiritual practice and the essence of human consciousnessThe importance of discipline, wisdom, and action as a unified strategy for secular and spiritual successEncouraging exploration and personal discovery in spiritual aspirationsChapters00:00 - Introducing Khenpo Aachen Tenzin and his spiritual background02:17 - How karmic connections influenced his monastic path03:36 - The origins and distinctive aspects of the Nyingma Tibetan Buddhist tradition04:50 - Significance of Dzogchen practice within Vajrayana Buddhism05:30 - Foundations for beginners wanting to practice Buddhism today06:58 - The core Buddhist teachings: Four Noble Truths and the path to liberation07:37 - Requirements and steps for practicing Dzogchen, including preliminary practices09:02 - The role of guru yoga and the importance of the teacher in Vajrayana10:01 - The concept of ultimate truth and the nature of reality in Dzogchen11:20 - Challenges of perceiving ultimate truth and the role of merit12:27 - The long journey of spiritual practice and understanding its accessibility14:32 - How Buddhists view suffering and problems in everyday life15:15 - The significance of understanding suffering through the Four Noble Truths16:05 - The importance of balance and the middle path in life and practice17:00 - The physical and existential nature of suffering, including aging and death19:03 - Attaining clarity and seeing through illusion to reach liberation20:27 - Addressing superficial pleasures as disguised problems21:25 - The balancing act between monastic simplicity and worldly engagement23:12 - The rigorous training and study required to become a Khenpo27:22 - Personal aspiration of continual learning and understanding of both societal and monastic life29:13 - Bridging traditional teachings with the modern digital age through online sharing32:43 - Managing mental health and social media use with Buddhist discipline35:49 - The strategy of discipline, concentration, and wisdom to achieve spiritual success39:44 - The role of AI and technology in spiritual development and human consciousness41:07 - The importance of exploration and personalized spiritual paths44:26 - Closing thoughts: embracing life’s ups and downs in the pursuit of enlightenmentIf this conversation resonates with you, we invite you to subscribe to the Buddhaland newsletter and join our growing community.

In this solo episode of Buddhaland, host Stacy explores the often overlooked, subtle obstacles that can hinder spiritual growth—disguised as progress or taken for granted. She shares personal insights, practical guidance, and reflections on authentic spirituality that resonate beyond traditional frameworks.TakeawaysThe distinction between traditional spirituality and modern wellness practicesCommon misconceptions: mistaking techniques for wisdomThe dangers of superstition and superficial readings in astrology and divinationThe trap of intellectual accumulation without internalizationThe influence of fame and external validation in spiritual pursuitsNavigating existential disorientation and deepening practiceBuilding authentic community and meaningful connectionsPractical tips for maintaining clarity, discernment, and compassion on the pathChapters00:00 - Welcome and overview of subtle obstacles in spirituality01:13 - Defining spirituality beyond religion and tradition01:44 - The significance of awakening and potential within everyone02:24 - Broad and eclectic currents of spirituality (astrology, divination, etc.)03:19 - The disconnect between practices and wisdom traditions03:49 - Mistaking the act for wisdom04:56 - Superstition07:16 - The trap of the intellect08:51 - Chasing the famous teacher11:07 - Existential disorientation with genuine practice11:24 - Balancing ultimate truth with everyday life experience12:44 - Personal reflection on transition from social spaces to meaningful community14:14 - Rebuilding a nourishing social environment aligned with authentic values15:52 - Practical guidance for continued growth and inward clarity16:56 - Encouragement to recognize obstacles and the importance of honesty with oneself17:12 - Appreciation and invitation to share thoughts or questions

In this enlightening conversation, Michel Pascal shares his unique perspective on spirituality, drawing from his experiences with Buddhism and Christianity. He emphasizes the importance of calming the mind to truly experience spirituality and discusses how stress can be a powerful teacher. Michel also highlights the need for modern meditation practices that address the chaotic nature of contemporary life, advocating for a reprogramming of the mind in stressful situations. He reflects on the role of death in fostering presence and appreciation for life, and the healing power of art in emotional and spiritual growth. Finally, he offers advice for those beginning their spiritual journey, urging them to contemplate the inevitability of death as a means to awaken to the present moment.TakeawaysSpirituality is experienced through the calmness of the mind.Buddhism and Christianity share complementary teachings.Stress can be a powerful teacher for personal growth.Meditation should be practiced in stressful situations for real benefits.Art serves as a medium for emotional and spiritual healing.The brain is constantly active, leading to overactivity and stress.Thinking about death can enhance appreciation for life.Every person we meet can be a teacher in our lives.Modern spirituality should adapt to the challenges of contemporary life.Meditation is not just a technique, but a transmission of energy.Chapters00:00 Bridging Traditions: The Spiritual Journey of Michel Pascal04:36 Defining Modern Spirituality: Calm in Chaos09:23 Revolutionizing Meditation: A New Approach to Stress13:51 Reprogramming the Mind: Meditation in Real Life18:47 The Role of Death in Spiritual Awareness23:50 Art as Healing: The Transformative Power of Creativity28:37 Guidance for Beginners: Embracing the Journey

Join us as Raymond Lam, senior writer at Buddhistdoor Global, shares his deeply personal journey into religious studies, his encounter with Buddhism, and how ancient teachings remain relevant in today’s rapidly changing world. Discover insights on mindfulness, AI, intercultural exchange, and the future of Buddhist practice beyond Asia.Raymond Lam is senior writer at Buddhistdoor Global and also plans, writes, and edits its Tea House sub-site. Apart from interviewing and covering Buddhist figures and scholars, his religion journalism covers important trends in the Buddhist world and Buddhist Studies, religion's influence on society, politics, and diplomacy, and the interplay between religion, the arts, and culture.Raymond is on the executive committee of the International Network of Engaged Buddhists (INEB) and the professional committee of the Foreign Correspondents' Club Hong Kong. He is also a committee member of the Australian Association of Hong Kong, and a trustee of the Heythrop Association.TakeawaysRaymond’s early fascination with myths, legends, and the power of unseen forcesHow Buddhism first captured Raymond’s interest and spiritual inspiration from the Hua YanjingThe role of storytelling and writing in Raymond’s career and quest for meaningThe significance of Xuanzang’s historical journey for Chinese-Indian cultural exchangeBuddhism’s potential to foster global civilizational harmonyPractical applications of Buddhist teachings in today’s fractured, fast-paced societyPerspectives on AI, digital Dharma, and the future of spirituality in technologyCross-cultural influences: East and West’s mutual learning and contemporary expressions of practiceEncouragement for listeners to find their own pathway and vocation in BuddhismChapters00:00 - Introduction: Raymond Lam’s background and importance of religion journalism02:04 - Raymond’s childhood interest in myths and unseen forces03:17 - The evolution of Raymond’s deeper engagement with religion and purpose04:29 - The concept of vocation and finding meaning through writing07:27 - How Buddhism entered Raymond’s life through school projects and family heritage08:22 - The universality and appeal of Buddhism as a global tradition09:24 - The influence of the Hua Yanjing and the idea of interconnectedness11:16 - Raymond’s early work with Buddhistdoor and mentorship by Venerable Dharmapala13:43 - Notable encounters, especially with diplomat Prashant Agrawal’s recognition of Buddhism’s cultural power16:03 - Deconstructing the minority status of Indian Buddhism and its role in cultural diplomacy17:09 - Buddhism's contribution to social harmony and international relations19:25 - How Buddhist principles support individual growth amidst social crises20:58 - The secular but spiritual appeal of Buddhism in the modern world22:33 - The role of Buddhism in addressing ecological, social, and technological challenges25:00 - The intersection of AI and Buddhism, including chatbot applications and philosophical questions26:22 - Can AI attain enlightenment? Reflection on consciousness and humanity’s spiritual potential29:55 - Cross-cultural approaches to spirituality and mutual learning between East and West32:15 - The many paths to practicing and embodying Buddhism in daily life34:00 - Final thoughts: Embrace your unique spiritual vocation and be authenticIf this conversation resonates with you, we invite you to subscribe to the Buddhaland newsletter and join our growing community.

In this episode of the Buddhaland Podcast, host Stacy interviews Monica Laura Smith, a holistic educator with a rich background in astrology and sound meditation. Monica shares how her early travels shaped her spiritual path, and discusses psychological astrology's roots in Jungian psychology as a tool for understanding personal patterns. She explores the transformative power of sound and vibration, the distinction between sound and music, and the importance of discernment in holistic practices. The conversation also touches on the Schumann frequency, collective consciousness, and integral philosophy, before closing with an introduction to Monica's method, Vita 4.0, which aims to enhance awareness and interconnectedness in modern life.TakeawaysMonica’s early exposure to Eastern spirituality through travels in Afghanistan and IndiaThe pivotal role of family, mentorship, and life setbacks in her spiritual and professional developmentExploration of psychological astrology rooted in Jungian archetypes and systemic patternsEncounter and exploration of sound with jazz improvisation, crystal bowls and energyThe importance of bridging spiritual pursuits with psychological understanding to avoid bypassingListening is the core of all work with sound.Sound is both tangible and intangible, making it unique for meditation.Discernment is crucial in spiritual pursuits.Creating instruments involves a dialogue and response to collective needs.The Schumann frequency connects us to nature and our well-being.Vita 4.0 is a method to enhance awareness in modern life.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Monica Laura Smith00:26 Monica's Personal Journey into Holistic Education08:39 Understanding Psychological Astrology19:19 The Role of Sound and Vibration in Connecting to Oneself21:35 The Intersection of Sound and Spirituality22:13 Exploring Sound as a Meditative Practice27:08 Sound vs. Music: A Distinct Approach31:34 Creating Instruments: A Dialogue of Sound33:42 Discernment in Holistic Practices36:00 The Influence of Frequency on Well-being49:29 The Integral Philosophy and Its Applications55:17 Introducing VITA 4.0: A New Approach to Life01:01:00 Integrating Theory, Practice, and MeditationIf this conversation resonates with you, we invite you to subscribe to the Buddhaland newsletter and join our growing community.

In this episode of the Buddhaland Podcast, Father Reginald Mary Chua shares his journey from doubt to faith, exploring the complexities of priesthood, the importance of interfaith dialogue, and the relevance of philosophy in modern life. He reflects on his inspirations from Catholic saints, the significance of contemplative practices, and the shared truths across different religions. The conversation emphasizes the need for intentional space to listen to the divine and the role of philosophy in questioning assumptions about technology and spirituality.Fr Reginald is a Chinese-Australian Catholic priest from the Dominican Order. Reginald's work sits at the meeting point of philosophy, contemplative practice, and the search for meaning. In recent years he has accompanied student communities as a university chaplain, supporting young adults as they navigate questions of purpose and wellbeing. Now based at Blackfriars in Oxford, he is completing doctoral research on the nature of being and identity in a rapidly changing world. He has interests in Buddhist-Christian dialogue and interfaith conversations, reading novels, and listening to 90s music. TakeawaysFather Reginald's journey to priesthood was marked by doubt and questioning.A retreat in 2011 was a turning point in his faith journey.Relationships, including with God, require a leap of faith.Philosophy helps in questioning assumptions about life and technology.Religion and philosophy should work together to avoid fundamentalism.The significance of signs in religious life.Interfaith dialogue can reveal common ground between different faiths.Contemplative practices like retreats can enhance well-being.The search for truth is a shared goal across religions.Father Reginald emphasizes the importance of listening to the divine.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Father Reginald01:08 The Journey to Priesthood07:20 Faith and Doubt: A Personal Reflection14:01 Formation and Training of a Priest19:32 Inspirations from Catholic Saints25:23 Interfaith Dialogue: Exploring Buddhism31:06 Philosophy's Relevance in Modern Life38:16 Navigating Identity as a Priest50:11 Shared Truths Across Religions55:29 Contemplative Practices for Well-Being

In this episode of the Buddhaland podcast, host Stacy G. Zhang speaks with Michael Li, who shares his journey from a Princeton physics PhD, to a career on Wall Street, and now to blockchain technology. Michael discusses the balance between personal interests and survival needs that guided his career transitions. He delves into the current state of blockchain technology, its potential applications, and the challenges faced by entrepreneurs in the space. The conversation also explores emerging technologies like AI and quantum computing, and their implications for humanity. Michael emphasizes the importance of understanding the true value of blockchain and the realities of entrepreneurship, while also reflecting on the impact of technology on human consciousness and happiness.TakeawaysMichael's journey reflects a balance between passion and survival.Blockchain technology has evolved significantly since its inception.Payment and gambling are key applications of blockchain.The survival rate for entrepreneurs is alarmingly low.AI represents an industrial revolution in productivity.Quantum computing could revolutionize cryptography and technology.Technology has generally improved human happiness and life quality.The blockchain community faces challenges with pyramid scheme dynamics.Emerging technologies require careful consideration of their impact on society.Chapters00:00 Journey Through Physics, Finance, and Blockchain03:45 The Current State of Blockchain Technology17:11 Challenges of the Entrepreneurial Journey25:59 Emerging Technologies: AI and Quantum Computing42:36 The Impact of Technology on HumanityIf this conversation resonates with you, we invite you to subscribe to the Buddhaland newsletter and join our growing community.

On 14 December 2025, Buddhaland hosted a global virtual roundtable on Zoom exploring the relationship between mental wellbeing and spiritual growth in today’s rapidly changing world. The session was moderated by Stacy G. Zhang, Founder of Buddhaland, and brought together an extraordinary panel of voices across traditions and disciplines.Speakers included Fr. Reginald Chua, Catholic Priest of the Dominican Order, reflecting on identity, contemplation, and interfaith dialogue; Prof. David Palmer, Scholar of Daoism and Religious Transformation, exploring Daoist wisdom and the Bahá’í approach to community empowerment; Dr. Buathon Thienarrom, Holistic Wellness Practitioner, sharing her integrative Zen Na Tai approach rooted in body–mind–soul alignment; John Ballantrae, Tarot Reader and Educator, discussing symbolic systems such as tarot and astrology as tools for self-knowledge; and Sairee Chahal, Tech Entrepreneur and Investor, speaking about Buddhism, women’s empowerment, and building meaningful impact in the digital age.Together, the panel explored how ancient traditions remain profoundly relevant—not as rigid doctrines, but as living practices that cultivate resilience, ethical grounding, inner clarity, and community in an age shaped by technology, uncertainty, and constant change.Key TakeawaysMental wellbeing and spiritual growth are deeply interconnected and mutually reinforcing.Ancient traditions offer frameworks for identity and meaning in times of rapid social transformation.Contemplative practice, symbolic systems, and embodied healing can support psychological resilience.Spirituality must move beyond consumption into lived practice and ethical action.Technology and entrepreneurship can be aligned with spiritual values to empower communities.Interfaith dialogue and cross-cultural wisdom create space for deeper mutual understanding.Sustainable wellbeing requires integration of body, mind, community, and purpose.If this conversation resonates with you, we invite you to subscribe to the Buddhaland newsletter and join our growing community.