Podcasts about Dharma

Welcome to a new episode of The Way Out Is In: The Zen Art of Living, a podcast series mirroring Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh's deep teachings of Buddhist philosophy: a simple yet profound methodology for dealing with our suffering, and for creating more happiness and joy in our lives. The first of a series of six episodes recorded during the pilgrimage ‘In the Footsteps of the Buddha’, this instalment was made in Varanasi, India, in February 2026. In this opening episode, Zen Buddhist monk Brother Phap Huu and leadership coach Jo Confino are joined by Dharma teacher Shantum Seth to discuss the importance of understanding the Buddha as a fully human being; a boat journey on the sacred Ganges river at sunrise, from which it was possible to witness cremation and devotion; teachings on death and impermanence as daily practice; the importance of living in the present moment; and much more.The speakers also share personal experiences and reflections on their spiritual journeys, the role played by the community, and the continuation of the Buddha’s teachings through their own lives and practice.About the pilgrimage: In 1988, Shantum Seth was invited by Thich Nhat Hanh (Thay) to organize a pilgrimage to the sacred sites associated with the Buddha's life across India. Subsequently, Thay encouraged Shantum to continue guiding such journeys each year, offering pilgrimage itself as a mindfulness practice—one that the Buddha had suggested. Shantum has been leading these transformative journeys ever since, offering people from around the world the opportunity to follow In the Footsteps of the Buddha with awareness and insight. After 15 years at the United Nations, Shantum left to volunteer with the Ahimsa Trust, which represents Thay's work in India and promotes the practice of “peace in oneself and peace in the world”. Through Buddhapath, his expression of Right Livelihood, Shantum continues to guide pilgrimages and share the wisdom and culture of the places he visits in India and across Buddhist Asia, cultivating community through these deeply meaningful journeys.To learn more about upcoming pilgrimages, visit www.buddhapath.com, or follow Shantum on Facebook and Instagram at @eleven_directions. Shantum Seth, an ordained Dharmacharya (Dharma teacher) in the Buddhist Mindfulness lineage of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh, teaches in India and across the world. A co-founder of Ahimsa Trust, he has been a student of Thich Nhat Hanh's teachings for the past 35 years, and, since 1988, has led pilgrimages and other multi-faith, educational, cultural, spiritual, and transformative journeys across diverse regions of India and Asia. He is actively involved in educational, social, and ecological programmes, including work on cultivating mindfulness in society, including with educators, the Indian Central Reserve Police Force, and the corporate sector. Across various Indian sanghas, Dharmacharya Shantum is the primary teacher of different practices of mindfulness from Thich Nhat Hanh's tradition. List of resources The Way Out Is In: ‘Ancient Path for Modern Times: Active Nonviolence (Episode #70)'https://plumvillage.org/podcast/ancient-path-for-modern-times-active-nonviolence-episode-70 Interbeinghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interbeing Plum Village Traditionhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plum_Village_Tradition ‘The Fourteen Mindfulness Trainings'https://plumvillage.org/mindfulness/the-14-mindfulness-trainings Sarnathhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarnath Dharadunhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dehradun_district Bodh Gayahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bodh_Gaya Rajgirhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rajgir Old Path White Cloudshttps://www.parallax.org/product/old-path-white-clouds Federico Fellinihttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Federico_Fellini Ghathttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghat Alara Kalama https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C4%80%E1%B8%B7%C4%81ra_K%C4%81l%C4%81ma Jack Kornfieldhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_Kornfield Upanishadshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Upanishads Sister Chan Khonghttps://plumvillage.org/about/sister-chan-khong Bodhi treehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bodhi_tree Mokshahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moksha Rishi Joan Halifaxhttps://www.joanhalifax.org/ Daily Contemplations on Impermanence & Interbeinghttps://plumvillage.org/daily-contemplations-on-impermanence-interbeing#the-five-remembrances Sutras: ‘Discourse on Knowing the Better Way to Live Alone'https://plumvillage.org/library/sutras/discourse-on-knowing-the-better-way-to-live-alone Sutrashttps://plumvillage.org/genre/sutras Leila Sethhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leila_Seth On Balancehttps://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1754796.On_Balance_an_Autobiography Quotes “Every step is a miracle. Every breath is an offering.” “The transformation is both individual and collective – and not just right now; it is something which seeps into our understanding and informs our life. The real journey begins when you get home. When you see your familiar surroundings with these pilgrimage lenses, those are very, very important moments. When you see your familiar surroundings slightly differently, and you see what brings you suffering, what brings you joy, what brings a sense of ease, then you can tweak your life.” “Siddhartha always says, ‘I’m on this path not for power, not for leadership, but to find liberation within us.' And that means we have to be ready to let go of all of the ideology that we have received from our ancestors, not from just us, but from the lineage of our whole ancestors and society.” “We can be free amidst the suffering. We can still find our calm, our peace with every storm that arises, that manifests. We find a way to understand it, to embrace it even, because we see that that storm is a part of us.” “In the Mahaparinirvāṇa Sutta, the Buddha said, ‘Go to the places where I was born, died, where the first teachings were given, where I awakened.' But I think he’s saying, ‘Leave your familiar surroundings and explore, and you’ll find different seeds in your consciousness being touched, which are not touched when you go every day to work or in your familiar surroundings.' And that is the learning of yourself. It’s an interior journey on this exterior part.” “In India, your path to God is through your guru – but in the Buddha Dharma, the guru shows you the path, and you walk it. In the classic example of the Buddha pointing to the moon, he says, ‘Don’t get caught looking at my finger; look at the moon.'” “Somebody once asked Thay, ‘What happens when we die?' He said, ‘I don’t know, but I can tell you what happens when we’re alive.'” “The only ingredient that you have any control about for the future is the present. We can only act in the present. As you know, the past is gone, the future is an idea – but all these situations that arise in our lives, how do we respond appropriately? With ethics, with a sense of calm, with a sense of love, how can we respond appropriately to each situation? Because that is the ingredient for the future.” “The Buddha is saying, ‘Stay open, stay alive. This is the most precious moment. This is a gift. And when we die, we’ll have no control over it.'” “In Indian philosophy, we don't have only yes or no. We say, yes, no, neither yes or no, both yes and no. So it’s the idea that I am the same person, I’m a different person, I’m neither the same or a different person, and both the same person and the different person. That’s the Buddha Dharma’s understanding of continuity, birth and death, and in that we don’t get caught.” “Awakening is a collective awakening.” “The Buddha was teaching us how to be a human being, how to take both the joy and the happiness of being a human being, but also to understand the suffering of a human being, and then take suffering as a noble truth. But it’s a noble truth only because we can transform it – otherwise it’s just plain old suffering. Use suffering as the compost for liberation. Looking at the cause, knowing the path to overcome suffering. And that’s key in Buddha. Otherwise, death is suffering, loss is suffering. The Buddha is saying, ‘Take that and look at it deeply, transform it, and live your life today as if it’s your last moment, your first moment, your present moment, our present moment.'” “Secular in India means different from secular in the West. Secular in India means respecting all religions. It doesn’t mean non-religious. I was brought up in a household like that, where we had Hindu icons, Christian icons, Islamic icons, everything. And we would go to midnight mass or go to a mosque or go to a temple, but we were not religious. It was just respecting people like that. And we had friends from every religion.”

This talk was given by Matthew Brensilver on 2026.03.18 at the Insight Meditation Center in Redwood City, CA. ******* Video of this talk is available at: https://youtube.com/live/4CptH59oeH4. ******* 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

"Between Having and Being" is a Dharma talk offered at Two Hands Sangha about the difference between having an experience and making the experience our identity. All about the "I", "Me", "Mine" experience we solidify around with most of our thoughts and words all the time, and how to begin changing that. I hope this will be helpful for some of you, and that you will enjoy the talk!https://bio.reverendgeorgebeecher.com

Dharma talk by Melissa Myozen Blacker, Rōshi, on March 17, 2026

In this session the Dharma talk was given by Daniel Scharpenburg, March 15, 2026.  Music was provided by Barefoot Bran Music.

In this Rohatsu talk, Kisei shares the story of the Buddha's awakening and the journey that led to it. Beginning with the Buddha's birth and the prophetic dream of his mother, the talk traces his sheltered life in the palace, the transformative encounter with the four sights, and his years of searching through meditation and austerities. Through mythic imagery and traditional teachings—including Mara's temptations, the rediscovery of simple presence, and the moment of awakening beneath the Bodhi tree—this story invites listeners to reflect on their own spiritual path and the possibility of awakening within everyday life. ★ Support this podcast ★

Recently, thanks to Shambhala Publications and our friend Ivan Bercholz, we had the chance to ask Pema Chodron, the wonderful Buddhist teacher I've been lucky enough to know all my life, a brief question. It was Willa and Kelsey's first time meeting Pema! It was a pleasure and an honor and helpful in an earthy way. Dharma is always surprising in how it rings true and surprises my thinking mind. ~ Waylon Lewis Read the full article on Elephant: https://www.elephantjournal.com/2026/03/im-a-new-father-i-asked-pema-chodron-how-we-should-prepare-our-daughter-for-a-wild-world/

Gil Fronsdal explores practicing in accord with nature, showing how mindfulness and honesty help us release resistance and move with the natural flow of the Dharma.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, Gil Fronsdal lectures on:Being in accord with the dharma, with truth, and with natureThe painful attitudes that we often bring to changeAccepting our feelings rather than pushing them awayHow resistance to reality causes more suffering Mindfulness: creating the ideal conditions for the natural process of healingFloating down the stream of Dharma rather than struggling up a mountainStudying nature rather than rushing into conclusionsBecoming an observer of our own lives with child-like openness and adult-like resolveAbout 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"We're in this stream of the dharma, this stream of practice. It is not fighting up a mountain and struggling so much. It is finding a place to rest in the stream and we find ourselves being carried along beautifully into the ocean. The ocean is so big it can hold all of us. Isn't that nice? It's not like you're going to be king of the mountain. We're all going to be brothers and sisters in this great ocean of the dharma." –Gil FronsdalSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(Insight Meditation Community of Berkeley) This talk shares a teaching from the great 10th Century Tibetan master, Tilopa. Tilopa and his succession of Dharma heirs formed the core of the Kagyu lineage of Tibetan Buddhism. He passed his teachings on to Naropa, whose student Marpa transmitted them to Milarepa, who then gave transmission to Gampopa. Tilopa's teaching is summed up in his timeless "Six Words Of Advice" which are instructions on how to stay connected to the present moment. These instructions are explored in this talk.

In this episode, Jogen continues exploring how Zen practice moves beyond the meditation cushion and into daily life. Focusing on the Bodhisattva path, he reflects on generosity as the first and essential practice—expressed through simple acts like appreciation, attentiveness, sharing resources, and imagining the inner lives of others. Rather than striving to be “good,” he invites listeners to cultivate a generous heart that naturally flows from clarity and awareness, transforming ordinary moments into opportunities to bring a little more care, beauty, and ease into the world. ★ Support this podcast ★

During this talk, Peter responds to questions about lojong training, (A Tibetan discipline for developing compassion), and the “near and far enemy” of lovingkindness, compassion, sympathetic joy and equanimity.

(Insight Meditation Community of Berkeley) This talk shares a teaching from the great 10th Century Tibetan master, Tilopa. Tilopa and his succession of Dharma heirs formed the core of the Kagyu lineage of Tibetan Buddhism. He passed his teachings on to Naropa, whose student Marpa transmitted them to Milarepa, who then gave transmission to Gampopa. Tilopa's teaching is summed up in his timeless "Six Words Of Advice" which are instructions on how to stay connected to the present moment. These instructions are explored in this talk.

Celebrating the release of All In This Together, Jack reflects on learning to bow to life's mystery—and how doing so opens a path to liberation, love, and inner peace.Jack's new book is out now: All in This Together: Stories and Teachings for Loving Each Other and Our WorldToday's podcast is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/heartwisdom and get on your way to being your best self.https://youtu.be/c9lBoai7ZTY“There's something so mysterious about how things unfold. We live in something so huge and magnificent, but we get into small mind about how it should be, but we honestly don't know so much.” –Jack KornfieldIn this episode, Jack mindfully explores:More healing stories on love and respectSharon Salzberg's travel advice from Chögyam Trungpa RinpocheThe stories of how both Spirit Rock Meditation Center and Insight Meditation Society came to beBowing to the mystery of how everything unfoldsThich Nhat Hanh's wisdom from a treeHow weird, wild, and mysterious it is to be humanThe invitation to liberation this life offersHow to stay calm driving in intense trafficWorking with intention and letting others off the hookWhen people are behaving badly, letting go and focusing on your own heartDealing with existential angstThe music of humanity, of being humanWorking through anger and righteousnessHolding your complicated life in kindness and compassionBecoming a lighthouse for others“There's something in the stories we tell. We come together for the Dharma, and it's really the truth of love and mystery.” –Jack KornfieldThis Dharma Talk originally took place in Nov 2025 for the Spirit Rock Monday Night Dharma Talk and Guided Meditation celebrating Jack's All In This Together book release. Stay up to date with Jack's upcoming livestreams and events here.About Jack Kornfield:Jack Kornfield trained as a Buddhist monk in the monasteries of Thailand, India, and Burma, studying as a monk under the Buddhist master Ven. Ajahn Chah, as well as the Ven. Mahasi Sayadaw. He has taught meditation internationally since 1974 and is one of the key teachers to introduce Buddhist mindfulness practice to the West. Jack co-founded the Insight Meditation Society in Barre, Massachusetts, with fellow meditation teachers Sharon Salzberg and Joseph Goldstein and the Spirit Rock Center in Woodacre, California. His books have been translated into 20 languages and sold more than a million copies.Jack is currently offering a wonderful array of transformational online courses diving into crucial topics like Mindfulness Meditation Fundamentals, Walking the Eightfold Path, Opening the Heart of Forgiveness, Living Beautifully, Transforming Your Life Through Powerful Stories, and so much more. Sign up for an All Access Pass to explore Jack's entire course library. If you would like a year's worth of online meetups with Jack and fellow community, join The Year of Awakening: A Monthly Journey with Jack Kornfield.“You can't know the intention of someone else. There's only one person whose intention you can really know. Guess whose that is? So, intention is really for yourself.” –Jack KornfieldStay up to date with Jack and his stream of fresh dharma offerings by visiting JackKornfield.com and signing up for his email teachings.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode Mikey Noechel reflects on the passing of one of his teachers, the Venerable Pannavati on 2/26/26. Here are links to learn more about Ven. Pannavati: https://heartwoodmandala.org Lion's Roar Article: https://www.lionsroar.com/venerable-dr-pannavati-heartwood-mandala-spiritual-leader-and-humanitarian-force-has-died/ Tricycle Article: https://tricycle.org/article/venerable-pannavati-has-died/     Wild Heart Meditation Center in a non-profit Buddhist community based in Nashville, TN. https://www.wildheartmeditationcenter.orgDONATE: If you feel moved to support WHMC financially please visit:https://www.wildheartmeditationcenter.org/donateFollow Us on Socials!Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WildHeartNashville/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wildheartnashville/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wildheartmeditation

Title: The Return: Recalibration, Sacred Space Stewardship, and the Dharma of Retreat HoldingAfter an unintentional three month pause, I'm returning to Fire and Soul with a solo episode that feels long overdue.In this episode I'm pulling back the curtain on what this season has really been about for me, the numerology, the move out of Lakeway, the spiritual deepening, and the new chapter that is quietly becoming one of the most exciting things I have ever created.I also share why 2025 was simultaneously the hardest and greatest teacher of my life, what the 12 Wild and Holy Nights revealed to me, and the sacred thread of 222 that has been weaving through everything.Plus I'm giving you the first real look at Sacred Space Stewardship, my brand new certification program for women who are ready to lead transformational retreats with integrity, capacity, and true stewardship. The founding cohort kicks off May 19th and we are only taking eight women.If you have been feeling the call to hold space at this level, this episode is for you.Links mentioned:Sacred Space Stewardship waitlist: sacredspacestewardship.comSedona Rising retreat (2 spots remaining, April 16-20): https://www.michelle-sorro.com/sedonarisingretreatSynergy: https://www.michelle-sorro.com/synergymichelle-sorro.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this talk Mary reflects on the Mahayana idea of bodhicitta. At it's heart, it is the idea of an awakened mind and an aspiration to awaken and experience an end of suffering both for ourselves and for all. And why not?Recorded March 7, 2026 in the virtual worldSend me a text with any questions or comments! Include your name and email if you would like a response - it's not included automatically. Thanks.Visit Mary's website for more info on classes and teachings.

Let's set the scene - you are the epic warrior of the Mahabharata, Arjuna, distraught on the battlefield. Unable to decide- to fight or not to fight? The classic Hamlet: to be or not to be? What is the right side? In our own day-to-day lives, we experience similar hurdles of the right thing to do vs the thing you wanna do. Or sometimes what is expected of you vs the right thing to do? How do we navigate these hurdles of passion, duty and desire. How do we dissect our intentions on our paths towards spiritual development. In this sanctuary of The Philosophy of Now, we are all seekers. And as we reflect together, we certainly want to go on this narrative journey of asking this deeply introspective question.To kick off Season 5 of The Philosophy of Now, we speak with the renowned speaker, Sanskrit scholar and bestselling author of The Mahabharata Unravelled 1 and 2, Ami Ganatra.She helps us break down this very question - how do we know our intentions are righteous, or on the side of Dharma? How do we know we are acting out of duty and not desire? Through her expertise and analysis of The Mahabharata and the Bhagavad Gita, Ami Ganatra guides us through our own story and a reflective journey to finding our own answers - Together. Listen to the full episode!Ami Ganatra's latest book, Why Are We This Way: A Guide to Hindu Shastras is available here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dharma talk by David Dae An Rynick, Rōshi, on March 10, 2026

In this episode, Jogen explores how Zen practice extends beyond the meditation cushion into the challenges of everyday life. From observing habitual thought patterns and interrupting unhelpful mental habits to cultivating pockets of quiet mind in daily tasks, he emphasizes continual practice as a path to clarity, awareness, and grace. Listeners are invited to engage with their own minds, relationships, and routines as living opportunities for mindfulness, reflection, and transformation. ★ Support this podcast ★

When it feels like tragedy is escalating, it becomes hard to escape despair. Today, I share my own inner reflection on processing world events and why it still feels powerful to hold onto hope and the dream of peace for all.Apologies as well, for my voice - I am recovering from a small sore throat, but it will likely clear up soon!Thoughts and questions you would like to share? Email me anytime at dailydharmapodcast@gmail.com Thank you for being here and wishing you a peaceful week ahead.

Aryajaya explores the first seven verses of the Cetokhila Sutta ('The Wilderness of the Heart'), looking at the conditions that make spiritual growth possible or impossible. The focus here is on the 5 wildernesses (or wastelands) that need to be abandoned: being doubtful, uncertain, undecided and unconfident in the Buddha, the Dharma, the Sangha, and the training and being angry or displeased with one's companions in the spiritual life. Excerpted from the talk entitled Standing In the Place of the Warrior given at Adhisthana, 2019 on a Triratna Buddhist Order weekend as part of a two-talk series. *** Help us keep FBA Podcasts free for everyone! Donate now: https://freebuddhistaudio.com/donate Subscribe to our Dharmabytes podcast: Bite-sized clips - Buddhist inspiration three times a week. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dharmabytes-from-free-buddhist-audio/id416832097 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4UHPDj01UH6ptj8FObwBfB

In this session the Dharma talk was given by Hans Von Rautenfeld, March 8, 2026. Music was provided by Barefoot Bran Music.

"A Stable Table" is a Dharma talk offered at Two Hands Sangha on the topic of the three pillars of our practice: Panna, Sila, and Samadhi. This seemed like a natural follow up to our month of cultivating (or strengthening) a daily sitting practice, and I hope you'll find it useful. Very simple and straightforward, and supportive of your practice. Please forgive the audio quality, as I was forced to use a different microphone tonight with no noise control. I hope it's not too troublesome. Enjoy!https://bio.reverendgeorgebeecher.com

ਸੂਹੀ ਮਹਲਾ ੪ ॥ ਹਰਿ ਹਰਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਭਜਿਓ ਪੁਰਖੋਤਮੁ ਸਭਿ ਬਿਨਸੇ ਦਾਲਦ ਦਲਘਾ ॥ ਭਉ ਜਨਮ ਮਰਣਾ ਮੇਟਿਓ ਗੁਰ ਸਬਦੀ ਹਰਿ ਅਸਥਿਰੁ ਸੇਵਿ ਸੁਖਿ ਸਮਘਾ ॥੧॥ ਮੇਰੇ ਮਨ ਭਜੁ ਰਾਮ ਨਾਮ ਅਤਿ ਪਿਰਘਾ ॥ ਮੈ ਮਨੁ ਤਨੁ ਅਰਪਿ ਧਰਿਓ ਗੁਰ ਆਗੈ ਸਿਰੁ ਵੇਚਿ ਲੀਓ ਮੁਲਿ ਮਹਘਾ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ ਨਰਪਤਿ ਰਾਜੇ ਰੰਗ ਰਸ ਮਾਣਹਿ ਬਿਨੁ ਨਾਵੈ ਪਕੜਿ ਖੜੇ ਸਭਿ ਕਲਘਾ ॥ ਧਰਮ ਰਾਇ ਸਿਰਿ ਡੰਡੁ ਲਗਾਨਾ ਫਿਰਿ ਪਛੁਤਾਨੇ ਹਥ ਫਲਘਾ ॥੨॥ ਹਰਿ ਰਾਖੁ ਰਾਖੁ ਜਨ ਕਿਰਮ ਤੁਮਾਰੇ ਸਰਣਾਗਤਿ ਪੁਰਖ ਪ੍ਰਤਿਪਲਘਾ ॥ ਦਰਸਨੁ ਸੰਤ ਦੇਹੁ ਸੁਖੁ ਪਾਵੈ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਲੋਚ ਪੂਰਿ ਜਨੁ ਤੁਮਘਾ ॥੩॥ ਤੁਮ ਸਮਰਥ ਪੁਰਖ ਵਡੇ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਸੁਆਮੀ ਮੋ ਕਉ ਕੀਜੈ ਦਾਨੁ ਹਰਿ ਨਿਮਘਾ ॥ ਜਨ ਨਾਨਕ ਨਾਮੁ ਮਿਲੈ ਸੁਖੁ ਪਾਵੈ ਹਮ ਨਾਮ ਵਿਟਹੁ ਸਦ ਘੁਮਘਾ ॥੪॥੨॥ SOOHEE, FOURTH MEHL:I chant and vibrate the Name of the Lord God, the Supreme Being, Har, Har; my poverty and problems have all been eradicated. The fear of birth and death has been erased, through the Word of the Guru's Shabad; serving the Unmoving, Unchanging Lord, I am absorbed in peace. || 1 || O my mind, vibrate the Name of the most Beloved, Darling Lord. I have dedicated my mind and body, and placed them in offering before the Guru; I have sold my head to the Guru, for a very dear price. || 1 || Pause || The kings and the rulers of men enjoy pleasures and delights, but without the Name of the Lord, death seizes and dispatches them all. The Righteous Judge of Dharma strikes them over the heads with his staff, and when the fruits of their actions come into their hands, then they regret and repent. || 2 || Save me, save me, Lord; I am Your humble servant, a mere worm. I seek the Protection of Your Sanctuary, O Primal Lord, Cherisher and Nourisher. Please bless me with the Blessed Vision of the Saint's Darshan, that I may find peace. O God, please fulfill the desires of Your humble servant. || 3 || You are the All-powerful, Great, Primal God, my Lord and Master. O Lord, please bless me with the gift of humility. Servant Nanak has found the Naam, the Name of the Lord, and is at peace; I am forever a sacrifice to the Naam. || 4 || 2 ||ਅਰਥ: ਹੇ ਮੇਰੇ ਮਨ! ਸਦਾ ਪਰਮਾਤਮਾ ਦਾ ਅੱਤ ਪਿਆਰਾ ਨਾਮ ਸਿਮਰਿਆ ਕਰ। ਹੇ ਭਾਈ! ਮੈਂ ਆਪਣਾ ਮਨ ਆਪਣਾ ਸਰੀਰ ਭੇਟਾ ਕਰ ਕੇ ਗੁਰੂ ਦੇ ਅੱਗੇ ਰੱਖ ਦਿੱਤਾ ਹੈ। ਮੈਂ ਆਪਣਾ ਸਿਰ ਮਹਿੰਗੇ ਮੁੱਲ ਦੇ ਵੱਟੇ ਵੇਚ ਦਿੱਤਾ ਹੈ (ਮੈਂ ਸਿਰ ਦੇ ਇਵਜ਼ ਕੀਮਤੀ ਹਰਿ-ਨਾਮ ਲੈ ਲਿਆ ਹੈ) ।੧।ਰਹਾਉ।ਹੇ ਭਾਈ! ਜਿਸ ਮਨੁੱਖ ਨੇ ਪਰਮਾਤਮਾ ਦਾ ਨਾਮ ਜਪਿਆ ਹੈ, ਹਰੀ ਉੱਤਮ ਪੁਰਖ ਨੂੰ ਜਪਿਆ ਹੈ, ਉਸ ਦੇ ਸਾਰੇ ਦਰਿੱਦ੍ਰ, ਦਲਾਂ ਦੇ ਦਲ ਨਾਸ ਹੋ ਗਏ ਹਨ। ਗੁਰੂ ਦੇ ਸ਼ਬਦ ਵਿਚ ਜੁੜ ਕੇ ਉਸ ਮਨੁੱਖ ਨੇ ਜਨਮ ਮਰਨ ਦਾ ਡਰ ਭੀ ਮੁਕਾ ਲਿਆ। ਸਦਾ-ਥਿਰ ਰਹਿਣ ਵਾਲੇ ਪਰਮਾਤਮਾ ਦੀ ਸੇਵਾ-ਭਗਤੀ ਕਰ ਕੇ ਉਹ ਆਨੰਦ ਵਿਚ ਲੀਨ ਹੋ ਗਿਆ।੧।ਹੇ ਭਾਈ! ਦੁਨੀਆ ਦੇ ਰਾਜੇ ਮਹਾਰਾਜੇ (ਮਾਇਆ ਦੇ) ਰੰਗ ਰਸ ਮਾਣਦੇ ਰਹਿੰਦੇ ਹਨ, ਨਾਮ ਤੋਂ ਸੱਖਣੇ ਰਹਿੰਦੇ ਹਨ, ਉਹਨਾਂ ਸਭਨਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਆਤਮਕ ਮੌਤ ਫੜ ਕੇ ਅੱਗੇ ਲਾ ਲੈਂਦੀ ਹੈ। ਜਦੋਂ ਉਹਨਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਕੀਤੇ ਕਰਮਾਂ ਦਾ ਫਲ ਮਿਲਦਾ ਹੈ, ਜਦੋਂ ਉਹਨਾਂ ਦੇ ਸਿਰ ਉਤੇ ਪਰਮਾਤਮਾ ਦਾ ਡੰਡਾ ਵੱਜਦਾ ਹੈ, ਤਦੋਂ ਪਛਤਾਂਦੇ ਹਨ।੨।ਹੇ ਹਰੀ! ਹੇ ਪਾਲਣਹਾਰ ਸਰਬ-ਵਿਆਪਕ! ਅਸੀ ਤੇਰੇ (ਪੈਦਾ ਕੀਤੇ) ਨਿਮਾਣੇ ਜੀਵ ਹਾਂ, ਅਸੀ ਤੇਰੀ ਸਰਨ ਆਏ ਹਾਂ, ਤੂੰ ਆਪ (ਆਪਣੇ) ਸੇਵਕਾਂ ਦੀ ਰੱਖਿਆ ਕਰ। ਹੇ ਪ੍ਰਭੂ! ਮੈਂ ਤੇਰਾ ਦਾਸ ਹਾਂ, ਦਾਸ ਦੀ ਤਾਂਘ ਪੂਰੀ ਕਰ, ਇਸ ਦਾਸ ਨੂੰ ਸੰਤ ਜਨਾਂ ਦਾ ਦਰਸਨ ਬਖ਼ਸ਼ (ਤਾ ਕਿ ਇਹ ਦਾਸ) ਆਤਮਕ ਆਨੰਦ ਪ੍ਰਾਪਤ ਕਰ ਸਕੇ।੩।ਹੇ ਪ੍ਰਭੂ! ਹੇ ਸਭ ਤੋਂ ਵੱਡੇ ਮਾਲਕ! ਤੂੰ ਸਾਰੀਆਂ ਤਾਕਤਾਂ ਦਾ ਮਾਲਕ ਪੁਰਖ ਹੈਂ। ਮੈਨੂੰ ਇਕ ਛਿਨ ਵਾਸਤੇ ਹੀ ਆਪਣੇ ਨਾਮ ਦਾ ਦਾਨ ਦੇਹ। ਹੇ ਦਾਸ ਨਾਨਕ! ਆਖ-) ਜਿਸ ਨੂੰ ਪ੍ਰਭੂ ਦਾ ਨਾਮ ਪ੍ਰਾਪਤ ਹੁੰਦਾ ਹੈ, ਉਹ ਆਨੰਦ ਮਾਣਦਾ ਹੈ। ਮੈਂ ਸਦਾ ਹਰਿ-ਨਾਮ ਤੋਂ ਸਦਕੇ ਹਾਂ।੪।੨।

In this episode, you will hear a Daily Reminder from Ji Kwang Dae Poep Sa Nim about enlightenment and how important it is to let go of all attachments.Thank you very much, Ji Kwang Dae Poep Sa Nim.All my love,Gak Duk

In dieser Folge hörst Du ein Daily Reminder über Erleuchtung und wie wichtig es dafür ist alle Anhaftungen loszulassen.Vielen Dank Ji Kwang Dae Poep Sa Nim,alles Liebe,Gak Duk

This lecture explores Chapter 21 of the Lotus Sutra, “The Supernatural Powers of the Tathagata,” through the lens of Nichiren Buddhism. It explains how the Buddha demonstrates supernatural powers to confirm the truth of the Lotus Sutra and entrusts its future propagation to the Bodhisattvas of the Earth and to practitioners in later ages. Drawing on teachings from Nichiren, the lecture highlights the importance of chanting Nam Myoho Renge Kyo as the essence of the Lotus Sutra in the Latter Day of the Law. It also connects the sutra's message to Nichiren's own life, particularly his courage during persecution, illustrating how ordinary people can embody the Buddha's compassion and continue the mission of spreading the Dharma in the world today.

In this episode, Jomon reflects on death, impermanence, and how mindfulness can deepen our appreciation of life. Drawing from experiences with wildland firefighters, Zen retreats, and the teachings of Frank Ostasewski, she explores how turning toward mortality and grief can cultivate presence, compassion, and wholehearted living. Listeners are guided through practices to recognize impermanence, connect more deeply with others, and fully inhabit the precious moments we often take for granted. ★ Support this podcast ★

Dharma learns that taking things at her own pace is important when she runs into Bert Bumblebee. Hello everyone!  We hope you enjoyed our new stories this week. Now, welcome to Favorite Friday! Sometimes we like to listen to our favorites again. Please enjoy “Fast Flight,” and we'll be back with a new story on Monday! Narrator: Female Story Begins: 3:10 Fast Flight Excerpt: Letitia said that her friends lived on the other side of the forest, which wasn't too far, but it meant Dharma had a bit of a journey ahead of her. And Dharma wanted to show Letitia just how quickly she could deliver the package! Dharma happily flew through the air, ducking and weaving through tree branches. She tried to do a flip once, but when the package almost fell out of her grip as she flipped around, she quickly realized that it wasn't the best idea. She couldn't let Letitia down by dropping her package! Today's Meditation: Love flows through you in this meditation as you imagine a baby fawn and mama deer. Looking for stories with positive learning moments for your little one?  You’ll find them on Ahway Island®. Be Calm on Ahway Island® Podcast offers original bedtime stories, like “Mystery Jug,” paired with meditations for kids. We help them drift off to sleep with a guided relaxation and a calming story. Gently nestled within each podcast episode are mindfulness techniques and positive learning moments. You can search for stories by Learning Message, Character Type, or Narrator Type on our Episodes page. To learn more about our mission at Ahway Island and our team, please visit our About page, or check out our FAQs. Creating the original bedtime stories and art for Be Calm on Ahway Island takes a lot of time and care. As a listener-supported podcast, we truly appreciate our members on Patreon. If you’re not already a member, please consider joining! Writing, recording, editing, and publishing episodes and managing digital platforms is an enormous endeavor. Our Patreon program will help continue to grow Ahway Island and we hope you will support us! You can choose from 2 different Membership Levels, all of which include access to our Archives and an extra episode each week! Are you and your children enjoying our stories and self-soothing meditations? We hope your child loved “Fast Flight.” We ask for your positive reviews to help others find us, too! Please leave a 5-star review on your favorite podcast app (such as Apple Podcasts). And, please follow, like, and/or share our social media profiles (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram ) to help us bring our original stories with positive messages to even more listeners! In the press: Digital Trends warns listeners that “you may not make it through an entire episode fully conscious.” Yay! We're honored that the website of Southwest Virginia Community Health Systems includes us on their list of Technology to Boost Mental Health. Jooki recommends us as an outstanding podcast for preschoolers. We're reaching listeners internationally! Sassy Mama Hong Kong included us in their article on transitioning into the new year, Sassy Mama Singapore recommends us for limiting screen-time while sheltering at home, and Haven Magazine Australia included us in their tips for getting through the school holidays. Thank you to Anne Bensfield and Pamela Rogers of School Library Journal for listing us as one of “8 Podcasts To Encourage Mindfulness!” Thanks for taking this calming break with us!

Norman Fischer gives the sixteenth and final talk of the Dhammapada series to the Everyday Zen dharma seminar.  The Dhammapada or “Path of Dharma” is a collection of verses in the Pali Canon that encapsulates the Buddha’s teachings on ethics, meditation and wisdom and emphasizes practical guidance for living a virtuous life. Suggested donation: $7 https://bit.ly/donate-edz-online-teachings We cannot continue offering teachings online without it. Thank you! https://s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/edz.assets/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Dhammapada-Talk-16.mp3

This teaching was given by Lama Zopa Rinpoche at Lama Tsonkhapa Institute in Italy as part of the Ganden Lha Gyama retreat between September 3-30, 2004.00:00:00 Rinpoche leads the motivation and protector prayers.00:26:00 Rinpoche gives a commentary on a quote from Lama Tsongkhapa about giving up the essenceless activities, like casting the husk, and practicing Dharma.00:51:00 Rinpoche explains the meaning dag nyen - all sentient beings being one's kin.00:57:35 From beginningless rebirths, every sentient being has cherished us more than themselves, especially when being our mother, suffering numberless times for our well-being, happiness, and even our education, creating so much negative karma due to not having Dharma wisdom. Even those who abuse us in this life have done this numberless times, and they continuously suffer in the lower realms without even one second of freedom from samsaric suffering, so we must generate compassion and loving kindness towards them.01:36:15 All the Buddhas and bodhisattvas whom I pray to, follow, who inspire me, all the rest of the Mahayana path realizations come from suffering sentient beings.01:50:50 Rinpoche leads the analytical meditation on taking responsibility to free suffering sentient beings and generating bodhicitta.01:54:10 Rinpoche explains the importance of Highest Yoga Tantra in achieving enlightenment.02:19:50 According to Lama Tsongkhapa tradition, integrating Chakrasamvara, Guhyasamaja and Yamantaka makes it possible to achieve enlightenment quicker.Find out more about Lama Zopa Rinpoche, his teachings and projects at https://fpmt.org/

"A Place of Peace" is a Dharma talk and brief guided meditation on the topic of how to be at peace in a world at war. Nobody really wants to dwell on these difficult times, and that's not what this is about. It's about how to practice and maintain your own sense of peace and practice alongside troubled times. May you find this helpful. Enjoy.https://bio.reverendgeorgebeecher.com

In this talk, Hogen explores how to bring spiritual practice to life in the face of life's inevitable endings. From confronting illness and loss to observing the fleeting nature of thought and time, he offers practical guidance on calming the mind, grounding in the present moment, and discovering wisdom and compassion in even the most difficult situations. Listeners are invited to cultivate micro-awareness and find stability, clarity, and meaning right here, right now. ★ Support this podcast ★

During this meditation, Lezlie Laws provides suggestions that involve a useful question for exploring the nature of the mind–“What is this?”.  The question curiosity regarding how the mind creates the experience of selfing and is intended to diminish the demands of craving and clinging.  This contemplation is intended to support her comments during the Dharma talk that followed this contemplation reviewing the Third Foundation of Mindfulness, Mindfulness of the Mind.  She also suggests ways to apply this question directly to one’s subjective experience while meditating and participating in daily life experiences.

Let's dive in to Essential Verse 18 of the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita. In Chapter 5, Verse 22, Shri Krishna explains that sense pleasures are temporary and become the seat of pain. By following the wise, affirming our willpower, and reducing sensory indulgences, we invest in long-term Peace and lasting Joy.➡️ To maximize your experience of this season, we encourage you to request your FREE copy of the Essential Love eBook. Incorporating accessible translations and practical application, the eBook accompanies each episode with additional ways to learn, synthesize, and reflect on key insights.

In the introduction to “The Surangama Sutra, A New Translation” by the Buddhist Text Translation Society, the section on “The Reasons for the Teaching” explains six reasons for this particular sutra, the title translating to something like, "heroic march or journey": 1) The first is the importance of balancing learning and meditation practice. The authors explain that Ananda, the interlocutor in this sutra, had “the keenest memory of all the Buddha's disciples” but thought he could rely solely on his intelligence and neglected his meditation practice, thus making himself vulnerable to the “spell” the young courtesan in the story cast upon him on the way to the meeting with Shakyamuni Buddha.They also explain “The Syllogism and the Tetralemma” as key forms of formal logical argument that the Buddha employs in trying to help Ananda navigate the intricacies of the nondual nature of Mind. Quoting one example, using the five parts of a syllogism: proposition, reason, instance, application and conclusion: 1) Proposition: it is the mind, not the eyes, that see2) Reason: our visual awareness is active even if nothing is being seen;3) Instance drawn from ordinary life: In the Buddha's words, “If you asked a blind man on the street, ‘Do you see anything?' he would no doubt answer, ‘All I see is darkness.'”4) Application of the instance: “Reflect upon what that might mean. Although the blind man sees only darkness, his visual awareness is intact.”5) Conclusion: “The eyes themselves simply reveal visible objects; it is the mind that sees, not the eyes.” A brief explanation of the Tetralemma, or Fourfold Negation, follows: In the logic of ancient India, statements could be affirmed, negated, neither affirmed nor negated, and both affirmed and negated. In this fourfold negation, sometimes called the “tetralemma,” (catuskoti), a proposition is asserted to be neither true, nor not true, nor both true and not true, nor neither true nor not true. That's a lot of neither-nors, for those of us who presume that Zen promotes a positive mental attitude. But they go on to explain that “This formula can serve as a reminder in our practice that all we perceive is empty of any attribute, and so nothing definitive can be asserted about the world and the contents of the mind.” In more recent times, namely the Thirteenth Century, Master Dogen affirms this tenet in several fascicles from his masterwork, the Shobogenzo, including “Self-Fulfilling Samadhi (J. Jijuyu Zammai): All this however does not appear within perception because it is unconstructedness in stillness — it is immediate realization. If practice and realization were two things, as it appears to the ordinary person, each could be recognized separately. But what can be met with recognition is not realization itself, because realization is not reached by a deluded mind. Implicit in this last is that, therefore, any form of recognition, of any perception, is itself delusion. It is only when perception itself undergoes deconstruction that the delusory nature of perception becomes apparent. If fundamental reality cannot be perceived, let alone recognized, described and asserted as real, we have to embrace a new definition of primary experience itself, most immediately before it is translated into perception. Nagarjuna gets a mention as the founder of the “Emptiness (Madhyamaka) school of Buddhism” who “popularized the logical negation of these four possibilities as a way of showing the emptiness of anything that might be construed as a real, permanent self or phenomenon or as an attribute of a real, permanent self or phenomenon.” Note that the imputed self is lumped in with all other phenomena as fundamentally unreal. The question of whether things are real or not, is not the question in Zen, however. The existential question in Zen is not either-or black-and-white, but HOW things exist. They exist by virtue of emptiness; that is, with determinate characteristics of impermanence, imperfection, and insubstantiality. Given these three attributes yes, things do actually exist. For now. Forever is a different story. One might argue the case that “thingness” exists forever, and that no single thing is separate from all things. But what we perceive as a thing is pulling a fast one on us. Don't be fooled. An interesting and, I think, cogent definition of enlightenment and awakening is included, and I quote: In this volume we use the English terms “enlightenment” and “awakening” as synonyms. In Buddhism, when these terms are used in a formal sense, they do not connote a temporary experience but rather a complete and irreversible transformation of one's fundamental way of being in the world. Only the enlightenment of a Buddha is perfect and complete. The text goes on to explain that others, such as those folks who function as Bodhisattvas, “have awakened but have not perfected their awakening.” There are several other definitions of some of the more ubiquitous jargon terms of Buddhism, which often go unexplained, and just as often lend to confusion, rather than alleviating it. While the idea of perfecting awakening may seem to contradict the mark of imperfection that is one key characteristic of dukkha, the unsatisfactory nature of sentient existence, it is important that we do not go off the deep end of intellectual analysis with every seeming contradiction. We must have faith that there is no real dichotomy in reality. As Matsuoka Roshi would often say, there is no dichotomy in Zen. That all such confusion will be resolved in meditation of the “right” kind, is a kind of faith in Zen Buddhism. So just where is this so-called mind? If there is such a thing, it must be somewhere, right? And what about this Original Mind versus ordinary mind? Are there two minds? We often hear the trope, “I am of two minds about this…” This is one of many confusions that arise in Zen practice, owing to the dualistic nature of the discriminating mind trying and failing to comprehend nonduality. The question or conjecture of the true mind versus the constructed mind may be considered foremost in the focus of Zen meditation. In the section on “The Request [from Ananda] for Dharma,” the dialog ensues: The Buddha said to Ānanda, “It is as you say: your mind and eyes were the reason for your admiration and delight. Someone who does not know where his mind and eyes are will not be able to overcome the stress of engagement with perceived objects… I am now asking you: precisely where are your mind and eyes?” In the interrogation that follows, Ananda responds with great sincerity and increasing stress as Buddha mercilessly rejects each response, thus mercifully reducing Ananda's reliance on intellectual analysis to the level of futility. Ironically, Buddha expresses the very engagement with perception as a form of stress. That the mind is in the body is the first and most obvious idea, dismissed immediately with a syllogism, demonstrating the impossibility of Ananda's assertion. Same for outside the body. Ditto for residing in the faculty of vision. Even that the mind is in the middle, between the sense faculty and its object. Even no specific location — no dice. One gets the impression that Ananda is like the sinner in the old spiritual, “O sinner man, where you gonna run to? All on that day.” There is no place to hide, no answer that is going to satisfy this demon in hot pursuit of him. This may represent the first koan assignment and the following distress-inducing exchange with the Rinzai master. Then Buddha performs a minor miracle, as he is wont to do — so that all present have an intense, if unexplainable, experience of the Buddha's power, involving light radiating from his countenance, infinite worlds appearing in all directions at the same time — your garden variety astonishing sign that he is about to say something significant, so listen up: People who undertake a spiritual practice but who fail to realize the ultimate enlightenment…all fail because they do not understand two fundamentals and are mistaken and confused in their practice. Ānanda, what are the two fundamentals? The first is the mind that is the basis of death and rebirth and that has continued since time without beginning. This mind is dependent on perceived objects, and it is this mind that you and all beings make use of and that each of you consider to be your own nature. The second fundamental is full awakening, which also has no beginning; it is the original and pure essence of nirvana. It is the original understanding, the real nature of consciousness. All conditioned phenomena arise from it, and yet it is among those phenomena that beings lose track of it. We are going to have to leave it there for this segment. A real cliff-hanger, with lots for you to chew on. We will continue with “The Nature of Visual Awareness,” one of my personal obsessions, next time, with a brief wrap-up of where the mind really resides. Thoroughly investigate this in your meditation, as Master Dogen would advise.

So much of what we think, say and do is habitual - we react without thinking. The Buddha taught that our reactivity is also impacted by whether we experience something as pleasant, unpleasant or neutral. In this talk Mary discusses how this colors our experiences in the world and how to create new habits that are not reactive, but instead, are truly in the moment and grounded in wisdom and compassion.Recorded Feb. 28, 2026 in the virtual worldSend me a text with any questions or comments! Include your name and email if you would like a response - it's not included automatically. Thanks.Visit Mary's website for more info on classes and teachings.

Responding to a question about fame, influence, and “sacrificing one's life to a cause,” Jogen explores the Buddhist teaching of the Eight Worldly Concerns: pleasure and displeasure, loss and gain, praise and blame, fame and infamy. He examines the deep human desire to be known, respected, and powerful, and the spiritual dangers hidden within recognition and status. Drawing on stories from Zen tradition and his own experience, he reflects on how practice invites us to stop being buffeted by these worldly winds and to act from integrity rather than optics. What would it mean to contribute fully, perhaps even to change history, without needing to be known for it? ★ Support this podcast ★

In this Wednesday Night Dharma Talk, Sensei Kodo hosts a conversation with Sensei Kaz Tanahashi and poet-translator Peter Levitt in anticipation of their upcoming weekend retreat on the poetry of Cold Mountain poet Hanshan. Rather than a formal dharma talk, the evening unfolds as sharing and inquiry, touching on the nearly 40-year friendship between Kaz and Peter — a companionship born… Source

Dharma talk by Eran Junryu Vardi Roshi of Eiryu-ji Zen Center in Wyckoff, NJ, USA on 2/22/2026.

In this episode, we talk about what it means to clear a path forward for ourselves, especially when life is particularly difficult and we find it hard to find acceptance and support from others. Thoughts or questions? Email me anytime at dailydharmapodcast@gmail.com - I would love to hear from you.

Dharma talk by Melissa Myozen Blacker, Rōshi, on March 1, 2026

In this session the Dharma talk was given by Lama Matthew Palden Gocha, March 1, 2026. Music was provided by Barefoot Bran Music.

This lecture explored how Prince Shōtoku helped establish the spiritual foundation of Japan through his devotion to the Lotus Sutra, centuries before Nichiren proclaimed it as the essential teaching for the Latter Age of the Dharma. As regent of early Japan, Prince Shōtoku promoted the Lotus Sutra as a guide not only for personal awakening but for ethical governance and social harmony, expressing its spirit in his Seventeen-Article Constitution and in the establishment of temples such as Hōryū-ji. The lecture emphasized that the Lotus Sutra teaches the universality of Buddhahood and the unity of all beings, principles that Nichiren later embodied through the chanting of Namu Myōhō Renge Kyō. Together, Prince Shōtoku's protection of the Dharma and Nichiren's fearless proclamation of it form a continuous lineage, calling modern practitioners to courage, compassion, and the active embodiment of the Lotus teaching in society today.

Norman Fischer gives the fifteenth talk of the Dhammapada series to the Everyday Zen dharma seminar.  The Dhammapada or “Path of Dharma” is a collection of verses in the Pali Canon that encapsulates the Buddha’s teachings on ethics, meditation and wisdom and emphasizes practical guidance for living a virtuous life. Suggested donation: $7 https://bit.ly/donate-edz-online-teachings We cannot continue offering teachings online without it. Thank you! https://s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/edz.assets/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Dhammapada-Talk-15.mp3

In this talk, Kisei continues exploring the Faith in Mind poem, reflecting on the invitation to “cut off all useless thoughts” and return to the root of awareness itself. Drawing on the koan of Mu, the teachings of Mumon and Dahui, and her own experience of practice, she reframes “cutting off” as seeing through the thinking mind rather than fighting it. By investigating the nature of thought—its texture, duration, and source—practitioners begin to recognize the spacious awareness in which thoughts arise and dissolve. This talk points to the freedom of the unhindered mind and closes with a poem from Joy Harjo, reminding us that true clarity opens from the heart. ★ Support this podcast ★

(Spirit Rock Meditation Center)

Today we have a wide-ranging re-visit with musician-farmer, Andy Juhl. Though much of his music tilts Americana/Folk, he's also passionately into progressive rock music, and plays with a band of that character also. Raised on the farm, he's also been navigating that work in the direction of organic farming, working side-by-side with his father on 800 acres in NW Iowa. Time in the self-driving combine leaves him with more time than you might expect to write music, and he's expanding his range regularly.

This talk was given by Andrew Chapman at the Imperfect, Impersonal, Impermanent Meditation Retreat on Jan. 28th - Feb. 1st, 2026 in Sewanee, TN. These are the first afternoon instruction on practicing with dukkha. Enjoy! Wild Heart Meditation Center in a non-profit Buddhist community based in Nashville, TN. https://www.wildheartmeditationcenter.orgDONATE: If you feel moved to support WHMC financially please visit:https://www.wildheartmeditationcenter.org/donateFollow Us on Socials!Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WildHeartNashville/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wildheartnashville/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wildheartmeditation

(Online) In times of uncertainty and constant stimulation, the heart needs a reliable place to rest. This talk explores the Buddhist teaching of refuge as the foundation for practice and transformation. We begin by reflecting on where we habitually seek safety, and why many forms of refuge prove unstable. From there, the talk introduces the deeper meaning of taking refuge in the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha—as sources of inner steadiness, guidance, and connection. Refuge is not escape, but a way of coming home to what can truly support awakening and compassionate engagement. (This teaching comes from the Clear Dharma Sangha, an online community exploring how to live the Dharma in everyday life.)