Podcasts about zen buddhism

Has someone ever told you that you should try meditation? What's the point of meditation? Danny and Randy discuss Shunryu Suzuki's “Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind.” Subscribe to ESP's YouTube Channel! Thanks for listening!  Do you have a question you want answered in a future episode? If so, send your question to: existentialstoic@protonmail.com Danny, Randy, and their good friend, Russell, created a new podcast, CodeNoobs, for anyone interested in tech and learning how to code. Listen to CodeNoobs now online, CodeNoobs-podcast, or wherever you get your podcasts.

What happens when neurodivergence meets spirituality?In this episode of the Holistic Healing Podcast, Luam connects with philosopher and mystic Asher Walden, founder of the Empyrean Project, to explore the intersection of spiritual practice and neurodivergent perception. Asher shares how his journey from Zen monastic life to academic theology led him to create a unique archetype-based card deck that speaks to intuitive and pattern-seeking minds. This conversation offers a deeply inclusive take on spirituality, reminding us that there is no one-size-fits-all path to the divine.Asher Walden is a mystic, theologian, philosopher, and the founder of the Empyrean Project, a platform dedicated to exploring spiritual frameworks within the neurodivergent community. With a background in Zen Buddhism and a PhD in Systematic Theology, Asher bridges Eastern and Western traditions to create tools for spiritual self-discovery.Where to find more of Asher:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/asher-walden Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empyrean_deck Episode highlights:(06:52) Journey from Zen to theology(16:43) How neurodivergent minds process religion(24:31) Mysticism, intuition, and pattern recognition(26:52) Meditation styles and sensory profiles(35:32) How the archetype card deck works(47:29) Pattern overload and social balance(52:52) Universal symbols across spiritual traditions(59:44) Psychedelics and integrating spiritual insight(1:20:45) Spirituality vs mental health groundwork(1:29:10) Outro

The Linji lu (Record of Linji) has been an essential text of Chinese and Japanese Zen Buddhism for nearly a thousand years. A compilation of sermons, statements, and acts attributed to the great Chinese Zen master Linji Yixuan (d. 866), it serves as both an authoritative statement of Zen's basic standpoint and a central source of material for Zen koan practice. Zen practitioners cherish it for its unusual simplicity, directness, and ability to inspire. Linji Yixuan ( died 866 CE) was the founder of the Linji school of Chán Buddhism during Tang dynasty China.

Is God's will for your life more of a dot or a circle? That's one of the questions addressed by Grammy Award–winning producer and artist Charlie Peacock, whose new memoir Roots & Rhythm explores what it means to find one's calling in life, how to heal from the past, and how to give up the quest for holding on to power. This conversation reveals at least one middle-school-era debate over what counts as “Christian music” (spoiler: there was almost a fistfight over Amy Grant), and they explore deeper questions about fame, ambition, and why some artists burn out while others grow deeper with time.   Peacock shares stories behind producing music for Amy Grant, Switchfoot, and The Civil Wars—and what he's learned from the visible economies of success and the hidden “Great Economy” about which Wendell Berry wrote.   You'll hear thoughtful conversation on everything from Zen Buddhism and Jack Kerouac to AI and the future of music. Along the way, Peacock reflects on a note found after his mother's death, a formative encounter with Kierkegaard, and what it means to live with grace as “an antidote to karma.” Peacock and Moore also talk about Frederick Buechner and Merle Haggard, as well as fatherhood, how to find a “circle of affirmation,” and why failing is as important as succeeding. If you're curious about how art and faith intersect in an age of algorithms and ambition, this conversation offers a human and hopeful perspective. Resources mentioned in this episode or recommended by the guest include: Roots & Rhythm: A Life in Music by Charlie Peacock On the Road: The Original Scroll by Jack Kerouac  Distant Neighbors: The Selected Letters of Wendell Berry and Gary Snyder Special offer for listeners of The Russell Moore Show: Click here for 25% off a subscription to CT magazine. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Episode Overview:    In this captivating episode of the Higher Density Living Podcast, host Jason Rigby sits down with Dr. Rick Strassman, a world-renowned psychedelic researcher and author of the groundbreaking book DMT: The Spirit Molecule. Known for his pioneering clinical research on DMT and his deep explorations into altered states of consciousness, Dr. Strassman brings a unique perspective to the table as he dives into the Book of Genesis. Together, they explore the intersections of biblical narratives, Jewish tradition, and the spiritual insights gleaned from his decades of psychedelic and personal inquiry.   From the creation accounts to the Fall, the Flood, and the Tower of Babel, this episode unpacks Genesis through a lens that blends science, spirituality, and prophetic wisdom. Dr. Strassman shares his journey from Zen Buddhism to Judaism, his literal approach to interpreting biblical texts, and how his DMT research informs his understanding of human consciousness and divine interaction. Whether you're a spiritual seeker, a psychedelics enthusiast, or simply curious about the deeper meanings of Genesis, this episode offers a thought-provoking and enriching discussion.   Meet Dr. Rick Strassman   Born in 1952 in Los Angeles, California, Dr. Rick Strassman is a clinical psychiatrist, psychedelic researcher, and author whose work has reshaped our understanding of consciousness. After graduating with honors from Stanford University in biological sciences and earning his medical degree from Albert Einstein College of Medicine, he built a distinguished career in psychiatry and psychopharmacology. His groundbreaking DMT studies at the University of New Mexico in the 1990s marked the first U.S.-approved psychedelic research in over two decades, earning him global recognition.   Dr. Strassman's books, including DMT: The Spirit Molecule (a quarter-million copies sold and translated into over a dozen languages) and DMT and the Soul of Prophecy, bridge science and spirituality. His latest work, My Altered States (December 2024), is an illustrated memoir exploring his personal experiences with altered states from birth to early adulthood. Currently a Clinical Associate Professor of Psychiatry at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Dr. Strassman resides in Gallup, New Mexico, where he continues to write and consult for psychedelic startups.   Connect with Dr. Strassman: Website: rickstrassman.com Books: Amazon Author Page Joe Rogan Appearances: 2022 Episode | Earlier Episode   Key Topics Discussed:   1. Genesis Through a Jewish Lens   Dr. Strassman shares how his return to Jewish texts after leaving Zen Buddhism in 1996 shaped his understanding of Genesis. Raised in a conservative Jewish household, he re-engaged with the Hebrew Bible as an adult, finding parallels between the vivid experiences of his DMT volunteers and the prophetic visions of biblical figures. Two Creation Narratives: Genesis 1 offers a cosmic, orderly account, while Genesis 2 zooms into a detailed, human-focused story. Dr. Strassman views them as complementary—an overview followed by specifics—reflecting a divine act of creation from nothing. Divine Order and Cause-and-Effect: He explores how Genesis reveals God's nature through the laws of cause and effect, suggesting that nature itself mirrors divine will.   2. The Fall: Free Will and Consciousness   The conversation delves into Adam and Eve's disobedience, which Dr. Strassman frames as the first exercise of free will with explicit consequences. He challenges the notion of the fruit as a psychedelic, instead emphasizing its role in shifting human perception from truth to the duality of good and evil. Shabbat as Eternal Rest: Jason raises the idea of the Sabbath lacking an “evening and morning” close, hinting at an eternal state. Dr. Strassman connects this to emulating God's rest, though he notes the Hebrew Bible avoids afterlife specifics.   3. Cain, Abel, and the Flood: Sin as a Virus   From Cain's envy-driven murder of Abel to the violence (Hebrew: Hamas) preceding the Flood, Dr. Strassman sees these stories as literal events encoding lessons about human nature and societal decay. The Flood, he suggests, was a divine reset prompted by humanity's failure to align with God's intent. Sons of Elohim: Theories range from angels to elites interbreeding with humans, disrupting divine order. Dr. Strassman remains open but grounded in the text's ambiguity.   4. Tower of Babel: Misunderstood Ambition   Dr. Strassman offers a fresh take on the Tower of Babel, arguing it's less about hubris and more about humanity's refusal to disperse post-Flood as God commanded. The scattering, he posits, fulfilled an original divine plan, with the tower as a symbol of misdirected unity.   5. Abraham's Covenant and Monotheism   The patriarchal narratives (Genesis 12–50) shift focus to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph. Dr. Strassman highlights Abraham's call as a pivotal revelation of monotheism, questioning why Abraham was chosen—a mystery deepened by Midrashic tales of his iconoclastic zeal. Egypt's Role: He attributes Egypt's prominence to its cultural dominance, akin to the modern U.S., rather than mystical significance.   6. Prophecy, Psychedelics, and the Living Word   Drawing from his DMT research, Dr. Strassman theorizes that prophetic visions might stem from endogenous DMT spikes, serving as a bridge for divine communication. He views Genesis as a prophetically received text, resonating with readers through its altered-state origins. Is the Bible Living? While Jason sees it as God's living word, Dr. Strassman approaches it as a guidebook to cause and effect, enduringly relevant but not inherently “alive” beyond its influence.   7. From Zen to Judaism   Dr. Strassman reflects on his shift from Zen Buddhism—where he felt alienated by iconography—to Judaism's monotheistic grounding. This transition, sparked by personal and professional changes, led him to a more literal, grounded study of biblical texts.   Memorable Quotes On DMT and Reality: “When volunteers said it felt ‘more real than real,' I learned to take it at face value—it opened up the strangest, most fascinating parts of their experiences.” On Genesis: “If you assume it's real, you can enter its world and learn what it's like. It's complex and rich in ways you miss if you see it as just archetypes.” On Prophecy: “The Hebrew Bible's appeal lies in its prophetic state—it's like reading a text that tingles with divine resonance.” On Monotheism: “It's not about whether it's wise—it's about whether it's true.”   Why You Should Listen   This episode is a rare fusion of psychedelic science and biblical exegesis, offering fresh insights into Genesis from a thinker who's explored both the outer edges of consciousness and the depths of Jewish tradition. Dr. Strassman's literal yet open-minded approach challenges conventional interpretations, making this a must-listen for anyone interested in spirituality, human potential, or the mysteries of existence.   Resources & Links Books by Dr. Rick Strassman: DMT: The Spirit Molecule – Buy on Amazon DMT and the Soul of Prophecy – Buy on Amazon My Altered States (Dec 2024) – Buy on Amazon Joe Rogan Episodes: 2022 Interview Earlier Interview Dr. Strassman's Website: rickstrassman.com   Call to Action   Enjoyed this deep dive into Genesis with Dr. Rick Strassman? Subscribe to the Higher Density Living Podcast for more thought-provoking conversations. Share this episode with friends, leave a review, and grab Dr. Strassman's books to explore his groundbreaking work further. Let us know your thoughts in the comments—what's your take on Genesis as a living text?  

Since Charles Darwin's 1859 publication of On the Origin of Species there has been much debate and discussion about the relationship of Darwin's naturalistic hypothesis as it relates to and/or contravenes the creation account found in the Book of Genesis. Darwin's ideas have gone far beyond mere empirical science as they touch on the very philosophical, theological, and moral aspects of the origin and development of human beings.On this episode of the Profile we speak with Discovery Institute fellow Dr. Paul Nelson about these implications of Neo-Darwinian evolution and the challenges facing the theory of natural selection today. Daniel Ray caught up with Paul at the 2025 Science and Faith Conference in Denton, Texas this past February.  It's a conversation you don't want to miss!Paul Nelson, PhD, Senior Fellow, Center for Science and Culture, is an Adjunct Professor in the Master of Arts Program in Science & Religion at Biola University. He received his PhD in the philosophy of biology and evolutionary theory from the University of Chicago, and he lectures frequently at colleges and universities throughout the United States and Europe. His scholarly articles have appeared in journals such as Biology & Philosophy, BIO-Complexity, Zygon, Rhetoric and Public Affairs, and Touchstone, and his book chapters have appeared in the anthologies Mere Creation (Intervarsity Press), Signs of Intelligence (Brazos), Intelligent Design Creationism and Its Critics (MIT Press), Darwin, Design, Public Education (Michigan State University Press), and Next Generation Systematics (Cambridge University Press). Heis co-author of thebiology textbook Explore Evolution, and he has appeared in several films on intelligent design for Illustra Media. Free Resources from Watchman Fellowship Naturalism: https://www.watchman.org/Naturalism/ProfileNaturalism.pdfScientism: https://www.watchman.org/scientism/ProfileScientism.pdfPanpsychism: https://www.watchman.org/files/ProfilePanpsychism.pdfPostmodernism: https://www.watchman.org/files/ProfilePostmodernism.pdfAtheism: https://www.watchman.org/profiles/pdf/atheismprofile.pdfAdditional ResourcesFREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/FreePROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (around 700 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: www.watchman.org/NotebookSUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/GiveApologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © 2025 Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

This is part 8 of the “Zen Buddhism” series on Buddhist Books Podcast. In this episode, we'll be reading Eihei Dōgen's “Shobogenzo” the chapter entitled “Soku-Shin-Ze-Butsu” meaning "Mind Here and Now Is Buddha" which he wrote in 1239.

Many of us have plenty of experiences with math, especially when we were younger. Perhaps some of your memories of what math was like for you in school are unpleasant, to say the least. Yet there are many people who are passionate about mathematics, especially Christians who see mathematics as the God-given language by which we can better understand not only the physical world around us, but God Himself. Naturalism has no real answers for why mathematics is so useful and even beautiful and practical not only for doing science, but in our everyday lives. And how are beauty and mathematics linked? What do beauty and math tell us about God Himself? This week we wrap up our conversation with youth leader, math professor, friend of Watchman Fellowship and Christian apologist Paige Lehrmann. Paige will share with us her passion about mathematics, beauty, and how we can incorporate them in our defense for the hope that is in us (1 Peter 3:15). Paige Lehrmann is the Director of Student Ministries at St. Andrew's Community Church in Oklahoma City and a student at Dallas Theological Seminary. She earned her B.A. in Philosophy and Mathematics from Oklahoma Baptist University, where she completed an interdisciplinary thesis on the Trinity. Paige went on to pursue graduate studies in mathematics at the University of Oklahoma and has taught as an adjunct professor at Mid-America Christian University. She has presented at apologetics conferences on topics such as the Trinity, the divinity of Christ, and theistic arguments from beauty. Through her work, she hopes to help others think deeply about faith, truth, and the beauty of the Gospel.You may contact Paige via email at Paige.lehrmann@gmail.com. Free Resources from Watchman Fellowship Atheist New Testament scholar Dr. Bart D. Ehrman: www.watchman.org/Ehrman  Atheism: www.watchman.org/Atheism  Latter-day Saints: www.watchman.org/Mormonism Panpsychism: https://www.watchman.org/files/ProfilePanpsychism.pdf The New Age Movement: https://www.watchman.org/profiles/pdf/newageprofile.pdf Hinduism: https://www.watchman.org/staff/jwalker/ProfileHinduism.pdf Additional ResourcesFREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/FreePROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (around 700 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: www.watchman.org/NotebookSUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/GiveApologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © 2025 Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

In this episode, we talk about how we can cultivate and develop an inner sense of unwavering peace.

17 powerful sentences by Richard Feynman reflecting his approach to science, education, life and more:  https://www.instagram.com/p/DI34knVx_Tv/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== Who Is Satan in Islam? | Iblis Explained https://youtu.be/6y8mFSQO6cI?si=ntR7OMFrSQik_Sda Perplexity e a fake news sobre a China https://www.perplexity.ai/search/is-this-information-legit-http-nKE42PC3RX6bvYDNsCRyyA Theodicy http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theodicy What is Zen Buddhism? https://youtu.be/NZBDW8l4wIU?si=PxuwdENPRVY_IplE The Golden Age of Japan: Lady Murasaki and the Shining Prince (Part 1) https://pca.st/ebtivu0h ... Read more The post mais histórias do Japão, como envelhecer bem, como explicar o Mal? raça é uma mentira! appeared first on radinho de pilha.

We have all had meaningful and profound encounters with beauty in our lives. Even though we often know what we mean when we say "That is absolutely beautiful," beauty, as it turns out, is not easy to articulate in words. It goes far beyond outward or aesthetically pleasing appearances. There is much more theological depth and complexity to the topic of beauty than what may be "in the eye of the beholder."  Our guest this week and next on the Profile is Miss Paige Lehrmann, friend of Watchman Fellowship, Christian apologist, youth leader, and math professor. We'll be discussing Paige's insights about the nature of beauty and how it points us to Christ. Paige Lehrmann is the Director of Student Ministries at St. Andrew's Community Church in Oklahoma City and a student at Dallas Theological Seminary. She earned her B.A. in Philosophy and Mathematics from Oklahoma Baptist University, where she completed an interdisciplinary thesis on the Trinity. Paige went on to pursue graduate studies in mathematics at the University of Oklahoma and has taught as an adjunct professor at Mid-America Christian University. She has presented at apologetics conferences on topics such as the Trinity, the divinity of Christ, and theistic arguments from beauty. Through her work, she hopes to help others think deeply about faith, truth, and the beauty of the Gospel.You may contact Paige via email at Paige.lehrmann@gmail.com. Free Resources from Watchman Fellowship Atheist New Testament scholar Dr. Bart D. Ehrman: www.watchman.org/Ehrman  Atheism: www.watchman.org/Atheism  Latter-day Saints: www.watchman.org/Mormonism Panpsychism: https://www.watchman.org/files/ProfilePanpsychism.pdf The New Age Movement: https://www.watchman.org/profiles/pdf/newageprofile.pdf Additional ResourcesFREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/FreePROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (around 700 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: www.watchman.org/NotebookSUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/GiveApologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © 2025 Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

In this episode, we talk about how easy it is to feel frustrated and confused by our lives, and why its valuable to turn towards our heart as a compass on how to keep moving forward.

Send me your thoughts in a Text MessageShocking Truth: You May Not Exist as You Think – In this eye‐opening video, we'll dive deep into the powerful concept of ego dissolution and the illusion of the separate self. Have you ever paused to question your own identity? Are you really who—or what—you think you are? Through guided self‐inquiry, we'll unravel the layers of thought, emotion, and conditioning that build up the image of “you,” revealing a vast spiritual awakening waiting just beneath the surface.Our journey takes us through profound nondual awareness techniques drawn from Advaita Vedanta, Zen Buddhism, and modern mindfulness practices. You'll discover how the “I” you've been protecting may be no more substantial than a passing thought. This realization can bring lasting inner peace, clarity, and a newfound sense of freedom in day‐to‐day life. Whether you're searching for spiritual enlightenment, curious about consciousness, or simply seeking relief from overthinking and stress, this video offers insights that could transform your perspective.What You'll Learn in This Video: • Why the “self” may be an illusion and how this affects every aspect of your life. • How to use awareness practices and self‐inquiry to see beyond thoughts, beliefs, and identities. • The key differences between ego chatter and true presence that lead to inner peace. • Simple steps to connect with the stillness and openness always present in your everyday experience.Subscribe for more content on mindfulness, nondual awakening, and deep inner transformation. If you find this video valuable, please like, share, and comment. Your support helps us reach more seekers of truth and contributes to our growing spiritual community.#awakeningnow #ilonaciunaite #selfinquiryquestions #liberationunleashed #seeingthroughselfillusion #howtodoselfinquiry#NondualAwareness #IllusionOfSelf #EgoDissolution #SpiritualAwakening #Mindfulness #Meditation #Advaita #Consciousness #innerpeace Uncover the Shocking Truth behind who you really are—and who you aren't. When you question the illusion of a separate self, you open the door to limitless freedom and the peace you've been longing for. Let's begin.Music by Valdi Sabev, Visit his channel for more calm and relaxed music https://www.youtube.com/c/ValdiSabev/featuredWebsiteshttp://ilonaciunaite.comhttp://liberationunleashed.com

This week's message is the personal story of conversion of a young man who was facing emptiness in a life of nightclubs and drugs, and battling despair in the philosophies and religions of men. Evangelist Larry Perkins tells us his story of how he was found by the Lord Jesus Christ and given new life and new hope by receiving Christ personally as his own Saviour.             

This year, I'm turning Buddhist, meditating with a sangha (a community of Buddhist practitioners), bowing in the morning, and taking lessons from Buddhist teachers. This happened because I started reading Billy Seol's Substack (https://substack.com/@julylifecoach), which he writes every single day (impressive!) I've come to consider Billy as a kind of spiritual god brother. In this deep dive into the intersection of Buddhism, coaching, and personal growth, Billy takes us through his journey of: Early experiences with depression Career in tech companies (Apple, Disney) Searching for a comprehensive approach to understanding life and ending sufferingEmbracing Buddhism as a practical life approach And we have a brainy debate about applying Buddhist principles to real-life workplace challenges for women and people of marginalized identities: Dealing with discrimination and marginalization Finding agency under challenging situations Doing hard things on purpose as a path to growth Mentioned in the podcast: Billy's website: https://www.julylifecoach.com/Zen And The Art of Dealing with Office Politics: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dcmoJuGwm4oHOME with Simone Seol (Billy's sister): https://www.simonegraceseol.com/come-homeText me your thoughts on this episode!Enjoy the show? Don't miss an episode, listen and subscribe via Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Leave me a review in Apple Podcasts. Connect with me Book a free hour-long consultation with me. You'll leave with your custom blueprint to confidence, and we'll ensure it's a slam-dunk fit for you before you commit to working with me 1:1. Connect with me on LinkedIn Email me at jamie@jamieleecoach.com

Colossians tells us that all things were made through Christ and for Christ. John tells us that all things came into being through the Word who was and is God incarnate, the second Person of the Trinity, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Through what God has made, Romans 1 tells us, the whole world knows something of God's invisible attributes - His "eternal power and divine nature," for example. But critics of Christianity deny that Jesus is God in the flesh. How can we as Christians be better equipped to respond to the critics of the incarnate Christ? This week we continue our discussion with Dr. Rob Bowman, Jr.,, president of the Institute for Religious Research about his new book The Incarnate Christ and His Critics.  Rob will give us more insights from his "HANDS" acronym  about how we can known Jesus is both Lord and God and how we can give an intelligent defense of what the Bible says of Jesus to non-Christians. Dr. Rob Bowman Jr.,  is an evangelical Christian apologist, biblical scholar, author, editor, and lecturer. He has lectured on biblical studies, religion, and apologetics at Biola University, Cornerstone University, and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Rob is the author of over sixty articles and the author or co-author of fifteen books including Jesus' Resurrection and Joseph's Visions: Examining the Foundations of Christianity and Mormonism, Putting Jesus in His Place: The Case for the Deity of Christ, co-authored with J. Ed Komoszewski, and Faith Has Its Reasons: Integrative Approaches to Defending the Christian Faith, co-authored with Kenneth D. Boa. Dr. Bowman holds the M.A. and Ph.D. degrees in biblical studies from Fuller Theological Seminary and South African Theological Seminary. He is widely regarded as the leading evangelical scholar addressing the uses and interpretations of the Bible by such religious groups as Jehovah's Witnesses and Mormons.Related Links: FREE Four-Page Profile Articles from Watchman Fellowship! Atheist New Testament scholar Dr. Bart D. Ehrman. https://www.watchman.org/ProfileBartEhrman.pdf Atheism https://www.watchman.org/profiles/pdf/atheismprofile.pdf Latter-day Saints https://www.watchman.org/profiles/pdf/ldsprofile.pdf Watchtower Bible and Tract Society https://www.watchman.org/profiles/pdf/watchtowerprofile.pdf Islam https://www.watchman.org/profiles/pdf/islamprofile.pdf Additional ResourcesFREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/FreePROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (around 700 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: www.watchman.org/NotebookSUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/GiveApologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © 2025 Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Richard L. Haight is a renowned spiritual teacher, author, and martial arts expert, known for his transformative teachings and profound insights into the nature of consciousness. With a unique blend of Eastern philosophy, Western psychology, and practical wisdom, Haight has touched the lives of countless individuals around the world, guiding them on their spiritual journey towards self-realization and inner freedom. Born and raised in the United States, Haight discovered his passion for martial arts at an early age. He dedicated himself to mastering various martial arts disciplines, including Aikido, Karate, Judo, and Tai Chi, eventually earning black belts in multiple styles. His martial arts training not only shaped his physical abilities but also served as a gateway to deeper spiritual exploration, leading him to delve into the teachings of Zen Buddhism, Taoism, and Vedanta. Haight's spiritual quest took him on a transformative journey across different continents, seeking out enlightened masters and studying under their guidance. He spent several years in Japan, immersing himself in the practice of Zen meditation and studying under renowned Zen masters. This intense period of training and self-discovery laid the foundation for his unique approach to spirituality, integrating the physical, mental, and spiritual dimensions of human existence. Drawing from his experiences in martial arts, Zen practice, and various spiritual traditions, Haight developed a comprehensive teaching methodology that he now shares with students and seekers worldwide. Through workshops, retreats, online courses, and personal coaching, he offers practical tools and profound insights to help individuals unlock their innate spiritual potential and overcome the limitations of the egoic mind. In addition to his work as a spiritual teacher, Haight is a prolific writer and author of several books. His writings, including "The Unbound Soul" and "Inspirience: Meditation Unbound," have been widely acclaimed for their clarity, depth, and practicality. Haight's books offer profound insights into the nature of reality, the art of meditation, and the transformative power of self-inquiry, making complex spiritual concepts accessible to a wide audience.Please enjoy my conversation with Richard L. Haight.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/next-level-soul-podcast-with-alex-ferrari--4858435/support.

In this episode, we talk about how loud life feels - due to inner thoughts and outer phenomenon - and how we can work towards finding the silence and deep stillness we desperately seek.

Welcome to Dive Into Reiki, an interview series hosted by Nathalie Jaspar that explores the journeys of high-profile Reiki teachers and practitioners.You can support the mission of spreading Reiki education through my Patreon for less than the cost of a cup of coffee or for free by rating this podcast on your app!IMPORTANT NOTICE: Dive Into Reiki's mission is to bring information that allows Reiki practitioners from all over the world to deepen their practice. Although this information is shared freely on my platforms, all content is tied to copyrights. Please do not repurpose or translate these interviews without previous authorization.EPISODE 66: ANNUAL CATCH UP WITH FRANS STIENE Originally from the Netherlands, Frans Stiene is the co-founder of the International House of Reiki with Bronwen Logan, with whom he co-wrote the critically acclaimed books The Japanese Art of Reiki, The Reiki Sourcebook, A-Z of Reiki Pocketbook, and Your Reiki Treatment: How to Get the Most Out of It. Looking to understand the context in which Mikao Usui created the Reiki system, Frans traveled to Japan to train with Buddhist priests. These teachings completely changed his understanding of Reiki practice and fueled three new books: The Inner Heart of Reiki: Rediscovering Your True Self, Reiki Insights, and The Way of Reiki: The Inner Teachings of Mikao Usui. Known as the teacher of Reiki teachers, Frans currently travels the world (in person and virtually) to teach and help other Reiki practitioners move forward on their spiritual path. You can contact him at frans@ihreiki.com or his website: https://ihreiki.com Nathalie Jaspar, the founder of Dive Into Reiki,  is a Reiki master with over a decade of experience. She's a graduate teacher from the International House of Reiki, led by world-renowned Reiki master Frans Stiene. She also trained with the Center for True Health and the International Center for Reiki. To gain an even deeper understanding of Reiki practice, Nathalie went to Japan to practice Zen Buddhism at the Chokai-san International Zendo. She is the author of Reiki as a Spiritual Practice: an Illustrated Guide and the Reiki Healing Handbook (Rockridge Press). Support the show

"The whole world has gone after Him" the Pharisees said to one another about Jesus of Nazareth (John 12:19). He healed the sick, cured the lepers, brought sight to the blind, commanded the winds and the waves, fed the hungry, and even raised His friend Lazarus from the dead. Who is this Jesus? Some say He was just a prophet. Some say He was merely a teacher, but others believed Him to be, the Christ, the Son of the living God, Lord, and Savior. This week and next on the Profile we'll be talking to Dr. Rob Bowman, Jr.,, president of the Institute for Religious Research about his new book The Incarnate Christ and His Critics.  What do the critics of Christianity say about Jesus? What does the Bible say of Jesus? Using the pneumonic acronym "HANDS" Rob provides us with invaluable wisdom about answering non-believers' critiques of Jesus. Dr. Rob Bowman Jr., a former staff member at Watchman Fellowship, is an evangelical Christian apologist, biblical scholar, author, editor, and lecturer. He has lectured on biblical studies, religion, and apologetics at Biola University, Cornerstone University, and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Rob is the author of over sixty articles and the author or co-author of fifteen books including Jesus' Resurrection and Joseph's Visions: Examining the Foundations of Christianity and Mormonism, Putting Jesus in His Place: The Case for the Deity of Christ, co-authored with J. Ed Komoszewski, and Faith Has Its Reasons: Integrative Approaches to Defending the Christian Faith, co-authored with Kenneth D. Boa. Dr. Bowman holds the M.A. and Ph.D. degrees in biblical studies from Fuller Theological Seminary and South African Theological Seminary. He is widely regarded as the leading evangelical scholar addressing the uses and interpretations of the Bible by such religious groups as Jehovah's Witnesses and Mormons.Related Links: FREE Four-Page Profile Articles from Watchman Fellowship! Atheist New Testament scholar Dr. Bart D. Ehrman: www.watchman.org/Ehrman Atheism: www.watchman.org/Atheism Latter-day Saints: www.watchman.org/Mormonism Watchtower Bible and Tract Society: www.watchman.org/Watchtower Islam www.watchman.org/Muslim Additional ResourcesFREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/FreePROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (around 700 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: www.watchman.org/NotebookSUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/GiveApologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © 2025 Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

In this episode, we talk about the gentle process by which we can adapt to difficult, sometimes shocking change, in our lives and in the world around us. 

Episode 95.  What comes to mind when you hear the term mysticism? Perhaps you imagine a yogi sitting cross legged in meditation, or people sitting in a circle chanting. Several religions have mystical practices, Sufism in Islam, and Zen Buddhism, for instance. Whatever the particulars, they generally share a desire to become one with the Divine and valueing of spiritual rather than intellectual understanding. Today, my guest, Lex Rofeberg, has joined me to talk about Jewish mysticism, its history, core books, challenging concepts and risks to followers. As a rabbi ordained in the Jewish Renewal movement, he is both a practitioner and critic of Jewish mysticism. Lex is co-host of the Judaism Unbound podcast and the Un-Yeshiva – a link is in the show notes. He is also an active proponent of learning from other faith traditions. In this, he shares my philosophy that learning about other paths is beneficial and does not pose a risk to your beliefs or practice. Bio:  Lex Rofeberg (he/him) serves as senior Jewish educator for Judaism Unbound, a digital-first Jewish organization. He co-hosts and produces its weekly podcast, facilitates many of its digital rituals and events, and oversees the UnYeshiva: a digital center for Jewish learning and unlearning. He graduated from Brown University with a degree in Judaic Studies, and was ordained as a rabbi by ALEPH: Alliance for Jewish Renewal. A native of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Lex lived for two years in Jackson, Mississippi -- working for the Institute of Southern Jewish Life -- and he currently lives in Providence, Rhode Island with his wife.Highlights: Embracing Jewish pop culture. Pantheism, panentheism and monotheism.Embodied worship and pantheism. Oneness and separation of the sacred and the profane.Hasidism, neo-Hasidism, and Chabad.The Zohar and Kabbalah. Reckoning with harm in by charismatic leaders.Social Media links for Lex: Website – JudaismUnbound.comBluesky – @lexaphus.bsky.socialReferences:Living Our Beliefs – Yusef Hayes episode on SufismLiving Our Beliefs – David Green on the Tanya and ChabadTranscript on BuzzsproutSocial Media links for Méli:Website – the Talking with God ProjectMeli's emailLinkedIn – Meli SolomonFacebook – Meli SolomonFollow the podcast!The Living Our Beliefs podcast is part of the Talking with God Project.

Word-faith teachers claim that faith is a kind of power or force that we can utilize to our advantage to help us prosper physically, financially, and spiritually. This week philosopher and apologist Dr. Richard G. Howe will continue to unpack the problematic doctrines and practices of the word-faith prosperity heresy and give us sound, biblical insights as to how we can prevent and counter-act these false teachings.  Dr. Richard G. Howe is a writer as well as a public speaker and debater in churches, conferences, and university campuses on issues concerning Christian apologetics and philosophy. He is Norman L. Geisler Chair of Christian Apologetics at Southern Evangelical Seminary in Charlotte, North Carolina where he also serves as Professor of Philosophy and Apologetics and as the Provost. Dr. Howe is Past President of the International Society of Christian Apologetics.Related Links: Here are some of our related 4-page Profiles on the Word Faith Movement, popular Prosperity Gospel preachers, the occult and New Age / Mind Science religions: Watchman Fellowship Profile on the Word Faith Movement by Dr. Robert M. Bowman: www.watchman.org/WordFaith Watchman Fellowship Profile on the Benny Hinn by Justin Peters: www.watchman.org/Hinn Watchman Fellowship Profile on the Joel Osteen by Dr. Robert M. Bowman: www.watchman.org/Osteen Watchman Fellowship Profile on the Joyce Meyer by Tim Martin: www.watchman.org/Meyer Watchman Fellowship Profile on The Occult by James Walker: www.watchman.org/TheOccult Watchman Fellowship Profile on The Secret by James Walker: www.watchman.org/TheSecret Watchman Fellowship Profile on Christian Science by Craig Branch: www.watchman.org/ChristianScience Watchman Fellowship Profile on Unity School of Christianity by Rick Branch: www.watchman.org/Unity Watchman Fellowship Profile on Witchcraft / Wicca by Dr. Brady Blevins: www.watchman.org/Wicca Watchman Fellowship's Profile on Spiritual Abuse Recovery Workbook by David Henke: www.watchman.org/SA Additional ResourcesFREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/FreePROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (around 700 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: www.watchman.org/NotebookSUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/GiveApologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

In this episode, we talk about how difficult it is to deal with unexpected change in our lives and how we can learn to process it in healthy, self-empowering ways.

John Cage was an amazing artist breaking the norms with his amazing selection of work. Known for his mute performances John Cage took inspiration from practices like Zen Buddhism to enhance his work . Come along with Kimberly, Christopher and Alexander to discuss John Cage's 4 '33 and How the work changed Our view on music and performance arts. 

ZEN IN OUR TIME“Connecting the Dots”Some of you A few may have undergone formal training, in Zen or other meditative traditions, or you may be a relative newcomer to Zen. The objective of this essay is Whatever your experience level, this course should help you sort the wheat from the chaff, to clarify for yourself which teachings of Buddhism are relevant to you, to provide some background on Zen Buddhism, how to integrate Zen practice into your daily life, and the importance of Zen's unique style of meditation, and finally some approaches to integrating Zen practice into your daily life.. My approach to Zen may seem a bit different from others you may be familiar with. The reason for this is NOTE: Applying my professional training in design thinking, which influences how I see the world. To augment more traditional text-based presentations of Zen and buddha-dharma, my training in graphic design, I have charted the basic teachings as 3D structures flattened into 2D charts, available upon request. This illustrates their interrelatedness, providing visual aids and mnemonics to help you visualize and remember them. The graphic models allow further analysis of overlapping and interconnected implications of what otherwise typically appear as linear constructs and literary outlines in the verbal formword. We are literally going to connect the dots to the degree possible.Basics of BuddhismZen NOTE: Applying my training in graphic design, I have charted the basic teachings of Zen as semantic models, 3D structures flattened into 2D charts, for the sake of illustrating their interrelatedness, as well as providing visual aids and mnemonics for you to visualize and remember them. These will also allow you to do further analysis of the overlapping and interconnected implications of what otherwise appear as linear constructs in the written word. Buddhism is both very simple and complex at the same time. As we say in design circles, "simple in concept; difficult in execution." The amount of material available on Buddhism appears virtually endless. I am not a scholar, nor a historian, but it may be helpful to provide some background from the perspective of Zen practice, on the subject as I understand itThe Four Noble TruthsBuddha re-discovered these truths in his meditation and articulatedmeditation them in his "First Sermon.” He unfolds a model of "Four Noble Truths." This quartet constitutes a kind of take-it-or-leave-it description of reality, the causes and conditions of sentient existence, including the Eightfold Path, a thoroughgoing prescription for practice, covering the eight dimensions of leading a Zen life based on meditation. All of the teachings may be seen as corrective descriptions of enlightened realty and prescriptions for taking action based on the enlightened worldview. Buddhism's Four Noble Truths are traditionally translated as the existence of suffering, its origin in craving, the potential of cessation, and the path to follow in daily life, leading to cessation. This begs the question — WhatWhat, exactly, makes them so noble, after all? They can beare ennobling, but only if we embrace them. If we do, : they can enable us to live a life of compassion in the context of inexorable change, or "suffering." The Noble Truths do not change with circumstance. They do not interact with, nor react to, changes in circumstance. The first of the four truths is that this existence — indeed any physical existence — is of the nature of suffering (Skt. dukkha). There is no existence without change, the universal dynamic. Galaxies colliding, the Big Bang — all is dukkha. As human beings, we are caught up in this change, and we tend to take it personally. We suffer not only physically, but also emotionally, mentally, and even socially. The second truth is that most of our suffering is finds its origin in our own attachment and aversion,, craving, or thirst: clinging to the pleasant, and avoiding the unpleasant. Suffering is both natural —, as in aging, sickness and death —, and unnatural or intentional —, as in self-inflicted and mutually-inflicted suffering between human beings, and imposed upon other beings, sentient and insentient. On a personal level, Buddhism embraces suffering, rather than trying to avoid it. The third of the truths offers hopeis that suffering can cease, but only through our embrace of it. The natural processes of aging, sickness and death cannot be avoided no matter how hard we try. They are built into existence itself. UnnecessaryIntentional and unintended suffering can come to an end, however, through relinquishing cessation, or at least lowering,the extent ofof our craving, modifying our craven behavior.The Noble Eightfold PathThe fourth of the quartet posits that there is a way of living daily life as a path to cessation. Theusual interpretation of its eight points begins with worldview, or intention. In time our view evolves toward conformance to that taught by Buddha, through examining our thought, or understanding., "Right" view and thoughtwhich together comprise right wisdom.; Engaging in loving speech, kind action and a compassionate livelihood, add up toor right conduct. E; and engaging effort, mindfulness and meditation, we developas right discipline. The only real discipline in Zen is self-discipline, which applies to lay practice as well as monasticism.Wisdom, conduct and discipline constitute our tripartite path. Fortunately, Zen offers a workaround. The primary focus of Zen is the practice of its highly focused method of meditation (J. zazen), integrating posture, breath and meditationattention, called “zazen” in Japanese. Zazen is like a magnifying glass, an indispensable and instrumental method for focusing attention awareness in an extremely tight awareness on our own direct experience. Which is where the origins of Buddhism arose, from the meditation of Buddha, Shakyamuni. Visualizing the Eightfold Path as a 3-dimenional model of a cube illustrates that these eight components of the three primary divisions — the outer person, or conduct;, the inner person,or discipline;, and the fruit of the practice, the evolution of true wisdom — are all interconnected in complex ways. For example, the intersection of right speech and right action: “You talk the talk, but you do not walk the walk.” Your words do not match your actions. Each pairing of any two of the eight dimensions can be analyzed in such a manner. But the important thing is to be aware of them, and observinge how they affect our lives, and how our manner of living affects them. The Six ParamitasWhen we think of perfecting our practice of any activity, such as playing the piano, or high-performance athletics, naturally we form some sort of goal or expectation that we hope to realize. But the notion of perfection in Zen is not like that. There is an ancient Sanskrit term,from Sanskrit, “paramita,” that is sometimes translated as “perfection.” There are six such, (sometimes expanded to ten,) such in traditional models. — The basic six-pack usually translatessometimes condensed as: generosity or giving;, precepts or (ethics);, energy or or effort;, patience or or forbearance;, meditation, contemplation or concentration;, and wisdom. But in Zen, we instead look to discover their true meaning and application in our meditation. The founder of Soto Zen in 13th Century Japan, Master Eihei Dogen, was said to have commented, paraphrasing: asking In zazen, wwhat Precept (morality) is not fulfilled? In Zen, the perfection of desirable personality traits, and the full comprehension of them, becomes possible only through diligent pursuit of wholehearted meditation practice. My Zen teacher, “sensei” in Japanperese, Soyu Matsuoka-roshi, would often say that we should always aim at the perfect posture in seated meditation, never imagining that we have achieved it. This amounts to “posture paramita.” We engage in a process of perfecting, in lieu of setting goals of perfection. Eventually, with repetition, any endeavor such as practicing the piano, dance moves, sports, or martial arts forms, will reach a turning point, where it becomes truly musical, transcendent, and transformative. Your practice of meditation will likewise naturally go through several turning points in its evolution. Eventually, it will become what my teacher referred to as “the real zazen.” This is when posture, breath and attention all come together in a unified way. Not-two.Zazen: Sitting Still Just Sitting; Still Enough, Straight Enough, For Long EnoughThe focus of Zen is on the present moment, but the activity that is occurring moment by moment is ceaseless, relentless in its changing dynamic. We sit still in order to recover our original mind, in which stillness is not separate from motion. This is one meaning of an ancient Sino-Japanese term, “mokurai”: stillness in motion, motion in stillness. Silence in Zen, to take another example of mokurai,, is not the absence of sound. The silence is in the sound. And vice-versa. Same for stillness and motion. Nonetheless, we emphasize the stillness partsays. It is difficult to slow down, let alone come to a full stop, in today's world. When we do — sitting still enough for long enough — a whole new dimension of reality opens up for us. We enter the original frontier of the mind, discovered by Buddha two-and-a-half millennia ago, and passed on to us by the ancestors of Zen.Concluding the InconclusiveLike most things in life, Zen has to be experienced to be understood, from personal experience. This is one instance of how the highly specialized training in Zen has a halo effect on daily life. If you have become accustomed to the extreme clarity of mind engendered in quiet meditation in the zendo, you will be better equipped to face the chaos in daily life Two aspects of Zen that I have mentionedindicated remain foremost in my mind —- its irreducible simplicity of method, and the importance of finding the right teacher for you. I highly recommend you pursue both with diligence, as if your hair were on fire, as per Master Dogen.

Hello Fam, Due to some changes in policies in streaming platforms like Spotify, we would be changing our Sleep Music only content to Guided Meditation + Sleep Music to help you sleep better. As uploading Music Only Tracks would make the Spotify remove our Podcast, so that's the reason for changing To Guided Meditation Tracks. We will also be coming soon with our own Android/iOS app to serve you better. Hope you understand and continue to support us. Regards, The Mindset Meditation Team Don't Click This: https://bit.ly/2RnSdjS Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/themindsetmeditationpodcast?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y= I AM Morning Affirmations: Gratitude, Self Love, Positive Energy, Freedom & Happiness Detox your mind and heart of thoughts and emotions that don´t serve you anymore, but are there out of habit. Close your eyes, take a minimum of six slow deep breaths, and begin focusing on relaxing every inch of your body. - Start by focusing on your toes and wiggle and relax your toes - Relax your feet, rotate your ankles and relax your feet - Work up to your calves, Relax your muscles - Continue working your way up your body, one body part at a time. Within minutes as you work your way up to your head continue to take deep breaths. You will begin to feel relaxed as if you were floating. Your body and brain will be massaged into a deep sleep. Detach and let go. Feel at peace. Feel happy. Feel Free. Don't forget it may be useful for your family and friends too. Enjoy this amazing episode. Don't forget to Subscribe to our YouTube channel: The Mindset Meditation Link to our YouTube channel: https://bit.ly/2RnSdjS

The word-faith prosperity gospel is not really the Gospel at all. Much of the heretical theology and practice within the word-faith movement comes from much older and long-standing occult beliefs and practice. This week and next on Apologetics Profile, we'll be featuring president of Watchman Fellowship James K. Walker's conversation with Dr. Richard Howe about the occult influences in the doctrines of highly popular word-faith teachers such as Kenneth Hagin, Kenneth Copeland, Benny Hinn and Joyce Meyer.Dr. Richard G. Howe is a writer as well as a public speaker and debater in churches, conferences, and university campuses on issues concerning Christian apologetics and philosophy. He is Norman L. Geisler Chair of Christian Apologetics at Southern Evangelical Seminary in Charlotte, North Carolina where he also serves as Professor of Philosophy and Apologetics and as the Provost. Dr. Howe is Past President of the International Society of Christian Apologetics.Related Links: Here are some of our related 4-page Profiles on the Word Faith Movement, popular Prosperity Gospel preachers, the occult and New Age / Mind Science religions: Watchman Fellowship Profile on the Word Faith Movement by Dr. Robert M. Bowman: www.watchman.org/WordFaith Watchman Fellowship Profile on the Benny Hinn by Justin Peters: www.watchman.org/Hinn Watchman Fellowship Profile on the Joel Osteen by Dr. Robert M. Bowman: www.watchman.org/Osteen Watchman Fellowship Profile on the Joyce Meyer by Tim Martin: www.watchman.org/Meyer Watchman Fellowship Profile on The Occult by James Walker: www.watchman.org/TheOccult Watchman Fellowship Profile on The Secret by James Walker: www.watchman.org/TheSecret Watchman Fellowship Profile on Christian Science by Craig Branch: www.watchman.org/ChristianScience Watchman Fellowship Profile on Unity School of Christianity by Rick Branch: www.watchman.org/Unity Watchman Fellowship Profile on Witchcraft / Wicca by Dr. Brady Blevins: www.watchman.org/Wicca Watchman Fellowship's Profile on Spiritual Abuse Recovery Workbook by David Henke: www.watchman.org/SA Additional ResourcesFREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/FreePROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (around 700 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: www.watchman.org/NotebookSUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/GiveApologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Welcome back to Higher Density Living! In this captivating fourth (or fifth!) episode, co-host Jason Rigby is joined once again by the brilliant Dr. Eric Cunningham, a Professor of Philosophy at Gonzaga University and an expert in modern Japanese intellectual history, Zen Buddhism, Catholicism, psychedelia, and eschatology. Together, they dive deep into the mysterious world of secret societies through the lens of Rudolf Steiner's profound teachings—a topic that bridges the physical and spiritual realms like never before.   Dr. Cunningham, a former naval officer turned academic, shares his fascinating journey into Steiner's esoteric philosophy, sparked in 1989 by a friend who introduced him to Knowledge of the Higher Worlds and Its Attainment. What followed was a decades-long exploration of Steiner's vast body of work—over 70 books and hundreds of lectures—that seamlessly connects spirituality, history, and human evolution. As a practicing Catholic with a passion for Zen Buddhism and Asian mysticism, Cunningham brings a unique perspective to Steiner's ideas, blending rigorous scholarship with metaphysical insight.   In this episode, we explore Steiner's views on secret societies—described as “lines of connection” between the material and spiritual worlds. From the Rosicrucians' pursuit of conscious immortality to the Illuminati's entanglement with Ahrimanic (materialistic) forces, Cunningham unpacks the distinction between societies seeking esoteric wisdom and those chasing temporal power. Steiner's cosmic framework reveals a timeless struggle between “left-hand” and “right-hand” brotherhoods—rebellious spirits resisting divine evolution versus those embracing self-sacrificial love.   We journey through history, examining how spiritual impulses, not just material causes, shaped events like the Renaissance and Industrial Age. Steiner's radical perspective challenges conventional narratives, suggesting that the modern world's obsession with “fitness over truth” (as echoed by Donald Hoffman) reflects the triumph of Ahrimanic forces. Cunningham also delves into the 19th-century esoteric revival—Freemasonry's expansion, the Golden Dawn, and the OTO—connecting these movements to Steiner's fifth post-Atlantean epoch and the karmic shifts of industrialization.   The conversation takes a dark turn as we confront the Nazis' suppression of esoteric groups like Steiner's Anthroposophical Society, alongside their own occult obsessions (think Thule Society and Maria Orsic). Were these crackdowns a karmic backlash against Ahrimanic tendencies? And how do they tie into modern conspiracies like Operation Paperclip and the rise of technocrats like Wernher von Braun?   Fast forward to 2025: Cunningham speculates on what Steiner would see in today's world—AI, media consolidation, and geopolitical tension. Is artificial intelligence the ultimate Ahrimanic threat, stripping humanity of its capacity for independent thought? Or can we resist by cultivating “enthusiastic attentiveness” and piercing the hidden power structures Steiner warned about?   Plus, get a sneak peek into Cunningham's book, The Luciferic Verses: The Daodejing and the Chinese Roots of Esoteric History (available now on Amazon—link in the show notes!). This groundbreaking work explores Luciferic influences, Chinese mysticism, and even dragons—yes, dragons!—across cultures. Jason also teases an upcoming episode on tarot and Aleister Crowley, inspired by his personal dive into the Waite deck.   Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro: Secret Societies and Rudolf Steiner 02:34 – Dr. Eric Cunningham's Journey into Steiner's World 05:20 – Defining Secret Societies: Esoteric Wisdom vs. Temporal Power 08:25 – Steiner's Take on Rosicrucians, Illuminati, and Historical Forces 13:00 – Freemasonry's Role in the 19th Century and Beyond 18:05 – The Dark Side: Death, Control, and Ahrimanic Brotherhoods 23:17 – Golden Dawn, OTO, and Aleister Crowley's Hollywood Legacy 28:22 – Nazis, Thule Society, and Steiner's Persecution 35:15 – Modern Elites, AI, and the Ahrimanic Shadow 49:35 – Reincarnation and Secret Societies' Spiritual Manipulation 51:04 – Steiner in 2025: The Greatest Threat to Humanity 56:12 – Closing Thoughts: Get The Luciferic Verses Now!   Support Dr. Cunningham:   Grab his book, The Luciferic Verses: The Daodejing and the Chinese Roots of Esoteric History, on Amazon. It's a must-read for anyone intrigued by Steiner, secret societies, and the cosmic interplay of Luciferic and Ahrimanic forces.   Stay Connected: Subscribe to Higher Density Living for more mind-expanding discussions. Hit subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube!   Join the Higher Density Living community on [Instagram]and [TikTok] for bonus clips.   Check out our previous episodes with Dr. Cunningham on Steiner's threefold society and economics.   Buy the Book on Amazon.

In this episode, we talk about how it can be very difficult to walk in the light within the landscape of an ever-changing world, and why we should continue to seek out the light despite the darkness.

Geoffrey Shugen Arnold, Roshi - ZMM - 3/28/25 - Perfecting our actions is how we cultivate the qualities of a bodhisattva, and this is what is practiced in the moral and ethical teachings of Zen Buddhism. In this realm of existence, we can have a positive effect even on difficult circumstances. This talk by Shugen Roshi explores what is of benefit in this present life and how a practitioner can live in accord with this. - Teisho during the March 2025 Fusatsu at ZMM.

Selected passages from the "The Sutra of Hui-neng, Grand Master of Zen" (Platform Sutra), using an amalgam of translations.Hui-neng (638-713) was a seminal figure in Buddhist history and is one of the most beloved and respected figure in Zen Buddhism. An illiterate woodcutter who attained enlightenment in a flash, he became the Sixth Patriarch of Chinese Zen, and is regarded as the founder of the "Sudden Enlightenment" school. He is the supreme exemplar of the fact that neither education nor social background has any bearing on the attainment of enlightenment. The Platform Sutra of the Sixth Patriarch, which is said to be a record of his teachings, is a highly influential text in the East Asian Buddhist tradition.

In early 1820 a young farm boy by the name of Joseph Smith believed he had a vision of God the Father and Jesus Christ appearing to him, exhorting him not to join any of the existing churches of his day, for they were all corrupt. Just over 200 years later in 2023 in Wilmore, Kentuck in the main chapel on the campus of Asbury Theological Seminary, something of a revival began. For two weeks, thousands of people from all over the world came to Ashbury to see for themselves what was happening. During these two weeks, people prayed and sang worship songs. Many Christians, however, debated as to whether or not this was a genuine revival or just an emotive outpouring of mostly Gen-Z'ers. And most Evangelical Christians criticize Joseph's Smith's first vision as either legendary, completely fabricated, or theologically aberrant. How can we rightly discern whether or not people's personal experiences are truly from God? This week on the Profile we wrap up our conversation with theologian and literary scholar Dr. Jeffery Barbeau about his new book The Last Romantic - C.S. Lewis, English Literature, and Modern Theology and consider more of Lewis's insights and how they can equip us to think biblically about personal religious experiences.Jeffery Barbeau (Ph.D., Marquette University) is professor of theology at Wheaton College, Editor of The Coleridge Bulletin, and a writer on British Romanticism, religion and literature, and the history of Christian thought. His other works include The Cambridge Companion to British Romanticism and Religion (2021), The Spirit of Methodism: From the Wesleys to a Global Communion (2019), and Religion in Romantic England (2018).Related Links: Go deeper with these related apologetics tools: Watchman Fellowship's Spiritual Abuse Recovery Workbook by David Henke: www.watchman.org/SA Watchman Fellowship Profile on the International Christian Church: by Steve Matthews and Dr. Brady Blevins: www.watchman.org/ICC Watchman Fellowship Profile on the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by Tim Martin: www.watchman.org/Mormonism Watchman Fellowship Profile on Atheism by Dr. Robert M. Bowman, Jr: www.watchman.org/Mormonism Watchman Fellowship Profile on the Islam by James Walker: www.watchman.org/Muslim Additional ResourcesFREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/FreePROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (around 700 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: www.watchman.org/NotebookSUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/GiveApologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

When every day is full of challenges involving other people, how do we cope and process it? In this episode, we reflect on what it means to endure, and even develop compassion to others, despite the adversities we face.

In this week's mini-episode, we explain beginner's mind! Known in Zen Buddhism as shoshin (初心), beginner's mind is a concept present in belief systems, philosophies, psychology, and martial arts. It teaches us to approach every learning opportunity with the curiosity and humility of a beginner. It's a mindset that helps us shelf the ego, focus on skill development, and better enjoy our training.Get our Intro to Mechanics audio course, normally $79, FREE:https://bjjmentalmodels.com/freeintroDon't forget to check out BJJ Mental Models Premium!If you love the podcast, you'll definitely love our premium membership offerings. The podcast is truly just the tip of the iceberg – the next steps on your journey are joining our community, downloading our strategy courseware, and working with us to optimize your game. We do all this through memberships that come in at a fraction of the cost of a single private.Sign up here for a free trial:https://bjjmentalmodels.com/Need more BJJ Mental Models?Get tips, tricks, and breakthrough insights from our newsletter:https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter/Get nitty-gritty details on our mental models from the full database:https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database/Follow us on social:https://facebook.com/bjjmentalmodels/https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels/

Welcome to Dive Into Reiki, an interview series hosted by Nathalie Jaspar that explores the journeys of high-profile Reiki teachers and practitioners.You can support the mission of spreading Reiki education through my Patreon for less than the cost of a cup of coffee or for free by rating this podcast on your app!IMPORTANT NOTICE: Dive Into Reiki's mission is to bring information that allows Reiki practitioners from all over the world to deepen their practice. Although this information is shared freely on my platforms, all content is tied to copyrights. Please do not repurpose or translate these interviews without previous authorization.EPISODE 64: Ines MassinInès Massin, born in Brussels, moved to Japan in 2002, where she developed a passion for Japanese aesthetics and ikebana. A certified teacher from the Sogetsu School in Tokyo since 2010, she continued her training in Singapore and Switzerland. For her, this spiritual art represents a unique connection between her love of nature and the expression of her sensitivity. Teaching since 2018, she participates in exhibitions and has been featured in several art books dedicated to ikebana.You can contact/follow Inès on Instagram: @massininesOn Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/massin.inesOr visit her website: http://www.kyoshin-ikebana.com/Nathalie Jaspar, the founder of Dive Into Reiki,  is a Reiki master with over a decade of experience. She's a graduate teacher from the International House of Reiki, led by world-renowned Reiki master Frans Stiene. She also trained with the Center for True Health and the International Center for Reiki. To gain an even deeper understanding of Reiki practice, Nathalie went to Japan to practice Zen Buddhism at the Chokai-san International Zendo. She is the author of Reiki as a Spiritual Practice: an Illustrated Guide and the Reiki Healing Handbook (Rockridge Press). Support the show

If you have ever had a deeply moving personal experience with God, you know it can be something that words cannot adequately convey. Perhaps it is deeply emotional, powerful, and moving. The experience solidifies your conviction that what you believe about God is true. You might also believe God "spoke" to you in that moment. But given that there are a multitude of other religions today with devotees who claim to have similar experiences, how can we know that what we have experienced is an authentic movement of the God who is there? This week and next on the Profile, we talk with theologian and literary scholar Dr. Jeffrey Barbeau about his new book The Last Romantic - C.S. Lewis, English Literature, and Modern Theology and how Lewis's thoughts about Romantic poetry might give us some insight about the nature of personal religious experiences and how properly to think about them.Jeffery Barbeau (Ph.D., Marquette University) is professor of theology at Wheaton College, Editor of The Coleridge Bulletin, and a writer on British Romanticism, religion and literature, and the history of Christian thought. His books include monographs, anthologies, and edited books, including The Last Romantic: C. S. Lewis, English Literature, and Modern Theology (2025), The Cambridge Companion to British Romanticism and Religion (2021), The Spirit of Methodism: From the Wesleys to a Global Communion (2019), Religion in Romantic England (2018), and Sara Coleridge: Her Life and Thought (2014).Related Links: Go deeper with these related apologetics tools: Watchman Fellowship's Spiritual Abuse Recovery Workbook by David Henke: www.watchman.org/SA Watchman Fellowship Profile on the International Christian Church: by Steve Matthews and Dr. Brady Blevins: www.watchman.org/ICC Watchman Fellowship Profile on the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by Tim Martin: www.watchman.org/Mormonism Watchman Fellowship Profile on Atheism by Dr. Robert M. Bowman, Jr: www.watchman.org/Mormonism Watchman Fellowship Profile on the Islam by James Walker: www.watchman.org/Muslim Former Latter-day Saint, Isaac Hess, describes Mormonism's "Burning in the Bosom" https://youtu.be/ChULWVM6AF8 Additional ResourcesFREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/FreePROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (around 700 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: www.watchman.org/NotebookSUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/GiveApologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

In this episode, we reflect on the difference between chasing a goal and learning to appreciate the path we are on.

There are nearly seven million Latter-day Saints in the United States today. And yet despite the growth of Latter-day Saints in foreign countries, the LDS church in the US continues to see a significant decline in its membership. Since 2021, the LDS church in the US has experienced a decline in membership in 21 states. Through the growth of available information on line, many LDS are discovering for the first time many of the problems with the church's history and theology that have until quite recently been kept secret from members. This week on the Profile President of Watchman Fellowship James K. Walker continues his conversation with Founder of Mormon Research Ministries and the Utah Christian Research Center, Bill McKeever.Bill McKeever founded Mormonism Research Ministry in 1979 with the hope of informing the Body of Christ about the differences between Mormonism and Christianity. He has also made an effort to reach out the many individuals who are members of the LDS Church, desiring to show them in gentleness and respect the truth about God's Word. His writings include In Their own Words: A Collection of Mormon Quotations, Answering Mormons' Questions: Ready Responses for Inquiring Latter-day Saints, and Mormonism 101: Examining the Religion of the Latter-day Saints. Related Links: Get the rest of the story including some of our most popular podcasts on Mormonism, access to some of our key LDS articles and our free, 4-page Watchman Fellowship Profile on the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormonism): Watchman Fellowship articles on Mormonism: www.watchman.org/LDS Watchman Fellowship Profile on the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: www.watchman.org/Mormonism Apologetics Profile podcast What Is the Gospel? with Mormon apologist Scott Gordon and Christian apologist James Walker (YouTube):  www.watchman.org/GordonWalker  Apologetics Profile podcast "Jesus' Resurrection and Joseph's Visions," with Rob Bowman: www.watchman.org/1stVision Apologetics Profile podcast list of all episodes about Latter-day Saints https://www.watchman.org/files/ldspod.htm Additional ResourcesFREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/FreePROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (around 700 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: www.watchman.org/NotebookSUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/GiveApologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

In this episode, we reflect on the rhythm of life and why we need to trust and respect the timing of our journeys.

Samuel Perry RH (AHG) is a clinical herbalist, medicine maker and herbal educator in Upstate New York.Practicing in the Vitalist and eclectic tradition of American Herbalism, Sam offers compassionate attention and practical support in all manner of health concerns. An instructor and core faculty at Arbor Vitae School of Traditional Herbalism, Sam teaches herbal energetics and Materia Medica, helps supervise a free bi-weekly student clinic, leads plant walks, and offers medicine making demonstrations. A long-time practitioner of Zen Buddhism, Sam also leads meditation retreats. His work as an herbalist and his knowledge of and love for the living world offers a unique vantage point from which to engage these practices. His commitment to the ever-unfolding awakening of all beings is expressed in a playful and fluid style.Episode Highlights▶ The need to integrate ancestral wisdom and traditional practices into the rapidly growing psychedelic space, moving beyond a purely chemical understanding.▶ The role of plants as teachers, emphasizing how they can bridge the gap between physical experience and deeper self-understanding.▶ The importance of building "dirt," or foundational knowledge and respect, to ethically and authentically engage with sacred medicines within contemporary culture.▶ Addressing the sensitive issue of cultural appropriation, acknowledging the debt owed to indigenous traditions, and advocating for a balanced approach to honoring and utilizing these medicines.▶ The reality of the widespread use of psychedelics, and the importance of focusing on the greater healing of humanity amidst a time of global transition and suffering.Sam Perry's Links & Resources▶ Website: https://www.arborvitaeny.com/corefaculty/samuel-perryhttps://ravencrestbotanicals.com/pages/retreat-schedule-2025▶ The Energetics of Psilocybin & Herbal Medicine:  Remembering & Restoring the Missing Piece in Contemporary Psychedelic Practice: Sign up to be notified when the doors open:  https://go.bethaweinstein.com/secret-psilocybin/  Download Beth's free trainings here: Clarity to Clients: Start & Grow a Transformational Coaching, Healing, Spiritual, or Psychedelic Business: https://bethaweinstein.com/grow-your-spiritual-businessIntegrating Psychedelics & Sacred Medicines Into Business: https://bethaweinstein.com/psychedelics-in-business▶ Beth's Coaching & Guidance: https://bethaweinstein.com/coaching ▶ Beth's Offerings & Courses: https://bethaweinstein.com/services▶ Instagram: @bethaweinstein ▶ FB: / bethw.nyc + bethweinsteinbiz ▶ Join the free Psychedelics & Purpose Community: / psychedelicsandsacredmedicines

279 Reaching Mormons with the Gospel [Part 1] with Bill McKeever and James WalkerThis week and next on the profile President of Watchman Fellowship, James Walker sits down with Bill McKeever, founder of Mormon Research Ministry (MRM) and the Utah Christian Research Center, about many of the challenges facing Latter-day Saints today regarding the church's history and theology. We hope these episodes will better equip you to engage and understand your LDS friends, neighbors, and missionaries that come to your door. Bill McKeever founded Mormonism Research Ministry in 1979 with the hope of informing the Body of Christ about the differences between Mormonism and Christianity. He has also made an effort to reach out the many individuals who are members of the LDS Church, desiring to show them in gentleness and respect the truth about God's Word. His writings include In Their own Words: A Collection of Mormon Quotations (Morris Publishing, 2010), Answering Mormons' Questions: Ready Responses for Inquiring Latter-day Saints (co-authored with Eric Johnson, Kregel, 2013), and Mormonism 101: Examining the Religion of the Latter-day Saints (Baker, 2015). In addition, Bill serves as the editor of Mormonism Researched, a bi-monthly publication distributed free through Mormonism Research Ministry. He is the host of the daily radio program Viewpoint on Mormonism and has been a featured guest on many Christian and secular talk shows throughout the country.Related Links: Get the rest of the story including some of our most popular podcasts on Mormonism, access to some of our key LDS articles and our free, 4-page Watchman Fellowship Profile on the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormonism): Watchman Fellowship articles on Mormonism: www.watchman.org/LDS Watchman Fellowship Profile on the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: www.watchman.org/Mormonism Apologetics Profile podcast What Is the Gospel? with Mormon apologist Scott Gordon and Christian apologist James Walker (YouTube):  www.watchman.org/GordonWalker  Apologetics Profile podcast "Jesus' Resurrection and Joseph's Visions," with Rob Bowman: www.watchman.org/1stVision Apologetics Profile podcast list of all episodes about Latter-day Saints https://www.watchman.org/files/ldspod.htm Additional ResourcesFREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/FreePROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (around 700 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: www.watchman.org/NotebookSUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/GiveApologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

In this enriching Wisdom Podcast episode, host Daniel Aitken is joined by Christopher Ives, a professor and Zen practitioner. Chris is an author, translator, and avid outdoorsman. His writing focuses on ethics in Zen Buddhism and Buddhist approaches to nature and environmental issues. His previous publications with Wisdom include Zen on the Trail and Meditations […] The post Christopher Ives: Zen Ecology (#204) appeared first on The Wisdom Experience.

Tenshin Roshi talks about cases 12 and 19 of The Gateless Gate, "Zuigan Calls Himself Master,"  and "Ordinary Mind is the Way."

Samuel Perry RH (AHG) is a clinical herbalist, medicine maker and herbal educator in Upstate New York.Practicing in the Vitalist and eclectic tradition of American Herbalism, Sam offers compassionate attention and practical support in all manner of health concerns. An instructor and core faculty at Arbor Vitae School of Traditional Herbalism, Sam teaches herbal energetics and Materia Medica, helps supervise a free bi-weekly student clinic, leads plant walks, and offers medicine making demonstrations. A long-time practitioner of Zen Buddhism, Sam also leads meditation retreats. His work as an herbalist and his knowledge of and love for the living world offers a unique vantage point from which to engage these practices. His commitment to the ever-unfolding awakening of all beings is expressed in a playful and fluid style.Episode Highlights▶ Sam's journey intertwines nature and spirituality, from childhood plant connections and a pivotal pine tree experience to his path as a clinical herbalist.▶ Sam's experiences with cannabis and LSD, along with the impact of figures like Alan Watts, shaped his understanding of altered states and cultural connections.▶ Beth and Sam introduce their upcoming program,The Energetics of Psilocybin & Herbal Medicine:  Remembering & Restoring the Missing Piece in Contemporary Psychedelic Practice, focusing on the often-neglected energetic dimensions of psilocybin.▶ The need to explore the somatic and energetic aspects of psychedelic experiences beyond traditional approaches.▶ Beth and Sam discuss providing practical tools and knowledge to navigate challenging experiences and integrate insights.▶ The importance of grounding psychedelic experiences in ancestral wisdom and living traditions.▶ The difference between taking calculated risks and being reckless in psychedelic exploration.▶ Sam's "witchy grandma kit" and the use of herbal remedies are highlighted as essential tools for supporting individuals during intense experiences.▶ The practical application of energetic principles to address specific needs and challenges during psychedelic journeys is discussed.▶ Why one must enter a psychedelic space with intention, and courage, to get the most out of the experience.Sam Perry's Links & Resources▶ Website: https://www.arborvitaeny.com/corefaculty/samuel-perryhttps://ravencrestbotanicals.com/pages/retreat-schedule-2025▶ The Energetics of Psilocybin & Herbal Medicine:  Remembering & Restoring the Missing Piece in Contemporary Psychedelic Practice: Sign up to be notified when the doors open:  https://go.bethaweinstein.com/secret-psilocybin/  Download Beth's free trainings here: Clarity to Clients: Start & Grow a Transformational Coaching, Healing, Spiritual, or Psychedelic Business: https://bethaweinstein.com/grow-your-spiritual-businessIntegrating Psychedelics & Sacred Medicines Into Business: https://bethaweinstein.com/psychedelics-in-business▶ Beth's Coaching & Guidance: https://bethaweinstein.com/coaching ▶ Beth's Offerings & Courses: https://bethaweinstein.com/services▶ Instagram: @bethaweinstein ▶ FB: / bethw.nyc + bethweinsteinbiz ▶ Join the free Psychedelics & Purpose Community: / psychedelicsandsacredmedicines

277 When Cults Split [Part2] The ICC Disfellowships Kip McKean who joins new RCW splinter groupThis week on Apologetics Profile, Watchman senior apologist Dr. Brady Blevins continues his conversation with counter-cult apologist Steve Matthews about the recent split of the International Christian Church (ICC) and its disfellowshipping of its charismatic and controversial founder, Kip McKean. The breakaway sect of the ICC now calls itself the Restored Church Worldwide and in January, made a surprising move to accept and "restore" McKean as a member in good standing. Here on part two Steve will share with us the details of the split and give us helpful insights as to how we can recognize and prevent heretical doctrines and practices from deceiving and dividing the body of Christ. To hear more about Kip McKean and the ICC, you can listen to our previous episodes with Steve here. Podcast: Kip McKean and the International Christian Churches (Part 1): www.watchman.org/KipMcKean1Podcast: Kip McKean and the International Christian Churches (Part 2): www.watchman.org/KipMcKean2Steve Matthews is a Christian countercult apologist who is not only passionate about researching the more established cults, but also in responding to the newer emerging groups as well. He has his M.A. in Christian Apologetics from Trinity International University and is host of the YouTube channel Exposing the Cults which is soon to be an in-depth website. More of Steve's content can be found at Exposing the Cults YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/@ExposingTheCults.Related Links: Access additional Watchman Fellowship resources related to this week's podcast: Watchman Fellowship's Spiritual Abuse Recovery Workbook by David Henke: www.watchman.org/SA Watchman Fellowship's 4-page Profile on International Christian Church by Steve Matthews and Dr. Brady Blevins: www.watchman.org/ICC Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on the Boston Church of Christ / International Churches of Christ by Rick Branch: www.watchman.org/Boston Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Burning Man by Steve Matthews: www.watchman.org/BurningMan Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on World Mission Society Church of God by Steve Matthews: www.watchman.org/WMSCG Additional ResourcesFREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/FreePROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (around 700 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: www.watchman.org/NotebookSUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/GiveApologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

In his second episode focusing on the Five Mountains of Development, Mark Divine builds off the foundational pillar of physical health to dive into the importance of mental training—-AKA “The Mental Mountain”. Mark outlines how conventional learning methods often fail to unlock one's true potential—an idea he's experienced firsthand during his journey from traditional education to discovering Zen Buddhism. Throughout his deep exploration of mental development, Mark guides listeners towards greater concentration, and the ability to perceive information beyond the confines of traditional thinking.  Key Takeaways: Going Beyond Traditional Education: Listen to Mark recount his journey from traditional education to focusing on mental development. No more would he focus on cramming knowledge, but rather, enhancing his cognitive abilities. Power of Meditation: It's not just about stillness—but rather breaking free from conditioned patterns and achieving what Mark calls—”mental freedom”!  Enhancing Creativity and Healing: Discover the advanced skills of visualization and imagination, both of which are practical tools for not only healing past traumas but unlocking creativity.  Achieving Mindfulness: Learn about the advanced technique of mindfulness— a profound state where you recognize you are not your thoughts, thus shifting your self-awareness and opening the potential for direct perception.  Mark Divine is a former Navy SEAL Commander, entrepreneur, and NYT Bestselling author with PhD in Global Leadership and Change who has dedicated his life to unlocking human potential through integrated training in mental toughness, leadership, and physical readiness. Mark's journey began in New York City, where his fascination with eastern philosophy and martial arts set the stage for a transformative path. After a successful stint as a consultant at PriceWaterhouse Coopers, he made the pivotal decision to join the Navy SEALs at 25. Over two decades of service, Mark commanded critical missions globally, retiring as a Commander in 2011. Mark has trained elite organizations including Google, Nike, SpaceX, Boeing, Harvard University, The Olympics, YPO, and many others.Co-founding ventures such as SEALFIT, Unbeatable Mind, LLC, and Coronado Brewing Company have allowed Mark to blend his military expertise with entrepreneurial spirit. SEALFIT, born from his SEAL training insights, revolutionized physical and mental conditioning, impacting diverse groups from executives to athletes.Inspired by his military service, Mark founded the Courage Foundation to support veterans in holistic healing and restoration of purpose. Advocating for mental resilience and compassionate leadership, he aims to impact 100 million lives, fostering a more connected and courageous world. Mark's Links:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markdivine/   Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@markdivineshow  Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/RealMarkDivine/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sealfit/?hl=en https://www.instagram.com/markdivineleadership/ Sponsors and Promotions:   Defender: The highest achievers among us are the people still striving, still reaching for something. It's those people who approach the impossible and embrace it. There's a vehicle for people like that. It's called the Defender. Explore the full Defender line-up at LandRoverUSA.com   Momentous Go to livemomentous.com and try it today at 20% off with code DIVINE, and start living on purpose.   Indeed Listeners of this show will get a SEVENTY-FIVE DOLLAR SPONSORED JOB CREDIT to get your jobs more visibility at Indeed.com/DIVINE.   Momentous Go to MarleySpoon.com/OFFER/DIVINE and use the code DIVINE for up to 27 free meals!   Timestamped Overview:  00:00 Embodied Awareness for Holistic Health 03:31 Discovering Zen: Beyond Mental Constructs 09:15 "Expanding Self Through Mental Training" 12:41 Box Breathing for Mind Stabilization 16:21 Mindfulness: Crawl, Walk, Run Approach 17:26 Simultaneous Mind Training 20:52 "Mark Divine Show Highlights"    

Tong'an Changcha, a Zen master from China, wrote the poem 'Ten Verses of Unfathomable Depth' in the tenth century. It is still considered to be among the most profound teachings within the Zen tradition. Changcha lived in the Jianchang county of the Hong region and was a master of the Dharma with lineage inherited from Jiufeng. Changcha's poem, “Ten Verses of Unfathomable Depth,” is the basis for the work Unfathomable Depths by Sekkei Harada that explores Sōtō theory and practice. The book uses Changcha's poem as a starting point to address questions about the nature of Dharma transmission, how to practice with koans, and how to understand the "just sitting" of Sōtō Zen.

When we let go of what doesn't serve us, we remove weight that holds us down. On today's show we turn to Zen Buddhism for wisdom on letting go of anxiety about the future, grudges, stuff, dead relationships, and more. Here's a preview: [4:00] Insanely anxious about the future? (Me too!) Don't spend your energy worrying; do this instead [12:00] Think of decluttering not as throwing stuff away; think of it instead as setting your stuff (and yourself!) free [19:00] How to let go of lost friendships and relationships, straight from the mouths of Buddhist monks [26:00] Holding a grudge requires vast amounts of energy so become skilled at forgetting [34:00] You're going to get to where you're meant to go, so there's no need to second-guess your choices   Resources mentioned: This show is listener-supported. Thank you for supporting! Join our (free!) Facebook community here. Find your tribe. Sustainable Minimalists are on Facebook, Instagram + Youtube @sustainableminimalists Say hello! MamaMinimalistBoston@gmail.com.