Episode 26 of Redesigning The Dharma by Sahaja Soma features a conversation with Scott Tusa, a Buddhist meditation teacher and former monk with 23 years of experience. They discuss Scott's journey from encountering Buddhism at age 19, to living as a Buddhist monk ordained by the 14th Dalai Lama, and later returning to householder life. Scott shares insights from his experiences, including the importance of integrating personal practice with teaching, and practical advice on navigating challenges with social media and modern life. They explore different Buddhist traditions and techniques for dealing with like and dislike, craving, and the importance of maintaining equanimity. Scott emphasizes the importance of continual self-honesty, the guidance of experienced teachers, and the role of somatic awareness in deepening one's practice. The episode ends with an overview of Scott’s meditation and buddhism mentoring offerings as well as a sneak peek at some of his courses on lojong (mind training) and mindful parenting.

• 00:00 Introduction to Scott Tusa
• 01:57 Early Encounters with Buddhism & Journey to Monastic Life
• 09:05 Challenges and Reflections on Monasticism
• 19:46 Dharma and Awakening for Modern Practitioners
• 34:12 Exploring Equanimity and Understanding Preferences and Boundaries
• 46:59 Navigating Social Media and Modern
• 54:42 Conclusion and Upcoming Offerings

Scott Tusa is a Buddhist meditation teacher and practitioner who has spent the last 25 years exploring how to embody and live meaningfully through the Buddhist path.

At age sixteen, his mother's death sparked a deep longing for healing and spiritual wisdom that eventually led him to Tibetan Buddhism. He spent my early twenties seeking out and learning from a variety of Tibetan Buddhist masters, and was ordained by His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama as a Buddhist monk at age twenty-eight.

He spent the next nine years as a monk, deepening his understanding of the Dharma, engaging in solitary meditation retreats, and continuing his studies with teachers in India, Nepal, and the United States, including his main teachers Lama Zopa Rinpoche and Tsoknyi Rinpoche.

Since 2008, he has been teaching Buddhist meditation in group and one-to-one settings in the United States, Europe, Latin America, and online, bringing Buddhist wisdom to modern meditators, helping them to deepen and develop more confidence in their practice.

SCOTT TUSA’S WEBSITE

MINDFUL PARENTING COURSE

LOJONG COURSE ON TRICYCLE

CONNECT WITH SCOTT ON SOCIAL