As the coronavirus pandemic continues, with all its myriad forms of suffering, concurrent with the climate crisis, systemic injustices, and all the rest of it, the reality of the “dark age” prophesied in ancient Buddhist texts is feeling way too real.  And yet, dark as it may be, “at least we have spiritual tools,” says Gelong Loden Nyima in this recent interview with Asaf Ophir on the Hear the World podcast.  In the 35 minute conversation, Nyima—a Buddhist monk, teacher, and resident at Shambhala Mountain Center—speaks with incredible clarity about how the core practices and ethical framework of Buddhism can help to support and guide us in the crucial work of caring for ourselves and others, and engaging in meaningful social action.  Enjoy the audio interview below, and scroll down for selected excerpts, transcribed. “In Buddhism our actions really matter, and we need to use them wisely because it’s all of our actions which co-create our world—for better and for worse. […] “While this pandemic affects everyone, the ways that it does also devastatingly demonstrate …