Podcast Summary: "Buddhist Teacher: The Hidden Epidemic No One Talks About! The Western Lie Behind Your Depression & Anxiety!"
The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett featured Gelong Thubten, a seasoned Buddhist monk with over 30 years of experience guiding high-profile individuals through the stresses of modern life. In this enlightening episode, Gelong shares his profound insights into the pervasive issues of depression and anxiety in the Western world, the misunderstandings surrounding meditation, and the transformative power of Buddhist philosophy.
Understanding the Hidden Epidemic
Gelong Thubten opens the discussion by highlighting the internal struggles many face in contemporary society. He states:
"In modern life, we're constantly made to feel we're not good enough. Something's always missing, and I will be happy or unhappy if this or that happens to me. So we become prisoners of life."
[00:30]
This sentiment sets the stage for exploring how external pressures contribute to internal turmoil, leading to widespread depression and anxiety.
The Western Pursuit of Purpose
The conversation delves into the concept of purpose, contrasting Western individualism with Buddhist teachings. Gelong explains:
"We become very obsessed with our purpose. The word purpose itself suggests, I want something, what do I want? And in Buddhism, we look at that wanting mind and see how insatiable it is."
[04:29]
He emphasizes that while seeking purpose isn't inherently wrong, the Western approach often leads to a perpetual cycle of wanting more, which never satiates the deeper yearning for internal fulfillment.
Meditation: Misconceptions and Realities
Gelong addresses common misconceptions about meditation, clarifying its true purpose:
"It's not about putting yourself in an unconscious state at all. It's about working with your mind. So it's about learning how to be less controlled by your mind."
[32:03]
He contrasts the superficial understanding of meditation with its profound psychological benefits, illustrating how it empowers individuals to manage their thoughts and emotions effectively.
Personal Journey: From Struggle to Monastic Life
A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to Gelong's personal story. He recounts his tumultuous early years, marked by ambition, abuse, and burnout, which eventually led him to a monastery:
"I arrived at the monastery really needing help. I was living in London and New York. I was trying to become an actor... I had a very dramatic burnout."
[13:05]
At 21, facing serious health issues, Gelong sought refuge in monastic life. This decision was catalyzed by profound personal suffering, including sexual abuse and familial upheaval, which he openly discusses to underscore the origins of his inner turmoil.
The Transformative Power of Meditation
Gelong shares his initial struggles with meditation, admitting:
"I actually hated meditation when I first did it because there's a lot of misconceptions."
[30:20]
He explains his breakthrough during a pivotal retreat:
"I decided to use the knife as the meditation to actually meditate on it. And the whole thing starts to change when you do that..."
[59:56]
By confronting his pain directly through meditation, Gelong learned to transform suffering into a source of strength and compassion.
Practical Meditation Techniques
Offering actionable advice, Gelong outlines a simple meditation practice:
- Set an Intention: Focus on compassion for oneself and others.
- Body Awareness: Notice physical sensations, release tension.
- Breathing Focus: Observe natural breath without altering it.
- Gentle Refocusing: When the mind wanders, calmly return to the breath.
- Concluding with Compassion: Dedicate the practice to collective well-being.
He emphasizes consistency, recommending starting with just 10 minutes daily to instill the habit and witness gradual mental transformations.
Meditation in Professional Life
Addressing skepticism about meditation's impact on professional effectiveness, Gelong counters misconceptions:
"It's about precision, it's about being present, it's about being less controlled by distraction, be less controlled by negative thinking. And if you can do that, you can achieve more."
[43:30]
He underscores that meditation enhances clarity, emotional regulation, and ethical decision-making, making it a valuable tool for leaders and professionals alike.
Forgiveness and Letting Go of Grudges
A profound segment focuses on the Buddhist approach to forgiveness. Gelong shares his experience forgiving his teacher's murderer:
"You swap places with the other person in your mind... you're just loving that feeling, holding it with compassion as if you were with a friend who was grieving."
[79:14]
He explains that forgiveness is less about absolving others and more about releasing one's own suffering, likening holding grudges to holding hot coals that burn oneself.
Overcoming Fear and Modern Challenges
The discussion transitions to fear—both large existential fears and everyday anxieties. Gelong advocates for integrating meditation into daily life to manage fear:
"Learn to face the fear. Learn to be fearless in a frightened world."
[85:55]
He suggests incorporating "micro moments of meditation" in routine activities, such as standing in a queue or dealing with traffic, to build resilience and mindful responses.
Ongoing Journey: Lifelong Commitment
Concluding the episode, Gelong emphasizes that meditation and personal growth are continuous processes:
"I'm still a mess, but I'm okay with being a mess."
[103:10]
He encourages listeners to embrace their imperfections and persist in their practice, highlighting that true transformation stems from sustained effort and self-compassion.
Notable Quotes:
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"Everyone is just trying to run away from their own minds." – Gelong Thubten [01:31]
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"Happiness is about being okay with your suffering and not just being okay with it, but actually sending love into the place in yourself that you hated so much." – Gelong Thubten [58:46]
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"Forgiveness is a strength, it's actually nothing to do with the other person. You're freeing yourself." – Gelong Thubten [74:35]
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"Meditation helps you look at the 360-degree view of a situation rather than just from your perspective." – Gelong Thubten [80:09]
Conclusion
In this episode, Gelong Thubten provides a compelling narrative on the internal battles faced by many in modern society and offers practical Buddhist-based solutions to overcome them. Through his personal experiences and deep understanding of meditation, Gelong illustrates how individuals can reclaim control over their minds, find genuine happiness, and lead more compassionate lives. Steven Bartlett facilitates a thought-provoking conversation that not only sheds light on the hidden epidemic of mental health issues but also empowers listeners with the tools to address them from within.