Lödrö Gyendon is a Buddhist monk living in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. Raised in South Florida, Gyendon first encountered Buddhism in college when he was studying sculpture. He moved to Sravasti Abbey to deepen his study in 2011 and trained under the guidance of Bhikkshuni Thubten Chodron, before moving to Gampo Abbey in 2014 where he has lived and trained under the guidance of Pema Chödrön.
We chat with Gyendon about:
How he was interested at looking for alternative lifestyles and ways of living and led him to being a monk
Difference in monastery, abbey, nunnery
Wanted to explore buddhism and the monastic life but needed refuge before he could be considered
Importance of lineage
Examining “Trust born from understanding, understanding born from trust”
His understanding with impermanence through his fathers experience of dying
Exploring the phrase from Thich Naht Hahn: “Would you freeze the whole ocean for the sake of one wave?”
Exploring the nature of mind
Transmitting vs. translating the dharma
Being American and taking on Buddhist vows
Disease of disembodiment and the utility of our bodies
Trisha hershe Nap ministry
Striving and how it can cloud our dharma practice.