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Evolving Dharma in the Age of the Network
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What is Access Concentration?
What is Access Concentration?
This is the question I want to bring forward in this talk.
I recorded something on this topic many years ago—too many, honestly, to comfortably admit. At the time, I was working on a project that was essentially a secular meditation app. That’s basically been the through-line of my career: building and teaching through these kinds of projects. The app was called Meditate.io, and we had a course titled Concentration Meditation. In it, we aimed to explain the basics of how concentration really works. That course now lives on in The Jhāna Community under the name Concentration 101. It shares some really good foundational ideas, one of which is the concept of Access Concentration. I found this idea so useful in my own Buddhist meditative practice that I really wanted to bring it into a more secular context. There’s a YouTube clip that gives my best simple explanation of what Access Concentration is, and I won’t go too deep here since that recording already exists. That’s the beauty of recording something—you don’t have to keep repeating yourself.
But here’s the short version of how I understand it:
Access Concentration is when the object of your focus—whether it’s the breath, the body, a sound, a visual orb, a mantra, or anything else—moves into the center of your attention. It shifts into the foreground, and everything else fades into the background. That background doesn’t disappear entirely; distractions and thoughts may still be there, but now they’re peripheral. The object of your focus becomes primary.
This shift is important. It’s a turning point in practice when your attention starts to settle and stabilize. Of course, we can fall out of access. Some people think they’re only in access concentration if they maintain it the entire time they’re sitting—but that’s a much deeper, more stable version that usually takes time to develop. Unless you’re a natural at this—and few are—it takes consistent effort.
In any given moment, if your meditation object is the main thing in your attention, you’re in access. And sure, distractions will pull at you—that’s normal. You fall out of access, and then you come back. Return to the breath. Be with it.
At first, the breath might not hold your full attention. Maybe it gets 50%, then 30%, then 20%, then something else pulls at you. It’s a dynamic process. In my experience, concentration becomes more fluid and interactive the deeper you go. But at some point, your focus stabilizes: more than 50% of your attention is on the breath. It begins to draw you in—it has gravity. You want to give it more attention. There’s interest. There’s intimacy.
In the traditional Buddhist framework, this state is called Access Concentration because it’s the doorway into the jhānas. You can’t access the jhānas without first stabilizing in access—at least, according to later Buddhist sources. And here’s a side note for the Buddhist nerds out there: the term Access Concentration doesn’t show up in the earliest teachings. It came later—about a thousand years after the Buddha’s time.
Imagine a thousand years of mostly-male monastics meditating, likely trying to outdo each other, and eventually producing this giant meditation manual called the Visuddhimagga, or The Path of Purification. That’s where we find the term Access Concentration, described in the section on concentration—one of three main sections in the book.
According to that model, you reach Access Concentration just before entering jhāna. The Visuddhimagga describes 40 different objects that can lead to access, though I doubt that list is exhaustive. (Hopefully someone caught that Pokémon reference. I know Buddy did.)
So, what is Access Concentration again?
Another way to understand it is this: it’s one of the five jhāna masteries. To master meditation, you have to be able to access the states you want to enter. In other words, Access Concentration is the ability to get to the object—mentally and emotionally—so you can begin to absorb into it.
If we want to use a numerical analogy: Access is when more than 50% of your attention is with something. You’ve entered into relationship with it. And from there, you can deepen that relationship, becoming more absorbed.
In the KASINA meditation app I’ve been developing, there's a visual orb that users can move toward them on the screen. As it moves closer, it fills the screen—you merge with it. That’s what happens with the breath, or love, or the body, or even not-knowing. You become one with the object. That’s the beginning of jhāna.
And the sequence of jhānas, from one to eight, describes how that relationship deepens and evolves. First, the merger is blissful—like falling in love. It’s magical. But over time, that intensity cools, and you settle into a more steady connection—like the second jhāna and beyond.
So, to even enter into that evolving intimacy, we need access. The Visuddhimagga says there are 40 objects that work for this, which implies there are many things that don’t. But I actually disagree with that. I think you could potentially access and merge with anything. But the real question is: why would you want to merge with, say, terror?
Could you handle becoming one with being terrified? Some people love horror movies. I’ve never understood that—it feels like life is terrifying enough. But for those people, maybe horror is a doorway. Maybe terror is their access point.
Okay, so here’s a simple practice to support this:
May concentration arise.
That’s the practice. Just wish for concentration to arise.
Who are you wishing it for?
Start with yourself. That’s why you’re here. Get in touch with the sincerity of that wish—why it’s important to you. Maybe you want to be able to focus better on your relationships, your work, the way you show up in the world. Maybe you want to be healthy, to remember what matters. Concentration helps with that.
So: May concentration arise—for me.
And then extend it out: May concentration arise for the people I care about.
Because when the people around you are focused and well, it affects you too. It creates a feedback loop of clarity and joy.
Then go wider: May concentration arise for everyone.
Even knowing some will use it for harmful ends, trust the whole. Most won’t.
And then: May concentration arise for all beings on Earth.
For all beings to be focused on what’s most important to them.
Even broader: May concentration arise for all beings, everywhere, throughout all time and space.
May all of reality concentrate on what matters most to itself.
Wishing concentration for everyone.
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The Completion of Vipassana Jhāna
Today, in The Jhāna Community, I want to center our exploration around the completion phase—also known as enlightenment.
What is the relationship between enlightenment and jhāna? That’s what we’ll explore.
The Goal of Vipassana Jhāna
In Vipassana jhāna practice, the goal is insight—clearly seeing the way things are. This clear seeing leads to awakening, within the Buddhist frame.
Trudy Goodman uses a beautiful metaphor for this, comparing the phases of insight to the phases of the moon:
“Can we appreciate all the phases of the moon, all the stages of our life? Can we see past the patterns of perception that too often eclipse the wonder of being alive? Birth, growth, fullness, letting go, vanishing into the mysterious dark—these are the eternal cycles of life.”
The completion phase, in this metaphor, is the full darkness of the moon: the vanishing.
Describing the Unconditioned
Early Buddhist texts describe the apex of this phase—Nirvana—as a kind of vanishing. Bill Hamilton, Kenneth Folk’s teacher, once said:
“Nirvana is an experience of the unconditioned which defies any description. Any description of Nirvana is not a description of Nirvana.”
There are no reference points. Concepts can’t contain it. It’s not a “thing.” It’s a different kind of experience.
Bodhidharma, founder of Zen, said:
“When the mind reaches Nirvana, you don’t see Nirvana because the mind is Nirvana.”
Beyond Meditative States
I remember talking with Kenneth Folk about how many meditation teachers end up teaching a state—a temporary condition—as the goal. But awakening is not about achieving and clinging to a special state.
There are moments of direct contact with the unconditioned. But the next moment might involve answering the phone, cooking dinner, or helping someone. At first, these seem like separate domains. Eventually, they can be integrated.
This practice is about learning to release identification with all states—even the expansive and blissful ones.
Wanting to Be “Permanently Okay”
It’s understandable that we want to find a place where we can be permanently okay. That desire comes from a younger part of us—vulnerable and needing security.
But the adult part of awakening is what frees us to be present for life as it is—even the messy, painful, inconvenient parts.
Paradoxically, it’s not what we thought we signed up for. We imagined transcendence. What we found was this—the real.
The Journey Doesn’t End Here
Here’s the good news: the journey doesn’t end at the completion phase. Awakening is recursive. It loops, like the moon’s phases.
“To understand recursion, you must first understand recursion.”
In early Buddhism, the highest achievement was to break out of saṃsāra. But transformation happens not by escaping, but by cycling with change.
Philosopher John Vervaeke says:
“Evolution is revolution with change.”
If your cycles bring new learning, new understanding—that’s evolution.
The Big Picture
That’s the bigger picture I love to teach. Meditation isn’t about escaping life. It’s about working with the natural cycles of our minds and lives—and transforming through them.
And this isn’t in contradiction to Nirvana. When the realization deepens, you see that every experience, every thought, every person is it.
Even the thought, “There’s somewhere else I should be”—that’s it too.
Embodying the Mystery
So what’s the point of all this state-jumping, deconstructing, and releasing?
For me, part of the point is to embody the mystery.
Reggie Ray writes in Touching Enlightenment:
“To be awake, to be enlightened is to be fully and completely embodied… to be entirely present to who we are and to the journey of our own becoming… with no external observer waiting for something better.”
That’s the journey of vipassana jhāna. Nothing left out. Full intimacy with reality.
Awakening Is Collective
Ultimately, awakening isn’t a personal project. Everyone is on this journey—even if they’d never use those words.
Martin Luther King Jr. wrote:
“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny.”
Awakening leads to the realization that we are in this together.
Eventually, the idea of my awakening dissolves into our awakening.
So Now What?
So the question becomes:How can I show up fully for this moment—this body, this life, this karmic tangle of heartbreak and hope?
That’s the real practice.
Mastering the Art of Jhāna
If you found this article helpful, you may want to check out the community of practice it arose from…
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Consensus Buddhism, Pragmatic Dharma, and the Next Turn of the Wheel
Overview: In this episode, Vince Horn and Daniel Thorson explore the evolving landscape of Western Buddhism, unpacking the tensions between Consensus Buddhism and Pragmatic Dharma, while reflecting on ethics, teacherly authority, and the possibilities for a more integrated future.Vince Horn: I'm here with Daniel Thorson, hanging out in your office-slash-bedroom. You've been in the Asheville area for what—a year now?
Daniel Thorson: Almost two years, actually.
Vince: Whoa, really? That’s wild! And this is our first time recording together since you moved here. Doing it in person feels weird—so hyper-intimate.
Daniel: Yeah. It’s a whole 3D—or maybe even 4D—experience.
Vince: More D than that if you include yourself.Daniel: Totally.Vince: So, I suggested we record because, well, we were going to hang out anyway, and you’ve been writing a really interesting series on your Substack, The Intimate Mirror.
Daniel: Yeah, that’s the one. Initially, I was exploring AI as a kind of mirror—how to use and work with it. But I’ve taken a side journey into critiquing Western Buddhism. I’m planning to do some reconstructive work too, eventually.
Vince: Especially the American convert Buddhist scenes we’ve been part of, right? Like, the Buddhist Geeks orbit, Insight Meditation world, maybe even broader—Consensus Buddhism, as David Chapman calls it.
Daniel: Exactly. My focus is mostly on modern Western Buddhist culture. That includes Insight Meditation, but also Westernized Zen, and even American Vajrayana. It's like a meta-sangha of Buddhist Modernism.
Vince: Right. Like the teachers who went to hang out with the Dalai Lama in the 90s and asked, "How can we make Buddhism more friendly to the West?" And now there’s this whole ecosystem.
Daniel: Definitely. And I want to be clear: I'm not critiquing individual teachers. It's more about the communities and cultures that have grown around them—looking at their gifts and their shadows.
Vince: So you’ve got Consensus Buddhism on one hand and Pragmatic Dharma—what you call the Tech Bro Buddhist scene—on the other. I loved your piece on the "Upper Middle Path and the Tech Bros." You brought in critiques I’ve seen mostly in academic circles—people like David McMahan and Ann Gleig—but you made it much more accessible and relevant.
Daniel: Thanks. That was the goal: take these ideas out of esoteric academic circles and bring them into contemporary discourse. Especially around communities like ours that are immersed in Buddhist Geeks-type spaces.
Vince: It felt like a kind of moral responsibility to name the limitations and mistakes we've seen—or made—over the years. Like, I see a lot of younger folks in the liminal web, teapot Twitter, etc., getting into Buddhist modernism the way we were 15 years ago.
Daniel: Exactly. And I think it's important we help them avoid some of the pitfalls. Not because we’re better or more advanced, but just because we've had more time to metabolize these dynamics.
Vince: Right. I mean, early Buddhist Geeks was full-on modernist—tech, enlightenment, Daniel Ingram’s stage models. But it evolved. Ann Gleig even said she saw postmodern elements starting to emerge in that community. I think she was right.
Daniel: Totally. And part of my own evolution, especially through training at the Monastic Academy, has been this inquiry into ethics—specifically, how ethical responsiveness is missing in a lot of Buddhist spaces. That’s especially problematic in a time of planetary crisis.
Vince: It’s not just about meditating in caves or on retreat anymore. There's a demand for something deeper and more responsive. A lot of Buddhism as it’s been practiced here feels avoidant—especially to folks with avoidant attachment styles. It’s like a refuge from complexity, not a way of meeting it.
Daniel: Exactly. And even in the engaged Buddhist scenes, it can feel like there's a polarity—like the rest of Buddhism is disengaged by default.
Vince: There’s been some shifts, especially post-George Floyd. Consensus Buddhism became more pluralistic, more explicitly social justice-oriented. But even then, it can become polarized—like progressive vs. liberal politics.
Daniel: Right. And on the Pragmatic Dharma side, you see a resistance to that pluralism. It’s still very focused on individual attainment, hyper-rational, and map-model heavy. It’s like a cultural left/right divide.
Vince: I’ve started avoiding the masculine/feminine language because it triggers so many people. I use "self-focused" and "other-focused" instead. Pragmatic Dharma = self-focused; Consensus Buddhism = other-focused. There’s a polarity there.
Daniel: That feels accurate. And yet, both scenes are struggling with ethics. The Tech Bro Dharma scene risks erasing the generative function of suffering. There’s this idea that suffering is just a bug to be fixed.
Vince: Right. And people like Shinzen Young and Daniel Ingram do qualify that—it’s perceptual suffering, not all suffering. But the popularizers, like Nick Cammarata on X.com, often simplify it down to "eliminate suffering, be happy."
Daniel: Which is dangerous. Suffering is supposed to be understood, not eliminated. It teaches us about being in right relationship with reality. Removing it through tech could erase the ethical feedback loops we need.
Vince: And that’s not just theoretical. We've seen examples—teachers like Culadasa, who bypassed relational feedback in ways that created real harm.
Daniel: Or on the other side, in Consensus Buddhism, where the focus becomes eliminating social suffering through systems change—but sometimes it loses the locus of individual responsibility. It becomes ideologically confused.
Vince: Yeah. It’s like both sides are overcorrecting, and what we really need is a new synthesis. Something that honors both individual and collective transformation.
Daniel: The best example I’ve seen of that is John Churchill’s Planetary Dharma. I’m in his Level 1 training, and it weaves individual and relational ethics beautifully.
Vince: I’ve heard good things. Also, Tom Huston’s Kosmic Dharma project seems to be trying something similar, from a more Advaita direction.
Daniel: And Robert Burbea’s Soulmaking Dharma, which really helps people deconstruct secular materialism and reopen to a sacred worldview.
Vince: Yeah, I’ve seen that too. Even in the Pragmatic Dharma scene, many of the original rationalists are now post-rational, magical thinkers. Daniel Ingram literally has wands.
Daniel: That’s the resilience of the Dharma. Practice sincerely, and it eventually breaks out of those constraints.
Vince: That said, I think we’re in a phase of necessary deconstruction before meaningful reconstruction can happen.
Daniel: Totally. And we need to talk about ethics now, not wait for the practice to eventually bring people around.
Vince: Which raises a tricky question: How do you do this work—invite a new synthesis—without just creating a new brand of Buddhism that becomes subject to the same market dynamics?
Daniel: It's hard. But maybe it's less about building one big thing and more about encouraging mutations. Experiments. Some may become new institutions. Others might just be small, temporary communities. I’ve been part of a project called the Church of the Intimate Web that’s experimenting with that.
Vince: I love that. To me, anything that includes the three trainings—ethics, meditation, wisdom—is Buddhist, whether or not it uses the label.
Daniel: Same. And while I’m deeply grateful to the institutions that formed me, I’m not optimistic about their ability to adapt. This series is, in some ways, a goodbye letter to Buddhism for me.
Vince: That might be a key difference between us. I’m still invested in evolving Buddhism from within, even while exploring the edges. Buddhist Geeks is still about that.
Daniel: And thank God for that. Because you’re right: we also need bridges. Between elders and newcomers. Between experimental scenes and rooted lineages. Otherwise, we risk losing our moorings.
Vince: There’s so much anti-authoritarian energy in these new spaces, and yet the real problem isn’t gatekeepers—it’s often a lack of inner trust.
Daniel: Exactly. And until people find legitimate external authority they can trust, it’s hard to develop real inner authority.
Vince: We need both elders and experimentalists. And we need to keep honoring the lineage that made any of this even possible.
Daniel: Amen.
The Jhāna Community
Daniel Thorson will be joining Vince and the Jhāna Community next month for a 4-week teaching series exploring how secure attachment to reality can serve as the basis for jhāna practice. Yes, we plan on recording it!
Live teaching series w/ Daniel Thorson online: Thursday May 8, 15, 22, & 29 @ 4pm Eastern TimeIMPORTANT NOTE: The Jhāna Community will be open for new applicants in the month of May.
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Sharon Salzberg on Dipa Ma
Emily Horn is joined by renowned meditation teacher Sharon Salzberg to share reflections on her beloved teacher, Dipa Ma, a Bangladeshi meditation master, who was known for her extraordinary concentration, profound insight, and unwavering kindness. Sharon recounts her personal experiences with Dipa Ma, highlighting her maternal yet fierce presence, her ability to see deep potential in her students, and her unique approach to integrating mindfulness into daily life.
Episode Links:
🔗 Dharmaseed – A library of recorded Dharma talks, including talks from Dipa Ma, Sharon Salzberg, and many other teachers.
🔗 Insight Meditation Society (IMS) – The meditation center co-founded by Sharon Salzberg, Jack Kornfield, and Joseph Goldstein.
🔗 Spirit Rock Meditation Center – A meditation center in California, also associated with Jack Kornfield and the wider Insight tradition.
📖 "Dipa Ma: The Life and Legacy of a Buddhist Master" by Amy Schmidt – A biography of Dipa Ma, mentioned as a key resource for learning about her life and teachings.
👤 Sharon Salzberg – Official website with her books, teachings, and upcoming events.
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Leigh Brasington on Ayya Khema
In this episode of Our Beloved Teachers, dharma teacher Leigh Brasington reflects on his transformative experiences studying with Ven. Ayya Khema, one of his most influential teachers. Leigh shares how Ayya Khema's clarity, discipline, and groundbreaking teachings on meditation, including the jhānas, shaped his practice and teaching path. The conversation also delves into Ayya Khema's extraordinary life story and her pivotal contribution toward reviving the Theravāda fully ordained nun’s Sangha.
Episode Links:
📖 I Give You My Life by Ayya Khema
📖 Right Concentration by Leigh Brasington
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Trudy Goodman on Kōbun Chino Otogawa
Vince Fakhoury Horn is joined again by dharma teacher Trudy Goodman, founder of InsightLA, to share reflections on her beloved teacher, Kōbun Chino Otogawa. Kobun (February 1, 1938 – July 26, 2002), also known as Chino Otogawa Roshi, was a Japanese Zen priest who brought his unique and deeply compassionate teachings to America. Renowned for his unconventional approach, he emphasized practicing dharma within daily life, often blending traditional Zen wisdom with a quiet, everyday presence that resonated with many students. In this conversation, Trudy shares stories of Kobun’s compassionate presence, his devotion to helping those suffering, and his profound yet playful approach to teaching.
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Nut Job Jhāna with Brian Newman
In this episode of Buddhist Geeks, Brian Newman discusses his journey into deep jhāna meditation practice. He explores his training in the rigorous Pa-auk tradition, the challenges and breakthroughs he experienced, and the balance between traditional and more modern approaches to jhāna, ultimately advocating for a playful, less rigid approach to accessing these deep states of concentration.
Episode Links:
🔗 Appamāda Viharī Meditation Center
📖 Grist for the Mill by Ram Dass & Stephen Levine
📖 Mastering the Core Teachings of the Buddha by Daniel M. Ingram
🎧 Mastering the Jhānas with Tina Rasmussen & Stephen Snyder
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Technological Metamodernism with Stephen Reid
In the episode on "Technological Metamodernism," Vince Fakhoury Horn and Stephen Reid discuss the intersection of technology, metamodernism, and the potential middle paths that navigate between techno-optimism or e/acc and eco-dystopianism or doomerism. They explore how emerging technologies can be aligned with deeper values, such as sovereignty, relationality, and wholeness, while also addressing the challenges of our current technological trajectory.
Episode Links:
✉️ Stephen Reid in Correspondence - Stephen's substack
🔗 Futurecraft - The site where the Technological Metamodernism course is being hosted.
🤑 Support the open sourcing of the Technological Metamodernism course (via PayPal or via Crypto)
🔗 Meaning Alignment Institute - Mentioned as part of the discussions, this institute focuses on aligning emerging technologies with human values
🔗 Rebel Wisdom - A platform formerly associated with Alexander Beiner, one of the special guests of the Technological Metamodernism course.
🔗 Life Itself - A project focused on the "Second Renaissance," mentioned in the context of Rufus Pollock's work, another of the special guests of the Technological Metamodernism course.
🎙️ Future Fossils Podcast - Hosted by Michael Garfield, yet another of the special guests of the Technological Metamodernism course.
📖 Reality Switch Technologies by Andrew Gallimore
🔗 Gitcoin - The platform that supports the quadratic funding method mentioned by which Stephen is raising funds in order open source material from the course. You can contribute to the funding for that project here.
🎙️ Lunarpunk Dreams Podcast by Stephen Reid
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Jhāna Drama with Vince F. Horn
In this episode of Buddhist Geeks, Vince Fakhoury Horn shares his experience of working with the meditation startup Jhourney, and raises concerns about their insufficient training and appropriation of Buddhist meditation practices, advocating for a more responsible and deeply informed approach to secularizing Jhāna meditation.
Episode Links:
📝 The Second Generation of Mindfulness by Vince F. Horn
🔗 The Meditation Research Project
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Embodying Nondual Awakening with Judith Blackstone
In this episode Ryan Oelke chats with Judith Blackstone, contemporary spiritual teacher, psychotherapist, and founder of The Realization Process, and author of her latest book, The Fullness of the Ground: A Guide to Embodied Awakening. They discuss a variety of aspects of what it means to embody nonduality, including different views on nonduality, how to practice and live a path of embodied nondual awakening.
Episode Links:
📖 The Fullness of the Ground: A Guide to Embodied Awakening by Judith Blackstone, PhD
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Several Ways to Meditate with Vince F Horn
In this episode, recorded during a Buddhist Geeks Retreat, Vince Fakhoury Horn teachings on several ways to meditate, including Concentration, Mindfulness, Heartfulness, Inquiry, Awareness, Embodiment, and Imaginal forms of practice. Each approach to meditation leads to different results, even as the ultimate goal remains the same, which is to realize the essential nature of mind, and be able to embrace the ongoing journey of exploration and growth.
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Spring Washam on Harriet Tubman
In this Our Beloved Teachers episode Emily Horn speaks with Spring Washam about her relationship with Harriet Tubman, and the teachings she has received from her. Spring speaks about the importance of faith and courage in navigating challenging times and the connection to the unseen world, while emphasizing that Harriet Tubman is not just an ancestor for African Americans, but for everyone. She encourages people to tap into the strength and resilience that Harriet represents to better support each other in these transformative times.
Episode Links:
📖 The Spirit of Harriet Tubman: Awakening from the Underground by Spring Washam
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Homemaking Dharma with Emily W Horn
In her talk titled "Homemaking Dharma," Emily Horn discusses the process of creating a spiritual home, which involves working with heartbreak, grief, and our shadow aspects. She emphasizes the importance of understanding our spiritual story and incorporating elements of our ethnic and cultural backgrounds into our practice. This journey towards wholeness requires the practice of mindfulness and love, and although it can be messy and require rumbling with our stories, it ultimately leads to a sense of interconnection with others.
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Contemplating the Anomalous with Vince F Horn
This talk, titled "Contemplating the Anomalous" was given by Vince Fakhoury Horn on a Buddhist Geeks retreat in July, 2023. It explores the stages of a paradigm shift in understanding, going from ignoring the anomalous, to encountering anomalies and experiencing resistance, to exploration, and finally toward genuine transformation. Using examples from both Science and Meditation Vince attempts to illustrate the learning process as it’s experienced from each point of view. This talk also touches on the topic of Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAP) and the potential for a collective paradigm shift in our understanding of the Universe and our place in it, that includes both interiors and exteriors.
Episode Links:
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Why Meditatewith.ai?
Meditatewith.ai is a web app prototype, aimed at demonstrating the possibility of learning Multiplayer Meditation–an out-loud, social, interactive, & trauma-informed protocol–with an AI partner first. The purpose of the company behind this prototype, Interbeing Inc, is to improve the mental health and well-being of all humans using interpersonal meditation practices. In this episode, recorded during an event inside the Buddhist Geeks Network, co-founders Vince Fakhoury Horn & Chris Ewald introduce what they’ve been working on for the first time in public, and then field a wide variety of questions from participants.
Episode Links:
🎙️ Emerge Podcast: Vince Horn on Meditate with AI
🔗 Wefunder Crowdfunding Campaign
WeFunder Legal Disclosure:
We are 'testing the waters' to gauge investor interest in an offering under Regulation Crowdfunding. No money or other consideration is being solicited. If sent, it will not be accepted. No offer to buy securities will be accepted. No part of the purchase price will be received until a Form C is filed and only through Wefunder’s platform. Any indication of interest involves no obligation or commitment of any kind.
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The Vimalakīrti Sūtra with Kenneth Folk
The Vimalakīrti Sūtra is a Mahayana Buddhist text from the 2nd century CE that explores the nature of enlightenment and the teachings of the Buddha. In this contemporary commentary on the Vimalakīrti Sūtra, Pragmatic Dharma teacher Kenneth Folk shares his personal understanding of what he refers to as “a magical spell.”
Episode Links:
- Watch the Video Version of this Talk on Youtube
- Kenneth Folk Dharma
- The Vimalakīrti Sūtra, translated by Burton Watson
- Pragmatic Dharma Training
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Kenneth Folk on Bill Hamilton
Vince Fakhoury Horn is joined by long-time teacher, Kenneth Folk, to share about his beloved teacher, Bill Hamilton, who American dharma teacher Shinzen Young referred to as "an unsung hero of Western Mindfulness." Bill was an enigmatic dharma teacher who practiced in the Insight-Theravada tradition. He was the founder of the Dharma Seed library, did more than 7 years of silent retreat practice, and wrote an excellent contemporary dharma book called "Saints & Psychopaths."
Episode Links:
📖 Saints & Psychopaths by Bill Hamilton
📺 Remembering Bill Hamilton with Shinzen Young
📺 Remembering Bill Hamilton Featuring Daniel Ingram
Memorable Quotes:
📺 "Enlightenment. Highly recommended, can't tell you why." – Bill Hamilton
📺 "Suffering less, noticing it more." – Bill Hamilton
📺 "You don't have to go looking for suffering." – Bill Hamilton
📺 "You could get enlightened rubbing that tape box." – Bill Hamilton
📺 "They're doing psychology." – Bill Hamilton
📺 "There's more than one objection of mindfulness." – Bill Hamilton
📺 "This is the ultimate self-improvement project, even beyond one's self." – Kenneth Folk
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Trudy Goodman on Seungsahn
Vince Fakhoury Horn is joined by dharma teacher Trudy Goodman, founder of InsightLA, to share reflections on her beloved teacher, Seungsahn. Seungsahn Haengwon (Sungsan Haeng'weon Daeseonsa, August 1, 1927 – November 30, 2004), born Duk-In Lee, was a Korean Seon master of the Jogye Order and founder of the international Kwan Um School of Zen.
Episode Links:
📺 Bob Newhart Therapy: Stop It!
📖 Sex in the Forbidden Zone by Peter Rutter
Memorable Quotes:
"What am I?" – Seungsahn
"Your Body already a corpse." – Seungsahn
"That is Great Faith." – Seungsahn
"This is how it happens." – Trudy Goodman
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Vince Fakhoury Horn on Our Beloved Teachers
In this episode, hosted by Vince Fakhoury Horn, we kick off a new series called Our Beloved Teachers. In this episode Vince explains how this a new kind of community podcast series, aimed at exploring the true nature of the teacher-student relationship, while preserving the oral history of BuddhaDharma, in the digital era.
We call it a "community podcast series" because anyone can submit a recording to the series–all you need are the production skills to pull off the recording, and the connections to find a suitable guest.
Episode Links:
📄 Creative Commons: Understanding Free Cultural Works
🔗 Creative Commons: Attribution 4.0 International
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This Great Network of Interbeing, with Vince F Horn
“‘To be’ is to inter-be.” – Thích Nhất Hạnh
In this episode–taken from a Dharma Talk at the Garrison Institute in 2022–Vince Fakhoury Horn teaches on the complexity of Interbeing, looking at "it" from 3 distinct perspectives:
- Interbeing within Ourselves
- Interbeing with Others
- Interbeing inside Nature
Taken together, these three form a great network of Interbeing, one which opens us to the self-similar & fractal nature of interdependence. At every scale, we inter-are.
Episode Links:
- Thích Nhất Hạnh
- What is Social Meditation?
- The Roots of 'Radical'
- Networkologies: A Philosophy of Networks for a Hyperconnected Age
- Holon (philosophy)
- Overview effect
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Relax And You Will Know, with Emily W Horn
Emily West Horn teaches that we can learn to apply both mindfulness & heartfulness toward liberating ourselves from the "trance of unworthiness." What do you most want to realize? Relax, and you will know.
Episode Links:
📖 The Wise Heart: A Guide to the Universal Teachings of Buddhist Psychology by Jack Kornfield
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Magic and the Four Immeasurables, with Vince F Horn
In most modern contexts the topic of magic is taboo, because it isn’t Rational. Here, Vince Fakhoury Horn makes the claim that magic can also be understood and practiced in a Transrational way. He does this by unpacking several perspectives on magic, and then links those with the Buddhist teachings on the open heart: The Four Immeasurables.
This episode was recorded during a recent Buddhist Geeks Retreat on Heart Magic. Join us from August 3–10, 2022 at the Garrison Institute in NY for a week-long retreat on the same topic!
Episode Links:
🔗 Heart Magic Retreat @ Garrison Institute
📖 Mastering the Core Teachings of the Buddha by Daniel Ingram
🎙 Buddhist Magic w/ Daniel Ingram
🎙 Falling in Love With What Is, with Noliwe Alexander
📜 Metta (Mettanisamsa) Sutta: Discourse on Advantages of Loving-kindness
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Buddhism & Aliens, with Stuart Davis
We're joined in this episode by Writer-Director-Actor-Comedian-Songwriter and run of the mill fucked up human, Stuart Davis, as he shares his deep experience of navigating what is generally referred to as "the phenomenon." Both in his work as the host of the Artists & Aliens Podcast and as the convener of The Experiencer Group–a virtual learning community for people who've had anomalous experiences–Stuart is helping people confront and confer with the high strangeness of our shared reality.
Episode Links:
📖 A CE-5 Handbook: An Easy-To-Use Guide to Help You Contact Extraterrestrial Life
📰 Glowing Auras and ‘Black Money’: The Pentagon’s Mysterious U.F.O. Program
📺 Navy pilots describe encounters with UFOs
🖋 ET PRESENCE & THE FORFEITURE OF HUMAN SOVEREIGNTY by Stuart Davis
Additional Links from Stuart:
Kimberly Theresa Lafferty's Three Parter on Tantra, Non Human Entities, how transitory states become enduring stages of consciousness, how human contact with non-human entities impacts the attachment cycle in human development, the use of consorts in monastic Tantric tradition, and how we make meaning of the things that make no sense. A cautionary tale of what happens when you fail to make cakes for the spiritual denizens of your retreat cabin.
- Part One: https://youtu.be/Wz1juIwK5aU
- Part Two: https://youtu.be/amlajXh3viQ
- Part Three: https://youtu.be/a5v_I1sxFY8
And, magician Gordon White on how to protect your home spiritually by turning it into a Human Dwelling:
- Part One: https://youtu.be/sYpdE2lTabk
- Part Two: https://youtu.be/9HM_-_5xJAc
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We Were Made For These Times, with Kaira Jewel Lingo
In this episode of Buddhist Geeks, Vince Fakhoury Horn is joined in dialogue with Kaira Jewel Lingo, mindfulness meditation teacher, mentor, and author of the recently released book, "We Were Made For These Times". Here they discuss the unique times of peril and opportunity that humanity current faces, and how the teachings on equanimity, or inclusiveness, might just be the only thing that we can reliably fall back on.
Episode Links:
📖 "We Were Made For These Times: 10 Lessons for Moving Through Change, Loss, and Disruption" by Kaira Jewel Lingo
📺 Why Facebook is More Powerful than Cultures, Markets, AND Governments
📰 A Lynching Memorial Is Opening. The Country Has Never Seen Anything Like It.
📖 "The World We Have: A Buddhist Approach to Peace and Ecology" by Thich Nhat Hanh
Memorable Quotes:
"If we can figure out how to be embodied and know what our bodies are telling us we can find out way back to each other." – Kaira Jewel Lingo
"Part of why we don't protect what we have is because we're not really alive to it–we don't really see the beauty of our world." – Kaira Jewel Lingo
"You can only really have equanimity if you really care." – Kaira Jewel Lingo
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MetaSangha Matters w/ Charlie Awberry, Jared Janes, & David Chapman
In the 2nd part of our conversation with the Evolving Ground crew, we talk about the importance of comparing and contrasting what we're up to in our respective Sanghas. We explore some of the obvious overlaps between Evolving Ground and Buddhist Geeks, in terms of our mutual commitment to meta-systematicity, bringing up the tantalizing question of why MetaSangha–a Sangha of Sanghas–matters today.
Episode Links:
📄 The Cofounders by David Chapman
📄 Meta-Sanghas by Vince Horn
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Evolving Ground w/ Charlie Awberry, Jared Janes, & David Chapman
In 2020 Charlie Awberry & Jared Janes came together to start a new kind of Vajrayana Sangha, called Evolving Ground. In this conversation, Vince Horn, was joined by both Charlie & Jared, as well as by Charlie's partner David Chapman–who has been becoming more involved in the project as of late–to explore what they've been up to this past year. In addition, they discuss some of the similarities between what is happening in Buddhist Geeks and with Evolving Ground, both of which are communities that are striving to approach things from a meta-systematic point of view.
Episode Links:
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Dharma Lineages in the 21st Century w/ James Landoli & Daniel Ingram
In this episode of Buddhist Geeks, we're re-sharing a conversation that happened on the Meta-Perspective show, hosted by James Landoli, in which James invited Vince F Horn and Daniel Ingram into a far-ranging dialogue, exploring some of the meta-perspectives and real human complexity that goes along with discussing dharma lineage in the 21st century.
Episode Links:
🔗 The Emergent Phenomenology Research Consortium
🎧 Shinzen Young on Remembering William (Bill) Hamilton
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The Best & Worst Students in the History of the World, with Kenneth Folk
In this dharma talk–taken from a Pragmatic Dharma Retreat–Kenneth Folk speaks about Bahiya, the best student in the history of the world, and about the worst student in the history of the world, none other than the Buddha himself.
At the end, Kenneth leads this 4-part practice:
1) Inventory - Ask yourself: is there any unpleasant tension in the body? "Yes, there's tension in my neck, forehead, arm pits, mid-back, right hip, etc."
2) Release tension consciously
3) Surrender fully to the experience
4) Releasing & surrendering are last ditch efforts to control. Things are as they are, "in the sensed is only the sensed."
Episode Links:
Memorable Quotes:
"Mara doesn't get to have an opinion about that." – Kenneth Folk
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The 2nd Great Iteration of Buddhism, with Vince F Horn
In this dharma teaching, given to a cohort of teachers-in-training, Vince F. Horn gives a broad strokes introduction to the 2nd Great Turning, or Iteration, of Buddhism, known as Mahayana Buddhism. Vince speaks about the 2nd Iteration's emphasis on emptiness (sunyata), the understanding of emptiness as interdependence, and the two equal wings of liberation: emptiness & compassion. Finally, he explores the primary ideal of the Mahayana tradition, the Bodhisattva.
Episode Links:
📄 Three Turnings of the Wheel of Dharma
📄 Mūlamadhyamakakārikā (Root Verses on the Middle Way)
🔗 The 10 Fetters in Early Buddhism
Memorable Quotes:
"Compassion is the movement of emptiness." - Joseph Goldstein
"The alarming fact is that any realization of depth carries a terrible burden: those who are allowed to see are simultaneously saddled with the obligation to communicate that vision in no uncertain terms: that is the bargain. You were allowed to see the truth under the agreement that you would communicate it to others (that is the ultimate meaning of the bodhisattva vow). And therefore, if you have seen, you simply must speak out. Speak out with compassion, or speak out with angry wisdom, or speak out with skillful means, but speak out you must." – Ken Wilber
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One by One as They Occurred, with Kenneth Folk
In this dharma teaching / guided meditation–given during a Pragmatic Dharma Retreat in 2018–Kenneth Folk re-enacts the Anupada Sutta, an early Buddhist text in which the Buddha recounts a tale of Sāriputta moving through each of the 8 jhanas (meditative absorptions), completing the series with the attainment of nibanna. May you awaken while contemplating these instructions!
Episode Links:
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Dharmas & DAOs, with Kevin Owocki
Kevin Owocki, founder of GitCoin–a decentralized platform & organization focused on building and funding the open web–joins Vince Horn co-founder of Buddhist Geeks, to explore the potential of bringing together the world of Dharma and the world of DAOs (Decentralized Autonomous Organizations).
Episode Links:
🔗 GitCoin
📄 Decentralized autonomous organization
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The Gradual and Sudden Tracks, with Vince F Horn
In this pragmatic dharma retreat talk Vince Fakhoury Horn explores Meditation Track A–the gradual track–and Meditation Track B–the sudden track.
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How to Find your People in an Unjust World, with Kate Johnson
In this conversation, Vince Fakhoury Horn is joined by Buddhist meditation teacher Kate Johnson, author of Radical Friendship, a newly released book which found its roots in a talk that Kate gave in 2013 at an in-person Buddhist Geeks Conference, entitled Waking Up to Power & Privilege in Our Communities. Vince & Kate speak about a variety of topics related to practicing dharma and living together in an unjust world.
Episode Links:
📖 Radical Friendship: Seven Ways to Love Yourself and Find Your People in an Unjust World by Kate Johnson
🎙The Dharma of Difference, with Kate Johnson
📺 Waking Up to Power & Privilege in Our Communities, with Kate Johnson
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Jhanas and Ñanas, with Kenneth Folk
In this talk, recorded during a Pragmatic Dharma Retreat, Kenneth Folk lays out a meta-system for understanding the different understandings of deep Jhana or meditative absorption and their relationship to the Theravada Buddhist system, the progress of insight knowledges (aka Ñanas).
memorable links:
💬 "So we could call this olympic level, nut job jhana." – Kenneth Folk
💬 "The insight knowledges are jhanic states." – Kenneth Folk
episode links:
🎙 Meditating in the Goldilocks Zone, with Vince F. Horn
📄 The Progress of Insight by The Venerable Mahasi Sayadaw
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A Guided Tour of the Four Jhanas, with Kenneth Folk
In this special guided meditation, recorded during a Pragmatic Dharma Retreat, Kenneth Folk does a masterful job of pointing out the four progressive stages of meditative absorption, colloquially known as jhana. For best results, we suggest finding a place to listen to this episode, where you can remain undistracted.
episode links:
memorable quotes:
"Like a skilled wine taster, one day you will learn to recognize these flavors." – Kenneth Folk
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Meditating in The Goldilocks Zone, with Vince Horn
In this dharma talk, Vince Fakhoury Horn talks about the Goldilocks Principle as it's applied to meditation. He illustrates this Goldilocks Zone–just the right amount–by talking about a spectrum between Concentration and Investigation. How do find the middle way, i.e. the Goldilocks Zone, in our own practice?
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Falling in Love With What Is, with Noliwe Alexander
Teaching by Noliwe Alexander, given during a Mindfulness Retreat Online.
This Open Source Dharma content is offered using a Creative Commons by attribution 4.0 license.
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Evolving Dharma, with Tasshin Fogleman & Vince Fakhoury Horn
In this episode of the Buddhist Geeks Podcast Vince Horn is interviewed by Tasshin Foggleman. The episode originally appeared on Tasshin's Reach Truth Podcast, and is now airing here on Buddhist Geeks.
During the interview Tasshin asks Vince to share about the evolution of the Buddhist Geeks organization, including an in-depth exploration of Transparent Generosity, Holacracy, & Open Source Dharma–three of the elements of the Buddhist Geeks organization that make it particularly unique. This conversation is framed in terms of the evolution of dharma, looking at how dharma evolves not just through updates to the language of its teachings and practices, but also through the very structure in which those things are packaged.
Episode Links:
🎙 Liberating the Soul of Organization
🎙 Organizational Enlightenment
📖 Education in a Time Between Worlds, by Zak Stein
📖 Integral Spirituality, by Ken Wilber
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A Compassionate Conversation, with Gabriel Menegale Wilson
In this episode Vince Fakhoury Horn is joined by Gabriel Menegale Wison, one of the authors of the recently released book, “Compassionate Conversations: How to Speak and Listen from the Heart.” In this dialogue, we explore Gabriel’s background as an Integral Zen practitioner & Facilitator, looking specifically at how he brings the art of conversation into difficult areas of relationship. Our conversation centers particularly around how to have difficult conversations related to racial identity.
Memorable Quotes
“I want to engage in the exploration of more radical identities that can cohere us cooperatively so that we can forge worlds together.” - Gabriel Wilson
“I think there is a lot of beauty to the creative frictions between our different identities and I think if you want to work with them, they will literally produce more dynamic identities that can include those differences.” - Gabriel Wilson
Episode Links
📖 “Compassionate Conversations: How to Speak and Listen from the Heart” by Diane Musho Hamilton, Gabriel Menegale Wilson, and Kimberly Loh
🎧 Everything the Same, Everything Different, with Diane Musho Hamilton
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Love & Rage, with Lama Rod Owens
In this episode Vince Fakhoury Horn is joined in dialogue with Lama Rod Owens, author of the newly released book, Love and Rage: The Path of Liberation.
Memorable Quotes
“To begin with this is not a mindfulness book on how to bypass anger and focus on happiness. Nor is this a book about using any other spiritual path to transform the nature of anger into something more profound or transcendent. This book is about facing our anger and welcoming it as a teacher and friend so it can help us to benefit ourselves and others.” – Lama Rod Owens
Episode Links
📖 Love and Rage: The Path of Liberation by Lama Rod Owens
📖 Black and Buddhist - Lama Rod Owens (contributing author)
🔗 Dr. Joy Degrew’s theory on Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome
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Brightmind 🤝 Better World, with Toby Sola
In this episode Vince Fakhoury Horn is joined in dialogue with CEO and Head Teacher at the popular meditation app Brightmind, Toby Sola.
Memorable Quotes
"The broader mission of Brightmind is to help you establish positive feedback between your meditative practice and your ability to make the world a better place." - Toby Sola
Episode Links
🔗 Tom Brown Jr.’s Tracker School
📖 Sacred Economics by Charles Eisenstein
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The Fascism this Time, with Theo Horesh
In this timely episode–released just weeks before the 2020 US Election–host Vince Fakhoury Horn is joined by human rights advocate, public intellectual, and old friend Theo Horesh. Theo is a long-time meditator, was one of the earliest guests on Buddhist Geeks, and is author of several books, including the one that serves as the basis for this conversation: “The Fascism this Time : And the Global Future of Democracy.” During this conversation Vince & Theo explore what Fascism is–both historically & philosophically–how nihilism and despair are playing out in global society right now (especially in America), the many dimensions of human identity that are at play for us all, and the way that our current “split-level development” involves both a profound regression, as well as the potential for transcendence in service of the public good.
Memorable Quotes
“Marx once noted that all great historical events repeat themselves, the first time as tragedy, and the second as farce. And what we’re seeing now is a farce, but we should take it seriously, because it’s the same nihilistic drives that lie behind it.” - Theo Horesh
“Fascism is going to end in destruction for a couple of key reasons. One is it’s driven by nihilism. The second thing is that what sustains it, is its insulation from reality. So, it’s not just going to be irrational in its approach to things, it’s going to be completely divorced from reality, and as time goes on it’ll be more and more divorced.” - Theo Horesh
Episode Links
📖 The Fascism this Time : And the Global Future of Democracy
📖 Convergence: The Globalization of Mind
🎙 Convergence (Theo Horesh’s Talk from the 2014 Buddhist Geeks Conference)
📃 The revenge of the 'Oxy electorate' helped fuel Trump's election upset
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The Reality of Materiality, with Greg Thomas
In this episode Vince Fakhoury Horn is joined in dialogue with journalist, educator, & scholar Greg Thomas to meditate together on race. Greg’s work is informed by Integral Theory, the philosophies of Albert Murray and Ralph Ellison, and draws upon the rich history of the African American experience and Jazz. In this dialogue, Greg shares his reflections on race, from an integral perspective, exploring the potential for liberation–especially from racial ignorance & animus–on personal, cultural, & institutional levels.
Memorable Quotes
“Race is just one more tool of the ego to separate and to create structures–whether it’s subjective, inter-subjective or objective structures–to separate, divide and categorize.” - Greg Thomas
“There is a truth to the fact that we all are one, and that we share in the ineffability of the source, of the fullness of emptiness. And all these things that signify–because we’re using human language–that our origins, our source, from and through which all things come and flow, and towards which we’re moving. But in-between time, on this human level, in this particular incarnation we have to deal with the reality of materiality, of the material plane that we’re on. That materiality itself, is going to bring suffering. Duality will do that. Non-duality is Oneness. We have to navigate skillfully, using skillful means. And that’s where we get to Wisdom. Wisdom allows us to be able to play with these dualities. ... [Wisdom] takes into consideration I, We, & It, it takes into consideration the dual & the non-dual, it takes into consideration the reality of the oneness and the particularity of the many.” - Greg Thomas
“They have planted and we ate. We plant and others will eat.” - Siddho Ahmad Fakhoury, Vince’s Great-Grandfather on planting olive trees
Episode Notes:
👤 Greg Thomas’s Online Portfolio
📖 “My Grandmother’s Hands” by Resmaa Menakem
📖 “Turning the Wheel: Essays on Buddhism and Writing” by Charles Johnson
📖 “Mindful of Race” by Ruth King
📃 Jazz vs. Racism by Greg Thomas
📖 “The Ethics of Identity” by Kwame Anthony Appiah
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Deconstructing Decentralised Organizing, with Richard D. Bartlett
In this episode, Vince Fakhoury Horn is joined in conversation with Richard D. Bartlett. Rich is the author of Patterns for Decentralised Organising and a contributing author for Better Work Together. He is a co-founder of Loomio and The Hum. He is a Director and longstanding member of Enspiral. In finding where convergence resides among them, Vince and Rich explore many interesting topics including Decentralised Organising, Microsolidarity, Fractal Narcissism, and the Occupy Movement.
Memorable Quotes
“In a time of massive disruption, where the stakes are really high and everyone has skin in the game, who is saying stuff that feels sensible? That feels like it’s giving me guidance?” - Richard D. Bartlett
“The world is great when there is a huge variety of different ways of being and they form some complex, uncontrollable network. That we’re all enmeshed together and we’re all playing different parts…” - Richard D. Bartlett
Episode Links
👤 Richard D. Bartlett, aka Rich Decibels
📖 Patterns for Decentralised Organising
🔗 Enspiral
🔗 Loomio
🔗 The Hum
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Meditating on Race, with Emily Horn
In this episode, Vince Fakhoury Horn is joined by long-time partner, and Teaching Lead of Buddhist Geeks, Emily Horn, to meditate together on race. They discuss the unique opportunity for transformation presenting itself to white people, and share some of their personal stories regarding racial conditioning, and how/why this largely invisible conditioning makes this conversation on difference so difficult to engage in.
Memorable Quotes
“I know that trust is earned, I can’t just put up a sticker on my wall and call it safe, no matter how much I’m dedicated to diversity & inclusion.” - Emily Horn
“As an individual my experience didn’t just come from nowhere. It’s actually part of this heritage, this 4.5 billion year heritage, that goes back to the Big Bang.” - Vince Fakhoury Horn
Episode Links
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Regenerating Both Culture & Land, with Jason Snyder
In this episode, Vince Horn is joined in conversation with Jason Snyder, PhD. Co-host of the Both/And Podcast and an adjunct lecturer at ASU’s Department of Sustainable Development, Jason joins Vince in a sit-down conversation, where they discuss the topics of memetic mediation, metamodernism, integral theory, responding to the meta-crisis, sensemaking and more.
Memorable Quotes:
"We are all complicit in history whether we like it or not. Both the good parts and the bad parts. I think that speaks to the notion of interconnectedness." – Jason Snyder
"How do we respond to the meta-crisis? We have to create this new kind of collective intelligence that as humans we can accurately respond to the serious transition we’re in." – Jason Snyder
Episode Links:
🎙 Both/And: Decoding Ourselves with Vince Horn
📃 On Memetic Mediation & Perspectival Pidginism
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Mainstreaming Knowledge of the Stages of Insight, with Daniel M. Ingram
In this episode we’re joined again by meditator & medical doctor Daniel M. Ingram, to discuss his current efforts at helping mainstream knowledge of the common patterns of experience that unfold during contemplative practice–commonly referred to as “the stages of insight” in the early Buddhist tradition–so that this knowledge can become integrated into our modern medical systems.
Episode Links:
📃 What is Exploding Head Syndrome?
📃 The Varieties of Religious Experience
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You've Got to Remember that God is an Idiot, with Vinay Gupta
From practicing hindu tantra with a guru he met at a new age bookstore in Chicago, to building open source hexayurts on the playa of burning man, to helping launch the second biggest crypto-network, Vinay Gupta is a man on a mission. Bringing a Vaderesque approach to spiritual, social, cultural, & engineering topics, Vinay offers an ultra-compelling apocoloptimistic vision of the future. -Vince Fakhoury Horn
Memorable Quotes:
"Social problems can be fixed with social change, and engineering problems have to be fixed with better technology. And most of what's wrong with capitalism is engineering limits not social limits, and we get very confused about this." - Vinay Gupta
Episode Links:
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An Open Source Economy of Abundance, with Marcin Jakubowski
The founder of Open Source Ecology, Marcin Jakubowski, shares his journey of going from being a PhD student in Fusion Physics to meditating daily & building the modular groundwork for an open source economy of abundance.
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Everything the Same, Everything Different, with Diane Musho Hamilton
In this episode, Vince Horn is joined in dialogue, once again, by Diane Musho Hamilton–Zen teacher, professional meditator, and Integral facilitator. The conversation begins with Vince's reflections on an Integral Facilitator Training that he attended with Diane, where a bulk of the training centered around facilitating small group conversations around issues related to differences of identity. After discussing a number of topics that are often taken up in the Social Justice movement, and an Integral perspective on these topics, the conversation turned toward the role of the Teacher, and on transmission, hierarchy, embodiment, feedback, and projection.
Memorable Quotes:
“I found that rather than trying to teach stage models to groups, that I like to invoke them into models.” - Diane Musho Hamilton
“We don’t challenge basketball coaches the way we challenge spiritual teachers.” - Diane Musho Hamilton
“Every moment of adulation is followed by a great disappointment.” - Diane Musho Hamilton
Episode Links:
🔗 Ten Directions, Integral Facilitator Training
📄 Everything the Same, Everything Different by Diane Hamilton
📺 Saturday Night Live: Dinner Discussion
📺 Future Thinkers Interviews with Ken Wilber
📖 Compassionate Conversations by Diane Musho Hamilton, Gabriel Wilson, & Kimberly Loh
📺 The Role and Importance of the Teacher by Ken McLeod
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Eco-Meta-Dharma, with David Loy
In this episode, Vince Horn is joined in conversation by long-time mentor and friend, David Loy, to explore his latest on, "EcoDharma: Buddhist Teachings for the Ecological Crisis." Their discussion centers around how this EcoDharma work relates to our current exploration of Metadharma, which we describe as any approach to dharma practice that intentionally seeks to respond to the overlapping crises that humanity now faces.
Quotes:
"The real problem of humanity is the following: we have paleolithic emotions; medieval institutions; and god-like technology." - E.O. Wilson
"I see social evolution as a continuation of biological evolution." - David Loy
"The Ecological Crisis is Earth’s way of telling us, 'Grow up or get out of the way.'" - David Loy
Links:
📖 EcoDharma: Buddhist Teachings for the Ecological Crisis by David Loy
🎧 The Meta-Crisis Is a Human Development Crisis, Daniel Thorson & Zak Stein
📄 How to Be an Ecosattva by David Loy
📄 Differentiation of the Cultural Value Spheres by Ken Wilber
📖 Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari
📖 The Structure of World History by Karatani Kojin
📺 Jeremy Rifkin on the Fall of Capitalism and the Internet of Things
📖 Syntheism: Creating God in the Internet Age by Alexander Bard & Jan Söderqvist
📺 Civilization starter kit by Marcin Jakubowski
🔗 Rocky Mountain Ecodharma Retreat Center
📖 Blessed Unrest by Paul Hawken
🔗 Extinction Rebellion Buddhists
🔗 350.org
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A Meditation Coalition, with JoAnna Hardy
In this episode, Emily Horn speaks with Insight meditation teacher and co-founder of the newly established Meditation Coalition of Los Angeles, JoAnna Hardy. In their conversation, they explore the origins, values, & current activities of this new experiment in community.
Here at Buddhist Geeks we see the Meditation Coalition as part of larger emerging trend of decentralizing dharma communities. Check out our episode on the SF Dharma Collective to hear another example of a sangha that is seeking to decentralize traditional power structures.
Quotes:
“What is this Dharma?” - Emily Horn
“Everybody we come into contact with, if we’re awake enough and really paying attention, whether we agree with them or not, we’re going to learn something from them.” - JoAnna Hardy
Links:
🔗 Spirit Rock Meditation Center
📄 Against the Stream Closes Doors as Investigation Finds Misconduct by Founder Noah Levine
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Six Ways to Meditate, with Vincent Horn
What practice(s) should I do? When should I switch-up my practice? How do I practice well, with so many choices available? Recorded during a week-long Buddhist Geeks Retreat, Vince Horn addresses these super-common questions by introducing Six Ways to Meditate. The purpose of this meditative meta-model is to give freelance meditators and DIY practitioners a way to orient to the vast diversity of techniques available in the Buddhist wisdom tradition.
Memorable Quotes:
"The untrained mind has a hard time gathering and collecting its full potential in one place.” - @VincentHorn
"If we can see what the elements of meditation are, then perhaps we can recombine those elements in new ways." - @VincentHorn
Episode Links:
📄 The Feedback Loop of Concentration
📄 On Selecting a Meditation Object
📖 Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind by Shunryu Suzuki
🎧 Trauma and the Unbound Body with Judith Blackstone
📄Malidoma Patrice Somé teaches the earth burial practice
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Yum, Yum, Yum with Ram Dass
In this episode originally recorded in 2018 at the "Waking Up with Psychedelics" event in Los Angeles, Trudy Goodman spoke with one of the pioneers of Western spirituality and psychedelics, Ram Dass. We're sharing this now to honor the recent passing of Baba Ram Dass, and appreciate his tremendous impact on popular, spiritual, & psychedelic culture.
We hope you enjoy this love bomb! ❤️💣
Episode links:
🎧 Existential Medicine, A recording of Part 1 of the same Waking Up with Psychedelics Event
📄 The New Wave of Psychedelics in Buddhist Practice by Matteo Pistono
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Toward a Fourth Turning, Pt. 2, with Ken Wilber
In this latest addition to the Metadharma series, Ryan Oelke is joined by philosopher Ken Wilber to explore what a fourth turning of Buddhism looks like, what it includes, and why it’s needed.
"The new Buddha is not going to be the Sangha, but the unification of the Buddha, Sangha, and Dharma in a single ongoing nondual Awareness and Awakening.” - Ken Wilber
In Part 1, Ken discusses the evolution of Buddhism through the three turnings, what each turning included and was missing, and what each subsequent turning provided. In a fourth turning, Ken speaks to the need of two main additions to the practice of Buddhism: growing up and cleaning up (waking up already being long present in the Buddhist tradition).
In Part 2, Ken responds to how a fourth turning of Buddhism can more effectively respond to the meta-crises of the world and how practice can evolve as a response to the complexity and challenges of the world.
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Toward a Fourth Turning, Pt. 1, with Ken Wilber
In this latest addition to the Metadharma series, Ryan Oelke is joined by philosopher Ken Wilber to explore what a fourth turning of Buddhism looks like, what it includes, and why it’s needed.
"The new Buddha is not going to be the Sangha, but the unification of the Buddha, Sangha, and Dharma in a single ongoing nondual Awareness and Awakening.” - Ken Wilber
In Part 1, Ken discusses the evolution of Buddhism through the three turnings, what each turning included and was missing, and what each subsequent turning provided. In a fourth turning, Ken speaks to the need of two main additions to the practice of Buddhism: growing up and cleaning up (waking up already being long present in the Buddhist tradition).
In Part 2, Ken responds to how a fourth turning of Buddhism can more effectively respond to the meta-crises of the world and how practice can evolve as a response to the complexity and challenges of the world.
Episode Links
📖 The Religion of Tomorrow by Ken Wilber
🔗 The Three Turnings of Buddhism
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Why Metadharma?, Pt. 1, with Michael W. Taft
In this latest addition to the Metadharma series, Vince Horn is joined by Michael W. Taft to explore the (meta)reasoning around Metadharma. Why do we need another Dharma? What does Metadharma respond to that Modern and Postmodern forms of Dharma haven’t? What do we need to jettison in order for a genuine Metadharma to emerge? And how does Metadharma relate to the very real social crises we face, including the ecological emergency, runaway capitalism, an over-dependence on rationality, growing racial resentments, and systems of oppression?
This is part 1 of a 2-part podcast series. Continue listening to the 2nd half of this discussion on Michael’s podcast Deconstructing Yourself: 🎧 Why Metadharma?, Part 2, with Vincent Horn
Episode Links:
🎧 Why Metadharma?, Part 2, with Vincent Horn
📅 Metadharma Daylong Retreat in San Francisco on 8/24/19 w/ Michael Taft & Vincent Horn
🔗 San Francisco Dharma Collective
🎧 Kosmic Consciousness by Ken Wilber
🎧 Bonnitta Roy - Six Ways to Go Meta
📖 "The Science of Enlightenment” by Shinzen Young
📄 The Crumbling Buddhist Consensus: Overview by David Chapman
📖 “American Dharma” by Ann Gleig
🎧 Sameness and Difference in American Dharma
🔗 Death Sangha with Michael Taft
📺 What Are the Four Quadrants? by Ken Wilber
📖 “Syntheism: Creating God in the Internet Age” by Alexander Bard & Jan Soderqvist
📖 "The Mindful Geek: Mindfulness Meditation for Secular Skeptics” by Michael Taft
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The Dharma of Collapse, with Daniel Thorson
"Climate change", as a term, no longer captures the real danger that climate scientists say that we as a species, along with our fellow creatures, face today. Already the impacts of climate change have turned into a genuine ecological crisis. A growing group of people are asking out loud, if the recent string of dire government-backed climate reports are too conservative to accurately describe the real dangers ahead of us. What if, in fact, we are on the fast track toward both an ecological & civilizational collapse, and it's already too late? What would it mean to practice dharma in "the spectre of collapse?"
Vince Horn is joined in this episode by a former team member of Buddhist Geeks, current monastic resident at the Monastic Academy, and host of the Emerge podcast, Daniel Thorson to discuss the dharma of collapse.
Memorable Quotes:
“It’s collapsing into certainty, in any case, that’s the real danger here, because then we foreclose on all kinds of possibilities and opportunities that we won’t see because we think we know what’s going on.” - Daniel Thorson
“If it’s true, everything needs to change. And if we can be uncertain about it then we can play with how things might change, in order so that it doesn’t have the worst impacts we fear it might.” - Daniel Thorson
“I wonder to what degree the spectre of collapse will be a kind of strange attractor that will pull people out of this deconstructive habit, into realizing that we need to make something that works, for the sake of our lives, for our children’s lives, for the sake of life on earth.” - Daniel Thorson
“The world is ending, but at least I can breathe through it.” - Vince Horn
“There are a lot of people and communities who are trying to retreat instead of retrieve.” - Vince Horn
Episodes Links:
🎙 Emerge: Making Sense of What’s Next
📖 "Mastering the Core Teachings of the Buddha" by Daniel Ingram
📖 "American Dharma" by Ann Gleig
🎧 Hanzi Freinacht - Towards a Metamodern Politics
📖 “The Listening Society” by Hanzi Freinacht
🎧 Dr. Jem Bendell - The Meaning and Joy of Inevitable Social Collapse
📄 Deep Adaptation: A Map for Navigating Climate Tragedy by Jem Bendell
🔗 IPCC Fifth Assessment Report
🎧 Max Borders - The Coming Social Singularity
🎧 Zak Stein - A Metaphysics of Love for a Time Between Worlds
📖 “Education in a Time Between Worlds” by Zachary Stein
📄 From Western Marxism to Western Buddhism by Slavoj Žižek
🎧 Buddhism Unbundled by Vince Horn
📖 “Metamodern Leadership” by James Surwillo
🎧 Bonnitta Roy - A Source Code Analysis of Power
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Sameness & Difference in American Dharma, with Ann Gleig
In this deep dive into the emerging territory of American Dharma, scholar-practitioner Ann Gleig joins with Buddhist Geeks host Vince Horn to explore a plurality of perspectives, some overlooked and marginalized, some debated for millennia. Over 2 hours of deep dialogical podcasting, Ann & Vince explore the larger territory of postmodernism in relation to American Dharma from multiple philosophical vantages, including the ‘post secular’, the ‘postcolonial’, and also in this conversation the ‘metamodern.’
Favorite Quotes:
"It can be challenging to mediate closeness with critique.” - Ann Gleig
“Form is Emptiness, Emptiness is Evolving.” - David Loy
“In a way there’s no way around it, you kind of have to do the hard confrontational work of practice.” - Ann Gleig
Episode Links:
📖 "American Dharma: Buddhism Beyond Modernity" by Ann Gleig
🎙 Metadharma: Set & Setting by Vince Horn
📄 Enlightenments Beyond the Enlightenment by David Chapman
📺 From Buddhist Hippies to Buddhist Geeks by Ann Gleig
📖 "Immunity to Change" by Robert Kegan
📄 "The Fourth Turning" by Ken Wilber
📄 "The Way of Tenderness" by Zenju Earthlyn Manuel
📄 Spiritual Bypassing: An Interview with John Welwood
📖 "Nonduality: In Buddhism and Beyond” by David Loy
📖 “Tripping with Allah” by Michael Muhammad Knight
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Metadharma: Set & Setting, with Vince Horn
In this episode Vince Horn kicks-off a new series on Buddhist Geeks on "Metadharma." Sharing his journey from working with integral philosopher Ken Wilber in the early aughts, to deconstructing grand metanarratives with inquiry meditation and developmental psychology, to returning back to a metaphilosophical orientation in recent years.
This series, on Metadharma, will explore the ways that the three jewels of the Buddhist contemplative tradition, the Buddha, Dharma, & Sangha, may be understood in light of the emergence of a Integral/Metamodern orientation.
Memorable Quotes:
"It's totally within the history of this Buddhist dharma tradition to transcend Buddhist dharma, to go meta on it." - Vince Horn
"Yet, we do we need to adapt, we do need to change, we can't just pull something out from the past and assume that we can make Buddhism great again." - Vince Horn
"What can happen if we make ourselves the middle way? What bridge might we become? And what does the world need from us right now?" - Vince Horn
Episode Links:
📖 "Immunity to Change" by Robert Kegan
📖 "The Postmodern Condition" by Jean-Francois Lyotard
📖 "American Dharma" by Ann Gleig
📄 The mindfulness crisis and the end of Consensus Buddhism by David Chapman
📖 "The Birth of Insight" by Erik Braun
📺 The Sixth Extinction by Elizabeth Kolbert
🔗 Three Turnings of the Wheel of Dharma
🎧 The Dharma of Collapse with Daniel Thorson
🔗 Metamodernist Manifesto by Luke Turner
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The SF Dharma Collective, with Kathryn "Kati" Devaney
In this episode, Vince Horn is joined by Kathryn "Kati" Devaney, one of the founders of the newly formed student-led sangha, SF Dharma Collective. In addition to being practitioner, and community organizer, Kati is also a neuroscience researcher who has specialized on studying human visual attention. In this discussion Kati describes the origin story of the SF Dharma Collective and talks about what makes it an entirely new kind of sangha-experiment.
A short note from Vince: After visiting the SF Dharma Collective in October 2018, where I met Kati, and offering a short teaching in their beautiful space in the Mission District, I knew it'd be fun to explore this new community-led model. It feels like an emergent form of community, and I love how their groping with questions about how to self-organize, and create healthier forms of community. I hope you enjoy learning more about this nascent project!
A note from the members of the collective: The SF Dharma Collective seeks to build a student-led sangha with you! If you’re in San Francisco come by for a morning silent sit, an evening guided sit and Q&A (almost every night at 7:30pm) or for sutra study on Sunday evenings. We are an all-volunteer student collective, and you can volunteer with us - host a sit, propose an event, or sit in on a Monday meeting. If you’re not in SF, you can livestream Michael Taft’s Thursday night sits on his youtube channel, and follow along for more on our twitter, facebook and instagram pages. We seek to make the dharma accessible to everyone, regardless of background, financial status, or prior experience. Come sit with us.
Episode Links:
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Trauma and the Unbound Body, with Judith Blackstone
In this episode Ryan Oelke speaks with Judith Blackstone, a teacher in the contemporary fields of nondual realization and spiritual, relational, and somatic psychotherapy, about her new book, “Trauma and the Unbound Body: The Healing Power of Fundamental Consciousness”. They chat about the connection between embodiment, nondual realization, and healing, and how all three help deepen one other.
Ryan & Judith also discuss what fundamental consciousness is, how to attune to it in, the difference between being aware of our bodies and living in and as our bodies, and what it’s like shift from a top-down experience of ourselves, to living directly within the space of our bodies. They also explore how to heal and release patterns of constriction held in the body, so that we can allow ourselves to more deeply inhabit our physical experience, release the grip on ourselves, so that we have a more fluid experience of life.
Memorable Quotes
“The more we let go of the protective constrictions throughout our body, the more we open to and realize ourselves as the disentangled ground of fundamental consciousness.” - Judith Blackstone
“Interdependence does not eradicate individuation, individuation does not eradicate interdependence.” - Judith Blackstone
Episode Links
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The Limits of Retreat Culture, with Oren Jay Sofer
I had the great delight of speaking with Oren Jay Sofer, just as he was fresh off a month-long silent retreat. The timing couldn't be better, as the bulk of what we discussed relates to silent retreat culture, both its strengths and limitations.
We ended up discussing communication and social practice quite a bit as well, including touching on some of the practices that he teaches in his new book, "Say What you Mean: A Mindful Approach to Nonviolent Communication." I've known Oren now for a several years, through my wife Emily, and my respect for him as a teacher and human being continues to grow. I hope you enjoy our conversation on the limits of retreat culture.
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Psychedelics, Technology, and the Future of Meditation, with Michael Taft, Mikey Siegel, & Vince Horn
What is the future of consciousness hacking? Organic molecules, blinky machines, good old fashioned meditation, or some combination of them all?
In this episode, recorded live in San Francisco on October 24th 2018, Michael Taft of Deconstructing Yourself, Vincent Horn of Buddhist Geeks, and host Mikey Siegel of Consciousness Hacking discuss the possibilities, the challenges, and the many ways forward in the transformation of human consciousness.
Audience dialogue and questions took center stage in this event, so you'll hear plenty of back-and-forth between the presenters and the audience on psychedelics, technology, and the future of meditation.
Watch the full video version here: https://youtu.be/4oE6UxGmQog
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No Gods Before Love, with David Gold
In this episode I'm joined in dialogue by David Gold to explore the path of Love. David shares the story of meeting his beloved, Juli Reeves, and how their meeting kicked off a process of being disrupted by Love. Listen in as we inquiry into Love, Life, Trust, Emergence, & Evolution.
This is part 2 of a two-part series.
Memorable Quotes:
“Whatever stands in the way of me loving her more, may it be removed.” - David Gold
“I will not have another God before Love. I don’t know what Gods will appear in Love, or reappear through Love, but I am not going to sacrifice Love.” - David Gold
“You can’t force yourself to trust life, but you can embrace life.” - David Gold
“The truth of life’s trustworthiness is revealing itself.” - David Gold
"If samsaric logic is 'if this than that' nirvanic logic is 'just this'." - Vincent Horn
“The practices arise from primordial wisdom rather than leading to it.” - Vincent Horn
"The vipassana master whose just sitting there noticing what is, is also loving what is." - Vincent Horn
Episode Links:
- 🔗 Love Disruptors (David & Juli's Site)
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Falling in Love with the Truth, with David Gold
During this episode I'm joined by an old friend and mentor, David Gold, to discuss, as he puts it, his "evolution from a non-teacher to a non-teacher." We talk about our shared history, going back to my time as college student at NC State, where he was a facilitator of the Self-Knowledge Symposium. He also shares his history with American mystic, Richard Rose, and with the fallen guru, Andrew Cohen. He shares the learnings that were borne out of working with those teachers, and the way that his path has opened into "a love unimaginable."
This is part 1 of a 2-part series.
Memorable Quotes:
“I decided I was going to stick around until I figured out how this man [Richard Rose] did what he did, and I was going to learn his tricks and go take it out into the world and make a lot of money with it, or whatever. Instead, I feel in love with the truth.” - David Gold
“The radical equality of unimaginable love is so intrinsic, so natural, and so liberating.” - David Gold
“When the truth and you and your deepest desires line up to be one thing that’s pretty much as close to heaven-on-earth as I could possibly imagine.” - David Gold
Episode Links:
- 🔗 Love Disruptors (David’s Teaching Site)
- 🔗 Richard Rose
- 📖 “After the Absolute” by David Gold
- 🔗 Andrew Cohen
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The Present, Past, & Future of Mindfulness, with Rohan Gunatillake
In this episode I'm joined by my old friend and colleague, Rohan Gunatillake. Rohan is the founder of Mindfulness Everywhere, a creative studio combining meditation, technology, & design. Mindfulness Everywhere is perhaps best known for it's popular meditation app buddhify, and for it's innovative-indie approach to developing digital mindfulness products.
In this conversation we talk about the importance of making mindfulness accessible, about the discontinuous changes that have happened to mindfulness as it enters a capitalist-based system, two different ways to scale mindfulness, Rohan's Designing Mindfulness manifesto, buddhify's new social meditation feature Transmission, and "the missing middle" of mindfulness between the for- and non-profit sectors.
Memorable Quotes:
“Meditation, mindfulness, Buddhism has always changed. It’s a history of innovation, from the Buddha’s awakening onward.” - Rohan Gunatillake
“Mindfulness & meditation has become a content business, as opposed to a wisdom business.” - Rohan Gunatillake
Episode Links:
- 🔗Mindfulness Everywhere
- 📱buddhify
- 📖"Modern Mindfulness" by Rohan Gunatillake
- 🔗The Blogisattva Awards
- 🔗Designing Mindfulness
- 📱Headspace
- 🔗Center for Humane Technology
- 📰Why Transmission Matters
- 🔗Become a Buddhify Member
- 📰The First Alexa Board Game is Both Fun and Terrifying
- 🔗Siempo: Use your phone, not the other way around
- 📰Google and the Rise of ‘Digital Well-Being’
- 📰The Second Generation of Mindfulness
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The Dharma of Networks, with Christopher Vitale
I discovered Christoper Vitale's writing after doing a google search on the "philosophy of networks." At the time I had recently started doing the Buddhist Geeks podcast again and had formulated a new tagline for the project: Dharma in the Age of the Network. I wanted to dive deeper into what networks are, not in a specific sense (of say a "computer network"), but in more general & philosophical terms.
What I discovered in Chris' writing was a clear philosophy of networks, and a generalized way to under what is common among all networks. I was also somewhat shocked to find that he had studied Buddhist philosophy in Nepal and had several articles on his personal site about dharma & networks!
In this episode, which was originally a prep call, we explore the very interesting relationship between Buddhist philosophy & networks, and discuss some of the topics related to his Networkologies project. Look for more from Christopher on Buddhist Geeks soon!
Memorable Quotes:
“All the binaries start coming down when you start thinking in terms of networks, because there’s nothing binary about a network, nothing dualist.” - Christopher Vitale
“Consciousness is just what happens when really complicated matter feels itself from the inside. That’s what a brain is.” - Christopher Vitale
Episode Links:
- 📖"Networkologies" : A Philosophy of Networks for a Hyperconnected Age
- 📰Buddhism Beyond Buddhism : Reimagining Tibetan Buddhism as Virtual Praxis for the Networked Age
- 🔗The Santa Fe Institute
- 🔗Pratītyasamutpāda ('interconnectedness')
- 🔗Madhyamaka
- 🔗Graph theory
- 🔗Panpsychism
- 🔗Sreedevi Bringi
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Aya & Vajra, with Lama Karma
In this episode I was joined by my dharma friend Lama Karma. During our time together we explored his time in Peru, using the native plant medicine ayahuasca. He said he couldn't help but relate to his experience through the lens of his vajrayana training, and shares some of how he makes sense of the experiences he had while using ayahuasca ceremonially.
We also get into a heart-felt conversation about Lama Karma's teacher, Lama Norlha, who recently passed away and who at the very end of his life was embroiled in a controversial storm with his community regarding widespread allegations of sexual misconduct. Karma shares his experience of being at the center of that storm, torn by paradox.
memorable quotes:
"For me it was this simultaneity of insanity and openness.” - Lama Karma
episode links:
- Milarepa Retreat Center
- Shanghai Kagyu
- Ayahuasca
- Lama Norlha Rinpoche, founding abbot of Kagyu Thubten Chöling, dies at age 79
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Existential Medicine
This episode comes from a live event on "Waking Up with Psychedelics" that occurred in Los Angeles, co-hosted by InsightLA. I was joined in this dialogue by Trudy Goodman, Spring Washam, & Dr. Charles Grob. Ram Dass joined us at the end of this dialogue, and his talk is on available for Buddhist Geeks Patrons as a bonus episode.
Memorable Quotes
"An untrained mind may go into panic, but a mind that's steeped in wisdom can start to say, 'Oh, this is the teaching right here.'" - Spring Washam
"It's a practice to be able to let the conventional self just dissolve into the not yet known." - Trudy Goodman
"Isn't it remarkable how we ingest plants in order to learn how to be human." - Ralph Metzner
Episode Links:
- Psilocybin: A Crash Course in Mindfulness with Dr. Roland Griffiths
- The Utter Perfection of Everything with Trudy Goodman
- Collective Wisdom Rising with Spring Washam
- "A Fierce Heart" by Spring Washam
- "Be Here Now" by Ram Dass
- Lotus & Vine Journeys
- East Bay Meditation Center
- Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS)
- Ecstasy as a Remedy for PTSD? Your Probably Have Some Questions.
- "Island" by Aldous Huxley
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Collective Wisdom Rising
I’m joined in this raw & intimate conversation by meditation teacher & author Spring Washam, as we discuss the integration of Buddhist contemplative practice with the Peruvian plant medicine ayahuasca. We begin with Springs dharma journey and the way that silent practice no longer served her deeper healing journey, and how the ultimately brought her to the jungles of Peru. I share parallels on my path of working with psilocybin and healing ancestral trauma, and we go into how a deeper collective healing process underlies each of our personal journeys. Spring shares an interesting perspective on how these “medicines of the earth" can be understood as collective wisdom rising from nature itself at a crucial point in our time on this planet.
Memorable Quotes:
“For me insight and healing are one and the same.” - Spring Washam
“I think a big part of what we are unpacking collectively is our ancestral suffering, our community suffering, our collective karma.” - Spring Washam
“Yes, our lineages are alive! Your great-great-grandparents are alive in you.” - Spring Washam
Episode Links:
- 🔗 Spring Washam
- 📖 A Fierce Heart: Finding Strength, Courage, and Wisdom in Any Moment
- 🔗 East Bay Meditation Center
- 🔗 Lotus Vine Journeys
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The Utter Perfection of Everything
I don’t want to over-hype this episode too much, but listening back over it today and preparing these notes, I was left feeling that this was perhaps the most intimate, raw, & profound conversation I’ve had throughout the Meditating on Psychedelics series so far. It might have something to do with the fact that my guest is Trudy Goodman, who is also one of my teachers. My wife Emily & I had the great honor of being authorized to teach by Trudy last year, at her center InsightLA, where we lived for a short time so that we could train more closely with her.
I always describe Trudy as a living koan, because she demonstrates the teachings, lives the teachings, and in those moments of living them simply IS the teaching. Seeing someone be the teachings of kindness, wisdom, & generosity, as you've probably experienced, is much more impactful than hearing people talk about them. In Zen they call this, when it’s voiced through words, the difference between “live words” and “dead words.” I hope you enjoy these live words from one of my most favorite people in the world.
Memorable Quotes:
“Why do I have to be stoned to have this experience? This should be an experience that we can just have, we’re human beings, we have this capacity.” - Trudy Goodman
“I learned from all of those experiences, and yet the experiences themselves don’t exactly help you so much afterwards. I stopped doing them because I didn’t like the feeling of being kicked out of the garden of eden over and over again.” - Trudy Goodman
“What is it that brings us into a more committed engagement with the mystery?” - Vincent Horn
“Meditating can help the mystical experience, or the opening, that people have on psychedelics become not just a state, an experience that is after all only a memory, but can help make those insights and awakenings present in our everyday life.” - Trudy Goodman
“We ask our students to be vulnerable. And I don’t think we should ask our students to be doing things we aren’t doing.” - Trudy Goodman
Episode Links:
- Trudy Goodman
- InsightLA
- “In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts” by Gabor Mate
- Ram Dass
- Meditating on Mushrooms with Roland Griffiths
- "Psilocybin-occasioned mystical-type experience in combination with meditation and other spiritual practices produces enduring positive changes in psychological functioning and in trait measures of prosocial attitudes and behaviors”
- “Leopard Warrior: A Journey into the African Teachings of Ancestry, Instinct, and Dreams” by John Lockley
- The 4 Unmentionables: Sex. Money, Power & Race Series
- Father Greg Boyle
- Tristan Harris
- Center for Humane Technology
- Filter bubbles
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An Open Field of Inquiry
On this episode I had the great pleasure of speaking with Buddhist teacher, Zen priest, anthropologist, and pioneer in the field of end-of-life care, Roshi Joan Halifax. One of my previous guests, Raghu Markus, recommended I speak with her as part of the Meditating on Psychedelics series, and so that's where the conversation began.
I think it's fair to say that by the end of our discussion it had expanded out quite a bit to include broader questions about the relationship between contemplation & action, and how the Mahayana emphasis on bodhicitta requires that we integrate our understanding with contemporary issues, of which psychedelics is just one.
Memorable Quotes
"I wouldn't say that I'm ambivalent with regards to hallucinogens, I'd say I'm discerning." - Roshi Joan Halifax
"I have a lot of respect for entheogens. I have more respect for my mind." - Roshi Joan Halifax
"I want to live in a country that loves our children, more than they love our drugs." - Roshi Joan Halifax
Episode Links
- Upaya Institute and Zen Center
- Be Here Now Foundation
- Meditating on Mushrooms w/ Roland Griffiths
- Bodhicitta
- Stanislav Grof
- "The Human Encounter with Death" by Stanislav Grof & Joan Halifax
- William Richards on Erowid
- The Dependent Co-Arising of Psychedelics & Meditation by Vanja Palmers
- John Dunne on Language and Non-Duality
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The Future of Work & Meditation
In this episode I'm joined by one of my favorite productivity writers, Tiago Forte. Tiago is part of a new generation of productivity thinkers, whose exploring new ways of working in the digital age. I've found his writing both refreshing and insightful, and when I discovered that he also has a serious interest in meditation & spirituality I knew I'd have to invite him onto Buddhist Geeks.
The first part of our dialogue explores Tiago's background and work, and then we get into the relationship between network thinking, productivity paradigms, and different types of meditation.
Memorable Quotes
"You can't understand a paradigm from within it." - Tiago Forte
"What we can borrow from, network metaphors, telecommunications, the theory of constraints, mindfulness & meditation, to make the way the world is going into an opportunity instead of a threat?" - Tiago Forte
Episode Links
- Tiago Forte (https://www.fortelabs.co)
- "The Untethered Soul" by Michael Singer
- "Design Your Work" by Tiago Forte
- Building a Second Brain
- RibbonFarm : experiments in refactored perception
- The Throughput of Learning by Tiago Forte
- From Multitasking to Multiplexing by Tiago Forte
- The Rise of the Full-Stack Freelancer by Tiago Forte
- "Networkologies" by Christopher Vitale
- "Deep Work" by Cal Newport
- Metcalfe's law
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Meditating on LSD
In this episode we speak with meditation teacher & author Michael Taft about his experience of meditating on LSD. Michael describes himself as someone who has likely done more LSD than anyone you've ever known, while also being a hardcore meditator, a skilled teacher, and one of the more high-functioning & well integrated adults that you're likely to meet.
In addition to discussing the potential dangers and downsides of using LSD, Michael also shares his unique experience of the 3 characteristics of the LSD experience, Impermanence, Suchness, & Meta-Rationality, each of which mirror what can be found through Buddhist meditative training.
Memorable Quotes:
"For this stuff to be powerful it has to be powerful." - Michael Taft
"It's like opening a door in your mind you did not know is there." - George Harrison
Episode Links:
🔗 Deconstructing Yourself (Michael's Website & Podcast)
📖 "The Mindful Geek" by Michael Taft
📖 "Cosmic Trigger" by Robert Anton Wilson
📖 "Dharma Bums" by Jack Kerouac
📖 "The Doors of Perception" by Aldous Huxley
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Trippin' at Johns Hopkins
This week we speak with Albert Grabb, an LA-based radiologist & meditator, who was one of the 1st legal participants in a Johns Hopkins study of seasoned meditators using psilocybin (aka "magic mushrooms").
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Was Jerry Garcia a Bodhisattva?
In this episode we speak with author, podcaster, award-winning journalist, and dharmic psychonaut Erik Davis about the intersection of psychedelic practice & culture with dharmic practice & culture.
Episode Links:
- Become a Buddhist Geeks Patreon
- "Zig, Zag, Zen"
- Erowid
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Bhakti Buddhism
During the 2nd part of my conversation with Raghu Markus, director of the Love Serve Remember Foundation, we speak about the powerful fusion of bhakti (devotion) practice and more traditional Buddhist meditation practice.
Episode Links:
- Rick Doblin’s Psychedelic Studies
- Ram Dass
- SHARANAGATI: The True Meaning of Surrender from the Bhakti Yoga Tradition
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Yogi Medicine
Raghu Markus lives in Asheville (my hometown) and is the executive director of the Love Serve Remember Foundation, the same organization that runs RamDass.org. Raghu traveled with Ram Dass (formerly Richard Alpert) in the 70s to India and studied with the Indian guru Neem Karoli Baba. There he also met Joseph Goldstein, Sharon Salzberg, Jack Kornfield, & Lama Surya Das, who all became lifelong friends.
During this first part of our conversation Raghu & I met up at a local tea shop and spoke about psychedelics. I hadn't expected to discuss this topic with Raghu originally, but it made sense given his connection with Ram Dass as well as his own journey through the psychedelic 60s & 70s, so that's where our conversation began.
I hope you enjoy the lively stories and reflections that Raghu shares about his time with Ram Dass, Neem Karoli Babi, his father, as he explored spiritual practice and psychedelics side-by-side as a young seeker.
Episode Links:
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Psychedelic Buddhists
In this episode we speak with Dr. Douglas Osto, author of "Altered States: Buddhism and Psychedelic Spirituality in America".
Episode Links:
- Become a Buddhist Geeks Patreon
- “Altered States: Buddhism and Psychedelic Spirituality in America”
- “Buddhist Theology: Critical Reflections by Contemporary Buddhist Scholars”
- “Zig Zag Zen: Buddhism and Psychedelics”
- 'She didn't know what was real': Did 10-day meditation retreat trigger woman's suicide?
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Meditating on Psychedelics
The intention of this series is to gain a deeper understanding of the relative merits and dangers of the mixing Buddhist contemplative practice and ritualized psychedelic use.
Episode Links:
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Stirrings from the Bardo
Episode Links:
- www.buddhistgeeks.org
- The Buddhist Geeks Death Poem: https://goo.gl/w9csbS
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Talking Race, Love, and Liberation
Rev. angel Kyodo williams Sensei is a maverick spiritual teacher, master trainer, and founder of Center for Transformative Change. She is the author of "Radical Dharma: Talking Race, Love, and Liberation". Sensei williams joins host Vincent Horn to continue the current series on ethics in a talk about race, love, and liberation. They address race and class in American capitalism, the construct of “whiteness” as a social form of ego structure, and how Buddhism provides the tools to uncover entrenched social structures and implicit bias.
Episode Links
- Rev. angel Kyodo williams Sensei
- TransformativeChange.org
- @zenchangeangel
- Radical Dharma: Talking Race, Love, and Liberation
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Secularizing Buddhist Ethics
Stephen Batchelor is a contemporary Buddhist teacher and writer, best known for his secular or agnostic approach to Buddhism. He is the author of "Buddhism Without Beliefs" and most recently has written "After Buddhism: Rethinking the Dharma for a Secular Age". In this entry to the Buddhist Geeks series on ethics, Stephen joins host Vincent Horn to consider what it means to secularize Buddhist ethics. They discuss the process of removing early Buddhist ethics from its early Indian metaphysics, and between the ethical practice laid out by early Buddhism and more Western versions of ethics. They finish by discussing the metaphysical faith of secularism, in particular the role that rationalism & individualism play in this translation project.
Episode Links:
- StephenBatchelor.org http://www.stephenbatchelor.org/
- "After Buddhism: Rethinking the Dharma for a Secular Age" by Stephen Batchelor http://www.amazon.com/After-Buddhism-Rethinking-Dharma-Secular/dp/030020518X
- "Syntheism: Creating God in the Internet Age" by Alexander Bard & Jan Söderqvist http://syntheism.org/wp-content/syntheism_book/Syntheism.html
- "Cyber Philosophy and the Void" http://www.buddhistgeeks.com/2014/03/bg-315-cyber-philosophy-void/
- "Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind" by Yuval Noah Harari https://www.amazon.com/Sapiens-Humankind-Yuval-Noah-Harari-ebook/dp/B00ICN066A?ie=UTF8&me=&ref_=mt_kindle
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The Science of Compassion
EMMA SEPPÄLÄ, Ph.D is Science Director of Stanford University’s Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education. Emma joins host Vincent Horn to share the science behind compassion. She describes the current state of compassion research, and she and Vincent discuss the effects of unbundling mindfulness, compassion, and ethics in a capitalist society.
Episode Links
- Emma Seppala - http://www.emmaseppala.com
- The Happiness Track - http://www.emmaseppala.com/book/
- @emmaseppala - https://twitter.com/emmaseppala
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The Ethical Operating System
James Hughes is the Executive Director of the Institute for Ethics and Emerging Technologies and the author of "Citizen Cyborg: Why Democratic Societies Must Respond to the Redesigned Human of the Future". Continuing in our series On Ethics, James joins host Vincent Horn to discuss the ethical frameworks that underpin our social systems. From economics and social justice to conservative vs liberal values, to a newly emerging technoprogressivism, James and Vincent deconstruct and explore various ethical operating systems.
Episode Links:
James Hughes on Twitter - https://twitter.com/citizencyborg
"Citizen Cyborg: Why Democratic Societies Must Respond To The Redesigned Human Of The Future" - https://www.amazon.com/Citizen-Cyborg-Democratic-Societies-Redesigned/dp/0813341981?ie=UTF8&qid=1165506115&sr=8-1&tag=instforethiin-20
Technoprogressive Declaration - http://ieet.org/index.php/IEET/more/tpdec2014
BG 077: Transhumanism and the Authentic Self - http://www.buddhistgeeks.com/2008/06/bg-077-transhumanism-and-the-authentic-self/ ]
Jonathan Haidt - http://people.stern.nyu.edu/jhaidt/
Alexander Bard and The Syntheist Movement - http://syntheism.org
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Western Buddhism is Dead (Long Live Western Buddhism)
David Chapman is a writer, computer scientist, engineer and Buddhist practitioner. He blogs on several sites including the hypertext book Meaningness.com.
In part two of a conversation on ethics with David Chapman and Vincent Horn, the discussion continues to explore a series of blog articles that David wrote on the theme of “Buddhist ethics”. They consider the usefulness of tantric ethics, examine Western Buddhism in context of Robert Kegan’s 5-stage developmental psychology model, and they speculate on how Western Buddhism might move into a next stage (stage 5: reconstructive postmodernism) of development.
This is part two of a two part series. Listen to part one “Buddhist Ethics is a Fraud”. - http://www.buddhistgeeks.com/2016/04/buddhist-ethics-fraud/
Episode Links:
- Meaningness.com
- David Chapman on Twitter
- “Buddhist ethics” is a fraud by David Chapman https://meaningness.wordpress.com/2015/09/23/buddhist-ethics-is-a-fraud/#summary
- Consensus Buddhism and Mindful Mayo
- Robert Kegan https://www.gse.harvard.edu/faculty/robert-kegan
- In Over Our Heads: The Mental Demands of Modern Life. Harvard University Press, 1994. (Paperback, 1995).
- (German translation, Kindt Verlag, in press), (1994) by Robert Kegan http://www.hup.harvard.edu/catalog.php?isbn=9780674445888
- "The Further Reaches of Adult Development" - Robert Kegan https://youtu.be/BoasM4cCHBc
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Buddhist Ethics is a Fraud
David Chapman is a writer, computer scientist, engineer and Buddhist practitioner. He blogs on several sites including the hypertext book Meaningness.com.
Beginning a season of episodes on the theme of ethics, Vincent Horn welcomes David to explore a series of blog articles that David wrote on the theme of “Buddhist ethics.” Together they question some long held secular, leftish beliefs about Buddhist ethics, they explore the distinction between morality and ethics, and they examine how Buddhist ethics are practiced in the modern age.
This is part one of a two part series.
Memorable Quotes:
“Shakyamuni Buddha, 2,500 years ago, taught exactly the same ethics that was only rediscovered in California 30 years ago. He was a feminist, and sexually liberal, and environmentally conscious, and anti-racist. So great, we've got this religion that completely validates all the correct ethical positions and it's 2,500 years old.” - David Chapman
Episode Links:
- Meaningness.com - http://meaningness.com
- David Chapman on Twitter - https://twitter.com/Meaningness
- “Buddhist ethics” is a fraud by David Chapman - https://meaningness.wordpress.com/2015/09/23/buddhist-ethics-is-a-fraud/#summary
- “Buddhist Ethics: A Very Short Introduction” by Damien Keown - http://www.amazon.com/Buddhist-Ethics-Very-Short-Introduction/dp/019280457X
- Is “Buddhist ethics” Buddhist? by Amod Lele - http://loveofallwisdom.com/blog/2015/10/is-buddhist-ethics-buddhist/ ]
- Mindfulness is More Than Just Paying Attention (with Ron Purser) - http://www.buddhistgeeks.com/2013/06/bg-288-mindfulness-is-more-than-just-paying-attention/
- “Ethics” is advertising by David Chapman - https://meaningness.wordpress.com/2015/10/05/buddhist-ethics-is-advertising
- Consensus Buddhism and Mindful Mayo - https://art19.com/shows/buddhist-geeks/episodes/31a00eb8-ecc4-4ccc-af2b-81bf72254f72
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Psilocybin: A Crash Course in Mindfulness
Roland Griffiths is the lead investigator of the Psilocybin Research Initiative at Johns Hopkins and one of the United States’ leading psychopharmacologists. In the conclusion to his conversation with host Vincent Horn, Roland provides more details on the Hopkins Meditation Study, Vincent shares his personal story of psychedelic experimentation, and they discuss the risks and benefits of mixing meditation practice with the psilocybin experience. This is part two of a two part series. Listen to part one "Meditating on Mushrooms".
Episode Links:
- Roland R. Griffiths, Ph.D.
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Meditating on Mushrooms
Roland Griffiths is the lead investigator of the Psilocybin Research Initiative at Johns Hopkins and one of the United States’ leading psychopharmacologists. In this episode Roland describes his research into the medicinal uses of psychedelics. He explains his history in the field, his current research around psychedelics and meditation, and he extends an invitation to the Buddhist Geeks audience to consider becoming a part of a meditation on psilocybin study at John Hopkins.
This is part one of a two part series. Listen to part two "Psilocybin: A Crash Course in Mindfulness".
Episode Links:
- Roland R. Griffiths, Ph.D.
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The Mindfulness Reality Tunnel
This is part two of a two part series.
Listen to part one "BG 375: The Story of Things as They Are".
[ http://www.buddhistgeeks.com/2015/12/bg-376-the-mindfulness-reality-tunnel ]
links
- Caroline Contillo on Twitter [https://twitter.com/spacecrone]
- Space Crone [ http://spacecrone.com ]
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The Story of Things as They Are
This is part one of a two part series.
Listen to part two "BG 376: The Mindfulness Reality Tunnel".
[ http://www.buddhistgeeks.com/2015/12/bg-376-the-mindfulness-reality-tunnel ]
links
- Caroline Contillo on Twitter [https://twitter.com/spacecrone]
- Space Crone [ http://spacecrone.com ]
- "The World is Made of Stories" [ http://www.wisdompubs.org/book/world-made-stories ]
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Mindfulness++
- Wikipedia: Mindfulness [change to cohttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mindfulnessrrect link]
- Wikipedia: Noble Eightfold Path [ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Noble_Eightfold_Path ]
- A Mindful Balance by B. Alan Wallace [ http://www.alanwallace.org/spr08wallace_comp.pdf ]
- Wikipedia: Programming paradigm [ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Programming_paradigm ]
- Buddhist Geeks Dojo [ http://www.buddhistgeeks.com/dojo/ ]
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The Gate of Tears
Links
- Jay Michaelson [http://www.jaymichaelson.net]
- "The Gate of Tears: Sadness and the Spiritual Path"
[ http://www.jaymichaelson.net/gateoftears/ ]
"The Next Generation of Enlightenment" [ http://www.buddhistgeeks.com/2013/12/bg-303-next-generation-enlightenment/ ]
- "Playboy Interview: Dick Cheney"
[ http://www.playboy.com/articles/playboy-interview-dick-cheney ]
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The Mind Illuminated
UPDATE: This is an edited version of a much longer interview. The rest of the interview--detailing the 10 stages of concentration--will be released soon in the Buddhist Geeks Dojo. Culadasa will be joining the Dojo community on October 6th for a Practice AMA (“ask me anything”). You can get a trial month to check it out and join that event.
Links
- Culadasa.com [http://culadasa.com/]
- "The Mind Illuminated : A Complete Meditation Guide Integrating Buddhist Wisdom and Brain Science"
[ http://amzn.to/1V0tdtx ]
- Dharma Treasure [ http://dharmatreasure.org ]
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The Progress of Insight
Episode Links
- Jack Kornfield [ http://www.jackkornfield.com ]
- "A Path with Heart" [ http://amzn.to/1V9piuz ]
- "Enlightenments" [ http://www.inquiringmind.com/Articles/Enlightenments.html ]
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The Buddhist Geeks Dojo
Emily Horn and Vincent Horn are meditation teachers and partners in life and the Buddhist Geeks. In the final part of this reflective series, they explain events leading up to the current Buddhist Geeks Dojo project as well describe the forthcoming Fall Training Period (“FTP”) inside the Dojo. The FTP will be a chance to spend the entire month of October either establishing a regular practice, going deeper in your current one, or even practicing like your hair is on fire. The program details are here [http://www.buddhistgeeks.com/dojo/ftp/] and we’d love for any of you to join us during this time to deepen your practice.
This is part two of a two part series. Listen to part one "When Rebels Mature". https://soundcloud.com/buddhistgeeks/bg-369-when-rebels-mature
Episode Links (pt 2): The Buddhist Geeks Dojo [ http://www.buddhistgeeks.com/dojo/ ] The Fall Training Period [ http://www.buddhistgeeks.com/dojo/ftp/ ] The Buddhist Geeks Community [http://www.buddhistgeeks.com/2013/07/the-buddhist-geeks-community/] Dojo Facilitators [ http://www.buddhistgeeks.com/dojo/facilitators/ ]
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When Rebels Mature
This is part one of a two part series.
The Buddhist Geeks Dojo [http://www.buddhistgeeks.com/dojo/]
The Buddhist Geeks Conference [http://www.buddhistgeeks.com/conference/buzz/]
Life Retreat: Reinventing the Retreat Model [http://www.buddhistgeeks.com/2013/03/life-retreat-reinventing-the-retreat-model/]
Buddhist Geeks, Bitcoins, and Ukrainian Domain Pirates [http://www.buddhistgeeks.com/2014/01/buddhist-geeks-bitcoins-ukrainian-domain-pirates/]
The Buddhist Geeks Community [http://www.buddhistgeeks.com/2013/07/the-buddhist-geeks-community/]
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A Contemplative Science of Sleep
This is part two of a two part series.
Listen to part one "BG 367: Cognitive Science and the Wandering Mind".
Episode Links:
Evan Thompson (http://evanthompson.me)
"Waking, Dreaming, Being" (http://amzn.to/1P3PDD4)
“Waking, Dreaming, Being” Talk at CIIS (https://youtu.be/IZyJODW4lQs)
"The Embodied Mind" (http://amzn.to/1P3PMpW)
"Embodied Cognition" (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Embodied_cognition)
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Cognitive Science and the Wandering Mind
This is part one of a two part series.
Episode Links:
Evan Thompson (http://evanthompson.me)
"Waking, Dreaming, Being" (http://amzn.to/1P3PDD4)
“Waking, Dreaming, Being” Talk at CIIS (https://youtu.be/IZyJODW4lQs)
"The Embodied Mind" (http://amzn.to/1P3PMpW)
"Embodied Cognition" (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Embodied_cognition)
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Meditation Going Mainstream
Episode Links:
Adreanna Limbach ( http://www.adreannalimbach.com )
Lodro Rinzler ( http://lodrorinzler.com )
How to Love Yourself (And Sometimes Other People) ( http://amzn.to/1CJIcjc )
The Interdependence Project ( http://www.theidproject.org )
“Meet the Man Who Calls Himself ‘the Slut Whisperer’” ( http://www.marieclaire.com/sex-love/a14731/the-slut-whisperer-kirill-bichutsky/ )
Wanderlust Festival ( http://wanderlust.com )
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Advances in Meditation Research
Episode Links:
Advances in Meditation Research: Genetics, Neuroscience and Clinical Applications ( http://meditation2015.com )
David Vago ( http://davidvago.bwh.harvard.edu )
Rael Cahn ( http://usc.academia.edu/RaelCahn )
Sonia Sequeira ( http://reflectionsyoga.com/about-us/teachers-2/sonia-sequeira )
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Virtual Reality and the Tea Ceremony
Michael Heim is an American author, educator, and Tai Chi instructor known as a philosopher of cyberspace and virtuality. In the conclusion to their conversation, host Vincent Horn and Michael discuss integrating the virtual with the physical. From the thought-experiment of performing a virtual Japanese Tea Ceremony to imagining a virtual Tai Chi experience, they explore how to use the new tools of virtuality to energize, heal, and make us whole.
This is part two of a two part series. Listen to part one: Virtual Reality IRL.
Episode Links:
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Virtual Reality IRL
Michael Heim is an American author, educator, and Tai Chi instructor known as a philosopher of cyberspace and virtuality. In this conversation with host Vincent Horn, Michael shares his insights on the intersection of philosophy and the world of Virtual Reality. He gives a brief history of commercial VR, provides updates on the third wave of VR development, and discusses the challenges we will face as physical creatures living in virtual worlds.
This is part one of a two part series. Listen to part two: Virtual Reality and the Tea Ceremony.
Episode Links:
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Mindfulness in Action
Episode Links:
Mindfulness in Action: Making Friends with Yourself through Meditation and Everyday Awareness ( http://www.shambhala.com/mindfulness-in-action.html )
Shambhala Archives ( http://www.archives.shambhala.org )
Carolyn Rose Gimian on Twitter ( https://twitter.com/CarolynGimian )
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Discussing Contemplative Technology
This is part two of a two part series. Listen to part one: The Near Future of Contemplative Technology.
Episode Links:
www.VincentHorn.com
www.mindtraining.io
Katherine MacLean, PhD : Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine ( http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/psychiatry )
Jacob Redmond : Emotiv ( https://emotiv.com )
Mikey Siegel ( www.MikeySiegel.com )
Neema Moraveji : Spire ( http://www.spire.io )
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The Near Future of Contemplative Technology
This is part one of a two part series. Listen to part two: Discussing Contemplative Technology.
Episode Links:
www.VincentHorn.com
www.mindtraining.io
Katherine MacLean, PhD : Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine ( http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/psychiatry )
Jacob Redmond : Emotiv ( https://emotiv.com )
Mikey Siegel ( www.MikeySiegel.com )
Neema Moraveji : Spire ( http://www.spire.io )
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Meditation in the Digital Age
Episode Links:
www.MindTraining.io
Consciousness Hacking San Francisco Meetup ( http://www.meetup.com/Consciousness-Hacking-San-Francisco/ )
video recording of the meetup with post-talk open discussion ( http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/60364099 )
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Befriending the Human Experience
This is part two of a two part series.
Listen to part one BG 357: Shikantaza Practice.
Episode Links:
Dharma Ocean ( http://www.dharmaocean.org )
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Shikantaza Practice
This is part one of a two part series.
Listen to part two: Befriending the Human Experience.
Episode Links:
Dharma Ocean ( http://www.dharmaocean.org )
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A Pragmatist's Take on the Powers
Daniel Ingram is a Buddhist teacher and the author of Mastering the Core Teachings of the Buddha. In this keynote from the 2014 Buddhist Geeks Conference, Daniel speaks on the visual, auditory, physical, and psychological phenomena referred to as powers, or siddhis. He provides examples of power manifestation, why and how powers appear, and the effects of powers on the individual and community levels.
Episode Links:
- Daniel Ingram ( http://integrateddaniel.info )
- Mastering the Core Teachings of the Buddha: An Unusually Hardcore Dharma Book ( http://amzn.to/1MUQyEW )
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The Approaching Dharma Cloud
Episode Links:
www.SusanPiver.com
The Open Heart Project ( http://susanpiver.com/open-heart-project/ )
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Crap, I Forgot to be Mindful Again
Episode Links:
www.SusanKaiserGreenland.com
The Mindful Child: How to Help Your Kid Manage Stress and Become Happier, Kinder, and More Compassionate ( http://www.susankaisergreenland.com/book.html )
Crap, I Forgot to Be Mindful Again ( http://slate.me/1MUQoNU )
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Buddhism, Science, and Scientism
Episode Links:
Charles T. Tart Home Page and Consciousness Library ( http://www.paradigm-sys.com )
The End of Materialism: How Evidence of the Paranormal Is Bringing Science and Spirit Together ( http://amzn.to/1MUQkOj )
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Buddhism Unbundled
Vincent Horn is a mind hacker & buddhist geek. In this keynote from the 2014 Buddhist Geeks Conference Vincent explores the unbundling of components like meditation and mindfulness from contemporary Buddhism. He then explores the process of re-bundling and what the future of both Buddhist and Buddhist-inspired models may look like as new combinations of knowledge come together in novel, and sometimes timeless, ways.
Episode Links:
🖼 Buddhism Unbundled talk slides
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Building an Inclusive Community
Episode Links:
Against the Stream ( http://www.againstthestream.org )
Spirit Rock ( http://www.spiritrock.org )
JoAnna Harper on Twitter ( http://twitter.com/joannaharper65 )
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Conserve & Adapt
This is part two of a two part series.
Listen to part one BG 349: Awakening is the End of All Feedback Loops.
Episode Links:
Center for Mindful Learning ( http://www.centerformindfullearning.org )
Modern Mindfulness ( http://www.modmind.org )
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Awakening Is the End of All Feedback Loops
This is part one of a two part series. Listen to part two: Conserve & Adapt.
Episode Links:
Center for Mindful Learning ( http://www.centerformindfullearning.org )
Sanskara ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sanskara )
Autocatalysis ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Autocatalysis )
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Applied Contemplative Science
Episode Links:
www.MikeySiegel.com
BioFluent Technologies ( http://www.biofluent.com )
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Game Design for Meditation
Episode Links:
SOUNDSELF ( http://soundselfgame.com )
Robin on Twitter ( https://twitter.com/VideoDreaming )
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Debugging the Source Code of the Dharma
Episode Links:
www.Wildmind.org
Bodhipaksa on Twitter ( https://twitter.com/Bodhipaksa )
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Imaging Buddha
Episode Links:
www.Hokai.info
Hokai on Twitter ( https://twitter.com/hokaisobol )
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Drawing a Path to Mindfulness
Episode Links:
www.iclock.com
Every Icon Project ( http://www.numeral.com/eicon.html )
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Psychedelic Science
Katherine MacLean, PhD. is an academically trained research scientist and meditation practitioner with a long-standing interest in the brain, consciousness and the science of well-being. As a postdoctoral research fellow and faculty member at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, she worked on the largest study to date combining psychedelics and meditation. Her research on psilocybin and personality change suggests that psychedelic medicines may play an important role in enhancing mental health and promoting openness and creativity throughout the lifespan.
In this talk from the 2014 Buddhist Geeks Conference, Katherine presents her experience of studying psychedelics. She shares personal travel stories of mystical experiences in the Himalayas, research results from facilities around the world, and potential therapies for the injured and dying using psilocybin, MDMA, and other psychedelics. A proponent of psychedelic use for therapy and mental health, Katherine encourages the audience to rethink whatever preconceived ideas they might have about the skillful use of psychedelics.
Episode Links:
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
- The Secular Buddhist Episode 84: Psilocybin and Openness
- C-Realm Episode 411: The Strange, Fuzzy, Fat Brick of Everything
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Mahamudra and Mindfulness
In this talk from the 2014 Buddhist Geeks Conference, Lama Karma describes the gap between the modern mindfulness movement and the Mahamudra tradition. He argues that the presentation of secular mindfulness teachings without the context of Buddhist tradition can lead practitioners to mistakes resulting in harmful dualistic perception. He then presents a framework in which these mistakes of secular mindfulness can be addressed through the Mahamudra teachings.
Episode Links:
Milarepa Dzong Retreat Center ( http://www.mocd.org )
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Refuge Recovery
In this talk from the 2014 Buddhist Geeks Conference, Noah describes the benefits of a Buddhist oriented addiction recovery path. Telling the story of his personal experience with addiction recovery, he relates how The Four Noble Truths and Eightfold Path filled in the gaps he experienced in the twelve step system. Noah then shares how he has helped others with a Buddhist oriented recovery path, and encourages the audience to make themselves and their sanghas places of refuge for those in addiction recovery.
Episode Links:
www.RefugeRecovery.org
Refuge Recovery: A Buddhist Path to Recovering from Addiction ( http://amzn.to/1t6lcAo )
Against the Stream Buddhist Meditation Society ( http://www.againstthestream.org )
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Convergence
Theo Horesh is a social entrepreneur, philosopher, and author of two books of global social psychology. He has been meditating for over 25 years and has spent the last 10 intensively studying the world. He has recently begun reporting on the collective traumas in global trouble spots for the Journal of Conflict Resolution and Elephant Journal.
In this talk from the 2014 Buddhist Geeks Conference, Theo discusses the themes behind his book Convergence: The Globalization of Mind. While describing various challenges and opportunities that come with globalization, he shares a vision of greater mindfulness needed to help navigate the sophisticated global civilization that is emerging in modern times.
Episode Links:
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Bodhisattva Biosphere
In the second part of the keynote address David gave at the 2013 Buddhist Geeks Conference, he argues that our species needs an evolution of our cultural story if we are to survive the many changes we face. By understanding we are part of the ecosphere rather than apart from it, David hopes humanity can wake up enough to become a collective bodhisattva of the biosphere.
This is part two of a two part series. Listen to part one: The Cosmos Wakes Up.
Episode Links:
www.davidloy.org
PLANETARY ( http://www.weareplanetary.com )
The Universe Story ( http://amzn.to/1DNqYN0 )
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The Cosmos Wakes Up
In the first part of the keynote address David gave at the 2013 Buddhist Geeks Conference, he presents a social narrative that features a living Cosmos waking up to itself. He explains how humanity needs to create a new global story as an alternative to some of our most common cultural stories, like Social Darwinism.
This is part one of a two part series. Listen to part two: Bodhisattva of the Biosphere.
Episode Links:
www.davidloy.org
PLANETARY ( http://www.weareplanetary.com )
The Universe Story ( http://amzn.to/1DNqYN0 )
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Relational Mindfulness
In this conversation with host Vincent Horn, Jessica describes her experience with Inward Bound Mindfulness Education (iBme) and its roots with the Insight Meditation tradition. They talk about the impact of mindfulness education on teens, the resurgence of relational forms of mindfulness with younger generations, and how these kids are focusing on integration over transcendence.
Episode Links:
Inward Bound Mindfulness Education ( http://ibme.info )
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How to HEAL the Brain’s Negativity Bias
In the conclusion to his 2013 Buddhist Geeks Conference keynote address, Rick answers questions from the audience and leads them through the HEAL exercise, a process which trains the brain to reprogram its natural negativity bias towards the positive.
This is part two of a two part series.
Listen to part one: Practicing with the Brain in Mind.
Episode Links:
www.RickHanson.net
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Practicing with the Brain in Mind
In this first part of the keynote address Rick presented at the 2013 Buddhist Geeks Conference, he explores the intersection between dharma practice and neuroscience. Rick explains the basic mechanisms of brain change, the power of mindfulness, how to activate the neural networks of self-compassion, how to tap the hidden power of everyday experiences to grow happiness and other inner strengths in your brain, and why our planet needs us to take charge of our Stone Age brains in the 21st century.
This is part one of a two part series.
Listen to part two: How to HEAL the Brain’s Negativity Bias.
Episode Links:
www.RickHanson.net
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Cultivating a Democracy of Imagination
In this episode taken from the Buddhist Geeks Conference in 2012, Stephen delivers the second part of his keynote address on the importance of imagination in Buddhist practice. He encourages the audience to view the Buddhist path as an artform to be practiced, the Self as a project to be realized, and the Four Noble Truths as Four Noble Tasks that are a process and not just a set of beliefs.
This is part two of a two part series.
Listen to part one: Buddhism and the Art of Imagining.
Episode Links:
www.StephenBatchelor.org
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Buddhism and the Art of Imagining
In this episode taken from the 2012 Buddhist Geeks Conference, Stephen delivers a keynote address on the importance, with Buddhist practice, of combining technical skill with imagination. Drawing comparisons between mindfulness practice and photography, Stephen presents meditation as the cultivation of a skill to see the sublime in every moment. He shares his view that imagination is crucial to the translation of the dharma to new cultures, and he challenges modern Buddhism to finally develop a view on Buddhist Aesthetics.
This is part one of a two part series. Listen to part two: Cultivating a Democracy of the Imagination.
Episode Links:
www.StephenBatchelor.org
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Empty Art
In this episode, Scott joins host Vincent Horn for an intimate conversation about Scott’s art & contemplative practice. As Scott describes his art infused childhood and the transition from Christian Science to Tibetan Buddhism, they touch on the source of creativity, the use of symbol in art and religion, and using the understanding of Emptiness as a creative tool.
Episode Links:
www.Snibbe.com
Biophilia, the First App in MoMA’s Collection ( http://bit.ly/1DNpL8v )
Scott Snibbe on Twitter ( https://twitter.com/snibbe )
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Quantifying Mindfulness
In this episode David and Jake conclude a conversation with host Vincent Horn concerning the scientific investigation of states of Enlightenment. They elaborate on the methods and motivations involved when attempting to quantify Enlightenment, discuss the pitfalls of spiritual materialism, and invite criticism and discussion to help inform and guide this scientific inquiry.
This is part two of a two part series. Listen to part one: A Neuroscience of Enlightenment.
Episode Links:
“Can enlightenment be traced to specific neural correlates, cognition, or behavior? No, and (a qualified) Yes” ( http://bit.ly/1DNpwdn )
The Emerging Science of Mindfulness Meditation ( bit.ly/1DNp4vU )
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A Neuroscience of Enlightenment
In this episode David and Jake join host Vincent Horn to discuss the article titled “Can enlightenment be traced to specific neural correlates, cognition, or behavior? No, and (a qualified) Yes”. Jake and David describe the genesis of the article, the conflict and opportunity provided by using the word “enlightenment” in the title, and the important role first person subjective experience plays in scientific inquiry.
This is part one of a two part series. Listen to part two: Quantifying Mindfulness.
Episode Links:
“Can enlightenment be traced to specific neural correlates, cognition, or behavior? No, and (a qualified) Yes” ( http://bit.ly/1DNpwdn )
The Emerging Science of Mindfulness Meditation ( http://bit.ly/1DNp4vU )
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Icons and Iconoclasm in Japanese Buddhism
Beginning with an explanation of the two different paradigms for the experience of enlightenment presented in Zen and Mikkyō, the unitive & purgative, Pamela briefly describes the results of her studies. Hokai then relates his understanding of the two ideas based on his personal practice. This leads to an examination of the disparate historical and cultural contexts from which each method was developed, how each method uses imagery in practice, and how despite differences, each method hopefully leads to the same results.
This is part two of a two part series. Listen to part one: The Art of Enlightenment.
Episode Links:
Icons and Iconoclasm in Japanese Buddhism: Kukai and Dogen on the Art of Enlightenment ( amzn.to/1MwPAl8 )
Dr. Pamela Winfield ( bit.ly/1MwPD0n )
Hokai Sobol ( www.hokai.info )
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The Art of Enlightenment
By examining two different models of enlightenment–one from the founder of Shingon Buddhism, Kūkai (Kōbō-Daishi), and the other from the pivotal Zen figure, Dōgen Zenji, the group explores the role that art & imagery play in the awakening experience. The conversation touches on how studies of texts and iconography can be complementary and how understanding the use of iconography can help scholars and practitioners understand Buddhist paths of Enlightenment in a clearer way.
This is part one of a two part series.
Listen to part two: Icons and Iconoclasm in Japanese Buddhism.
Episode Links:
Icons and Iconoclasm in Japanese Buddhism: Kukai and Dogen on the Art of Enlightenment ( http://amzn.to/1MwPAl8 )
Dr. Pamela Winfield ( http://bit.ly/1MwPD0n )
Hokai Sobol ( http://www.hokai.info )
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The Politics of Buddha Nature
In this episode Matt and host Vincent Horn conclude their conversation exploring the intersection between Buddhist practice and politics. Asking whether our political and economic systems are geared towards idealized humanity or humans as they really are, Matt and Vincent discuss what the political world might look like if built to acknowledge Buddha Nature.
This is part two of a two part series.
Listen to part one – BG 325: The Politics of Dualism.
Episode Links:
The Wheat and Chaff ( http://www.thewheatandchaff.com )
Matt Bieber on Twitter ( https://twitter.com/PMatty_Bieber )
Scholar Peter Hershock ( http://www.eastwestcenter.org/about-ewc/directory/peter.hershock )
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The Politics of Dualism
In this episode Matt joins host Vincent Horn to explore politics through the lens of Buddhism. Matt shares insights gained as a speechwriter for Vice President Biden, how he began to consider the impact Buddhist thought could have on politics, and how Buddhist training helps him see the political world in a new way.
This is part one of a two part series.
Listen to part two: The Politics of Buddha Nature.
Episode Links:
The Wheat and Chaff ( http://www.thewheatandchaff.com )
Matt Bieber on Twitter ( https://twitter.com/PMatty_Bieber )
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Technodelics
Jason Lange is a Los Angeles based writer and director exploring the intersections of filmmaking, technology, and transformation. In this episode Jason joins host Vincent Horn to discuss his recent article “The Coming Age of Technodelics” which explores technologies that may enable some of the same experiences that meditation and psychedelics have traditionally provided. By comparing and contrasting psychedelics and technodelics, the conversation examines the possible uses and usefulness of mind altering technologies such as the cutting edge Virtual Reality headset Oculus Rift.
Episode Links:
- The Coming Age of Technodelics
- Just Say Know: A Cyberdelic History of the Future
- The Inside Story of Oculus Rift and How Virtual Reality Became Reality
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Bodhisattva Activist
This is part two of a two part series. Listen to part one: Eco-Dharma.
Episode Links:
Wonderwell Mountain Refuge ( wonderwellrefuge.org )
www.DavidLoy.org
A Buddhist Response to the Climate Emergency ( amzn.to/1JMMy6f )
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From Buddhist Hippies to Buddhist Geeks
Ann Gleig is an Assistant Professor of Religious and Cultural Studies at the University of Central Florida. She is currently working on projects on the North American revisioning of Asian liberation traditions, and Buddhism in Postmodernity. In this episode taken from the 2013 Buddhist Geeks Conference, Ann presents the findings of her academic article on Buddhist Geeks, which was published in the Journal of Global Buddhism. She offers an engaging analysis of the interactions between Buddhism, Buddhist Geeks, and technology, and she shares her insights on the historical and cultural significance of the Buddhist Geeks community.
Episode Links:
📃 From Buddhist Hippies to Buddhist Geeks: The Emergence of Buddhist Postmodernism?
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Eco-Dharma
The trio talk about the upcoming Eco-Dharma Conference, examine some ways Buddhist philosophy can contribute to the global ecology discussion, and then discuss the supposed disparities between Buddhism and ecological activism.
This is part one of a two part series. Listen to part two BG 323: Bodhisattva Activist.
Episode Links:
Wonderwell Mountain Refuge ( http://wonderwellrefuge.org )
www.DavidLoy.org
A Buddhist Response to the Climate Emergency ( http://amzn.to/1JMMy6f )
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Intimacy & Infinity: The Dharma of Sex
In this episode taken from the 2013 Buddhist Geeks Conference, Martin speaks on the relationship between the dharma and sex. He examines the general lack of dharma teachings concerning sex, the results of his own inquiry to the subject, and his belief in the potential of sexuality as a powerful tool for transformation.
Episode Links:
www.MartinAylward.com
Le Moulin Meditation Centre ( http://www.moulindechaves.org )
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The Birth of Insight Meditation
In this episode, Erik joins host Vincent Horn to discuss his book and the legacy of Burmese monk Ledi Sayadaw. By connecting the dots between changes in Burmese Buddhism with the political disruption caused by the British takeover of Burma in the late 19th Century, Erik describes Ledi’s role in bringing insight meditation practice to the modern world.
This is part one of a two part series. Listen to part two: The Making of a Mass Meditation Movement.
Episode Links:
The Birth of Insight: Meditation, Modern Buddhism, and the Burmese Monk Ledi Sayadaw ( http://amzn.to/1JMLYFM )
Erik Braun on Twitter ( https://twitter.com/erkbraun )
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The Making of a Mass Meditation Movement
In this episode Erik and host Vincent Horn continue a discussion on Burmese Monk Ledi Sayadaw and his role in bringing insight meditation to the world. The conversation digs deeper into the connections between Burmese political disruption and changes to Buddhist practice in Burma, how meditation became more accepted in Burmese Buddhism, and how this all led to the export of insight meditation to the rest of the world.
This is part two of a two part series. Listen to part one: The Birth of Insight Meditation.
Episode Links:
The Birth of Insight: Meditation, Modern Buddhism, and the Burmese Monk Ledi Sayadaw ( http://amzn.to/1JMLYFM )
Erik Braun on Twitter ( https://twitter.com/erkbraun )
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When Practice Isnt Enough
In this episode taken from the 2013 Buddhist Geeks Conference, Marianne shares her belief that mindfulness practice alone isn’t enough to put an end to the suffering of the world. By first unpacking a few areas of social suffering that have deeply touched her, Marianne talks about the practical strategies she employs when working towards positive social change. As she describes the importance of action to the engaged Buddhist life, Marianne encourages the audience to ground themselves in the resiliency provided by Buddhist practice, find an issue that touches them, find a way to use their unique skillset, and actively work to end suffering in the world.
Episode Links:
www.Marianne-Elliott.com
Zen Under Fire ( http://marianne-elliott.com/book/ )
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The Dharma of Uncertainty in Business
In this episode taken from the 2013 Buddhist Geeks Conference, Jerry speaks about confronting the demon and dharma of uncertainty. By first telling the story of Milarepa and the Demons, Jerry engages the audience with an account of confronting his own fears of not being good enough. He describes how this “imposter syndrome”, this fear of admitting to uncertainty, can trap leaders and the people in their organizations in cycles of suffering. Jerry then offers strategies to confront delusion, doubt, and uncertainty through dharma and mindfulness practices.
Episode Links:
CEO Bootcamp ( http://reboot.io )
www.TheMonsterInYourHead.com
Jerry Colonna on Twitter ( https://twitter.com/jerrycolonna )
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Cyber Philosophy and the Void
In this episode, Alexander joins host Vincent Horn to discuss the origins and concepts of the Syntheist Movement and it’s intersection with Buddhist practice & thought. Using the setting of the annual Burning Man event to illustrate humanity’s sometimes unconscious desire to gather and practice religion, Alexander describes the Syntheist philosophy, its core concepts of multiple Gods, and its philosophical origins. From there the conversation touches on the concepts of God and Self, Quantum Physics and Religion, and Alexander’s utopic vision for the future.
Episode Links:
Alexander Bard on Twitter ( https://twitter.com/Bardissimo )
The Syntheist Movement ( http://syntheism.org )
The Futurica Trilogy ( http://amzn.to/1JMKxHe )
What if the Internet is God? ( https://youtu.be/tXA7TewF53w )
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Creating Living Ritual
In this episode, David joins host Vincent Horn for the second part of their discussion on the challenges facing the reinvention of Buddhist Tantra. David first compares “zombie ritual” with “living ritual”, pointing out the ideal characteristics of useful ritual practices. David and Vincent then examine the importance of participatory ritual in communities, the rate of innovation in contemporary ritual, and how lineage relates to the forming and maintaining of ritual.
This is part two of a two part series. Listen to part one BG 313: Reinventing Buddhist Tantra.
Episode Links:
Meaningness ( http://meaningness.wordpress.com )
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Reinventing Buddhist Tantra
In this episode, David joins host Vincent Horn for a discussion on the topic of Buddhist Tantra. Beginning by stating his interest and intentions with recent writing on Buddhist Tantra, David gives a quick definition of Tantra and begins to unpack that definition and how it relates to Buddhism. Vincent and David then discuss whether or not Buddhism is in some ways opposed to passion, where and when Tantric elements are apparent in various traditions, and what modern Buddhist Tantra may look like and why it may have been suppressed in Western Buddhism.
This is part one of a two part series. Listen to part two BG 314: Creating Living Ritual.
Episode Links:
Meaningness ( http://meaningness.wordpress.com )
Consensus Buddhism and Mindful Mayo ( http://bit.ly/1JMITFN )
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A 3D Model for Spiritual Growth
In this talk from the 2013 Buddhist Geeks Conference, Shinzen describes strategies for working with questions like “What does Life mean?” and how to enact a successful model for spiritual growth. He begins by examining the general framework of questions and why humans ask questions at all. This leads to a presentation of three fundamental goals for Life and how a spiritual practice can help reach those goals, how to recognize when a spiritual practice goes off course, and what results to expect from a successful spiritual practice.
Episode Links:
www.Shinzen.org
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The Dharma of Difference
In this episode taken from the 2013 Buddhist Geeks Conference, Kate speaks about how Buddhist practice can help us wake up to unconscious patterns of power and privilege in our communities and ourselves. Beginning with a synopsis of the COLORLINES article “Rinku Sen: The Racist Mind”, she explains the pervasiveness of implicit bias in our thinking and actions. As she describes her experience and shame when realizing her own implicit racial bias, Kate describes how her meditation practice helped wake her up to those problem areas. She concludes by explaining how racial injustice and lack of diversity affects Buddhist communities, and she issues a call to wake up to these unconscious patterns of power and privilege for the benefit of ourselves and our communities.
Episode Links:
“Rinku Sen: The Racist Mind” ( http://colorlines.com/archives/2013/07/rinku_sen_thinking_through_racism.html )
The Interdependence Project ( http://theidproject.org )
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Working with Questions
In this conversation with host Vincent Horn, Lisa discusses the various facets of working with spiritual questions as part of a contemplative path. She describes her own experience first working with koans in the Rinzai Zen tradition, and then applying that questioning process in her Vipassana practice. The discussion then turns towards how questions can help develop “not knowing”, and how Lisa helps her students learn skillful questioning.
Episode Links:
www.lisaernst.com
One Dharma Nashville ( http://www.onedharmanashville.com )
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Digital Dharma Gates
In this episode Rohan joins host Vincent Horn to talk about the newly released app buddhify2, as well as the world of “Indie Buddhism”. He begins by describing the updates from the original buddhify app, the general reception the new app has received, and the significance of the project’s success. The conversation then moves to Rohan’s personal experience leading the project and his perception that still more innovation is needed in mindfulness technology.
Episode Links:
www.rohangunatillake.com
buddhify 2 ( http://buddhify.com )
We Need More Buddhist Startups ( https://youtu.be/pLiKHjAyw4M )
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Mindful Media: A New Culture of Immersiveness
In this episode taken from the 2013 Buddhist Geeks Conference, she speaks about digital distraction and how it affects human behavior. She begins by pointing out the many emerging technologies that contribute to digital distraction such as multi-tasking smart phones, link baiting websites, and instant gratification fueled social media. Then she concludes the talk by highlighting the increased efforts made by some people in the media and tech industries to bring less distraction and greater depth to digital technology.
Episode Links:
Megan Miller on Twitter ( https://twitter.com/missmilla2u )
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Everything is Workable
Starting with a description of her early life and education, Diane talks about her introduction to the practice of conflict resolution and how she became the first Director of the Office of Alternative Dispute Resolution for the Utah Judiciary. The conversation then turns to the connections Diane has made between conflict resolution insights and the Buddhist teachings of The Three Poisons. This leads to an exploration of whether contemplatives are naturally conflict averse, what it means to actually practice conflict resolution, and why “everything is workable” doesn’t necessarily mean everything always works out the way we want.
Episode Links:
Diane Musho Hamilton ( http://www.dianemushohamilton.com )
Everything is Workable: A Zen Approach to Conflict Resolution ( http://www.shambhala.com/everything-is-workable.html )
The Hidden Lamp: Stories from Twenty-Five Centuries of Awakened Women ( http://www.wisdompubs.org/book/hidden-lamp )
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Enlightenment Engineering
In this episode taken from a recent BG TV episode of Contemplative Technology, hosts Vincent Horn and Mike Redmer speak with Mikey about the current state of contemplative technology. Mikey describes his goal of bringing more legitimacy to the space in academia and business so that more professionals will enter the field. The group then discusses developments in the contemplative technology DIY crowd, a project to create mental activity soundtracks, and the potential inherent to applying contemplative technology in group settings.
Episode Links:
www.MikeySiegel.com
Biofluent ( http://www.biofluent.com )
HeartSync ( http://www.biofluent.com/heartsync/ )
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Get it on Like a Buddha
In this conversation with host Vincent Horn, Lodro talks about the book and his new project The Institute for Compassionate Leadership, a leadership training and job placement organization that utilizes mentoring, meditation, traditional leadership skills training, and Obama style community organizing to produce compassionate, self-aware leaders. The interview starts with the inspiration for starting the Institute and what Lodro hopes to accomplish with it and his writing. This leads to a wider conversation about the usefulness of ancient teachings in the contemporary world and the value of fostering global conversation.
Episode Links:
Walk Like a Buddha: Even if Your Boss Sucks, Your Ex Is Torturing You, and You’re Hungover Again ( http://amzn.to/1g9Z7yU )
The Institute for Compassionate Leadership ( http://instituteforcompassionateleadership.org )
www.LodroRinzler.com
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Zen Predator
Mark joins host Vincent Horn to discuss the book and the impact his writing has had on the Zen community. Mark reports a brief history of the situation, they discuss the conditions that led to the problems, and they examine why the problem of sexual misconduct is not as common in other Western Buddhist traditions.
Episode Links:
The Zen Predator of the Upper East Side ( http://amzn.to/1as7Uak )
www.MarkOppenheimer.com
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The Next Generation of Enlightement
In this episode, Jay joins host Vincent Horn to discuss his new book, which explores the evolution of Buddhism. Jay describes his personal interests in writing Evolving Dharma, as well as the value of the topic to wider academia. The conversation includes Jay’s observations on new kinds of Buddhist communities, the trends away from the traditional guru model, and the possible future being created by the further integration of mindfulness with the Western mainstream.
Episode Links:
www.JayMichaelson.net
Evolving Dharma: Meditation, Buddhism, and the Next Generation of Enlightenment ( http://amzn.to/1851v57%EF%BB%BF )
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Mental Illness and the Dark Night
Willoughby Britton and Daniel Ingram continue their conversation with hosts Emily Horn and Kelly Sosan Bearer to discuss helping people through the experience of the contemplative Dark Night.
To begin the second part of their discussion, Daniel describes the characteristics of Dark Night experience he has seen in the Dharma Overground community and the cycles many people experience. Emily asks whether compassion practice is a common tool to use when in the Dark Night stage. Willoughby and Daniel each describe observations of the usefulness of metta practice and attempt to answer the question: can a sniper have compassion?
Finally, the group explores the topic in context of the TIME story “Aaron Alexis and the Dark Side of Meditation”. This is part two of a two part series. Listen to part one: Varieties of Contemplative Experience Episode
Episode Links:
- TIME: Aaron Alexis and the Dark Side of Meditation ( healthland.time.com/2013/09/17/aaro…-of-meditation/ )
- Daniel Ingram ( integrateddaniel.info )
- The Dharma Overground ( www.dharmaoverground.org )
- Willoughby Britton & Cheetah House ( www.cheetahhouse.org )
- The Dark Side of Dharma ( bit.ly/1IBv56f )
- The Dark Night Project ( bit.ly/1gc7P2j )
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Varieties of Contemplative Experience
Willoughby starts the conversation by reporting the latest updates on the rebranded Dark Night Project, now called “The Varieties of Contemplative Experience”. The group then moves on to discuss helping mindfulness practitioners through episodes of the contemplative Dark Night, how mental disease does and doesn’t get addressed in the community, and some shared characteristics of people that experience the Dark Night.
This is part one of a two part series. Listen to part two BG 302: Mental Illness and the Dark Night.
Episode Links:
TIME: Aaron Alexis and the Dark Side of Meditation ( http://healthland.time.com/2013/09/17/aaron-alexis-and-the-dark-side-of-meditation/ )
Daniel Ingram ( http://integrateddaniel.info )
The Dharma Overground ( http://www.dharmaoverground.org )
Willoughby Britton & Cheetah House ( http://www.cheetahhouse.org )
The Dark Side of Dharma ( http://bit.ly/1IBv56f )
The Dark Night Project ( http://bit.ly/1gc7P2j )
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Contemplative Computing
In the second half of this interview with host Vincent Horn, Alex talks in more detail about his book The Distraction Addiction and it’s central premise of how to engage with technology in a contemplative way. Alex describes the research involved in writing the book, the conclusions he’s made about technology and mindfulness, and how the practices of contemplative computing could affect the future of wearable tech, UI design, and technology in general.
This is part two of a two part series. Listen to part one: Technological Determinism.
Episode Links:
Contemplative Computing Blog ( www.contemplativecomputing.org )
The Distraction Addiction ( amzn.to/1MRHdh3 )
@askpang ( twitter.com/askpang )
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Technological Determinism
In this interview with host Vincent Horn, Alex talks about his career as a Technology Forecaster and Futurist, and the problems he has with the idea of Technological Determinism. Alex describes how the daily rigors of his work with technology damaged his mental focus, and how he turned to meditation to regain that focus. By viewing his work through the lens of his meditation practice he was led to new questions and ideas about how to change mankind’s relationship with technology, how to go from being distracted to more focused and mindful, and the real dangers of taking a passive role in our daily relationship with technology.
This is part one of a two part series. Listen to part two: BG 300: Contemplative Computing.
Episode Links:
Contemplative Computing Blog ( http://www.contemplativecomputing.org )
The Distraction Addiction ( http://amzn.to/1MRHdh3 )
@askpang ( https://twitter.com/askpang )
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Quantified Selflessness
In this episode, taken from the new BG TV show Contemplative Technology, hosts Vincent Horn and Mike Redmer are joined by Chris to explore the relationship between the Quantified Self (QS) movement and the deepening experience of selflessness, or egolessness, that is described on the Buddhist contemplative path. They discuss how and why Chris first began collecting his personal data, how that data collection has impacted his life, and what Chris believes the future holds for the QS movement.
Episode Links:
www.chrisdancy.com
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When Everything Happens Now
In this episode, Douglas joins host Vincent Horn to discuss the book Present Shock and the underlying concept that “present shock” is the human response to living in a world where everything happens now. Douglas describes how he formed the concept of “present shock” through explorations of psychedelics, tai chi, and chronobiology, and how these areas have informed his work, life, and political and social philosophies. They talk about the many Buddhist parallels in Douglas’ ideas and experiences, and also why, despite those parallels, Douglas is fairly critical of spiritual traditions.
Episode Links:
Douglas Rushkoff ( http://www.rushkoff.com )
Present Shock: When Everything Happens Now ( http://amzn.to/1MRH25u )
The Psychedelic Experience: A Manual Based on the Tibetan Book of the Dead ( http://amzn.to/1MRH6Cj )
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The Trojan Horse of Meditation
The group talks about Ken’s plan to enlighten the Illuminati with a Meditation Trojan Horse, whether or not there is a “right motivation” for maintaining a meditation practice, and how this all relates to the popular assumption that meditation should be free of a goal-oriented approach.
This is part two of a two part series. Listen to part one BG 295: Meditating to Get Ahead.
Episode Links:
Enlightenment Engineers ( http://www.wired.com/business/2013/06/meditation-mindfulness-silicon-valley )
Kenneth Folk ( http://kennethfolkdharma.com )
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Meditating to Get Ahead
Emily opens the conversation by asking, “Does meditation really make you more productive and wealthy? And is it a way to get ahead?” The group explores these questions and discusses how variables in an individual’s values, form of practice, and other perceptual filters affect the answers.
This is part one of a two part series. Listen to part two: The Trojan Horse of Meditation.
Episode Links:
Kenneth Folk ( http://kennethfolkdharma.com )
Enlightenment Engineers ( http://www.wired.com/business/2013/06/meditation-mindfulness-silicon-valley )
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Red Bull to Buddha
In this conversation David and host Vincent Horn discuss the book Red Bull to Buddha and the cycles of technological innovation that have led to major social change throughout history. In talking about the inspiration for the book, David describes visiting a temple in Thailand where bottles of the sports energy drink Red Bull were being presented as devotional offerings. He explains how examining his discovery of Red Bull in the temple led him to explore how the meaning of a brand or object is dependent on cultural context, and how culture is affected by technological advance. This leads Vincent and David to discuss how a Buddhist practice can help one to navigate a world that’s in a constant state of cultural and technological disruption.
Episode Links:
Red Bull to Buddha: Innovation and the Search for Wisdom ( http://www.amazon.com/kindle-store/dp/B00E4W4C1S )
Social Meditate ( http://www.socialmeditate.com )
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Be the Lover
This is part two of a two part series. Listen to part one Perfect Insight is Perfect Love.
Episode Links:
Sofia Diaz ( www.sofiayoga.com )
Trudy Goodman ( www.insightla.org/about/teachers.php )
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Perfect Insight is Perfect Love
This is part one of a two part series. Listen to part two: Be the Lover
Episode Links:
Sofia Diaz ( http://www.sofiayoga.com )
Trudy Goodman ( https://www.insightla.org/about/teachers.php )
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Questioning Frameworks of Practice
Vincent begins by asking a fundamental question of the search for the “Truth”: by whose authority? The two then discuss some helpful qualifiers when searching for a spiritual authority, some pitfalls to avoid when trusting that authority, and the various ways study might look under various authorities and techniques. Ken describes how the spiritual path will generally progress and the importance of periodically examining one’s motivations for study. They conclude the conversation by discussing the importance of fundamentals to whatever authority or path of practice one chooses.
This is part two of a two part series. Listen to part one: Truth is a Red Herring.
Episode Links:
Unfettered Mind ( http://www.unfetteredmind.org )
PINA ( http://www.pina-film.de/en/ )
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Truth is a Red Herring
They begin the conversation by examining the supposition that the path to enlightenment is ultimately to find the “Truth”. Vincent talks about how his early efforts in practice were rooted in the need to find the “Truth”, and how his motivations and understanding have changed. Ken relates his own recent advances on the topic. The two then examine the role and representation of the “Truth” in context of spiritual practice, psychological well being, and philosophical inquiry. They then explore the parallels of “Truth” and “Enlightenment” and how each idea is shaped and defined by the culture and by the individual.
This is part one of a two part series. Listen to part two: Questioning Frameworks of Practice.
Episode Links:
Unfettered Mind ( http://www.unfetteredmind.org )
Straw Dogs ( http://amzn.to/1MRFcSd )
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Meditation, Behavior Design, & Habit Building
In this conversation over Google Hangouts, Tony and host Vincent Horn discuss the merits and potential shadow side to behavioural design. Tony describes how he became interested in the science of behavioural design and how that led him to create Lift as a way to bring a social aspect to building positive habits. They talk about the three components to consider when building a habit, how the QS Movement relates to behavioural design, and how to use systems like Lift to build strong positive habits like daily meditation.
Episode Links:
LIFT ( https://lift.do )
Lift’s How to Meditate page with free guided meditations ( https://lift.do/meditation )
BJ Fogg ( http://www.bjfogg.com )
Quantified Self ( http://quantifiedself.com )
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Mindfulness is More Than Just Paying Attention
Episode Links:
College of Business at San Francisco State University ( http://cob.sfsu.edu/cob/directory/faculty/ronald-purser )
Center for Creative Inquiry ( http://www.creativeinquiry.org/develop/index.php )
Korean Buddhist Taego Order ( http://www.taegozen.net )
Beyond McMindfulness ( http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ron-purser/beyond-mcmindfulness_b_3519289.html )
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Information & Contemplation
In this interview with host Vincent Horn, David talks about his early rejection of zen meditation practice and how he came back to it later through a study of calligraphy. They talk about a National Science Foundation funded study David created to observe the effects of meditation on multitasking, and the university course he subsequently developed at the iSchool, “Information and Contemplation.” He talks about insights his students have through the course and the surprising way email can be used as a focus for mindfulness. Finally, Vincent and David discuss the idea of taking a “digital Sabbath” and the usefulness of periodically unplugging from the online world.
Episode Links:
What Computers Still Can’t Do: A Critique of Artificial Reason ( http://amzn.to/15yQx4K )
“You’re Distracted. This Professor Can Help.” ( http://chronicle.com/article/Youre-Distracted-This/138079/ )
Xerox PARC ( http://www.parc.com )
Darlene Cohen ( http://www.darlenecohen.net )
“Information and Contemplation” ( http://dmlevy.ischool.uw.edu/information-and-contemplation/ )
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Humanity Gets an Upgrade
In this conversation with host Vincent Horn, Ramez describes his inspiration for the book and it’s narrative of collectivism and mind-to-mind connection through technology. The two discuss the fact, fiction, benefits, and perils of technology that can connect humanity so intimately, and what that kind of technology could mean to the process of awakening.
Episode Links:
www.RamezNaam.com
Nexus ( http://rameznaam.com/nexus/ )
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Contemplative Technologies
In this second part of their conversation, host Vincent Horn discusses with Mike the subtleties of contemplative design and the current state of contemplative technology. Vincent relates details of his experience with some of these technologies at the recent Wisdom 2.0 conference, and he and Mike discuss the mixed potential each sees in the future of ubiquitous computing.
This is part two of a two part series. Listen to part one, ReWiring Meditation for the Digital Age
Episode Links:
ReWire: meditation remixed ( http://rewireapp.com )
I used Google Glass: the future, but with monthly updates ( http://bit.ly/1MRE8O4 )
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ReWiring Meditation for the Digital Age
In this first part of a conversation with host Vincent Horn, Mike shares his motivation for creating Rewire and the ways he hopes it can help people develop in meditation. He also describes how he approached designing the app, the improvements he made in the second iteration, and how Shinzen Young’s practice of “Just Note Gone” influenced the end product and Mike himself.
This is part one of a two part series. Listen to part two, Contemplative Technologies
Episode Links:
ReWire: meditation remixed ( http://rewireapp.com )
The Power of Gone ( http://shinzen.org/Articles/PowerofGone.pdf )
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Specializing in Letting Go
In this episode Reggie and host Vincent Horn conclude their conversation by discussing the recurring cycle of conflict between “authentic lineages” and “institutional lineages” in the world’s religions. Reggie describes the personal toll this conflict had on his teacher, Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche, and how many unorthodox teachers have found themselves threatened and restricted by religious institutions. He then describes how the techniques of Mahamudra can lead us to identify all the places where we hold back as people so that we may find freedom from all forms of restriction.
This is part two of a two part series.
Listen to part one – BG 281: Mahamudra in the Modern World
Episode Links:
Buddhist Saints in India: A Study in Buddhist Values and Orientations ( http://amzn.to/1MRDXm5 )
Dharma Ocean ( http://www.dharmaocean.org )
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Mahamudra in the Modern World
In this episode Dr. Reggie Ray and host Vincent Horn discuss the basics of the Mahamudra tradition and Reggie’s approach to teaching it. He shares his insight into how his personal practice has changed and deepened through teaching, and he answers questions such as: Is a personal relationship with a teacher necessary? And, how does one know when it’s time to start teaching?
This is part one of a two part series.
Listen to part two – BG 282: Specializing in Letting Go
Episode Links:
The Forest Dwelling Yogi ( http://bit.ly/1MRDNuI )
Dharma Ocean ( http://www.dharmaocean.org )
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The Naked Monk
In this episode Stephen talks with host Vincent Horn about why he left his monastic order and what he learned from the experience. They discuss why people are drawn to formal religious orders and guru-disciple relationships, and Stephen describes possible alternatives to the guru-disciple dynamic that might be more appropriate for the modern world. Finally, after questioning the very existence of the historical Buddha, they discuss why the myth might be more important than the story of the historical man.
Episode Links:
The Naked Monk ( http://www.thenakedmonk.com )
“Sick Love” ( http://www.thenakedmonk.com/2013/01/14/sick-love/ )
“Zen Buddhists Distressed by Accusations Against Teacher” ( http://nyti.ms/12MlZgW )
The Novice ( http://amzn.to/12MlVxs )
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Finding Authority Outside of Tradition
This is part two of a two part series. Listen to part 1: Secular Buddhism.
Episode Links:
Secular Buddhism ( http://bit.ly/1MRDsbA )
The Secular Buddhist Association ( secularbuddhism.org )
The Secular Buddhist Podcast ( secularbuddhism.org/the-secular-buddhist-podcasts/ )
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Secular Buddhism
This is part one of a two part series.
Episode Links:
The Secular Buddhist Association ( http://secularbuddhism.org )
The Secular Buddhist Podcast ( http://secularbuddhism.org/the-secular-buddhist-podcasts/ )
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Start-up Thinking and Buddhist Lineage
In this episode, Lawrence speaks with host Rohan Gunatillake about working at Pixar, the lessons he learned at the company, and how he has applied those lessons to building the Buddhist organization the Juniper Foundation.
Episode Links:
Juniper Foundation ( http://www.juniperpath.org )
Awakening the Mind ( http://www.juniperpath.org/works/A7614E/Awakening+the+Mind/ )
Pixar ( http://www.pixar.com )
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The Artistic Path is the Crooked Path
In this episode we speak with John about his long-standing search for the source of creativity, and how that search has led him to explore a contemplative Buddhist practice. During the discussion with host Vincent Horn, John describes the strategy he uses to search for the source of his creativity and the parallels his strategy shares with meditation teacher Daniel Ingram’s progress of insight map.
Episode Links:
www.iclock.com
John’s profile at the Gering & Lopez Gallery ( http://www.geringlopez.com/artists/john-f-simon-jr )
Björk’s Biophilia ( http://bjork.com/#/past/discography/biophilia )
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Buddhism, Technology, and Quarter-Pounders
This is part two of a two part series.
Episode Links:
CU’s Center for Media, Religion, and Culture ( cmrc.colorado.edu/about )
KGNU ( www.kgnu.org )
buddhify ( buddhify.com )
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Fifty Shades of Geek
This is part one of a two part series.
Episode Links:
CU’s Center for Media, Religion, and Culture ( http://cmrc.colorado.edu/about )
KGNU ( http://www.kgnu.org )
buddhify ( http://buddhify.com )
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The Witness
This is part 2 of a two part series. Listen to part 1, Quantum Gaming.
Episode Links:
The Witness ( http://the-witness.net )
Myst ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myst )
Nondualism ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nondualism )
On Being ( http://www.onbeing.org )
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Quantum Gaming
This is part one of a two part series.
Episode Links:
Braid ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Braid_(video_game) )
The Witness ( http://the-witness.net )
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Contemplative Design: Less is More
This is part two of a two part series.
Episode Links:
www.MichaelHarboun.com
Transcendenz ( https://vimeo.com/25771444 )
www.IDEO.com
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Transcendenz & Anti-Time
Michaël Harboun wants to design products that find a balance between inner contemplation and external technology. The concept video for his augmented reality project Transcendenz illustrates the positive potential of finding such a balance.
In this episode Michaël and host Vincent Horn discuss the philosophical goals of Transcendenz, the fact and fiction of the current state of some of the technologies portrayed in the concept video–like augmented reality and computer brain interfaces–and finally the way that Buddhist thought has influenced this project.
This is part one of a two part series.
Episode Links:
www.MichaelHarboun.com
Transcendenz ( https://vimeo.com/25771444 )
www.IDEO.com
Thomas Nagel’s Bat Experiment ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Nagel )
Augmented Reality ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Augmented_reality )
Google’s Project Glass ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Project_Glass )
Emotiv ( http://emotiv.com )
InteraXon : Thought Controlled Computing ( http://www.interaxon.ca )
Elliot Hedman ( http://www.buildempathy.com )
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The Path of Centering Prayer
In this episode, David describes the similarities and differences between Buddhist and Christian practice, the benefit of surrender, and the Christian Contemplative tenet of “the God within serves the God in other people.”
This is part two of a two-part series.
Episode Links:
The Path of Centering Prayer: Deepening Your Experience of God ( http://amzn.to/VFpGRY )
Incarnational Contemplation ( http://www.incarnationalcontemplation.com )
Center for Contemplative Living in Denver ( http://www.contemplativeoutreach-co.org )
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Meditating with God
In this episode, David describes his path from Zen to Christianity and how he uses the practice of Centering Prayer to deepen his experience of God.
This is part one of a two part series.
Episode Links:
The Path of Centering Prayer: Deepening Your Experience of God ( http://amzn.to/VFpGRY )
Incarnational Contemplation ( http://www.incarnationalcontemplation.com )
Center for Contemplative Living in Denver ( http://www.contemplativeoutreach-co.org )
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It's a Jungle in There
In this episode, taken from the Buddhist Geeks Conference 2012, Daniel Ingram talks about the ways that contemplatives could learn from the Naturalists. The Naturalists excelled in meticulous exploration, descriptive science, and classification. Their example can serve as the foundation for the next step in contemplative advancement, where the vast spectrum of inner experience, could be described and cataloged in an entirely new way.
Episode Links:
- Daniel Ingram ( http://www.integrateddaniel.info )
- Mastering the Core Teachings of the Buddha ( http://amzn.to/Ri7No5 )
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Mindful Binge Drinking and Blobology
Scientific research of meditation is undoubtedly one of the forces behind the proliferation of the Dharma, and offers much promise as a “Dharma technology”. However, Britton asserts that significant challenges remain before we can harness the full power of scientific enterprise.
Episode Links:
Willoughby Britton at Brown University ( http://research.brown.edu/myresearch/Willoughby_Britton )
Britton Lab ( http://www.brittonlab.com )
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Creativity Without Grasping
Episode Links:
www.martinebatchelor.org
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McLuhan and Buddhism: How is the Medium Changing the Message?
In this episode, taken from the Buddhist Geeks Conference in 2012, Ken McLeod explores how McLuhan’s famous dictum “the medium is the message” might apply to Buddhism.
Episode Links:
Unfettered Mind ( www.unfetteredmind.org )
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The DNA Sutra
Episode Links:
DNA Sutra ( http://www.tricycle.com/feature/dna-sutra )
23andme ( https://www.23andme.com )
Tricycle Magazine ( http://www.tricycle.com )
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The Emerging Science of Mindfulness Meditation
In this episode David relates how his personal mindfulness practice has integrated with his professional scientific research. He talks about the thriving community of scientists interested in mindfulness that has taken root in contemporary academia and research, and he highlights some current projects and lines of inquiry that have benefited from this uniquely supportive atmosphere.
Episode Links:
www.ContemplativeNeurosciences.com
Mind and Life Institute ( http://www.mindandlife.org )
The Dark Night Project ( http://bit.ly/1gc7P2j )
Mapping the Mindful Brain ( http://bit.ly/1gc7Weo )
Contemplative Mind in Life ( http://contemplativemind.wordpress.com )
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The Angry Buddhist
In this episode Greenland speaks with host Vincent Horn about the book, what messages he hopes to convey with the Showtime series, and how Buddhism is making its way further into the pop culture landscape.
Episode Links:
www.sethgreenland.com
The Angry Buddhist ( http://amzn.to/MX4OSI )
Showtime Develops ‘Angry Buddhist’ Series ( http://www.deadline.com/2012/04/showtime-develops-angry-buddhist-series )
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Enlightenment is Capable of Endless Enlargement
Episode Links:
Happiness Beyond Thought: A Practical Guide to Awakening ( http://www.happiness-beyond-thought.com/thebook/thebook.html )
Happiness Beyond Thought Blog ( http://happinessbeyondthought.blogspot.com )
Mapping the Mindful Brain ( http://bit.ly/1gc7Weo )
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Mapping the Mindful Brain
In this episode, Brewer describes to Vincent Horn how his work in addiction treatment led to these discoveries. They discuss the difficulty in objectively marking progress on the path to awakening, how that led to his participation in the Contemplative Development Mapping Project, and how using FMRI to understand mindfulness practice may eventually affect Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike.
Episode Links:
The Dark Night Project ( http://bit.ly/1gc7P2j )
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A Heart Blown Open
Episode Links:
www.keithmartinsmith.com
A Heart Blown Open ( http://amzn.to/1gc7Ins )
Mondo Zen ( http://www.mondozen.org )
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Will the Real Buddha Please Stand Up?
In a conversation with Hokai Sobol, Peacock describes the historical Buddha as a very practical teacher and a radical social reformer. He cites passages of the earliest writings that describe a very human and emotional Buddha that enjoyed satire. He calls the Buddha the “First Psychologist” and relates to him as a teacher who was more interested in practical psychology than philosophy.
This is Part 1 of a 2 part series.
Episode Links:
Oxford Mindfulness Center ( http://oxfordmindfulness.org )
Hokai Sobol | 21st Century Dharma ( http://www.hokai.info )
Sutta Nipata ( http://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/kn/snp/index.html )
Ariyapariyesana Sutta ( http://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/mn/mn.026.than.html )
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Is Super Mario a Buddhist?
She concludes the presentation by inviting to the stage her twin sister Kelly McGonigal. Together they give the audience an inside look at the ongoing conversation the sisters have had about the possible convergence of gaming and Buddhist practice.
This is part two of a two part series.
Episode Links:
www.janemcgonigal.com
Awakening is an Epic Win [video] ( youtu.be/uI46wbjrVc0 )
Reality is Broken ( amzn.to/1gc7qgv )
Fold It ( http://fold.it/portal/ )
Ground Crew ( http://gameful.org/groups/groundcrew/forum/ )
Evoke ( http://www.urgentevoke.com )
Living Compassion ( http://www.livingcompassion.org )
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A Buddhist Game Designer
Do Buddhists and Game Designers share goals?
Do Buddhists and Game Designers share methods?
Could Buddhists and Game Designers share practices?
She then shares some fascinating insights into the measured benefits of gaming, after which she has the audience join her in a game of “massive multiplayer thumb wrestling.” Jane closes her talk by drawing some striking parallels between the goals and benefits of gaming with the goals and benefits of Buddhist practice.
This is part 1 of a 2 part series. Listen to part 2 (airing next week).
Episode Links:
www.janemcgonigal.com
Awakening is an Epic Win [video] ( https://youtu.be/uI46wbjrVc0 )
Reality is Broken ( http://amzn.to/1gc7qgv )
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A Mindfulness Manifesto
Kelly Sosan Bearer speaks with Ed Halliwell, journalist, teacher, and author, about his new book The Mindful Manifesto and its themes of mindfulness, Buddhism, and Science. Ed describes his personal experience with stress and depression and his journey to Buddhism and mindfulness practice as a way to get healthy. He defines “mindfulness” and then leads the Geeks through a ”3 step breathing space practice” meant to reduce stress.
Episode Links:
The Mindful Manifesto: How Doing Less and Noticing More Can Help Us Thrive in a Stressed-Out World ( http://amzn.to/1gc7gWq )
The Guardian ( http://www.guardiannews.com )
Integral Chicks ( http://www.integralchicks.com )
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Climate Change is Happening on our Watch
In this episode Rohan Gunatillake speaks with Buddhist teacher Rob Burbea on the topic of Climate Change. Rob wonders why the Western Buddhist community is largely silent on the topic, and over the course of the discussion Rohan and Rob explore several questions, including: How does dharma practice relate to the topic of Climate Change? What is the consequence of Buddhists not addressing this issue? What example should Buddhist teachers and leaders show in relation to climate change?
Episode Links:
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The Communication Gap
This is part 2 of a two-part series. Listen to part 1, Crossing the Generational Divide.
Episode Links:
Unfettered Mind ( http://www.unfetteredmind.org )
Pragmatic Buddhism ( http://bit.ly/1S1bMYw )
www.openpractice.me
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Crossing the Generational Divide
This is part 1 of a two-part series. Listen to part 2, The Communication Gap.
Episode Links:
Pragmatic Buddhism ( http://bit.ly/1S1bMYw )
Philosophy as a Way of Life ( http://amzn.to/GQsNQ8 )
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Strengthening the Body-Mind
Episode Links:
www.robmcnamara.com
Strength to Awaken ( http://amzn.to/ysYV4H )
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Enlightenment Through an Evolutionary Lens
Episode Links:
www.dianemushohamilton.com
The Most Fundamental Duality ( http://bit.ly/1S1brVD )
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Disrupting the Awakening Industry
Episode Links:
http://rohangunatillake.com
buddhify ( http://buddhify.com )
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What Science Can Teach Us About Practice
Episode Links:
www.kellymcgonigal.com
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Singing Meditation
Episode Links:
Wisdom Sun ( http://www.wisdomsun.org )
Stars of Wisdom ( http://www.starsofwisdom.info )
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The Buddha Walks Into a Bar
Episode Links:
www.LodroRinzler.com
The Buddha Walks Into a Bar: A Guide to Life for a New Generation ( http://amzn.to/zzexf6 )
Gampo Abbey ( http://www.gampoabbey.org )
Shambhala Meditation Center of New York ( http://ny.shambhala.org )
The Reciprocity Foundation ( http://www.reciprocityfoundation.org )
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The Myth of the Teacher
This is part 2 of a two-part series. Listen to part 1, Practicing at the Crossroads.
Episode Links:
www.MartineBatchelor.org
The Buddhist Teachers Council ( http://bit.ly/1S1aJYr )
The Timeless Tradition of Spiritual Apprenticeship ( http://bit.ly/1S1aI6Z )
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Practicing at the Crossroads
The episode concludes with a compelling conversation about the multi-perspectival nature of human beings, and how we’re constantly practicing at a crossroads between various aspects of our lives.
This is part 1 of a two-part series. Listen to part 2, The Myth of the Teacher.
Episode Links:
www.MartineBatchelor.org
Chinul and the Hwadu Meditation ( http://www.openbuddha.com/2010/09/09/chinul-and-the-hwadu-meditation/ )
Master Dahui ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dahui_Zonggao )
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Uniting Technology and Wisdom
This talk, with slides, is also available to watch as a video here: http://bit.ly/vdwNtE
Episode Links:
Steve Jobs ( http://amzn.to/ufoZks )
Buddhify ( http://buddhify.com )
Shinzen Young: The Hybrid Teacher ( http://bit.ly/1S1a5dq )
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Innovating New Forms of Buddhist Tantra
David Chapman–writer and computer scientist–joins us again to finish our conversation about “consensus Buddhism” and the alternatives that he sees to the consensus. David speaks about some of the innovations that occurred in the last few decades within the world of Buddhist tantra, including such teachers as Chogyam Trunpa Rinpoche, Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche, and Reggie Ray. He also speaks about the challenges facing modern Buddhism, including fragmentation and atomization, and how these challenges are leading to a new approach, that might best be described as post-modern.
This is part 2 of a two-part series. Listen to part 1, Consensus Buddhism and Mindful Mayo.
Episode Links:
- Meaningness ( http://meaningness.wordpress.com )
- The Making of Buddhist Modernism ( http://amzn.to/tpoDE9 )
- Buddhism for Vampires ( http://buddhism-for-vampires.com )
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Consensus Buddhism and Mindful Mayo
David Chapman is a writer, computer scientist, engineer and Buddhist practitioner. He shares in this episode a description of what he calls consensus Buddhism. Chapman claims that up until recently this consensus group has crowded out the mindshare of alternative approaches to Buddhism, through focusing on universalizing and making absolute several principles, which are good in themselves, but become problematic when absolutized. Included among these principles are:
1) inclusivity
2) individualism
3) egalitarianism
4) niceness
5) mindfulness
This is part 1 of a two-part series. Listen to part 2, Innovating New Forms of Buddhist Tantra.
Episode Links:
- Meaningness ( http://meaningness.wordpress.com )
- Boomeritis Buddhism ( http://bit.ly/17mRK )
- “Nice” Buddhism ( http://meaningness.wordpress.com/2011/06/10/nice-buddhism/ )
- One Dharma: The Emerging Western Buddhism ( http://amzn.to/vCeIu0 )
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Form is Emptiness, Emptiness is Evolving
Episode Links:
www.davidloy.org
The World is Made of Stories ( http://amzn.to/uwc5dE )
A Buddhist Response to the Climate Emergency ( http://amzn.to/w0P7Cb )
Cosmos Intro, Carl Sagan ( http://youtu.be/R7n71pm0K04 )
Inflation (Cosmology) ( http://bit.ly/1S172C4 )
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Seasons of Practice
We also go into depth on the topic of practice itself, exploring some of the many phases, or seasons, that a practitioner often experiences, including the honeymoon phase, the plateu, falling from grace, and awakening.
This is part 2 of a two-part series. Listen to part 1, The Art of Dharmic Embrace.
Episode Links:
Integral Spiritual Practice ( http://www.integralspiritualpractice.com )
Integral Life Practice ( http://amzn.to/sTzZSx )
Beyond Awakening ( http://beyondawakeningseries.com )
Integral Yoga ( http://amzn.to/smutBY )
Ken Wilber ( http://www.kenwilber.com )
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The Art of Dharmic Embrace
This topics leads us to then explore the various ways that we, often quite unsuccessfully, work with the areas of money, sexuality, and power. We look at why these forces are so challenging to us as social creatures, and as part of that Terry issues an interesting challenge to the Western Buddhist community.
This is part 1 of a two-part series. Listen to part 2, Seasons of Practice.
Episode Links:
Integral Spiritual Practice ( http://www.integralspiritualpractice.com )
Integral Life Practice ( http://amzn.to/sTzZSx )
Beyond Awakening ( http://beyondawakeningseries.com )
The Knee of Listening ( http://amzn.to/sq5paV )
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A Visitation from the Unknown
Episode Links:
Evolutionary Enlightenment: A New Path to Spiritual Awakening ( http://amzn.to/niYYuV )
EnlightenNext ( http://www.enlightennext.org )
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No Yogi Left Behind
Charley starts off by speaking about several hypnosis and sensory deprivation research studies, wherein the “demand characteristics” of the experiments dramatically affected the results of the research. We explore the implications this might have on the “set” or context that is used to set up meditation practice, and on the results people experience. We also discuss the lack of useful feedback that occurs in meditation communities, and the dramatically lower success rates of meditation communities, when compared to Western educational institutions.
Episode Links:
An Evidence-Based Spirituality for the 21st Century ( http://bit.ly/1S15WGC )
The Buddhist Atheist ( http://bit.ly/1S15VCy )
The End of Materialism: How Evidence of the Paranormal Is Bringing Science and Spirit Together ( http://amzn.to/py2BQ2 )
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Where Science and Compassion Meet
As part of her work with CCARE she shares some of her background with Stanford as well as her long-standing Buddhist practice, which pulls from both the Zen and Tibetan traditions. We close the discussion by exploring some of the difficulties with teaching meditation in a secular context, as well as some of the benefits that come through framing the teachings in scientific and psychological terms.
Episode Links:
www.kellymcgonigal.com
The Willpower Instinct: How Self-Control Works, Why It Matters, and What You Can Do to Get More of It ( http://amzn.to/lcYMyR )
The Stanford Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education ( http://ccare.stanford.edu )
Cheri Huber ( http://www.cherihuber.com )
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The Dark Night Project
Toward the end she also speaks about how she and her colleagues–all part of this emerging group of contemplative scientist hybrids–have come together to create a new contemplative development mapping project. This new generation of scientists are studying the mind, and have immersed themselves not only in scientific methodologies but also in contemplative practice.
This is part 2 of a two-part series. Listen to part 1, The Dark Side of Dharma.
Episode Links:
Willoughby Britton @ Brown University ( http://research.brown.edu/myresearch/Willoughby_Britton )
Britton Lab ( http://www.brittonlab.com )
Mind and Life Institute ( http://www.mindandlife.org )
Cheetah House ( https://cheetahhouse.wordpress.com )
Brown University Contemplative Studies Initiative ( http://bit.ly/rOnze )
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The Dark Side of Dharma
She also speaks about how she has collaborated with both meditation teachers and Buddhist scholars to help determine what the common experiences are for practitioners, and whether they have textual references in the Buddhist canons. And to make matters even more interesting, she shares what her personal experiences have been like, as she’s a committed meditation practitioner herself.
This is part 1 of a two-part series. Listen to part 2, The Dark Night Project.
Episode Links:
Willoughby Britton @ Brown University ( http://research.brown.edu/myresearch/Willoughby_Britton )
Britton Lab ( http://www.brittonlab.com )
Willoughby Britton at the Buddhist Geeks Conference, on the Problem with Meditation ( http://blogs.laweekly.com/stylecouncil/2011/09/buddhist_geeks_considerable_to.php )
Cheetah House ( https://cheetahhouse.wordpress.com )
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The Internet is Not Your Teacher
Episode Links:
Ethan Nichtern ( http://www.ethannichtern.com )
The Interdependence Project ( http://www.theidproject.org )
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Enlightenment For the Rest of Us
This week’s episode comes from the recent Buddhist Geeks Conference, where meditation teacher Kenneth Folk spoke about his three pillars of pragmatic dharma: 1) awakening is possible, 2) I know because it happened to me, and 3) here’s how.
Kenneth cycles through each of these pillars, going deeper each time, first exploring what enlightenment is–highlighting the difference between a moment of awakening and enlightenment as human development. He also speaks about why he claims that it happened to him, challenging a taboo in Buddhist culture to not speak about one’s personal experience of enlightenment. He then speaks about attention as the common denominator of all the technologies for awakening, exploring his particular approach to training attention, what he calls the 3-speed transmission.
Episode Links:
Kenneth Folk Dharma ( http://kennethfolkdharma.com )
The #bgeeks11 Round-Up ( http://www.buddhistgeeks.com/2011/08/the-bgeeks11-round-up/ )
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There is No Enemy
This week’s episode is taken from the recent Buddhist Geeks Conference, where Ken McLeod–a well known Buddhist teacher and management consultant–spoke about moving beyond ‘us vs. them,’ embracing the mystery of the human condition, and changing the world. Ken speaks about the futility of fighting our lives, explores what it means to make an something an enemy, and how to realize that there is no enemy. He shares many helpful suggesting in creating what he calls “a toolkit for change.”
Episode Links:
Unfettered Mind : Pragmatic Buddhism ( http://www.unfetteredmind.org )
Secret Pilgrim ( http://amzn.to/pzqFAm )
The #bgeeks11 Round-Up ( http://www.buddhistgeeks.com/2011/08/the-bgeeks11-round-up/ )
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To Know One Religion is to Know None
Rita goes on to speak extensively on the value of studying religion, both as a comparative endeavor and also from the perspective of history. She speaks about the vital insights of the Western European Enlightenment and how the values of rationality and tolerance can imbue our study of Buddhism. She speaks about the types of confusion, sectarianism, and fundamentalism which can reign supreme without this comparative mirror, and urges Buddhist practitioners to learn the clear difference between traditional narratives–the story that tradition tells us–and historical narratives–what a camcorder would record if it were sent back in time. She wraps up our conversation by pointing out that the study of Buddhist history also reveals an incredibly continuity across traditions, and also suggests that we might be at the cusp of a proliferation of Buddhist thought that hasn’t been experienced since 7th century India.
Episode Links:
Rita M. Gross ( http://ritamgross.com )
“Buddhist History for Buddhist Practitioners” ( http://www.tricycle.com/feature/buddhist-history-buddhist-practitioners )
Naropa University ( http://www.naropa.edu )
Jetsün Khandro Rinpoche ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khandro_Rinpoche )
Buddhism After Patriarchy ( http://amzn.to/qo1yxp )
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The Buddhist Teachers Council
Episode Links:
2011 Buddhist Teachers Council ( http://bit.ly/1S13OOS )
Le Moulin Meditation Centre ( http://www.dharmanetwork.org )
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The End of Self-Referencing
This is part 2 of a two-part series. Listen to part 1, The Study of Non-Symbolic Consciousness.
Episode Links:
The Fourth Awakening ( http://www.fourthawakening.com )
Center for the Study of Non-Symbolic Consciousness ( http://www.nonsymbolic.org )
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The Study of Non-Symbolic Consciousness
This is part 1 of a two-part series. Listen to part 2, The End of Self-Referencing.
Episode Links:
The Fourth Awakening ( http://www.fourthawakening.com )
Center for the Study of Non-Symbolic Consciousness ( http://www.nonsymbolic.org )
The God Formula ( http://amzn.to/ovnEwe )
The Intention Experiment ( http://amzn.to/nraxW0 )
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Tuning In to the Truth of the Moment
This is part 2 of a two-part series. Listen to part 1, The Chief Facilitator.
Episode Links:
www.mindfulnessarts.org
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The Chief Facilitator
This is part 1 of a two-part series. Listen to part 2, (airing next week).
Episode Links:
Mindfulness Arts ( http://www.mindfulnessarts.org )
Shinzen Young Interviews | YouTube Channel ( http://www.youtube.com/user/ShinzenInterviews )
Stephanie Nash & Other Teachers | YouTube Channel ( http://www.youtube.com/stephnashmeditation0 )
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No System Exists in a Vacuum
This is part 2 of a two-part series. Listen to part 1, Connections Between Yoga & Buddhism.
Episode Links:
Centre of Gravity ( http://www.centreofgravity.org )
The Ariyapariyesana Sutta ( http://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/mn/mn.026.than.html )
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Connections Between Yoga & Buddhism
We finish our conversation by exploring some of the overlaps and deep connections between these wisdom schools, paying particular attention to the similarities between Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras and the early sutras of Siddhartha Buddha. We also speak about the body practices of yoga and what they may have to offer to the mind practices of Buddhism, noticing that both schools are ultimately both mind and body practices.
This is part 1 of a two-part series. Listen to part 2, No System Exists in a Vacuum.
Episode Links:
Center of Gravity ( http://www.centreofgravity.org )
The Satipatthana Sutta ( http://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/mn/mn.010.than.html )
Yoga Sutras of Patanjali ( https://secure.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/wiki/Yoga_Sutras_of_Patanjali )
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Organizational Enlightenment
We’re joined again this week by organizational expert, and founder of HolacracyOne, Brian Robertson. Brian begins by describing the pit-falls of both strict hierarchy and consensus based organizational structures, pointing out that in both cases the systems are fused with the people. He contrasts that with the Holacracy structure, which employs several methods designed such that the value of both top-down and bottom-up wisdom can be incorporated into an organization.
We then discuss the challenges of implementing a system like Holacracy, including the difficult “ego shock” that it can have on people who are used to being heroic leaders. We then speak about the notion of “organizational enlightenment”, which Brian speaks of as “the organization waking up to its own purpose in the world”.
This is part 2 of a two-part series. Listen to part 1, Liberating the Soul of Organization.
Episode Links:
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Liberating the Soul of Organization
We’re joined this week by Brian Robertson, founder of HolacracyOne, a company whose aim is to liberate the soul of organization. We discuss with Brian the main principles and practices behind Holacracy—a system that Brian helped develop as a new operating system on which businesses can run. He distinguishes between what he calls “predict-and-control” management practices and “sense-and-respond” processes, which are much more like the dynamic steering of a bicycle.
We also look at the parallels between the practice of Holacracy and the practice of meditation. Brian’s description of Holacracy as a practice which encourages people to be ruthlessly present with current tensions and to not identify with the roles that they fill are two striking examples of meditative principles applied to business. We conclude our discussion by exploring what he calls “the tyranny of consensus”, seeing that even with a group of highly conscious individuals we may not have the collective skills to really give life to the organizations we’re a part of.
This is part 1 of a two-part series. Listen to part 2, Organizational Enlightenment.
Episode Links:
📄 Differentiating Role and Soul
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The Aesthetic of Meditation is Broken
Episode Links:
www.21awake.com
Edinburgh Festivals Innovation Lab ( http://festivalslab.com )
Buddhify ( http://buddhify.com )
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Teaching Mindful Awareness to Children
Episode Links:
www.susankaisergreenland.com
www.MindfulnessTogether.net
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Emergent Buddhism
Hokai also explores some of the his deepest questions regarding “Emergent Buddhism,” namely 1) What has emerged thus far, that has worked?, 2) What is emerging right now?, and 3) What do the coming decades hold? He explores the importance of each of these questions, while at the same time tackling some complex issues regarding the massive cross-pollination and convergence of multiple religious and secular traditions with Buddhism.
Episode Links:
www.hokai.info
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The Practice of Contemplative Photography
We’re joined this week by Buddhist teacher and photography Andy Karr. We explore some of the principles and practices behind the practice of contemplative photography, a unique method developed by Michael Wood. We also look into the overlaps between Buddhism and photography, with a special emphasis on the distinction of perception vs. conception.
Finally we discuss the broader topic of art and creativity, exploring some of the ways that Chogyam Trunpa taught on this subject, the differences between Western and Eastern art, and the way that “basic nature” serves as the very source of creativity.
Episode Links:
The Practice of Contemplative Photography: Seeing the World with Fresh Eyes ( http://amzn.to/fPJWQc )
Contemplating Reality for the 21st Century ( http://contemplatingreality.blogspot.com )
The Miksang Institute for Contemplative Photography ( http://www.miksang.com )
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Resolving the Questions that Drive Us
Ken also explores the dichotomy of lay vs. monastic practice, and uses several analogies to illustrate the differences, including from both music and sports. Vincent and Ken get into a spirited and philosophical discussion as to how far one can take these analogies and how accurate they might be when applied to Buddhist theory and practice.
This is part 2 of a two-part series. Listen to part 1, Pragmatic Buddhism.
Episode Links:
Unfettered Mind ( http://www.unfetteredmind.org )
Buddhism Without Beliefs ( http://amzn.to/ednqVh )
Malcolm Gladwell ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malcolm_Gladwell )
Khyungpo Naljor ( http://www.tibetanlineages.org/biographies/view/151/6285 )
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Pragmatic Buddhism
This is part 1 of a two-part series. Listen to part 2, Resolving the Questions that Drive Us.
Episode Links:
Unfettered Mind ( http://www.unfetteredmind.org )
Dr. James Carse ( http://www.jamescarse.com )
Kumbh Mela ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kumbh_Mela )
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Emerging Trends in Western Buddhist Communities
She goes into several broad trends that she is tracking including 1) The ongoing relationship between lay and monastic forms 2) the pragmatic dharma movement 3) practitioners having a strong interest in the future of Western Buddhism & 4) an overall sense of a movement toward greater balance in Buddhist communities.
Episode Links:
Wandering Dhamma ( http://wanderingdhamma.wordpress.com/ )
Cambridge Insight Meditation Center ( http://www.cimc.info/ )
The Hardcore Dharma Movement ( http://wanderingdhamma.wordpress.com/2010/07/16/the-hardcore-dharma-movement/ )
The Blogisattva Awards ( http://www.blogisattva.org )
Turning the Wheel of Truth: Commentary on the Buddha’s First Teaching ( http://amzn.to/hk7G65 )
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The Timeless Tradition of Spiritual Apprenticeship
In the last part of our discussion with Buddhist teacher and scholar Hokai Sobol, we wrap up our exploration on some of the important influences and forces that shape Western Buddhism. As part of that we discuss the fluid nature of his consumer-client-colleague model. We also talk about the deep problems that have arisen from adopting traditional models, instead of current ones, and how this has generated a multitude of scandals—including scandals of power, sex, and also of the generational problem of their being so few young practitioners today. Finally, we talk about how to reinvigorate “the timeless tradition of spiritual apprenticeship.” Hokai speaks about what he calls “essential apprenticeship,” and also brings up a couple of questions related to the way that spiritual apprenticeship relates to current cultural forms.
This is part 4 of a multi-part series.
Episode Links:
Hokai Sobol ( www.hokai.info )
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Exchanging Dharma: Client and Colleague Mindsets
This is part 3 of a multi-part series. Listen to part 1, The Invisible Forces that Shape Western Buddhism and part 2, Exchanging Dharma:The Consumer Mindset.
Episode Links:
Hokai Sobol ( www.hokai.info )
Herbert V. Günther ( http://bit.ly/1CQHrVP )
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Exchanging Dharma: The Consumer Mindset
He then presents a new model for how we might look at exchanging Dharma. This model includes three mindsets, or roles that we take on as Dharma practitioners and teachers, with the first one being the “consumer mindset.” We look at both the immature and mature versions of this consumer mindset, and how as a consumer we tend to approach the exchange of Dharma. In the next episode Hokai completes his contemporary model by describing the client mindset and colleague mindset.
This is part 2 of a multi-part series. Listen to part 1, The Invisible Forces that Shape Western Buddhism.
Episode Links:
Hokai Sobol ( www.hokai.info )
Internet access is ‘a fundamental right’ ( http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/8548190.stm )
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The Invisible Forces that Shape Western Buddhism
Hokai spends a good bit of this initial discussion exploring the traditional story that has been handed down to us. This story includes the various cultural assumptions surrounding the Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana Buddhist traditions, in the different countries and time periods in which they existed. These norms include the what it means to have a “healthy attitude” (or “right attitude” as it’s often formulated), what the proper teacher-student relationship is, and what hierarchy looks like in these cultures.
This is part 1 of a multi-part series. Listen to part 2, Exchanging Dharma – The Consumer Mindset.
Episode Links:
Hokai Sobol ( www.hokai.info )
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An Evidence-Based Spirituality for the 21st Century
Episode Links:
Charles T. Tart’s Official Website ( http://www.paradigm-sys.com )
The End of Materialism: How Evidence of the Paranormal Is Bringing Science and Spirit Together ( http://amzn.to/9VA93n )
Ian Stevenson ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ian_Stevenson )
The Division of Perceptual Studies at The University of Virginia Medical School ( http://www.medicine.virginia.edu/clinical/departments/psychiatry/sections/cspp/dops )
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The Core of Wisdom
Roger wraps up the conversation by expressing how he sees Buddhism having a unique role in helping us face the unique challenges and opportunities of our day. In this stirring topic he emphasizes the need to harness relevant technological mediums, to understand the difference between Buddhism crossing cultures and crossing eras, and the crucial link between the extraordinary challenges in the world today and the states of mind that Buddhism helps to cultivate.
This is part 2 of a two-part series. Listen to part 1, A Technology of Transcendence.
Episode Links:
Essential Spirituality: The 7 Central Practices to Awaken Heart and Mind ( http://amzn.to/dt8mGz )
The World of Shamanism: New Views of an Ancient Tradition ( http://amzn.to/buqPaU )
The Foundation for Shamnic Studies ( http://www.shamanism.org )
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A Technology of Transcendence
Roger also explores with us a model of human needs and development, based on Carl Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. He points out that Maslow added a level of needs above self-actualization toward the end of his career, that was about the need to transcend the self. He builds on this by saying that with that need has been met, the culmination of spiritual practice is service, otherwise known as the bodhisattva aspiration.
This is part 1 of a two-part series. Listen to part 2, The Core of Wisdom.
Episode Links:
Shikantaza ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shikantaza )
Lama Surya Das ( http://www.surya.org )
Trekchö ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trekcho )
Maslow’s hierarchy of needs ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maslow%27s_hierarchy_of_needs )
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Enlightened Society
We also look at the parallels, between the path of the activist and the contemplative path. With one we are trying to fix ourselves (often), and the other we are trying to fix the world. As Richard says, both are paths where one moves first from a position of arrogance toward one of humility.
Episode Links:
Shambhala ( http://www.shambhala.org )
Kalachakra Tantra ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kalachakra )
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The Most Fundamental Duality
Finally we talk about an approach that goes beyond these dualities, but doesn’t shy away from them. This approach of “not 2, not 1″ is characteristic of many Zen teachers and is a way of understanding non-duality in a completely different way.
This is part 2 of a two-part series. Listen to part 1, Integral Zen.
Episode Links:
www.dianemushohamilton.com
Hal and Sidra Stone ( www.delos-inc.com )
Karl Renz ( http://www.karlrenz.com )
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Integral Zen
This is part 1 of a two-part series. Listen to part 2, The Most Fundamental Duality.
Episode Links:
www.dianemushohamilton.com
Hal and Sidra Stone ( http://www.delos-inc.com )
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I Vow to Feed All Hunger
He shares details of many of the projects he has been part of, including the Greystone project in Yonkers, New York, which helped to cut homelessness in that area by three-quarters. He also shares some of the key tenets from the group that he founded, called the Zen Peacemakers. These tenets link together the “not knowing” of spiritual practice with the “loving action” of social engagement, and make it possible for us to turn our spiritual awareness into a vital force for all those in need.
Episode Links:
Zen Peacemakers ( http://www.zenpeacemakers.org )
The Trickster: A Study in American Indian Mythology ( http://bit.ly/bslllz )
Instructions to the Cook: A Zen Master’s Lessons in Living a Life That Matters ( http://bit.ly/bwjC4R )
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What Young People Want
We’re joined this week by Sumi Loundon Kim, author of Blue Jean Buddha and The Buddha’s Apprentices, to explore what young people want from spiritual communities. We explore young people’s need for belongingness, their natural spiritual inclination, and the big questions that they are asking.
Sumi, who is in her mid-30’s now, gives several suggestions for how Buddhist communities can engage more effectively with a younger population. She points out that though Buddhist communities tend to be somewhat asocial when compared to other communities, there are many things we can be doing to better reach a new generation of seekers. Many of these suggestions are surprisingly obvious, but few are implemented on a large scale in Buddhist communities.
Episode Links:
Blue Jean Buddha: Voices of Young Buddhists ( http://bit.ly/aiCOoV )
The Buddha’s Apprentices: More Voices of Young Buddhists ( http://bit.ly/abRn7U )
I Married a Monk ( http://bit.ly/aw2s6K )
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I'm Not Babysitting Your Ego
We also explore a type of writing meditative inquiry practice that Adyashanti has done, and which he teaches others. He explores how this type of inquiry can be used in conjunction with silent meditation practice to eliminate roadblocks on the spiritual path.
This is part 2 of a two-part series. Listen to part 1, Now That’s Zen.
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Now That's Zen
This is part 1 of a two-part series. Listen to part 2, I’m Not Babysitting Your Ego.
Episode Links:
Yasutani Hakuun Roshi ( http://www.dharmaweb.org/index.php/Yasutani_Hakuun_Roshi )
Soen Nakagawa ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soen_Nakagawa )
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Contributing to the Gross National Happiness
Richard was a core part of a recent 5-day workshop aimed at starting to plan the reform of their education system. Richard shares many of the details from that workshop, and shares some of the amazing steps that Bhutan has already taken, as a result, to foster the happiness and well-being of their countries inhabitants.
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Happiness: There's an App For That
Soren also shares some details on a conference that he’s organizing, which will be bringing together luminaries from both the spiritual and technology worlds. His hope is that a conversation between the two can better answer the question of how we live a life of wisdom in the modern world.
Episode Links:
Wisdom 2.0: Ancient Secrets for the Creative and Constantly Connected ( http://bit.ly/czcde1 )
digital_nation : life on the virtual frontier ( http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/digitalnation/ )
4 Steps for Managing Social Media Attention ( http://mashable.com/2010/02/17/social-media-attention/ )
The Wisdom 2.0 Conference ( http://www.wisdom2summit.com )
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The Jedi Mind Training of Concentration
They describe the 8 jhanas as states that progressively reach toward the unconditioned, with the 8th jhana, neither perception nor non-perception, as a realm that is as close as you can get to the unconditioned without being itself unconditioned. From there emerges no-thingness, then consciousness, space, and finally form itself. They tell their students that orienting toward the unconditioned, or “the force”, is a type of jedi mind training. And we thought we were geeks!
We complete the discussion by exploring the vipassana technique of Pa Auk Sayadaw, which is a powerful way of exploring materiality, mentality, and dependent origination, using the jhana states as a super-powered basis for that investigation. Tina and Stephen share their understanding of this practice, and how it leads to liberating insight and awakening.
This is part 2 of a two-part series. Listen to part 1, Mastering the Jhanas.
Episode Links:
Jhanas Advice ( www.jhanasadvice.com )
Practicing the Jhanas: Traditional Concentration Meditation as Presented by the Venerable Pa Auk Sayadaw ( bit.ly/d9ucXu )
Knowing and Seeing, by Pa Auk Sayadaw ( www.paauk.org/files/knowing_and_seeing_rev_ed.pdf )
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Mastering the Jhanas
This week we speak with Theravada mediation teachers Tina Rasmussen and Stephen Snyder. In 2005, while on a 2-month retreat, they were the first Western lay practitioners (i.e. non-monks) to complete the traditional concentration practices of Pa Auk Sayadaw, a well-regarded Burmese jhana master. The Sayadaw encouraged them to teach what they’ve learned, and they have, as a result, starting leading retreats and have written a book entitled, Practicing the Jhanas.
In this episode they share the progressive practice that they did with Pa Auk Sayadaw, which includes all sorts of traditional practices from the Pali Canon. They also make many traditional distinctions, including the distinction between 3 different types of concentration–momentary, access, and absorption, and the way that they distinguish between these types of concentration. They also share some of the traditional benefits that come from concentration practice, and frame the jhanas not as much as something to attain, but rather as a by-product that arises from purifying the mind.
This is part 1 of a two-part series. Listen to part 2.
Episode Links:
- Jhanas Advice
- Practicing the Jhanas: Traditional Concentration Meditation as Presented by the Venerable Pa Auk Sayadaw
- Knowing and Seeing, by Pa Auk Sayadaw
- free ebook verson of "Knowing and Seeing": http://www.buddhanet.net/pdf_file/know-see.pdf
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Can Dharma Help Us Turn the Corner?
In an imbalanced, accelerating world-in-crisis we face problems that cannot be solved, as Einstein famously said, “from the same level of consciousness that created them.” Many contemporary practitioners have turned to the Dharma as a source of that higher consciousness. But traditionally, the path was described as the way to awaken from the dream of human life, not to improve it. The traditions saw that as futile. But today, we no longer see life as an endless cycle.
We have an evolutionary view of ourselves and even of our spirituality. And we have seen the folly of “bypassing” our critical life challenges in an attempt to be “spiritual.” How does the wisdom and clarity of ancient Dharma have relevance and meaning in the midst of contemporary evolutionary challenges? How can spiritual insight and illumination empower us to more effectively meet the emerging challenges of our time?
Episode Links:
Andrew Cohen ( http://www.andrewcohen.org )
The Evolution of God ( http://bit.ly/9IlIpB )
Integral Heart ( http://www.integralheart.com )
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The Zen of Zen History
We conclude our discussion, exploring the state of Zen in Japan today, which compared to times in the past several hundred years, has declined greatly. Will traditional Japanese Zen be able to exist in a hyper-modern Japan, and as it spreads across the world?
Episode Links:
Inquiry into the Great Matter: A History of Zen Buddhism ( http://historyofzendvd.com )
Vajra Video ( http://www.vajravideo.com )
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Unifying Developmental Enlightenment with Timeless Realization
We’re joined again this week by Kenneth Folk, a long-time Theravada practitioner and meditation teacher. Kenneth completes his harrowing spiritual story, all the way to the point, where he says that he, "got off the ride and was done." He speaks about how uncommon it is, in Western Buddhist circles, to believe that enlightenment is possible, a phenomenon that his teacher Bill Hamilton described as the "mushroom culture."
Kenneth then goes on to describe two different ways of understanding enlightenment: one as a developmental process, much the way his path is described, and then two, as a timeless realization that’s available at any moment. After his awakening, Kenneth went on to explore the timeless realization through the direct teachings of Ramana Maharshi, Adyashanti, Eckhart Tolle, the Dzogchen teachers of Tibet. He found that the direct and developmental teachings could be integrated, and that integration led him to what he calls the “3-speed transmission”. Listen in to hear about the 3-speed transmission, and how one can shift between levels, all the while supporting a deepening sense of awakeness and non-distracted-ness.
This is part 2 of a two-part series. Listen to part 1, Ordinary People Can Get Enlightened.
Episode Links:
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Ordinary People Can Get Enlightened
We’re joined this week by Kenneth Folk, a long-time Theravada practitioner and meditation teacher, who describes in exquisite detail his spiritual journey. It began in earnest at the age of 24, when having done several hits of LSD, he had a life-altering experience that put him squarely on the path of seeking. Several years later, he really began gaining some traction, when he met his teacher Bill Hamilton, who claimed that enlightenment was something that could be systematically attained by applying a technique.
By dedicating himself completely to those techniques, and through doing years of intensive meditation practice in the West and in Asia, Kenneth claims that he went through a gradual development through the various “stages of enlightenment,” described in the literature of Theravada Buddhism. Listen in to hear Kenneth describe these stages, as well as the many things he learned along the way. And listen in to next week’s episode, to hear Kenneth complete his story.
This is part 1 of a two-part series. Listen to Part 2, Unifying Developmental Enlightenment and Timeless Realization.
Episode Links:
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The Mountain of Spirit
Some of the topics we discussed with Michael include climbing the mountain of spirit–a stirring and ancient metaphor for the spiritual journey, the 7th, 8th, and 9th spiritual senses, and finally the things that Michael has learned while endeavoring “to integrate a relevant spirituality with 21st century living.”
Episode Links:
Ken Wilber ( http://www.kenwilber.com )
Awake in This Life: A Guide for Those Climbing the Mountain of Spirit ( http://bit.ly/6B44Zf )
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Feminine Zen
Among the topics we discuss are what the traditional stereotypes of females in Zen have been, and the recently discovered literature on women in Zen who did not fit these stereotypes. We then look at the unique way these women practiced Zen and how what they learned can be applicable to us today. We finish the discussion by speaking about feminine spirituality in general, and the prevalence of the “great mother” in all of the world’s wisdom traditions.
Episode Links:
Empty Nest Zendo ( http://www.emptynestzendo.org )
Zen Women: Beyond Tea Ladies, Iron Maidens, and Macho Masters ( http://bit.ly/5jlS2D )
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Returning to the Marketplace
He also shares his observations on how he, and many other spiritual practitioners, disown their own ambition, competitiveness, and greediness in a way that causes it to come out in extremely pernicious ways. The key, to him, is to re-own those parts of ourselves that we can be of benefit to all sentient beings, and just as in the 10 ox-herding pictures, re-enter the marketplace with gift bestowing hands.
Episode Links:
Big Mind – Big Heart: Finding Your Way ( http://bit.ly/JRp9q )
Big Mind Zen Center ( http://bigmind.org )
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Eddies in the Stream
He also uses the metaphor of eddies in a stream to explain the way that experience arises on a moment-by-moment basis, through the firing of neural coalitions in the brain. He also explores the parallels between the eddies of experience and self in our subjective experience with the material world.
This is part 3 of a three-part series. Listen to part 1, A Crash Course in Applied Neurodharma and part 2, Self is a Network Phenomenon.
Episode Links:
Wise Brain ( http://www.wisebrain.org )
Buddha’s Brain: The Practical Neuroscience of Happiness, Love, and Wisdom ( http://bit.ly/J4gPr )
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Self is a Network Phenomenon
1. It is unified & coherent
2. It is stable & enduring
3. It is independent
4. It is the whole of experience
Looking at current research on how the self manifests in the brain, as what Hanson calls a “network phenomenon”, he deconstructs each of these four attributes, arguing that “self is not special inside the brain.”
This is part 2 of a three-part series. Listen to part 1, A Crash Course in Applied Neurodharma and part 3, Eddies in the Stream.
Episode Links:
Wise Brain ( http://www.wisebrain.org )
Buddha’s Brain: The Practical Neuroscience of Happiness, Love, and Wisdom ( http://bit.ly/J4gPr )
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A Crash Course in Applied Neurodharma
And just as in the 4 noble truths, where we start with the diagnosis and end with a prescription, after exploring the 1st noble truth, Rick shares some suggestions for training the mind to overcome some of the hardwired tendencies we have to fixate on the negative. These suggestions come both from the Buddhist tradition, as well as directly from what we know of the distributed nervous system (and the Brain) from modern-day neuroscience.
This is part 1 of a three-part series. Listen to part 2, Self is a Network Phenomenon and part 3, Eddies in the Stream.
Episode Links:
Wise Brain ( http://www.wisebrain.org )
Buddha’s Brain: The Practical Neuroscience of Happiness, Love, and Wisdom ( http://bit.ly/J4gPr )
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Work, Sex, Money, Dharma
In particular he highlights the areas of money and sex, as being areas of our lives that have a lot of charge, and yet are usually nominalized in dharma teachings. In 2010 Martin will be leading a special urban-based retreat (or sandwich retreat) entitled Work, Sex, Money, Dharma that deals specifically with these parts of our human experience, in the hopes that we can create a practice of awakening that includes every aspect of our lives.
This is part 2 of a two part series. Listen to part 1, Freestyle Awakening
Episode Links:
Le Moulin Meditation Centre ( http://www.dharmanetwork.org )
Work, Sex, Money, Dharma ( http://worksexmoneydharma.com )
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Freestyle Awakening
Martin, who lives in southern France, where he runs and teaches as Le Moulin Meditation Centre, has been actively exploring what it means to translate Dharma to the West. He recognizes that we’re still quite early in that process, but is a pioneer when it comes to adapting the forms of Buddhism to the West. His use of technology and emphasis on relational dharma, as well as what calls “Freestyle” or “DIY Awakening” is a striking attempt at making Dharma more relevant for the lives of Western, engaged, lay practitioners.
This is part 1 of a two part series. Listen to part 2, Work, Sex, Money, Dharma.
Episode Links:
Ajahn Buddhadasa ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhadasa )
Le Moulin Meditation Centre ( http://www.dharmanetwork.org )
Work, Sex, Money, Dharma ( http://worksexmoneydharma.com )
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Investing in the Future of American Buddhism
In this part of the discussion we flesh out the details of the fourth area, which is royal patronage. Judith speaks about how, given a lack of that kind of support, most dharma teachers and organizations turn whole-heartedly to the market to sustain them. And with that come all sort of issues–including the pursuit of fame and fortune. We finish the discussion, going back to the question of whether we’ll be able to develop a monastic community in the West, and why that’s important to the healthy development of Buddhism in America.
This is part 2 of a two-part series. Listen to part 1, The Survival of American Buddhism.
Episode Links:
Naropa University ( http://www.naropa.edu )
Tassajara Zen Center ( http://www.sfzc.org/tassajara/ )
Gampo Abbey ( http://www.gampoabbey.org )
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The Survival of American Buddhism
1. The translation of core Buddhist texts into English
2. The development of a monastic lineage w/ American lineage holders
3. The training and appointment of dharma transmission holders
4. Royal patronage, or financial support from within the country
After describing each area of focus, Judith goes into depth as to how we’re doing with the first three areas, today in America. She shares her reflections, while also raising some provocative questions, as to how we’re doing with building a sustainable infrastructure for Buddhism to prosper in the West. Next week, we’ll finish the conversation by exploring the 4th area in depth, and speaking about how we can best invest in the future of American Buddhism.
This is part 1 of a two-part series. Listen to part 2, Investing in the Future of American Buddhism.
Episode Links:
Becoming Whole: Lineage and Gender in American Buddhism ( http://bit.ly/1VrfRUW )
The Scholar-Practitioner: Joining Theory and Practice ( http://bit.ly/1Vrggqu )
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Turning Your Back to the Buddha
Rodney concludes by exploring what it might it mean to be a “Buddhist revolutionary,” updating and contemporizing the Buddhist teachings, while “turning one’s back to the Buddha and moving forward…”
This is part 2 of a two-part series. Listen to part 1, Stepping out of Self-Deception.
Episode Links:
I Am That ( http://bit.ly/1gfAD2 )
Dharma Talks by Rodney Smith ( bit.ly/1TOJ5LH )
Seattle Insight ( www.seattleinsight.org )
Lessons From the Dying ( bit.ly/40F0Gh )
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Stepping out of Self-Deception
Finally, Rodney shares with us a powerful mathematical analogy for understanding the spiritual path, that of fractions. The numerator of the fraction represents the appearances of things, and the denominator represents the undifferentiated wholeness underlying appearances. Rodney shares how spiritual practice, and the process of dying, can both help us cross the fraction line.
This is part 1 of a two-part series. Listen to part 2, Turning Your Back to the Buddha.
Episode Links:
Dharma Talks by Rodney Smith ( http://bit.ly/1TOJ5LH )
Seattle Insight ( http://www.seattleinsight.org )
Lessons From the Dying ( http://bit.ly/40F0Gh )
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Buddha in a Cup of Tea
In this episode, he shares with us some of the history of tea (the camellia sinensis plant), its long-standing relationship to the Buddhist tradition, his own training with Japanese tea master Millie Johnstone, and the wonderful profundity of drinking a simple cup of tea.
Episode Links:
www.KennethCohen.com
Tao Te Ching ( http://bit.ly/1UysbC )
The Way of Qigong ( http://bit.ly/1P0BiP )
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The Mechanisms of Kensho
The above quote, taken from James Austin’s newest book Selfless Insight, is a description of kensho, an "initial awakening" to the true nature of things. We continue our discussion, this week, with James Austin about the importance of both kensho and satori in the Zen tradition, and his hypothesis as to what is happening in the brain, leading up to and during these events. We also discuss the vast importance of the thalamus, which Austin describes as a type of gateway of perceptual experience.
Finally, Austin makes a strong distinction between both the absorptions and various types of quickenings that can precede kensho or satori, but that are not the same as them.
This is part 2 of a two-part series. Listen to part 1, This is Your Brain on Meditation.
Episode Links:
Selfless Insight ( http://bit.ly/QRGFu )
Zen and the Brain ( http://bit.ly/KxYDq )
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This is your Brain on Meditation
He also shares the ways in which these two are related to the different forms of meditation that are commonly seen in the Buddhist tradition. Although sometimes technical, his descriptions are extremely interesting for those who have an interest on the intersection between meditation and the brain.
This is part 1 of a two-part series. Listen to part 2, The Mechanisms of Kensho.
Episode Links:
Selfless Insight ( http://bit.ly/QRGFu )
Zen and the Brain ( http://bit.ly/KxYDq )
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A Surfer's Quest to Find Zen on the Sea
Episode Links:
Saltwater Buddha: A Surfer’s Quest to Find Zen on the Sea ( http://bit.ly/3gkIZX )
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Reflections on 21st Century Dharma
So, in this dialogue, where the oldest of us is 31, we take on some interesting questions about how Dharma is changing in the West, what challenges we face in the future, the economics of dharma, and the implications of a generation who are so interconnected with technology and culture. Listen in to hear a genuine conversation between young practitioners who are trying to find their way as Buddhist practitioners in the 21st century.
Episode Links:
The Interdependence Project ( http://theidproject.com )
Free: The Future of a Radical Price ( http://bit.ly/2seHGB )
Buddhism & Money: Does Priceless Mean It’s Free? ( http://bit.ly/ukzoG )
Nellie Tinder ( http://www.nellietinder.org )
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Artificial Wisdom
Finally, Ben shares what he has discovered while exploring the notion of “artificial wisdom”–including what difference there is between intelligence and wisdom. He also talks about the seeming incompatibility between intense scientific thinking and enlightenment, and how that might be rectified by creating a more wise and intelligent super-mind.
This is part 2 of a two-part series. Listen to part 1, Enlightenment 2.0.
Episode Links:
Artificial Wisdom ( http://bit.ly/2sVNQu )
Enlightenment 2.0 ( http://www.goertzel.org/new_fiction/Enlightenment2.pdf )
The Multiverse According to Ben ( http://multiverseaccordingtoben.blogspot.com )
www.goertzel.org
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Enlightenment 2.0
Finally, we explore the overlap between his work as an AI researcher and his experiences with Zen and other spiritual practices, through discussing a story he wrote entitled, “Enlightenment 2.0″ about an enlightened AI being who determines that it is possible to construct a more enlightened mind, what Ben calls a “super mind”, but isn’t sure whether or not it is possible for us.
This is part 1 of a two-part series. Listen to part 2, Artificial Wisdom.
Episode Links:
Enlightenment 2.0 ( http://www.goertzel.org/new_fiction/Enlightenment2.pdf )
The Multiverse According to Ben ( http://multiverseaccordingtoben.blogspot.com )
www.goertzel.org
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Meditation is Good for Your Life
We finish our interview with Rinpoche discussing the importance of Joy on the Buddhist path, and of what he calls “Boundless Joy.” Tying in with that he shares what it was like participating in the meditative research conducted by Dr. Richard Davidson, and what the results of that study were.
Episode Links:
Sitting Quietly, Doing Something ( http://happydays.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/07/16/sitting-quietly-doing-something/ )
The Joy of Living: Unlocking the Secret and Science of Happiness ( http://bit.ly/8Se7E )
Joyful Wisdom: Embracing Change and Finding Freedom ( http://bit.ly/UcxEb )
The Yongey Foundation ( http://www.mingyur.org )
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The Erotic Embrace of Life and Meditation
In this episode, Vid shares with us how he came to the dharma, and how it eventually led to his time as a Zen monastic. He also turns the table on the Geeks and begins questioning us as to what the significance is between meditation and life. Listen in to hear more from this young & dynamic voice of wisdom.
Episode Links:
Dharma Field Zen Center ( http://www.dharmafield.org )
Buddhism Plain and Simple ( http://bit.ly/ZjJFK )
iEvolve: Global Practice Community ( http://www.ievolve.org )
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Erik Curren: The Buddhist Politician
Finally, we speak with Erik about his first book, Buddha’s Not Smiling, which explored some of the issues behind the current controversy between the two young men who both claim to be reincarnations of the 16th Karmapa–the spiritual head of the Karma Kagyu school. It turns out that there is corruption and misunderstanding in Tibetan politics, just as there are in American politics.
Episode Links:
OnBeing: Liberating the Founders ( http://www.onbeing.org/program/liberating-founders/122 )
Buddha’s Not Smiling : Uncovering Corruption at the Heart of Tibetan Buddhism Today ( http://bit.ly/UnLD6 )
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Buddhist Chaplaincy, Buddhist Youth
In the 2nd half of our conversation we ask him about his take on the challenges and opportunities that young Buddhists encounter. Being an emerging voice for young Buddhists, and a popular Buddhist blogger, Danny shares with us some of his thoughts on what it’s like being a young Buddhist today.
Episode Links:
Girimananda Sutta ( http://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/an/an10/an10.060.than.html )
University of the West – Buddhist Chaplaincy Program ( http://bit.ly/1TOH8yZ )
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Buddhist History 101
We also discuss the recent history of Buddhism transitioning to the West, and how Buddhism continues to morph and change through time. Listen in for a great dose of geeky history!
Episode Links:
Buddhism in a Global Age of Technology ( https://youtu.be/cX2f6QHkU-I )
Electronic Cultural Atlas Initiative ( http://www.ecai.org )
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Buddhism and the Evolution of Religion
This is part 2 of a two-part series. Listen to Part 1, Buddhism May Need a Plan B.
Episode Links:
Robert Bellah ( http://www.robertbellah.com )
Everyday Zen ( http://www.everydayzen.org )
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Buddhism May Need a Plan B
In this interview we discuss with Norman the importance of Plan B approaches, like Jon Kabat-Zinn’s Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction. We also discuss his personal experience teaching Plan B at places like Google. Finally, we explore how the livelihood of trained and competent meditation teachers may rely heavily on Plan B approaches.
This is part 1 of a two-part series. Listen to part 2, Buddhism and the Evolution of Religion.
Episode Links:
Why We Need a Plan B ( http://bit.ly/1TOGMs0 )
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction ( http://www.mindfullivingprograms.com/whatMBSR.php )
Everyday Zen ( http://www.everydayzen.org )
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Peter Fenner on Entering into Natural Meditation
He calls this approach Radiant Mind, and in this episode we speak with him about the various aspects of his teaching, from a type of deconstructive inquiry based on dialoguing with him, to the formless “practice” of natural meditation. Listen in to hear more about this type of “fruition or results” based spiritual path.
Episode Links:
radiantmind.net
Landmark Forum ( http://www.landmarkeducation.com )
Radiant Mind: Awakening Unconditioned Awareness ( http://bit.ly/4a8bZQ )
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Natural Wakefulness
We wrap up by exploring how cultural anthropology and the study of religion fit in with being a practitioner of the dharma. And since Gaylon has done and taught all three, he has a distinctly interdisciplinary approach that you’ll probably find quite interesting.
Episode Links:
Turning the Mind Into an Ally ( http://bit.ly/19BJgj )
The Insider/Outsider Problem in the Study of Religion ( http://bit.ly/11SuEG )
Natural Wakefulness: Discovering the Wisdom We Were Born With ( http://bit.ly/MbrIM )
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Pop Buddhism & Satori Porn
Episode Links:
Zen Wrapped In Karma Dipped in Chocolate ( http://bit.ly/ZZOxS )
Hardcore Zen ( http://amzn.to/1TOGnG7 )
Sit Down and Shut Up ( http://amzn.to/1TOGotw )
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Insights at the Edge
We also ask her about some of the people that have impacted her the most during her decades of being around, and working with some of the brightest spiritual teachers of our time. She shares stories from some of her favorite luminaries, including Quaker teacher and activist Parker Palmer, Julia Butterfly Hill, Adyashanti, and finally “the living now gate,” Eckhart Tolle.
This is part 2 of a two-part series. Listen to part 1, You Will Get the Dharma You Need.
Episode Links:
Eckhart Tolle TV ( http://www.eckharttolletv.com )
Geneen Roth: No Situation is Unworkable ( http://bit.ly/1TOG2TT )
Insights at the Edge Podcast ( apple.co/1TOFNrL )
Sounds True ( www.soundstrue.com )
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You Will Get the Dharma You Need
This is part 1 of a two-part series. Listen to part 2, Insights at the Edge.
Episode Links:
Dharma Ocean ( http://www.dharmaocean.org )
Meditating with the Body ( http://bit.ly/1TOFIV5 )
Insights at the Edge Podcast ( http://apple.co/1TOFNrL )
Sounds True ( http://www.soundstrue.com )
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Dharma Music Can Sound Like Anything
Episode Links:
Women of Wisdom ( http://bit.ly/BZTyo )
Mindful Music ( http://www.tricycle.com/insights/mindful-music )
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The Evolution of the Mind and Life Dialogues
Listen in to hear more about how they’ve gone about creating an active collaboration between scientists and contemplatives, and what kind of fruit that collaboration has borne.
Episode Links:
Educating World Citizens for the 21st Century ( http://www.educatingworldcitizens.org )
Mind & Life Institute ( http://www.mindandlife.org )
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The Great Work of Western Magick
Alan shares with us the details of the Western occult tradition, including its core purpose of enlightenment, which he calls “the great work” of magick. He also connects some of the spiritual practices of magick with the Buddhist maps and models. Finally, he shares with us some of the details of a project he has recently launched called Open Enlightenment, whose purpose is to promote a transparent and open discussion surrounding the nature of enlightenment throughout the world’s mystical traditions.
Episode Links:
The Baptist’s Head ( http://www.thebaptistshead.co.uk )
Advanced Magick for Beginners ( http://bit.ly/2v5mMu )
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The Mystery of the Mind: Ten Zen Questions
Also, listen in to hear how she feels this type of exploration, often called Koan training in the Zen Buddhist tradition, can illuminate and inform the traditional scientific study of consciousness.
Episode Links:
The Headless Way ( http://www.headless.org )
Ten Zen Blog ( http://tenzenbookblog.wordpress.com )
Dr. Susan Blackmore ( http://www.susanblackmore.co.uk )
Ten Zen Questions ( http://bit.ly/bxloL )
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The Dharma Overground
Daniel Ingram, Theravada meditation teacher, joins us today to discuss the online community he and Buddhist Geeks host, Vince Horn helped create, The Dharma Overground.
Daniel shares how the Dharma Overground has been a grand experiment in discussing practical, down-to-earth, and empowering dharma out in the open and the results of that experiment thus far.
This is part 2 of a two-part series. Listen to part 1, An Unusually Hardcore Dharma Book.
Episode Links:
- The Dharma Overground ( http://www.dharmaoverground.org )
- Interactive Buddha ( www.interactivebuddha.com )
- Mastering the Core Teachings of the Buddha ( bit.ly/E1tF )
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An Unusually Hardcore Dharma Book
Daniel Ingram, a Theravada meditation teacher and one of our most popular guests, joins us again to discuss his recently published book, Mastering the Core Teachings of the Buddha. In discussing the book we dive into some of the more foundation distinctions he makes, including that of the three trainings. Daniel claims that the trainings in morality (or ethics), concentration (or meditation), and insight (or wisdom) are distinct trainings, each having their own unique gold standard. He explores each of these gold standards and pays particular attention to the gold standard of insight, which has to do with seeing the three characteristics of experience—impermanence, suffering, and not-self.
Listen in for some geeky, technical, and hard-hitting dharma from one of today’s little known, yet extremely profound, American dharma teachers.
This is part 1 of a two-part series. Listen to part 2, The Dharma Overground.
Episode Links:
- Interactive Buddha ( http://www.interactivebuddha.com )
- Mastering the Core Teachings of the Buddha ( http://bit.ly/E1tF )
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Western Buddhism: Megatrends & Scandals
This is part 2 of a two-part series. Listen to part 1, The Traditional 3-Year Retreat: Intensive Training for a Nonexistent Job.
Episode Links:
Zen Masters: Dressing the Donkey with Bells and Scarves ( http://bit.ly/1TOEOYQ )
The Darker Side of Zen: Institutions Defining Reality ( http://bit.ly/1TOEOrF )
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The Traditional 3-Year Retreat: Intensive Training for a Nonexistent Job
Listen in to find out more about the practices one does during the traditional retreat, what the biggest challenges can be, and what the benefits are (especially when compared with shorter periods of practice).
This is part 1 of a two-part series. Listen to part 2, Western Buddhism: Megatrends & Scandals.
Episode Links:
Jamgon Kongtrul’s Retreat Manual ( http://bit.ly/3oIyzG )
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The Buddha Didn't Have a Credit Card
Diana shares with us some of the original, though not so well known, teachings that the historical Buddha gave on money. She also discusses why both Buddhist teachers and practitioners should work with money and become familiar with it, and recounts her own journey with spiritual practice and money and how she has been able to bring the two together.
Episode Links:
The Dighajanu Sutta ( http://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/an/an08/an08.054.than.html )
Hooked!: Buddhist Writings on Greed, Desire, and the Urge to Consume ( http://bit.ly/1IjV3V )
Wide Awake: Buddhism for the New Generation ( http://bit.ly/S7BlN )
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Different Types of Jhana: Sutta, Vishudimagga, & Vipassana
We continue our discussion with insight meditation teacher and author, Richard Shankman. In this episode we continue to dissect the different kinds of samadhi and their respective fruits–what in the Theravada tradition are called jhana (or “meditative absorption”). According to Shankman there are two ways of approaching the attainment of jhana, one as was taught in the original canonical texts of the Theravada, the Pali Suttas, and the other from the later commentaries on the Buddha’s teachings, the Vishudimagga. As a result we get two different forms of jhana–one called Sutta jhana and the other called Vishudimagga jhana. This two-fold understanding, though geeky, shines light on the different methods of practicing both samadhi and vipassana meditation and offers a unitary model for understanding the two together.
We also briefly touch on a term called “vipassana jhana,” which is used by notable Burmese and American insight meditation teachers, and relate the development of insight (via vipassana) to these two jhana systems. For those folks who have experience practicing or studying in the Theravada tradition you will likely find your understanding of the tradition deeply enriched. For those in other traditions you will almost certainly find this an interesting glimpse into the detailed intricacies of a one of the oldest Buddhist traditions of meditation.
This is part 2 of a two-part series. Listen to part 1, The Power of Samadhi.
Episode Links:
- The Visuddhimagga
- The Pali Suttas
- RichardShankman.org
- The Experience of Samadhi: An In-depth Exploration of Buddhist Meditation
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The Power of Samadhi
Richard Shankman, a teacher in the insight meditation tradition and the author of the recently released book The Experience of Samadhi, joins us to discuss the various teachings and approaches to what in the Theravada tradition is called samadhi or concentration meditation.
During this episode Richard shares some of his personal background with samadhi practice and also explains two different forms of deep samadhi, called jhana in the Theravada tradition–one from the time of the Buddha as captured by the Pali Suttas and another which arouse hundreds of years later and which is captured in the authoritative text, the Visuddhimagga. Listen in to find out about these different forms of deep concentration and absorption, which are a hallmark of the Theravada tradition of Buddhism…
This is part 1 of a two-part series. Listen to part 2, Different Types of Jhana: Sutta, Vishudimagga, & Vipassana.
Episode Links:
- richardshankman.org
- The Visuddhimagga
- Mahasi Sayadaw
- The Experience of Samadhi: An In-depth Exploration of Buddhist Meditation
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Vajrayana in Plain English
And as the 1st generation of Buddhist teachers and leaders near retirement-age, now is the only time that we have to do so. Listen in to hear his take on making the Vajrayana not only more relevant, but on it becoming a pioneering force and cultural leader in today’s world. This includes the way that Buddhist teachings, practice, & even creative expressions are presented. It includes nothing less than a bold transformation of the tradition.
This is part 2 of a two-part series. Listen to part 1, Japanese Shingon: The True Word School.
Episode Links:
Hokai.info
Mindfulness in Plain English ( http://bit.ly/a7Z4L )
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Japanese Shingon: The True Word School
Similar to the Tibetan Vajrayana approaches Shingon harnesses things like mudras (gestures), mantras (sounds), and mandalas (visualizations)–which lines up with the three-fold Body, Speech, & Mind. Speaking about mantras specifically Hokai brings us through the three distinct dimensions of mantra practices and shows us how we can understand and practice with the basic mantra of “om”-“ah”-“hum.”
This is part 1 of a two-part series. Listen to part 2, Vajrayana in Plain English.
Episode Links:
Hokai.info
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Embodied Zen
Gerry Shishen Wick, Roshi joins us today to finish the discussion on koan training, Rinzai and Soto Zen, and on a method of training he uses to help people deal with certain psychological issues–called the Great Heart Way. He sees all of these methods as leading toward a more genuine and embodied Zen.
This is part 2 of a two-part series. Listen to part 1, Koan Training and the Different Styles of Zen.
Episode Links:
The Great Heart Way: How To Heal Your Life and Find Self-Fulfillment ( http://bit.ly/16ZWG7 )
Great Mountain Zen Center ( http://www.gmzc.org )
The Book of Equanimity: Illuminating Classic Zen Koans ( http://bit.ly/la3Lt )
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Koan Training and the Different Styles of Zen
He explains that the koan system includes many different kinds of koans, each with different purposes. Some are meant to reveal the oneness of reality, while others are point to the multiplicity within that oneness. He also discusses the difference between “live words” and “dead words,” and why that distinction is so important in the practice of Koan training.
This is part 1 of a two-part series. Listen to part 2, Embodied Zen.
Episode Links:
The Three Pillars of Zen ( http://bit.ly/dTTbS )
Great Mountain Zen Center ( http://www.gmzc.org )
The Book of Equanimity: Illuminating Classic Zen Koans ( http://bit.ly/la3Lt )
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Joseph Goldstein on The Science of Insight
This is part 2 of a two-part series. Listen to part 1, Joseph Goldstein on the Benefits of Long Term Practice.
Episode Links:
Mind and Life Institute ( http://www.mindandlife.org )
One Dharma: The Emerging Western Buddhism ( bit.ly/kELk5 )
Insight Meditation Society ( www.dharma.og )
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Joseph Goldstein on the Benefits of Long Term Practice
Finally, we touch in on the future of the insight meditation tradition, and really the development of Western Buddhism in general.
This is part 1 of a two-part series. Listen to part 2, Joseph Goldstein on the Science of Insight.
Episode Links:
The Forest Refuge ( http://www.dharma.org/meditation-retreats/forest-refuge )
One Dharma: The Emerging Western Buddhism ( http://bit.ly/kELk5 )
Insight Meditation Society ( http://www.dharma.og )
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Tibetan Buddhist Lineage in the West
This is part 2 of a two-part series. Listen to part 1, The Forest Dwelling Yogi.
Episode Links:
Dharma Ocean ( www.dharmaocean.org )
Your Breathing Body – Vol 1. ( bit.ly/1HOKNVR )
Your Breathing Body – Vol 2. ( bit.ly/1HOKR81 )
Touching Enlightenment ( bit.ly/ia0sJ )
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The Forest Dwelling Yogi
We’re joined in this interview by Reginald Ray–author of numerous books on Tibetan Buddhism and teacher in the lineage of Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche. In this episode we discuss the forest dwelling meditator, a category of practitioner outside of the normal lay / monastic dichotomy. In particular we look at the role that retreat–both group and solitary–plays for the type of practitioner that does intensive retreat but is not a full-time practitioner. We also discuss Reggie’s teaching emphasis on the shamanic aspect of Vajrayana Buddhism, particulary the role that the body plays in awakening.
This is part 1 of a two-part series. Listen to part 2, Tibetan Buddhist Lineage in the West.
Episode Links:
Naropa University ( http://www.naropa.edu )
Buddhist Saints in India ( http://bit.ly/ixNr8 )
Civilized Shamans: Buddhism in Tibetan Societies ( http://bit.ly/mJeGn )
Dharma Ocean ( http://www.dharmaocean.org )
Your Breathing Body – Vol 1. ( http://bit.ly/1HOKNVR )
Your Breathing Body – Vol 2. ( http://bit.ly/1HOKR81 )
Touching Enlightenment ( http://bit.ly/ia0sJ )
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Enlightenment for the Rest of Us
Finally Shinzen discusses the “crowning glory” of his mission to unify Western and Eastern technologies, and that is to help nurture the emergence of a “neuro-scientific paradigm for classical enlightenment.” This paradigm could help lead to the emergence of technologies which have the potential to bring classical enlightenment to the masses and hence make large-scale social and individual change. Though Shinzen doesn’t think he’ll see these changes in his own lifetime, he does believe that he can do a lot to help train the future scientists who will.
This is part 3 of a 3-part series. Listen to part 1, Shinzen Young: The Hybrid Teacher & part 2, Building a Dharma Successor.
Episode Links:
Shinzen.org: The Science of Meditation in Action ( www.shinzen.org )
Basic Mindfulness: Home Practice Program ( www.basicmindfulness.org )
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Shinzen Young: The Hybrid Teacher
In addition to his training in the contemplative traditions of the East, Shinzen took time to train himself to become a relatively qualified mathematician and scientist so that he could one day be poised to bring together the best of the East (contemplative practice) with the best of the West (the scientific method). The hybrid of which, he thinks will yield a comletely unique fusion. Listen in to hear more from this incredibly gifted and incredibly geeky meditation teacher.
This is part 1 of a 3-part series. Listen to part 2, Building a Dharma Successor and part 3, Enlightenment for the Rest of Us.
Episode Links:
Shinzen.org: The Science of Meditation in Action ( http://www.shinzen.org )
Basic Mindfulness: Home Practice Program ( http://www.basicmindfulness.org )
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Building a Dharma Successor
Listen in to find out more about this artificial intelligence system, which he refers to as “virtual Shinzen,” and how it might revolutionize the way that dharma teaching is done!
This is part 2 of a 3-part series. Listen to part 1, Shinzen Young: The Hybrid Teacher & part 3, Enlightenment for the Rest of Us.
Episode Links:
Shinzen.org: The Science of Meditation in Action ( http://www.shinzen.org )
Basic Mindfulness: Home Practice Program ( http://www.basicmindfulness.org )
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Hollow Bones Zen
Sacred stewardship
Philosophical re-indoctrination
Emotional maturity & integrity
Conscious embodiment
Genuine insight
These five training elements are a re-working and re-presentation of the original 8-fold path, but one that was designed specifically for our time and place.
This is part 2 of a two-part series. Listen to part 1, Psychotropics and NeuroLinguistic Zen.
Episode Links:
Hollow Bones Zen School ( http://www.hollowbones.org )
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The Zen Tree Fort in the Sky
Listen in to hear Davis’s radical flip-flop between these two approaches. Where Davis once found himself sitting up in his “Zen tree fort in the sky” he now finds that “the mystery” is most intimately connected with being a father & husband. Lastly, Davis shares with us a very strange and powerful connection he has with crows (yes, the animals), who apparently are an important symbol in the Zen tradition.
This is part 2 of a two-part series. Listen to part 1, Stuart Davis: Bodhisattva Rocker.
Episode Links:
Stuart's Crow Paintings ( http://www.stuartdavis.com/paintings )
StuartDavis.com
Sex, God, & Rock ‘n Roll ( http://www.sexgodrocknroll.com )
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Psychotropics and NeuroLinguistic Zen
We also speak with him about his new form of Koan practice that uses NeuroLinguistic Programming (NLP) techniques to help anchor spiritual realization in one’s linguistic structures.
This is part 1 of a two-part series. Listen to part 2, Hollow Bones Zen.
Episode Links:
Hollow Bones Zen School ( http://www.hollowbones.org )
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Stuart Davis: Bodhisattva Rocker
Specifically, we discuss his current creative projects, including a language called IS that he is in the process of developing & and a spiritual talk-show that he’s hosting entitled Sex, God & Rock ‘n Roll. We also cover the topic of re-incarnation, and the spiritual tutelage he has received from his wife Marci. We hope you enjoy this interview with one of the most creative, absurd, and hilarious Zen-artists we know!
This is part 1 of a two-part series. Listen to part 2, The Zen Tree Fort in the Sky.
Episode Links:
StuartDavis.com
Sex, God, & Rock ‘n Roll ( http://www.sexgodrocknroll.com )
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The Dhamma Brothers: Vipassana Meditation in Prison
In our interview with Jenny we explore the story behind the film, her intentions for creating it, and the potential ramifications of introducing these powerful meditation practices into an environment where genuine positive transformation is almost unheard of. Put another way we discuss what happens when “East meets West, in the Deep South.”
To find out more about the movie and to watch the trailor please visit: www.dhammabrothers.com.
Episode Links:
Interview with Jenny Phillips on Oprah’s Soul Series ( http://www.oprah.com/spirit/Jenny-Phillips-on-Oprahs-Soul-Series-Webcast )
Doing Time, Doing Vipassana ( http://www.karunafilms.com/dtdv/dtdv.htm )
The Dhamma Brothers Film ( http://dhammabrothers.com )
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The Particularities of Awakening
This is part 2 of a two-part series. Listen to part 1, The Buzz Lightyear Model of Enlightenment: To Infinity and Beyond.
Episode Links:
Episode Links:
“Glimpses of Awakening” by Judy Lief ( www.lionsroar.com/glimpses-of-awakening-2/ )
The Zen Center of Las Cruces ( www.zencenteroflascruces.org )
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The Buzz Lightyear Model of Enlightenment: To Infinity and Beyond
During this conversation we discuss an article written by Shambhala Acharaya Judy Lief entitled, Glimpses of Awakening. We discuss the ideals surrounding awakening, and use the classic three trainings model (of ethics, concentration, & wisdom) to explore what enlightenment is about.
This is part 1 of a two-part series. Listen to part 2, The Particularities of Awakening.
Episode Links:
“Glimpses of Awakening” by Judy Lief ( http://www.lionsroar.com/glimpses-of-awakening-2/ )
The Zen Center of Las Cruces ( http://www.zencenteroflascruces.org )
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Horizontal and Vertical Enlightenment
He also explains the difference between what he is now calling “horizontal enlightenment” (which is basically everything we’ve explored up to this point) and “vertical enlightenment” which encompasses other areas of human development that can’t been developed while on the cushion. According to him the traditional notion of Buddhist enlightenment isn’t he be-all-end-all of human development.
This is part 2 of a two-part series. Listen to part 1, The Meditative Maps: Happy Mornings and Dark Nights.
Episode Links:
Integral Life ( www.integrallife.com )
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The Meditative Maps: Happy Mornings and Dark Nights
He also gives an overview of the very difficult stages of practice called the Dark Nights. These are periods where after being plunged into a whole new experience of reality we have it stripped from us and feel like we have lost what was once discovered. Another meaning of the dark night has to do with dis-identifying with previous levels of consciousness, and the difficult journey of releasing our grasping and addiction to these lower levels.
This is part 1 of a two-part series. Listen to part 2, Horizontal and Vertical Enlightenment.
Episode Links:
Integral Life ( https://www.integrallife.com )
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Buddhist Studies in the West
This is part 2 of a two-part series Listen to part 1, The Practice Adventures of Dr. Jeffrey Hopkins.
Episode Links:
Tsong-Kha-Pa’s Final Exposition of Wisdom ( http://bit.ly/yIAVZ )
Light of Berotsana Translation Group ( http://berotsana.org )
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The Practice Adventures of Dr. Jeffery Hopkins
In this episode we ask him to share some of the details of his early practice. He shares with us his experience doing sky meditations and dark retreats, all of which he did before being exposed to Tibetan Buddhism. He also shares some of the details of his meeting the Dalai Lama and working with him on translating some of his books to English, as well as being his translator.
This is part 1 of a two-part series. Listen to part 2, Buddhist Studies in the West.
Episode Links:
Tsong-Kha-Pa’s Final Exposition of Wisdom ( http://bit.ly/yIAVZ )
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The Logistics of Being a Bodhisattva
This is part 2 of a two-part series. Listen to part 1, Venerable Robina Courtin: Bodhisattva CEO.
Episode Links:
Liberation Prison Project ( http://www.liberationprisonproject.org )
Chasing Buddha Pilgrimage ( http://www.chasingbuddhafilm.com )
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Venerable Robina Courtin: Bodhisattva CEO
Listen in to find out more about the work that Robina does, and more importantly, how she approaches her work.
This is part 1 of a two-part series. Listen to part 2, The Logistics of Being a Bodhisattva.
Episode Links:
Liberation Prison Project ( http://www.liberationprisonproject.org )
Chasing Buddha Pilgrimage ( http://www.chasingbuddhafilm.com )
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Technology Makes our Delusion More Functional
This is part 2 of a two-part series. Listen to part 1, Does the Web have Buddha Nature?
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Does the Web have Buddha Nature?
In this episode Nova shares with us his background as a Buddhist practitioner and launches into a discussion on the intersection between Buddhist practice, artificial intelligence, cognitive science, and the future of the world wide web. He shares a unique perspective on the evolution of the web and tackles the question of whether or not the web will ever become sentient.
This is part 1 of a two-part series. Listen part 2, Technology Makes our Delusion More Functional.
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How Did Descartes Die?
Peter ties together the Eastern and Western schools of thought by pointing out that they are both loosely interested in the empirical, or what is observable. He also explains the sensory awareness practice that he guides students through, and in our first guided practice here on Buddhist Geeks, leads us through a few minutes of sensory awareness practice. We finish our discussion with Peter touching briefly on the role of “contemplative education,” or in an education that is attempting to bring together conceptual and non-conceptual modes of learning.
This is part 2 of a two-part series. Listen to Part 1, The Consciousness Laboratory.
Episode Links:
The Naropa University Consciousness Laboratory ( www.naropa.edu/consciousness )
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The Consciousness Labratory
Along with finding out about the specific work that Dr. Grossenbacher is engaged in in the Consciousness Lab, listen in as we ask we ask such questions as: Can awareness be defined through empirical methods? And if so, what methods might those be? And finally, can the emphasis on objectivity found in much of mainstream science be applied to subjective research?
This is part 1 of a two-part series. Listen to part 2, How Did Descartes Die?
Episode Links:
The Naropa University Consciousness Laboratory ( http://naropa.edu/consciousness )
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Dream Practices: Comparing Dream Yoga and Lucid Dreaming
Listen in to hear Dr. Wallace, who is authorized to teach both of these methods, discuss the similarities and differences in these two different approaches.
Episode Links:
The Lucidity Institute ( http://www.lucidity.com )
Train your Mind, Change your Brain ( http://bit.ly/1RYFWH )
Building the Dream Body ( http://www.wie.org/j39/zane.asp )
Santa Barbara Institute for Consciousness Studies ( http://www.sbinstitute.com )
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The Yogas of Dream and Sleep
Rinpoche guides us through the three different kinds of dreams that we can have, including samsaric dreams, dreams of clarity, and clear light dreams. He also discusses the importance of dream practice, for those that have a naturally tendency toward being active in their dreams, comments on the methodology of lucid dreaming, that Western dream research Stephen LaBerge has created, and explains the importance of dream yoga in relationship to the process of death and the bardo.
This is part 2 of a two-part series. Listen to part 1, Sleep as a Spiritual Journey.
Episode Links:
The Tibetan Yogas of Dream and Sleep ( http://bit.ly/IjSZC )
Ligmincha Institute ( https://www.ligmincha.org )
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Sleep as a Spiritual Journey
Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche, an esteemed teacher in the Bon Buddhist tradition of Tibet, joins us to discuss the importance of sleep in relation to the spiritual path. Since we spend nearly a third of our lives asleep, the focus on sleep and dream practice becomes of utmost important for those practitioners that want to make the best of the time they have.
Listen in to find out more about the Bon tradition, the dissolution of the sense of self during sleep, and the way that dream practices can contribute to greater awareness during both sleep and death.
This is part 1 of a two-part series. Listen to part 2, The Yogas of Dream and Sleep.
Episode Links:
The Tibetan Yogas of Dream and Sleep ( http://bit.ly/IjSZC )
Ligmincha Institute ( https://www.ligmincha.org )
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The Inevitable Tension: Going Deep vs. Spreading Wide
Also at the end Melvin shares the specific ways that their publications are looking to integrate new media technologies into their projects. Exciting times!
This is part 2 of a two-part series. Listen to part 1, Peering Under the Hood of Buddhist Media.
Episode Links:
BuddhaDharma: The Practitioner’s Quarterly ( http://www.thebuddhadharma.com )
Shambhala Sun ( http://www.shambhalasun.com )
One Dharma: The Emerging Western Buddhism ( http://bit.ly/dy5egV )
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Peering Under the Hood of Buddhist Media
Melvin McLeod, Editor-in-Chief of the Shambhala Sun and Buddhadharma magazines, joins us to share his perspective on the differences and similarities that Buddhist media sources have with more traditional media. Listen in to find out more about the philosophical underpinnings of a publication that has at it’s heart a commitment to the teachings of non-ego.
This is part 1 of a two-part series. Listen to part 2, The Inevitable Tension: Going Deep vs. Spreading Wide.
Episode Links:
Mindful Politics: A Buddhist Guide to Making the World a Better Place ( http://bit.ly/KnkeU )
Shambhala Sun ( http://www.shambhalasun.com )
BuddhaDharma: The Practitioner’s Quarterly ( http://www.thebuddhadharma.com )
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Existential Threats and Risks: We Can't Escape Impermanence!
In our final episode with professor James Hughes we tackle the less rosy side of Transhumanism, which has to do with massive existential threats and risks. Though there are many natural risks that could threaten humanity as a whole, including large asteriod collisions, gamma bursts, and super volcanoes, the Transhumanist recognize a whole host of other ways that we could threaten ourselves with advanced technologies.
In addition to discussing these threats and all of the possible side traps on the way toward a more techno-utopian future, James ties these together with our understanding of the dharma. He argues that even in a techno-utopian future (assuming we make it), we will still have to deal with annica—the ever changing flow of reality.
This is part 3 of a three-part series. Listen to part 1, Transhumanism and the Authentic Self and part 2, Cyborg Buddhas & Techno-Utopian Pure Lands!
Episode Links:
The Cyborg Buddha Project ( http://ieet.org/index.php/IEET/cyborgbuddha ( http://bit.ly/Wh12u )
Citizen Cyborg: Why Democratic Societies Must Respond To The Redesigned Human Of The Future
The Lifeboat Foundation ( http://www.lifeboat.com )
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Cyborg Buddhas & Techno-Utopian Pure Lands!
This week, we discuss this and other questions with professor James Hughes, author of the upcoming book Cyborg Buddha. If you want to have your views regarding technology and it’s relation to the Buddhist path challenged, please listen in!
This is part 2 of a three-part series. Listen to part 1, Transhumanism and the Authentic Self and part 3, Existential Threats and Risks: We Can’t Escape Impermanence!
Episode Links:
The Cyborg Buddha Project ( http://ieet.org/index.php/IEET/cyborgbuddha )
Citizen Cyborg: Why Democratic Societies Must Respond To The Redesigned Human Of The Future ( http://amzn.to/1HOESA8 )
Technologies of Self-Perfection ( http://ieet.org/index.php/IEET/more/hughes20040922/ )
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Transhumanism and the Authentic Self
What is Transhumanism and how is it related to Buddhist practice? Will technology enable us to radically extend our lifespans, help us control our thoughts and emotions, and bring about the potential to upload our consciousness into virtual reality spaces? And if so, what are the deeper implications for our contemplative traditions. Will these advances actually support the deepening of wisdom? According to professor James Hughes, a Buddhist practitioner and leading voice in the Transhumanist movement, these advances will enable us to deconstruct the notion and experience we have of an “authentic self” and will support the development of happiness, and the cessation of suffering. Listen in to find out how…
This is part 1 of a three-part series. Listen to part 2, Cyborg Buddhas & Techno-Utopian Pure Lands! and part 3, Existential Threats and Risks: We Can’t Escape Impermanence!
Episode Links:
The Illusiveness of Immortality ( http://ieet.org/index.php/IEET/more/430/ )
Zen and the Brain ( http://bit.ly/KxYDq )
The Cyborg Buddha Project ( http://ieet.org/index.php/IEET/cyborgbuddha )
Citizen Cyborg: Why Democratic Societies Must Respond To The Redesigned Human Of The Future ( http://bit.ly/Wh12u )
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Rebirth and Suffering: How Important Are They?
The Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche joins us again, this time to discuss the importance of the teachings of rebirth in the Western context. He also gives many detailed suggestions on how to work with suffering in practice, especially when your awareness of it becomes more acute–a common occurrence in practice. We finish off this fantastic dialogue with Rinpoche hearing his thoughts on transplanting Buddhism to the west to form a genuine form of western buddhism.
This is part 3 of a three-part series. Listen to part 1, Analytical Meditation: Going Beyond Coffee Table Dharma and part 2, The Best Preparation for Dying Well is Living Well.
Episode Links:
Bodhi Magazine ( http://www.bodhionline.org )
Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche ( http://dpr.info )
Mind Beyond Death ( http://bit.ly/OJHKT )
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The Best Preparation for Dying Well is Living Well
This is part 2 of a three-part series. Listen to part 1, Analytical Meditation: Going Beyond Coffee Table Dharma
Episode Links:
Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche ( http://dpr.info )
Bodhi Magazine ( http://www.bodhionline.org )
Mind Beyond Death ( http://bit.ly/OJHKT )
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Analytical Meditation: Going Beyond Coffee Table Dharma
This is part 1 of a three-part series. Listen to part 2, The Best Preparation for Dying Well is Living Well.
Episode Links:
Nitartha Institute ( http://www.nitarthainstitute.org )
Bodhi Magazine ( http://www.bodhionline.org )
Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche ( http://dpr.info )
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Zen Masters: Dressing the Donkey with Bells and Scarves
In this episode he shares with us some of the ways that the legitimacy, authority & power of the Zen Master are spread through the Zen institution, and how these sometimes ridiculous ideals are accepted without questions from many intelligent, well-meaning, people. If you’re a Buddhist practitioner of any sort, you won’t want to miss this conversation!
This is part 1 of a two-part series. Listen to part 2, The Darker Side of Zen: Institutions Defining Reality.
Episode Links:
Zen Master in America: Dressing the Donkey with Bells and Scarves ( http://mandala.hr/samsara/Stuart_Lachs.The_Zen_Master_in_America.pdf )
The Sacred Canopy ( http://bit.ly/Svhwi )
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The Darker Side of Zen: Institutions Defining Reality
Stuart Lachs, who for many decades has studied Zen from within and from without, challenges the legitimacy and authority of the Zen Master by deconstructing the structures and invisible institutional systems that grant this authority to the Zen Master. Listen in to find out how Noam Chomsky’s notion of “useful doctrinal fabrications” applies to Zen, how the story of an unbroken lineage of Zen masters going back to the Buddha himself is basically bogus, how all of the elements of Zen itself weave together to form a seamless web of nearly unquestionable power, and why it’s so hard to leave these communities even if you want to.
This isn’t to say that the practice of Zen isn’t extremely powerful, and Stuart himself is a huge fan of the practices therein, but it is to say that many of us aren’t aware of the ways that the institution itself defines reality for us.
This is part 2 of a two-part series. Listen to part 1, Zen Masters: Dressing the Donkey with Bells and Scarves.
Episode Links:
Zen Mind, Begineer’s Mind ( http://bit.ly/pecQo )
Shoes Outside the Door: Desire, Devotion, and Excess at San Francisco Zen Center ( http://bit.ly/ipGKl )
Zen Master in America: Dressing the Donkey with Bells and Scarves ( http://mandala.hr/samsara/Stuart_Lachs.The_Zen_Master_in_America.pdf )
Mahākāśyapa ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahakashyapa )
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Mind Like Space
This is part 2 of a two-part series. Listen to part 1, Susan Piver: The Fearless Writer.
Episode Links:
susanpiver.com
Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity ( http://bit.ly/grQY1 )
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Susan Piver: The Fearless Writer
This is part 1 of a two-part series. Listen to part 2, Mind Like Space.
Episode Links:
How Not to be Afraid of Your Own Life ( http://bit.ly/UwJpP )
Susan Piver ( http://www.susanpiver.com )
The Artist’s Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity ( http://bit.ly/YX85s )
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Every Generation Creates the Dharma Anew
This is part 2 of a two-part series. Listen to part 1, Dive-bar Dharma: Making it Fresh or Sensationalizing it?.
Episode Links:
Dive-bar Dharma ( http://www.salon.com/mwt/feature/2008/02/20/dharma_in_dive_bars/ )
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Finding the Future in the Past
This is part 2 of a 2 part series. Listen to part 1, Will the Real Buddha Please Stand Up?
Episode Links:
Oxford Mindfulness Center ( http://oxfordmindfulness.org )
Hokai Sobol | 21st Century Dharma ( http://www.hokai.info )
Sutta Nipata ( http://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/kn/snp/index.html )
Ariyapariyesana Sutta ( http://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/mn/mn.026.than.html )
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The Stories We Tell Ourselves
Buddhist scholar and Chaplain Danny Fisher, joins us to explore various stories, or narratives, that run through the Buddhist world. There are a variety of different kind of stories in the Buddhist tradition, including those that are more traditional and those which are more modern. Included in those narratives are Buddhist hagiographies (traditional teaching stories about important figures), historical narratives, and more modern narratives. Listen in as we try and piece apart what some of these stories are, and find out how the stories that we believe in affect us as individuals and communities.
Episode Links:
University of the West ( http://www.uwest.edu )
A People’s History of the United States ( http://amzn.to/eytcyu )
How the Swans Came to the Lake ( http://amzn.to/gtQqvB )
Buddhism in America ( http://amzn.to/hu3UWV )
Luminous Passage ( http://amzn.to/fAWiDL )
After the Ecstasy, the Laundry ( http://amzn.to/dHxc2N )
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Redesigning Zen
We’re joined this week by Soto Zen teacher Zenkai Taiun Elliston. Along with the being the abbot of the Atlanta Soto Zen Center, Taiun is also a long-time professional designer, having trained and taught modern design. We ask him to share his perspective on the interplay and parallels between the two fields, which brings about a very interesting conversation about the aesthetic of simplicity, the importance of sensory engagement, and the nature of the medium we are exploring, whether it’s a physical medium, as in design, or the medium of consciousness itself, as in Zen.
Episode Links:
Silent Thunder Order ( http://silentthunderorder.org )
Atlanta Soto Zen Center ( http://www.aszc.org )
Bauhaus Design ( https://secure.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/wiki/Bauhaus )
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Optimizing Awareness in Organizations
We’re joined this week by Rich Fernandez, who serves as the Head of Learning and Organization Development at eBay. Rich has a long history with meditation and eastern practices, and has been working to bring secular mindfulness practice into the workplace. He shares some striking early research into the experimental programs that he’s helping to implement at eBay and also explores a larger initiative that he’s working on, called the Wisdom 2.0 Architecture.
Episode Links:
Wisdom 2.0 ( http://wisdom2summit.com )
Taylorism ( http://www.answers.com/topic/taylorism )
Migration of Mindfulness: Cave to Corporate America ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pbJZFb3ZTrY )
The Mindful Leader ( http://amzn.to/fAq35E )
Awake at Work ( http://amzn.to/fHxw2u )
George Mumford ( http://bit.ly/gXXzYx )
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Young Buddhist Vignettes
This week we have an intimate conversation with two young Buddhist practitioners. The first vignette is with Sophie McLaren, who practices in the Shambhala community and runs an organization dedicated to bringing Buddhism and mindful living to youth populations. The second vignette is with Wes Rosacker a Zen practitioner in the White Plum sangha and a training psychotherapist. We discuss how each of these young practitioners makes sense of their practice in terms of the rest of their lives, and how specifically they bring their practical understanding of Buddhism into their professions.
Episode Links:
Everybodhi : peace within, peace in the world ( http://every-bodhi.org )
Taizan Maezumi Roshi ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taizan_Maezumi )
Robert Kegan ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Kegan )
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The Way of Everyday Life
We’re joined this week by mother, author, and Zen teacher Karen Maezen Miller. Maezen speaks directly to the need to see through the dualisms that we create in our lives, and speaks specifically about the dualism of being a parent and a practitioner. She shares advice on how to not make one part of our life battle with other parts, and explores an empowering understanding of what monastic forms have contributed to us. She also speaks about the misunderstandings that can plague our meditation practice, and where these originate from.
Episode Links:
Hand Wash Cold: Care Instructions for an Ordinary Life ( http://amzn.to/hwJwjh )
Momma Zen: Walking the Crooked Path of Motherhood ( http://amzn.to/gEA5Hc )
Hazy Moon Zen Center ( http://www.hazymoon.com )
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Secrets of Meditation
We conclude our discussion with spiritual teacher Sally Kempton—who has her spiritual roots in the Hindu tantra tradition of Kashmir Shaivism—this time speaking about some of the crucial secrets that she has discovered about deepening in meditation. She begins by sharing how she overcame a period where she had been stopping short in her meditation. She shares how she used her spiritual heart and an intention to move into everything to arose in her practice to continue deepening on the path.
She also speaks about how important it is to consider the relationship we have with experience, and connects this with the understanding of relationship being a facet of Spirit. She speaks about the type of relationship one can have with experience, and how that fundamentally changes the act of meditation.
This is part 2 of a two-part series. Listen to part 1, The Tantric Cousins.
Episode Links:
Meditation for the Love of It: Enjoy Your Own Deepest Experience ( http://amzn.to/e1bp40 )
The Three Faces of Spirit: Where is Awareness Locating Itself? ( http://bit.ly/1MsmyTT )
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The Tantric Cousins
This week we speak with spiritual teacher Sally Kempton. Sally was a student of the influential Hindu guru Swami Muktananda and taught in his lineage for many years. She shares with us her journey of first being introduced to Swami Muktananda, how she became a teacher, and why she shifted from being a swami to teaching in a more secular capacity later on. During the 2nd half of the discussion Sally shares with us some of the history of the tantric non-dual system of Kashmir Shaivism, which is a close cousin to Indian Tantric Buddhism. She compares and contrasts the two systems, and also goes into detail concerning some of the crucial texts, practices, and philosophical tenets of the tradition.
This is part 1 of a two-part series. Listen to part 2, Secrets of Meditation.
Episode Links:
Meditation for the Love of It: Enjoy Your Own Deepest Experience ( http://amzn.to/e1bp40 )
Kashmir Shaivism ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kashmir_Shaivism )
Vasugupta ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vasugupta )
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Carving Out a Life of Meaning
We’re joined this week Krista Tippett, host of the award-winning radio show “Being.” Krista begins the discussion by sharing how she went from being the chief aide to the US Ambassador in Germany, during the cold war era, to asking deep spiritual and ethical questions. This questioning led her to study theology at Yale, and then sometime after start her current show, which started off with the title, “Speaking of Faith.” She also shares how she first was introduced to meditation and contemplative practice, and where those practices has taken her since. Finally, we close the interview by exploring the “re-integration of our inner selves and outer lives.” Krista shares how she creates a space to bring out the wisdom of re-integration with her guests on Being, inviting them into “conversations of the soul.”
Episode Links:
Einstein’s God: Conversations About Science and the Human Spirit
Speaking of Faith: Why Religion Matters–and How to Talk About It
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Gaming as a Spiritual Practice
Leading game designer Jane McGonigal joins guest host Rohan Gunatillake to explore the relationship between games and well-being, and see what clues they might hold for the future of Buddhist practice. Jane starts with a surprising disclose: she is a meditation practitioner and has been studying Buddhism for the last 5 years, since she was a grad student in Berkley. She explains how her work with game design and development ties in with her interest in meditation, explaining the strong overlap between the positive qualities cultivated through good games, and those cultivation through mental training. Rohan proposes that the Buddha’s own story could be likened to a type of epic video game, and building off of that discusses the likelihood of being able to design a game that actively cultivates the 7 factors of awakening—a classic Buddhist list on the qualities that lead to enlightenment. Jane speaks about enlightenment as an “epic win” and maintains that gaming has the very real potential to cultivate the factors of awakening.
Episode Links:
Reality is Broken: Why Games Make Us Better and How They Can Change the World ( http://amzn.to/hFADgH )
World Without Oil ( http://www.worldwithoutoil.org )
Superstruct ( http://bit.ly/1MslRdl )
Institute for the Future ( http://www.iftf.org )
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Virtual Vajrayana
Senior Shambhala teacher David Nichtern joins us to geek out about some of the potential consequences of our rapidly developing technologies on the Vajrayana tradition. We speak extensively about the ramifications of greater degrees of virtual reality, how our sense experiences (what in Buddhism are referred to as the ayatanas) are already virtual, and how visualization practice, in particular, could be impacted by these developments. We also speak about the importance of “authentic presence”, or what David’s son Ethan calls “Keepin’ it Real”, as Buddhism moves forward into future generations.
Episode Links:
- www.DavidNichtern.com
- Karma Choling ( http://www.karmecholing.org )
- The Singularity is Near ( http://amzn.to/hj60E7 )
- Tibetan Buddhism’s Insights Into Virtual Reality ( http://www.davidnichtern.com/?p=686 )
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Entrepreneur as Bodhisattva
This week guest host Rohan Gunatillake of 21awake.com interviews spiritual entrepreneur Nick Jankel. They explore the notion of “enlightened entrepreneurship,” discussing why it is that spirituality and business often seem at such odds. Nick shares some of his own background and aim in business and speaks about the secular path of an entrepreneur as bodhisattva. The conversation winds down with a discussion of the “cult of the individual” and how egoic behavior is so often rewarded in business, the nature of unhealthy power in enterprise, and a call to a more peer-to-peer form of spirituality.
Episode Links:
Wisdom 2.0 ( http://wisdom2summit.com )
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Turning the Microphone Around
For this 200th anniversary edition, the microphone is turned around on the regular host, Vincent Horn. Our guest host for this week’s episode is the UK-based blogger of 21awake.com, Rohan Gunatillake. Rohan asks Vincent about his personal practice history leading up to Buddhist Geeks, and also how the project affected his practice since then. They also explore some of the exciting trends in the development of Western Buddhism, as well as the more worrisome ones. Finally, we explore where Buddhist Geeks is going from here, how it’s mission is continuing to evolve, and what big projects are coming up to help us “Discover the Emerging Face of Buddhism.” In particular they talk about the vision behind the newly announced, Buddhist Geeks | The Conference, set to happen July 29th – 31st, 2011 in Los Angeles.
Episode Links:
- www.VincentHorn.com
- Buddhist Geeks Conference ( www.buddhistgeeks.com/conference/ )
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The Buddha’s Enlightenment Solved His Problem
We’re joined this week by Insight Meditation teacher Sharon Salzberg, to talk about her latest book, “Real Happiness” and also about meditation as an emerging part of secular culture. This interview was recorded during a conference at Emory University in which Dalai Lama spoke about secular ethics as the most relevant approach to humanity’s issues. He pointed out that much of the world isn’t interested in religious forms, and so the liberating message of Buddhism can be conveyed in more secular ways. In this discussion sharon shares her understanding of this trend toward secularization, and also shares some specific ways that she is participating in this broader movement.
Episode Links:
Real Happiness: The Power of Meditation ( http://amzn.to/hg4MDM )
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The Wise Use of Technology
Many Buddhist figures have things to say about wise engagement with technology, but many of these same figures are not technologists themselves, and so have a limited view, or understanding, of the full range of what technology is, and perhaps of what it means. This week, to explore these very questions, we speak again with leading technologist Kevin Kelly. He shares his unique view on how technology should be selectively minimized on the individual level, while simultaneously maximizing the pool of technologies in the world at large.
We also explore the parallel philosophies of Buddhism—especially with regards to its emphases on interdependence and impermanence—with the cybernetic process philosophy that Kelly is familar with. This techno-geek-philosophy shares many overlapping views on the nature of reality, but is strikingly different in many ways.
This is part 2 of a two-part series. Listen to part 1, The Technium.
Episode Links:
What Technology Wants ( http://amzn.to/9l5NqS )
“When the Mind Wanders, Happiness Also Strays” ( http://nyti.ms/eRisjo )
Cool Tools ( http://www.kk.org/cooltools/ )
What the Dormouse Said: How the Sixties Counterculture Shaped the Personal Computer Industry ( http://amzn.to/hNmiCo )
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The Technium
We’re joined this week by celebrated technologist and co-founder of Wired Magazine, Kevin Kelly. Kevin shares how he went from a back-to-the-lander hippie in his early youth, to becoming one of the most important technological thinkers alive today.
We then explore one of the central ideas of Kelly’s technological philosophy, what he calls the technium. He shares how the technium can be dated all the way back to the beginning of the universe, and explains how the technium—a type of super-organism of interdependent technologies—can actually increase degrees of freedom and choice in the universe. Closing up the conversation we discuss whether the technium is a neutral force, or if it has some inherent goodness. This is part 1 of a two-part series. Listen to part 2, The Wise Use of Technology.
Episode Links:
What Technology Wants ( http://amzn.to/9l5NqS )
Out of Control: The New Biology of Machines, Social Systems, & the Economic World ( http://amzn.to/csaSS0 )
Wired Magazine ( http://www.wired.com )
Ted Nelson ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ted_Nelson )
The Technium ( http://www.kk.org/thetechnium/ )
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Rebel Buddha
Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche—a dynamic and engaging Gen X Tibetan Lama who has spent half of his life living in the West—joins us to explore several key points related to the development of a more contemporary Buddhism. We explore some ideas from his newest book, Rebel Buddha, including the idea that there is an essential aspect to Dharma that goes beyond culture, the ways that teachings on emptiness are often confused or misunderstood, and the nature of enlightenment and the possibility of awakening in the here and now.
Episode Links:
Rebel Buddha ( http://www.rebelbuddha.com )
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Live the Questions
We’re joined this week by Buddhist teacher Elizabeth Mattis-Namgyel to explore some of the topics from her most recent book, The Power of an Open Question. Elizabeth speaks about the nature of questioning, and why questioning is one of the best ways to come in accordance with the way things are.
She also explores the qualities of faith & doubt, how questioning fits in with both, and how skepticism and openness are related. We finish the discussion off by looking at how the quality of “not knowing,” that often gets developed through sincere questioning, might manifest in our human relationships. If you’re looking for answers, this may not be the episode for you!
Episode Links:
The Power of an Open Question ( http://amzn.to/cbeXst )
Madyamika Prasangika ( http://bit.ly/1CQJ4Ti )
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The Lazy Path to Enlightenment
We’re joined this week by author, teacher, and Tibetologist Glenn Mullin. During our conversation with Glenn we focus primarily on a system of teachings in the Tantric tradition called The Six Yogas of Naropa. He speaks about each aspect of the practice—including such practices as sexual yoga, dream yoga, and bardo yoga—and also explains why he thinks the 6 yogas are a perfect compliment for the modern lifestyle.
Episode Links:
The Practice of the Six Yogas of Naropa ( http://amzn.to/cEm5jP )
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Making Joy Our Default
Insight meditation teacher James Baraz joins us to explore the many facets of joy, happiness, and well-being. We begin by finding out how joy became an important part of James’ practice, since in his early years with Buddhism he was, in his own words, “dead serious about practice.” It turns out that part of what helped him break the spell was the Advaita Vedanta teacher, H.W.L Poonja, as well as the teachings that the Buddha himself gave on joy and well-being. We also look at the positive psychology movement, which James pulls from often in his teachings on Joy, comparing and contrasting positive psychology with Buddhist psychology. And finally we discuss what it means to cultivate Joy, and how that cultivation relates to a recognition of Natural Joy (the joy that’s present without any special effort).
Episode Links:
Awakening Joy: 10 Steps That Will Put You on the Road to Real Happiness ( http://amzn.to/bnPnPR )
Authentic Happiness ( http://amzn.to/9DIPlr )
H.W.L Poonja ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/H._W._L._Poonja )
Nibanna for Everyone, by Ajahn Buddhadassa ( http://www.scribd.com/doc/265212/Nibbana-for-Everyone )
Dvedhavitakka Sutta: Two Sorts of Thinking (Majjhima Nikaya 19) ( http://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/mn/mn.019.than.html )
Transcendental Dependent Arising ( http://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/authors/bodhi/wheel277.html )
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Living as a River
Bodhipaksa is a teacher from the Triratna Buddhist Community, formerly the Friends of the Western Buddhist Order. He joins us this week to explore the Buddhist teachings on impermanence and “change blindness.” We also explore one of the central practices that he teaches, called the 6-elements practice—one of the primary methods found in the earliest strata of Buddhist teachings. Finally, we explore the importance of enlightenment in his teaching, what is traditionally called stream-entry, but which he refers to as “entry-level enlightenment.”
Episode Links:
Living As a River: Finding Fearlessness in the Face of Change ( http://amzn.to/aMZqzN )
Dhatu-vibhanga Sutta: An Analysis of the Properties ( http://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/mn/mn.140.than.html )
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Living in Buddha Standard Time
We speak with Lama Surya Das this week about what it takes to integrate spiritual understanding into our lives as 21st century citizens. He explores the question of whether our sense of time has sped up in the “over-information age,” and how we can change our relationship to time. He also shares the outlines of what he calls the Six Building Blocks of a Spiritual Life—a post-traditional model aimed at integrating the inner and outer dimensions of life. We conclude our discussion by looking at what he calls, “Positive Buddhism.” Positive Buddhism is a formulation of the Buddhist teachings that emphasize some of the more life-affirming aspects of the awakened life, instead of some of the more life-denying aspects, such as suffering, renunciation, and non-attachment.
This is part 2 of a two-part series. Listen to part 1, The Tao of Twitter.
Episode Links:
The Mind is Mightier Than the Sword ( http://amzn.to/cmIOru )
Positive Psychology ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Positive_psychology )
Awakening the Buddha Within ( http://amzn.to/9HeJJ0 )
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The Tao of Twitter
When it comes to leveraging the technologies of our time, Lama Surya Das is one of the most active American Buddhists around. He blogs, tweets, skypes, hosts webinars, and participates in virtual retreats. And yet he acknowledges that if it were completely up to him, he’d be leading meditation retreats in-person and writing books. We speak with Surya Das on why he has decided to engage these technologies, as opposed to treating them merely as distractions or as “necessary evils,” as so many teachers do. We explore both the upsides and downsides of what he refers to as, “beaming, streaming media.” As he points out during the interview, he feels he has two feet firmly planted in the old tradition, and two feet firmly planted in the new. What happens when someone is immersed in both?
This is part 1 of a two-part series. Listen to part 2, Living in Buddha Standard Time.
Episode Links:
@LamaSuryaDas ( www.twitter.com/LamaSuryaDas )
www.Surya.org The Tao of Twitter: The Spirit in the Machine ( http://bit.ly/9wtD4c )
Dzogchen Center ( http://dzogchen.org )
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Intimacy through Practice
We’re joined this week by Flamenco guitarist and Zen practitioner Ottmar Liebert. Ottmar shares the story of how he broke with his childhood religion of Catholicism, started doing Transcendental Meditation, and then found his spiritual home in the Zen tradition. We also discuss the nature of practice, and compare how it manifests in both music and meditation. We also explore the distinction between solitary practice and performance, seeing what parallels to music we might find in Zen.
Episode Links:
Petals on the Path ( http://www.ottmarliebert.com/music/album/petals-on-the-path )
Letter to a Young Musician #1 ( http://www.ottmarliebert.com/diary/?p=6374 )
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Non-Meditation and the Nature of Thought
“You need not make efforts to create non-conceptuality. You need not regard thoughts as a fault. And so that your practice does not succumb to famine, from the beginning have a bountiful crop. Not searching for a state that is calmly resting, vividly clear, and filled with bliss, bring into your experience whatever arises without taking it up or discarding it.” – Orgyenpa
We’re joined again this week by one of our favorite Buddhist Geeks, Robert Spellman. In our discussion with him, we delve into the often tenuous relationship that meditators have to their own thoughts. Robert shares a profound teaching from a 13th century Tibetan teacher, Orgyenpa, on how to relate to the thinking mind. He also talks about the difficulty in getting personally identified with insights, and explores what is meant by “non-meditation.” For those meditators out there who are interested in having a more empowering and healthy relationship to their own minds, this promises to be a very interesting interview.
Episode Links:
Orgyenpa ( http://www.kagyuoffice.org/kagyulineage.karmapa2.html#Orgyenpa )
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A Different Way of Approaching Meditation
We’re joined again by meditation teacher Jason Siff to conclude our exploration of the fundamental ideas and practices behind his unique approach of Unlearning Meditation, or what he calls Recollective Awareness.
We begin with exploring what recollection, or mindfulness, is and how it can be harnessed through a practice of meditative journaling. Jason continues his deconstruction of the type of prescribed practices which suggest doing something “all of the time” and suggests instead that we find out for ourself what meditation is about and where it is leading. We wrap up the discussion by exploring a different way of developing samadhi, a method that Jason describes as “drifting off in meditation.”
This is part 2 of a two-part series. Listen to part 1, Unlearning Meditation.
Episode Links:
Skillful Meditation Project ( http://www.skillfulmeditation.org )
Unlearning Meditation: What to Do When the Instructions Get In the Way ( http://amzn.to/c0iBUm )
A Mindful Balance ( http://www.alanwallace.org/spr08wallace_comp.pdf )
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Unlearning Meditation
“Meditation instructions that disallow thinking, reflection, or being open to the full range of experience usually imply a distrust of the mind.” – Jason Siff
We’re joined by meditation teacher and author Jason Siff, to explore what happens when meditation instructions and techniques get in the way. Jason explains that meditation instructions and rules contain within them certain limitations, that can lead to impasses in our practice. We explore Jason’s approach, Recollective Awareness, as well as discussing the role that both trust and intention play in untangling these unhelpful meditation habits.
This is part 1 of a two-part series.
Episode Links:
Skillful Meditation Project ( http://www.skillfulmeditation.org )
Unlearning Meditation: What to Do When the Instructions Get In the Way ( http://amzn.to/c0iBUm )
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Bodhisattva, Superstar
We’re joined this week by filmmaker Michael Trigilo, to explore some of the themes from his newest allegorical documentary, “Bodhisattva, Superstar.” Included in our conversation are questions around what it means to be “spiritual but not religious”, what purpose Religion serves and what difficulties come with it, and why anger is such a hot topic in the Buddhist tradition? We also discuss controversy in spiritual communities—with Michael highlighting his own experience of disappointment and disillusionment—and how these controversies and scandals can become opportunities for a more transparent “cultural conversation” to occur. Finally he shares what he hopes both Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike might get from watching this edgy and sophisticated Buddhist documentary.
Episode Links:
Bodhisattva, Superstar ( http://www.starve.org/superstar/ )
“The Buddha” on PBS ( http://www.pbs.org/thebuddha/ )
Bewitched, Buddhist, and Bewildered ( http://conceptualart.dreamhosters.com/npr/archives/102 )
The Kalama Sutra ( http://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/authors/soma/wheel008.html )
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Growing Up Versus Waking Up
Episode Links:
www.JohnWelwood.com
Toward a Psychology of Awakening: Buddhism, Psychotherapy, and the Path of Personal and Spiritual Transformation ( http://amzn.to/bKvera )
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Working with Sexual Energy
Finishing up our conversation with Christopher, we ask him if there’s anything he’d like to share with the Buddhist Geeks listeners. He responds with a very interesting caution on not over-emphasizing the development of the mind, over the development of the heart and the vibrancy of our “feeling lives.”
This is part 2 of a two-part series. Listen to Part 1, The Place of the Erotic.
Episode Links:
www.ChristopherTitmuss.org
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The Place of the Erotic
Christopher explains some of the historical reasons that Buddhism has not be able to provide many helpful suggestions concerning sexuality, and also challenges what he sees as a common orthodox among Western teachers and practitioners in regards to sexuality and relationships. We conclude our conversation by exploring the importance—in a cultural climate where long-term monogamous relationships are becoming more and more rare—of treating the ending of relationships with greater care. “How,” Christopher asks, “if we are ending a relationship, can we make a transition from intimacy to that of a caring friendship?”
This is part 1 of a two-part series. Listen to part 2, Working with Sexual Energy.
Episode Links:
Bodh Gaya Retreats ( http://www.bodhgayaretreats.org )
www.ChristopherTitmuss.org
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The Buddhist Atheist
Secular Buddhist teacher Stephen Batchelor joins us to explore some of the ideas presented in his newest book, Confession of a Buddhist Atheist. We start off by examining the two Buddhist doctrines of karma and rebirth, using the original teachings of the Buddha, especially the “imponderables” as a touchstone for the conversation. Stephen’s basic claim being that the belief in rebirth doesn’t have sufficient evidence behind it, and it actually takes away from the core practices and teachings of the Buddha. We conclude the interview by exploring the difference between agnosticism and atheism, which Stephen claims can be integrated together into what he calls an “ironic atheism.”
Episode Links:
Stephen and Martine Batchelor ( http://www.stephenbatchelor.org )
Buddhism Without Beliefs ( http://amzn.to/bHGkI7 )
Confession of a Buddhist Atheist ( http://amzn.to/9WL5X1 )
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The Mindful Therapist
This is part 2 of a two-part series. Listen to part 1, Zen, Vipassana, & Psychotherapy.
Episode Links:
Jean Piaget ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jean_Piaget )
InsightLA ( http://www.insightla.org )
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Zen, Vipassana, & Psychology
This is part 1 of a two-part series. Listen to part 2, The Mindful Therapist.
Episode Links:
Zen Master Seung Sahn ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seung_Sahn )
Insight Meditation Society ( http://www.dharma.org )
InsightLA ( http://www.insightla.org )
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The Dharma of Second Life
Finally, we patch in Adam Tebbe, the wizard behind the curtain, to share some details of the organization he helped start, that is responsible for getting so many good dharma teachers onto Second Life.
Episode Links:
Kannonji Zen Retreat ( http://kannonjiretreat.com )
Five Mountain Buddhist Seminary ( http://five-mountain.org )
Zen Sitting Group of Cincinnati ( http://cincinnatizen.org )
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Dive-Bar Dharma: Making it Fresh or Sensationalizing it?
Join the Geeks of the Round Table as we discuss an article published on Salon.com entitled, Dive-bar Dharma. The geeks explore several questions, sparked by this article, including whether or not we should update ancient metaphors with more contemporary metaphors? Also of interest is how far teachers should go in adapting the teachings of the Buddha to the culture and counter-cultures that they teach within? How do we discover the fine between making the dharma more fresh and relevant and of sensationalizing it?
This is part 1 of a two-part series. Listen to part 2, Every Generation Creates the Dharma Anew.
Episode Links:
- Dive-bar Dharma ( http://www.salon.com/mwt/feature/2008/02/20/dharma_in_dive_bars/ )
- Buddhist Peace Fellowship ( http://www.bpf.org )
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Everything Arises in the Mind of the Yogi
"Real creative expression, to me, is a process of discovery … It’s entering the mystery." – Daido Roshi
John Daido Loori, Roshi continues his discussion with Robert Spellman on the intersection between contemporary art and contemplative awareness. The two teachers share revealing stories about their understanding of the importance of meditative awareness in the creative process, and of specific exercises that one can do to tap into deeper ways of seeing, participating, and merging with the creative process.
This is part 2 of a two-part series. Listen to part 1, Zen Mountain Monastery: Zen and the Arts.
Episode Links:
- The Eight Gates of Zen: A Program of Zen Training ( http://bit.ly/11HmaQ )
- Zen Environmental Studies Institute ( http://www.mro.org/zesi/ )
- Robert Spellman ( http://www.robertspellman.com )
- Zen Mountain Monastary ( http://www.mro.org/zmm/ )
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Zen Mountain Monastery: Zen and the Arts
John Daido Loori, Roshi abbot of the Zen Mountain Monastery in NY and well-known Buddhist author, joins us to discuss the history and development of his teaching, especially with regards to the key role that Art plays in Zen practice. Naropa University teacher Robert Spellman joins us as guest host to ask Daido Roshi about the 8 gates of zen, Roshi’s training with Minor White, the difference between Western and Eastern forms of art, how the wildness of nature relates to Buddha-Nature, and ethical issues of taking responsibility for one’s state of mind and their art work.
This is part 1 of a two-part series. Listen to part 2, Everything Arises in the Mind of the Yogi.
Episode Links:
- Mysticism – by Evelyn Underhill ( http://bit.ly/aQOOs )
- Zen Mountain Monastary ( http://www.mro.org/zmm/ )
- Robert Spellman ( http://www.robertspellman.com )
- Minor White ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minor_White )
- The Eight Gates of Zen: A Program of Zen Training ( http://bit.ly/11HmaQ )
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The Three Faces of Spirit: Where is Awareness Locating Itself?
Where does awareness tend to locate itself? And how is this important in our experience and understanding of the Buddhist path of awakening? This week Diane Musho Hamilton—Zen sensei and Big Mind lineage holder—joins us again to discuss the importance of what Ken Wilber calls the three faces of spirit. Using this powerful notion as a lens we explore questions about how and why lineage is passed down, the way that Buddhism adapts to new cultures and why it is particularly vulnerable to being destroyed, how cultural development impacts the tradition, issues surrounding the master-disciple relationship, and finally whether or not one can regulate the erotic impulse.
This is part 2 of a two-part series. Listen to part 1: Discover Yourself as a Perspective-Taking Being.
Episode Links:
- BigMind.org
- Women Who Sleep with Their Gurus … and Why They Love It ( http://bit.ly/1HO1QHI )
- Essential Spirituality: The 7 Central Practices to Awaken Heart and Mind ( http://bit.ly/732ga )
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Discover Yourself as a Perspective Taking Being
Diane Musho Hamilton, Zen sensei and Big Mind lineage holder, joins us to discuss her personal story on the path of awakening. From experiencing the death of several friends at a young age, to studying with Chogyam Trunpga in the mid-80s, to becoming the first lineage holder of a unique new spiritual process called Big Mind, join us as Diane shares the intimate details of her life as a seeker (and non-seeker). In this dialogue we also touch in on the importance that the work of integral philosopher Ken Wilber has had on her teaching, especially with regards to what Wilber calls the three primordial perspectives. These three perspectives can be summarized by the pronouns, “I” (first-person), “we” (second-person), and “it” (third-person). Find out why these perspectives are so important to someone who is trying to bring together the spiritual quest with all of their other endeavors.
This is part 1 of a two-part series. Listen to Part 2, The Three Faces of Spirit: Where is Awareness Locating Itself?
Episode Links:
- BigMind.org
- Integral Institute ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Integral_Institute )
- Ken Wilber ( http://www.kenwilber.com )
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Unwavering Samadhi: Meditative Achievement and Its Impact in the World
We continue our discussion with Buddhist teacher and author, B. Alan Wallace, on the impact of the recently completed Shamatha Project. Dr. Wallace shares the astounding levels of concentration that were achieved during the 3-month retreats he led and tells us more about the achievement of shamatha. Find out how deep the students on this retreat went, and why nearly %20 of them decided to continue on with intensive retreat practice after it was over!
Dr. Wallace also discusses the potential impact that a study of this magnitude could have on the scientific community as well as the culture-at-large. Questions that the study aimed to answer included, “Is it possible to train attention?” & “Does meditation have an effect on ethics?”. While the answers may be obvious to meditators, having them scientifically validated could have a major impact on the fields of education, mental health, and psychology.
This is part 2 of a two-part series. Listen to Part 1: Reverberations from The Shamatha Project.
Episode Links:
- The Attention Revolution: Unlocking the Power of the Focused Mind ( http://bit.ly/HIW1o )
- Embracing Mind: The Common Ground of Science and Spirituality ( http://bit.ly/1at9hH )
- Santa Barbara Institute for Consciousness Studies ( http://www.sbinstitute.com )
- AlanWallace.org
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Reverberations from The Shamatha Project
B Alan Wallace, author of “The Attention Revolution” and “Embracing Mind”, joins us to discuss the initial results from The Shamatha Project—one of the most extensive studies on the long-term benefits of meditation practice ever conducted. The terabytes of data that were collected during the course of the retreat-study included physiological and psychological measurements, thousands of entries from student journals, and the ongoing evaluations from Dr. Wallace as he interviewed with the students. Find out what his evaluations were, and how deeply the yogi’s progressed over the course of their 3-month retreats.
Also listen is in to hear Dr. Wallace’s perspective on the relationship between shamatha and vipassana, and whether deep states of shamatha are necessary pre-requisites for the advanced practices of insight found in the Buddhist tradition.
This is Part 1 of a two-part series. Listen to Part 2: Unwavering Samadhi: Meditative Achievement and Its Impact in the World.
Episode Links:
- The Attention Revolution: Unlocking the Power of the Focused Mind ( http://bit.ly/HIW1o )
- Embracing Mind: The Common Ground of Science and Spirituality ( http://bit.ly/1at9hH )
- Santa Barbara Institute for Consciousness Studies ( http://www.sbinstitute.com )
- AlanWallace.org
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Buddhist Magic: What is Possible with the Powers?
Have you ever considered what it would be like to cultivate, what in the Buddhist tradition are called the siddhis or magical powers? Buddhist magic is an endlessly fascinating topic, and in this episode we speak with Daniel Ingram, one of our favorite guests here on Buddhist Geeks, about the powers.
We cover their historical treatment by some of the major traditions, including the Zen, Tibetan, and Theravada. Daniel also gives us his first-hand experience having explored the powers, and considers the implications of doing public magic, and whether or not this kind of magic is “objectively real”. We also discuss the ethical issues involved in using magic and issues of reproducibility.
Finally, we take a look at the ancient text, The Fruits of the Homeless Life, and explore what was said in that text about the powers, especially about the greatest power of all, the power of insight.
Episode Links:
- Mahasi Sayadaw ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahasi_Sayadaw )
- InteractiveBuddha.com
- Pa Auk Sayadaw ( http://www.paauk.org )
- The Fruits of the Homeless Life ( http://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/dn/dn.02.0.than.html )
- Mastering the Core Teachings of the Buddha ( http://bit.ly/E1tF )
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Geeks of the Round Table(tm)
The Geeks of the Round Table™ continue their discussion on the Big Mind process and the criticisms from Zen teacher Brad Warner, in his article Big Mind™ is a Big Load™ of Horse Shit (link goes to SuicideGirls, an alt porn site). The geeks focus on these criticisms which include charging for the dharma, the nature of an authentic transmission, trademarking Dharma practice, ethical issues with marketing the dharma, and issues of confusing personal psychology with transpersonal states and stages. Hold on to your seat and be prepared to be whisked into a world of geeky and fun banter between these young (and foolhardy) practitioners.
This is Part two of a two-part series. Listen to Part 1: McZen: A Double Satori with Cheese.
Episode Links:
- Seth Godin ( http://www.sethgodin.com )
- Sex, Ecology, Spirituality ( http://bit.ly/awSyG )
- BigMind.org
- Instant Enlightenment: Fast, Deep, and Sexy ( http://bit.ly/H1vIn )
- Tracing Back the Radiance: Chinul’s Korean Way of Zen ( http://bit.ly/1aB1KR )
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McZen: A Double Satori with Cheese
This is an experimental dialogue called Geeks of the Round Table. In this session we speak with two young Buddhist practitioners in a round-table format about Brad Warner’s criticisms of the Big Mind process, in an article he wrote called, Big Mind™ is a Big Load™ of Horse Shit . We are joined by a student of Genpo Roshi’s as well as someone who has a more skeptical view of the Big Mind process. This quick-paced dialogue covers a number of interesting topics including the difference between altered states and permanent traits, issues of marketing the Dharma, the nature of skillful means, transmission and practice, the important dialectic between tradition and innovation, and the recipe for a sensational new sandwich, the double satori with cheese.
This is part 1 of a two-part series. Listen to Part 2: Geeks of the Round Table™.
Episode Links:
- Skillful Means / Upaya ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skillful_means )
- Big Mind Zen Center ( http://bigmind.org )
- Big Mind(tm) Sucks (Part a Million) ( http://hardcorezen.blogspot.com/2010/04/big-mind-sucks-part-million.html )
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Crazy Wisdom Saves the Day!
Crazy Wisdom, a phrase coined by the late Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche, is used to describe uncommon, unique, and even wild ways of sharing wisdom. Wes Nisker, insight meditation teacher, shares with us his connection to the crazy wisdom teachers of the past, including such spiritual teachers as Jesus, Rumi, Kabir, and Benkei as well as philosophers, scientists, and artists from the Western tradition. We discuss the importance of crazy wisdom, especially with regards to it’s ability to pave the way for new ways of thinking. Quoting Oscar Wilde, Wes explains that, “all great truths begin as blasphemy.” At the end of the talk we share an except from Wes Nisker’s comic monologue album, with a track entitled Meeting the Buddha on the Road. With his own unique brand of Crazy Wisdom, Wes shares his initial exposure to the dharma and to the difficult, albeit funny, truth of how the mind works.
This is part 3 of a three-part series. Listen to Part 1: Atto, Zepto, and Yacto: The Buddhist Marx Brothers and Part 2: Science as the Western Wisdom Tradition.
Episode Links:
- The Big Bang, The Buddha, and the Baby Boom ( http://bit.ly/D9jv7 )
- Crazy Wisdom Saves the Day Again!: Handbook for a Spiritual Revolution ( http://bit.ly/izX6Q )
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Science as the Western Wisdom Tradition
“The true value of a human being is determined primarily by the measure and the sense in which he has attained to liberation from the self.” – Einstein One would think that the above quote would come from one of the East’s great sages, but instead it comes from one of the last centuries most celebrated physicists. In this episode Wes Nisker shares with us his understanding of the similarities and differences amongst the Eastern and Western approaches to knowledge. He uses the human brain and it’s two hemispheres as a metaphor for understanding these two different, and yet intimately related perspectives, and explores whether or not science is actually be a valid wisdom tradition. We also discuss issues of intelligent design and evolution, as well as what it’s like to look at the history of humanity through a “deep time” perspective. Enjoy this fast-paced and intellectually stimulating dialogue.
This is part 2 of a three-part series. Listen to Part 1: Atto, Zepto, and Yacto: The Buddhist Marx Brothers, and Part 3: Crazy Wisdom Saves the Day!
Episode Links:
- The Big Bang, The Buddha, and the Baby Boom ( http://bit.ly/D9jv7 )
- Einstein: His Life and Universe ( http://bit.ly/aEW2wV )
- Einstein and Buddha: The Parallel Sayings ( http://bit.ly/Sm6v7 )
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Insight Dialogue: Extending Meditation into Mutuality
What would it be like if we were able to extend the silence & clarity of the meditative mind into our relationships? Would this impact how we listen, what we say, and even how we perceive reality? Gregory Kramer, teacher of a unique interpersonal meditation called Insight Dialogue, claims that it does this and much more. In this dialogue we find out about the specifics of the Insight Dialogue practice, covering each of the six steps of this practice (see below), as well as exploring what it’s like to be on a retreat where both individual and interpersonal contemplation takes place.
The six steps of Insight Dialogue:
Pause
Relax
Open
Trust
Emergence
Listen Deeply
Speak the Truth
This is Part 2 of a two-part series. Listen to Part 1, Interpersonal Meditation: Awakening as Relational Beings.
Episode Links:
- Insight Dialogue: An Interpersonal Path to Freedom ( http://bit.ly/U4EAi )
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Atto, Zepto, and Yacto: The Buddhist Marx Brothers
We speak to insight meditation teacher and comedian Wes Nisker about humor, enlightenment, and the way that the scientific vision has impacted and informed the teachings of the Buddha. Quoting Wavy Gravy, Wes comments that, “If you don’t have a sense of humor, it just isn’t that funny.” Wes, who also has a passion for science, shares the Buddha’s teachings on karma and impermanence and how those teachings relate to the current state of science. Find out how much happens in a yactosecond, and what science and the Buddhist teachings in karma have in common.
This is part 1 of a three-part series. Listen to Part 2: Science as the Western Wisdom Tradition & Part 3: Crazy Wisdom Saves the Day!
Episode Links:
- The Big Bang, The Buddha, and the Baby Boom ( http://bit.ly/D9jv7 )
- Inquiring Mind ( http://www.inquiringmind.com )
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Interpersonal Meditation: Awakening as Relational Beings
Gregory Kramer, teacher of an interpersonal meditation practice called Insight Dialogue (and author of a book with the same title) joins us to explore the question of, “What is the path of awakening, when we realize that we are essentially relational beings?” We discuss his early path as a meditator and the later work that contributed to the co-creation of the dialogic meditation practice, insight dialogue. We also delve into the interpersonal truths behind the 4 noble truths, especially as they relate to interpersonal suffering and hunger, and see how interpersonal meditation is one way to become free both personally and relationally.
This is Part 1 of a two-part series. Listen to Part 2, Insight Dialogue: Extending Meditation into Mutuality.
Episode Links:
- Insight Dialogue: An Interpersonal Path to Freedom ( http://bit.ly/U4EAi )
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Virtual Zen: Dropping Here and Now
Jundo Cohen, student of Gudo Wafu Nishijima Roshi, and abbot of the almost completely virtual Treeleaf Zendo joined us to discuss his virtual sangha. Jundo formed the community to meet the needs of those people who were living in highly isolated situations, or were too sick or elderly to continue to sit with a local Sangha. Using technological tools such as Skype, U-Stream, and Operator 11 Jundo has found a way to do daily sittings, ceremonies, and even retreats online. Listen in and find out more about this ground-breaking endeavor.
Episode Links:
- Treeleaf Zendo ( http://www.treeleaf.org )
- U-Stream ( http://www.ustream.tv )
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The Spiritual Radical
We continue our discussion with spiritual teacher and dharma punk Noah Levine, and cover several more areas of interest, including the traditional Theravada ideal of enlightenment. We also discuss what it looks like to live as a Spiritual Rebel, Revolutionary, and finally a Spiritual Radical. Finally, Noah shares some of his thoughts on ways to engage environmental and political issues from a Buddhist perspective. Far from trying to escape samsara, Noah finds himself more and more interested in taking on the ideals of the Bodhisattva. We finish the dialogue asking Noah whether he thinks the Buddha was a boxers or briefs kind of guy. Be prepared to fall out of your chair (or cushion) in laughter when you hear his reply.
This is the 2nd part of a two-part series. Listen to Part 1: Being Human and Suffering Less Along the Way.
Episode Links:
- Against the Stream: A Buddhist Manual for Spiritual Revolutionaries ( http://bit.ly/KKrC8 )
- Dharma Punx ( http://bit.ly/cmiwi4 )
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Becoming Whole: Lineage and Gender in American Buddhism
Finishing up our discussion with scholar-practitioner, and Shambhala Acharaya, Judith Simmer-Brown we explore two very important issues for Western Buddhists: lineage and gender. Judith shares her take on the importance of lineage for new teachers, explaining the role of an Acharaya, and discussing the need to connect strongly to the roots of the tradition. She also warns that if as Western Buddhists we aren’t properly educated in our traditions we can’t make intelligent adaptations, however important those adaptations might be. We also discuss the role of gender in the West, acknowledging first and foremost that Western Buddhism has a very different relationship to gender then our Asian forefathers. A large percentage of Buddhist practitioners and teachers in the West are women, and as a result there have been interesting changes afoot.
This is part 2 of a two-part series. Listen to Part 1: The Scholar-Practitioner: Joining Theory and Practice.
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Being Human and Suffering Less Along the Way
Noah Levine, Buddhist teacher and dharma punk, shares the intimate details of his early lifestyle of punk rock, drugs, and jail and his climb out of a harmful way of living that was facilitated in part by meditation practice. For more details about his journey check out his spiritual memoir, Dharma Punx. He also shares with us his experience of becoming a Buddhist teacher under the tutelage of Jack Kornfield. We go on to talk about Noah’s most recent writing Against the Stream, and his unique way of expression the dharma. We also discuss the difference in how 1st generation & 2nd or 3rd generation teachers might express the Dharma in the West. He claims that there is a difference in emphasis, but that they are expressing the same fundamental teachings. We finish our conversation discussing the ideas of karma and grace, and their inter-relation, as well as the true aim of the path, which for Noah is about “being human and suffering less along the way.”
This is Part 1 of a two-part series. Listen to Part 2: The Spiritual Radical.
Episode Links:
- Against the Stream: A Buddhist Manual for Spiritual Revolutionaries ( http://bit.ly/KKrC8 )
- Dharma Punx ( http://bit.ly/cmiwi4 )
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The Scholar-Practitioner: Joining Theory and Practice
Judith Simmer-Brown, a professor of Religious Studies at Naropa University and authorized teacher in the Shambhala tradition speaks with us about the coming together of theoretical study and meditation practice in the context of academia—what professor Charles Prebish calls the “scholar-practitioner”. She shares with us the historical precedents for this movement in America, and how it is changing now. When asked about the benefits of doing both study and practice together, Judith shares much of what she sees are the benefits of using a “contemplative pedagogy” (or contemplative education approach) in the classroom. She also relates the danger of not bringing these two forms of practice together, in that one could become either a “stupid practitioner” or “arrogant scholar” without the grounding of the opposite discipline. We finish the conversation with Judith sharing some of resources she suggests for those people who want to deepen their theoretical understanding of the Buddhist tradition.
This is part 1 of a two-part series. Listen to Part 2: Becoming Whole: Lineage and Gender in American Buddhism.
Episode Links:
- Master Dogen’s Shobogenzo ( http://bit.ly/1zYRW )
- The New Panditas ( http://www.thebuddhadharma.com/issues/2006/spring/scholar-practitioners.html )
- Dakini’s Warm Breath: The Feminine Principle in Tibetan Buddhism ( http://bit.ly/Euzrb )
- The Path of Purification: Visuddhimagga ( http://bit.ly/f68Cm )
- Swallowing the River Ganges : A Practice Guide to the Path of Purification ( http://bit.ly/Mbntv )
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Monasteries as the Conscience of Society
We continue our discussion with the Venerable Thubten Chodron, a long time Western Buddhist Nun, and founder of Sravasti Abbey in Washington State. In this dialogue she shares with us the vision behind Sravasti Abbey, discussing the benefits of living the monastic life and using community life as a means to continue to deepen practice. She also discusses the importance of monasteries in western culture, and maintains that monastics can serve as the conscience of the society, citing the recent events in Burma as an example. She also holds that monasteries are a place of hope and optimism, and that many people feel inspired and challenged by the monastic lifestyle. Before closing off the conversation she also touches on the importance of the dharma being offered freely to all people, especially with regards to gender. We hope you enjoy this conversation with one of the West’s most beloved Tibetan Nuns.
This is part 2 of a two-part series. Listen to part 1, Reformatting the Hard Disk of the Mind.
Episode Links:
- Sravasti Abbey ( http://www.sravastiabbey.org )
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Marketing Mindfulness to the Youth
In the second half of our conversation with Buddhist teacher Diana Winston we go on to discuss the various ways that Buddhism and more secular mindfulness practices are being marketed to youth. The mindfulness movement itself seems to be one of the most promising of these different methods, as does the promulgation of Buddhist teachings via the internet. We finish off our discussion exploring the promises and perils of starting a serious practice when one is in their teens, and explore how serious, young practitioners end up often missing out on some other important areas of development.
This is part 2 of a two-part series. Listen to part 1, What Happens to the Dharma when the Boomers Die Out?
Episode Links:
- Wide Awake: Buddhism for the New Generation ( http://bit.ly/RHZXx )
- UCLA Mindful Awareness Research Center ( http://www.marc.ucla.edu )
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Reformatting the Hard Disk of the Mind
Thubten Chodron, a long time Western Buddhist Nun, and founder of Sravasti Abbey in Washington State, took time with us to discuss her work as a teacher, including all of the work she has done with students online. She shared with us the potential down-sides of having a purely digital relationship with a teacher, as one doesn’t have the opportunity to see experience teacher as a living example. Chodron also commented on an issue she sees our society having with spiritual practice, in that we tend to want things to be easy and quick. Her, and other teachers, have observed a tendency to want a kind of “push-button enlightenment”. The truth, she says, is that there aren’t any shortcuts when it comes to transforming the mind and realizing suffering and it’s cessation. We finish off our conversation with Chodron exploring what has changed as Buddhism has come to the West. She mentions that much of the packaging has changed, but that it’s always a tricky process differentiating the packaging from the teachings of liberation. What is culture and what is the dharma? She gives her opinions on the subject, and shares some of the ways in which her community is trying to change with the times. We hope you enjoy this conversation with one of the West’s most beloved Tibetan Nuns.
This is part 1 of a two-part series. Listen to Part 2: Monasteries as the Conscience of Society.
Episode Links:
- Sravasti Abbey ( http://www.sravastiabbey.org )
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What Happens to the Dharma when the Boomers Die Out?
Diana Winston, insight meditation teacher and author, took a break from a busy day of work from the UCLA’s Mindful Awareness Research Center to join us in a discussion on Buddhism and youth. After sharing some insight into what her most recent work at UCLA is aiming to accomplish, Diana explored the question of whether or not youth are flocking to Buddhism today, as they did in the 60s and 70s. In her experience, the number of people under age 30 has actually increased since she was a young meditator in the early 90s, but it is still remains a small percentage of the overall demographic of Western Buddhists. We discuss why that might be the case, touching in on both historical and financial factors. We also hear from Diana about efforts that are being made at Spirit Rock Meditation Center, including teen and young-adult retreats as well as youth scholarships. She then asks the three younger participants (all of us in our 20s) what brought us to the teachings of the dharma. We finish the conversation sharing the personal reasons that we were drawn to the dharma in our late-teens and early 20s.
This is part 1 of a two-part series. Listen to Part 2: Marketing Mindfulness to the Youth.
Episode Links:
- Wide Awake: Buddhism for the New Generation ( http://bit.ly/RHZXx )
- UCLA Mindful Awareness Research Center ( http://www.marc.ucla.edu )
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Bodh Gaya is "The City"
In our final segment with Buddhist teacher and author Sharon Salzberg, she starts off by describing what it is like doing a retreat in the Insight Meditation tradition. She includes information about the daily structure of the retreat and also discusses what it is like to be in a silent retreat environment. Gwen and she also discuss the common experience of boredom in meditation practice, especially with regards to the conditioning that comes from living in a “culture of stimulation”. Sharon goes on to describe her experience of seeing the Bodhi Tree while in Bodh Gaya in the 70s, and about the importance of that place—what she calls “The City”. She also gives her telling of the Buddha’s experience of enlightenment under the tree. This conversation ends with Gwen asking Sharon what she sees her next steps are as a student of Buddhist practice. We hope you’ve enjoyed this wonderful series with one of America’s most well-respected Buddhist teachers.
We also want to thank Gwen Bell for the interview, of which it will be her last here on Buddhist Geeks. You can find out more about Gwen and the other fantastic work she is doing at www.gwenbell.com.
This is part 3 of a three-part series. Listen to Part 1: Sharon Salzberg on Now and Then & Part 2: From the Point of View of Insight Meditation.
Episode Links:
- Insight Meditation Society ( http://dharma.org )
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Neuroscience and The Enlightenment Machine
In this episode we spoke with neuroscientist and Buddhist meditator Daniel Rizzuto. Vince and he discussed a number of topics including the link between contemplative and scientific methodologies, some of the potential technologies that could emerge for the neuroscientific research, including Daniel’s favorite, an empathic training device. Daniel also shared some of the meditation research he was aware of, including Dr. Sara Lazar’s research out of Harvard where she found that meditation actually affected the structural basis of the brain, as well as some of the recent meditation research that was conducted using EEG devices.
We then discussed the possibility of constructing a neural map that describes a practitioners evolution, and the potential that such a map could be used to help create a device—a so called “enlightenment machine”—that could actually accelerate that process. The question soon emerged, how might this machine impact one’s ethical understanding? Can someone actually go through the process without a revolution in their ethical understanding? The Buddhist tradition often describes the inseparability of insight and ethical understanding or the unity of Emptiness and Compassion. Daniel proposed that a sub-field of neuroscience, neuroethics is an attempt at understanding the neural correlates of one’s ethical choices, such that this information could be built into a device even if it weren’t a by-product of the process of spiritual maturation.
Episode Links:
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From the Point of View of Insight Meditation
In the 2nd part of our conversation with Sharon Salzberg, Gwen Bell speaks to her about a number of fascinating subjects. They begin with Sharon’s experience writing for secular publications, such as Oprah’s O Magazine and her experience writing her most recent book, Faith: Trusting Your Own Deepest Experience. They also discuss some periods of Sharon’s practice where she was confronting the “banality of her own mind” and a large amount of suffering and despair. The conversation ends with Sharon’s account of the early days of the Insight Meditation Society. She also touches on how the organization has evolved over time, from it’s early disorganized beginning to it’s current condition as a well established center. She also discusses in detail what it’s like to do a retreat at the Retreat Center and at the newer long-term retreat facility, the Forest Refuge.
This is part 2 of a three-part series. Listen to Part 1: Sharon Salzberg on Now and Then & Part 3: Bodh Gaya is “The City."
Episode Links:
- Faith: Trusting Your Own Deepest Experience ( http://bit.ly/a9qSHL )
- Insight Meditation Society ( www.dharma.org )
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Sharon Salzberg on Now and Then
Sharon Salzberg co-founded the Insight Meditation Society in Barre, Mass., when she was twenty-three. In this episode Salzberg shares some of the insights that she’s discovered along the way, telling stories in a way that will make them accessible to new and seasoned practitioners alike. May they illuminate your day, your car ride or your walk to work as you listen.
This is part one of a three part series. Listen to Part 2: From the Point of View of Insight Meditation & Part 3: Bodh Gaya is “The City”.
Episode Links:
- Insight Meditation Society ( www.dharma.org )
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How Do You Sell the Dharma?
In our final segment with meditation instructor Ethan Nichtern, he shares his perspective on selling the dharma, transforming culture, the Shambhala tradition, and the need for more dharma teachers who aren’t necessarily enlightened.
This is part 3 of a three-part series. Listen to Part 1: What Did Jessica Alba Eat for Breakfast? & Part 2: Buddhism & Money – Does Priceless Mean it’s Free?
Episode Links:
- The Interdependence Project ( http://www.theidproject.com )
- One City: A Declaration of Interdependence ( http://bit.ly/pw6lx )
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More on Tibetan Studies at Naropa
In this episode, Ryan continues his conversation with Troy Omafray and Cory Leistikow, two of his fellow classmates in Naropa University’s MA Indo-Tibetan Studies program. They discuss requirements of the program including Nitartha Institute, dathun, and Tibetan language.
This is part 2 of a two-part series. Listen to Part 1: Tibetan Buddhist Studies at Naropa University.
Episode Links:
- Nithartha Institute ( http://www.nitarthainstitute.org )
- Naropa University ( www.naropa.edu )
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Buddhism & Money: Does Priceless Mean it's Free?
This is part 2 of a three-part series. Listen to Part 1: What Did Jessica Alba Eat for Breakfast? & Part 3: How Do You Sell the Dharma?
Episode Links:
The Interdependence Project ( http://www.theidproject.com )
One City: A Declaration of Interdependence ( http://bit.ly/pw6lx )
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Tibetan Buddhist Studies at Naropa University
In this episode, Ryan chats with Troy Omafray and Cory Leistikow, two of his fellow classmates in Naropa University’s MA Indo-Tibetan Studies program. They discuss the nature of the courses, their personal experience, and what to expect if you decide to pursue the program.
This is part 1 of a two-part series. Listen to Part 2: More on Tibetan Studies at Naropa.
Episode Links:
- Naropa University ( www.naropa.edu )
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What Did Jessica Alba Eat for Breakfast?
This is part one of a three part series. Listen to Part 2: Buddhism & Money: Does Priceless Mean it’s Free? & Part 3: How Do You Sell the Dharma?
Episode Links:
The Interdependence Project ( http://www.theidproject.com )
One City: A Declaration of Interdependence ( http://bit.ly/pw6lx )
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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Theory, Yoga, & Art
In our last segment with art and meditation professor Robert Spellman he shares with us a key distinction between the theoretical and the yogic and how that important distinction relates to artistic practice.
This is part 3 of a three-part series. Listen to Part 1: Dharmic Throw Up & Part 2: An Antidote to Seriousness.
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An Antidote to Seriousness
In this episode Robert Spellman delves into the liberating nature of humor and laughter. He also touches on the question of whether a genuine spiritual practice leads to a diminishing of one’s personality.
This is part 2 of a three-part series. Listen to Part 1: Dharmic Throw Up & Part 3: Theory, Yoga, & Art.
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Lacking Leadership, Lacking Conceptuality
In our final segment, speaking with Hokai Sobol and Daniel Ingram the conversation wraps up with a criticism of what is missing from some of the Buddhist leadership in the West, as well as the issues surrounding conceptuality and non-conceptuality.
This is part 3 of a three-part series. Listen to Part 1: Croatia, Alabama, and Colorado Collide! & Part 2: Are you Stuck? Get Unstuck!
Episode Links:
- Hokai Sobol ( www.hokai.info )
- Mastering the Core Teachings of the Buddha ( http://bit.ly/E1tF )
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Dharmic Throw Up
This is part 1 of a three-part series. Listen to Part 2: An Antidote to Seriousness & Part 3: Theory, Yoga, & Art.
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Are You Stuck? Get Unstuck!
In the 2nd part of this interview Vincent Horn, Daniel Ingram, and Hokai Sobol continue to explore the territory of meditation and psychology, discusses the mastery of meditation techniques, and touch on how people can get unstuck if they are lost in the content and stories of their minds.
This is part 2 of a three-part series. Listen to Part 1: Croatia, Alabama, and Colorado Collide! & Part 3: Lacking Leadership, Lacking Conceptuality.
Episode Links:
- Hokai Sobol ( www.hokai.info )
- Mastering the Core Teachings of the Buddha ( http://bit.ly/E1tF )
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Croatia, Alabama, and Colorado Collide!
In this episode Vince Horn speaks with two of Buddhist Geeks most active users: Daniel Ingram and Hokai Sobol. They discuss the reasons that people get into Buddhist practice, what really inspires one to “go for it”, and what hinders one from doing so. They finish off their conversation touching on the differences between Western Psychology, and the territory that contemplative practice covers.
This is part 1 of a three-part series. Listen to Part 2: Are you Stuck? Get Unstuck! & Part 3: Lacking Leadership, Lacking Conceptuality.
Episode Links:
- Hokai Sobol ( www.hokai.info )
- Mastering the Core Teachings of the Buddha ( http://bit.ly/E1tF )
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Mass Producing Meditators
In this episode Vince talks with Theo Horesh and Duff McDuffee, two S.N. Goenka practitioners. They discuss the effects of what can be called the mass production of meditators. They also explore the differences in using a single technique or multiple techniques for realization.
This is part 2 of a two-part series. Listen to Part 1: Entrepregurus and the Meditation Factory.
Episode Links:
- Vipassana Meditation by S.N. Goenka ( http://www.dhamma.org )
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Entrepregurus and the Meditation Factory
In this episode Vince interviews Theo Horesh and Duff McDuffee, two S.N. Goenka practitioners. They discuss the techniques of the Goenka tradition and how one might see it as a meditation factory. In the next episode, they discuss the power of the Goenka approach and possible criticisms of the practice.
This is part 1 of a two-part series. Listen to Part 2: Mass Producing Meditators.
Episode Links:
- Vipassana Meditation by S.N. Goenka ( http://www.dhamma.org )
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Are you Stalking Us?!
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Buddhist Geeks Highlights
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It's Like Phil Donahue!
At 87, Nishijima Sensei, Brad Warner’s teacher, loves the fact that he can blog. In this episode, Gwen and Brad discuss the pros and cons of using the “tech factor” to spread the Dharma. In the comment section, a few possible questions for further exploration: How important is the accumulation of “Information” in your Buddhist practice? Why can’t we have all the things we desire? Does sex equal evil? The last few minutes are questions from the Buddhist Geeks sangha members, thanks geeks!
This is part 3 of a three-part series. Listen to Part 1: Buddhism is Something that Old Folks Do & Part 2: Feeding the Beast.
Episode Links:
- Hardcore Zen: Punk Rock, Monster Movies, & the Truth about Reality ( http://bit.ly/aAN0U7 )
- Sit Down and Shut Up: Punk Rock Commentaries on Buddha, God, Truth, Sex, Death, and Dogen’s Treasury of the Right Dharma Eye ( http://bit.ly/bC0Bf6 )
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With the Light Comes the Dark
In our final podcast with insight meditation teacher John Travis, he describes the training that new teachers are going through in his tradition. He also touches on the subject of enlightenment, the shadow, and our tendency to try and bypass the human condition.
This is part 3 of a three-part series. Listen to Part 1: On Being a Dharma Bum & Part 2: The Dualistic Conundrum: Insight Meditation and Primordial Awareness.
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Feeding the Beast
In this episode, Warner talks about excited states like anger, the trouble with online community, and our attachment to ego. How do we “reinforce the Self” and how do we begin to work with our anger (trigger work? just noticing?)? Two questions Brad and Gwen talk about that we invite you to discuss in the comment section at Buddhist Geeks.
This is part 2 of a three-part series. Listen to Part 1: Buddhism is Something that Old Folks Do & Part 3: It’s Like Phil Donahue!
Episode Links:
- Hardcore Zen: Punk Rock, Monster Movies, & the Truth about Reality ( http://bit.ly/aAN0U7 )
- Sit Down and Shut Up: Punk Rock Commentaries on Buddha, God, Truth, Sex, Death, and Dogen’s Treasury of the Right Dharma Eye ( http://bit.ly/bC0Bf6 )
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The Dualistic Conundrum: Insight Meditation and Primordial Awareness
In the next episode with Insight Meditation teacher John Travis, he discusses how both the gradual and sudden schools of enlightenment fit in with the practice of vipassana meditation. Find out how this teacher has resolved this paradox in his own teaching and practice.
This is part 2 of a three-part series. Listen to Part 1: On Being a Dharma Bum & Part 3: With the Light Comes the Dark.
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Buddhism is Something that Old Folks Do
Anyone that’s had the chance to study with Brad Warner knows he’s young(ish), funny and knowledgeable about the Dharma. Warner’s new book, Sit Down & Shut Up, chronicles the life and times of Dogen, author of the Shobogenzo. The book simultaneously tracks Warner’s own career as a punk rock bassist and Zen teacher, weaving Dogen’s story seamlessly with his own. With warmth and humor coming through in both the book and the interview, we get a chance to hear Warner talk about the book, the four points of zazen, being bored and innate perfection.
This is part 1 of a three-part series. Listen to Part 2: Feeding the Beast & Part 3: It’s Like Phil Donahue!
Episode Links:
- Hardcore Zen: Punk Rock, Monster Movies, & the Truth about Reality ( http://bit.ly/aAN0U7 )
- Sit Down and Shut Up: Punk Rock Commentaries on Buddha, God, Truth, Sex, Death, and Dogen’s Treasury of the Right Dharma Eye ( http://bit.ly/bC0Bf6 )
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Leave the Pot on the Stove
In this final episode with Vince Horn, he continues to share his reflections and experiences of a two-month meditation retreat he recently completed. In this podcast, he discusses the relationship between dharma study and mindfulness practice. Vince also describes his experience of leaving retreat and transitioning back into the relative world. Finally, he leaves listeners with some parting words of encouragement for those aspiring to do long-term retreats. We hope you enjoy this conversation with this insightful Buddhist Geek.
This is part 3 of a three-part series. Listen to Part 1: Vince Horn on Taking the Two Month Plunge & Part 2: The Vipassana Vendetta.
Episode Links:
- VincentHorn.com ( www.vincenthorn.com )
- Twitter: @VincentHorn ( www.twitter.com/vincenthorn )
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On Being a Dharma Bum
In the first part of our interview with Insight Meditation teacher John Travis, he shares the story of his many years of practice and seeking in India, as well as the time after that in which he had to bring what he had learned back to America. We hope you enjoy this personal account of one “dharma bums” adventures in Asia.
This is part 1 of a three-part series. Listen to Part 2: The Dualistic Conundrum: Insight Meditation and Primordial Awareness & Part 3: With the Light Comes the Dark.
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The Vipassana Vendetta
In this episode, Vincent Horn continues to share his reflections and experiences of a two-month meditation retreat he recently completed. In this podcast, he discusses doing karma yoga during long-term retreats, state chasing in meditation and suffering and death in practice. We hope you enjoy this conversation with this insightful buddhist geek.
This is part 2 of a three-part series. Listen to Part 1: Vince Horn on Taking the Two Month Plunge & Part 3: Leave the Pot on the Stove.
Episode Links:
- VincentHorn.com ( www.vincenthorn.com )
- Twitter: @VincentHorn ( www.twitter.com/vincenthorn )
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Genpo "Big Mind's" Gwen
In this final segment with Genpo Roshi, Gwen Bell is guided through the Big Mind process. This final portion of the interview gives listeners a rare opportunity to listen to the Big Mind experience happen unscripted and raw. An intimate conversation and a glimpse into one Geek’s practice, beliefs and experience.
This is part 3 of a three-part series. Listen to Part 1: Genpo Roshi on Big Mind & Part 2: Is Zen Enough?
Episode Links:
- Big Mind – Big Heart: Finding Your Way ( http://bit.ly/JRp9q )
- Big Mind Zen Center ( http://www.bigmind.org )
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Vince Horn on Taking the Two Month Plunge
In this episode Ryan Oelke interviews fellow resident geek, Vince Horn, who shares his reflections and experiences of a two-month mediation retreat he recently completed. In this first podcast, Vince talks about the role of extended retreat in his personal practice, the nuts and bolts of preparing for a long retreat, and the basics of a two-month insight meditation retreat. Whether you’re a long-time yogi or considering your first extended retreat, we think you’ll enjoy these series of podcasts with this Buddhist Geek.
This is part 1 of a three-part series. Listen to Part 2: The Vipassana Vendetta & Part 3: Leave the Pot on the Stove.
Episode Links:
- VincentHorn.com ( www.vincenthorn.com )
- Twitter: @VincentHorn ( www.twitter.com/vincenthorn )
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Is Zen Enough?
In this segment, Genpo Roshi goes into an eloquent description of the role that Big Mind process, zazen, and koan practice can play in a more whole and integrated Zen training. He also touches on the develop of the spiritual practitioner, and his understanding of how one can progress through this developmental territory. This is an exciting conversation with one of the most controversial, and perhaps most brilliant, Zen Master alive today.
This is part 2 of a three-part series. Listen to part 1, Genpo Roshi on Big Mind and part 3, Genpo “Big Mind’s” Gwen.
Episode Links:
- Big Mind – Big Heart: Finding Your Way ( http://bit.ly/JRp9q )
- Big Mind Zen Center ( http://www.bigmind.org )
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A Crisis of Curiosity
In this episode Gwen Bell interviews Anne McQuade, a current student of Genpo Roshi and regular reader of our site. A large part of their conversation focuses on a controversial article that Brad Warner—who will be one of our future guests—published on suicidegirls.com, criticizing Genpo Roshi and the Big Mind process.*
This is a stand-alone episode.
* - Please be warned that this is a highly controversial episode, and the authors here at Buddhist Geeks are not trying to take sides for or against Genpo Roshi and the Big Mind process or Brad Warner and his approach. We simply want to probe into this very real issue of Western Buddhist teachers having strongly opposing opinions, even within the same tradition.
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Genpo Roshi on Big Mind
In this episode Gwen Bell interviews Genpo Roshi, a Western Zen teacher and lineage holder of both the Soto and Rinzai traditions. He is also the author of four books, as well as an upcoming release, Big Mind, Big Heart. In this episode Genpo Roshi discusses Big Mind, his unique method of introducing practitioners to their true nature. We hope you enjoy this conversation with Genpo Roshi and be sure to share your thoughts, insights, and experiences in the comment section.
This is part 1 of a three-part series. Listen to Part 2: Is Zen Enough? and Part 3: Genpo “Big Mind’s” Gwen.
Episode Links:
- Big Mind – Big Heart: Finding Your Way ( http://bit.ly/JRp9q )
- Big Mind Zen Center ( http://www.bigmind.org )
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Take Your Seat: The Importance of Boundaries in Practice
Fleet Maull talks about how we work with the boundaries of the self and of the heart in the maitri, bodhichitta and tonglen practices.
This is part 2 of a two-part series. Listen to Part 1, Where the Rubber Meets the Road: Fleet Maull on Plunge Experiences.
Episode Links:
- Peacemaker Institute ( http://www.peacemakerinstitute.org )
- Dharma in Hell: The Prison Writings of Fleet Maull ( http://bit.ly/iBaRH )
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Models of Enlightenment
In our final conversation with Daniel Ingram he goes on to explore various “models of enlightenment” and weighs the relative value of these different models, which we carry around with us unconsciously. Daniel also tries to answer the all-important question of, “How does one practically go about becoming enlightened?” Dive in and enjoy this dynamic conversation that pushes the very boundaries of what we normally consider “socially appropriate” Buddhism.
This is part 3 of a three-part series. Listen to Part 1, You Can Do It! and Part 2, Enlightened Teachers.
Episode Links:
- Mastering the Core Teachings of the Buddha ( http://bit.ly/E1tF )
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Where the Rubber Meets the Road: Fleet Maull on Plunge Experiences
In this episode, Gwen Bell interviews Buddhist teacher Sensei Fleet Maull. Fleet recently spent a month on retreat with Roshi Bernie Glassman and the Zen Peacemakers in Massuchusetts, where he became a fully empowered Zen teacher. Fleet teaches at Naropa University and leads weekly meditation sessions there. His teachings are accessible to a wide audience and his authenticity is a breath of fresh air in the world of Buddhist teachers. In this episode Fleet shares his practice background and discusses the value of plunge experiences.
This is part 1 of a two-part series. Listen to Part 2, Take Your Seat: The Importance of Boundaries in Practice.
Episode Links:
- Peacemaker Institute ( http://www.peacemakerinstitute.org )
- Dharma in Hell: The Prison Writings of Fleet Maull ( http://bit.ly/iBaRH )
- Zen Peacemakers ( http://www.zenpeacemakers.org )
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Enlightened Teachers
In this episode, with Theravada teacher Daniel Ingram, he breaches the taboo of enlightenment by discussing the enlightenment of other teachers. Not only that but he argues for a more transparent approach to enlightenment within certain teaching circles, in hopes that enlightenment can become more attainable. Listen and see why he thinks this will help.
This is Part 2 of a three-part series. Listen to Part 1, You Can Do It! and Part 3, Models of Enlightenment.
Episode Links:
- Mastering the Core Teachings of the Buddha ( http://bit.ly/E1tF )
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Where are all the Western Rinpoches?
In this episode, Phil Stanley discusses lineage in Western Buddhism, the lack of western teachers, what it will take to develop more qualified individuals. Phil notes that we are in an awkward phase in Western Buddhism, where we have several intermediary teachers and few fully empowered and authorized lineage holders. He discusses the development of such teachers in terms of training and cultural and economic resources. Phil also discusses the development of Western translators.
This is part 3 of a three-part series. Listen to Part 1, Phil Stanley on the Development of Western Buddhism and Part 2, We’re Not the Cheerleaders of Buddhism.
Episode Links:
Naropa University ( www.naropa.edu )
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The Shamatha Project
In 2007 Dr. Wallace will be leading a joint scientific project named The Shamatha Project. A battery of studies will be conducted in two 3-month meditation retreats (one retreat is a control group), and the results will be submitted to the most prestigious academic journals. In our final podcast with Alan Wallace he discusses this project, both in terms of its structure and his hypotheses.
This is part 3 of a three-part series. Listen to Part 1, Alan Wallace on Achieving Shamatha and Part 2, Get a PhD in Contemplative Science.
Episode Links:
- The Attention Revolution ( http://bit.ly/HIW1o )
- Santa Barbara Institute for Consciousness Studies ( http://www.sbinstitute.com )
- The Shamatha Project ( http://www.sbinstitute.com/research_Shamatha.html )
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You Can Do It!
We’re joined this week by Daniel Ingram, MD, an authorized teacher in the Theravada tradition and an avid fan of out-right honesty with regards to the spiritual path.
In this episode Daniel (aka “Dharma Dan”) shares some of his more formative experiences as a meditator, touches on some of the Buddhist maps of awakening, and shares a powerful message, namely that enlightenment is possible.
This is Part 1 of a three-part series. Listen to Part 2, Enlightened Teachers and Part 3, Models of Enlightenment.
Episode Links:
- Mastering the Core Teachings of the Buddha ( http://bit.ly/E1tF )
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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We're Not the Cheerleaders of Buddhism
In our second episode with professor Phil Stanley, Phil discusses Buddhist lifestyles in the West and how our approach to practice differs from traditional Eastern practitioners. He addresses our relationship to retreats and monasticism, as well as the difficulties Westerners face in finding a livelihood that supports practice. Phil also discusses controversy over what constitutes a legitimate lineage and teacher.
This is part 2 of a three-part series. Listen to Part 1, Phil Stanley on the Development of Western Buddhism and Part 3, Where are all the Western Rinpoches?
Episode Links:
- Naropa University ( www.naropa.edu )
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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Get a PhD in Contemplative Science
In our second episode with Alan Wallace, he presents a new model for “professional” contemplatives. Instead of trying to transplant the monastic model to the West, Dr. Wallace suggests that contemplation become an actual profession. Just as a neuroscientist would go to school to get a PhD and then spend 40+ hour a week working in their field, so too could we have “contemplative scientists” who devote their time to the exploration and investigation of subjective experience.
This is part 2 of a three-part series. Listen to Part 1, Alan Wallace on Achieving Shamatha and Part 3, The Shamatha Project.
Episode Links:
- The Attention Revolution ( http://bit.ly/HIW1o )
- Santa Barbara Institute for Consciousness Consciousness Studies ( http://www.sbinstitute.com )
- The Shamatha Project ( http://www.sbinstitute.com/research_Shamatha.html )
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Phil Stanley on the Development of Western Buddhism
In our first episode with scholar-practitioner Phil Stanley, professor at Naropa University, he chats with us about how he became a practitioner and his passion for Buddhist study. Phil shares his thoughts on the importance of intellectual study, as well as what changes he sees Buddhism experiencing as it takes root in the West.
This is Part 1 of a three-part series. Listen to Part 2, We’re Not the Cheerleaders of Buddhism and Part 3, Where are all the Western Rinpoches?
Episode Links:
- Naropa University ( www.naropa.edu )
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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On Achieving Shamatha
In our first interview featuring scholar-practitioner B. Alan Wallace, we asked Dr. Wallace to give us the low-down on his spiritual journey, as well as describe the stages of deepening relaxation and vividness of attention leading to the culmination of an attainment he calls shamatha.
This is Part 1 of a three-part series. Listen to Part 2, Get a PhD in Contemplative Science and Part 3, The Shamatha Project.
Episode Links:
- The Attention Revolution ( http://bit.ly/HIW1o )
- Santa Barbara Institute for Consciousness Consciousness Studies ( http://www.sbinstitute.com )
- The Shamatha Project ( http://www.sbinstitute.com/research_Shamatha.html )
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Get full access to Buddhist Geeks at www.buddhistgeeks.org/subscribe
Meet the Geeks
In our 1st episode, “Meet the Geeks” you’ll hear the three founding members of Buddhist Geeks--Vincent Horn, Ryan Oelke, & Gwen Bell--discussing the vision behind this project. By weaving together snippets of a larger conversation this podcast should give you a sense of what this project is about and how you can contribute to it. The following episodes will be interviews with Buddhist teachers, scholars, and advanced practitioners who we feel have provocative perspectives to offer. We hope you enjoy!
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Fler poddar
Podcasten Buddhist Geeks är skapad av Vince Fakhoury Horn. Podcastens innehåll och bilderna på den här sidan hämtas med hjälp av det offentliga podcastflödet (RSS).
En liten tjänst av I'm With Friends. Finns även på engelska.