Advertise on podcast: Denver Dzogchen

On January 20, 2026, Master translator Erik Drew joined the Denver Dzogchen Sangha in celebration of the group's 25th anniversary. This episode includes a few clips of Erik sharing his wisdom with our sangha. Look out for a full episode with Erik here in the future.

Denver Dzogchen Podcast, Episode 45 Mind’s Everest: Kalu Rinpoche’s Three-Year Retreat  00:00:10 Joe and Damien introduce special guest Lama Dawa Zango. Lama Dawa Zango discusses his dharma background.  00:07:18 Lama Dawa Zango discusses his three-year retreat under Kalu Rinpoche.  00:13:15 Discussion about potential difficulties during a three-year retreat. The saintly nature of Kalu Rinpoche.  00:17:40 The hardest part of Lama Dawa Zango’s three-year retreat was coming out of it.  00:23:53 Tips for making life more retreat-like for people who cannot complete an extended retreat. The importance of sincerity and isolation.  Note: we strive to release a new episode on each Guru Rinpoche Day and Dakini Day. Podcast timestamps and chapters are provided for informational purposes. Any mistakes or spelling errors are the fault of volunteers who assist in the production of these videos. Please contact us with any questions or requests for future episodes.  Contact us for information about our weekly Zoom and in-person sits https://www.denverdzogchen.com/index.html  Find us on social media: Facebook https://www.facebook.com/DenverDzogchen/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/denverdzogchen/ Bluesky Social https://bsky.app/profile/denverdzogchen.bsky.social  Video available on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@DenverDzogchen108/videos and Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1VQKqUDAYTThJVcdtjd8bf Audio available on Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/denver-dzogchen/id1712156487 and other podcast platforms 

Denver Dzogchen Podcast, Episode 44 Veganism on the Path 00:00:10 Introduction to a discussion about veganism. Christspiracy documentaryhttps://christspiracy.com/. Buddhism and abandoning activities that are based on ignorance.  00:13:20 Diet and merit.  00:17:05 Integrating a conscious diet into your life. Great masters, realizations, and diet. The importance of being conscious of our actions.  00:23:10 Sacrificing the ego instead of sacrificing another being. Striving to to our best.  Note: we strive to release a new episode on each Guru Rinpoche Day and Dakini Day. Podcast timestamps and chapters are provided for informational purposes. Any mistakes or spelling errors are the fault of volunteers who assist in the production of these videos. Please contact us with any questions or requests for future episodes.  Contact us for information about our weekly Zoom and in-person sits https://www.denverdzogchen.com/index.html  Find us on social media: Facebook https://www.facebook.com/DenverDzogchen/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/denverdzogchen/ Bluesky Social https://bsky.app/profile/denverdzogchen.bsky.social  Video available on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@DenverDzogchen108/videos and Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1VQKqUDAYTThJVcdtjd8bf Audio available on Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/denver-dzogchen/id1712156487 and other podcast platforms 

Denver Dzogchen Podcast, Episode 43 Santa Claus - Jambhala’s Generosity & The Spirit of Giving  00:00:10 Jambhala/Dzambhala and the spirit of generosity. Joe discusses his connection to Jambhala practice. Parallels between Jambhala and Christmas.  00:09:35 Buddhist practice of bringing local deities into the fold of our faith. Mantra of HO HO HO. The parimita of Generosity.  00:15:30 The spirit of love and generosity. Connection between Tara and Mary.  00:20:25 Importance of the energy of Jambhala and framing gift giving as an offering. The importance of Bodhichitta as motivation. Openness and The View. Reference to Episode 19 with Father Tiso  https://youtu.be/n3Sb4NIvC_g?si=P9bk3LzFlNLu8qS_ Note: we strive to release a new episode on each Guru Rinpoche Day and Dakini Day. Podcast timestamps and chapters are provided for informational purposes. Any mistakes or spelling errors are the fault of volunteers who assist in the production of these videos. Please contact us with any questions or requests for future episodes.  Contact us for information about our weekly Zoom and in-person sits https://www.denverdzogchen.com/index.html  Find us on social media: Facebook https://www.facebook.com/DenverDzogchen/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/denverdzogchen/ Bluesky Social https://bsky.app/profile/denverdzogchen.bsky.social  Video available on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@DenverDzogchen108/videos and Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1VQKqUDAYTThJVcdtjd8bf Audio available on Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/denver-dzogchen/id1712156487 and other podcast platforms 

Denver Dzogchen Podcast, Episode 42 Grateful For This Sangha In this episode of the Denver Dzogchen Podcast, Joe and Damien talk with Denver Dzogchen sangha member Ricky Coffin. 00:00:10 Ricky’s introduction to Buddhism, Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche on Buddha-nature, and how he found Denver Dzogchen.  00:05:25 The foundational practice of Ngondro and support from Joe.  00:09:00 Reflections on practices from different Buddhist traditions.  00:19:30 Activities of Denver Dzogchen. 00:22:30 The importance of Sangha. The living aspect of the Dharma.  00:29:30 Closing remarks and an invitation to participate in the next prostration pilgrimage.  Note: we strive to release a new episode on each Guru Rinpoche Day and Dakini Day. Podcast timestamps and chapters are provided for informational purposes. Any mistakes or spelling errors are the fault of volunteers who assist in the production of these videos. Please contact us with any questions or requests for future episodes.  Contact us for information about our weekly Zoom and in-person sits https://www.denverdzogchen.com/index.html  Find us on social media: Facebook https://www.facebook.com/DenverDzogchen/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/denverdzogchen/ Bluesky Social https://bsky.app/profile/denverdzogchen.bsky.social  Video available on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@DenverDzogchen108/videos and Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1VQKqUDAYTThJVcdtjd8bf Audio available on Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/denver-dzogchen/id1712156487 and other podcast platforms 

Denver Dzogchen Podcast Episode 41. Creating Merit: Offering the Food and Luxuries of Our Lives In this episode’s of the Denver Dzogchen Podcast Joe and Damien discuss merit and its role in our practice. Note: we strive to release a new episode on each Guru Rinpoche Day and Dakini Day. Podcast timestamps and chapters are provided for informational purposes. Any mistakes or spelling errors are the fault of volunteers who assist in the production of these videos. Please contact us with any questions or requests for future episodes. Contact us for information about our weekly Zoom and in-person sits https://www.denverdzogchen.com/index.html Find us on social media:Facebook https://www.facebook.com/DenverDzogchen/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/denverdzogchen/Bluesky Social https://bsky.app/profile/denverdzogchen.bsky.social Video available on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@DenverDzogchen108/videos and Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1VQKqUDAYTThJVcdtjd8bfAudio available on Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/denver-dzogchen/id1712156487 and other podcast platforms

Denver Dzogchen Podcast, Episode 40 Suppressing Nagas: The Power of Ye Dharma Discs In this episode’s of the Denver Dzogchen Podcast Joe and Damien discuss at the Ye Dharma disc project. Discs are available at https://futurealchemy.com/shop/naga-discs-for-averting-the-iron-dog-predictions/ The location of Ye Dharma Discs and Stupas is available at https://yedharma.com/where.html Please contact us with any questions or requests for future episodes.  Contact us for information about our weekly Zoom and in-person sits https://www.denverdzogchen.com/index.html  Find us on social media: Facebook https://www.facebook.com/DenverDzogchen/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/denverdzogchen/ Bluesky Social https://bsky.app/profile/denverdzogchen.bsky.social  Video available on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@DenverDzogchen108/videos and Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1VQKqUDAYTThJVcdtjd8bf Audio available on Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/denver-dzogchen/id1712156487 and other podcast platforms 

Denver Dzogchen Podcast, Episode 39 Halloween Special: Using Fear as the Path  In this episode’s of the Denver Dzogchen Podcast Joe and Damien discuss the role of fear in Vajrayana practices.  00:00:10 the role of fear and the path. Milarepa statement about fear of death. The Island: An Anthology of the Buddha’s Teaching of Nibbana book. Paltrul Rinpoche on the importance of contemplating death.  00:04:10 Damien shares his personal experiences of death. A Year to Live: How to Live This Year as if it Were Your Last, book by Stephen Levine.  00:12:09 The power of fear. Resting in the waves of life.  00:20:25 The fear of fear. Practice of Chöd and nurturing demons and negative emotions until they are satisfied, thereby disintegrating the ego and developing compassion.  Note: we strive to release a new episode on each Guru Rinpoche Day and Dakini Day. Podcast timestamps and chapters are provided for informational purposes. Any mistakes or spelling errors are the fault of volunteers who assist in the production of these videos. Please contact us with any questions or requests for future episodes.  Contact us for information about our weekly Zoom and in-person sits https://www.denverdzogchen.com/index.html  Find us on social media: Facebook https://www.facebook.com/DenverDzogchen/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/denverdzogchen/ Bluesky Social https://bsky.app/profile/denverdzogchen.bsky.social  Video available on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@DenverDzogchen108/videos and Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1VQKqUDAYTThJVcdtjd8bf Audio available on Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/denver-dzogchen/id1712156487 and other podcast platforms 

Denver Dzogchen Podcast, Episode 38. From Stillness to the Sky: Shamatha to Trekchö Joe and Damien conclude the Eightfold Path series with a discussion about Right Meditation.  00:00:10 Introduction to Right Meditation. The importance of Shamatha and Vipassana.  00:09:24 Drenpa and the union of Shamatha and Vippasana. The Jhanas.  00:13:25 Dzogchen and the Eightfold Path. Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche teaching on the nature of mind. The importance of Ngondro and the development of devotion. Dzongsar Kyhentse Rinpoche on the importance of merit.  00:18:50 Skillful methods to develop merit.  Note: we strive to release a new episode on each Guru Rinpoche Day and Dakini Day. Podcast timestamps and chapters are provided for informational purposes. Any mistakes or spelling errors are the fault of volunteers who assist in the production of these videos. Please contact us with any questions or requests for future episodes.  Contact us for information about our weekly Zoom and in-person sits https://www.denverdzogchen.com/index.html  Find us on social media: Facebook https://www.facebook.com/DenverDzogchen/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/denverdzogchen/ Bluesky Social https://bsky.app/profile/denverdzogchen.bsky.social  Video available on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@DenverDzogchen108/videos and Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1VQKqUDAYTThJVcdtjd8bf Audio available on Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/denver-dzogchen/id1712156487 and other podcast platforms 

Denver Dzogchen Podcast, Episode 37 Right Mindfulness: The Unfabricated Moment Joe and Damien continue the Eightfold Path series with a discussion about Right Mindfulness.  00:00:10 Mindfulness and the path. Being present and recognizing the experience only happens in the present moment.  00:12:50 How can one become mindful? Breath as a tool for developing mindfulness. Example of a concise Shamatha meditation. The importance of drenpa, mindfulness, specifically recollection or remembering.  00:21:25 Advice from a Terton. Mindfulness and death. Advice for cultivating mindfulness off of the cushion. Mindfulness as a doorway to realization.  Note: we strive to release a new episode on each Guru Rinpoche Day and Dakini Day. Podcast timestamps and chapters are provided for informational purposes. Any mistakes or spelling errors are the fault of volunteers who assist in the production of these videos. Please contact us with any questions or requests for future episodes.  Contact us for information about our weekly Zoom and in-person sits https://www.denverdzogchen.com/index.html  Find us on social media: Facebook https://www.facebook.com/DenverDzogchen/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/denverdzogchen/ Bluesky Social https://bsky.app/profile/denverdzogchen.bsky.social  Video available on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@DenverDzogchen108/videos and Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1VQKqUDAYTThJVcdtjd8bf Audio available on Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/denver-dzogchen/id1712156487 and other podcast platforms 

Denver Dzogchen Podcast, Episode 36 Less Work, More Dharma... Right Livelihood Joe and Damien continue the Eightfold Path series with a discussion about Right Livelihood.  00:00:10 Right Livelihood and considerations in the modern world. Karma and jobs.  00:11:15 Virtuosity and the importance of balance. Trappings of the pursuit of wealth and the benefit of meritorious professions.   00:18:08 Dzogchen, the Eightfold Path, wholesomeness, and wholeness. Henry David Thoreau quotes on wholeness, minimalism, and luxury. The Eight Worldly Concerns. Drenpa (mindfulness) and controlling our appetite.  00:25:25 Contemplation on the nature of samsara.  00:27:12 How to bring the most benefit to the job that you have. Garchen Rinpoche on work and practice.  Note: we strive to release a new episode on each Guru Rinpoche Day and Dakini Day. Podcast timestamps and chapters are provided for informational purposes. Any mistakes or spelling errors are the fault of volunteers who assist in the production of these videos. Please contact us with any questions or requests for future episodes.  Contact us for information about our weekly Zoom and in-person sits https://www.denverdzogchen.com/index.html  Find us on social media: Facebook https://www.facebook.com/DenverDzogchen/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/denverdzogchen/ Bluesky Social https://bsky.app/profile/denverdzogchen.bsky.social  Video available on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@DenverDzogchen108/videos and Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1VQKqUDAYTThJVcdtjd8bf Audio available on Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/denver-dzogchen/id1712156487 and other podcast platforms 

Denver Dzogchen Podcast, Episode 35 Vast as the Sky, Fine as Barley Powder: Right Action in Dzogchen Joe and Damien continue the Eightfold Path Series, focusing on Right Action from a Dzogchen perspective.  Note: we strive to release a new episode on each Guru Rinpoche Day and Dakini Day. Podcast timestamps and chapters are provided for informational purposes. Any mistakes or spelling errors are the fault of volunteers who assist in the production of these videos. Please contact us with any questions or requests for future episodes.  Contact us for information about our weekly Zoom and in-person sits https://www.denverdzogchen.com/index.html  Find us on social media: Facebook https://www.facebook.com/DenverDzogchen/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/denverdzogchen/ Bluesky Social https://bsky.app/profile/denverdzogchen.bsky.social  Video available on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@DenverDzogchen108/videos and Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1VQKqUDAYTThJVcdtjd8bf Audio available on Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/denver-dzogchen/id1712156487 and other podcast platforms 

Denver Dzogchen Podcast, Episode 34 Right Intention: Bodhicitta in Dzogchen 00:00:10 Eightfold Path Series Continued. Recap of episode 32 and introduction to Right Intention. The importance of wholesomeness from a Dzogchen perspective. Way of the Boddhisatva.  00:19:00  The importance of making an intention and letting go. Turning the direction of the ship of your life.  Note: we strive to release a new episode on each Guru Rinpoche Day and Dakini Day. Podcast timestamps and chapters are provided for informational purposes. Any mistakes or spelling errors are the fault of volunteers who assist in the production of these videos. Please contact us with any questions or requests for future episodes.  Contact us for information about our weekly Zoom and in-person sits https://www.denverdzogchen.com/index.html  Find us on social media: Facebook https://www.facebook.com/DenverDzogchen/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/denverdzogchen/ Bluesky Social https://bsky.app/profile/denverdzogchen.bsky.social  Video available on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@DenverDzogchen108/videos and Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1VQKqUDAYTThJVcdtjd8bf Audio available on Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/denver-dzogchen/id1712156487 and other podcast platforms 

Denver Dzogchen Podcast, Episode 33 Nectar of Balance: Herbs and Supplements on the Path  00:00:10 Introduction to the role of supplements and herbs in a practitioner’s life. Joe’s connection with Tibetan medicine. www.siddhienegetics.com and www.futurealchmey.com  00:08:00 The safety of design of these formulas.  00:14:18 Discussion of Shilajit, Jing Builder, and Chulen.  Note: we strive to release a new episode on each Guru Rinpoche Day and Dakini Day. Podcast timestamps and chapters are provided for informational purposes. Any mistakes or spelling errors are the fault of volunteers who assist in the production of these videos. Please contact us with any questions or requests for future episodes.  Contact us for information about our weekly Zoom and in-person sits https://www.denverdzogchen.com/index.html  Find us on social media: Facebook https://www.facebook.com/DenverDzogchen/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/denverdzogchen/ Bluesky Social https://bsky.app/profile/denverdzogchen.bsky.social  Video available on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@DenverDzogchen108/videos and Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1VQKqUDAYTThJVcdtjd8bf Audio available on Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/denver-dzogchen/id1712156487 and other podcast platforms 

Denver Dzogchen Podcast, Episode 32 The World Through Buddha’s Eyes: Understanding Right View  00:00:10 Introduction to the a series on the Eightfold Path: Right View, Right Intention, Right Speech, Right Action, Right Livelihood, Right Effort, Right Mindfulness, and Right Concentration.   00:13:30 Right View: understanding the truth of the situation, the nature of reality, impermanence and emptiness of self.  00:19:20 The dreamlike nature of life and the importance of meditation and insight. Living life in the most beneficial way for all beings.  00:35:05 Realizing that you are not your thoughts. How to See Yourself As You Really Are by the Dalai Lama. Divine Revelation in Pali Buddhism by Peter Masefield. Note: we strive to release a new episode on each Guru Rinpoche Day and Dakini Day. Podcast timestamps and chapters are provided for informational purposes. Any mistakes or spelling errors are the fault of volunteers who assist in the production of these videos. Please contact us with any questions or requests for future episodes.  Contact us for information about our weekly Zoom and in-person sits https://www.denverdzogchen.com/index.html  Find us on social media: Facebook https://www.facebook.com/DenverDzogchen/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/denverdzogchen/ Bluesky Social https://bsky.app/profile/denverdzogchen.bsky.social  Video available on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@DenverDzogchen108/videos and Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1VQKqUDAYTThJVcdtjd8bf Audio available on Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/denver-dzogchen/id1712156487 and other podcast platforms