Ivan Bercholz

Winter 2026.

One of the great joys of the recent years of my life has been an ever deepening dharma kinship with my father. Our relationship has become a mix of a best friends, mentee/mentor, and trusted confidants. It seems that we did something of merit in previous lives to have each other in this life. Love ya pops. Thanks @sarahbolmsted for the 📸

‘26 Bonnie and Clyde

Devendra Banhart on how the dharma is the only effective method of support that now works for him to be able to perform. Click the link in bio to listen to the full podcast episode.

Devendra Banhart is moved to tears by a poem by Chögyam Trungpa about having compassion for yourself. Click the link in bio to listen to the full episode.

Welcome to Iris. On a 0.47 acre site in Boulder, we partnered with a longtime client and friend to thoughtfully subdivide the land, transforming one lot into two private oases. The result: a near net zero, 2,572 SF, two-story home tucked back from the busy road, designed with simple and repurposed materials, efficiency, and a deep sense of retreat.

This week we’re hanging with Ivan Bercholz ( aka @ivanaredux ) co-owner of Shambhala Publications, publisher of Bala Kids, and co-author (with illustrator Lasha Mutual) of My Friend Tara, a children’s book that introduces kids to Tara, the Buddhist archetype of compassion. Ivan set out to create a book that gets straight to the heart of practice: how can kids actually relate to an archetypal quality? How do you help them imagine compassion as something fun and embodied? How do you make an ancient practice feel natural for modern kiddos? We talk about: * Visualization as a practice playground for kids and adults * The 5 Taras and their different archetypal qualities (white for calm, green for protection, blue for difficult emotions...) * Why mantra might be our oldest human practice * How books can become spiritual oases when teachers aren’t accessible And then Ivan walks us through a Green Tara visualization and mantra practice. This is medicine for all of us - not just the kiddos! Read more & watch the episode here -> /p/ivan-bercholz-my-friend-tara-kids-compassion (link in bio), then let us know in the comments how the practice lands - is it your first time doing mantra or visualization? #mindbodpod @ivanaredux @shambhala_publications @balakidsbooks

My Guru always traveled with a special suitcase that functioned as a portable shrine. I was always moved by this, that a living Buddha still carried objects of devotion despite being fully accomplished. I’m sure it was as an example to diluted beings like me. That said, I never followed suit. Thinking of this, I recently got this folding frame to carry when I travel and set up as a chosham that goes where I do. I’m such a bad disciple in general, but may this be a reminder of my kindest root guru and his supreme example 🙏 I’m sharing in case other travelers are inspired by Rinpoche’s actions, not my silly little Etsy purchase 😉

People’s Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm, Dharma Edition

How did your favorite author become the expert that you know them to be? How did some of today’s greatest artists develop their passion for spirituality?⁠ ⁠ In this podcast, Ivan Bercholz, co-owner of Shambhala Publications, speaks with influential figures about the origins of their spiritual journey. Delve into the stories that have shaped these individuals into who they are today. Hear about formative childhood experiences, influential teachers, songs that rocked their world, times of despair and triumph, books that opened their consciousness, and so much more.⁠ ⁠ In this inaugural episode, Ivan Bercholz (co-owner of Shambhala Publications) queries John Canti, a founding member of the Padmakara Translation Group, about the path that has led him to This Very Moment. ⁠ ⁠ This episode is split into two parts. Click the link in our bio to listen.⁠ .⁠ .⁠ #shambhalapublications #thisverymomentpodcast #podcast #community #spirituality #spiritualteachings⁠ #buddhistteachings #buddhistguidance⁠ #buddhistwisdom #buddhism #buddhismteachings⁠ #padmakara⁠ #tibetanbuddhism #influentialfigures #personalstories #religiousbackground #earlyeducation #culturalinfluences #meditation #johncanti #kangyur #khyentse #dudjom #nyingma #rinpoche #retreat #awareness #nepal #spiritualjourney #personalgrowth

Happy Publication Day to My Friend Tara by Lasha Mutual and Ivan Bercholz! The great goddess Tara manifests in a variety forms and colors to help alleviate the suffering of those who think of her. A deity of compassion in both Hindu and Buddhist traditions, she creates a safe place to learn, increase patience, protect friends and family, end natural disasters, help crops grow, and more. She is always ready to spring into action for the benefit of the world. This book introduces how she came to be and explains the different forms she takes. Druk the Dragon is our lovable narrator who makes the introduction to his friend Tara friendly and accessible. He explains the rainbow of her talents that kids can picture when they need her help manifesting special qualities: •White for calm and peacefulness •Yellow for positive richness like patience, confidence, and love •Red for health and happiness •Blue to clear difficult emotions •Green for protection and compassionate action The book includes a heartfelt author’s note that explains how we can all be like Tara by emanating her vow to reduce suffering in the world. It concludes with a short, guided meditation that kids can practice with a mantra to summon the compassion of Tara. Click the link in bio to order your copy today. #shambhalapublications #balakids #myfriendtara #tara #whitetara #yellowtara #redtara #bluetara #greentara #buddhism #booksforkids

I’m very happy to share my debut book, My Friend Tara. It’s available for preorder now (more info below) and officially releases on September 30. I had the pleasure to collaborate with the very talented artist @lashamutual who is really the star of the show here. Through the narrative voice of Druk the Dragon, the origins and qualities of Tara are introduced. While specifically about the manifestations of Tara, it’s a great introduction to the idea of deities in Buddhism in general and how young ones can relate to them. May it be of benefit. If you’d like to preorder, Barnes & Noble will be running a preorder promo from Wednesday, September 3 through Friday, September 5. B&N Rewards members will get 25% off preorders, and B&N Premium members will get 25% off, plus an additional 10% discount. Becoming a Rewards member is free and can be done online. The coupon is PREORDER25.