What is enlightenment? What does it mean to be truly awake? Are you awake? Enlightenment can take many forms. In this final episode, we will look back at highlights from all our guests and consider enlightenment from Tibetan Buddhist perspect

Integration with Medicine Woman Patricia James

Jul 27th, 2021 42m 42s

Remarkable experiences can inspire, but without integration, they can also bring a sense of alienation. What role does integration play in the process of awakening? In this episode, we speak with Patricia James, a Medicine Woman of Seminole tri

Dying Is Living with Palliative Care Doctor BJ Miller

Jul 20th, 2021 40m 58s

Befriending Your Ego with Lama Rod Owens

Jul 13th, 2021 28m 47s

What is the ego, and what role might it play in the process of awakening? In this episode we ponder these questions with best-selling author, activist, and Buddhist teacher Lama Rod Owens, who shares his story of working through trauma, embraci

Bridging the Sacred and Mundane with Artist Tsherin Sherpa

Jul 6th, 2021 39m 47s

Is it possible to bridge the sacred with everyday, ordinary life? In this episode, we speak with artist Tsherin Sherpa, whose work suggests that the sacred and mundane are not separate, but inseparable. He shares his story of being trained by h

Seizing Darkness with Musician Amanda Palmer

Jun 29th, 2021 33m 1s

What role does darkness play in the journey toward enlightenment? In this episode, hear about the power of darkness and what it means to embrace it. Musician, songwriter, and best-selling author Amanda Palmer shares the story of her childhood,

Preparing for a Journey with Doula Latham Thomas

Jun 22nd, 2021 41m 46s

The journey to enlightenment can be intimidating. When you don’t know exactly where you are going, how do you get there? Master birth doula and world-renowned wellness leader Latham Thomas discusses visualization as a tool for empowerment, the

Finding a Path with Meditation Teacher Tara Brach

Jun 15th, 2021 43m

For most, deep and lasting enlightenment doesn’t come in an instant. When considering how to navigate a path of study and self-inquiry, what is important? Psychologist, author and teacher of meditation Tara Brach shares her own story of how her

Our Divine Nature with Writer Alok Vaid-Menon

Jun 8th, 2021 33m 5s

What if enlightenment is not something to strive for, but an innate quality born to every human being? Gender non-conforming writer, performer, and public speaker Alok Vaid-Menon challenges us to see the divine nature in every person, including

Facing Chaos with Comedian Aparna Nancherla

Jun 8th, 2021 30m 37s

Life can be chaotic. Do we really have to face it in order to taste enlightenment? In our first episode, we speak with comedian Aparna Nancherla about her own relationship to inner turmoil, from pushing discomfort away to the relief of acknowle

Trailer

Welcome to AWAKEN

Jun 1st, 2021 1m 52s

Welcome to AWAKEN, a new podcast presented by the Rubin Museum of Art and hosted by acclaimed musician and performance artist Laurie Anderson. AWAKEN explores the dynamic path to enlightenment and what it means to “wake up.” In ten episodes we