Podcasts about buddhist practice

Sharing meaningful stories from a life of practice, Gil Fronsdal chats about the impact of spiritual community, simplicity, and generosity. Today's podcast is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/beherenow and get on your way to being your best self.This week on the BHNN Guest Podcast, Gil Fronsdal outlines:Honesty, communication, and understanding as an alternative to LSDThe impact of reading Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind, and going to the San Francisco Zen CenterThe importance of doing spiritual practice with other people and finding communityFinding freedom within simplicity and generosity The practice of working through fear and becoming relaxedGil's mindful founding of the Insight Meditation Center, balancing the commercial forces of societyHow growing up in wartime inspired Gil's interest in nonviolence and civil disobedience About Gil Fronsdal:Gil Fronsdal is the co-teacher for the Insight Meditation Center in Redwood City, California; he has been teaching since 1990. He has practiced Zen and Vipassana in the U.S. and Asia since 1975. He was a Theravada monk in Burma in 1985, and in 1989 began training with Jack Kornfield to be a Vipassana teacher. Gil teaches at Spirit Rock Meditation Center where he is part of its Teachers Council. Gil was ordained as a Soto Zen priest at the San Francisco Zen Center in 1982, and in 1995 received Dharma Transmission from Mel Weitsman, the abbot of the Berkeley Zen Center. He currently serves on the SF Zen Center Elders' Council. In 2011 he founded IMC's Insight Retreat Center. He is the author of The Issue at Hand, essays on mindfulness practice; A Monastery Within; a book on the five hindrances called Unhindered; and the translator of The Dhammapada, published by Shambhala Publications. You may listen to Gil's talks on Audio Dharma.This recording was originally published on Dharmaseed “When I went to the Zen center, people didn't participate; they didn't pick up the cues and act accordingly. They became a mirror for me, and I said, ‘This is fantastic', to be able to see myself clearly through other people. I wanted that mirroring to be seen. In that time of living at Zen Center, I am very confident that I couldn't have practiced as much as I have done over the years without the support of the community that I was with.” –Gil FronsdalSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Pierce Salguero joins us to discuss his new co-edited volume, Meditation Sickness: A Sourcebook on the Dangers of Buddhist Practice. While modern mindfulness frames meditation purely as a wellness tool, the Buddhist tradition has long recognized its inherent psychological and physical risks. We explore multi-tradition historical texts, the anatomy of practice crises, and the ethical responsibility of teachers and app developers to provide something along the lines of informed consent. Key Discussion Points & Timeline Contrasting modern wellness marketing with historical accounts of meditative danger; the book provides a sourcebook for Dharma teachers, clinicians, and serious practitioners. Multi-Tradition Mapping throughout covers Pali, medieval Chinese, Japanese, and Tibetan sources, many of which we touch on. Traditional sources diagnose destabilization and even offer a range of physical, energetic, and lifestyle remedies to mediate crisis: whether they would be a good fit for today's practitioner is another matter. Challenging the modern claim that adverse effects only happen to the unprepared or mentally fragile. Classical lineages show that severe physical ailments and mental destabilization can happen randomly, even to advanced practitioners. The hidden risks of unmonitored, commercialized meditation apps. Why creators have an ethical duty to move past treating meditation as a risk-free panacea and offer clear safety guardrails. How different cultures draw the line between a spiritual breakthrough and clinical pathology. The ongoing project of integrating traditional remedies with modern psychology and neuroscience. Links & Resources Mentioned The Book: Meditation Sickness: A Sourcebook on the Dangers of Buddhist Practice. Guest Website: here (Includes the book's introduction). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

Pierce Salguero joins us to discuss his new co-edited volume, Meditation Sickness: A Sourcebook on the Dangers of Buddhist Practice. While modern mindfulness frames meditation purely as a wellness tool, the Buddhist tradition has long recognized its inherent psychological and physical risks. We explore multi-tradition historical texts, the anatomy of practice crises, and the ethical responsibility of teachers and app developers to provide something along the lines of informed consent. Key Discussion Points & Timeline Contrasting modern wellness marketing with historical accounts of meditative danger; the book provides a sourcebook for Dharma teachers, clinicians, and serious practitioners. Multi-Tradition Mapping throughout covers Pali, medieval Chinese, Japanese, and Tibetan sources, many of which we touch on. Traditional sources diagnose destabilization and even offer a range of physical, energetic, and lifestyle remedies to mediate crisis: whether they would be a good fit for today's practitioner is another matter. Challenging the modern claim that adverse effects only happen to the unprepared or mentally fragile. Classical lineages show that severe physical ailments and mental destabilization can happen randomly, even to advanced practitioners. The hidden risks of unmonitored, commercialized meditation apps. Why creators have an ethical duty to move past treating meditation as a risk-free panacea and offer clear safety guardrails. How different cultures draw the line between a spiritual breakthrough and clinical pathology. The ongoing project of integrating traditional remedies with modern psychology and neuroscience. Links & Resources Mentioned The Book: Meditation Sickness: A Sourcebook on the Dangers of Buddhist Practice. Guest Website: here (Includes the book's introduction). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/buddhist-studies

Pierce Salguero joins us to discuss his new co-edited volume, Meditation Sickness: A Sourcebook on the Dangers of Buddhist Practice. While modern mindfulness frames meditation purely as a wellness tool, the Buddhist tradition has long recognized its inherent psychological and physical risks. We explore multi-tradition historical texts, the anatomy of practice crises, and the ethical responsibility of teachers and app developers to provide something along the lines of informed consent. Key Discussion Points & Timeline Contrasting modern wellness marketing with historical accounts of meditative danger; the book provides a sourcebook for Dharma teachers, clinicians, and serious practitioners. Multi-Tradition Mapping throughout covers Pali, medieval Chinese, Japanese, and Tibetan sources, many of which we touch on. Traditional sources diagnose destabilization and even offer a range of physical, energetic, and lifestyle remedies to mediate crisis: whether they would be a good fit for today's practitioner is another matter. Challenging the modern claim that adverse effects only happen to the unprepared or mentally fragile. Classical lineages show that severe physical ailments and mental destabilization can happen randomly, even to advanced practitioners. The hidden risks of unmonitored, commercialized meditation apps. Why creators have an ethical duty to move past treating meditation as a risk-free panacea and offer clear safety guardrails. How different cultures draw the line between a spiritual breakthrough and clinical pathology. The ongoing project of integrating traditional remedies with modern psychology and neuroscience. Links & Resources Mentioned The Book: Meditation Sickness: A Sourcebook on the Dangers of Buddhist Practice. Guest Website: here (Includes the book's introduction). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/spiritual-practice-and-mindfulness

Pierce Salguero joins us to discuss his new co-edited volume, Meditation Sickness: A Sourcebook on the Dangers of Buddhist Practice. While modern mindfulness frames meditation purely as a wellness tool, the Buddhist tradition has long recognized its inherent psychological and physical risks. We explore multi-tradition historical texts, the anatomy of practice crises, and the ethical responsibility of teachers and app developers to provide something along the lines of informed consent. Key Discussion Points & Timeline Contrasting modern wellness marketing with historical accounts of meditative danger; the book provides a sourcebook for Dharma teachers, clinicians, and serious practitioners. Multi-Tradition Mapping throughout covers Pali, medieval Chinese, Japanese, and Tibetan sources, many of which we touch on. Traditional sources diagnose destabilization and even offer a range of physical, energetic, and lifestyle remedies to mediate crisis: whether they would be a good fit for today's practitioner is another matter. Challenging the modern claim that adverse effects only happen to the unprepared or mentally fragile. Classical lineages show that severe physical ailments and mental destabilization can happen randomly, even to advanced practitioners. The hidden risks of unmonitored, commercialized meditation apps. Why creators have an ethical duty to move past treating meditation as a risk-free panacea and offer clear safety guardrails. How different cultures draw the line between a spiritual breakthrough and clinical pathology. The ongoing project of integrating traditional remedies with modern psychology and neuroscience. Links & Resources Mentioned The Book: Meditation Sickness: A Sourcebook on the Dangers of Buddhist Practice. Guest Website: here (Includes the book's introduction). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Touching into the selfless nature of experience, Joseph Goldstein explores uprooting the defilements through the clarity that comes from practice.Today's episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/insighthour and get on your way to being your best self.This time on Insight Hour, Joseph Goldstein provides his perspective on:Engaging with mindfulnessThe radical uprooting of self and identification with experienceSeeing a glimpse of the deathless in our practice versus the transcendent moment of the unborn Slowly seeing clearly over time with dedicated practiceThe emptiness within the defilementsTaking all things as an invitation to explore rather than to believe A brief guided meditation with Joseph Moving our mental dialogue into a passive voice This episode is the 3rd and final part of a 3-part series. It was originally published on Dharmaseed and recorded at the Barre Center for Buddhist Studies, a non-profit organization founded by renowned meditation teachers Joseph Goldstein and Sharon Salzberg to integrate Buddhist study and practice. To start at the beginning, check out Ep. 261 – Gradual Cultivation in Buddhist Practice. “If you put your hand in fire, do you know that it burns? Do you have any doubt about it? In the genuine experience of things being uprooted, there is that quality of certainty. It is very different than what you were saying about ‘Yeah, it looks to me that the defilements are uprooted.' The experience that results in the uprooting, which is the experience of the unborn. It has that same immediacy and certainty as putting your hand in fire and knowing it burns.” –Joseph Goldstein See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Have you ever felt like food seems to hook you before you even realize what's happening? If you've been struggling with food cravings during menopause, I want to introduce you to a concept that has completely changed the way I think about urges. In this episode, I share the ancient Buddhist concept of shempa, which describes that moment when we become hooked by an urge. I explain why this idea has been around for thousands of years, why it's so relevant for women in menopause, and how it connects beautifully with what modern neuroscience teaches us about the brain. I also explore the Stanford Marshmallow Test, what it reveals about impulse control, and why learning to pause, even for a few seconds, can help quiet food noise and strengthen your brain's ability to make choices that serve you. We even talk about why GLP-1 medications have brought so much attention to food noise, and what you can do whether or not you're taking one. Enjoy the show!   Free Guide: Download the Jumpstart Your Weight Loss in Menopause Guide at drdebbutler.com/podcast-companion-guide Mini Session: Ready to master your mind? Book a free mini session at drdebbutler.com/workwithme Thinner Peace Quiz: Take the quiz at drdebbutler.com/quiz to identify your obstacles to eating when hungry and stopping when full Peace with Food 30-Day Course - Available at www.drdebbutler.com/joy Now, go listen to the podcast. Click here to listen to the 1st episode. It's the best place to start! If you've been loving my podcast, please subscribe and review the show. The only way it will pop up to others is when people review it, so if you're loving it – pass on the good word!  What You'll Learn From This Episode Why menopause can intensify food cravings and food noise What the Buddhist concept of "shempa" teaches about feeling hooked by urges How the famous Stanford Marshmallow Test connects to weight loss Why your prefrontal cortex is your greatest weight loss tool A simple pause technique that can help calm urges without relying on willpower  

(Insight Santa Cruz) Gil's first connection to Buddhism in Santa Cruz goes back 49 years, two years after he was introduced to Zen Practice. His involvement with Buddhism in Santa Cruz has been an important part of those next 49 years. He shares his personal stories and lessons from his half century adventure with Buddhist practice in Santa Cruz and beyond.

(Insight Santa Cruz) Gil's first connection to Buddhism in Santa Cruz goes back 49 years, two years after he was introduced to Zen Practice. His involvement with Buddhism in Santa Cruz has been an important part of those next 49 years. He shares his personal stories and lessons from his half century adventure with Buddhist practice in Santa Cruz and beyond.

(Spirit Rock Meditation Center) We begin by reviewing briefly last week's session, including how contemporary practice can expand the traditional focus on ignorance to include contemporary psychological and social perspectives on further dimensions of ignorance, including our initially unconscious social conditioning. We look again briefly at how the Buddha related both to caste and to women's roles in the sangha, and the basic of social conditioning, including how this is related to "in-groups," "out-groups," and "implicit bias." Most of the talk is devoted to suggesting the basic ways that we can explore and transform social conditioning. We focus on the main supports for such practice, including working with groups and guidelines, knowing the history of a particular form of conditoning (we give the examples of gender and race), using different forms of inquiry, mindfulness in meditation and daily life (including being mindful of the judgmental mind, anger, sadness, shame, etc.), the heart practices (including the importance of self-love, compassion, forgiveness, and joy), and other practices, such as involving ritual. The talk is followed by discussion.

(Spirit Rock Meditation Center) We begin by reviewing briefly last week's session, including how contemporary practice can expand the traditional focus on ignorance to include contemporary psychological and social perspectives on further dimensions of ignorance, including our initially unconscious social conditioning. We look again briefly at how the Buddha related both to caste and to women's roles in the sangha, and the basic of social conditioning, including how this is related to "in-groups," "out-groups," and "implicit bias." Most of the talk is devoted to suggesting the basic ways that we can explore and transform social conditioning. We focus on the main supports for such practice, including working with groups and guidelines, knowing the history of a particular form of conditoning (we give the examples of gender and race), using different forms of inquiry, mindfulness in meditation and daily life (including being mindful of the judgmental mind, anger, sadness, shame, etc.), the heart practices (including the importance of self-love, compassion, forgiveness, and joy), and other practices, such as involving ritual. The talk is followed by discussion.

(Spirit Rock Meditation Center) We begin by reviewing briefly last week's session, including how contemporary practice can expand the traditional focus on ignorance to include contemporary psychological and social perspectives on further dimensions of ignorance, including our initially unconscious social conditioning. We look again briefly at how the Buddha related both to caste and to women's roles in the sangha, and the basic of social conditioning, including how this is related to "in-groups," "out-groups," and "implicit bias." Most of the talk is devoted to suggesting the basic ways that we can explore and transform social conditioning. We focus on the main supports for such practice, including working with groups and guidelines, knowing the history of a particular form of conditoning (we give the examples of gender and race), using different forms of inquiry, mindfulness in meditation and daily life (including being mindful of the judgmental mind, anger, sadness, shame, etc.), the heart practices (including the importance of self-love, compassion, forgiveness, and joy), and other practices, such as involving ritual. The talk is followed by discussion.

Exploring the factors of enlightenment, Vipassana teacher Trudy Goodman offers listeners ‘the good news' of Buddhist Practice.Today's podcast is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/beherenow and get on your way to being your best self.This time on the BHNN Guest Podcast, Trudy Goodman explores:The balancing factor, energizing factors, and calming factors of enlightenmentManifesting metta through mindfulnessInvestigation into the truth of the dharma Offering compassion to the pain we feelThe beauty and profound stillness of a unified heart-mindBeing both the subject and object of experience Having faith in the strengthening of our mindfulness skillsThis episode was originally published on DharmaseedAbout Trudy Goodman:Trudy is a Vipassana teacher in the Theravada lineage and the Founding Teacher of InsightLA. For 25 years, in Cambridge, MA, Trudy practiced mindfulness-based psychotherapy with children, teenagers, couples and individuals. Trudy conducts retreats, engages in activism work, and teaches workshops worldwide and online. She is also the voice of Trudy the Love Barbarian in the Netflix series, The Midnight Gospel. You can learn more about Trudy's flourishing array of wonderful offerings at TrudyGoodman.com “We can be both the subject and object of experience. We can drop the whole thing and be neither. We have this capacity when we are willing to focus our attention, and, to focus our attention somewhere besides here, we discover a whole world of empathy, love, and intimate connection.” –Trudy GoodmanSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(Spirit Rock Meditation Center) We begin by focusing on a fundamental perspective for our practice: How our practice moves from underlying ignorance to wisdom. We look at both the traditional understanding of such ignorance and how contemporary psychological and social perspectives help us to identify further dimensions of ignorance, including our initially unconscious social conditioning. We start by considering how the Buddha related both to caste and to women's roles in the sangha. We then look at the nature of social conditioning, including how this is related to "in-groups" and "out-groups," along with "implicit bias," and ways that our practice can help us see more clearly and ultimately transform our social conditioning.

(Spirit Rock Meditation Center) We begin by focusing on a fundamental perspective for our practice: How our practice moves from underlying ignorance to wisdom. We look at both the traditional understanding of such ignorance and how contemporary psychological and social perspectives help us to identify further dimensions of ignorance, including our initially unconscious social conditioning. We start by considering how the Buddha related both to caste and to women's roles in the sangha. We then look at the nature of social conditioning, including how this is related to "in-groups" and "out-groups," along with "implicit bias," and ways that our practice can help us see more clearly and ultimately transform our social conditioning.

(Spirit Rock Meditation Center) We begin by focusing on a fundamental perspective for our practice: How our practice moves from underlying ignorance to wisdom. We look at both the traditional understanding of such ignorance and how contemporary psychological and social perspectives help us to identify further dimensions of ignorance, including our initially unconscious social conditioning. We start by considering how the Buddha related both to caste and to women's roles in the sangha. We then look at the nature of social conditioning, including how this is related to "in-groups" and "out-groups," along with "implicit bias," and ways that our practice can help us see more clearly and ultimately transform our social conditioning.

Citações e trechos do livro “Gates to Buddhist Practice”, e “Life in Relation to Death”, de Chagdud Tulku Rinpoche.Nascido no leste do Tibete (Kham), Chagdud Tulku Rinpoche (1930 - 2002) foi um lama da escola Nyingma de Budismo Vajrayana tibetano. Aos quatro anos ele foi reconhecido como um tulku (encarnação de um mestre de meditação), e um recebeu treinamento rigoroso, aprofundoando seus estudos em extensos retiros.Em 1959, ele escapou da ocupação comunista do Tibete e viveu exilado em comunidades de refugiados na Índia e no Nepal até se estabelecer nos Estados Unidos, em 1979. Em 1994, mudou-se para o Brasil e começou a construção do seu centro principal, o Khadro Ling, no Rio Grande do Sul.Ao viajar e ensinar constantemente, irradiando entusiasmo e compaixão, tornou-se o lama do coração de centenas de alunos e foi uma inspiração profunda para milhares de outros.Quando lhe perguntavam por que, aos sessenta e quatro anos, mudou-se para a América do Sul ao invés de permanecer confortavelmente nos Estados Unidos, respondia: “Percebi a fé dos brasileiros e o seu interesse no Budismo e quis ensiná-los”.

Joseph Goldstein explores gradual cultivation, highlighting that even if we are suddenly awakened, we still must have an ongoing practice to work with hindrances and ingrained habits.This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/insighthour and get on your way to being your best self.This week on Insight Hour, Joseph Goldstein discusses:The areas of life where clinging shows up most How clinging to sensory pleasures is so embedded in our cultureLightening up for enlightenment and not taking ourselves so seriously How a sense of humor can benefit our practice Unhelpful attachment to view and opinionThe unity of clarity and emptiness (self-existing wakefulness)The Buddhist meaning of unborn/unformed Uprooting of the view of self with the understanding that there is still more work to doHaving an ongoing, gradual cultivation of skillful means This episode was originally published on Dharmaseed and recorded at the Barre Center for Buddhist Studies, a non-profit organization founded by renowned meditation teachers Joseph Goldstein and Sharon Salzberg to integrate Buddhist study and practice.“Very often, people can have genuine realization and have a really deep understanding, and then get attached to that as if everything is done. So very often these folks can get engaged in skillful behavior, thinking it's all coming from their deep realization, it's really coming from all the work that still needs to be done.” –Joseph Goldstein See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

I'm happy to share this rebroadcast of an interview I did with James Bae, the host of the "Buddhist Yoga" Youtube channel. In this deep-dive, we discuss my new book, Meditation Sickness, just out from University of Hawaii Press. This edited collection of translations by expert scholars lays out a range of Buddhist viewpoints about the potential side-effects of contemplative practice, and what happens when one crosses the line between expected challenges and true medical crises. Including ancient scriptures, writings by some of the most celebrated Buddhist meditation teachers of all time, as well as contemporary ethnographic reports from all over the Buddhist world, the book details the symptoms, causes, prevention, and treatment of "meditation sickness." Our conversation provides a detailed overview of the contents of the book, and illustrates why it is crucially important for Western meditators to be knowledgable about these phenomena. Enjoy! Resources mentioned in the episode:Pierce Salguero, Meditation Sickness: A Sourcebook of the Dangers of Buddhist Practice (2026). Pierce Salguero, “Meditation Sickness” in Medieval Chinese Buddhismand the Contemporary West (2023).Pierce's previous appearances on Buddhist Yoga: Buddhist Medicine and Contemplative Pedagogy ; The Contemporary Landscape of Buddhist HealingPierce's resource website: BuddhistMedicine.NetBecome a paid subscriber on blackberyl.substack.com to unlock our members-only benefits, including:PDF of the introduction to the 2026 book. 

(Gaia House)

Citações e trechos do livro “Gates to Buddhist Practice”, de Chagdud Tulku Rinpoche.Nascido no leste do Tibete (Kham), Chagdud Tulku Rinpoche (1930 - 2002) foi um lama da escola Nyingma de Budismo Vajrayana tibetano. Aos quatro anos ele foi reconhecido como um tulku (encarnação de um mestre de meditação), e um recebeu treinamento rigoroso, aprofundoando seus estudos em extensos retiros.Em 1959, ele escapou da ocupação comunista do Tibete e viveu exilado em comunidades de refugiados na Índia e no Nepal até se estabelecer nos Estados Unidos, em 1979. Em 1994, mudou-se para o Brasil e começou a construção do seu centro principal, o Khadro Ling, no Rio Grande do Sul.Ao viajar e ensinar constantemente, irradiando entusiasmo e compaixão, tornou-se o lama do coração de centenas de alunos e foi uma inspiração profunda para milhares de outros.Quando lhe perguntavam por que, aos sessenta e quatro anos, mudou-se para a América do Sul ao invés de permanecer confortavelmente nos Estados Unidos, respondia: “Percebi a fé dos brasileiros e o seu interesse no Budismo e quis ensiná-los”.

Distinguishing aspiration from striving with ego, Joseph Goldstein gives listeners permission to have a sense of purpose along their spiritual path.This week on Insight Hour, Joseph Goldstein discusses:Having a sense of purpose within the impersonal nature of all things Aspiration: understanding why we are practicing What the Buddha said about purpose and aspiration on The Eightfold PathSeeing the world objectively without reference to the selfBeing a great faith follower versus a dharma followerResting in our practice and letting go of unhealthy striving Insight Meditation Society and its commitment to diversity Maintaining the right attitude and openness to all experiencesThis episode was recorded at the Insight Meditation Society Forest Refuge and originally published on Dharmaseed"The Buddha definitely laid out a goal. The Eightfold Path leads someplace—it's not just meandering around, not going any place. The Eightfold path is leading to awakening, to enlightenment. We can have that aspiration which sets the direction for our practice, we can say that is a sense of purpose, but we're seeing it not so much in terms of an egoful striving, but a realization of our values and what leads to the accomplishment of our values." – Joseph GoldsteinSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This talk was given by Gil Fronsdal and Mohsen Mahdawi on 2026.01.13 at the Sati Center in Redwood City, CA. ******* Video of this talk is available at: https://youtu.be/wdENY_WKTLM. ******* A machine generated transcript of this talk is available. It has not been edited by a human, so errors will exist. Download Transcript: https://www.audiodharma.org/transcripts/24337/download ******* For more talks like this, visit AudioDharma.org ******* If you have enjoyed this talk, please consider supporting AudioDharma with a donation at https://www.audiodharma.org/donate/. ******* This talk is licensed by a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License

This talk was given by Gil Fronsdal and Mohsen Mahdawi on 2026.01.13 at the Sati Center in Redwood City, CA. ******* Video of this talk is available at: https://youtu.be/wdENY_WKTLM. ******* A machine generated transcript of this talk is available. It has not been edited by a human, so errors will exist. Download Transcript: https://www.audiodharma.org/transcripts/24337/download ******* For more talks like this, visit AudioDharma.org ******* If you have enjoyed this talk, please consider supporting AudioDharma with a donation at https://www.audiodharma.org/donate/. ******* This talk is licensed by a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License

01/07/2026, Sozan Michael McCord, dharma talk at City Center. Sozan Michael McCord explores how waiting is not necessarily patience. And it is not a passive default. In this talk, the subject of patience is explored as one of the Buddhist "paramitas" (perfections) that are both fruits of practice and an area of one's life that is actively cultivated.

Today I sit down with Nick Canby, visiting assistant professor at Brown University and a clinical psychologist specializing in meditation and psychedelics. Together, we dive into Nick's research on the self — what is it and what it's like to lose it. Along the way, we mention some of the downsides of experiencing oneness and the complications of defining a mental health disorder.If you want to hear scholars and practitioners engaging in deep conversations about the dark side of Asian religions and medicines, then subscribe to Black Beryl wherever you get your podcasts. Also check out our members-only benefits on Substack.com to see what our guests have shared with you. Enjoy the show!Resources mentioned in this episode: Previous episode on meditation challenges with Willoughby Britton and Jared Lindahl List of Publications from the Varieties of Contemplative Experience studyCanby et al., "The Teacher Matters: The Role and Impact of Meditation Teachers in the Trajectories of Western Buddhist Meditators Experiencing Meditation-Related Challenges"Pierce's forthcoming volume, "Meditation Sickness: A Sourcebook on the Dangers of Buddhist Practice" Previous episode on madness and religious experience with Richard Saville-SmithNick's clinical practiceNick's profile on Cheetah HouseComplete list of Nick's publications Become a paid subscriber on blackberyl.substack.com to unlock our members-only benefits, including downloading:Article summarizing Nick's dissertation research on “loss of self” experiences50% off “Varieties of Ego-Dissolution” online course (research overview of the types of self-boundary dissolution and their impacts) 

In the United States, we celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday this week. It's a time that brings up a variety of challenges for many people: family conflicts, political disagreements, concerns about overeating, and the painful historical roots of the holiday in colonial exploitation of Indigenous people. In this episode, we share a private talk and meditation Scott gave to the Train a Happy Mind community last Thanksgiving. In it, he grapples openly with these issues, while exploring how we can still make the holiday meaningful. How can we use the deeper spirit of Thanksgiving—generosity and gratitude—to expand compassion and awareness to include all beings across the planet? In this episode you'll learn:How to Celebrate Thanksgiving In a New WayHow to Do the Buddhist Practice of UniversalizingWhat Are the Five Delusions in BuddhismWhat Are the Antidotes to Buddhist DelusionsHow To Stay Open Through Both Pleasure and PainOverview:01:55 The Problematic Side of Thanksgiving03:45 A Broader Kind of Gathering08:02 Universalizing: How to Create a Mind of Sharing and Generosity11:21 Starting the Meditation: Settling In12:25 The Five Delusions16:12 Stabilize the Mind17:50 Love and Compassion23:52 Universalizing ThanksgivingSupport the show

Claude AnShin Thomas - Zen Buddhist monk, combat veteran, and author - speaks about recovery from addiction in relation to Buddhist practice and responds to questions in an inspiring manner based on his Zen practice and life experiences. He reminds the listener how to stay awake to life and understand more deeply the traps of a deluded mind. This episode was recorded at an online talk as the keynote speaker at an online summit conference of the international Buddhist Recovery Network. For more information: https://www.zaltho.org If you want to ask Claude AnShin Thomas a question, please feel free to write to info@zaltho.org. Book recommendations: - AT HELL'S GATE - A Soldier's Journey from War to Peace (Shambhala Publications 2003, also as ebook and audiobook)  - Bringing Meditation to Life - 108 Teachings on the Path of Zen Practice (Oakwood Publishing 2021, also as ebook and audiobook) - On the Edges of Sleep: Poems of War and Memory (Oakwood Publishing 2024, also as ebook) - Applied Zen- A Short Guide to an Active Meditation Practice (Oakwood Publishing 2025, also as ebook)   https://www.zaltho.org/books/ To support, donate. If you are interested in a specific question, this is the list of questions that Claude AnShin responded to and the time stamps for those questions so that you can go directly to the topic that is of most interest to you. Questions and Time Stamps:
 31:28
 Could you describe the two types of karma? And how do you spell "Mara," and what does it mean? 33:30
 You mentioned that we don't really have choices. Could you say more about that? 35:06
 What is the second part of making one's bed in the morning? 35:50
 I am curious about your pilgrimage from Poland to Vietnam—could you share more about that? 39:12
 What can I do in response to the rise of authoritarianism in the United States? 42:20
 Could you explain the logic or purpose behind making one's bed in the morning? 44:37
 How did you work through or heal from your war wounds? 46:29
 Do you still attend AA meetings? 47:00
 Could you tell us about your experience studying in a monastery? 48:20
 Sometimes I can sit easily; other times it's difficult. How should I work with shorter or more challenging sitting periods? 50:40
 What do you recommend for those of us who live alone and tend to stay in our heads a lot? 52:00
 Regarding sitting with suffering—did you learn to do that on your own or with others? 53:55
 Do you believe addiction can be cured? 56:20 
Can you recommend any books that have been helpful to you?

In this insightful episode, we explore the nuanced teachings of anger within Buddhist practice, particularly how Western students may misinterpret traditional advice like "don't get angry." Join us as Dr. Harvey Aronson, also known as Lama Namgyal Dorje, offers a cross-cultural perspective that bridges Eastern wisdom with Western understanding. Discover how to navigate anger with awareness and compassion, transforming it into a source of personal growth and spiritual insight. Tune in to deepen your understanding of this powerful emotion and its role in your spiritual journey.Links to resources:Harvey/Lama Namgyal's upcoming teaching series at Dawn Mountain: https://www.dawnmountain.org/teaching-tuesdays-2/Dawn Mountain's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@dawnmountain/featuredAnd their podcast:https://blubrry.com/dawnmountain/His book, Buddhist Practice on Western Ground: https://www.shambhala.com/buddhist-practice-on-western-ground-2842.htmlOther suggestions: Outshining Trauma: https://www.shambhala.com/outshining-trauma.html

Episode #387: “I think vipassana has always been a response to crisis, not just a quest for spiritual purity,” says Gustaaf Houtman, anthropologist and author of Traditions of Buddhist Practice in Burma and Mental Culture in Burmese Crisis Politics. Drawing on decades of research and immersion in the culture, Houtman connects meditation, language, politics, and cultural history, revealing a view of Burma's Buddhist traditions that resists Western simplifications. Houtman contrasts Western notions of religion—rooted in belief in abstract doctrines and separated from culture—with the Burmese concept of sāsana, the Buddha's dispensation, which is integrally embedded in historical and social life. He juxtaposes sāsana with bodha-batha, a term coined by the 19th century American missionary Adoniram Judson, which reframed Buddhism as a belief-based “-ism,” comparable to Christianity. This, Houtman argues, was not simply linguistic but ideological as well. In response, Burmese reformers emphasized Pāḷi terms like sāsana to defend Buddhism's historical and cultural depth, turning language into “a site of resistance” against Western cultural hegemony. This framework illuminates the importance of lineage in Burmese meditation. Unlike monastic ordination, which is formally documented, meditation instruction is informal and personal, requiring validation from respected teachers— and it rarely goes in a straight line. U Ba Khin's reliance on Webu Sayadaw's endorsement exemplifies how Burmese meditation culture depends on networks of trust and recognition. Houtman contrasts this complexity with S. N. Goenka's simplified lineage narrative, which, while pedagogically effective, erases the historical crises— British colonialism, military dictatorship, and cultural reform— that gave rise to vipassana. He links this history to Ledi Sayadaw, whose reforms empowered laypeople to sustain Buddhism during colonial rule, paving the way for later teachers like Mahasi Sayadaw and U Ba Khin. Meditation in Burma, Houtman emphasizes, has long been entwined with social and cultural life, politics, and survival, and is a source of cultural pride. Today, he supports exiled Burmese scholars through what he calls “academic activism,” insisting that understanding Burma requires joining its ongoing historical struggle. “If you stay with it, you will be drawn in. And if you're drawn in, you stay for the long haul.”

Ajahn Dhammasiha responds to a question by someone just getting started in their Dhamma practise. Ajahn talks about karma, generosity and kindness; and the future results of our karma. He mentions rebirth, the fact that our mind doesn't just vanish at death, but will connect with a new body in one of the different realms of existence, according to our karma and attachments. Ajahn recommends to go back to what the Buddha himself actually taught, and explains that in the oldest part of the Theravada Pali Canon we can find the most authentic record of the Buddha's own words. He passes on two books summarizing the Noble Eight Fold Path based on these early suttas: Venerable Nyanatiloka, 'The Word of the Buddha', Buddhist Publication Society, Kandy, Sri Lanka Venerable Bhikkhu Bodhi, 'The Noble Eightfold Path' Ajahn also recommends to establish a little shrine, and to keep that area 'sacred', by not doing any other activity than chanting and meditation there. He recommends to start a regular practice of Buddhist Chanting, and passes on our Amaravati Chanting Book, that includes both Pali and English Chants: Ajahn encourages the newcomer to regularly continue his practice of Ānāpānasati (Meditation on Mindfulness of Breathing'), that he has already gathered some experience with.Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Our Spotify Playlists⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Dhammagiri Youtube Channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pics⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Dharma talk given by Lama Matthew Palden Gocha, August 17, 2025. Music by Barefoot Bran Music.

(Spirit Rock Meditation Center) We begin with brief instructions for developing samadhi (“placing together” or “concentration”), followed by basic mindfulness instructions and then guidance for working with the feeling-tone of pleasant or unpleasant, when it appears in the moderate range. We are mindful of pleasant or unpleasant and look for grasping or pushing away in some form, guided by core wisdom teachings.

(Spirit Rock Meditation Center) We begin with brief instructions for developing samadhi (“placing together” or “concentration”), followed by basic mindfulness instructions and then guidance for working with the feeling-tone of pleasant or unpleasant, when it appears in the moderate range. We are mindful of pleasant or unpleasant and look for grasping or pushing away in some form, guided by core wisdom teachings.

(Spirit Rock Meditation Center) We begin with brief instructions for developing samadhi (“placing together” or “concentration”), followed by basic mindfulness instructions and then guidance for working with the feeling-tone of pleasant or unpleasant, when it appears in the moderate range. We are mindful of pleasant or unpleasant and look for grasping or pushing away in some form, guided by core wisdom teachings.

venmo.   Dharmapunxnyc patreon. www.patreon.com/dharmapunxnyc

Waylon asks the question: what is the Buddhist practice of Right Speech when it comes to hate and greed and lies? “From a Buddhist point of view, we need to be honest. We must not be harmful in our speech, but we need to be able to be frank. In fact, the Buddhist notion of idiot compassion would lead us to (hopefully) remember that allowing hate or lies or prejudice or violent speech to go unanswered in any way is actually harmful." ~ Waylon H. Lewis 

Giving, or dāna, is one of the most fundamental and beautiful practices in Buddhism. In this episode, we explore how giving is not just an act of generosity—it is a path to freedom, a way to dissolve the tight grip of self-centeredness and open our hearts to others. The Buddha taught that giving benefits both the giver and the receiver, creating the karmic cause for an abundance of whatever we give, be it materially, love, Dharma, or fearlessness. Giving also reduces attachment, and deepens our sense of interconnectedness. Four Ways to Practice Giving: - Materially - Dharma - Fearlessness - Love  Giving Materially The simplest and most immediate form of generosity is offering material support—food, clothing, shelter, or financial aid. The Buddha and his monastic followers relied entirely on the generosity of laypeople for their survival, and even today, supporting others in need is considered a vital Buddhist practice. But material giving is not only about wealth; it is also about sharing whatever we have, no matter how small. Even a single grain of rice, when offered with a pure heart, carries immense merit (good karma).   Giving Dharma We give Dharma by sharing wisdom, offering guidance, and teaching the path to liberation. Giving Dharma is considered the highest form of giving. A single word of wisdom, a book on Buddhist teachings, or even a moment of genuine encouragement can plant the seeds of awakening in another's heart. Unlike material gifts, which can be used up, the gift of Dharma continues to benefit a person for their entire life and beyond.   Giving Fearlessness To give fearlessness is to offer safety, protection, and freedom from fear to others. This might mean standing up for someone who is vulnerable, comforting a friend in distress, or simply creating a space where people feel safe to be themselves. To give fearlessness can also be saving the lives of insects, animals, or people!   Giving Love At its deepest level, all acts of generosity are rooted in love. Giving love can be through a kind word or simply by listening with undivided attention. It is to offer our presence, our patience, and our open-hearted acceptance. When we give love freely, without expectation, we emulate the boundless compassion of the Buddha.   The Freedom of Letting Go In practicing generosity, we learn one of the greatest lessons of the Dharma: that clinging brings suffering, and letting go brings freedom. And in this giving, we find real joy—not in what we possess, but in what we share.   Him I call a brahmana, who, in this world, has given up craving, and leaving the home-life has become a bhikkhu; who has eradicated craving and has come to the end of existence. --Buddha, The Dhammapada, Verse 416   References and Links Buddha (1986).The Dhammapada: Verses and Stories. Translated by Daw Mya Tin, M.A. (Website). Edited by Editorial Committee, Burma Tipitaka Association Rangoon. Courtesy .of Nibbana.com. For free distribution only, as a gift of dhamma. Retrieved from https://www.tipitaka.net/tipitaka/dhp/verseload.php?verse=416 Je Tsongkhapa (2014). Great Treatise on the Stages of the Path to Enlightenment, by Je Tsongkhapa, Volume 2 (Kindle). Translated by the Lamrim Chenmo Translation Committee. Joshua Cutler, Editor-in-Chief, and Guy Newlan, Editor.   Find us at the links below:  Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/Buddhismforeveryone Facebook Group:Join our private group at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sanghatalk/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buddhism.with.joann.fox X: @Joannfox77   To learn more about virtual classes with JoAnn Fox: Buddhist Study Program

A commentary on an episode of the Hidden Brain podcast: "Emotions 2.0: What's Better than Being Happy?" and how being open to a variety of emotions, including negative ones, dovetails with Buddhist practice. Teisho by Sensei John Pulleyn.  Automated Transcript The post Emotional Diversity and Buddhist Practice (Updated) appeared first on Rochester Zen Center.

Here Akashamitra takes us through the first of the five spiritual faculties, shraddha, often translated as faith or confidence. Excerpted from the talk entitled Confidence, part of the series The Five Powers of the Mind given at London Buddhist Centre, 2024. *** Subscribe to our Dharmabytes podcast:  On Apple Podcasts | On Spotify | On Google Podcasts Bite-sized inspiration three times every week. Subscribe to our Free Buddhist Audio podcast:  On Apple Podcasts | On Spotify | On Google Podcasts A full, curated, quality Dharma talk, every week. 3,000,000 downloads and counting! Subscribe using these RSS feeds or search for Free Buddhist Audio or Dharmabytes in your favourite podcast service! Help us keep FBA Podcasts free for everyone: donate now! Follow Free Buddhist Audio: YouTube  |  Instagram  |  Twitter  |  Facebook  |  Soundcloud  

This dharma talk was given at Beginner's Mind Temple by visiting teacher Gaylon Ferguson. During the Fall 2024 Practice Period at Beginner's Mind Temple, the community is studying Dr. Ferguson's book “Welcoming Beginner's Mind: Zen and Tibetan Buddhist Wisdom on Experiencing Our True Nature.” Dr. Ferguson begins by talking about the historical and continuing connection between San Francisco Zen Center and the Shambhala International Buddhist community where he was trained. Shunryu Suzuki Roshi and Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche were close friends in life, and our communities continue that connection and shared practices. In the second portion of the talk, Dr. Ferguson looks at five phrases and their interpretations from Zen and Tibetan Buddhist perspectives. The five phrase-topics covered are: beginner's mind; practice-realization; no gaining idea; buddha-buddha-buddha; and, “grief is a Buddha.” Recorded on Saturday, November 2, 2024.

We have a very special episode of Buddhability! You can listen as usual or watch the video on YouTube. Today's guest, Orlando Bloom, sits down to discuss how his Buddhist practice has informed everything from his breakout role as Legolas in the Lord of the Rings to how he confronts his limitations in his new show On The Edge. Orlando shares insights he's gathered throughout his life since encountering SGI Nichiren Buddhism at age 16. He opens up about staying grounded with his sudden rise to fame, following a Buddhist example of a fulfilling life, and how he shows up to his relationships and the challenges of daily life.In this interview, we discuss:02:35 Orlando's rambunctious childhood08:46 Seeking a meaningful way of life22:15 Practicing Buddhism when he hit sudden fame29:27 Community is crucial for our growth38:20 Having a mentor in life51:00 Breaking free from self-isolation54:45 Deciding to incorporate his practice on his new TV Show1:00:15 Confronting fears1:11:00 Don't be afraid to make mistakes1:19:12 Orlando's advice for curious listeners Learn more here:Basics of BuddhismChanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyoBuddhist CommunityBuddhist Philosopher Daisaku Ikeda Connect with usReach out to us at connect@buddhability.org to check out a local Buddhability community. www.buddhability.org Instagram: @buddhabilityTikTok @buddhabilityFacebook @buddhability

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Ajahn Santutthi reminds us to be light hearted and have fun in our Buddhist practice. The BSWA is now using Ko-fi for donations. Please join us on Ko-fi and cancel your donations via Patreon. Thanks for your ongoing support! To find and download more Guided Meditations on Podcast, visit the BSWA teachings page: https://bswa.org/teachings/, choose the meditation you want and then type the date into the Podcast search box e.g. 01-09-2018 or try 1 September 2018.

In this week's Mindful Monday video & podcast, Waylon shares a simple Buddhist practice that you can do anywhere, anytime. " One of the most wonderful Buddhist instructions for how to become present and available, open, joyful, and genuine, in your life is as simple as this: any time of the day, particularly if you're having a hard time, if you're feeling speedy, if you're feeling exhausted, look out your window. Go outside if you can. Then..." ~ Waylon Lewis  Subscribe to get our full conversations weekly.

Daylen Heidt, of Houston, grew up labeled as a “bad kid.” Everything changed when they started practicing Buddhism just over a year ago. Buddhism teaches that we're the protagonists of our lives and have the power to write, perform and direct our dream script. Today, Daylen shares their journey from being directionless and hopeless to living with courage and purpose.  Reference:The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 2, revised edition, pp. 165–66 Cheat Sheet:06:40 Daylen finds Buddhism at a time of uncertainty11:05 Connecting with their local Buddhist community18:27 Finding the courage to repair relationships24:25 Defying their “bad student” label30:40 Seeing yourself as the protagonist of your life36:30 How Buddhism has changed their life

Going through questions submitted by meditators on retreat, Jill Shepard asks Joseph about discernment and other Buddhist practices.This episode was recorded as part of a three-month retreat at the Insight Meditation Society and originally published by Dharmaseed In this episode, Joseph answers questions on:What it means to waste your sufferingTurning attention inward and looking at the cause of sufferingAttachment, resistance, and false perceptionSelf and anatta (not-self)The wholesome and unwholesome roots of all skillful actionsLooking honestly at our intentions and motivationsHonoring the presence of our emotions versus being caught by themThe message we can receive from angerDiscernment and bringing mindfulness into loveLiberation through non-clingingWorking with doubt and the inner voice that fools and seduces usSurrendering to the DharmaHow practice prepares us for growing old“It's really important to be honest about the range of our own motivations because if we're not honest about it, we're not going to see it. If we don't see it, we may very well be acting on the unwholesome motivations.” – Joseph GoldsteinSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(Cambridge Insight Meditation Center)

(Aloka Earth Room) Short Reflection & Guided Meditation | Wednesday-Mornings | 27