Tenzin Josh has been with us at our centre in Phuket for the last few months, the good news is that he is here to stay. He’s been a great asset to The Lifeco family and all our guests have really enjoyed his talks on mental well-being and meditation sessions. Tenzin has a wealth of experience in coaching people to train their minds in order to live life to the full as well as his in-depth knowledge and experience in meditation.
After studying as a monk with the Dalai Lama for 12 years, Tenzin decided he wanted to use his knowledge and years of experience to help others achieve their best life possible – So we have decided to introduce you to the main man himself by interviewing him to find out a bit more about what he did with the Dalai Lama and how it has affected his life both past and present.
What led you to studying with the Dalai Lama to become a Buddhist monk?
From quite young I had the feeling and experience that external material ways of finding happiness simply didn’t work and all the myriad ways we try to find satisfaction from other sources (drink, tv, etc.) also don’t work in the end. In fact well being within the mind is the only reliable way. In terms of this, there are many spiritual traditions which is good as there are many types of people but the one that fitted for me was the Buddhist path. In this I found the happiness that I couldn’t find anywhere else. For me this was the clearest and most effective way to practise bringing well-being into our lives. In particular the Tibetan tradition as taught by HH Dalai Lama puts most emphasis on compassion and practising for the sake of others not oneself alone which is an inspiring and joyful path.
How long were you there?
I was there for 16 years, 15 as a monk mostly in India but also some time in Nepal. I lived in a study monastery where we studied for 10 months of the year. The other two I would often spend here in Thailand living in the forest monasteries which I also love.
Do you think it is possible to ever eliminate suffering?
Absolutely! Suffering comes about due to negative emotions in our minds which come about due to a wrong view of reality. Correct this error and the cause of suffering can be removed and therefore its result suffering can also end.
What is the best way to be liberated and free from suffering?
Meditation is the tool which not only brings temporary peace and joy to one’s life but also provides the techniques which can start to change our erroneous view of ourselves and the world around us.
What are the 3 key things that the Dalai Lama taught you about life?
Compassion, wisdom, and humility are 3 but his example is the greatest teacher of these and so many other positive qualities.
Are you continuing a Buddhist lifestyle since you left the Dalai Lama?
Of course it is still the most important thing in my life and I know there is no other way to true happiness.
What brought you to The LifeCo and what kind of work are you doing in Phuket?
As I mentioned compassion is foremost in our spiritual lives and here at The LifeCo there are such amazing opportunities to bring this into every moment of the day and do our best to enact this emotion practically bringing whatever benefit to people here that one can. Amongst our guests are those who wish to detox and also patients with more serious illnesses both these areas can benefit hugely from mental health and mind training. Though I am a total beginner myself I can try to bring across some of the teachings. I have received from such great masters to all these people.
What do you love most about your job?
Bringing mental health to others.
Can you give us 3 of your biggest lessons in life?
Be humble
Don’t think less of yourself but think less about yourself!
Other before self!
You can join a meditation retreat at TheLifeCo centers.
