By settling your mind and investigating the true nature of your body, feelings, mind, and the world around you, it is possible not only to connect with a natural calmness, but also to uncover profound insights that bring freedom from suffering. Ancient teachings, yet still as effective as ever at calming and awakening the mind. When such revered teachings are delivered by Ponlop Rinpoche, the depth of the presentation would be enough. But add to that the astonishing irony of Rinpoches teaching metaphors, and students expecting a typical talk on mindfulness drop the presuppositions they came in with, and listen with renewed interest. Presented at KTD Monastery in Woodstock, New York in 2014. Taught in English and Tibetan. Translation from Tibetan by Lama Yeshe Gyamtso.

Exploring the Four Foundations of Mindfulness, Ponlop Rinpoche, Vajra Echoes, 4 DVDs, 6 hrs., $48.00

The Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche is acknowledged as one of the foremost scholars of his generation in the Nyingma and Kagyu schools of Tibetan Buddhism. Fluent in English and well-versed in Western culture, Rinpooche has worked to develop and adapt traditional Tibetan education curriculums for Western audiences. Nitartha Institute (www.nitharthainstitute.org), where Rinpoche is the main teacher, provides a focused Buddhist studies program. Rinpoche is a visiting professor of buddhist philosopy at Naropa University, Boulder, Colorado. In 1997, Rinpoche founded Nalanabodhi to preserve the genuine lineage of the Nyingma and Kagyu Schools of Tibetan Buddhism. There are Nalandabodhi centers in North America and Europe, and curriculum materials are available to people worldwide.