Charok Lama Rinpoche is the reincarnation of Kusho Mangden, a highly esteemed Buddhist Master hailing from the region around Mt. Everest, Nepal. In this interview, he will share his accessible and practical wisdom, coupled with his delightful sense of humor

QUESTIONS:
Can you please tell us your name, and explain a bit about your official title? 00:00:13

How was it decided that you are the reincarnation of Kusho Mangden? 00:01:44

In western, materialist cultures, rebirth and reincarnation are not widely accepted worldviews. Can you please elaborate on rebirth and reincarnation? 00:02:23

In the West we don't know much about the life of Buddhist monks and nuns so could you please tell us what a regular day looks like for you? How do you integrate Buddhist teachings into your daily life? 00:04:35

Where and what have you been studying? How many years has it been and how long will your studies go on for? 00:08:44

As you know, the world is currently facing unprecedented times with the COVID19 crisis, so many people will be experiencing intensified emotions and problems like never before. How does the Buddhist worldview explain something like a deadly pandemic? 00:10:25

The word Karma is commonly used in different contexts in the West. As this is one of the pillars of Buddhist philosophy, can you please clarify its true meaning in simple terms and how it can be applied in daily life? 00:16:35

For many these are the most uncertain times that any of us have experienced, especially in the West. What is your view on this and can you talk about the important Buddhist concept of impermanence in relation to this? 00:21:45

How can integrating and understanding impermanence help to embrace uncertainty in difficult times? 00:26:43

Could we go on further to talk about the concept of impermanence in relation to the fear of death and its broad lack of acknowledgment in society? 00:28:38

Compassion and Kindness are one of the fundamental concepts in Buddhism. Could you explain to us what they mean and why they are so important in relation to how we live our lives? 00:35:11

In terms of intention or motivation, how important is this for mind training, and how does this affect the result of your actions? 00:40:50

People often feel compelled to hide their true states of mind, especially when they are unhappy which generates a much greater sense of unhappiness and isolation in the long term. How can meditation help in this regard? 00:43:12

Do you see that mind training can help to overcome boredom or lack of interest, as well as assisting in taming addictions and attachments? 00:45:29

How important are effort and discipline in mind training? 00:47:33

Can you please explain the 3 root afflictions are in Buddhism? 00:49:11

Taking all this into account, do you think that a Monk or Lama has a responsibility in this world to spread and share the teachings of Buddhism? In your opinion can Buddhist techniques be used as strategies for social change? 00:52:13

Although it may seem that inner development is something which you have to undertake alone, the current global crisis has shown us how interconnected we are. Can you please explain the concept of interdependence and how this relates to community? 00:56:02

What is your opinion on the use of apps to practice meditation? What is a healthy relation with using technology like this in your meditation practice? How do you see the combination of technology and mind training? 00:59:16

Finally, what would your wishes or message be to the listeners of this interview? 01:02:19