MASTERING YOUR MIND IS THE ONLY WAY TO BE FREE

Video Description

In this episode, host Agnes sits down with Kelsang Sama, a Buddhist nun, to delve into the deeper concepts of freedom and personal transformation. Together, they explore the difference between cutting ties with the external world and cultivating true inner freedom. While society often emphasizes the importance of shedding external constraints—such as material possessions, relationships, or status—Kelsang Sama emphasizes that genuine freedom lies in mastering one’s inner world and breaking free from self-imposed mental limitations. Her story is one of self-discovery, where the external world’s expectations were set aside in favor of exploring deeper, more authentic truths about herself and the nature of existence. Throughout the episode, Agnes and Kelsang Sama discuss the transformative power of meditation, mindfulness, and the Buddhist teachings that helped her release attachment to external validation and find a more lasting sense of peace. This conversation offers listeners an inspiring perspective on how freedom isn't about escaping the world, but rather about understanding and transforming the mind. 00:00 Welcome & Introduction Host Agnes welcomes listeners and introduces guest Kelsang Sama, a Buddhist nun. 00:22 External vs. Internal Freedom Exploring the difference between cutting external ties and cultivating inner freedom. 02:38 Freedom from Expectations How societal pressures and self-imposed identities limit perceived freedom. 03:47 The Illusion of External Freedom Why financial freedom, relationships, or minimalism don’t guarantee lasting peace. 05:20 Searching for Life’s Meaning Kelsang Sama’s journey to Buddhism and questioning mainstream societal values. 06:04 The Emptiness of Material Pursuits The hollowness of chasing possessions and how inner joy transcends external conditions. 07:56 Dependency and Fragile Freedom How reliance on external circumstances creates vulnerability. 11:59 Meditation and Mental Freedom Using stillness and meditation to discover contentment beyond needing "things." 12:34 Conflict and Inner Freedom Choosing compassion over reaction in difficult interactions. 14:20 Imagination as a Tool for Change Rehearsing positive mindsets to transform reactions to challenges. 19:06 Overcoming Fear of Change Why embracing impermanence reduces resistance to life’s unpredictability. 20:42 Embracing Impermanence Aligning with the truth of constant change to find stability. 25:56 Holding Space for Global Suffering Balancing personal joy with empathy for collective pain. 30:02 The Global Family and Responsibility Shifting from self-centeredness to universal compassion. 45:10 Beyond Physical Identity Shedding superficial labels to connect with deeper purpose. 50:07 Living Without Regrets Cultivating inner freedom to die with confidence and peace. 53:00 Conclusion and Farewell Final thoughts on courage, self-discovery, and meaningful living. Book references How to Transform Your Life ~ https://kadampa.org/books/free-ebook-download-howtotyl Kelsang Sama is the Resident Teacher at Kadampa Meditation Center Manchester in the UK. https://kmcmanchester.org/ The participants of these podcasts are practicing meditation according to the New Kadampa Tradition, which has over a thousand meditation centers worldwide. See more https://kadampa.org/ WANT MORE? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_U5J8JlJq2Y Find a meditation center near you https://kadampa.org/nkt-center-search/?lang=en Listen to teaching clips: youtube.com/nktikbu https://open.spotify.com/show/5QPCFEyZz74nOHZbQr1B4z Follow the Modern Buddhism Podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/modernbuddhismpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/modernbuddhismpodcast/ TIkTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@modernbuddhismpodcast Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7lgQNhbjMGoHOxBnjkfmK4 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/519b6d69-b6ed-46b2-ab56-ebaf59adf96e/the-modern-buddhism-podcast #modernbuddhismpodcast #buddhism #podcast #myjourney #InspiringStories #meaningoflife #motivation #BuddhistPodcast #MeditationForChange #personalgrowth #mindfulnesspodcast #Freedom #truestories #emotionalfreedom #RealLifeStories #transformationstories Subscribe to get notifications of new videos.