Awaken

In the English language, anger and wrath are often grouped together, but in Buddhism they are quite different. Anger is considered a poison, a fire that consumes and destroys everything it touches. Wrath is a liberating energy that is free of ignorance, delusion, and attachment. A painting of the wrathful deity Krodhakali illuminates how the powerful potential of anger can be transformed into enlightened action. This episode features singer, writer, and frontwoman of the bands Bikini Kill and Le Tigre and host of AWAKEN season 6 Kathleen Hanna.0:43 - Introduction 15:30 - Rubin Artwork: Vajrayogini 24:43 - OutroRead the transcript and learn more about the artwork in this episode: https://rubinmuseum.org/understanding-the-difference-between-anger-and-wrath/

Wrath is often perceived as interchangeable with anger or rage. But in the Buddhist tradition, wrath has a very particular meaning as a liberatory, fierce, and protective force of transformation. Wrathful deities embody this energy to aid all beings on the path to enlightenment. What can they teach us about the nature of wrath and its relationship to awakening?This episode features activist, documentary filmmaker, lawyer, educator, and faith leader Valarie Kaur and is hosted by punk singer, writer, and frontwoman of the bands Bikini Kill and Le Tigre Kathleen Hanna.Read the transcript and learn more about the artwork in this episode: https://rubinmuseum.org/introducing-wrath/0:43 - What Is Wrath? 14:53 - Rubin Artwork: Vajrapani 25:06 - Closing

Welcome to Season 6 of AWAKEN—a Webby Honoree podcast about the dynamic path to enlightenment and what it means to “wake up.” This season explores wrath as a powerful force for awakening and transformation. Hosted by singer, writer, and frontwoman of the bands Bikini Kill and Le Tigre Kathleen Hanna, the series focuses on Buddhist and Hindu paintings and sculptures of wrathful deities from the Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art’s collection to illuminate their teachings on fierce compassion. Experts in the realms of art, social science, Buddhism, and more share how wrath, when used with intention and skill, can be harnessed for protection and meaningful action.AWAKEN Season 6 launches October 27, 2026.Read the transcript and learn more about the Rubin: https://rubinmuseum.org/welcome-to-awaken-season-6/

In the final episode, we explore how to integrate what we’ve learned about interdependence over the course of this season into our lives and put it into practice. How can we implement some of the teachings from the image of the Wheel of Life? We are all in this together. There is no other way. It’s time to wake up to this reality and act accordingly.This episode features pastoral counselor, teacher, and author Pamela Ayo Yetunde. AWAKEN season 5 is hosted by singer, songwriter, and artist Devendra Banhart. Other guests in this episode include social scientist, physician, and professor Nicholas Christakis, professor of Buddhism and East Asian religions Annabella Pitkin, and Tibetan Buddhist meditation teacher and author Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche.Read a transcript, learn about the Rubin, donate, and more: https://rubinmuseum.org/integrating-what-weve-learned/

The interconnected relationship between artist and viewer is what gives art its meaning and power. Art can capture ideas that are difficult to express in words and make them more understandable. How do artists reflect and deepen our understanding of interdependence? For centuries people have turned to the image of the Wheel of Life to better understand cause and effect and the very nature of existence. The section of the Wheel depicting the human realm is the focus of this episode’s exploration of culture.This episode features interdisciplinary artist and visual storyteller Osheen Siva. AWAKEN season 5 is hosted by singer, songwriter, and artist Devendra Banhart. Other guests in this episode include professor of Buddhism and East Asian religions Annabella Pitkin, and Tibetan Buddhist meditation teacher and author Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche.Read a transcript, learn about the Rubin, donate, and more: https://rubinmuseum.org/considering-the-interplay-of-culture