Jon Kabat-Zinn

"MEDITATION IS NOT ABOUT CLEARING THE MIND, IT'S ABOUT BECOMING THE BOSS OF YOUR THOUGHTS."

Gelong Thubten's website describes him as "a Buddhist monk, meditation teacher and author from the UK. Gelong is a title meaning ‘senior monk’. Thubten was educated at Oxford University, and then became an actor, in London and New York. At the age of 21, tremendous amounts of stress led him to join a monastery. He ordained as a Tibetan Buddhist monk in 1993 at Kagyu Samye Ling Tibetan Buddhist Monastery. He has trained there under some of the world's most accomplished teachers of meditation, and has spent six years in intensive meditation retreats, the longest of which was 4 years."

Although Thubten is a monk and dresses in the traditional robes, he offers probably the best explanation of meditation and mindfulness that's understandable to the average lay person. He makes it clear he is not an evangelist for Buddhism. His sole purpose is to teach the meditative process and its benefits in this stressful world. No religious belief whatsoever is required.

As Thubten explains, "Meditation is where we sit down to train our minds using specific techniques. Mindfulness is how we bring our minds back from distraction during the meditation session."

Gelong Thubten has been teaching meditation in secular settings for over 20 years. He's lectured at schools like Oxford University, places like the United Nations, and large international events and conventions. His corporate clients include Facebook, Google, LinkedIn, Deloitte, Lloyds Bank, Siemens and others. He also teaches meditation to 4th year medical students. His full resume is online at his website.

The selection here starts with a few short topical videos followed by interviews that provide a good broad overview and introduction. Other videos focus on select subject areas and include talks at places like Google. Enjoy!

Mindfulness & Happiness

Mindfulness & Health (Parts 1 & 2)

Interviews with Gelong Thubten

The Power of Forgiveness

Google & Other Talks

Gelong Thubten's latest book, A Monk's Guide to Happiness: Meditation in the 21st Century, has received been very well received. Publisher's Weekly wrote,

"Thubten, a Buddhist monk and meditation teacher, argues that “happiness is a choice” in his powerful debut. Admitting that happiness is an elusive experience that always seems just out of reach, Thubten suggests that it is one’s reaction to pleasant and unpleasant experiences (not the experiences themselves) that causes suffering and creates barriers to happiness. By practicing mindfulness without seeking a “feel-good” goal, he suggests, one can attune to an awareness that is free from suffering. Thubten stresses that it is necessary to develop the habit of “micro” mindful moments, such as mindful eating and walking meditations, and to integrate such experiences into daily life. From this groundwork, one can cultivate an attitude that embraces interdependence and compassion, principles Thubten contends form the basis of happiness. He also provides practical instructions for exercises that build on the Buddhist, psychological, and social lessons within each chapter. Though this book treads familiar ground, it succeeds as a highly accessible and jargon-free introduction to meditation."

Thubten's next book, Handbook for Hard Times: A Monk's Guide to Fearless Living, is due for release in May 2021.

Check out the book,
available in print and audio.