Podcasts about Theravada

Send a textNathan Thompson is a devoted practitioner of Ashtanga yoga and Buddhism with a unique journey from addiction recovery to spiritual exploration. Originally from London, Nathan has immersed himself in the cultural and spiritual landscapes of Southeast Asia, residing in Laos while frequently engaging with the communities in Thailand and Cambodia. He hosts the podcast "Escaping Samsara," where he shares insights from his personal journey and interviews with spiritual teachers and practitioners. Nathan is known for his disciplined practice, open-minded exploration of different meditation techniques, and deep commitment to personal growth and mindfulness.Visit Nathan: https://escapingsamsara.substack.com/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/escsamsara/Key Takeaways:Nathan discusses his journey from addiction to spiritual awakening, highlighting the role of Goenka's meditation techniques.The real meaning of "Escaping Samsara" as an evolving concept and its connection to Nathan's experiences in both Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism.Impact of fatherhood on Nathan's spiritual path and its influence on his understanding of interconnectedness and compassion.Insights into the differences between Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism, especially regarding the concept of individual vs. collective liberation.Thanks for listening to this episode. Check out:

The word Samadhi is usually translated as concentration, but it's also thought of as collectedness of mind and steadiness. This important teaching - the 8th factor on the Eightfold Path is necessary for awakening and liberation. Mary discusses what Samadhi is and isn't and how we cultivate this important quality.Recorded Feb. 21, 2022 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.

Meditation can be challenging at times. Occasionally we may experience things which surprise as a result. If you have any questions or concerns in regards to this, or other meditation practices, please feel free to message me through my website: www.suchsweetthunder.orgI have been practicing meditation for 40 years and have been successfully teaching meditation worldwide since 2009, giving talks, facilitating retreats, and have authored two books. I have received formal training in Theravada, Mahayana (Tibetan, Zen,) and Vedanta meditation techniques as well as Trauma Sensitive Mindfulness, MBSR, Neuroplasticity, Non-Violent Communication, and Buddhist Psychology. I teach from a secular voice and I am passionate about bringing timeless wisdom teachings to people of any faith, belief system, or tradition.If you find these podcasts helpful please consider making a donation: PayPal.me/suchsweetthunderMay All Benefit

Here I offer a guided meditation created by Ken McLeod where we are invited to explore the experience of change through the aging process.Meditation can be challenging at times. Occasionally we may experience things which surprise as a result. If you have any questions or concerns in regards to this, or other meditation practices, please feel free to message me through my website: www.suchsweetthunder.orgI have been practicing meditation for 40 years and have been successfully teaching meditation worldwide since 2009, giving talks, facilitating retreats, and have authored two books. I have received formal training in Theravada, Mahayana (Tibetan, Zen,) and Vedanta meditation techniques as well as Trauma Sensitive Mindfulness, MBSR, Neuroplasticity, Non-Violent Communication, and Buddhist Psychology. I teach from a secular voice and I am passionate about bringing timeless wisdom teachings to people of any faith, belief system, or tradition.If you find these podcasts helpful please consider making a donation: PayPal.me/suchsweetthunderMay All Benefit

Here I offer a guided meditation created by Ken McLeod where we are invited to explore the experience of change through ever changing and fluid experiences of that often feels very solid and fixed: "I"Meditation can be challenging at times. Occasionally we may experience things which surprise as a result. If you have any questions or concerns in regards to this, or other meditation practices, please feel free to message me through my website: www.suchsweetthunder.orgI have been practicing meditation for 40 years and have been successfully teaching meditation worldwide since 2009, giving talks, facilitating retreats, and have authored two books. I have received formal training in Theravada, Mahayana (Tibetan, Zen,) and Vedanta meditation techniques as well as Trauma Sensitive Mindfulness, MBSR, Neuroplasticity, Non-Violent Communication, and Buddhist Psychology. I teach from a secular voice and I am passionate about bringing timeless wisdom teachings to people of any faith, belief system, or tradition.If you find these podcasts helpful please consider making a donation: PayPal.me/suchsweetthunderMay All Benefit

 In this talk, we explore Vedana (feeling) as a key mental factor in Buddhist meditation and daily life. The teacher explains how feelings arise as pleasant, unpleasant, neutral, and how they are classified in different ways in the teachings of the Buddha. By learning to observe feelings with mindfulness, listeners discover how to prevent craving and aversion, understand impermanence, and break the cycle of suffering through Satipatthana Vipassana practice. YouTube Video LinkYouTube Channel Link Website:www.satipatthana.caDonations and Memberships

In this time of great dukkha, it's imperative to remember the importance of love and how we ground ourselves and our practice in it. Mary reflects on the wisdom of bell hooks and others to find a way to make this a foundation of our practice, and our intention as we move the the world and deal with the vicissitudes of life.Recorded Feb 14, 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.

In which it turns out the bad monks can still massage each other, so... at least there's that.

 In this talk, we explore the Buddhist teaching of Anattā (non-self) as it appears in everyday life. Through simple examples like eating, seeing, aging, and thinking, the speaker explains how mind and body function through cause and effect rather than a permanent “self” or soul. Listeners are encouraged to observe daily experiences mindfully to develop a direct, experiential understanding of non-self and deepen their meditation practice. YouTube Video LinkYouTube Channel Link Website:www.satipatthana.caDonations and Memberships

It turns out The Kingdom of Heaven and The Western Pure Land may have a few things in common...

Trudy Goodman explains the healing power of mindfulness in helping adults be authentically present with children—fully entering their creative, playful world.Today's podcast is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/beherenow and get on your way to being your best self.This time on the BHNN Guest Podcast, Trudy Goodman talks about:Trudy's own life as a mother and grandmother, witnessing many stages of growth from different perspectivesBecoming inspired by the playfulness, openness, and curiosity of childrenApproaching the world with beginners mind: approaching all experiences as if they are newA sonar for presence: how children can tell when we are present and when we are notHow the capacity to meet ourselves often goes back to the parent-child relationship Striving to be ‘good enough' as a parent rather than perfectOrdinary devotion and maintaining a sense of routine care for our childrenLearning to be alone and getting acquainted with our inner lives Resting in presence and allowance rather than always trying to ‘fix' our children or ‘correct' their play and creativityTrusting the insubstantial nature of that which bothers us How our own expectations, concepts, and ideals, affect children for better and worseThis episode was originally published on DharmaseedAbout Trudy Goodman:Trudy is a Vipassana teacher in the Theravada lineage and the Founding Teacher of InsightLA. For 25 years, in Cambridge, MA, Trudy practiced mindfulness-based psychotherapy with children, teenagers, couples and individuals. Trudy conducts retreats, engages in activism work, and teaches workshops worldwide and online. She is also the voice of Trudy the Love Barbarian in the Netflix series, The Midnight Gospel. You can learn more about Trudy's flourishing array of wonderful offerings at TrudyGoodman.com "Our mindfulness practice really offers us a way to know deeply what's going on with children and this knowing often comes in nonverbal moments of just seeing, just realizing. It's such a powerful way of staying present with what's happening with all the strange and wonderful creatures that emerge both in ourselves and in our kids." –Trudy GoodmanMore Be Here Now Network Podcasts:Lama Rod Owens covers the dharma of freedom, loving ourselves, ancestral work, and the power of meditation: Dedication to LiberationJoAnna Hardy shares a guided meditation all around the first foundation of mindfulness – mindfulness of the body: First Foundation Guided MeditationThrough bearing witness, love & service, Llewellyn Vaughan-Lee shares how we can collectively heal the crisis of disconnection & ecological devastation: Love & ServiceBuddhist Master Thich Nhat Hanh explores how we can joyfully bring mindfulness into everyday activities like phone calls, driving, and walking: The Ojai Foundation Presents: Under the Teaching Tree with Thich Nhat HanhSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Gayathri Narayanan is the founder of Myndtree and a contemplative guide whose work centers on integrating deep inner inquiry with the realities of modern life. With more than three decades of sustained practice and study, she brings together the wisdom of the Narayana Guru lineage, as transmitted through her own Guru, Nitya Chaitanya Yati, with secular mindfulness and lived inquiry. Her grounding lies in Advaita Vedanta and Yoga, supported by long-term study of classical texts including the Upanishads, the Bhagavad Gita, Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, and key works of Narayana Guru such as Ātmopadeśa Śatakam and Darśanamālā. Over time, her path expanded to include sustained study and practice in Buddhist traditions, with particular depth in Theravada teachings through close study with Gil Fronsdal, as well as engagement with Zen through teachings with Reb Anderson. More recently, she has begun studying Tibetan Buddhism with Anam Thubten.https://www.myndtree.org/

Here I guide us through a practice connecting with non-judgement and care to our body, to the pleasantness of rest, and to different aspects of mind.Meditation can be challenging at times. Occasionally we may experience things which surprise as a result. If you have any questions or concerns in regards to this, or other meditation practices, please feel free to message me through my website: www.suchsweetthunder.orgI have been practicing meditation for 40 years and have been successfully teaching meditation worldwide since 2009, giving talks, facilitating retreats, and have authored two books. I have received formal training in Theravada, Mahayana (Tibetan, Zen,) and Vedanta meditation techniques as well as Trauma Sensitive Mindfulness, MBSR, Neuroplasticity, Non-Violent Communication, and Buddhist Psychology. I teach from a secular voice and I am passionate about bringing timeless wisdom teachings to people of any faith, belief system, or tradition.If you find these podcasts helpful please consider making a donation: PayPal.me/suchsweetthunderMay All Benefit

 In this talk, we explore the forty types of supramundane (lokuttara) consciousness and how they arise through insight meditation. The teacher explains the relationship between jhāna, path consciousness, and fruition consciousness, showing how different meditation approaches can lead to the same stages of awakening. By understanding these mental processes, listeners gain insight into non-self (anattā) and learn how Buddhist psychology supports deep mindfulness and spiritual development. YouTube Video LinkYouTube Channel Link Website:www.satipatthana.caDonations and Memberships

The old story about a good wolf and bad wolf that live in our minds aligns beautifully with the Buddha's teachings on cultivating what's beneficial and letting go of what isn't. Mary reflects on how we often feed the ideas that don't serve us and how to move in a different, more wise, direction.Recorded Feb. 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.

In which we finish reading Cullavagga I (in a state of confusion).

"Only one modality has been empirally proven to reverse the effects of adverse childhood experiences: Kindness." Dr. Peter Levine.Welcome to our Spring Retreat offering: The Healing Power of Kindness. The program will be offered in two sections:Section A: Will meet on Sunday evenings, from 5pm-7pm Thai Time. (12 noon France)Section B: Will meet on Monday mornings, from 7am-9am Thai Time. (6pm East Coast Time, Sunday Evenings)Metta, often translated as Lovingkindness, is one of the Four Immeasurable Minds in the Buddhist traditions. During these ten weeks our facilitator Chris Luard will guide us through an exploration cultivating a boundless quality of kindness, friendliness, and care. In drawing on the meditation techniques found in the Theravada and Mahayana Buddhist traditions, neuroscience, somatic experiencing, and psychology, this retreat will bring its participants to experience the circle of kindness and care widening gradually to include all beings everywhere.*The sessions are offered live, not pre-recorded.Meetings will occur live on Zoom and will be recorded for those participants who miss the live sessions, or for those who wish to enjoy the course at their own pace. The recordings will be made available to the course participants only.Sessions will include guided meditations, Q n A, A one to one private session with Chris, and interactive discussions with the retreat participants If you would like to participate, but find these times limiting, please feel free to message Chris here on Facebook or through the website: www.suchsweetthunder.orgChris Luard has been practicing meditation for four decades, and has been successfully teaching meditation worldwide since 2009, giving talks, facilitating retreats, and has authored two books.Chris has received formal training in Zen, Mahamudra and Dzogchen, from the Mahayana (Japanese, Korean, and Tibetan) traditions, Vipassana and early buddhist studies from the Theravada traditions, and Vedanta from the Hindu traditions.In addition to this Chris has received formal instruction from the more modern traditions and modalities such as Secular Buddhism, MBSR, Insight, Buddhist Psychology, Nonviolent Communication, Trauma-Sensitive Mindfulness, Neuroplasticity, and Trauma Healing. Chris is a certified clinical trauma professional with an emphasis on somatic psychology.Signing up for this special offering in advance is recommended. To do so, message Chris directly here on FB, chrisluard@yahoo.com or through www.suchsweetthunder.org

This is a new version of one of our first episodes, that I remade because the sound was a bit harsh and uneven when I started the podcast. I also added a few elements to the script. In this bedtime story, I tell you all about Buddhism: the beliefs and culture of Ancient India; the life of Siddartha Gautama, the historical Buddha; how Buddhism spread in Asia; the differences between various Buddhist traditions (Theravada, Mahayana, Vajrayana, Zen, Tibetan or Tantric Buddhism...); and I explain a lot of terms that you might have encountered without knowing their full meanings, like Vedas, Karma, Middle Way, Samsara, Tantra and Mantra. #sleep #bedtimestory #asmr #sleepstory #history #buddhism #buddhist Welcome to Lights Out Library Join me for a sleepy adventure tonight. Sit back, relax, and fall asleep to documentary-style bedtime stories read in a calming ASMR voice. Learn something new while you enjoy a restful night of sleep. Listen ad free and get access to bonus content on our Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/LightsOutLibrary621⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Enjoy my audiobook on Ancient Egyptian History, Myths & Mysteries: ⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/6mCqX5FoO6uCilrWCS8mB9?si=e1ecb983d2534d69⁠⁠⁠ Listen on Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@LightsOutLibraryov⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠   ¿Quieres escuchar en Español? Echa un vistazo a La Biblioteca de los Sueños! En Spotify: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/1t522alsv5RxFsAf9AmYfg⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ En Apple Podcasts: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/la-biblioteca-de-los-sue%C3%B1os-documentarios-para-dormir/id1715193755⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ En Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@LaBibliotecadelosSuenosov⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Here I offer a guided meditation created by Ken McLeod where we are invited to explore the experience of change through the aging process. Meditation can be challenging at times. Occasionally we may experience things which surprise as a result. If you have any questions or concerns in regards to this, or other meditation practices, please feel free to message me through my website: www.suchsweetthunder.orgI have been practicing meditation for 40 years and have been successfully teaching meditation worldwide since 2009, giving talks, facilitating retreats, and have authored two books. I have received formal training in Theravada, Mahayana (Tibetan, Zen,) and Vedanta meditation techniques as well as Trauma Sensitive Mindfulness, MBSR, Neuroplasticity, Non-Violent Communication, and Buddhist Psychology. I teach from a secular voice and I am passionate about bringing timeless wisdom teachings to people of any faith, belief system, or tradition.If you find these podcasts helpful please consider making a donation: PayPal.me/suchsweetthunderMay All Benefit

Gil Fronsdal invites us to see Buddhism not as a doctrine but as a lived experience where insight, trust, and letting go give rise to genuine freedom.Today's podcast is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/beherenow and get on your way to being your best self.This week on the BHNN Guest Podcast, Gil Fronsdal dives into:How the twelve steps of dependent origination fit into the schema of Buddhist practiceThe stark difference between an insight and a belief Buddhism as a path to walk rather than a doctrine to believe in Turning from suffering and clinging to peaceFinding out how Buddhism is meaningful to us individuallyHow we have all been liberated from something in our livesAppreciating the relief and clarity that comes from letting go of clingingThe profound act of trust that it takes to be open and present The door of the wishless, when the mind stops desiring Looking at things exactly as they are rather than trying to conceptualize About Gil Fronsdal:Gil Fronsdal is the co-teacher for the Insight Meditation Center in Redwood City, California; he has been teaching since 1990. He has practiced Zen and Vipassana in the U.S. and Asia since 1975. He was a Theravada monk in Burma in 1985, and in 1989 began training with Jack Kornfield to be a Vipassana teacher. Gil teaches at Spirit Rock Meditation Center where he is part of its Teachers Council. Gil was ordained as a Soto Zen priest at the San Francisco Zen Center in 1982, and in 1995 received Dharma Transmission from Mel Weitsman, the abbot of the Berkeley Zen Center. He currently serves on the SF Zen Center Elders' Council. In 2011 he founded IMC's Insight Retreat Center. He is the author of The Issue at Hand, essays on mindfulness practice; A Monastery Within; a book on the five hindrances called Unhindered; and the translator of The Dhammapada, published by Shambhala Publications. You may listen to Gil's talks on Audio Dharma.This episode was originally published on Dharmaseed "How deep and thorough can we let go? Can we liberate ourselves? The challenge that Buddhism offers us, more than a doctrine, it offers us a challenge that it is possible to get into the very deepest roots of the clinging in our hearts and uproot it, to become free from it." –Gil FronsdalSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(Spirit Rock Meditation Center) We first hear from a member of the community about how he is experiencing and responding to what's happening in the larger society and world in our times. We then fairly briefly review last week's session, first identifying the three traditional areas of training--in wisdom, meditation, and ethics--and how each can be important resources for responding to what's happening in our own experience and in our society and world. We focus especially on reviewing our exploration of "ethical practice," responding in our everyday lives and in the larger society and world in caring and compassionate ways. We then explore the traditional figure of the bodhisattva as one who brings together deep commitments both to awakening and to helping others--helping others both in awakening and in terms of their life needs. We look at examples of bodhisattva vows from Theravada, Japanese Zen, and Vietnamese traditions, as well as from passages from Shantideva's "Guide to the Bodhisattva's Way of Life." We show images of archetypal bodhisattvas such as Avalokiteshvara, Tara, Kwan Yin, and Manjushri and discuss the ten ways of training of the Mahayana bodhisattva. We suggest a number of contemporary exemplars of the bodhisattva vocation, and invite participants to develop their own personalized bodhisattva vows. The talk is followed by discussion.

(Spirit Rock Meditation Center) We first hear from a member of the community about how he is experiencing and responding to what's happening in the larger society and world in our times. We then fairly briefly review last week's session, first identifying the three traditional areas of training--in wisdom, meditation, and ethics--and how each can be important resources for responding to what's happening in our own experience and in our society and world. We focus especially on reviewing our exploration of "ethical practice," responding in our everyday lives and in the larger society and world in caring and compassionate ways. We then explore the traditional figure of the bodhisattva as one who brings together deep commitments both to awakening and to helping others--helping others both in awakening and in terms of their life needs. We look at examples of bodhisattva vows from Theravada, Japanese Zen, and Vietnamese traditions, as well as from passages from Shantideva's "Guide to the Bodhisattva's Way of Life." We show images of archetypal bodhisattvas such as Avalokiteshvara, Tara, Kwan Yin, and Manjushri and discuss the ten ways of training of the Mahayana bodhisattva. We suggest a number of contemporary exemplars of the bodhisattva vocation, and invite participants to develop their own personalized bodhisattva vows. The talk is followed by discussion.

Here I guide us through a practice connecting with non-judgement and care to our body, to the pleasantness of rest, and to different aspects of mind. Meditation can be challenging at times. Occasionally we may experience things which surprise as a result. If you have any questions or concerns in regards to this, or other meditation practices, please feel free to message me through my website: www.suchsweetthunder.orgI have been practicing meditation for 40 years and have been successfully teaching meditation worldwide since 2009, giving talks, facilitating retreats, and have authored two books. I have received formal training in Theravada, Mahayana (Tibetan, Zen,) and Vedanta meditation techniques as well as Trauma Sensitive Mindfulness, MBSR, Neuroplasticity, Non-Violent Communication, and Buddhist Psychology. I teach from a secular voice and I am passionate about bringing timeless wisdom teachings to people of any faith, belief system, or tradition.If you find these podcasts helpful please consider making a donation: PayPal.me/suchsweetthunderMay All Benefit

(Spirit Rock Meditation Center) We first hear from a member of the community about how he is experiencing and responding to what's happening in the larger society and world in our times. We then fairly briefly review last week's session, first identifying the three traditional areas of training--in wisdom, meditation, and ethics--and how each can be important resources for responding to what's happening in our own experience and in our society and world. We focus especially on reviewing our exploration of "ethical practice," responding in our everyday lives and in the larger society and world in caring and compassionate ways. We then explore the traditional figure of the bodhisattva as one who brings together deep commitments both to awakening and to helping others--helping others both in awakening and in terms of their life needs. We look at examples of bodhisattva vows from Theravada, Japanese Zen, and Vietnamese traditions, as well as from passages from Shantideva's "Guide to the Bodhisattva's Way of Life." We show images of archetypal bodhisattvas such as Avalokiteshvara, Tara, Kwan Yin, and Manjushri and discuss the ten ways of training of the Mahayana bodhisattva. We suggest a number of contemporary exemplars of the bodhisattva vocation, and invite participants to develop their own personalized bodhisattva vows. The talk is followed by discussion.

In this important teaching, the Buddha invites us to become intimate with the human condition and to see how we create levels of suffering for ourselves. There is also the recognition that there is a way out - the Eightfold Path. Mary also reflects on Stephen Batchelor's Four Tasks which brings a pragmatic lens to this essential teaching. Recorded Jan 31, 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.

Meditation can be challenging at times. Occasionally we may experience things which surprise as a result. If you have any questions or concerns in regards to this, or other meditation practices, please feel free to message me through my website: www.suchsweetthunder.orgI have been practicing meditation for 40 years and have been successfully teaching meditation worldwide since 2009, giving talks, facilitating retreats, and have authored two books. I have received formal training in Theravada, Mahayana (Tibetan, Zen,) and Vedanta meditation techniques as well as Trauma Sensitive Mindfulness, MBSR, Neuroplasticity, Non-Violent Communication, and Buddhist Psychology. I teach from a secular voice and I am passionate about bringing timeless wisdom teachings to people of any faith, belief system, or tradition.If you find these podcasts helpful please consider making a donation: PayPal.me/suchsweetthunderMay All Benefit

In this talk, we explore the relationship between Noble Persons (Ariya) and Mental Defilements (Kilesa) in Theravāda Buddhism. Using the framework of the ten fetters, the teaching explains how each of the four stages of enlightenment—Stream-Enterer, Once-Returner, Non-Returner, and Arahant—progressively eradicates or weakens specific defilements.The episode clarifies which fetters are abandoned at each stage, how moral purity and insight deepen, and why only the Arahant fully uproots all unwholesome consciousness. A practical and illuminating guide for understanding one's spiritual progress on the path to liberation.YouTube Video LinkYouTube Channel Link Website:www.satipatthana.caDonations and Memberships

Host Michael Taft speaks with Stephen Snyder Sensei about the two “missing” brahmaviharas, Innate Goodness practice, heart wisdom vs. mind wisdom, the magic of the “group heart”, the paradox of the Heart Sutra, learning to become receptive, God and the nondual, entities, bodhisattvas, deities, the three types of forgiveness, and the “terrible importance” of heart-based practice.Stephen Mugen Snyder, Sensei began practicing daily meditation in 1976. Since then, he has studied Buddhism extensively—investigating and engaging in Zen, Tibetan, Theravada, and Western non-dual traditions. He was authorized to teach in the Theravada Buddhist tradition in 2007 and the Zen Buddhist schools of Soto and Rinzai in 2022. Stephen is a senior student of Roshi Mark Sando Mininberg and a transmitted teacher in the White Plum Asanga—the body of teachers in the Maezumi-roshi lineage. Stephen is the author of many books, including Trust in Awakening, Demystifying Awakening and Buddha's Heart. You can support the creation of future episodes of this podcast by contributing through Patreon.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Everything that is born will have a life-span and a death. All building ends in ruin, eery meeting ends in parting...but ruin too comes to an end, and something new is born. Parting comes to an end, where there is a space and new meetings. This is the ever changing river of life. This meditation is based on the work of Ken McLeod, whom I had the honor and privilege to receive these teachings from. Meditation can be challenging at times. Occasionally we may experience things which surprise as a result. If you have any questions or concerns in regards to this, or other meditation practices, please feel free to message me through my website: www.suchsweetthunder.orgI have been practicing meditation for 40 years and has been successfully teaching meditation worldwide since 2009, giving talks, facilitating retreats, and have authored two books. I have received formal training in Theravada, Mahayana (Tibetan, Zen,) and Vedanta meditation techniques as well as Trauma Sensitive Mindfulness, MBSR, Neuroplasticity, Nonviolent Communication, and Buddhist Psychology. I teach from a secular voice and I am passionate about bringing timeless wisdom teachings to people of any faith, belief system, or tradition. If you find these podcasts helpful please consider making a donation: PayPal.me/suchsweetthunder May All Benefit. 

Every day we're inundated with stories and images of violence, and the three poisons of greed, hatred and ignorance that the Buddha spoke of centuries ago. How do we greet this moment in time? How do we handle the emotions we experience with wisdom and compassion? How do we stay connected to the world we live in and work to end the harm we see?  Mary reflects on the reality of this moment and how to take care of ourselves and others.Recorded Jan. 25, 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.

Here is a guided meditation exploring the first two of the four tetrad map of Mindfulness of Breathing.Meditation can be challenging at times. Occasionally we may experience things which surprise as a result. If you have any questions or concerns in regards to this, or other meditation practices, please feel free to message me through my website: www.suchsweetthunder.orgI have been practicing meditation for 40 years and have been successfully teaching meditation worldwide since 2009, giving talks, facilitating retreats, and have authored two books. I have received formal training in Theravada, Mahayana (Tibetan, Zen,) and Vedanta meditation techniques as well as Trauma Sensitive Mindfulness, MBSR, Neuroplasticity, Non-Violent Communication, and Buddhist Psychology. I teach from a secular voice and I am passionate about bringing timeless wisdom teachings to people of any faith, belief system, or tradition.If you find these podcasts helpful please consider making a donation: PayPal.me/suchsweetthunderMay All Benefit

What do Buddhists believe happens after death? In this episode, we explore one of the most common and meaningful questions beginners ask about Buddhism. Rather than offering a single doctrine, Buddhism presents a clear process shaped by karma, mental habits, and the continuity of causes and conditions.You'll learn how different Buddhist traditions understand death, rebirth, and the transition between lives:Theravada: the importance of the final mind state, wholesome actions, and merit transferPure Land: the role of Amitābha Buddha, nianfo chanting, and rebirth in the Pure LandCh'an/Zen: clarity, non‑attachment, and approaching death as another moment of practiceTibetan Buddhism: the bardo teachings, phowa, and rituals that guide consciousnessWe also look at merit and merit dedication, why families generate merit for the deceased, and how these practices support a peaceful transition and favorable rebirth.Whether you're new to Buddhism or deepening your understanding, this episode offers a clear, compassionate guide to how Buddhists view death — and what these teachings reveal about living with wisdom and intention.Read the article: https://alanpeto.com/buddhism/understanding-reincarnation-rebirth/Contact Alan: alanpeto.com/contactPodcast Homepage: alanpeto.com/podcastPodcast Disclaimer: alanpeto.com/legal/podcast-disclaimer

Everything that is born will have a life-span and a death. All building ends in ruin, eery meeting ends in parting...but ruin too comes to an end, and something new is born. Parting comes to an end, where there is a space and new meetings. This is the ever changing river of life. This meditation is based on the work of Ken McLeod, whom I had the honor and privilege to receive these teachings from. Meditation can be challenging at times. Occasionally we may experience things which surprise as a result. If you have any questions or concerns in regards to this, or other meditation practices, please feel free to message me through my website: www.suchsweetthunder.org I have been practicing meditation for 40 years and has been successfully teaching meditation worldwide since 2009, giving talks, facilitating retreats, and have authored two books. I have received formal training in Theravada, Mahayana (Tibetan, Zen,) and Vedanta meditation techniques as well as Trauma Sensitive Mindfulness, MBSR, Neuroplasticity, Nonviolent Communication, and Buddhist Psychology. I teach from a secular voice and I am passionate about bringing timeless wisdom teachings to people of any faith, belief system, or tradition. If you find these podcasts helpful please consider making a donation: PayPal.me/suchsweetthunder May All Benefit. 

The Buddha's teaching on Wise Speech remains as important and necessary today as it did over 2,500 years ago. It may be even more important to be grounded in wisdom and clarity because there are so many more ways to interact with each other and we see the impact and harm of unwise speech around us on a daily basis. Mary talks about how we can make this part of our life.Recorded Jan. 17, 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.

Supramundane Consciousness (Lokuttara Citta)—the consciousness that transcends the conditioned world and leads directly to Nibbāna. It introduces Path (Magga) and Fruition (Phala) consciousness, clarifying how they function to eradicate mental defilements at each of the four stages of enlightenment: Stream-Enterer, Once-Returner, Non-Returner, and Arahant.The talk highlights the eight noble persons, the immediate nature of fruition consciousness, and how each path consciousness arises only once to permanently uproot specific defilements. A concise yet profound overview of how liberation unfolds through insight and supramundane wisdom.YouTube Video LinkYouTube Channel Link Website:www.satipatthana.caDonations and Memberships

In this episode of the Crazy Wisdom podcast, host Stewart Alsop sits down with Kelvin Lwin for their second conversation exploring the fascinating intersection of AI and Buddhist cosmology. Lwin brings his unique perspective as both a technologist with deep Silicon Valley experience and a serious meditation practitioner who's spent decades studying Buddhist philosophy. Together, they examine how AI development fits into ancient spiritual prophecies, discuss the dangerous allure of LLMs as potentially "asura weapons" that can mislead users, and explore verification methods for enlightenment claims in our modern digital age. The conversation ranges from technical discussions about the need for better AI compilers and world models to profound questions about humanity's role in what Lwin sees as an inevitable technological crucible that will determine our collective spiritual evolution. For more information about Kelvin's work on attention training and AI, visit his website at alin.ai. You can also join Kelvin for live meditation sessions twice daily on Clubhouse at clubhouse.com/house/neowise.Timestamps00:00 Exploring AI and Spirituality05:56 The Quest for Enlightenment Verification11:58 AI's Impact on Spirituality and Reality17:51 The 500-Year Prophecy of Buddhism23:36 The Future of AI and Business Innovation32:15 Exploring Language and Communication34:54 Programming Languages and Human Interaction36:23 AI and the Crucible of Change39:20 World Models and Physical AI41:27 The Role of Ontologies in AI44:25 The Asura and Deva: A Battle for Supremacy48:15 The Future of Humanity and AI51:08 Persuasion and the Power of LLMs55:29 Navigating the New Age of TechnologyKey Insights1. The Rarity of Polymath AI-Spirituality Perspectives: Kelvin argues that very few people are approaching AI through spiritual frameworks because it requires being a polymath with deep knowledge across multiple domains. Most people specialize in one field, and combining AI expertise with Buddhist cosmology requires significant time, resources, and academic background that few possess.2. Traditional Enlightenment Verification vs. Modern Claims: There are established methods for verifying enlightenment claims in Buddhist traditions, including adherence to the five precepts and overcoming hell rebirth through karmic resolution. Many modern Western practitioners claiming enlightenment fail these traditional tests, often changing the criteria when they can't meet the original requirements.3. The 500-Year Buddhist Prophecy and Current Timing: We are approximately 60 years into a prophesied 500-year period where enlightenment becomes possible again. This "startup phase of Buddhism revival" coincides with technological developments like the internet and AI, which are seen as integral to this spiritual renaissance rather than obstacles to it.4. LLMs as UI Solution, Not Reasoning Engine: While LLMs have solved the user interface problem of capturing human intent, they fundamentally cannot reason or make decisions due to their token-based architecture. The technology works well enough to create illusion of capability, leading people down an asymptotic path away from true solutions.5. The Need for New Programming Paradigms: Current AI development caters too much to human cognitive limitations through familiar programming structures. True advancement requires moving beyond human-readable code toward agent-generated languages that prioritize efficiency over human comprehension, similar to how compilers already translate high-level code.6. AI as Asura Weapon in Spiritual Warfare: From Buddhist cosmological perspective, AI represents an asura (demon-realm) tool that appears helpful but is fundamentally wasteful and disruptive to human consciousness. Humanity exists as the battleground between divine and demonic forces, with AI serving as a weapon that both sides employ in this cosmic conflict.7. 2029 as Critical Convergence Point: Multiple technological and spiritual trends point toward 2029 as when various systems will reach breaking points, forcing humanity to either transcend current limitations or be consumed by them. This timing aligns with both technological development curves and spiritual prophecies about transformation periods.

Here is a guided meditation exploring the first two of the four tetrad map of Mindfulness of Breathing. Meditation can be challenging at times. Occasionally we may experience things which surprise as a result. If you have any questions or concerns in regards to this, or other meditation practices, please feel free to message me through my website: www.suchsweetthunder.orgI have been practicing meditation for 40 years and have been successfully teaching meditation worldwide since 2009, giving talks, facilitating retreats, and have authored two books. I have received formal training in Theravada, Mahayana (Tibetan, Zen,) and Vedanta meditation techniques as well as Trauma Sensitive Mindfulness, MBSR, Neuroplasticity, Non-Violent Communication, and Buddhist Psychology. I teach from a secular voice and I am passionate about bringing timeless wisdom teachings to people of any faith, belief system, or tradition.If you find these podcasts helpful please consider making a donation: PayPal.me/suchsweetthunderMay All Benefit

Troisième chapitre du livre "Être ce qui est" qui comprend des discours d'Ajahn Chah recueillis et traduits par Paul Breiter, disciple d'Ajahn Chah, qui séjourna dans son monastère de nombreuses années. Traduction française réalisée par Jeanne Schut. Bibliographie: Ajahn Chah, Être ce qui est, éditions Sully (https://www.babelio.com/livres/Chah-tre-ce-qui-est/1067110) Narration et réalisation: Bruno Léger Production: Les mécènes du Vieux Sage Que règnent la paix et l'amour parmi tous les êtres de l'univers.  OM Shanti, Shanti, Shanti. 

Vipassana teacher Trudy Goodman provides practical tools for staying present.Today's podcast is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/beherenow and get on your way to being your best self.This time on the BHNN Guest Podcast, Trudy Goodman explores:Staying connected to the flow of the breathThe breath as our life-long companion and source of presence The loneliness of thought and being caught in the trap of our own thinking How the breath is our anchor and our teacherCultivating the power of the mind to focusThe pause at the end of a breath Balancing our energies and moving through each breath with care Stepping out of our familiar reactivity Accepting this as they are so that we can let them go About Trudy Goodman:Trudy is a Vipassana teacher in the Theravada lineage and the Founding Teacher of InsightLA. For 25 years, in Cambridge, MA, Trudy practiced mindfulness-based psychotherapy with children, teenagers, couples and individuals. Trudy conducts retreats, engages in activism work, and teaches workshops worldwide and online. She is also the voice of Trudy the Love Barbarian in the Netflix series, The Midnight Gospel. You can learn more about Trudy's flourishing array of wonderful offerings at TrudyGoodman.comThis episode was originally published on Dharmaseed “All the ways of being mindful are ways that the Buddha asks us to be true to our own hearts and minds. Mindfulness is a form of honesty, of telling ourselves the truth of what is happening. It's showing us that when we're present with the breath, the breath is not just our companion, it's our dharma friend, it's our teacher.” –Trudy GoodmanSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mary answers the question, "How do we offer Loving Kindness to those that commit atrocities?"  This is a common question, and is especially relevant right now. The heart practices do not ask us to ignore feelings or emotions that arise when faced with the violence and oppression so rampant today. Instead we are invited to greet whatever shows up and reflect on where we are and how we are holding our own pain. The heart practices invite us into our own healing which allows us to open to others.Recorded Jan. 10, 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.

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This episode introduces Formless Sphere Consciousness (Arūpāvacara Citta) and the four formless jhānas: infinite space, infinite consciousness, nothingness, and neither-perception-nor-non-perception. It explains how these refined states arise after mastering the fifth form-sphere jhāna and how they relate to the formless Brahma realms.The talk also outlines the twelve types of formless consciousness—wholesome, resultant, and functional—and clarifies their role in meditation and rebirth. While these attainments represent the highest bliss in the mundane world, the episode reminds us that liberation from suffering is achieved only through insight leading to NibbānaYouTube Video LinkYouTube Channel Link Website:www.satipatthana.caDonations and Memberships

Troisième chapitre du livre "Être ce qui est" qui comprend des discours d'Ajahn Chah recueillis et traduits par Paul Breiter, disciple d'Ajahn Chah, qui séjourna dans son monastère de nombreuses années. Traduction française réalisée par Jeanne Schut. Bibliographie: Ajahn Chah, Être ce qui est, éditions Sully (https://www.babelio.com/livres/Chah-tre-ce-qui-est/1067110) Narration et réalisation: Bruno Léger Production: Les mécènes du Vieux Sage Que règnent la paix et l'amour parmi tous les êtres de l'univers.  OM Shanti, Shanti, Shanti. 

There are a lot of misconceptions of basic Buddhist teachings and in this talk Mary reflects on a few. The Buddha did not say that "Life is Suffering", but instead that there is suffering, and there is a way out. Additionally, equanimity and being present for what is, does not condone injustice or greed, hatred and ignorance. Buddhist practice is a way of being in the world and fully engaged with it.Recorded Jan. 2, 2025 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.

Explaining how imagination creates both beauty and suffering, Gil Fronsdal offers a skillful way to tap into inspiration without becoming lost in a dream.This week on the BHNN Guest Podcast, Gil Fronsdal dives into:The poem “Thursday” by William Carlos WilliamsTransformation through presence during mundane experiences Dreaming as an important part of being humanHow the imagination helps to create connectionsThe Zen principle of present moment awarenessAllowing reality to move through the world of our imaginationNot becoming lost or stuck in a dreamThe Buddha as a man of tremendous imaginationImagining the possibility of being freed from sufferingThis episode was originally published on DharmaseedAbout 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. “Dreaming, I think, is a very important part of being a human being. The imagination that can imagine possibilities, potential, that can create wonderful connections between things.” –Gil FronsdalSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Delusion is one of the greatest impediments to freedom and in this talk, Mary discusses how being embodied and whole allows for clear seeing. When we're stuck in the habit energies of our minds, we're often disconnected from reality and our journey is back to wholeness, to clarity and to living with a wise heart.Recorded Dec. 27, 2025 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.

In a recent episode of the Insight Myanmar podcast Ven. Bhikkhu Bodhi spoke about four areas that Western Buddhists should should work on for a flourishing of the dharma. Mary describes the four domains and reflects in further detail about how it would look unfolding in our own lives.Recorded Dec. 20, 2025 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.

Using an article by Sayadaw U Tejaniya as a jumping off point, Mary discusses what being mindful all the time might look like in our lives, and how do we practice being present for whatever shows up. Being present is the key to liberation and is necessary even in the most mundane of situations. It takes effort, but the freedom is worth it.Recorded Dec. 11, 2025 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.

The saying that life teaches you how to live it is so aligned with Buddhism's invitation to be present in each moment for whatever is at hand. Mary reflects on this topic and the wisdom of being present for our lives.Recorded Dec. 6, 2025 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.

Mikey joins Dave Smith in collaboration with Flowering Lotus Meditation to discuss the importance of metta in mindfulness practice. Mikey and Dave will be teaching a retreat together December 28, 2025- Friday, January 2, 2026 in Bay St. Louis, MS.Learn more and sign up here: https://www.floweringlotusmeditation.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