Podcasts about western buddhism

In this episode, I am once again joined by Dhammarato: a lineage teacher in the Thai Buddhist tradition.  Dhammarato critiques Western and Asian Buddhist forms, including the Mahasi method, and addresses misconceptions about stream entry. Dhammarato comments on The Shorter Discourse to Mālunkyāputta, explains why the Buddha refused to teach on certain metaphysical subjects, challenges reincarnation, and questions mettā bhāvanā. Dhammarato also presents his understanding of the Buddha's true teachings, how to find a guru, and reflects on his own training under Ajahn Po. … 
 Also available on Youtube - search ‘Guru Viking Podcast'. ... 01:52 - Reflecting on 80 years of life 02:36 - Western Buddhism 03:02 - Buddhism with a lot of baggage 04:42 - Buddhism's inferior spread in the West 05:25 - Alan Watts was more Christian than Zen 06:33 - Steve reads a sutta 09:12 - The imponderables and what the Buddha left undeclared 10:06 - Reincarnation is not part of the teachings 12:29 - Dhammarato on the 4 noble truths 13:23- Enlightenment is immediately available 14:08 - Right samadhi 15:18 - How to be free of suffering 15:33 - Buddha only taught one practice: ānāpānasati 17:28 - The noble mind 19:50 - The four noble truths are the only teaching 20:35 - Life is not suffering 21:48 - The Mahasi method is wrong 22:13 - The 16 stages of insight is a misguided model 23:18 - Western Buddhism is a ripoff 26:37 - Magical teachings and the folly of attainments 28:21 - Mahasi attainments vs what the Buddha taught 29:09 - Avoid these aspects of Western Buddhist meditation 30:16 - Mettā bhāvanā is not a teachings 32:44 - How to become a meditation teacher 34:02 - 5 ways to gain the Dhamma 35:15 - Critique of meditation retreats 37:28 - Buddha's path is easy 40:44 - Attainments and mutual validation 42:03 - Peoples don't see their greed 44:03 - Don't brag about attainments 44:30 - How to know is someone is enlightened 49:32 - Huge understandings about stream entry 57:48 - Why do people claim stream entry? 01:00:37 - Christian Buddhism 01:02:33- How to demonstrate attainments 01:05:45 - How to expose fake stream enterers 01:08:52 - Meditation teacher trainings 01:10:37 - Certificates and the Wizard of Oz 01:18:11 - What are teacher trainings good for? 01:22:24 - How to become a good teacher 01:23:57 - Don't train under a lay man for money - Discord: https://discord.gg/epphTGY - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjxg5GJFsRqnS-YLTzyrjLQ For more visit. - www.guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi' by Steve James

I, Stewart Alsop, am thrilled to welcome Leon Coe back to the Crazy Wisdom Podcast for a second deep dive. This time, we journeyed from the Renaissance and McLuhan's media theories straight into the heart of theology, church history, and the very essence of faith, exploring how ancient wisdom and modern challenges intertwine. It was a fascinating exploration, touching on everything from apostolic succession to the nature of sin and the search for meaning in a secular age.Check out this GPT we trained on the conversationTimestamps00:43 I kick things off by asking Leon about the Renaissance, Martin Luther, and the profound impact of the printing press on religion.01:02 Leon Coe illuminates Marshall McLuhan's insights on how technologies, like print, shape our consciousness and societal structures.03:25 Leon takes us back to early Church history, discussing the Church's life and sacraments, including the Didache, well before the Bible's formal canonization.06:00 Leon explains the scriptural basis for Peter as the "rock" of the Church, the foundation for the office of the papacy.07:06 We delve into the concept of apostolic succession, where Leon describes the unbroken line of ordination from the apostles.11:57 Leon clarifies Jesus's relationship to the Law, referencing Matthew 5:17 where Jesus states he came to fulfill, not abolish, the Law.12:20 I reflect on the intricate dance of religion, culture, and technology, and the sometimes bewildering, "cosmic joke" nature of our current reality.16:46 I share my thoughts on secularism potentially acting as a new, unacknowledged religion, and how it often leaves a void in our search for purpose.19:28 Leon introduces what he calls the "most terrifying verse in the Bible," Matthew 7:21, emphasizing the importance of doing the Father's will.24:21 Leon discusses the Eucharist as the new Passover, drawing connections to Jewish tradition and Jesus's institution of this central sacrament.Key InsightsTechnology's Shaping Power: McLuhan's Enduring Relevance. Leon highlighted how Marshall McLuhan's theories are crucial for understanding history. The shift from an oral, communal society to an individualistic one via the printing press, for instance, directly fueled the Protestant Reformation by enabling personal interpretation of scripture, moving away from a unified Church authority.The Early Church's Foundation: Life Before the Canon. Leon emphasized that for roughly 300 years before the Bible was officially canonized, the Church was actively functioning. It had established practices, sacraments (like baptism and the Eucharist), and teachings, as evidenced by texts like the Didache, demonstrating a lived faith independent of a finalized scriptural canon.Peter and Apostolic Succession: The Unbroken Chain. A core point from Leon was Jesus designating Peter as the "rock" upon which He would build His Church. This, combined with the principle of apostolic succession—the laying on of hands in an unbroken line from the apostles—forms the Catholic and Orthodox claim to authoritative teaching and sacramental ministry.Fulfillment, Not Abolition: Jesus and the Law. Leon clarified that Jesus, as stated in Matthew 5:17, came not to abolish the Old Testament Law but to fulfill it. This means the Mosaic Law finds its ultimate meaning and completion in Christ, who institutes a New Covenant.Secularism's Spiritual Vacuum: A Modern Religion? I, Stewart, posited that modern secularism, while valuing empiricism, often acts like a new religion that explicitly rejects the spiritual and miraculous. Leon agreed this can lead to a sense of emptiness, as humans inherently long for purpose and connection to a creator, a void secularism struggles to fill.The Criticality of God's Will: Beyond Lip Service. Leon pointed to Matthew 7:21 ("Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven...") as a stark reminder. True faith requires more than verbal profession; it demands actively doing the will of the Father, implying that actions and heartfelt commitment are essential for salvation.The Eucharist as Central: The New Passover and Real Presence. Leon passionately explained the Eucharist as the new Passover, instituted by Christ. Referencing John 6, he stressed the Catholic belief in the Real Presence—that the bread and wine become the literal body and blood of Christ—which is essential for spiritual life and communion with God.Reconciliation and Purity: Restoring Communion. Leon explained the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) as a vital means, given through the Church's apostolic ministry, to restore communion with God after sin. He also touched upon Purgatory as a state of purification for overcoming attachments to sin, ensuring one is perfectly ordered to God before entering Heaven.Contact Information*   Leon Coe: @LeonJCoe on Twitter (X)

Review of Buddhism without Beliefs by Bhikkhu Bodhi It has often been said that Western Buddhism is distinguished from its Asian prototype by three innovative shifts: the replacement of the monastery by the lay community as the principal arena of Buddhist practice; the enhanced position of women; and the emergence of a grass-roots engaged Buddhism aimed at social and political transformation. These three developments, however, have been encompassed by a fourth which is so much taken for granted that it is barely noticed. This last innovation might be briefly characterized as an attempt to transplant Buddhist practice from its native soil of faith and doctrine into a new setting governed by largely secular concerns. For Asian Buddhists, including Eastern masters teaching in the West, this shift is so incomprehensible as to be invisible, while Western Buddhists regard it as so obvious that they rarely comment on it. Stephen Batchelor, however, has clearly discerned the significance of this development and what it portends for the future. Having been trained in Asia in two monastic lineages (Tibetan Gelugpa and Korean Soen) and relinquished his monk's vows to live as a lay Buddhist teacher in the West, he is acquainted with both traditional Buddhism and its Western offshoots. His book Buddhism without Beliefs is an intelligent and eloquent attempt to articulate the premises of the emerging secular Buddhism and define the parameters of a “dharma practice” appropriate to the new situation. ... narrated by Jonathan Nelson 2025 22 minutes 32 seconds Listen to Streaming Audio Your browser does not support the audio element. Download Audio (11MB) Audio copyright, 2025 Pariyatti Investigating the Dhamma as a book and eBook can be found at https://store.pariyatti.org/investigating-the-dhamma. More by Bhikkhu Bodhi. View more books and audio resources available in the Pariyatti bookstore. "Review of Buddhism without Beliefs" at Amazon: https://amazon.com/dp/1573226564.

In this 3-part series, Danadasa covers the "Three Great Turnings" of the wheel of the dharma that resulted in the Theravada, Mahayana and Vajrayana traditions.In this final talk, he explores the Vajrayana tradition's emphasis on holistic self-acceptance and using all aspects of experience—including anger—as part of the spiritual path. He discusses the contrast between early Buddhism's emphasis on self-liberation, Mahayana's interconnectedness, and Vajrayana's transformative approach that integrates even difficult emotions. By reframing anger as energy that can be directed toward wisdom or compassion, Vajrayana encourages acceptance and the practice of self-love as a pathway to freedom.Danadasa also reflects on the cultural influences shaping different Buddhist practices, such as Tibetan Buddhism's devotional aspects compared to Western Buddhism's rationalist tendencies. He shares his personal journey through conflict and how Vajrayana practices helped him transform anger and grief into deeper wisdom. Central to his teaching is the idea of surrender—letting go of control and embracing impermanence, which leads to the unworldly bliss of freedom from attachment. Through cognitive dissonance and contemplative affirmations, Danadasa encourages trusting the process of transformation, fostering forgiveness, and connecting with higher wisdom.______________Danadasa (he/him) began meditating and practicing Buddhism in 1993 and was ordained in the Triratna Buddhist Order in 2011 at the San Francisco Buddhist Center. At his ordination, he received his Buddhist name Danadasa which, in Sanskrit, means “servant of generosity”. In 1995, he developed a heart connection with the archetypal Buddha Amitabha, rooted in the Japanese Pure Land tradition Jodo Shinshu (known in the Western world as Shin Buddhism), and has been practicing an Amitabha sadhana (devotional practice) since 2011.Danadasa is deeply passionate about teaching meditation, mindfulness and Buddhism in a somatic and embodied way, bringing the Buddha's teachings to life in our imaginations through images and storytelling. Embodied practice is the path of getting out of our heads and into our bodies, for it is in our bodies that liberation reveals itself.Over the past 20 years, Danadasa has held various administrative and leadership roles within the San Francisco Buddhist Center (SFBC). And in 2023, he resigned from all of his formal SFBC roles, as well as taking a break from teaching for a period of wandering in the wilderness, free from the external responsibilities, expectations and social norms of the monastery, following in the footsteps of the great “crazy wisdom” Mahasiddhas of the past. Since then, many lineage Masters and archetypal Buddhas have provided Danadasa with guidance and inspiration, including Tilopa, Naropa, Padmasambhava, Vajrakilaya, and Machig Labdron. In 2024, Danadasa received Vajrayogini initiation and empowerment. Through Vajrayogini, the Mother of All the Buddhas, the meaning of the Buddha's words is beginning to reveal itself. ______________ To support our efforts to share these talks with LGBTQIA audiences worldwide, please visit https://gaybuddhist.org/There you can: Donate Learn how to participate live Find our schedule of upcoming speakers Join our mailing list or discussion forum Enjoy many hundreds of these recorded talks dating back to 1996 CREDITSAudio Engineer: George HubbardProducer: Tom BrueinMusic/Logo/Artwork: Derek Lassiter

Today I sit down with Volker Scheid, an interdisciplinary scholar and longtime practitioner of Chinese medicine. Together, we take an intellectual deep dive into his thoughts about the importance of blurring disciplinary boundaries and how “meta-practice” can make sense of the many different kinds of Chinese medicines. Along the way, Volker and I discuss the commensurability of Chinese medicine and biomedicine, the importance of connecting the self with the ten thousand things, and how premodern ideas can be the basis of a new politics for modern times. If you want to hear more from experts on Buddhism, Asian medicine, and embodied spirituality then subscribe to Blue Beryl and don't miss an episode! PLEASE NOTE: Shortly, we will be changing our name to Black Beryl. Your subscription will automatically update and no action is necessary on your part. Thanks for your continued support! Resources mentioned in this episode: Volker's website Volker Scheid, Chinese Medicine in Contemporary China: Plurality and Synthesis (2002) Volker Scheid, Currents of Tradition in Chinese Medicine 1626-2006 (2007) Paul Unschuld, Chinese Medicine: A History of Ideas (2010) Annemarie Mol, The Body Multiple: Ontology in Medical Practice (2003) Pierce Salguero, “A Polyperspectival Asian Medicine Practice” (2020) Slavoj Žižek, “From Western Marxism to Western Buddhism” (2001) Volker's blog Pierce Salguero is a transdisciplinary scholar of health humanities who is fascinated by historical and contemporary intersections between Buddhism, medicine, and crosscultural exchange. He has a Ph.D. in History of Medicine from the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine (2010), and teaches Asian history, medicine, and religion at Penn State University's Abington College, located near Philadelphia. www.piercesalguero.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

Today I sit down with Volker Scheid, an interdisciplinary scholar and longtime practitioner of Chinese medicine. Together, we take an intellectual deep dive into his thoughts about the importance of blurring disciplinary boundaries and how “meta-practice” can make sense of the many different kinds of Chinese medicines. Along the way, Volker and I discuss the commensurability of Chinese medicine and biomedicine, the importance of connecting the self with the ten thousand things, and how premodern ideas can be the basis of a new politics for modern times. If you want to hear more from experts on Buddhism, Asian medicine, and embodied spirituality then subscribe to Blue Beryl and don't miss an episode! PLEASE NOTE: Shortly, we will be changing our name to Black Beryl. Your subscription will automatically update and no action is necessary on your part. Thanks for your continued support! Resources mentioned in this episode: Volker's website Volker Scheid, Chinese Medicine in Contemporary China: Plurality and Synthesis (2002) Volker Scheid, Currents of Tradition in Chinese Medicine 1626-2006 (2007) Paul Unschuld, Chinese Medicine: A History of Ideas (2010) Annemarie Mol, The Body Multiple: Ontology in Medical Practice (2003) Pierce Salguero, “A Polyperspectival Asian Medicine Practice” (2020) Slavoj Žižek, “From Western Marxism to Western Buddhism” (2001) Volker's blog Pierce Salguero is a transdisciplinary scholar of health humanities who is fascinated by historical and contemporary intersections between Buddhism, medicine, and crosscultural exchange. He has a Ph.D. in History of Medicine from the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine (2010), and teaches Asian history, medicine, and religion at Penn State University's Abington College, located near Philadelphia. www.piercesalguero.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/medicine

Today I sit down with Volker Scheid, an interdisciplinary scholar and longtime practitioner of Chinese medicine. Together, we take an intellectual deep dive into his thoughts about the importance of blurring disciplinary boundaries and how “meta-practice” can make sense of the many different kinds of Chinese medicines. Along the way, Volker and I discuss the commensurability of Chinese medicine and biomedicine, the importance of connecting the self with the ten thousand things, and how premodern ideas can be the basis of a new politics for modern times. If you want to hear more from experts on Buddhism, Asian medicine, and embodied spirituality then subscribe to Blue Beryl and don't miss an episode! PLEASE NOTE: Shortly, we will be changing our name to Black Beryl. Your subscription will automatically update and no action is necessary on your part. Thanks for your continued support! Resources mentioned in this episode: Volker's website Volker Scheid, Chinese Medicine in Contemporary China: Plurality and Synthesis (2002) Volker Scheid, Currents of Tradition in Chinese Medicine 1626-2006 (2007) Paul Unschuld, Chinese Medicine: A History of Ideas (2010) Annemarie Mol, The Body Multiple: Ontology in Medical Practice (2003) Pierce Salguero, “A Polyperspectival Asian Medicine Practice” (2020) Slavoj Žižek, “From Western Marxism to Western Buddhism” (2001) Volker's blog Pierce Salguero is a transdisciplinary scholar of health humanities who is fascinated by historical and contemporary intersections between Buddhism, medicine, and crosscultural exchange. He has a Ph.D. in History of Medicine from the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine (2010), and teaches Asian history, medicine, and religion at Penn State University's Abington College, located near Philadelphia. www.piercesalguero.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/chinese-studies

Today I sit down with Volker Scheid, an interdisciplinary scholar and longtime practitioner of Chinese medicine. Together, we take an intellectual deep dive into his thoughts about the importance of blurring disciplinary boundaries and how “meta-practice” can make sense of the many different kinds of Chinese medicines. Along the way, Volker and I discuss the commensurability of Chinese medicine and biomedicine, the importance of connecting the self with the ten thousand things, and how premodern ideas can be the basis of a new politics for modern times. If you want to hear more from experts on Buddhism, Asian medicine, and embodied spirituality then subscribe to Blue Beryl and don't miss an episode! PLEASE NOTE: Shortly, we will be changing our name to Black Beryl. Your subscription will automatically update and no action is necessary on your part. Thanks for your continued support! Resources mentioned in this episode: Volker's website Volker Scheid, Chinese Medicine in Contemporary China: Plurality and Synthesis (2002) Volker Scheid, Currents of Tradition in Chinese Medicine 1626-2006 (2007) Paul Unschuld, Chinese Medicine: A History of Ideas (2010) Annemarie Mol, The Body Multiple: Ontology in Medical Practice (2003) Pierce Salguero, “A Polyperspectival Asian Medicine Practice” (2020) Slavoj Žižek, “From Western Marxism to Western Buddhism” (2001) Volker's blog Pierce Salguero is a transdisciplinary scholar of health humanities who is fascinated by historical and contemporary intersections between Buddhism, medicine, and crosscultural exchange. He has a Ph.D. in History of Medicine from the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine (2010), and teaches Asian history, medicine, and religion at Penn State University's Abington College, located near Philadelphia. www.piercesalguero.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/science-technology-and-society

PLEASE NOTE: Shortly, we will be changing our name to Black Beryl. Your subscription will automatically update and no action is necessary on your part. Thanks for your continued support! Today I sit down with Volker Scheid, an interdisciplinary scholar and longtime practitioner of Chinese medicine. Together, we take an intellectual deep dive into his thoughts about the importance of blurring disciplinary boundaries and how “meta-practice” can make sense of the many different kinds of Chinese medicines. Along the way, Volker and I discuss the commensurability of Chinese medicine and biomedicine, the importance of connecting the self with the ten thousand things, and how premodern ideas can be the basis of a new politics for modern times.If you want to hear more from experts on Buddhism, Asian medicine, and embodied spirituality then subscribe to Blue Beryl and don't miss an episode! Resources mentioned in this episode:Volker's website Volker Scheid, Chinese Medicine in Contemporary China: Plurality and Synthesis (2002)Volker Scheid, Currents of Tradition in Chinese Medicine 1626-2006 (2007)Paul Unschuld, Chinese Medicine: A History of Ideas (2010)Annemarie Mol, The Body Multiple: Ontology in Medical Practice (2003)Pierce Salguero, “A Polyperspectival Asian Medicine Practice” (2020)Slavoj Žižek, “From Western Marxism to Western Buddhism” (2001)Volker's blog

Bright on Buddhism - Episode 94 - How ought we understand sex in Buddhism? What is the meaning and significance of the doctrine prohibiting sexual indiscretion? How have understandings of this doctrine changed over time? Resources: Lang, Karen C. (June 2015). Mittal, Sushil (ed.). "When the Vindhya Mountains Float in the Ocean: Some Remarks on the Lust and Gluttony of Ascetics and Buddhist Monks". International Journal of Hindu Studies. 19 (1/2). Boston: Springer Verlag: 171–192. doi:10.1007/s11407-015-9176-z. eISSN 1574-9282. ISSN 1022-4556. JSTOR 24631797. S2CID 145662113.; Langenberg, Amy Paris (April 2018). "Buddhism and Sexuality". In Cozort, Daniel; Shields, James Mark (eds.). The Oxford Handbook of Buddhist Ethics. Oxford: Oxford University Press. doi:10.1093/oxfordhb/9780198746140.013.22. ISBN 9780198746140.; Langenberg, Amy Paris (September 2015). Denison, Brandi (ed.). "Sex and Sexuality in Buddhism: A Tetralemma". Religion Compass. 9 (9). New York: John Wiley & Sons: 277–286. doi:10.1111/rec3.12162. eISSN 1749-8171.; Powers, John (26 April 2021). "The Body of the Buddha: The Buddha's Sex Life". Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Religion. Oxford: Oxford University Press. doi:10.1093/acrefore/9780199340378.013.745. ISBN 9780199340378. Archived from the original on 16 May 2021. Retrieved 16 May 2021.; Porath, Or (January 2015). Porcu, Elisabetta (ed.). "The Cosmology of Male-Male Love in Medieval Japan: Nyakudō no kanjinchō and the Way of Youths". Journal of Religion in Japan. 4 (2–3). Leiden: Brill Publishers: 241–271. doi:10.1163/22118349-00402007. eISSN 2211-8349. ISSN 2211-8330.; Smith, Sharon E.; Munt, Sally R.; Kam-Tuck Yip, Andrew (2016). "Thinking Through the Cultural Politics of Race, Sexuality, and Gender in Western Buddhism". In Smith, Sharon E.; Munt, Sally R.; Kam-Tuck Yip, Andrew (eds.). Cosmopolitan Dharma: Race, Sexuality, and Gender in British Buddhism. Numen Book Series. Vol. 152. Leiden: Brill Publishers. pp. 1–48. doi:10.1163/9789004232808_002. ISBN 978-90-04-23279-2. ISSN 0169-8834; https://studybuddhism.com/en/tibetan-buddhism/path-to-enlightenment/karma-rebirth/buddhist-sexual-ethics-main-issues; https://studybuddhism.com/en/tibetan-buddhism/path-to-enlightenment/karma-rebirth/buddhist-western-views-on-sex; https://info-buddhism.com/Buddhism-Sexuality-Cabezon.html Do you have a question about Buddhism that you'd like us to discuss? Let us know by tweeting to us @BrightBuddhism, emailing us at Bright.On.Buddhism@gmail.com, or joining us on our discord server, Hidden Sangha ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://discord.gg/tEwcVpu⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! Credits: Nick Bright: Script, Cover Art, Music, Voice of Hearer, Co-Host Proven Paradox: Editing, mixing and mastering, social media, Voice of Hermit, Co-Host

Doug and Matt begin by discussing Brendan Graham Dempsey's work on metamodern spirituality, and particularly metamodern Christianity. Matt highlights the differences between how Eastern and Western spiritual traditions have been adopted and critiqued within this framework, noting that Western Buddhism has been largely stripped of its cultural and cosmological context due to the nature of the modern colonial encounter out of which it arose. He contrasts this with Christianity, which he thinks is more challenging to separate from its cosmological and ritual elements. Matt praises Brendan's efforts to challenge Biblical literalism and explore a version of Christianity that aligns with contemporary scientific understanding. However, Matt expresses feeling somewhat constrained by Brendan's approach, suggesting there are other ways to interpret, for example, the Christ event, that respect scientific perspectives without being reductionistic or literalistic. Doug agrees on the importance of balancing esoteric and exoteric elements in spirituality, using an analogy of understanding a Lamborghini by both driving it and examining its engine. He appreciates Brendan's honest grappling with these spiritual issues but notes the need for incorporating rituals to ground spiritual practice. They both stress the significance of ritual in religious practice, not as mere metaphors but as enactments that transform consciousness. Matt argues that rituals help bridge the gap between our limited, individual perspectives and a more expansive, collective and even cosmic understanding. Doug adds that rituals lay the groundwork for collective human experience and help us connect with the deeper truths of existence. Doug also brings up the challenge of modern political discourse, emphasizing the need for empathy and understanding in political conversations. Matt agrees, suggesting that political engagement should be centered in the heart, aiming for persuasion rather than force. They both acknowledge the difficulty of navigating political polarization in an increasingly “post-liberal” era, but stress the importance of seeing the humanity in others and striving for a more compassionate and inclusive dialogue.

Enjoy this short guided meditation from Sharon Suh, called, "Compassionate Touch Meditation."Guest:SHARON SUH is professor of Buddhism at Seattle University and author of Being Buddhist in a Christian World: Gender and Community (2004); Silver Screen Buddha: Buddhism in Asian and Western Film (2015); and Occupy This Body: A Buddhist Memoir (2019). She focuses on racialized trauma experienced by people of color and emphasizes the importance of embodiment. She's also President of Sakyadhita International Association of Buddhist Women. Her upcoming book, Emergent Dharma: An Anthology of Asian American Feminist Buddhist Women scheduled for Fall 2025.Links to social media:www.mindfuleatingmethod.com; @mindfuleatingmethodIn addition to books mentioned in bio: •.      “Western Buddhism and Race,” co-authored with Joseph Cheah, Oxford Research Encyclopedia (Oxford University Press, May 2022).• “Jeong as the Expression of the Interrelationality of Self and Other in Korean Buddhist Cinema” in Edward Y. J. Chung and Jea Sophia Oh, eds. Emotions in Korean Philosophy and Religion: Confucian, Comparative and Contemporary Perspectives.” (Palgrave, 2022).• “Taking Refuge in the Body to Know the Self Anew: Buddhism, Race, and Embodiment,” Embodying Knowledge: Asian and Asian American Women's Contributions to Theology and Religious Studies, ed. by Kwok Pui Lan (Palgrave MacMillan).• “We Interrupt Your Regularly Scheduled Programming to Bring You This Very Important Public Service Announcement . . .”: aka Buddhism as Usual in the Academy,” in Emily McCrae and George Yancy, eds., Buddhism and Whiteness: Critical Reflections (Rowman & Littlefield). •Suh. Sharon., “Buddhist Meditation as Strategic Embodiment: An Optative Reflection” in Flashpoints for Asian American Studies, ed. by Cathy Vials-Schlund. (Fordham University Press, 2017).•Suh, Sharon. A., “Buddhism and Gender” in Oxford Handbook of Contemporary Buddhism, ed. by Michael Jerryson. (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2016):635-649.•Suh, Sharon A., “Buddhism, Rhetoric, and the Korean American Community: The Adjustment of Korean American Buddhists to the United States” in Richard Alba, Albert J. Raboteau, and Josh DeWing, eds., Immigration in America: Comparative Historical Perspectives. (New York: New York University Press, 2009):166-190.

A layered and engaging discussion with Prof. Sharon Suh on what "Asian American Buddhism can be defined as; including the refusal to be silenced.Guest:SHARON SUH is professor of Buddhism at Seattle University and author of Being Buddhist in a Christian World: Gender and Community (2004); Silver Screen Buddha: Buddhism in Asian and Western Film (2015); and Occupy This Body: A Buddhist Memoir (2019). She focuses on racialized trauma experienced by people of color and emphasizes the importance of embodiment. She's also President of Sakyadhita International Association of Buddhist Women. Her upcoming book, Emergent Dharma: An Anthology of Asian American Feminist Buddhist Women scheduled for Fall 2025. Links to social media:www.mindfuleatingmethod.com; @mindfuleatingmethodIn addition to books mentioned in bio: •.      “Western Buddhism and Race,” co-authored with Joseph Cheah, Oxford Research Encyclopedia (Oxford University Press, May 2022).• “Jeong as the Expression of the Interrelationality of Self and Other in Korean Buddhist Cinema” in Edward Y. J. Chung and Jea Sophia Oh, eds. Emotions in Korean Philosophy and Religion: Confucian, Comparative and Contemporary Perspectives.” (Palgrave, 2022).• “Taking Refuge in the Body to Know the Self Anew: Buddhism, Race, and Embodiment,” Embodying Knowledge: Asian and Asian American Women's Contributions to Theology and Religious Studies, ed. by Kwok Pui Lan (Palgrave MacMillan).• “We Interrupt Your Regularly Scheduled Programming to Bring You This Very Important Public Service Announcement . . .”: aka Buddhism as Usual in the Academy,” in Emily McCrae and George Yancy, eds., Buddhism and Whiteness: Critical Reflections (Rowman & Littlefield). •Suh. Sharon., “Buddhist Meditation as Strategic Embodiment: An Optative Reflection” in Flashpoints for Asian American Studies, ed. by Cathy Vials-Schlund. (Fordham University Press, 2017).•Suh, Sharon. A., “Buddhism and Gender” in Oxford Handbook of Contemporary Buddhism, ed. by Michael Jerryson. (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2016):635-649.•Suh, Sharon A., “Buddhism, Rhetoric, and the Korean American Community: The Adjustment of Korean American Buddhists to the United States” in Richard Alba, Albert J. Raboteau, and Josh DeWing, eds., Immigration in America: Comparative Historical Perspectives. (New York: New York University Press, 2009):166-190.Host: REV. LIÊN SHUTT (she/they) is a recognized leader in the movement that breaks through the wall of American white-centered convert Buddhism to welcome people of all backgrounds into a contemporary, engaged Buddhism. As an ordained Zen priest, licensed social worker, and longtime educator/teacher of Buddhism, Shutt represents new leadership at the nexus of spirituality and social justice, offering a special warm welcome to Asian Americans, all BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, immigrants, and those seeking a “home” in the midst of North American society's reckoning around racism, sexism, homophobia, and xenophobia. Shutt is a founder of Access to Zen (2014). You can learn more about her work at AccessToZen.org. Her new book, Home is Here: Practicing Antiracism with the Engaged Eightfold Path. See all her offerings at EVENTS

Visit our website lovedog.com for in-depth articles, adoptions, and great online shopping!Shop for the pup in our store: Woof & Wear: The Shop****OUR SPONSORJOPE Hip & Joint Chews, veterinarian-crafted, made with UC-II collagen along with high quantities of Omega-3 and curcumin to improve mobility.****ABOUT TARA BRACHTara Brach's teachings blend Western psychology and Eastern spiritual practices, mindful attention to our inner life, and a full, compassionate engagement with our world. The result is a distinctive voice in Western Buddhism, one that offers a wise and caring approach to freeing ourselves and society from suffering.As an undergraduate at Clark University, Tara pursued a double major in psychology and political science. During this time, while working as a grassroots organizer for tenants' rights, she also began attending yoga classes and exploring Eastern approaches to inner transformation. After college, she lived for ten years in an ashram—a spiritual community—where she practiced and taught both yoga and concentrative meditation. When she left the ashram and attended her first Buddhist Insight Meditation retreat, led by Joseph Goldstein, she realized she was home. “I had found wisdom teachings and practices that train the heart and mind in unconditional and loving presence,” she explains. “I knew that this was a path of true freedom.”Over the following years, Tara earned a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the Fielding Institute, with a dissertation exploring meditation as a therapeutic modality in treating addiction. She went on to complete a five-year Buddhist teacher training program at the Spirit Rock Meditation Center. Working as both a psychotherapist and a meditation teacher, she found herself naturally blending these two powerful traditions—introducing meditation to her therapy clients and sharing western psychological insights with meditation students. This synthesis has evolved, in more recent years, into Tara's groundbreaking work in training psychotherapists to integrate mindfulness strategies into their clinical work.In 1998, Tara founded the Insight Meditation Community of Washington, DC (IMCW), which is now one of the largest and most dynamic non-residential meditation centers in the United States. She gives presentations, teaches classes, offers workshops, and leads silent meditation retreats at IMCW and at conferences and retreat centers in the United States and Europe. Tara's podcast is downloaded more than 3 million times each month. Together with Jack Kornfield, Tara co-founded Banyan and the Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Training Program, which serves participants from 74 countries around the world.In addition to numerous articles, videos, and hundreds of recorded talks, Tara is the author of the books: Radical Acceptance

Energy master, Jane Lyon joins Her Drive to discuss her path to becoming an energy master and her expertise in various healing modalities, including Reiki, Akashic records, yoga, and meditation. Jane, a devout Vajrayana Buddhist, shares her insights into energy work and how it relates to quantum theory and healing. She explains the simplicity of Reiki, the depth of the Akashic records, and the personal significance of Buddhism in her life. Jane also discusses why she doesn't formally teach Buddhism, preferring to share its philosophies in a secular, accessible manner. The conversation touches on the importance of balance in the chakras and how energy work can facilitate manifesting desires. Jane emphasizes the need for somatic healing through touch and affection and reflects on her experiences with shibori. The episode offers a blend of personal narrative and practical advice for those interested in energy work and spiritual growth.  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/87627480... http://janelyon.me http://her-drive.com

In this episode I am once again joined by Leigh Brasington, Buddhist meditation teacher and author of ‘Right Concentration, A Practical Guide to the Jhanas'. Leigh discusses his latest book, ‘Gradual Training: The Buddha's Step-by-Step Guide for Awakening', in which Leigh lays a 13 step training which culminates in enlightenment. Leigh explains the scriptural origins of this formulation, why it is so crucial for meditation success, and speculates as to why it is so rarely taught by Buddhist teachers in America. Leigh also emphasises the importance of moral precepts, wrestles with contradictions in the Buddhist scriptures, considers how the scriptures have been altered over the centuries, and reveals his opinion of Buddhist claims to psychic powers. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep253-the-buddhist-path-leigh-brasington Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast'. … Topics Include: 00:00 - Intro 00:53 - Leigh's latest book 02:09 - A life changing meditation encounter 03:00 - The gradual training 05:05 - Training in insight practice under Ayya Khema 05:49 - Leigh's insight journey 07:31 - Why isn't gradual training taught in Western Buddhism? 07:55 - Buddhist teacher schtick 09:00 - People don't teach the suttas 09:47 - 13 steps to awakening 12:23 - Origin and evolution of the 13-step Gradual Training 13:23 - The Buddhist scriptures have been tampered with 15:23 - Evolution of the doctrine of 12 links of dependent origination 16:34 - Philological implications 17:51 - Did the Buddha have supernatural powers? 21:59 - Contradictions in Buddhist scripture 24:11 - Early vs late suttas 26:20 - When were the suttas composed? 29:39 - When was the gradual training devised? 31:11 - Gradual training vs Lamrim 32:35 - Fruits of the spiritual life 36:38 - Keeping the precepts 40:08 - Guarding the senses 42:41 - Mindfulness and clear comprehension 44:47 - Contentment with little 47:04 - Overcoming hinderances 49:12 - Are psychic powers real? 50:14 - Meditation or morality? 54:13 - Consequences of skipping ethics 58:05 - Do the precepts spoil the fun of life? 01:01:19 - What makes practice life changing? 01:02:36 - Enjoyment without attachment 01:04:17 - The power of motivation to change habits 01:06:19 - How Leigh gave up pot and sweets 01:08:19 - How to do insight practice 01:09:08 - Future writing projects 01:13:30 - Why Leigh publishes his books for free … Previous episodes with Leigh Brasington: - https://www.guruviking.com/search?q=brasington To find our more about Leigh Brasington visit: - http://www.leighb.com/ For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - https://www.guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi' by Steve James

What is "Western Buddhism"? Practiced outside of Asia where Buddhism is traditionally practiced, Western countries have been adopting Buddhism, but often in different nuanced ways. Let's explore what Western Buddhism means, some misconceptions Westerners have about Buddhism, and how we can practice Buddhism authentically as Buddhists! Contact Alan: alanpeto.com/contact Podcast Homepage: alanpeto.com/podcast Podcast Disclaimer: alanpeto.com/legal/podcast-disclaimer --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/alanpeto/message

What would Nietzsche say… about today's divisive issues and debates? I spoke with Glenn Wallis, author of the new book, Nietzsche Now!, on how the Great Immoralist guides us in understanding democracy, identity, civilization, consciousness, religion, and other urgent topics of our time. Wallis identifies six guiding principles in Nietzsche's work that help navigate today's concerns: curiosity, humor, courage, distance, solitude, and humor. Steeped in Nietzsche but never academic, dogmatic, or pious (which Nietzsche would have hated!), Wallis explains with infectious enthusiasm and meticulous care the reasons why Nietzsche may be the most relevant thinker for our time. Glenn Wallis is the editor and translator of The Dhammapada and Basic Teachings of the Buddha (Random House), and the author of A Critique of Western Buddhism (Bloomsbury), An Anarchist's Manifesto, and How to Fix Education (both with Warbler Press). He holds a Ph.D. from Harvard University and has taught at several universities, including Brown University, and at the University of Georgia as a tenured professor. He is the founder and director of Incite Seminars in Philadelphia. Nietzsche Now! The Great Immoralist on the Vital Issues of Our Time (Warbler Press, 2023) is now available wherever books are sold. Other Think About It episodes mentioned in this podcast: Béatrice Longueness on Immanuel Kant's What is Englightenment? Melissa Schwartzberg on Jean-Jacques Rousseau's The Social Contract Glenn Wallis on Kahlil Gibran's The Prophet Ruth Ben-Ghiat on Threats to Democracy and H. L. Mencken's Notes on Democracy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/intellectual-history

This unlocked patreon episode was originally released Feb. 27th 2024 To get access to more bonus episodes like this every month, and support the show, join our patreon at patreon.com/revleftradio --------------------------------------------- In this patreon exclusive, Breht reads and reflects on Buddhist writings including Thich Nhat Hanh's letter to MLK Jr. regarding Buddhist monks in Vietnam engaging in self-immolation and how it differs from suicide,  and a response by John Peacock to criticism by Slavoj Zizek of so-called Western Buddhism wherein he argues that mindfulness meditation is merely a way to cope with the depravities of capitalism; a new Opium of the Masses.  Along the way, Breht takes many detours, and touches on the self-immolation and martyrdom of Aaron Bushnell, the ongoing multi-faceted evolution of the human species, and much more.   Check out other Rev Left episodes on Buddhism and related topics, including the ones mentioned in this episode HERE 

Join Loch Kelly the creator of the mindful glimpses app here as he shares a deep dialogue with psychologist, meditation teacher and author, Tara Brach. Together they explore the path to awakening presence and deepening the connection to inner wisdom. The conversation navigates through practical techniques for shifting awareness, mindfulness cultivation, and the transformative power of embracing beliefs without being bound by them. Discover how stories and narratives are portals to understanding stored emotions in the body and how practices like prayer, curiosity, and glimpses can lead to healing and a sense of belonging. The discussion also touches on the importance of celebrating joy, gratitude, and bliss in the journey toward freedom and self-realization.[00:32:40] The episode features Loch offering a guided practice which is designed to explore Getting HeartMind Online. These mindful glimpses serve as invaluable tools for experiencing ways to access the awake consciousness that is already here within all of us.Tara Brach Guided Meditation and More on the AppYou can now explore all of Loch Kelly's practices and teachings on the new Mindful Glimpses app, found at https://lochkelly.org/mindful-glimpses. This innovative meditation and wellness app offers daily micro-meditations, step-by-step programs, and simple-yet-advanced tools for awakening. Included is the above Tara Brach guided meditation along with guest meditations from other well-regarded teachers.Tara Brach, a prominent figure in Western Buddhism, merges psychology and Eastern spirituality. With a background in psychology and political science, she explored yoga during grassroots organizing, later embracing Insight Meditation. Holding a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, she integrates mindfulness into psychotherapy. Through her podcast and global teachings, she emphasizes emotional healing, spiritual awakening, and compassionate action, addressing societal issues. Additionally, Tara is the author of the book 'Radical Acceptance,' now being re-released in its 20th Anniversary Edition. https://www.tarabrach.com/ Loch Kelly is the creator of the Mindful Glimpses app, award winning author, psychotherapist, and nondual meditation teacher known for his unique practical methods that support awakening as the next natural stage of human development. Backed by modern neuroscience and psychology, Loch introduces Effortless Mindfulness, an ancient form of nondual meditation that allows immediate access to our embodied awake nature which arises as calm, clarity, and compassion. Connect with Loch:Mobile App: https://lochkelly.org/mindful-glimpsesWebsite: https://lochkelly.org/Podcast: https://lochkelly.org/podcastDonate: https://lochkelly.org/donateThe Effortless Mindfulness Podcast is brought to you by our 501(c)(3) non-profit public charity. Our mission is to make learning how to tap into your inner resources simple, teachable, and accessible to everyone.

Is it possible to love without being hurt? I recently saw an advertisement for a class that proposed a way to experience "Love without pain." Many Western people have put their faith in this modern Buddhist myth, but it leads to disaster. Though pain may seem overwhelming at times, the value of real love is worth it. Let me explain in today's podcast.❤️ SHOW YOUR SUPPORT - LINKS BELOW...➡️ DONATE ➡️  Join our team!https://www.givesendgo.com/karlgesslerfamilybandhttps://www.patreon.com/karlgesslerSocial Media➡️Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089357625739➡️Telegram - https://t.me/FaithoftheFathers➡️Truth Social - https://truthsocial.com/@UCLOvq6O4aIXLrkKxwXkq3uA ➡️Gab - https://gab.com/KarlGesslerSupport the show

Can a Western Buddhist participate in Western holidays like Christmas or Thanksgiving? What about Buddhist or country specific holidays? Let's explore in this episode! Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 00:05 Western Buddhism and Western holidays 00:30 should I engage in Western holidays? 01:22 finding Buddhism in western holidays 01:55 the path as a Buddhist with western holidays 03:15 Buddhist qualities, beliefs, ethics 04:00 engaging in the world as it is 06:07 going to church 08:40 doing complimentary activities 08:59 what about Thanksgiving or 4th of July? 11:54 you don't have to be the outlier 12:44 Buddhist and country/culture specific holidays 16:25 Conclusion Contact Alan: alanpeto.com/contact Podcast Homepage: alanpeto.com/podcast Podcast Disclaimer: alanpeto.com/legal/podcast-disclaimer --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/alanpeto/message

Join Loch Kelly the creator of the mindful glimpses app here as he shares a deep dialogue with psychologist, meditation teacher and author, Tara Brach. As friends and colleagues they explore the critical themes of waking up consciousness and fostering an open heart in the midst of today's stressful world. The dialogue emphasizes the need for radical acceptance and compassionate activity rooted in awake consciousness as the best response to the pain in the world. Both of them offer steps to begin to uncover the already awake consciousness within us. The conversation gracefully weaves through topics of ways to integrate psychology and meditation, the impact of social identities, and the importance of recognizing our belonging to the larger living planet. Tara and Loch share personal insights and practices that lead to a profound sense of interconnectedness and compassion.43:52 The episode features Loch offering a guided practice which is designed to explore Emotions as Awareness Energy. These mindful glimpses serve as invaluable tools for experiencing ways to access the awake consciousness that is already here within all of us.You can now explore all of Loch Kelly's practices and teachings on the new mindful glimpses app This innovative meditation and wellness app offers daily micro-meditations, step by step programs, and simple-yet-advanced tools for awakening. Tara Brach, a prominent figure in Western Buddhism, merges psychology and Eastern spirituality. With a background in psychology and political science, she explored yoga during grassroots organizing, later embracing Insight Meditation. Holding a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, she integrates mindfulness into psychotherapy. Through her podcast and global teachings, she emphasizes emotional healing, spiritual awakening, and compassionate action, addressing societal issues. Additionally, Tara is the author of the book 'Radical Acceptance,' now being re-released in its 20th Anniversary Edition. https://www.tarabrach.com/ Loch Kelly is the creator of the Mindful Glimpses app, award winning author, psychotherapist, and meditation teacher known for his unique practical methods that support awakening as the next natural stage of human development. Backed by modern neuroscience and psychology, Loch introduces Effortless Mindfulness, an ancient form of nondual meditation that allows immediate access to our embodied awake nature which arises as calm, clarity, and compassion.Connect with Loch:Mobile App: https://lochkelly.org/loch-kelly-mindful-glimpses-app-downloadWebsite: https://lochkelly.org/Podcast: https://podcast.effortlessmindfulness.com/Donate: https://lochkelly.org/donateThe Effortless Mindfulness Podcast is brought to you by our 501(c)(3) non-profit public charity. Our mission is to make learning how to tap into your inner resources simple, teachable, and accessible to everyone.

Acclaimed cultural critic Curtis White examines current fissures in Western Buddhism and argues against the growth of scientific and corporate dharma, particularly in the Secular Buddhist movement. Most of his career has been spent writing experimental fiction, but he turned to writing books of social criticism, the latest of which is Transcendent, Art and Dharma in a Time of Collapse (Melville House, 2023) Dogen: “Enlightenment is the intimacy of all things.” In this conversation we look at; Delusion and going beyond money, tech and the database Buddhisms that are in bed with Amazon and Google. What it means to live in a world that no longer exists. We get advice from James Joyce Joyce: “I will not serve that in which I no longer believe whether it calls itself my home, my fatherland, or my church”. How Curtis sees art and dharma possibly helping the new generations to discover intimacy. Zen, Vajrayana, and their forms of transcendent art Matthew O'Connell is a life coach and the host of the The Imperfect Buddha podcast. You can find The Imperfect Buddha on Facebook and Twitter (@imperfectbuddha). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/buddhist-studies

Acclaimed cultural critic Curtis White examines current fissures in Western Buddhism and argues against the growth of scientific and corporate dharma, particularly in the Secular Buddhist movement. Most of his career has been spent writing experimental fiction, but he turned to writing books of social criticism, the latest of which is Transcendent, Art and Dharma in a Time of Collapse (Melville House, 2023) Dogen: “Enlightenment is the intimacy of all things.” In this conversation we look at; Delusion and going beyond money, tech and the database Buddhisms that are in bed with Amazon and Google. What it means to live in a world that no longer exists. We get advice from James Joyce Joyce: “I will not serve that in which I no longer believe whether it calls itself my home, my fatherland, or my church”. How Curtis sees art and dharma possibly helping the new generations to discover intimacy. Zen, Vajrayana, and their forms of transcendent art Matthew O'Connell is a life coach and the host of the The Imperfect Buddha podcast. You can find The Imperfect Buddha on Facebook and Twitter (@imperfectbuddha). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/religion

Acclaimed cultural critic Curtis White examines current fissures in Western Buddhism and argues against the growth of scientific and corporate dharma, particularly in the Secular Buddhist movement. Most of his career has been spent writing experimental fiction, but he turned to writing books of social criticism, the latest of which is Transcendent, Art and Dharma in a Time of Collapse (Melville House, 2023) Dogen: “Enlightenment is the intimacy of all things.” In this conversation we look at; Delusion and going beyond money, tech and the database Buddhisms that are in bed with Amazon and Google. What it means to live in a world that no longer exists. We get advice from James Joyce Joyce: “I will not serve that in which I no longer believe whether it calls itself my home, my fatherland, or my church”. How Curtis sees art and dharma possibly helping the new generations to discover intimacy. Zen, Vajrayana, and their forms of transcendent art Matthew O'Connell is a life coach and the host of the The Imperfect Buddha podcast. You can find The Imperfect Buddha on Facebook and Twitter (@imperfectbuddha). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Regular guest to the podcast Glenn Wallis wrote  A Critique of Western Buddhism: Ruins of the Buddhist Real (Bloomsbury) back in 2018. Time has flown since and in honour of the non-Buddhism project, and some interesting news coming up, the Imperfect Buddha Podcast presents this audio review of the text that will serve as a useful introduction to the topic itself for those new to the world of this controversial set of theories and practices.  “The single most important book of contemporary Buddhist philosophic reflection. Wallis' critique masterfully addresses the twinned questions central to contemporary Buddhism: 'What use is being made of Buddhism today?' and 'What use is Buddhism today?'” ―Richard K. Payne, Yehan Numata Professor of Japanese Buddhist Studies, Institute of Buddhist Studies, USA “Wallis' Critique is a bold commentary and analysis of Western Buddhism that runs against the mainstream. His central arguments are convincing and should certainly enter into discussions of "mindfulness" practices and adaptions of Buddhism in Western societies. This book will challenge the thinking and practice of many readers, make some uncomfortable, but will be a life preserver for others.” ―Stuart W Smithers, Chair of the Department of Religious Studies, University of Puget Sound, USA “It is a very rare and precious thing to find a book such as this, which engages as deeply with religious materials as it does with the philosophical. Glenn Wallis brings together resources from Continental philosophy, namely François Laruelle's non-philosophy, and concepts and ideas from Buddhism to carry out a A fecund project that grows in the ruins of our philosophical and religious pretensions and arrogance.”” ―Anthony Paul Smith, Associate Professor of Philosophical Theology, La Salle University, USA Matthew O'Connell is a life coach and the host of the The Imperfect Buddha podcast. You can find The Imperfect Buddha on Facebook and Twitter (@imperfectbuddha). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

Regular guest to the podcast Glenn Wallis wrote  A Critique of Western Buddhism: Ruins of the Buddhist Real (Bloomsbury) back in 2018. Time has flown since and in honour of the non-Buddhism project, and some interesting news coming up, the Imperfect Buddha Podcast presents this audio review of the text that will serve as a useful introduction to the topic itself for those new to the world of this controversial set of theories and practices.  “The single most important book of contemporary Buddhist philosophic reflection. Wallis' critique masterfully addresses the twinned questions central to contemporary Buddhism: 'What use is being made of Buddhism today?' and 'What use is Buddhism today?'” ―Richard K. Payne, Yehan Numata Professor of Japanese Buddhist Studies, Institute of Buddhist Studies, USA “Wallis' Critique is a bold commentary and analysis of Western Buddhism that runs against the mainstream. His central arguments are convincing and should certainly enter into discussions of "mindfulness" practices and adaptions of Buddhism in Western societies. This book will challenge the thinking and practice of many readers, make some uncomfortable, but will be a life preserver for others.” ―Stuart W Smithers, Chair of the Department of Religious Studies, University of Puget Sound, USA “It is a very rare and precious thing to find a book such as this, which engages as deeply with religious materials as it does with the philosophical. Glenn Wallis brings together resources from Continental philosophy, namely François Laruelle's non-philosophy, and concepts and ideas from Buddhism to carry out a A fecund project that grows in the ruins of our philosophical and religious pretensions and arrogance.”” ―Anthony Paul Smith, Associate Professor of Philosophical Theology, La Salle University, USA Matthew O'Connell is a life coach and the host of the The Imperfect Buddha podcast. You can find The Imperfect Buddha on Facebook and Twitter (@imperfectbuddha). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/buddhist-studies

Regular guest to the podcast Glenn Wallis wrote  A Critique of Western Buddhism: Ruins of the Buddhist Real (Bloomsbury) back in 2018. Time has flown since and in honour of the non-Buddhism project, and some interesting news coming up, the Imperfect Buddha Podcast presents this audio review of the text that will serve as a useful introduction to the topic itself for those new to the world of this controversial set of theories and practices.  “The single most important book of contemporary Buddhist philosophic reflection. Wallis' critique masterfully addresses the twinned questions central to contemporary Buddhism: 'What use is being made of Buddhism today?' and 'What use is Buddhism today?'” ―Richard K. Payne, Yehan Numata Professor of Japanese Buddhist Studies, Institute of Buddhist Studies, USA “Wallis' Critique is a bold commentary and analysis of Western Buddhism that runs against the mainstream. His central arguments are convincing and should certainly enter into discussions of "mindfulness" practices and adaptions of Buddhism in Western societies. This book will challenge the thinking and practice of many readers, make some uncomfortable, but will be a life preserver for others.” ―Stuart W Smithers, Chair of the Department of Religious Studies, University of Puget Sound, USA “It is a very rare and precious thing to find a book such as this, which engages as deeply with religious materials as it does with the philosophical. Glenn Wallis brings together resources from Continental philosophy, namely François Laruelle's non-philosophy, and concepts and ideas from Buddhism to carry out a A fecund project that grows in the ruins of our philosophical and religious pretensions and arrogance.”” ―Anthony Paul Smith, Associate Professor of Philosophical Theology, La Salle University, USA Matthew O'Connell is a life coach and the host of the The Imperfect Buddha podcast. You can find The Imperfect Buddha on Facebook and Twitter (@imperfectbuddha). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/religion

Regular guest to the podcast Glenn Wallis wrote  A Critique of Western Buddhism: Ruins of the Buddhist Real (Bloomsbury) back in 2018. Time has flown since and in honour of the non-Buddhism project, and some interesting news coming up, the Imperfect Buddha Podcast presents this audio review of the text that will serve as a useful introduction to the topic itself for those new to the world of this controversial set of theories and practices.  “The single most important book of contemporary Buddhist philosophic reflection. Wallis' critique masterfully addresses the twinned questions central to contemporary Buddhism: 'What use is being made of Buddhism today?' and 'What use is Buddhism today?'” ―Richard K. Payne, Yehan Numata Professor of Japanese Buddhist Studies, Institute of Buddhist Studies, USA “Wallis' Critique is a bold commentary and analysis of Western Buddhism that runs against the mainstream. His central arguments are convincing and should certainly enter into discussions of "mindfulness" practices and adaptions of Buddhism in Western societies. This book will challenge the thinking and practice of many readers, make some uncomfortable, but will be a life preserver for others.” ―Stuart W Smithers, Chair of the Department of Religious Studies, University of Puget Sound, USA “It is a very rare and precious thing to find a book such as this, which engages as deeply with religious materials as it does with the philosophical. Glenn Wallis brings together resources from Continental philosophy, namely François Laruelle's non-philosophy, and concepts and ideas from Buddhism to carry out a A fecund project that grows in the ruins of our philosophical and religious pretensions and arrogance.”” ―Anthony Paul Smith, Associate Professor of Philosophical Theology, La Salle University, USA Matthew O'Connell is a life coach and the host of the The Imperfect Buddha podcast. You can find The Imperfect Buddha on Facebook and Twitter (@imperfectbuddha). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jack Kornfield, Sharon Salzberg, and Joseph Goldstein explore the emergence of Western Buddhism and balancing faith with wisdom.Today's podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Click to receive 10% off your first month with your own licensed professional therapist: betterhelp.com/heartwisdom"In the Buddhist tradition it's said that one of the prayers one might make is: May I be born in circumstances that I may experience the Dharma that will bring me to awaken the heart of boundless compassion and discover inner freedom." – Jack Kornfield"That kind of questioning which isn't cynical and isn't arrogant but is really wondering, really wanting to know the truth for oneself, I think of as an essential component of faith." – Sharon Salzberg "Even in those first few minutes, what I discovered was there was a way to look into the mind as well as looking out through it. To me that was revelatory." – Joseph GoldsteinIn this episode Jack Kornfield, Sharon Salzberg, and Joseph Goldstein touch on:The formation of the Insight Meditation SocietyThe emergence of Western BuddhismThe balance of faith and wisdom Starting small with meditationBeing the product of our conditioningHaving compassion for the human predicament See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On Martin Hägglund's This Life. [Patreon Tier II & III Exclusive] We begin the 2023 Reading Club with the theme of FREEDOM. In this episode, we examine Martin Hägglund's arguments for secular faith presented in the first half of his book. Is Hagglund right in arguing that much of religious belief, especially in relation to morality, is actually motivated by secular faith? Hägglund's enemy is not so much religion as the "Stoic" attempt to withdraw and detach from the temporal world. Instead we should be engaged and committed to the persons and projects we care about in this life. But does Hägglund underestimate alienation? Is his approach overly demanding? And what about disenchantment? How would we go about re-enchanting the secular world? For local Reading Clubs, email info@bungacast.com Readings: This Life: Why Mortality Makes Us Free, Martin Hägglund, Profile Books ––Introduction; Chapter 1 (Sections 2, 3, 4); Chapter 2 (Sections 2, 4, 6) From Western Marxism to Western Buddhism, Slavoj Zizek, Cabinet Magazine Vulnerability as Ideology, Peter Ramsay, The Northern Star

Andrew talks to Curtis White, author of "Transcendent: Art and Dharma in a Time of Collapse" about Western Buddhism, Dharma and a Transcendent Counterculture.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gregory and Dhammarato talk about waking up (sammā sati), looking at what you're doing (sammā ditthi), making a change (sammā vayama), and building right attitude (sammā sankappa) as the foundations for right noble unification of mind (sammā samādhi). #samadhi #thusness #gladdeningthemind Suttas mentioned in this discussion https://suttacentral.net/mn48 See the video version of this call on YouTube. ►YouTube Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4gO70ZMMS2Q Weekly Sangha calls, everyone is welcome.  ►The Sangha US - https://join.skype.com/uyYzUwJ3e3TO ►The Sangha UK - https://join.skype.com/w6nFHnra6vdh To meet Dhamma friends, hang out, or volunteer—join our Discord Sangha. Everyone is welcome. ►Discord - https://discord.gg/epphTGY 00:00:00 Appreciating Dhammarato's dedication and joy; Western Buddhism and Buddhist symbols 00:09:03 Gladdening the mind; four skills and their outcome: sati, investigation, improvement, success, samādhi 00:15:15 Hindrances are things preventing you feeling the way you want to feel 00:25:06 Wake up, look at what you're doing, and make a course correction - attitude (MN 48) 00:37:28 Instant understanding of the Buddha's words; being able to handle anything 00:44:32 Gathering together the factors; unification of mind; sila 00:52:14 Dukkha, dukkha nirodha; friendship; nurturing; gladdening other minds 00:54:43 Upekkha: equanimity or dynamic balance; the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune; rules & bad speech 01:07:52 Practicing paticcasamuppāda in reverse order; waking up to the truth of the situation 01:12:37 Feelings precipitate thoughts; inter-relatedness of body, feelings, mind 01:21:47 Being sure about unwholesome thoughts and gladdening the mind - attitudes and feelings 01:27:23 Analogy of training a wild horse: pasture (wholesome), corral (chant - ‘Bolero' example), stall (mantra), no words 01:36:09 Discursive thoughts and sensory awareness - observational thoughts (diamond cutter example) 01:43:38 Reality is thusness; salāyatana: internal representation of the external (the nun) 01:53:54 Monkey see, monkey do: being taught to be unhappy

The Sangha talk about family and friendship and finding the best place to practice during each phase of life. #wat #bhikkhu #seclusion See the video version of this call on YouTube. ►YouTube Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j2u2W9usBLg Weekly Sangha calls, everyone is welcome.  ►The Sangha US - https://join.skype.com/uyYzUwJ3e3TO ►The Sangha UK - https://join.skype.com/w6nFHnra6vdh To meet Dhamma friends, hang out, or volunteer—join our Discord Sangha. Everyone is welcome. ►Discord - https://discord.gg/epphTGY 00:00:00 The family can be a good place to practice; becoming a bhikkhu; open wounds: āsava 00:12:03 Western Buddhism and sporadic retreats 00:15:17 Dogen's advice to laypeople; an old and open path; Mullah Nasruddin 00:26:34 Noble monarchs and officials; reform of the sangha; ordination: up to seven times 00:36:48 Mini-seclusion in daily life; no distinction between ordination and lay life 00:40:47 Finding community in the West; noble friends; the noble desert 00:55:49 Enjoy the emptiness; enjoy your duties

Markus and Dhammarato talk about the foundational skills of the noble eightfold path. #nobleeightfoldpath #mindfulnessofbreathing #confidence  See the video version of this call on YouTube. ►YouTube Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ObcfcHZOf5c Weekly Sangha calls, everyone is welcome.  ►The Sangha US - https://join.skype.com/uyYzUwJ3e3TO ►The Sangha UK - https://join.skype.com/w6nFHnra6vdh To meet Dhamma friends, hang out, or volunteer—join our Discord Sangha. Everyone is welcome. ►Discord - https://discord.gg/epphTGY These videos are also available in Podcast form on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more. ►Podbean - https://dhammaratodhamma.podbean.com/ 00:00 Being pro-active about wholesome thoughts; gladdening the mind is the first thing that should be done 05:01 The Dhamma is best learned in small groups; Western Buddhism misses the point 08:30 Transmission of joy, enthusiasm, delight for the Dhamma 10:28 The value of the Dhamma is great but repetition is essential; mindfully wake up; mind state influences mind objects 20:35 Investigating the state of mind is the first thing we do; then: how can we tweak this thing? 24:26 Ānāpānasati is like a jigsaw puzzle: seeing body, feelings, and mind working together 26:55 Diffuse anxiety and being unaware of unwholesome thoughts; fear is primary 31:10 Gladdening the mind is working with body and feelings: out of the past, out of the future; the breath is life-giving 38:19 Safety, security, comfort, and satisfaction, the basis of ānāpānasati  42:38 The various postures are about whether we are comfortable; 10 minutes for practice; confidence grows 46:15 The progress of skill development; feeling wealthy (sammā sankappa) 48:45 Unification of mind and perfect morality; the teaching is simple: don't worry be happy

The Sangha discuss experiences of different methods of controlling the breath. #anapanasati #mindfulnessofbreathing #beinginthemoment  See the video version of this call on YouTube. ►YouTube Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rAa_31csMkE Weekly Sangha calls, everyone is welcome.  ►The Sangha US - https://join.skype.com/uyYzUwJ3e3TO ►The Sangha UK - https://join.skype.com/w6nFHnra6vdh To meet Dhamma friends, hang out, or volunteer—join our Discord Sangha. Everyone is welcome. ►Discord - https://discord.gg/epphTGY These videos are also available in Podcast form on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more. ►Podbean - https://dhammaratodhamma.podbean.com/ 00:00:00 Bhante Vimalaramsi; retreat; teaching Westerners; lack of sangha 00:05:10 The value of ānāpānasati is missed by most teachers; most of Western Buddhism is highly intellectual and not experiential 00:10:51 Intellectual frameworks and enthusiasm; the monk who couldn't learn anything 00:17:16 The experience of the breathing meditation: take a long deep breath; reducing to 10 from 20 breaths; box breathing 00:34:15 Changing the wait time between breaths: energising and relaxing 00:41:35 Both short and long breaths are longer than normal breaths; short breathing has its value 00:46:06 Slightly longer breaths; down to three breaths a minute 00:54:52 The importance of the out breath; from 1st to 2nd jhāna 01:06:06 Spend time on this practice and play with it 01:08:57 Controlling the breath is the method

Verbeke and Dhammarato talk about ethical standards and reasons for killing living beings. #ethics #buddhism #precepts  Suttas mentioned in this discussion: https://suttacentral.net/an4.39 See the video version of this call on YouTube. ►YouTube Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8m90rHI5lCg Weekly Sangha calls, everyone is welcome.  ►The Sangha US - https://join.skype.com/uyYzUwJ3e3TO ►The Sangha UK - https://join.skype.com/w6nFHnra6vdh To meet Dhamma friends, hang out, or volunteer—join our Discord Sangha. Everyone is welcome. ►Discord - https://discord.gg/epphTGY These videos are also available in Podcast form on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more. ►Podbean - https://dhammaratodhamma.podbean.com/ 00:00 Western Buddhism and Hinduism; levels of ethical standards and rules; types of killing; meat-eating; sacrifice (AN 4.39) 10:30 Finding some balance; your place in the chain of causality 15:05 Trapped by the rules - wake up! 18:21 The supports for right speech, right action, and right livelihood: right noble unification of mind 21:55 Complexity and karma machines; the point is to get the mind cleaned up 25:29 Views on rebirth; rebirth vs. reincarnation  29:44 Plans for judgment day; light enough not to take anything seriously

Markus and Dhammarato talk about the four basic skills of practice #dukkha #nobleeightfoldpath #anapanasati See the video version of this call on YouTube. ►YouTube Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ThafS0QEJmQ Weekly Sangha calls, everyone is welcome.  ►The Sangha US - https://join.skype.com/uyYzUwJ3e3TO ►The Sangha UK - https://join.skype.com/w6nFHnra6vdh To meet Dhamma friends, hang out, or volunteer—join our Discord Sangha. Everyone is welcome. ►Discord - https://discord.gg/epphTGY These videos are also available in Podcast form on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more. ►Podbean - https://dhammaratodhamma.podbean.com/ 00:00:00 We always start with the four noble truths and the noble eightfold path 00:05:05 Seeing dukkha and coming into satisfaction; learning to feel bad 00:12:27 The second noble truth: greed, ill-will, and delusion 00:17:04 The attitude of a winner, a lion: going into the third noble truth 00:19:40 Stubbing our toes on reality; everything is in turmoil; be here now 00:23:24 Memories have three problems; problems with translation; with right effort you can make a change 00:28:22 Right noble viewing, right observation: this thought could be improved 00:31:49 Right sati (wakey, wakey), right view, right effort, right attitude - the four skills for right unification of mind 00:38:40 Clarity of mind is the route to freedom; ānāpānasati; Western Buddhism lacks key ingredients 00:45:09 Examining the mind and gladdening the mind; breathing consciously: body and mind in unison 00:47:57 The value of seclusion; samma sankappa: coming out of childhood victimhood  00:52:05 With a joyous attitude we can handle anything 00:53:54 The body is an electrochemical machine with slow features; changing the way we feel 01:00:24 Brief mind moments: ten things a second; developing fast sati 01:05:29 Habit is powerful: give yourself a break

Beau and Dhammarato talk about the foundational skills and attitudes that are often missing in Western Buddhism. #buddhism #skills #relaxation See the video version of this call on YouTube. ►YouTube Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CFZaBgL9gHY Weekly Sangha calls, everyone is welcome.  ►The Sangha US, Friday 7PM PDT - https://join.skype.com/uyYzUwJ3e3TO  ►The Sangha UK, Sunday 10AM BST - https://join.skype.com/w6nFHnra6vdh  ►The Sangha UK, Wednesday 8PM BST - https://join.skype.com/w6nFHnra6vdh To meet Dhamma friends, hang out, or volunteer—join our Discord Sangha. Everyone is welcome. ►Discord - https://discord.gg/epphTGY These videos are also available in Podcast form on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more. ►Podbean - https://dhammaratodhamma.podbean.com/ 00:00:00 Skills that need to be developed: remembering, looking, changing 00:08:10 Music and repetition; mercy, grace, and forgiveness 00:12:06 Noting and despair; the 16 stages of enlightenment; stage 16 is “never mind, start again” 00:16:54 Back to skills; playfulness comes with the expectation of success; taking the right effort to gladden the mind 00:22:17 Steve James and Daniel Ingram on Mahasi noting; any thought can be improved; samma sankappa (right attitude or intention) 00:29:48 Developing confidence; the practice of being a lion, of being in charge 00:33:34 Working with the feelings (vedanā); getting in touch with the senses; mindful walking  00:40:47 We use the mind and body to control the feelings; the fox and the grapes (MN 12); Western passivity 00:51:58 Training in sukha (MN 118); the primary feeling of fear 00:58:51 Comfort: relaxing the body; freedom from fear; safety, security, satisfaction, confidence (piti) 01:04:12 First jhāna and panoramic openness; sustaining the quality of feeling very good; arising and passing away 01:12:27 Everything is a skill to be developed

Robert, Beau, and Dhammarato talk about the relationship between music skills and meditation skills, investigating the hindrances, and gaining mastery and control through play and crazy thinking. #mindfulness #smoking #playfulness See the video version of this call on YouTube. ►YouTube Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JfujvpLHmm8 Weekly Sangha calls, everyone is welcome.  ►The Sangha US, Friday 7PM PDT - https://join.skype.com/uyYzUwJ3e3TO  ►The Sangha UK, Sunday 10AM BST - https://join.skype.com/w6nFHnra6vdh  ►The Sangha UK, Wednesday 8PM BST - https://join.skype.com/w6nFHnra6vdh To meet Dhamma friends, hang out, or volunteer—join our Discord Sangha. Everyone is welcome. ►Discord - https://discord.gg/epphTGY These videos are also available in Podcast form on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more. ►Podbean - https://dhammaratodhamma.podbean.com/ 00:00:00 Can meditation skills be used in music? Analogy of changing gears: similarities and differences 00:05:57 Mastering skills; dealing with things right here, right now 00:11:21 Becoming tired of gladdening the mind; strategies for exhausted and exhausting; just stop (MN 86) 00:20:11 Investigating cause and effect - a missing element in Western Buddhism; analogy with chemical reactions 00:25:07 Figure out what it is you're doing; you're already in the holy place 00:29:36 Wanting to smoke; hatred for the desire; hatred for yourself 00:45:21 We imprison ourselves in rules; self-flagellation 00:48:47 Feelings and associated sensations in the body; crazy thinking and taking control  00:56:33 Sati one of five faculties, four foundations of mindfulness, seven factors of awakening, and the noble eightfold path 01:00:03 Secondary self-hatred; self-acceptance - or complete friendliness; the mentality of always

The Sangha discuss the Open Sangha Foundation and why meditation is not important. #meditation #enlightenment #community See the video version of this call on YouTube. ►YouTube Video - https://youtu.be/coYydrcvzaI Find the full video chats on the Dhammarato Dhamma YouTube channel. ►YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/DhammaratoDhamma Weekly Sangha calls, everyone is welcome.  ►The Sangha US, Friday 7PM PDT - https://join.skype.com/uyYzUwJ3e3TO  ►The Sangha UK, Sunday 10AM GDT - https://join.skype.com/w6nFHnra6vdh  ►The Sangha UK, Wednesday 8PM GDT - https://join.skype.com/w6nFHnra6vdh To meet Dhamma friends, hang out, or volunteer—join our Discord Sangha. Everyone is welcome. ►Discord - https://discord.gg/epphTGY These videos are also available in Podcast form on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more. ►Podbean - https://dhammaratodhamma.podbean.com/ 00:00:00 The Open Sangha Foundation: a universal gathering place for Western Buddhism 00:19:51 Taking money and business out of Western Buddhism; forming relationships; encouraging generosity 00:26:06 Working with what's already available; no-hierarchy friendship model; hierarchy of respect 00:42:57 Preparing for cultural differences; using existing networks 00:50:09 The Triple Gem; nobility rubs off; being in seclusion; light and heavy thoughts 00:58:01 Sati (“waking up”) means “practice over and over again”; remember to investigate; paying attention to our senses 01:03:44 Thinking about thinking clearly 01:06:15 Let it go; relax; the job is done 01:10:27 “Emptiness” - there's nothing to it, no importance, no heaviness; re-arranging our priorities 01:16:34 Be compassionate to yourself now; suffering is in demand; meditation is not important

The detachment from being Again and again the question comes up what exactly Chan (Zen) is. Generally speaking, Chan is the very personal practice of self-discovery, self-observation. This sounds very simple at first, but in practice it can be accompanied by strong distortions. First of all, not everyone likes to see what they find, and secondly, it is difficult to focus the mind, to get to the point. And then there is the matter of "enlightenment", which Buddha recommended to his followers, but which does not come easily at all. In any case, Chan Buddhism is the path to personal freedom, without fears and useless attachments, which makes the philosophy of the teacher of all teachers practicable for all people, but also difficult. Those who are new to the subject should first use the teaching to a kind of feel-good Buddhism, and then dive deeper into the philosophy. The "enlightenment" as the absolute essence of Buddhism will probably not be able to follow all interested people. Especially if you are new to Chan Buddhism, then everything is very confusing, the Buddhist teachings have many different directions, each country has, just by the language, completely different approaches. So also when this spiritual orientation meets the Central Europeans, who like to put up a statue of Buddha, but have hardly come into contact with his teachings. Here, the rules of Buddhism are gladly adapted to the existing structures of the prevailing religion (Christianity) in order to please the taste of the majority. Right now, Western Buddhism is in an enormous crisis, because (as said) the person of Buddha has been accepted, but the average Central European can do little or nothing with the words from the past. Alone to make a choice among the different directions of Buddhism (Japan, Korea, China, Tibet, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Thailand, etc.) overwhelms many people so much that they already throw in the towel here. Every Buddhist direction is then subject to innumerable rules, commandments, prayers: Is it allowed to have sex, eat meat, what about the family, what about rebirth, were there gods and saints? The things to follow are endless, generations continued to add their views, the thicket of teachings became denser and denser. I follow the pure teaching of Buddha, as well as the Chan teaching (Zen) superimposed on it, which was developed in the Shaolin Temple in China about 2000 years ago. I fade out all views introduced afterwards. The original words of the great teacher may have been written down only after his death (sutras), but in their core they all point in the same direction ("enlightenment"). Buddhism is characterized by self-initiative, detachment from one's own being is the focus, cessation of suffering is the goal. To integrate the ideas and methods of the great teacher in the West does not seem to be an easy undertaking, the individual Buddhist schools argue too hard, groups form, everyone has something to criticize about everyone. Only one's own path leads to Nirvana, the other branch errs, the splinter in the eye of the other is naturally large, the beam in front of one's own face is ignored. The goal of the Chan is to "enlighten" the mind, that is, to detach it from being. Are you interested? The way is the goal! Apply to everything your mind, and when you have analyzed it and found it good for you and everyone else, then you can believe in it, live by it and help your neighbor to live by it too - Buddha - "The Enlightened One" - honorary name of Siddharta Gautama - 560 to 480 before the year zero Copyright: https://shaolin-rainer.de

David and Dhammarato discuss the four noble truths and the noble eightfold path: right unification of mind with its supports and features. #nobleeightfoldpath #mindfulnessofbreathing  #beinginthemoment  Majjhima Nikāya 117 Mahācattārīsakasutta - The Great Forty https://suttacentral.net/mn117/en/sujato?layout=sidebyside&reference=none¬es=asterisk&highlight=false&script=latin (Bhikkhu Sujato) https://suttacentral.net/mn117/en/bodhi?reference=none&highlight=false (Bhikkhu Bodhi) “Thus have I heard. On one occasion the Blessed One was living at Sāvatthī in Jeta's Grove, Anāthapiṇḍika's Park. There he addressed the bhikkhus thus: “Bhikkhus.”—“Venerable sir,” they replied. The Blessed One said this: “Bhikkhus, I shall teach you noble right concentration with its supports and its requisites. Listen and attend closely to what I shall say.”—“Yes, venerable sir,” the bhikkhus replied. The Blessed One said this: “What, bhikkhus, is noble right concentration with its supports and its requisites, that is, right view, right intention, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, and right mindfulness? Unification of mind equipped with these seven factors is called noble right concentration with its supports and its requisites.” See the video version of this call on YouTube. ►YouTube Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BB2Kz3nkQ5E Find the full video chats on the Dhammarato Dhamma YouTube channel. ►YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/DhammaratoDhamma Weekly Sangha calls, everyone is welcome.  ►The Sangha US, Friday 7PM PDT with Dhammarato - https://join.skype.com/uyYzUwJ3e3TO  ►The Sangha UK, Sunday 10AM GDT with Dhammarato - https://join.skype.com/w6nFHnra6vdh  ►The Sangha UK, Wednesday 8PM GDT with Dan Goldfield - https://join.skype.com/w6nFHnra6vdh To meet Dhamma friends, hang out, or volunteer—join our Discord Sangha. Everyone is welcome. ►Discord - https://discord.gg/epphTGY 00:00:00 The reasons and rationale for the practice: Western Buddhism's bad translations 00:07:20 Change the mind right now; take the struggle out of things 00:09:33 Life is not dukkha; the first noble truth 00:12:01 The second noble truth; paying attention to dukkha 00:16:17 The third noble truth; the end of dukkha 00:17:20 The fourth noble truth: right unification of mind with its supports and features (MN 117) 00:21:46 The supports for right unification of mind: right view; right sati; right effort; right attitude 00:26:26 Conceptualisations, past, future - unwholesome thoughts; changing gets easier; right thought, intention, attitude (samma sankappa) 00:39:37 How to practice this: ānāpānasati, the body, feeling, mind, mind objects - right now 00:44:56 Gladdening the mind: safety, security, comfort, and satisfaction - sukha - piti 00:53:21 Conditioned states and skills; gratification, danger, and escape 00:57:57 Be a Tathāgata: the one who is in the present moment 01:01:28 10-15 minutes five or six times per day 01:03:47 What kind of word is an “always” word; hindrances 01:05:43 Jhānas and being satisfied with what you've got

Paker, Chris, and Dhammarato talk about aspects of Western Buddhism that create a need for an organisationa like the Open Dhamma Foundation. #opensanghafoundation #buddhadhamma #buddhateachings  See the video version of this call on YouTube. ►YouTube Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N0UElB1j0uc Find the full video chats on the Dhammarato Dhamma YouTube channel. ►YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/DhammaratoDhamma Weekly Sangha calls, everyone is welcome.  ►The Sangha US, Friday 7PM PDT with Dhammarato - https://join.skype.com/uyYzUwJ3e3TO  ►The Sangha UK, Sunday 10AM GDT with Dhammarato - https://join.skype.com/w6nFHnra6vdh  ►The Sangha UK, Wednesday 8PM GDT with Dan Goldfield - https://join.skype.com/w6nFHnra6vdh To meet Dhamma friends, hang out, or volunteer—join our Discord Sangha. Everyone is welcome. ►Discord - https://discord.gg/epphTGY 00:00 Traditional support for Buddhadhamma (dana) and the Western business model: books and retreats 05:31 Residence and education in Western wats - ordination optional 10:02 Dhamma teachers; competition for students; pan-Buddhism 12:47 Website, newsletter, Zoom for teachers 15:22 Monks in the West are very experienced; family matters 20:21 A little effort from many people; test runs; classes 27:57 The quality of the Sangha; the Triple Gem; living with nobles 37:20 Real friendship in the Sangha; spreading joy; finding the right environment 45:25 Buddhism doesn't do outreach; wats don't need money 50:16 Community; a place where people can find out about wats and retreats 55:35 Starting small

Corey and Dhammarato discuss wholesome and unwholesome, discursive thought and other thoughts, the role of rites, rules and rituals in anxiety and panic, maintaining a state of relaxation, and satisfaction as not wanting. #anxiety #panic #mindfulnessofbreathing  See the video version of this call on YouTube. ►YouTube Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NLrZ4wJy9Jc Find the full video chats on the Dhammarato Dhamma YouTube channel. ►YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/DhammaratoDhamma Weekly Sangha calls, everyone is welcome.  ►The Sangha US, Friday 7PM PDT with Dhammarato - https://join.skype.com/uyYzUwJ3e3TO  ►The Sangha UK, Sunday 10AM GDT with Dhammarato - https://join.skype.com/w6nFHnra6vdh  ►The Sangha UK, Wednesday 8PM GDT with Dan Goldfield - https://join.skype.com/w6nFHnra6vdh To meet Dhamma friends, hang out, or volunteer—join our Discord Sangha. Everyone is welcome. ►Discord - https://discord.gg/epphTGY 00:00:00 Neither fiery nor icy: two unwholesome reactions 00:11:06 Fast internal dialogues: rebellion, conflict; guilt; remorse 00:15:21 Change by recognising unwholesome thoughts and choosing nurturing thoughts 00:19:11 Anxiety and panic disorder - recognising that the body is becoming tense; doing good as a rule 00:27:59 Feeling that there's a wound to be healed; cleaning out the rules; duty to the Dhamma 00:36:48 Wanting to follow in the footsteps of valued people; things don't need to happen 00:40:23 Gratification, danger, and escape - thoughts pulling us out of relaxation 00:48:12 Being taken out of the present moment; doing things without being tormented 01:03:31 Discursive thoughts: shoulds, woulds, coulds; types of thought 01:10:29 Western Buddhism and the goal of being thoughtless; right now is not good enough 01:16:06 Exploring satisfaction; not wanting more; immediately available; anchoring

The Sangha discuss the origins of Western Buddhism and the early translations of the suttas; the benefits of Sangha; opportunities for teachers, and the characteristics of the four noble individuals. See the video version of this call on YouTube. ►YouTube Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5GSwzCdEvM Find the full video chats on the Dhammarato Dhamma YouTube channel. ►YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/DhammaratoDhamma Weekly Sangha calls, everyone is welcome! ►The Sangha US - https://join.skype.com/uyYzUwJ3e3TO ►The Sangha UK - https://join.skype.com/w6nFHnra6vdh To meet Dhamma friends or volunteer to help spread the Dhamma, join our discord. ►Discord - https://discord.gg/epphTGY To unite the growing interest in Buddhism with the hundreds of Buddhist wats in the West, we are in the process of starting the Open Sangha Foundation. If you want to learn more or volunteer to help, join the discord link above and navigate to the "open-sangha" text channel. We are in the process of timestamping and organizing the 1000+ Dhammarato skype calls on this channel. If you would like to help with the process, find more information here - https://bit.ly/3H1EWSA What do the numbers in the title mean? The number by the name of the student indicates the total amount of recorded calls with Dhammarato. The date in the title indicates the date the call was recorded. 00:00:00 Organisation; Henry David Thoreau; Madame Blavatsky; I B Horner; early translations of the suttas 00:07:54 Western Buddhism needs community; reliance on silent retreats 00:10:32 Hearing the noble Dhamma; having a triple gem; problems and toys 00:15:40 Choosing our community; enlightenment; anatta; duties to the Dhamma 00:29:14 Having enthusiasm; becoming friendly with the world; the nesting instinct 00:43:10 A little bit of success and satisfaction; worthy of respect, honour, gifts 00:58:40 Promoting Sangha in Western Buddhism; generosity of spirit 01:11:50 Bringing diverse teachers into community; letting teachers be teachers 01:27:45 Supporting teachers and prospective teachers 01:31:50 Organisational matters; ownership; transparency; elders 01:41:37 The “seven lifetimes” of the sotāpan; the four noble individuals (ariya-puggala) 01:55:27 Embracing wisdom; magical karma machines; being safe 02:04:20 Using the Discord and Skype; micro Sangha

James and Dhammarato discuss control of the breath and gladdening the mind as the route to a change of attitude and fulfilment of the factors of awakening. See the video version of this call on YouTube. ►YouTube Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yIkQeCte15c Find the full video chats on the Dhammarato Dhamma YouTube channel. ►YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/DhammaratoDhamma Weekly Sangha calls, everyone is welcome! ►The Sangha US - https://join.skype.com/uyYzUwJ3e3TO ►The Sangha UK - https://join.skype.com/w6nFHnra6vdh To meet Dhamma friends or volunteer to help spread the Dhamma, join our discord. ►Discord - https://discord.gg/epphTGY To unite the growing interest in Buddhism with the hundreds of Buddhist wats in the West, we are in the process of starting the Open Sangha Foundation. If you want to learn more or volunteer to help, join the discord link above and navigate to the "open-sangha" text channel. We are in the process of timestamping and organizing the 1000+ Dhammarato skype calls on this channel. If you would like to help with the process, find more information here - https://bit.ly/3H1EWSA What do the numbers in the title mean? The number by the name of the student indicates the total amount of recorded calls with Dhammarato. The date in the title indicates the date the call was recorded. 00:00:00 Western Buddhists miss the central points of ānāpānasat; the breath of life; discursive thought; mind moments 00:16:41 The purpose is the fulfilment of other things especially a change of attitude (samma sankappa) 00:20:54 Understand first; fill the gaps in afterwards; everything is ok now; we are safe and secure 00:30:57 Develop wholesome thoughts rather than trying to drop thoughts altogether 00:35:45 Western Buddhism misses “gladdening the mind” which appears in so many suttas 00:39:10 Always look on the bright side of life; the first knowledge: “I can handle it” 00:45:12 Changing the mind from unwholesome thoughts to wholesome thoughts is gladdening the mind 00:57:22 We have to learn to control the mind; right effort is the stick 01:09:18 Master sukha; samādhi is the quality of a mind fit for work

Henrik Norberg is a celibate, non-monastic teacher of meditation retreats, often in caves in Southeast Arizona.  Hear him and Upali talk about the difference between Eastern and Western conceptualizations of stream entry, Henrik's view that Western Buddhism hyperfocuses on meditation, and what Henrik's own path looks like, which he said it primarily morality practice.Support the show (http://www.patreon.com/teachingmeditation)

Today we're joined by Sharon Salzberg, one of the pioneers of Western Buddhism. She's the author of a new book: Real Change: Mindfulness to Heal Ourselves and the World.This episode is all about what's possible when we bring a little (or a lot) more love into our lives.  We explore her take on loving kindness, and learn in real-time how loving kindness can be an antidote to fear. We explore how the practice both synchronizes and conflicts with activism, and how to avoid the "Disney-ification" of loving kindness, among many other topics.To go straight to Sharon's 10 minute loving kindness practice, it begins at 06:26, and ends at 16:22.  Links:• Sharon's website: https://www.sharonsalzberg.com • Sharon's book, Real Change: https://www.sharonsalzberg.com/realchange/ Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/explorerspod)