Podcasts about Four Noble Truths

What morals and virtues guide the way you move through daily life? Do you have a framework that helps you navigate challenges and see the world through a clearer lens?In today's episode, we welcome Zachary Pontrello, an embodied leadership coach and meditation guide.With more than a decade of study in ancient traditions, esoteric philosophy, and transformational psychology, Zachary has taught meditation to hundreds of people around the world. His work helps others reconnect with their inner compass and lead from a grounded, heart-centered place. He weaves together storytelling, mythic frameworks, and practical tools, by bridging the timeless and the modern to inspire deep, lasting transformation.About Zachary:instagram.com/zachary_pontrello/Resources discussed in this episode:Four Noble Truths & Eightfold PathWays to connect with Masako:Let's meditate together on InsightTimer!Why not meditate? FB Groupwhynotmeditate.podcast IGmasakozawa_coaching IGWebsiteSupport the show

In this episode, Mikey Livid celebrates 14 years of addiction recovery and reflects on the journey that brought him to the dharma. He shares how Buddhism has become the foundation of his recovery path and explores the key lessons he's learned along the way.*** Nov. 13th-16th at Southern Dharma - Hot Springs, NC - Get Your Mind Right: A Young People's Retreat on the Four Great Efforts with Mikey Livid and Rachael Tanner-Smith: https://southerndharma.org/retreat-schedule/1522/get-your-mind-right-a-young-peoples-retreat-on-the-four-great-efforts/ 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

Welcome to the 93rd 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. In this installment, Zen Buddhist monk Brother Phap Huu and leadership coach/journalist Jo Confino explore the art of transmission in Buddhism: wisdom and teachings being passed down over time, from teacher to student.  The hosts touch on the profound and nuanced ways in which Buddhist teachings and insights are passed down through generations, with the goal of cultivating understanding, compassion, and liberation; the role of nature as a powerful transmitter of wisdom; the significance of rituals and ceremonies in honoring this transmission; and more. Brother Phap Huu emphasizes the importance of deep listening, humility, and direct experience in the transmission process, and how true transmission goes beyond the imparting of knowledge, to a requirement that both teacher and student be in a state of non-self and openness to receive the teachings. Enjoy! Co-produced by the Plum Village App:https://plumvillage.app/   And Global Optimism:https://globaloptimism.com/ With support from the Thich Nhat Hanh Foundation:https://thichnhathanhfoundation.org/ List of resources Live show: The Way Out Is In podcast with special guest Ocean Vuong plumvillage.uk/livepodcastInterbeinghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interbeing ‘The Four Dharma Seals of Plum Village'https://plumvillage.org/articles/the-four-dharma-seals-of-plum-village Dharma Talk: ‘The Five Powers: Faith, Diligence, Mindfulness, Concentration, Insight – Brother Phap Huu'https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a4PGrMjea7A Album: A Cloud Never Dieshttps://plumvillage.org/album-a-cloud-never-dies The Way Out Is In: ‘Feel It to Heal It: The Dharma of Music (Episode #79)'https://plumvillage.org/podcast/feel-it-to-heal-it-the-dharma-of-music-episode-79 Dharma Talks: ‘Redefining the Four Noble Truths'https://plumvillage.org/library/dharma-talks/redefining-the-four-noble-truths Quotes “Live happily in the present moment: ‘I have arrived; I am home.'” “If we truly receive the Dharma, honestly and openly, by its nature we want to share it. It doesn’t start with us, doesn’t end with us. Instead, we are part of this extraordinary flow of life.” “Listening is the first doorway to communication. And many of us think that communication is about speaking or writing. But the foundation for speaking and for writing is listening.” “When the Buddha embarked on a spiritual quest, he was looking for an understanding of suffering and a liberation from suffering. And the way of liberation from suffering is to be in suffering, to understand suffering, to embrace it and not run away from it, but transform it. Therefore, Buddhism is a way of life. So mindfulness is a way of life. Transmission is a way of life.” “When you hear the sound of the bell in the Plum Village tradition, you’re invited to pause and stop what you're doing. Even if you’re listening to music, or having a wonderful, insightful conversation, you are invited to pause, to stop. And that stopping is a transmission of knowing how to cultivate stillness in life, in order to listen.” “What we say, how we say it, and the tone of saying it creates a reality. That creates a transmission of knowledge, a transmission of feelings, a transmission of energy.” “Buddhism is a very generous tradition. The Buddha offers, the teachers offer – and you’re the receiver. You can receive. Using the language of ‘I am receiving' is very different from ‘I am taking.' Or, even worse, ‘I am stealing.' Because stealing indicates that something is now yours; it belongs to you. But when you receive, you gain a responsibility to transmit.” “To receive, we have to ask.”

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

Ajahn Dhammasiha is asked how to apply the Buddha's teaching of Four Noble Truths in our daily life. The 4 Noble Truths are a core teaching of the Buddha, that is acknowledged as fundmental in all Buddhist traditions, including Therevada, Mahayana and Vajrayana. These thruths do not constitute a philosophical thought excercise, but are directly applicable to our experience of pain, disappointment and suffering. They show us a practical method in the Noble Eightfold Path to completely extricate ourselves from pain, frustration, depression, old age sickness, death and repeated birth. Ajahn points out that we usually blame external causes for any pain and disappointment we experience: "It's because of this person that I'm so miserable!" However, we can never get out of suffering by trying to eliminate all external causes. There's just too many of them, and often they are beyond our control. Instead, the Buddha points us to the internal causes of suffering: Craving; Attachment; Desire; Anger; and the Delusion of I, Me, Mine and Self. If we can abandon the internal causes of our suffering, we can overcome it once and forever. We can experience the state beyond all suffering: Freedom, Release, the Deathleath Element, Nibbāna.Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Our Spotify Playlists⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Dhammagiri Youtube Channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pics⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠#buddhism #meditation #dhammatalk #fournobletruths #buddhistmeditation #buddhistwisdom #buddhistteachings

In this Dharma talk, Sister Đặng Nghiêm shares heartfelt insights on suffering, healing, and learning to be our own soulmate. Speaking at the Omega Institute in Rhinebeck, NY, on July 20, 2025, she reflects on childhood memories, the Four Noble Truths, and the art of “riding the waves of life” with mindfulness and compassion.

This episode was recorded at the Loving Kindness Meditation Retreat in Sewanee, TN July 2025. Andrew Chapman offers the second afternoon instructions on the effort of loving kindness.***Get Your Mind Right: A Young People's Retreat on the Four Great Efforts with Mikey Livid and Rachael Tanner-Smith Nov. 13th-16th: https://southerndharma.org/retreat-schedule/1522/get-your-mind-right-a-young-peoples-retreat-on-the-four-great-efforts/ 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

It's a pleasure to share a conversation with Ani Lodro Palmo, an ordained Tibetan Buddhist nun and Director of the Vajra Vidya Monastery in Crestone, Colorado; and a spiritual teacher and author with more than three decades of monastic experience. Ani has devoted her life to spiritual practice and shares her understanding of the Dharma as an author of the books, All That Appears & Exists: The Buddha's Teachings to Awaken the Heart and Turn Suffering Into Joy and her most recent, The End of Suffering: Finding Love, Self-Compassion, and Awakening in a Chaotic World. As a recognized teacher of Tibetan Buddhist philosophy and meditation, Ani Lodro's insights are deeply rooted in the unbroken lineage of Buddhist wisdom, through the Karma Kagyu lineage of The Venerable Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche. Although Ani has decades of monastic experience within Tibetan Buddhism, she teaches how the frustrations and dissatisfaction of our everyday lives can be understood and transcended through wisdom and compassion. She writes and speaks in an accessible way, with the gentle encouragement of a friend that is helpful to both new seekers and seasoned practitioners alike. Her teachings are available through retreats, online sessions, and publications. In the conversation we talked about a wide range things, including: How we tend to misunderstanding what suffering is. Gurus and reincarnation as a part of Tibetan Buddhism, but not a necessary part. The Four Noble Truths as a path to awakening. Taking the mystique from karma, as Ani writes: "transforming [it] from an enigmatic doctrine into a practical guide for conscious existence…. rooted in intention and behavior." Her teaching of the "7 Simple Truths to End Suffering": (1) Thoughts are nothing, they are no things; (2) Labels and thoughts create our reality; (3) When we look for our thoughts, they aren't there; (4) Your beliefs are not truth; (5) Dropping attachments is the fastest way to end suffering; (6)You can't focus on helping others and be miserable at the same time; (7) You don't need your mind (as much as you think). ... And much more. I know you will enjoy Ani Lodro's easy and relatable style of teaching and be inspired by what she has to say.   Learn more about Ani Lodro Palmo: https://www.anilodroretreats.com/   Vajra Vidya Monsastery: https://vajravidya.com/   Buy her books The End of Suffering:  The End of Suffering All That Appears & Exists: All That Appears & Exists Journey Into Peace: Timeless Tales of Zen Buddhism: Journey Into Peace   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@anilodroretreats     Become a patron to support this podcast and get special member benefits, including a membership community, a virtual sangha, and a subscription to my Everyday Buddhism Substack:https://www.patreon.com/EverydayBuddhism     Check out my Substack for ongoing chapter releases of my new serial book, Living Life As It Is and the podcast, Words From My Teachers: https://wendyshinyohaylett.substack.com/   If this podcast has helped you understand Buddhism or help in your everyday life, consider making a one-time donation here: https://donorbox.org/podcast-donations   Support the podcast through the affiliate link to buy the book, Everyday Buddhism: Real-Life Buddhist Teachings & Practices for Real Change: Buy the book, Everyday Buddhism   Support the podcast and show your support through the purchase of Everyday Buddhism merch: https://www.zazzle.com/store/everyday_buddhism   NOTE: Free shipping on ALL (unlimited) items (Everyday Buddhism merch or gifts from other stores) if you join Zazzle Plus for $19.95/year: https://www.zazzle.com/zazzleplus

This episode was recorded at the Loving Kindness Meditation Retreat in Sewanee, TN July 2025. Mikey Livid offers the second morning instructions on expanding loving kindness towards self. The phrases offered are: May I be at ease. May I be at peace. May I be kind and gentle with myself. May I be filled with loving kindness. Enjoy!*** Get Your Mind Right: A Young People's Retreat on the Four Great Efforts with Mikey Livid and Rachael Tanner-Smith Nov. 13th-16th: https://southerndharma.org/retreat-schedule/1522/get-your-mind-right-a-young-peoples-retreat-on-the-four-great-efforts/ 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

 [This episode originally aired on Nov. 27, 2023]  Lately I've been thinking about the slogan, “Always maintain only a joyful mind”  •  at the same time, I've been haunted by the teachings that describe samsara, the nature of reality, as an ocean of suffering  •  if the world is marked by endless suffering, how can you be joyful? and if the world is fundamentally good and wholesome, how do you account for suffering?  •  the Buddha's earliest teachings on the Four Noble Truths — suffering, the origin of suffering, the cessation of suffering, and the path — were presented as a liberating and joyful discovery  •  we recognize there are causes of suffering, and because of that, it's workable; because we can remove the causes of suffering, it's possible to free ourselves  •  whatever this joyful mind is about, it's not about pretending things are okay when they're not  •  nor is it about closing off bad stuff so we can have a little island of good and hang out there  •  it's easy to feel that the only way we can show we care about this world and our fellow suffering beings is to feel bad all the time  •  but the quality of joy radiates; it actually affects the environment in a healing and positive direction  •  without joy, things get very tight, more fixed, less visionary  •  I would go as far as to say that joy is an essential part of the heroic path of compassion.

Welcome to episode 92 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. In this installment, Zen Buddhist monk Brother Phap Huu and leadership coach/journalist Jo Confino are joined by special guest Jo-ann Rosen. Together, they discuss individual and collective trauma and how mindfulness and neuroscience can help address it. The conversation further explores the concepts of current and historical trauma, how the nervous system can become overwhelmed by modern stresses, the courage required to be vulnerable and honest about our suffering, how this can lead to deeper connections and understanding within a community – and more. Jo-ann, a psychotherapist with expertise in trauma and mindfulness, shares her personal journey of discovering the Plum Village tradition and how it has informed her understanding of trauma. She emphasizes the importance of collective healing, drawing from her work with marginalized communities and the power of creating safe spaces for people to share their experiences and find support in each other. Brother Phap Huu also shares his experiences of supporting the Plum Village monastic community and retreatants in cultivating stability and healing through mindfulness practices. BioDharma Teacher Jo-ann Rosen, True River of Understanding, Chan Tue Ha (pronouns she/her), received the Lamp of Wisdom (symbolizing the transmission of Dharma from Zen Master to disciple) and authorization to teach from Thich Nhat Hanh in 2012. She practices with the EMBRACE and Victoria Sanghas, is a licensed marriage and family therapist, and teaches and lectures internationally, focusing on inner stability and community resiliency. Her writings center on a neuroscience-informed and trauma-sensitive approach to individual practice and collective awakening. She lives with her partner of 40 years in the oak woodlands of Northern California, US. Photo by Leslie Kirkpatrick Co-produced by the Plum Village App:https://plumvillage.app/ And Global Optimism:https://globaloptimism.com/ With support from the Thich Nhat Hanh Foundation:https://thichnhathanhfoundation.org/ List of resources Live show: The Way Out Is In podcast with special guest Ocean Vuong plumvillage.uk/livepodcast Embrace Sanghahttps://www.embracesangha.org/ Unshakeable: Trauma-Informed Mindfulness for Collective Awakeninghttps://www.parallax.org/product/unshakeable On the Plum Village App > Meditations > Trauma Informed Practice Interbeinghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interbeing The Miracle of Mindfulness https://plumvillage.shop/products/books/personal-growth-and-self-care/the-miracle-of-mindfulness-2 Dharma Talks: ‘Redefining the Four Noble Truths'https://plumvillage.org/library/dharma-talks/redefining-the-four-noble-truths Thich Nhat Hanh: Redefining the Four Noble Truthshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eARDko51Xdw ‘The Four Dharma Seals of Plum Village'https://plumvillage.org/articles/the-four-dharma-seals-of-plum-village Quotes “The nervous system evolves very slowly. It doesn’t change overnight. Ten thousand years is nothing in terms of your nervous system changing. So this nervous system I’m running around in is evolved for a hunter-gatherer. It’s not evolved for being in a car at a stoplight or having somebody demand things of me that I’m incapable of doing. Then I start to be nervous as if I’m going to die. That’s so bewildering. So as I learned more and more about the neuroscience, it was this great relief: ‘I’m not broken. I’m okay. I don’t have to hide what I can’t do.'” “We’re all suffering from the expectation that we can function in this crazy world when our nervous system is not made for unrelenting stresses. And when we experience unrelenting stresses without good social support, our nervous system is overwhelmed and expresses that in a variety of ways. But the first line of what this neuroscience stuff can do is make us realize that we’re acting normally in a very tragic situation that we're just not made for.” “I really shy away from the word ‘trauma', because it has a very particular spin right now. That’s not to say that deep-trauma therapists and super astute neuroscientists in labs and scanners, et cetera, aren’t making a huge contribution to the understanding of trauma. But I would like to take the word out and instead say, ‘We’re dealing with things that we’re not built for.'” “To put it crudely, the nervous system creates certain states of mind that are purely about well-being – and we can savor those. But then we have certain states of mind which require more alertness and more activity in our bodies. That’s not bad; we have all the mental formations in there and can handle it without being carried away. And one of the things that neuroscience can bring to our understanding of Thay’s teachings is a little better sense of, ‘What does it mean to be carried away? How can I tell when I’m carried away?' Because that’s really foundational in our practice.” “Is our practice something that will heal traumas? Well, sometimes. And sometimes not. So it's not an ‘either' or ‘but'; what we’ve been working with is how to help ourselves regulate our nervous systems so we can practice, because practice is so much bigger than any trauma that we have.” “Mindfulness means that you can be triggered, but know how to be with the emotions that are being triggered – so that you can be a part of the world, engaging with the world, engaging with yourself.” “To walk together, that’s very healing. To listen together, to feel safe, that’s very healing. And that is teaching our nervous system the feeling of safety, to allow us to also touch our empathy. So, when we see others who are not in safety, we have empathy; we want to do everything in our capacity to transform that part of society.” “There is no way to healing; healing is the way.”

Meditation pioneer, world-renowned teacher, and New York Times bestselling author, Sharon Salzberg offers a talk on The Power of Loving Kindness. This episode was recorded Saturday, August 9th at an online fundraiser for Wild Heart Meditation Center. Enjoy!***Get Your Mind Right: A Young People's Retreat on the Four Great Efforts with Mikey Livid and Rachael Tanner-Smith Nov. 13th-16th: https://southerndharma.org/retreat-schedule/1522/get-your-mind-right-a-young-peoples-retreat-on-the-four-great-efforts/ 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

Whereas the mission and direction of a company, philanthropic organization, or corporation might change over time, the mission of Christ's church is unwavering and unchanging. We exist to glorify God by making disciples of Jesus Christ. That is the true, God-given, and unwavering mission of every church, everywhere, for all time. We pause our series in Hebrews to spend the next three weeks revisiting the what and how of our mission: Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who Treasure Christ, Grow Together, and Live On Mission.Together, we will Treasure Christ from Philippians 2:5-11.“The very word ‘cross' should be far removed not only from the person of a Roman citizen, but from his thoughts, his eyes and his ears…indeed the mere mention of [the cross], that is unworthy of a Roman citizen and a free man.” - Cicero“Here's something else that's true. In the day-to-day trenches of adult life, there is actually no such thing as atheism. There is no such thing as not worshipping. Everybody worships. The only choice we get is what to worship. And an outstanding reason for choosing some sort of God or spiritual-type thing to worship — be it J.C. or Allah, be it Yahweh or the Wiccan mother-goddess or the Four Noble Truths or some infrangible set of ethical principles — is that pretty much anything else you worship will eat you alive.” - David Foster WallaceLife Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NCFollow us online:lifechurchnc.comFacebookInstagramYouTubeTwitter

08/06/2025, Sozan Michael McCord, dharma talk at City Center. Sozan Michael McCord discusses working with and growing in our awareness of how the three poisons—greed, hatred and delusion—manifest in our lives, on this 80th anniversary of the nuclear bombing of Hiroshima.

This episode was recorded at the Loving Kindness Meditation Retreat in Sewanee, TN July 2025. Mikey Livid offers the first afternoon instructions on loving kindness meditation. The phrases offered are: May I be at ease. May I be at peace. may I be kind and gentle with myself. May I be filled with loving kindness. Enjoy!SHARON SALZBERG online fundraiser of WHMC Aug. 9th at 6pm central! Register here: https://www.wildheartmeditationcenter.org 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

(Group Learning Program) - Chapter 5 - The Eight Fold Path: The Path for All Humans to EnlightenmentWith an understanding of The Four Noble Truths, you can now study and practice The Path to eliminate discontentedness in your life. You will need a detailed and thorough understanding of The Eight Fold Path to attain Enlightenment.Gotama Buddha gave us “The Path” forward to pursuing our own Enlightenment. In his explanation of The Eight Fold Path, we learn exactly how to achieve Enlightenment through a life practice or a better way of life.In this Podcast, David will help you understand The Path to Enlightenment (The Eight Fold Path), so that you can actively progress towards Enlightenment.——-Daily Wisdom - Walking The Path with The BuddhaDedicated to the education of Gotama Buddha's Teachings to attain Enlightenment.https://www.BuddhaDailyWisdom.com(See our website for online learning, courses, and retreats.)Group Learning Program - LIVE Interactive Online Classes, Book, Audiobook, Videos, Podcast and Personal Guidancehttps://mailchi.mp/f958c59262eb/buddhadailywisdomThe Words of The Buddha - Pali Canon in English Study Grouphttps://mailchi.mp/6bb4fdf2b6e0/palicanonstudyprogramFREE Book - Developing a Life Practice: The Path That Leads to Enlightenmenthttps://www.buddhadailywisdom.com/freebuddhabooksFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/DailyWisdom999YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DailyWisdom999Podcast: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/buddhadailywisdom/Support our efforts to share The Teachings of Gotama Buddha with you and worldwide for all people using this link.https://www.buddhadailywisdom.com/supportbuddha#buddhism #learnbuddhism #enlightenment #dhamma #dharma #buddha #meditation #meditationretreat #meditationcourse

In this episode Wild Heart guiding teacher Mikey Livid interviews meditation pioneer and New York Times best selling author Sharon Salzberg.Sharon will be teaching an online fundraiser for Wild Heart Meditation Center Saturday, August 9th and 6pm central.Register link can be found here: https://www.wildheartmeditationcenter.org  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

Welcome to episode 91 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. In this installment, Zen Buddhist monk Brother Phap Huu and leadership coach/journalist Jo Confino are joined by Nho Tran, who, after 17 years as a nun in the Plum Village tradition, is now continuing her spiritual journey as a layperson. Together, they explore the origins and evolution of the Plum Village tradition: the Buddhist lineage founded by Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh (Thay). Thay worked to restore and renew Vietnamese Buddhism, integrating its rich history and diverse influences while increasing the teachings’ accessibility and relevance to the modern world. The participants describe Thay’s openness to adapting practices to different communities’ needs, while maintaining the tradition's core principles and lineage. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding one’s roots and cultural heritage, and of the flexibility to evolve and innovate within a spiritual tradition, and how these principles led to Thay’s vision of engaged Buddhism, which seeks to address societal issues and cultivate both inner and outer peace. Among other insights, Nho shares her personal journey of reconnecting with her Vietnamese heritage and identity through Thay’s teachings, while Brother Phap Huu reflects on Thay's intentional weaving together of the ancient roots of Vietnamese Buddhism with contemporary relevance and accessibility. Bio: Nho Tran is a scholar, facilitator, and former Buddhist nun in the Plum Village tradition of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh. For many years, she lived and practiced in monastic communities across Asia, Europe, and North America, where she cultivated a deep commitment to interbeing, cultural resilience, and the art of mindful living. Nho's work sits at the intersection of conflict transformation, ethics, and systems thinking. Drawing on her monastic formation and experience across diverse sectors, she supports individuals and communities in navigating difficult conversations, fostering cultural change, and reimagining leadership grounded in compassion and collective wisdom. She holds a joint degree in Cognitive Neuroscience and Religion from the University of Southern California, a Master of Divinity from Harvard Divinity School, and an MA from Harvard University. She is currently a PhD candidate at Harvard's Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, where her research explores the intersections of religion, ethics, governance, and Vietnamese Buddhist history. Nho teaches negotiation, ethics, and conflict resolution at Harvard, and continues to serve as a bridge between contemplative practice and social transformation. Co-produced by the Plum Village App:https://plumvillage.app/ And Global Optimism:https://globaloptimism.com/ With support from the Thich Nhat Hanh Foundation:https://thichnhathanhfoundation.org/ List of resources Live show: The Way Out Is In podcast with special guest Ocean Vuong plumvillage.uk/livepodcastInterbeinghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interbeing James Baldwinhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Baldwin Dharma Talks: ‘Redefining the Four Noble Truths'https://plumvillage.org/library/dharma-talks/redefining-the-four-noble-truths Thich Nhat Hanh: Redefining the Four Noble Truthshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eARDko51Xdw ‘The Four Dharma Seals of Plum Village'https://plumvillage.org/articles/the-four-dharma-seals-of-plum-village Theravadahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theravada Mahayanahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahayana Champahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Champa Vajrayanahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vajrayana Prajnaparamitahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prajnaparamita Dhyanahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dhyana_in_Buddhism Linjihttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linji_school Pearl S. Buckhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pearl_S._Buck ‘Please Call Me By My True Name'https://plumvillage.org/articles/please-call-me-by-my-true-names-song-poem Quotes “Is it James Baldwin who says, ‘If you love something dearly, you can love it and, at the same time, critique it with your whole heart'?” “I remember Thay saying that when he met an individual, he never saw that person as themselves alone; he saw the entire lineage of what had brought that person to this present moment.” “Understanding is another name for love.” “One of the beauties of the teachings of the Buddha is that the monks are also scholars. They love to help articulate the teachings of Buddhism; they love to create lists and they love to categorize things as a means to transmit them. And then the deepest practice is being free from all of that and to see the weaving of all the teachings.” “In the will of our teacher, written to all of us, his monks and nuns students, he said that one of the greatest heritages of Buddhism, of the Buddha’s teaching, is this openness to ever grow, to ever change, and not to believe in a god, a doctrine. That is the only way.” “Thay once told me that we don’t have time to go and correct people. Instead, we have to develop our liberation and transmit this beautiful teaching to the next generation.” “Thay is very progressive in order for the tree to grow, but very conservative to restore the roots. That is the dance around and in the teachings of the Buddha: the middle way. To meet the present moment, we have to find a pathway that continues to evolve, but we also need to have roots.” “If we are practicing Buddhism, but we’re not practicing inner peace, outer peace, and liberation, then that is not Buddhism. So, Thay’s understanding of Buddhism goes beyond form.” “What is our compass? That is mindfulness. Come back to our awareness of the present moment.” “Buddhism is made of non-Buddhist elements. Plum Village is made up of non-Plum Village elements – but it does have foundations, and the Four Plum Village seals, which Thay said are our defining way of teaching and practice.” “There is so much richness and goodness in spirituality and in religion because religion is made of non-religious elements.” “If the identity or the moniker of ‘a Buddhist' gets in the way of the work that I’m trying to do, which is peace and liberation, I will let that go gladly. But it doesn’t mean I’m not a Buddhist, or that I don’t get to tap into the tradition. If that’s getting in the way, if that makes people suffer more, that’s not the name of the game. I’m trying to get to liberation; I’m trying to get to freedom for everyone; I’m trying to get to a place where everyone gets to tap into this endless source of love.” “The perfection of wisdom is to be able to hold two seemingly contradictory things together in perfect harmony.”

This episode was recorded at the Loving Kindness Meditation Retreat in Sewanee, TN July 2025. Mikey Livid offers the first afternoon instructions on loving kindness meditation. The phrases offered are: May I be at ease. May I be at peace. may I be kind and gentle with myself. May I be filled with loving kindness. Enjoy!SHARON SALZBERG online fundraiser of WHMC Aug. 9th at 6pm central! Register here: https://www.wildheartmeditationcenter.org 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

(Group Learning Program) - Chapter 4 - The Four Noble Truths: Establishing Right ViewFor anyone interested to explore and study The Path to Enlightenment, one must begin with a deep understanding of The Four Noble Truths.The Four Noble Truths is the first discourse offered by Gotama Buddha as his very first Teaching upon him attaining Enlightenment as The Fully Perfectly Enlightened Buddha.The Four Noble Truths is the core understanding required to establish “Right View”. Right View gives a Practitioner's mind the foundation in which to apply all the other Teachings and practices taught by Gotama Buddha. A Practitioner would have no ability to attain Enlightenment unless they learned, reflected, and practiced The Four Noble Truths to establish “Right View”.In this Podcast, David will share The Four Noble Truths explaining the noble truth of discontentedness, the noble truth of the cause of discontentedness, the noble truth of the elimination of discontentedness, the noble truth of the way leading to the elimination of discontentedness to help you establish Right View.——-Daily Wisdom - Walking The Path with The BuddhaDedicated to the education of Gotama Buddha's Teachings to attain Enlightenment.https://www.BuddhaDailyWisdom.com(See our website for online learning, courses, and retreats.)Group Learning Program - LIVE Interactive Online Classes, Book, Audiobook, Videos, Podcast and Personal Guidancehttps://mailchi.mp/f958c59262eb/buddhadailywisdomThe Words of The Buddha - Pali Canon in English Study Grouphttps://mailchi.mp/6bb4fdf2b6e0/palicanonstudyprogramFREE Book - Developing a Life Practice: The Path That Leads to Enlightenmenthttps://www.buddhadailywisdom.com/freebuddhabooksFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/DailyWisdom999YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DailyWisdom999Podcast: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/buddhadailywisdom/Support our efforts to share The Teachings of Gotama Buddha with you and worldwide for all people using this link.https://www.buddhadailywisdom.com/supportbuddha#buddhism #learnbuddhism #enlightenment #dhamma #dharma #buddha #meditation #meditationretreat #meditationcourse

Taranita discusses the Four Noble Truths, the Noble Eightfold Path and the Twelve Nidanas; relating them to our own experience. Excerpted from the talk entitled Heart Sutra 5 - The Four Noble Truths and the Twelve Nidanas given at Bristol Buddhist Centre, 2007. *** 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 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FreeBuddhistAudio1967  

In this Dhamma talk at the International Buddhist Meditation Center Los Angeles on July 20, 2025, Subodha discusses the 12 causal conditions in paticcasamuppada (dependent co-arising) and relates them to our direct experience in the present moment, asking us to pay attention to what originates in us due to ignorance and what originates in us as we grow in our understanding of the Four Noble Truths.

"Four More Things" is the closing talk in our Dharma series that started with exploring our inherent worth, built refuge, and walked the Eightfold Path…Now we zoom out to the bigger picture…the Four Noble Truths. Framed through tech support, equalizers, and a little humor, this talk unpacks the human condition, the causes of suffering, the possibility of freedom, and the path forward. It also includes a brief guided meditation. Enjoy! https://bio.reverendgeorgebeecher.com

This episode was recorded at the Loving Kindness Meditation Retreat in Sewanee, TN July 2025. Andrew Chapman offers the first morning instructions on mindfulness of breathing with the attitude of kindness. Enjoy!SHARON SALZBERG online fundraiser of WHMC Aug. 9th at 6pm central! Register here: https://www.wildheartmeditationcenter.org 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

Āsāḷhā is the full moon marking the beginning of the 3 months rains retreat (Vassa). It's also the day commemorating the first formal teaching of the Buddha, the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta ('Setting in Motion the Wheel of Dhamma'). Ajahn Dhammasiha offers reflections on the 4 Noble Truths (Cattāri Ariya-Saccāni) that the Buddha expounded in that discourse. In particular, he points out that these 4 Noble Truths are not just some theoretical concepts, but they are a pragmatic teaching, they are applicable ('opanayiko'), we have to do something with them in order to realize the intended result: Freedom from Suffering.WebsiteOur Spotify Playlists⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Dhammagiri Youtube Channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pics⁠⁠⁠⁠#suffering #nobletruth #buddha #buddhism #dhammacakka

In this episode, spiritual director John Bruna continues to offer his commentary on the text “How to Meditate on the Stages of the Path” by discussing arrogance, which is one of the six root mental afflictions. The group considers various ways arrogance can separate us from others and lead to suffering, and the important distinction is made between genuine self-worth and deluded arrogance or pride. This episode was recorded on June 4th, 2025.Welcome to the Way of Compassion Dharma Center Podcast. Located in Carbondale, Colorado, the Way of Compassion Dharma center's primary objective is to provide programs of Buddhist studies and practices that are practical, accessible, and meet the needs of the communities we serve.  As a traditional Buddhist center, all of our teachings are offered freely. If you would like to make a donation to support the center, please visit www.wocdc.org.  May you flourish in your practice and may all beings swiftly be free of suffering.

Suffering and Nirvana (The End of Suffering) are two of the Four Noble Truths. How are they related to each other? Can we have Nirvana without suffering?

On occasion of Asalha Full Moon, Ajahn Dhammasiha offers reflections on the Four Noble Truths.Whenever we experience pain and disappointment; when we feel hurt, offended, depressed, upset; we usually search for some EXTERNAL cause for all this suffering. Maybe we come to the conclusion that our boss, or our mother in law, or our spouse, or the kids, or the politicians and those in power are to blame for the fact that we are hurting. Or else it's the weather; or some sickness, some virus; or perhaps the mozzies or this or that... This conclusion is not necessarily wrong. We may even be able to eliminate some specific suffering we experience by changing or manipulating the behaviour of the people that cause us harm. However, this approach will never get us out of suffering completely: First of all, often we don't have the power to change the persons that cause us pain. There are so many external causes of our suffering that are completely outside of our control. Secondly, even if we can change one person, then someone else will come along and do things we don't like. Removing external causes will only give us a short break, it never removes suffering permanently.Instead, the Buddha looked at the INTERNAL causes of suffering, namely craving, attachment, clinging, delusion of ownership, ignorance and so on. This approach has two huge advantages:First, as it's internal, we actually have control over it - it may not be easy to abandon craving and attachment, but at least it's possible.Secondly, once we get rid of craving and attachment completely, all suffering is gone as well; and even better, it can never come back, we've found a permanent solution

In this episode, spiritual director John Bruna continues to offer his commentary on the text “How to Meditate on the Stages of the Path” by discussing anger; one of the three root mental afflictions. He reviews common scenarios in which anger arises, distinguishing between primary causes and secondary conditions so that we may work to dismantle the causes of anger in ourselves over time. This episode was recorded on May 28th, 2025.Welcome to the Way of Compassion Dharma Center Podcast. Located in Carbondale, Colorado, the Way of Compassion Dharma center's primary objective is to provide programs of Buddhist studies and practices that are practical, accessible, and meet the needs of the communities we serve.  As a traditional Buddhist center, all of our teachings are offered freely. If you would like to make a donation to support the center, please visit www.wocdc.org.  May you flourish in your practice and may all beings swiftly be free of suffering.

Together, we will explore the critical distinction between "letting go" and "giving up" through a Buddhist philosophical lens. Margaret discusses how letting go is a conscious, compassionate practice of releasing attachment without losing hope or effort, while giving up represents a collapse into despair, apathy, and complete surrender. Using personal anecdotes and insights from Buddhist teachings, she encourages listeners to navigate challenging times with wisdom, equanimity, and continued engagement. Key Points

In this episode, spiritual director John Bruna offers a clarifying talk that centers around one of the root mental afflictions described in Tibetan Buddhism. He helps us identify and understand the mental affliction of attachment so we can work to slowly undermine its presence in our mind stream. John encourages us to practice appreciating the nice people and things in our lives while recognizing the truth that they are not the source of our happiness. What matters most is how we engage with them. This episode was recorded on May 21st, 2025.Welcome to the Way of Compassion Dharma Center Podcast. Located in Carbondale, Colorado, the Way of Compassion Dharma center's primary objective is to provide programs of Buddhist studies and practices that are practical, accessible, and meet the needs of the communities we serve.  As a traditional Buddhist center, all of our teachings are offered freely. If you would like to make a donation to support the center, please visit www.wocdc.org.  May you flourish in your practice and may all beings swiftly be free of suffering.

In this episode, spiritual director John Bruna discusses the deepest roots of suffering. He talks about how the views we hold of ourselves are out of alignment with the way that we actually exist, and this leads to a suffering experience dominated by mental afflictions. John offers a variety of practical ways to unravel the mental afflictions in our minds, inching us closer to the realization of Emptiness and Enlightenment. This episode was recorded on May 14th, 2025.Welcome to the Way of Compassion Dharma Center Podcast. Located in Carbondale, Colorado, the Way of Compassion Dharma center's primary objective is to provide programs of Buddhist studies and practices that are practical, accessible, and meet the needs of the communities we serve.  As a traditional Buddhist center, all of our teachings are offered freely. If you would like to make a donation to support the center, please visit www.wocdc.org.  May you flourish in your practice and may all beings swiftly be free of suffering.

Mikey Livid discusses a practical approach to the often overly intellectualized Buddhist concepts of no self (anatta) and the five aggregates. The five aggregates are: form, feeling, perception, mental inclination, and consciousness. Enjoy!UPCOMING RETREATS:July 16th-20th Sewanee, TN - Loving Kindness Meditation Retreat: https://www.floweringlotusmeditation.org/2025-tennesee-summer-loving-kindness-retreatNov. 13th-16th - Southern Dharma Retreat Center - Get Your Mind Right!: https://southerndharma.org/retreat-schedule/1522/get-your-mind-right-a-young-peoples-retreat-on-the-four-great-efforts/ 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

When you're feeling stressed, burnt out, and anxious — when you're striving and achieving but still finding yourself persistently dissatisfied with life — you might start looking for answers beyond what's offered by contemporary self-help.One ancient philosophy that can cast light on the sources of and solutions to our seemingly modern dilemmas is Buddhism. If you've ever been intrigued by Buddhism but admittedly only have a vague sense of what it's all about, Brendan Barca — co-author of The Daily Buddhist: 366 Days of Mindful Living — will walk you through its foundational principles.We begin our conversation with how Buddhism is similar to and different from other ancient philosophies like Stoicism, and Brendan offers an accessible introduction to the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. In the second half of our conversation, we explore how Buddhist principles and practices can be applied to our everyday modern lives and help you deal with the anxiety created by living in an impermanent world, shift your perspective on daily challenges, and cultivate greater compassion and patience. We discuss different meditation methods, the real purpose of meditation, and how to get started with it as a beginner. We end our conversation with the Buddha's final words and what it means to “strive with vigilance.”Resources Related to the PodcastShamatha MeditationVipassana (Insight) MeditationTonglen MeditationAoM Article: A Primer on MeditationConnect With Brendan BarcaThe Daily Buddhist websiteThe Daily Buddhist on IG

Life hurts sometimes. We get overwhelmed, stuck in our own heads, and desperate for peace. And if you've ever wondered why it's so hard to find it, this episode is going to help you understand more clearly. Today, I'm sharing the core of what the Buddha taught—The Four Noble Truths—not to preach a different gospel, but to point to the deeper truth: that God meets seekers wherever they are. That truth is truth, wherever it's found. And that Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, invites us to learn, grow, and awaken to the patterns that keep us from Him. In this episode, we'll explore:

Talk two from retreat at Southern Dharma, mindfulness and the four noble truths. 

Where do spirituality and psychology meet? Are they polar opposites or can they complement each other? This conversation touches on the Four Noble Truths of Buddhism, the importance of presence, and the use of meditation for body, mind and soul connection. Ellen talks abut meditation as a vehicle to develop conscious thought which allows one to become an observer of the mind, rather than a prisoner of ruminating, often negative thoughts. Ellen calls the latter the “Critical Witness” (that part of your brain that's constantly finding flaws in you and your life). As one becomes an observer, the  “Benevolent Witness” can appear and be nurtured to provide an internal voice that encourages self-compassion and understanding. The world is full of distractions. It's easy to jump from topic to topic, to multitask, and move through the day without conscious cognition of the world around us. But it's only in the present that we can develop a deeper understanding of ourselves and foster a sense of connectedness with others. Come listen into a deep and fascinating conversation as Ellen guides us through her journey of self-discovery and the transformative power of meditation and spirituality. The second half of this amazing podcast is available to paying subscribers. You can subscribe at .       What they're saying:   “This is a beautiful book about life, its imperfections, its challenges, and its joys. It is a book of hope and wisdom for all of us facing a bump in the road.” –Pragito Dove   “Pat has woven together beautiful stories of life setbacks that have been transformed into spiritual growth. This book is a gift and a must-read for souls experiencing pain and yearning for growth.”   –Gary Hensel   Learn more at   Follow Bump on: ➡️  ➡️  ➡️  ➡️  ➡️     

Right Concentration is more than focus—it's a spiritual practice of awakening consciousness and living fully in the Now. Whether you're a seasoned meditator or just beginning your path, this video offers practical, metaphysical insights you can apply today.

Dave Smith discusses the ever growing expansion of social media's "attention economy" into what has become an addiction economy. Dave explores Buddhist practices as a way to approach modern addiction to social media. Enjoy!Loving Kindness Meditation Retreat July 16th-20th: https://www.floweringlotusmeditation.org/2025-tennesee-summer-loving-kindness-retreat  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

Discover the true essence of Right Mindfulness—the seventh step on the Buddha's Eightfold Path—and learn how to bridge the gap between knowing spiritual truth and living it daily. In this powerful talk, Rev. Lee Wolak, author of The Power in You, breaks down what the Buddha actually meant by Right Mindfulness: a deep, focused awareness of what's happening in you and around you in the present moment. Whether you're on a path of spiritual awakening, seeking emotional clarity, or desiring to break free from autopilot living, this video will give you practical tools to embody presence, stay grounded, and align with your higher self. Let go of distraction, reclaim your awareness, and learn to observe life with compassion and clarity.

Mikey Livid gives a talk on compassion in response to the pain and confusion of ICE's presence in Nashville, TN and many cities in the United States.Loving Kindness Meditation Retreat July 16th-20th in Sewanee, TN:https://www.floweringlotusmeditation.org/2025-tennesee-summer-loving-kindness-retreat 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

What is Right Effort on the spiritual path—and why does it matter more than hustle or grind? In this bold and eye-opening talk, Rev Lee Wolak, author of The Power in You, breaks down the Sixth Step of the Noble Eightfold Path—Right Effort. This essential teaching from the Buddha is not about pushing harder; it's about learning how to apply your energy wisely, mindfully, and with purpose. Right Effort means committing to inner discipline, not external force. It means consistently releasing unwholesome thoughts, cultivating wholesome ones, and aligning your actions with your highest truth. Rev Lee shares how to shift from reactive striving to empowered intention so that your spiritual energy is clear, focused, and transformational. Whether you're deepening your meditation practice or seeking greater emotional mastery, this talk offers practical insights you can use now to live more consciously. #SpiritualAwakening #RightView #EightfoldPath #Mindfulness #ZenWisdom #ThePowerInYou #RevLeeWolak #SpiritualClarity #BuddhistTeachings #ConsciousLiving #RightEffort#LiveWithPurpose #SpiritualIntegrity

What does it mean to earn a living without selling your soul? In this powerful video, Rev Lee Wolak dives deep into the Buddhist teaching of Right Livelihood, the fifth step on the Eightfold Path, and reveals how your work, career, and daily actions can become a vehicle for spiritual awakening and inner peace. If you're on a path of spiritual growthand want to align your livelihood with your highest values, this talk will show you how to release what no longer serves you and step boldly into a life of integrity, purpose, and conscious intention. Learn how to stop compromising your values for success and instead, use your energy to uplift, heal, and inspire—while still thriving in the world. Whether you're an entrepreneur, healer, teacher, or in transition, discover how Right Livelihood is not just about what you do—but how you do it. #SpiritualAwakening #RightView #EightfoldPath #Mindfulness #ZenWisdom #ThePowerInYou #RevLeeWolak #SpiritualClarity #BuddhistTeachings #ConsciousLiving #RightLivelihood #LiveWithPurpose #SpiritualIntegrity

Mikey Livid offers a talk on the Third Noble Truth: awakening is possible. He also discusses a Buddhist concept of the saying "Let Go, Let God." Enjoy!Loving Kindness Meditation Retreat July 16th-20th in Sewanee, TN: https://www.floweringlotusmeditation.org/2025-tennesee-summer-loving-kindness-retreat 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

Right Speech EXPLAINED | The Power of Words in Spiritual Growth What if every word you spoke was a window into your soul? In this bold and eye-opening talk, Rev. Lee Wolak—Zen practitioner, teacher of Religious Science, and author of The Power in You—dives deep into the profound meaning of Right Speech, the third step on the Noble Eightfold Path. This isn't about surface-level kindness. It's about using your voice as a spiritual tool to align with truth, integrity, and power. Discover how your words create energetic ripples that either uplift or distort. Learn how Right Speech is not just ethical—it's transformational. When practiced consciously, it becomes a spiritual discipline that reflects your inner world and reshapes your outer experience. Whether you're seeking to deepen your mindfulness, elevate your spiritual communication, or live more authentically, this video delivers powerful insights and actionable takeaways. #SpiritualAwakening #RightView #EightfoldPath #Mindfulness #ZenWisdom #ThePowerInYou #RevLeeWolak #SpiritualClarity #BuddhistTeachings #ConsciousLiving #RightSpeech

What does it truly mean to live with Right Intention? In this powerful spiritual teaching, Rev. Lee Wolak—Zen practitioner, Religious Science teacher, and author of The Power in You—dives deep into the second step of the Eightfold Path: Right Intention. Discover how the power to choose your intention shapes your reality and influences every thought, action, and experience. Right Intention is not about wishful thinking—it's about consciously deciding who you are willing to become, moment by moment. Learn how to release fear, abandon delusion, and align your mind with clarity, compassion, and commitment. This video breaks it down in a grounded, practical, and inspiring way that helps you live more consciously and powerfully every day. Whether you're new to Buddhism or seeking deeper insight on your spiritual journey, this teaching will challenge and inspire you to live with greater awareness, courage, and integrity. ✨ Don't just watch—wake up. SpiritualAwakening #RightView #EightfoldPath #Mindfulness #ZenWisdom #ThePowerInYou #RevLeeWolak #SpiritualClarity #BuddhistTeachings #ConsciousLiving #RightIntention   Sign up for my daily thought and weekly newsletter by clicking this link: https://www.agapespiritualcenter.com/free-affirmations

What if the first step toward spiritual freedom wasn't about changing your life—but changing how you see it? In this talk, Rev. Lee Wolak—author of The Power in You, Zen practitioner, and Religious Science teacher—dives deep into the foundational teaching of the Eightfold Path: Right View. Right View means seeing clearly. Not through the fog of fear, not through the lens of desire, but seeing reality exactly as it is. It's the beginning of inner freedom, peace, and awakening. When we align our perception with truth instead of illusion, we gain the power to respond instead of react, to live from clarity rather than confusion. Whether you're new to Buddhism or seeking deeper insight on your spiritual journey, this teaching will challenge and inspire you to live with greater awareness, courage, and integrity. ✨ Don't just watch—wake up. #SpiritualAwakening #RightView #EightfoldPath #Mindfulness #ZenWisdom #ThePowerInYou #RevLeeWolak #SpiritualClarity #BuddhistTeachings #ConsciousLiving

In this episode, we practice one of the most powerful antidotes to anger and aversion: compassion. I know—when we're irritated, hurt, or downright fuming, compassion is usually the last thing on our minds. But in Buddhism, compassion isn't weakness—it's strength. It's the most powerful way to interrupt the cycle of harm and start creating peace, inside and out.  The Story of Aṅgulimāla The Buddha's radical teachings on non-violence reveal how to respond rather than react when things get heated. I also share the story of Angulimala—yes, the guy who was literally collecting fingers from those he killed. We look at how Buddha loved and accepted Angulimala and that even someone so far gone was transformed by compassion. Spoiler alert: If Angulimala can change, there's hope for all of us. Him I call a brahmana, who is fearless like a bull, who is noble and diligent, who is a seeker of high moral virtues and a conqueror (of three Maras), who is free from craving, who has been cleansed of moral defilements and knows the Four Noble Truths. --Buddha, The Dhammapada Verse 422   References with Links Buddha (1986).The Dhammapada: Verses and Stories, Verses 419 and 420. 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=422   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 TikTok: @buddhism4everyone To learn more about virtual classes with JoAnn Fox: Buddhist Study Program

In this episode of the Podcast for Cultural Reformation, Dr. Joe Boot and Dr. Michael Thiessen examine the origin, history and core beliefs of Buddhism. Episode Resources: Subscribe to our Rumble Channel - https://rumble.com/c/c-6444461; CHAPTERS:00:00 Cold Open03:20 Podcast Intro03:40 Welcome05:25 The Historical Context of Buddhism08:00 The 3 Periods of the Buddha's Life14:33 Core Teachings: The Four Noble Truths21:00 Inherent Problems with the Four Noble Truths 25:10 The Great Buddha (Messiah) to Come32:01 Liberation: The Renunciation of Self33:03 Folk Buddhism vs. Enlightened Buddhism35:06 Buddhism's Self-Salvation is a Death Cult36:41 ReformCon '25 AD37:27 Navigating the Eightfold Path: Ethical Conduct in Buddhism46:15 The Illogic & Hopelessness of Buddhism48:46 Understanding Nirvana50:00 Desire is NOT the Enemy54:00 The Eightfold Path is Full of Pot Holes58:50 Various forms of Buddhism: Tantric, Zen, Animism and Occultism01:03:11 Gnosticism Within: Illusion, Sin and the Self01:09:00 Body/Mind Dualism within Buddhism01:14:15 Conclusion01:15:06 OutroThe WAIT is OVER!!! Pre-order your copy of the NEW updated and expanded version of Dr. Boot’s Mission of God with a brand-new study guide! Get it here: https://ezrapress.ca/products/mission-of-god-10th-anniversary-edition; UPCOMING CONFERENCES:REFORMCON '25 | "Out of the Ashes" | April 24-26, 2025 @ Tucson, AZ: https://reformcon.org/ For All Ezra Events: https://www.ezrainstitute.com/events/; Think Christianly about politics with the help of Dr. Boot’s latest book “Ruler of Kings:” https://ezrapress.ca/products/ruler-of-kings-toward-a-christian-vision-of-government; Got Questions? Would you like to hear Dr. Boot answer your questions? Let us know in the comments or reach out to us at https://www.ezrainstitute.com/connect/contact/; For Ezra’s many print resources and to join our newsletter, visit: https://ezrapress.com. Stay up-to-date with all things Ezra Institute: https://www.ezrainstitute.com;Subscribe to Ezra’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPVvQDHHrOOjziyqUaN9VoA?sub_confirmation=1;Fight Laugh Feast Network: https://pubtv.flfnetwork.com/tabs/audio/podcasts/8297;Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/ezra-institute-podcast-for-cultural-reformation/id1336078503;Spotify Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0dW1gDarpzdrDMLPjKYZW2?si=bee3e91ed9a54885. Wherever you find our content, please like, subscribe, rate, or review it; it truly does help.