Justin Kelley: Beyond Scholarship: The Meeting of Dharma and Education (#203)
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In this insightful episode of the Wisdom Podcast, host Daniel Aitken engages with Justin Kelley, Executive Director of Tergar Institute and Tergar Schools. Justin has practiced with Mingyur Rinpoche for nearly 20 years and earned his PhD in Religious Studies from Rice University, where he studied with Dr. Anne C. Klein. Passionate about making Buddhist wisdom relevant today—particularly in education—his research explores the intersection of Buddhism and learning theory, drawing on his hands-on experience with both the Tergar Institute and Tergar Schools project.
You’ll hear Daniel and Justin explore:
- Justin’s spiritual journey post-college, his transformative experiences in India, and his academic pursuits that led to a PhD focusing on Longchen Rabjam’s Great Completeness tradition;
- Justin’s involvement in Tergar Institute’s unique blend of scholarship, practice, and application;
- the Tergar Schools project aimed at infusing Dharma principles into young children’s education;
- methods to apply Buddhist teachings in modern contexts, fostering spiritual growth, practical wisdom; and
- much more!
🌿 To learn more about Tergar Institute please visit http://www.tergarinstitute.org
📚To donate to the Tergar Schools project visit https://bit.ly/tergarschools-wisdom
Note to our listeners: This episode contains the mention of suicide. If you would prefer to avoid this part of the conversation please skip from 16:48 – 23:32.
If you or someone you love are in crisis, please call, text, or chat with the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988, or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741. International listeners, please visit The International Association for Suicide Prevention to find crisis care in your region.
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About the Interviewee
Justin Kelley is the Executive Director of Tergar Institute and Tergar Schools. Tergar Institute offers an experiential approach to studying and practicing Buddhism, integrating Mingyur Rinpoche’s meditation teachings with real-world applications in personal and professional life. Tergar Schools pioneers the adaptation of Tibetan Buddhist principles for K-12 education, fostering awareness, compassion, and resiliency in young learners.
Justin has practiced with Mingyur Rinpoche for nearly 20 years and earned his PhD in Religious Studies from Rice University, where he studied with Dr. Anne C. Klein, focusing on Longchen Rabjam’s Great Completeness tradition. Passionate about making Buddhist wisdom relevant today—particularly in education—his research explores the intersection of Buddhism and learning theory, drawing on his hands-on experience with both the Tergar Institute and Tergar Schools project.
