Peace & Purpose: Mindfulness at Southeastern

One of North America’s most prominent practitioners of Buddhist monasticism, Ani Pema Chödrön has written extensively on Buddhist principles in the context of everyday living. Bill Moyers talks with the author of When Things Fall Apart, The Places That Scare You, and No Time to Lose about ideas and teachings that have special significance for western Buddhists—and will resonate with non-Buddhists as well. (53 minutes)

Buddhism holds that life and the physical world are illusions, transcended by emptying the mind and simplifying one’s life. In reality, Buddhism is complicated—no unified teaching exists. This program presents ways of articulating Buddhist thought from six straightforward and insightful practitioners who explain parallels and distinctions between Buddhist traditions. Commentators include Geshe Tashi Tsering of the Jamyang Buddhist Center, Ajahn Sumedho of Amaravti Monastery, Diana St. Ruth of the Golden Buddhist Center, singer-songwriter Sandie Shaw, designer Jeff Banks, and Jennie Peters of Soka Gakkai International in the United Kingdom. (24 minutes)

Michael Mosley explores the latest science about how personalities are created and whether they can be changed. Despite appearances, Mosley is a pessimist who constantly frets about the future. He wants to worry less and become more of an optimist. He tries two techniques to change this aspect of his personality and has surprising results. A BBC Production.

Narrated by Annette Bening, this is the incredible story behind the global phenomenon that is yoga. Originally brought to the West from India by a lineage of male teachers, there’s now a generation of strong, inspiring women leading the way. With unique access to these world-renowned yoga practitioners and leading health experts, Yogawoman reveals how yoga has utterly transformed the lives of thousands of people across the world. Not only can yoga make you happier, healthier, and more fulfilled, but it is also increasingly used in the treatment of conditions including cancer, infertility, heart disease, anxiety and depression. Filmed across nine countries, from the busy streets of Manhattan to the dusty slums of Kenya, from the golden beaches of Australia to the serene piazzas of Italy, Yogawoman uncovers, for the first time ever, the worldwide yoga revolution. (55 minutes)