Podcasts about buddha dharma

In this episode, we talk about what it means to really appreciate today and why, we should never forget, that life is truly unpredictable.Have thoughts you would like to share? Email me at dailydharmapodcast@gmail.com - I would love to hear your feedback, your stories and your recommendations on books for the podcast.

Geoffrey Shugen Arnold, Roshi - ZMM - 9/7/25 - Becoming aware of our sense of self is central to understanding the True Self—the self of no-self. And with practice, we come to realize that the ten thousand things are none other than what we call “self.” In this talk, Shugen Roshi introduces Genjokoan, a fascicle of Dogen, which brings us face to face with the everyday reality of our lives. Our most important question then becomes: How do we live freely within this great truth, when all dharmas are Buddhadharma and nothing is left outside?

This segment is excerpted from the introduction to a yet-to-be-published manuscript of selected podcasts from 2020 forward. The working title is "Speaking with One (Zen) Voice," the "Zen" in parentheses, subtitled "25 Centuries of Buddha-Dharma; 3Countries of Origin; 9 Dharma Masters; 2 Dozen Teachings; with Commentary by an American Zen Elder." Selections from the text are posted monthly as our new Substack column, along with my paraphrases of traditional teachings, beginning with Buddha's "First Sermon," otherwise known as "Setting in Motion the Wheel of the Law," or, more simply, "The Four Noble Truths." Check it out. This volume represents an attempt to present Buddhist teachings selected from the vast canon of sutras (indicating direct testimony) and shastras (connoting indirect commentary) spanning some 2500 years, a quarter of a millennium, from three of Buddhism's countries and cultures of origin — India, China, and Japan. According to scholars, the early talks delivered by Buddha himself to his followers were not written down until several centuries after his death, but were preserved through the oral tradition of chanting and memorizing his spoken teachings. But the accuracy of that transmission is not considered inferior to the later written records, for one reason that it is more difficult to change the content of an oral tradition than it is to modify written documents, either intentionally, by accident, or the ravages of time. Another reason is that the truths of Buddhism and Zen are to be discovered in one's own experience, primarily via the practice of the same meditation process that led to Buddha's insight. Buddhism is, perhaps, unique amongst the Major Religions of the world, in this, its tradition of “face-to-face transmission.” Each of Buddha's Dharma heirs — from those who were exposed to his live dialogs in India, to those who propagated Zen practice and teachings in foreign lands, and the ancestors of those countries — were themselves beneficiaries of direct insight. Of course, the further we go back in time, the provenance or historicity of the canon is less certain, the record from China is more documented than that of India, and that of Japan even more so, as we approach modern times. Most of the selected pieces from these later periods of the evolution of the canon are derived from the liturgy of Soto Zen, verses that are recited in monasteries and temples of today. Speaking with one voiceThe point in surveying this collection, which is merely the tip of a massive iceberg — the Pali canon, Tripitaka, or “three baskets” alone is said to comprise some 84,000 teachings — is that these great Zen forefathers were all speaking with one voice. The written texts selected by Zen's ancestors in China and Japan to be recited on a daily basis as liturgy were obviously not casual or arbitrary choices. They come at the central truth of Buddha's message from differing cultural and linguistic contexts, of course, but if we read between the lines, we might get a glimmer of the existential and experiential reality to which they refer, as so many fingers to the same moon. Let us first consider some of the underlying premises of the teachings of the historical Buddha, Shakyamuni (“sage of the Shakya clan”), which differentiate his from other teachings of a philosophical or religious nature. Let it be understood from the beginning, however, that the worldview of Buddhism — and Zen in particular — places emphasis on overarching sameness, rather than petty differences, between people, and sentient beings in general. This inclusive attitude also applies to the other worldviews, belief systems, philosophies, and religions propounded by humankind. We who follow Buddha's Way are not interested in proselytizing or converting, debating, or winning anyone over to our point of view by argument, nor in discrediting another's viewpoint. As to any perceived difference between Zen and Buddhism, you are free to substitute one term for the other where mentioned in the following. Three key distinctions where the Buddha's teaching, usually referred to as “buddha-dharma,” or more simply, “Dharma,” differs substantively: One: It is human-centered. Unlike other spiritual founders, the Buddha claimed no mandate from a god, a deity, or power outside himself; no “Wizard of Oz” behind the curtain preaching his message, other than his teachers in past lives, the so-called “prehistoric” Buddhas. Zen is all about humanity, and our place in the universe. And, for that matter, the place of all sentient beings, on the path to awakening. According to mythical tradition, the newborn baby Buddha declared: “Above the heavens and below the heavens, I alone am the most honored one!” as he sprung forth, fully formed, from his mother's womb. This expression, while clearly legendary, capsulizes Buddha's view of humanity's unique position in the scheme of things, as represented by his human birth. In today's societal context, this might be interpreted as a form of “secular humanism,” a limited, egocentric, or anthropocentric, perspective. On the other hand, to claim exclusive divine guidance, when the audience consists of other human beings like yourself would seem the more egocentric, closer to the height of arrogance. Think of all the things this leads to. Those claiming a direct mandate from God feel compelled to proselytize, to save all other beings, which is, ironically, the Bodhisattva Vow of Buddhism. But if the unsaved do not seek out the message themselves, the apostles bringing the gospel appear to disrespect and demean the innate spirituality of those they would save. Claiming to be already blessed, or saved themselves, they feel uniquely qualified to save others. One stunning difference here is Buddha's decision to attempt to teach his great discovery to others, based only on his own experience. This must have required great confidence and resolve, in that his authority to teach was not based on an established lineage, outside intervention of some “greater being,” nor on a previously existing canon or belief system. There was no directive from on high to go forth and spread the good news. So why do it? The urge to share the “compassionate teachings” stems from “suffering with” — the very definition of compassion. No one, not even Buddha, can save another. Zen's message and method of meditation offers a way to release oneself from one's own ignorance. Two: It is self-reliant. Buddha's teaching emphasizes self-reliance, individual responsibility and initiative. It is the ultimate in do-it-yourself. He teaches no-reliance on anything outside the self. We cannot rely on scripture, on beliefs, on somebody else to do this for us. This is where what is called “Great Doubt” arises. If we can't rely on anything outside ourselves, everything we've always relied upon is now called into question. If we begin to doubt everything that we've always felt to be dependable and sure, we come to an experience akin to that which people in earthquake or mudslide zones are said to undergo. Suddenly one day, the earth trembles, falls apart, opens up fissures and nearly swallows them up. What they always depended upon as “terra firma,” solid earth, turns extremely fluid, not at all stable.. Similarly, what Buddha points to can be as unnerving, but on a spiritual level, sometimes described as something like the earth “trembling in six dimensions,” meaning the Six Senses. When doubt — including doubt in the dharma — becomes such that we feel as if we are “perched atop a 100-foot pole,” and we step off. It is like vertigo on steroids. “No toe-hold”— nothing to hold on to, nothing to cling to. With his emphasis on self-reliance, individual responsibility, and initiative, taking this on for ourselves, by his own example, Buddha established the tradition of awakening without a teacher. We can learn from living, true teachers, those who have personal insight, yes, we can rely on them not to mislead us but after their death, we have only the teachings, which we can rely on, because they hold true, anywhere and anywhen in spacetime. Three: It has nothing hidden.In Buddha's teaching there is nothing hidden, nothing held back — no inner secret, something the teacher has up his or her sleeve, that the student has to try to get. Dharma is ubiquitous, and self-apparent. As Master Dogen said, “Now when you trace the source of the Way, you find that it is universal and absolute.” There isn't anywhere or any time that Dharma is not present. In the most ordinary, common, everyday thing that you go through, this teaching is manifest in that activity and in that experience. All things are manifesting buddha-dharma "without ceasing for a moment," another trope from Dogen. Recapping these three aspects: First, Buddha-dharma is humancentric, based on our consciousness, on our human birth and being. We are able to have this awakening experience without reliance on a savior, without reliance on a god. Buddha never positioned himself as a savior, never claimed a mandate from an outside force or God. To that degree Zen is a secular religion, so to say. Second, Dharma is do-it-yourself. An attitude of absolute respect, honoring the innate buddha-nature of ourselves and others. We all have the capability of doing exactly what Buddha did, waking up completely. This is one meaning of the buddhist bow. When we bow to each other palm-to-palm, it expresses a recognition of our innate spirituality: “I recognize your Buddha-nature, same as mine.” Third, Dharma has nothing hidden in it. It is openly available and accessible to everybody. These teachings are not for the “inner circle.” There is no “us and them” in the Buddhist community, or Sangha. These three things are distinguishing hallmarks of the Buddha's Dharma. Buddha's original teachings must have been influenced to some extent by his cultural context. The caste system, and presumably a proto-Hindu religion, of India of that time, as well as the contemporaneous state of the art of science, surely shaped the syntax as well as his referential vocabulary. Shakyamuni had to teach within his milieu, and his teaching went against the grain of entrenched conventional belief systems. He knew that his message would be unpopular, swimming upstream, against the prevalent cultural currents and current beliefs. Similar for our times Recognizing that no teacher taught “Buddhism” to Siddhartha Gotama — he alone started all the trouble, as someone once said — we hold him in great reverence. He is not a figure of worship, and not regarded as a personal savior, in the sense that Christians regard Jesus Christ. Buddha was not a Buddhist, after all, any more than Christ was a Christian. But he is more than a “saint” of Buddhism, of which Zen has many, its lineage Ancestors. He is the Founder of Zen, its progenitor. We all have to reinvent Zen. Its teachings, or Dharma, cannot simply be layered over the everyday dilemmas of living in this day and age. They must instead be understood, so that in adapting them to our own lives, we may integrate them fully. This does not mean that we need to modify Zen, however. Zen is always contemporary, and its relevance is revealed in its meditation, or zazen.

In this episode, we reflect on how mindfulness and learning to be truly present with ourselves leads to creative abundance, giving us endless inspiration and guidance on how to live our lives.

In this episode, we reflect on why gratitude is a foundational skill to weathering the difficulties and challenges of life.

I have decided to hit pause on Sober Yoga Girl Podcast.  In this episode, I explain why.Thank you for your support of Sober Yoga Girl Podcast over the last five years.There are 250 episodes which will stay live for you to go back and listen to anytime. And as well, I may start recording again soon...perhaps again of Sober Yoga Girl, or another show or creation.  For the next few months I want to focus on setting up my yoga space in Bali, writing my next book, and cuddling with my foster kitten Zero! You can stay up to date with everything I am offering at https://www.soberyogagirl.com/. If you subscribe there, I will be writing and sending a newsletter about yoga philosophy most likely every week once a week.There are two spots left on my India retreat February 22 - March 5. Make sure you grab a spot before they go at https://www.alcoholfreeretreats.com/india .My yoga classes in Bali and yoga teacher trainings can be found at: https://www.mindfulbali.com/Lots of love,AlexandraSupport the showRead Alex's Writing at the Intersection of the Bhavagad Gita, Patanjali's Sutras, The Buddha Dharma and Mental Health at:https://www.soberyogagirl.comCheck Out All Our Upcoming Retreats, Programs and Offerings at:https://www.themindfullifepractice.com/

In this episode, we talk about anxiety and how we can reframe our perspective on life's challenges.

In this episode, we reflect on why it's so easy to judge others from afar and how we can learn to avoid becoming addicted to judgement, even when it is very prevalent in the society around us.

Trechos de artigos escritos por Gyomay Kubose.Gyomay M. Kubose ou Masao Kubose (1905 - 2000), foi filósofo, escritor e professor budista nipo-americano.Embora nascido nos Estados Unidos, Kubose passou a primeira parte de sua vida no Japão, onde absorveu uma herança rica em influência budista. Ao voltar para a América, se formou em Filosofia na Universidade da Califórnia em Berkeley, em 1935. E então, voltou para o Japão onde passou a estudar budismo com seu professor Rev. Haya Akegarasu.Acompanhando seu professor em viagens de palestras, Kubose viajou extensivamente pelo Japão, Coréia, China e Estados Unidos. Em 1944, após a Segunda Guerra Mundial, Kubose mudou-se para Chicago, onde fundou o Templo Budista de Chicago.Durante toda sua vida Kubose enfatizou e ensinou a todos o Buddha-Dharma não-sectário.Citado muitas vezes por sua obra no âmbito da justiça social, dos direitos civis e das relações comunitárias, Gyomay Kubose escreveu vários livros sobre budismo, meditação e ética. Ao longo de sua vida, concentrou-se em preencher a lacuna entre a espiritualidade oriental e a sociedade ocidental. Sua abordagem do budismo enfatizou suas aplicações práticas na vida diária, tornando-o acessível e relevante para pessoas de todas as esferas da vida.As contribuições de Gyomay Kubose ao budismo nos Estados Unidos deixaram um impacto duradouro, inspirando gerações de praticantes a encontrar paz interior e compaixão por meio dos ensinamentos de Buda.

In this episode, we talk about the importance of pausing every day, to breathe, reflect and stay connected to the present moment.

In this episode, we reflect on what it means to open up the spectrum of our awareness to before, during and after each moment, to heighten our appreciation and understanding of the present.

Lama Zopa Rinpoche continues the oral transmission of How to Meditate on the Stages of the Path to Enlightenment (from Pabongkapa Dechen Nyingpo's Liberation in the Palm of Your Hand). He starts with “Part Six: How to develop the spiritual realizations that relate to the suffering of the lower states.” Rinpoche explains that meditating on the lower realms gives us courage to renounce meaningless activities. He shares an anecdote about Kirti Tsenshab Rinpoche, who actually experienced hell. Afterwards, Kirti Tsenshab Rinpoche was inspired to continuously chant prayers.Rinpoche continues by reading “Part Seven: Training yourself in the practice of taking refuge.” Rinpoche says that we collect enormous merit each time we take refuge. He then invites a discussion by asking whether a person who abstains from negative actions but hasn't taken refuge is a Buddhist or not? After some discussion, Rinpoche clarifies that for your action to become Buddhist, it has to be done by relying on Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha.Rinpoche elaborates that refuge may not necessarily mean reciting the prayer. Rather, it is the mental factor of having refuge in your heart by understanding that samsara is in the nature of suffering and that the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha have the qualities to liberate you from this suffering. Additionally, for Mahayana refuge, there's the extra cause of compassion for other sentient beings. Rinpoche emphasizes that these three aspects are the main components; however, reciting the refuge prayer also helps by making your refuge stronger.Rinpoche concludes by stating that refuge is the basis of all the vows. It is the door of the Buddhadharma. Without refuge, you haven't entered Buddhadharma; you are an outsider. By having refuge in your mind, in your heart, then you're an insider.From April 10 to May 10, 2004, Lama Zopa Rinpoche gave extensive teachings during the Mahamudra Retreat at Buddha House in Australia. While the retreat focused on Mahamudra, Rinpoche also taught on a wide range of Lamrim topics. This retreat marked the beginning of a series of month-long retreats in Australia. Subsequent retreats were held in 2011, 2014, and 2018, hosted by the Great Stupa of Universal Compassion in Bendigo.Find out more about Lama Zopa Rinpoche, his teachings and projects at https://fpmt.org/

Gratitude is a deeply transformative way of looking at our lives. In this episode, we talk about what it means to really apply gratitude into our daily experiences and what this approach offers us.

Like our homes, our minds need cleaning up too. In this episode, we reflect on why we need to clear our minds and what it means to do so.

In this episode, we reflect on what it means to protect our heart, even when circumstances try to erode our spirit and break our willpower.

In this episode, we reflect on the importance of looking at our familiar world through fresh eyes to gain new perspective.

What does it mean to live with an undefended heart?Here Mary Stancavage's explores the profound practice of living what she has been investigating for years. She begins by acknowledging that we all build emotional armor as a response to pain and suffering, often unconsciously, to protect ourselves from further hurt. This armor manifests as fixed views, fear, judgment, perfectionism, and numbing behaviors, which ultimately isolate us and prevent authentic connection.Mary emphasizes that this defensive stance is a denial of reality and contributes to suffering, echoing the Buddha's teachings about clinging and the second noble truth. She shares that meditation and mindful sitting helped her face and welcome difficult emotions—grief, anger, sadness—with kindness and openness, revealing that embracing these feelings gently can transform fear and alienation into freedom and connection.Mary then outlines a practical and compassionate path toward chipping away at this armor using the Buddhist Eightfold Path as a safety net. Key practices include:Wise speech—saying what needs to be said even when it's hardCompassionate intentionNon-harming that extends beyond mere avoidance to active kindness and generosity.She distinguishes between healthy boundaries and defenses, cautioning against “idiot compassion” that allows others to abuse us. Mary also highlights the importance of remaining present with whatever arises in the moment without resistance, cultivating equanimity as a deep intimacy with reality as it is.Mary concludes by inviting listeners to reflect on the challenges and joys of this lifelong journey, reminding us that an open heart is an act of resistance in a world full of suffering and injustice, and that through love, kindness, and presence, we participate in collective liberation and healing.______________Mary Stancavage has practiced meditation, yoga, and cultivated a spiritual practice for over 35 years and in 2009 was empowered to teach Buddhadharma. She teaches classes, retreats, coaches and mentors individuals and has facilitated several Year-to-Live groups. She has served as a volunteer hospital chaplain and been involved with leadership in several non-profit organizations over the years both in meditation and in the social justice arena. She is currently a member of the Guiding Teachers Council for Insight Community of the Desert, and is a Board Member of both Meditation Coalition and CLUE: Clergy and Laity United for Economic Justice.For the last several years, Mary has investigated what it means to live with an undefended heart and more information on this can be found on her website, https://marystancavage.org. Fun fact: Mary has an MA from UCLA and spent several seasons working as an archaeologist in Syria. ______________ To support our efforts to share these talks with LGBTQIA audiences worldwide, please visit https://gaybuddhist.org/There you can: Donate Learn how to participate live Find our schedule of upcoming speakers Join our mailing list or discussion forum Enjoy many hundreds of these recorded talks dating back to 1996 CREDITSAudio Engineer: George HubbardProducer: Tom BrueinMusic/Logo/Artwork: Derek Lassiter

In this episode, the community got to connect live with Interfaith spiritual teacher Lauryn Axelrod, and author of the book Ten Words.In her book Ten Words, Interfaith/Interspiritual leader and teacher Lauryn Axelrod offers a practical path forward. Based on a contemporary, but timeless set of ten simple words distilled from the common principles of the world's great faith and wisdom traditions supported by modern science and psychology, Ten Words provides an integrated, interspiritual guide we can use everyday to become happier, healthier, more fulfilled people in a kinder world that supports all.This is an inspiring episode about finding faith.You can buy Lauryn's book here. Support the showRead Alex's Writing at the Intersection of the Bhavagad Gita, Patanjali's Sutras, The Buddha Dharma and Mental Health at:https://www.soberyogagirl.comCheck Out All Our Upcoming Retreats, Programs and Offerings at:https://www.themindfullifepractice.com/

In this episode, we reflect on what it means to show love to the lost soul within ourselves and those around us.

Britt's journey is a testament to the power of resilience, faith, and joy. From surviving extreme domestic violence and addiction to becoming a national voice in women's wellness, her story — and her new book She Rises & Thrives — offers hope, healing, and practical wisdom for women ready to transform their lives.Tune into this episode and learn more about Britt's inspiring story.You can buy Britt's new book here. Support the showRead Alex's Writing at the Intersection of the Bhavagad Gita, Patanjali's Sutras, The Buddha Dharma and Mental Health at:https://www.soberyogagirl.comCheck Out All Our Upcoming Retreats, Programs and Offerings at:https://www.themindfullifepractice.com/

In this episode, we explore the exercise of finding joy, even in times of deep suffering. 

Christine is a breathwork facilitator and sobriety coach passionate about empowering individuals in the alcohol-free space. Drawing from personal experience with addiction, Christine understands the challenges and transformative potential of choosing a life free from alcohol. With a heart-centered approach, she helps clients cultivate joy, build confidence, and reconnect with their authentic selves. The combination of somatic and mindset work helps her clients make significant shifts towards the lives they want to be leading.You can connect to Christine on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/shestayedsober/Support the showRead Alex's Writing at the Intersection of the Bhavagad Gita, Patanjali's Sutras, The Buddha Dharma and Mental Health at:https://www.soberyogagirl.comCheck Out All Our Upcoming Retreats, Programs and Offerings at:https://www.themindfullifepractice.com/

In this episode, we reflect on the importance of having moments of every day gratitude, even when times are tough and the world feels as though it is a dark place.

In this episode, I sit down with Brian Hyman - yoga and meditation teacher, author, and recovery activist - to explore his journey from addiction to healing through yoga and mindfulness. Brian shares how a personal crisis led him to rediscover yoga, which became a cornerstone in his recovery and spiritual growth. We discuss his book, Recovery with Yoga: Supportive Practices for Transcending Addiction, and how he integrates yogic philosophy, mindfulness, and service into his teachings. Brian's story is a testament to the transformative power of yoga in overcoming addiction and finding purpose.​Tune in for an inspiring conversation about resilience, self-discovery, and the path to inner peace.​Learn more about Brian and his work at brianhymanyoga.com.Support the showRead Alex's Writing at the Intersection of the Bhavagad Gita, Patanjali's Sutras, The Buddha Dharma and Mental Health at:https://www.soberyogagirl.comCheck Out All Our Upcoming Retreats, Programs and Offerings at:https://www.themindfullifepractice.com/

In this episode, we reflect on the interconnectedness of all things and how it allows us to be resilient and hopeful in the face of a difficult times.

In this episode, we had guest speaker Tawny Lara, author of Dry Humping. In this episode, we explored how writing can be a powerful tool for processing emotions and staying sober.In this episode, Tawny shared her journey and insights during an engaging interview, offering practical tips on using writing as a means of self-discovery and emotional resilience in sobriety.Whether you're already journaling or looking for inspiration to start, this episode will leave you feeling empowered and supported on your sober journey. Tawny has a great newsletter you can subscribe to here: https://www.tawnylara.com/Support the showRead Alex's Writing at the Intersection of the Bhavagad Gita, Patanjali's Sutras, The Buddha Dharma and Mental Health at:https://www.soberyogagirl.comCheck Out All Our Upcoming Retreats, Programs and Offerings at:https://www.themindfullifepractice.com/

Mushim Patricia Ikeda is an internationally-known secular mindfulness and Buddhist teacher working primarily with justice activists and Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) meditation practitioners and with people with disabilities and chronic illnesses. A core teacher at East Bay Meditation Center in Oakland, California, she is an author whose writing has been published in Lion's Roar, Tricycle, Buddhadharma and various anthologies. Mushim was selected by Lion's Roar Buddhist media magazine as one of twenty-six "Great Buddhist Teachers" in the January 2022 issue. Connect with Mushim at:Website:  www.mushimikeda.comFacebook:  www.facebook.com/mushim.ikedaBluesky:  mushimikedaX / Twitter:  @MushimCA1Instagram:  mushimikedaLinkedIn:  www.linkedin.com/in/mushim-patricia-ikeda-5307279/

In this episode, I sit down with Martin O'Toole - a friend of mine in Bali, who is a former London ad-man turned holistic mental health coach - for a deeply honest conversation about burnout, addiction, depression, and the long road to healing.Once a self-proclaimed “high-functioning shambles,” Martin left the hustle of city life behind and began a radical journey inward. From mindfulness and Eastern philosophy to intentional psychedelic work, Martin has cultivated what he calls The Anatomy of Happy: a grounded, compassionate path to mental wellness.We explore how writing, humor, and storytelling can be tools for healing, and how he now helps others navigate their own suffering with honesty and heart. Whether you're sober-curious, healing trauma, or just curious about what it means to live and die well, this conversation is filled with wisdom, laughter, and soulful insight.

Steve Knapp is a student of life, emotion and business. He is currently attending college to get his first ever degree, studying accounting and business. Steve is a certified addiction recovery coach, a full time life adventurer, and a learner. In this episode, Steve shares about his sober story, and then we discuss redefining fun on the sober journey and alcohol free alternatives. You can learn more about Steve's podcast, Through the Glass, at: https://throughtheglassrecovery.com/Support the showRead Alex's Writing at the Intersection of the Bhavagad Gita, Patanjali's Sutras, The Buddha Dharma and Mental Health at:https://www.soberyogagirl.comCheck Out All Our Upcoming Retreats, Programs and Offerings at:https://www.themindfullifepractice.com/

Secular & Buddhist teacher Mushim Patricia Ikeda in convo with Rev. Liên on how mature practice can help us deal with the current conditions of our world.GUESTMushim Patricia Ikeda is an internationally-known secular mindfulness and Buddhist teacher working primarily with justice activists and Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) meditation practitioners and with people with disabilities and chronic illnesses. A core teacher at East Bay Meditation Center in Oakland, California, she is an author whose writing has been published in Lion's Roar, Tricycle, Buddhadharma and various anthologies. Mushim was selected by Lion's Roar Buddhist media magazine as one of twenty-six "Great Buddhist Teachers" in the January 2022 issue. Connect with Mushim at:Website:  www.mushimikeda.comFacebook:  www.facebook.com/mushim.ikedaBluesky:  mushimikedaX / Twitter:  @MushimCA1Instagram:  mushimikedaLinkedIn:  www.linkedin.com/in/mushim-patricia-ikeda-5307279/HOST:REV. LIÊN SHUTT (she/they) is a recognized leader in the movement that breaks through the wall of American white-centered convert Buddhism to welcome people of all backgrounds into a contemporary, engaged Buddhism. As an ordained Zen priest, licensed social worker, and longtime educator/teacher of Buddhism, Shutt represents new leadership at the nexus of spirituality and social justice, offering a special warm welcome to Asian Americans, all BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, immigrants, and those seeking a “home” in the midst of North American society's reckoning around racism, sexism, homophobia, and xenophobia. Shutt is a founder of Access to Zen (2014). You can learn more about her work at AccessToZen.org. Her new book, Home is Here: Practicing Antiracism with the Engaged Eightfold Path. See all her offerings at EVENTS

In this heartfelt and inspiring episode of Sober Yoga Girl, I'm joined by the incredible Marci Hopkins—Emmy-nominated host of Wake Up with Marci, author of Chaos to Clarity, and a powerful voice in the recovery and mental health space.Marci opens up about her journey from childhood trauma and addiction to finding purpose through sobriety, healing, and service. We talk about the importance of inner work, the courage it takes to share your story, and how Marci transformed her pain into a platform for empowerment. Through her show, books, and advocacy, Marci is on a mission to bring light to darkness and help others reclaim their lives.Whether you're navigating your own healing journey or supporting someone who is, this conversation is a reminder that it's never too late to wake up to your worth, your voice, and your power.✨ Learn more about Marci: wakeupwithmarci.comSupport the showRead Alex's Writing at the Intersection of the Bhavagad Gita, Patanjali's Sutras, The Buddha Dharma and Mental Health at:https://thedailydharma.substack.com/Check Out All Our Upcoming Retreats, Programs and Offerings at:https://www.themindfullifepractice.com/

In this episode, we talk about how we can cultivate and develop an inner sense of unwavering peace.

In this episode we welcomed Julie Miller, RCP, an addiction recovery coach and podcaster from Colorado. After overcoming a decade-long battle with alcohol addiction, Julie transformed her life by facing shame, embracing authenticity, and creating a purpose-filled existence. Now, she dedicates herself to helping others find freedom from addiction through coaching, podcasting, and fostering a supportive recovery community.Tune into this episode for an engaging discussion about what comes after the initial step into sobriety. We'll explore how to move beyond sober curiosity in January, embrace long-term lifestyle changes, and build a life so full there's no space left for alcohol. Together, we'll delve into integrating yoga, mindfulness, and intentional practices to sustain sobriety throughout the year.Learn more about Julie and her podcast at: https://throughtheglassrecovery.com/Support the showRead Alex's Writing at the Intersection of the Bhavagad Gita, Patanjali's Sutras, The Buddha Dharma and Mental Health at:https://thedailydharma.substack.com/Check Out All Our Upcoming Retreats, Programs and Offerings at:https://www.themindfullifepractice.com/

In this episode, we talk about how easy it is to feel frustrated and confused by our lives, and why its valuable to turn towards our heart as a compass on how to keep moving forward.

I was so excited to have Lara Estrada on the podcast! Lara and I met in Los Angeles in 2023 from an unexpected layover (read: I missed a flight coming back from the Mexico retreat and ended up having 24 hours to kill, and I ended up taking Lara's yoga class at her studio, LA Bliss!) In this podcast episode, Lara opened up about: the life-changing impact of yoga teacher training, her vision for creating a nurturing community at Yoga Bliss LA, and how yoga and mindfulness shaped her life, and can inspire yours!Support the showRead Alex's Writing at the Intersection of the Bhavagad Gita, Patanjali's Sutras, The Buddha Dharma and Mental Health at:https://thedailydharma.substack.com/Check Out All Our Upcoming Retreats, Programs and Offerings at:https://www.themindfullifepractice.com/

In this episode, we talk about how loud life feels - due to inner thoughts and outer phenomenon - and how we can work towards finding the silence and deep stillness we desperately seek.

In this episode, we talk about the gentle process by which we can adapt to difficult, sometimes shocking change, in our lives and in the world around us. 

In this episode, we talk about how difficult it is to deal with unexpected change in our lives and how we can learn to process it in healthy, self-empowering ways.

In this episode, we talk about how it can be very difficult to walk in the light within the landscape of an ever-changing world, and why we should continue to seek out the light despite the darkness.

In this episode of Sober Yoga Girl Podcast, Rory Kinsella takes over the pod! He interviews Alex on yoga philosophy, and she does a basic intro into the yama & niyama - which are the starting point for a lot of beginning yoga philosophy students. In the episode we talk about our upcoming programs:Our May 25 - 31 Bali Sober Yoga/Meditation Retreat: We have a couple rooms left which you can book onto here! https://www.wisemonkeyway.com/a/2147781106/wGVhfYH8In July 2025 Rory will be teaching Vedic Meditation with Alex on the 200 Hour YTT. We have a few spots left in the 200 Hour YTT - join us! https://www.themindfullifepractice.com/bali-200-hourWe also talk about my Yoga Sutra Study course that I teach online - next cohort starts this week! You can sign up here. https://www.themindfullifepractice.com/yoga-sutra-studySupport the showRead Alex's Writing at the Intersection of the Bhavagad Gita, Patanjali's Sutras, The Buddha Dharma and Mental Health at:https://thedailydharma.substack.com/Check Out All Our Upcoming Retreats, Programs and Offerings at:https://www.themindfullifepractice.com/

Geoffrey Shugen Arnold, Roshi - ZMM - 2/23/25 - At the root of our ancestral lineage is reverence: for the Dharma, for practice and realization, and for all beings. In this talk Shugen Roshi explores the elements of faith and practice which “bring to life” the Buddha Dharma, and are central to the it's transmission from generation to generation. Gokan Osho also shares some words on his practice of Denkai training—the priestly transmission—received from Shugen Roshi this week.