Would you like to be a member of a virtual sangha based on the Everyday Buddhism podcast? It's starting soon!
Our (your) sangha will meet once or twice monthly for a 60-minute Zoom video conference, plus
there will be an associated PRIVATE Facebook group for Everyday Sangha members only.
Our sangha meetings will center on a specific practice, with time for more free-flow questions and discussion at the end.
Donation-based membership will help keep the sangha going. The suggested donation is $15/month or $10 if you can't swing $15.
The sangha meetings will be scheduled for Thursday evenings at 8:00PM Eastern.
The first month we will meet twice, to get to know each other
and discuss the types of practices we would like to focus on. Then, we will go from there.
Once I have received your donation (minimum of $10) I will send you an email invite to enter the Everyday Sangha area on this website, where you will see the private / secret Facebook group invite, the initial Everyday Sangha schedule and Zoom invite.
You can join / donate here:
donorbox.org/supporters-bonus-content-membership
Join our public Facebook Group!
Share what you're learning or ask questions as you practice the tips & tricks from the podcast!
Join us ... it will be lonely without you!
Share what you're learning or ask questions as you practice the tips & tricks from the podcast!
Join us ... it will be lonely without you!
Ask to join the private Everyday Buddhism Book Discussion Group here:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/281608772656326/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/281608772656326/
Got a question? Need it "to-go" because it's driving you crazy or you need to make a decision?
Since I started the podcast, I've asked listeners to send suggestions and questions. I've been thrilled and a bit overwhelmed with the response.
I'd love to thoughtfully answer each and every one of your questions, but due to the number, it takes too long to get to them.
I will always try to answer your questions and, of course, I will review and use your suggestions in my podcasts. But if you need something quickly,
please consider sponsoring my work time with a donation so that I can answer your question in a timely manner. Thank you! Deep bows!
Dharma-To-Go
RECENT PODCAST EPISODES
Help support this podcast by clicking on the book links to review and purchase books mentioned on this podcast!
Episode 25 - Pureland Buddhism with Rev. Satya Robyn: Refuge in Buddhism
In the 4th of the "talking with my teachers" series, I am talking with Rev. Satya Robyn, a priest in the Amida Order, about how the whole of messy humanity is met by the divine when we relax our sense of control and know that life accepts us just as we are.
Satya talks of her journey from atheist to psychotherapist and Pureland Buddhist priest. And how she was "grabbed" by Amida, the celestial Buddha of Infinite Light and Life, the Buddha of acceptance and compassion. She describes the simplicity of Pureland Buddhism and the practice of the Nembutsu, where in saying the name we open a little portal of connection to the compassion and wisdom of Amida Buddha.
I know you'll delight in Satya's beautiful ways of communicating the heart and soul of spiritual practice, Buddhism, Pureland Buddhism, refuge, and—yes—the "f" word or faith.
Satya talks of her journey from atheist to psychotherapist and Pureland Buddhist priest. And how she was "grabbed" by Amida, the celestial Buddha of Infinite Light and Life, the Buddha of acceptance and compassion. She describes the simplicity of Pureland Buddhism and the practice of the Nembutsu, where in saying the name we open a little portal of connection to the compassion and wisdom of Amida Buddha.
I know you'll delight in Satya's beautiful ways of communicating the heart and soul of spiritual practice, Buddhism, Pureland Buddhism, refuge, and—yes—the "f" word or faith.
Links to websites and books mentioned in this episode:
Amida Mandala Buddhist Temple:
www.amidamandala.com/
Amida Mandala Buddhist Group on Facebook:
www.facebook.com/AmidaMandala/
Amida Mandala Buddhist Temple:
www.amidamandala.com/
Amida Mandala Buddhist Group on Facebook:
www.facebook.com/AmidaMandala/
Coming Home: Refuge in Pureland Buddhism by Satya Robyn
Just As You Are: Buddhism for Foolish Beings
by Kaspalita and Satya Robyn
by Kaspalita and Satya Robyn
The Feeling Buddha: A Buddhist Psychology of Character, Adversity and Passion by David Brazier
Episode 24 - Appreciating Life Through Death Meditation
Meditating on death is a traditional Buddhist practice. In this podcast, we'll talk about how thinking about our own and others' death can help us live more fully. All the things that keep us busy and entertained might help us forget about the certainty of death, but it won't help us escape it.
Reflecting on death can help us remember that the "shiny" things we find attractive and desirable will soon lose their appeal. We can try to avoid the suffering the thought of death brings or we can look at it directly and make ourselves familiar.
I offer an Everyday-Buddhism approach to death meditation that does not include spending a night in Tibetan charnel grounds or even your local cemetery. Instead, reflect on the lives that go before us and feel the realness of live and death through visits to legacy.com.
Reflecting on death can help us remember that the "shiny" things we find attractive and desirable will soon lose their appeal. We can try to avoid the suffering the thought of death brings or we can look at it directly and make ourselves familiar.
I offer an Everyday-Buddhism approach to death meditation that does not include spending a night in Tibetan charnel grounds or even your local cemetery. Instead, reflect on the lives that go before us and feel the realness of live and death through visits to legacy.com.
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Links to articles, websites, and books mentioned in the podcast episode:
Buddha Weekly article, "Learning How to Die": buddhaweekly.com/learning-how-to-die-and-why-meditating-on-death-may-bring-joy-to-life-what-the-buddhist-teachers-say-about-end-of-life-dying-and-palliative-care/ Tricycle article, "A Good Enough Death": tricycle.org/magazine/death-with-dignity/ Calculating days left to live from "Taking Action" course at the The ToDo Institute: www.todoinstitute.org/ Of course none of us know when we will actually die, but the average number of days we can expect to live is 30,000. Assuming, for the moment, that you will have an average life expectancy, please calculate how many days you have left to live. To get this figure, calculate how many days you have already lived, precisely, and subtract that figure from 30,000. Here's a quick way to calculate the number of days you've already lived. Put in your birth date for the START date and press TODAY as the second date. Then SUBTRACT this number from 30,000. : http://www.timeanddate.com/date/duration.html Reading obituaries: www.legacy.com/ |
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Episode 23 - Japanese Psychology and Buddhism with Gregg Krech
The "Eastern Way" of psychology offers a profoundly different paradigm than Western psychology. Join me as a talk with Gregg Krech, one of the leading authorities on Japanese Psychology in North America, about this difference.
Using the Buddhist concept of "skillful means", Japanese psychology offers methods to master the skills of acceptance, attention, co-existing with unpleasant feelings, and self-reflection. Rather than talking it out, we can develop skills to cope more effectively with anxiety, depression, anger, shyness, procrastination ... you name it!
Ultimately based on the practical, we can learn how to focus on our purpose and an appropriate response to the needs of each situation, rather than a reaction to our feelings—removing our feelings from the position of "Director" in the play of life.
Using the Buddhist concept of "skillful means", Japanese psychology offers methods to master the skills of acceptance, attention, co-existing with unpleasant feelings, and self-reflection. Rather than talking it out, we can develop skills to cope more effectively with anxiety, depression, anger, shyness, procrastination ... you name it!
Ultimately based on the practical, we can learn how to focus on our purpose and an appropriate response to the needs of each situation, rather than a reaction to our feelings—removing our feelings from the position of "Director" in the play of life.
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Links mentioned in the podcast:
The ToDo Institute: www.todoinstitute.org/ Thirty Thousand Days: www.thirtythousanddays.org/ Taking Action online course (March 1 - March 30, 2019): https://www.thirtythousanddays.org/product/taking-action-dlc/ ** Coupon code for $25 off the cost of the course: everydaybuddhism |
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Episode 22 - Release Your Cows: What Idea of Happiness is Keeping You Unhappy?
In a listener-requested podcast, I relate how the story of releasing cows from Thich Nhat Hanh’s book No Mud, No Lotus: The Art of Transforming Suffering, helped me find freedom from suffering over a series of minor personal losses and disappointments...and freedom FROM the losses themselves.
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We each have "cows" we're grasping onto. According to Thich Nhat Hanh, our biggest "cows" are our narrow ideas of happiness. We suffer because of grasping to those ideas. Every one of us has cows to be released.
We continue to suffer until we are able to release the very ideas themselves. Join me as I tell me story about finding freedom from the suffering of loss—and from the losses themselves—by digging my lotus roots into the mud of life, to become relaxed and tender, instead of rigid. |
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Episode 21 - Tibetan Buddhism: Conversation with Frank Howard
Tibetan Buddhism seems mysterious, intriguing, and sometimes scary. In this episode I talk with Frank Howard of the White Lotus Buddhist Center in Rochester, New York—continuing my series of "Talking with My Teachers"—who explains that it's not as mysterious as it seems and it's certainly not scary!
As Frank explains, there is only ONE Dharma and Tibetan Buddhism is a sort of a misnomer. It is Buddhism, containing all Buddhist forms, but also the Vajrayana or Mantrayana path. Like the Mahayana path, motivation is the most important part. The motivation of kindness and compassion through the Bodhisattva path of benefiting all beings.
Listen as we talk about motivation, faith as confidence, our weaknesses and their antidotes, and how "Buddhism is completely practical and makes your life better."
As Frank explains, there is only ONE Dharma and Tibetan Buddhism is a sort of a misnomer. It is Buddhism, containing all Buddhist forms, but also the Vajrayana or Mantrayana path. Like the Mahayana path, motivation is the most important part. The motivation of kindness and compassion through the Bodhisattva path of benefiting all beings.
Listen as we talk about motivation, faith as confidence, our weaknesses and their antidotes, and how "Buddhism is completely practical and makes your life better."
Biography of Frank Howard:
| bio.doc |
Episode 20 - A Bright Dawn: Conversation with Rev. Koyo Kubose
In this first of a special series of episodes dedicated to honoring my teachers, I have a conversation with the spiritual head of The Bright Dawn Center of Oneness Buddhism, Rev. Koyo Kubose. It is with Bright Dawn and my Sensei, I learned how bring Buddhism into the everyday.
Listen as we discuss what the Bright Dawn Center of Oneness Buddhism and its Lay Ministry program is all about, from Rev. Koyo's perspective ... its historical influences, its mission, vision, and special niche as a program bringing the Dharma to everyone in an ordinary, everyday way.
We'll talk about the balance of gratitude, humility, ambiguity, uncertainty, perfect studentship, and — most importantly — naturalness, in Bright Dawn and it's lay ministers, as they bring the Dharma to the people.
Listen as we discuss what the Bright Dawn Center of Oneness Buddhism and its Lay Ministry program is all about, from Rev. Koyo's perspective ... its historical influences, its mission, vision, and special niche as a program bringing the Dharma to everyone in an ordinary, everyday way.
We'll talk about the balance of gratitude, humility, ambiguity, uncertainty, perfect studentship, and — most importantly — naturalness, in Bright Dawn and it's lay ministers, as they bring the Dharma to the people.
More about the history and unique vision of the Bright Dawn Center of Oneness Buddhism,
Rev. Koyo Kubose, and Rev. Gyomay Kubose in the article mentioned in the episode
Rev. Koyo Kubose, and Rev. Gyomay Kubose in the article mentioned in the episode
| running_tide_article_-_bright_dawn_center_of_oneness_buddhism.pdf |
Organizational Website of the Bright Dawn Center of Oneness Buddhism
Bright Dawn Sangha: Online community of the Bright Dawn Center of Oneness Buddhism
Episode 19 - Bodhi Day Special: The Grace of Light
Join me for a special episode in honor of Bodhi Day, celebrating Shakyamuni Buddha's enlightenment. The long nights of December are marked by numerous celebrations using light as a symbol.
Bodhi Day can be adopted as a holiday for your own personal or family "culture." Light symbolizes a rekindling of the spiritual impulse and a turning toward awakening, toward enlightenment.
Bodhi Day is a time to celebrate our own awakening to the spirit of our Buddha Nature that is lighting our path with wisdom and embracing us with compassion. Happy Bodhi Day!
Bodhi Day can be adopted as a holiday for your own personal or family "culture." Light symbolizes a rekindling of the spiritual impulse and a turning toward awakening, toward enlightenment.
Bodhi Day is a time to celebrate our own awakening to the spirit of our Buddha Nature that is lighting our path with wisdom and embracing us with compassion. Happy Bodhi Day!
Episode 18 - The 5 Precepts: Gentle Guides, Not Commandments
In this episode I'll talk about my uneasy relationship with the 5 Precepts. Do they produce more questions—and more confusion—than answers? Do they cause more suffering than they prevent? I'll explore how, if looked at as rules and "thou shall not's", they set up barriers between Right View and the Dharma I believe the Buddha taught. And they can also separate people from each other and themselves, if they feel like failures.
When we work with the precepts, we do so with the understanding that "self" and "other" are delusions. There is nothing external to us acting as an authority. Clearing up ignorance is what alleviates suffering. This requires working with ourselves on a very deep and intimate level—honestly evaluating our own motivations and thinking deeply about how our actions will affect others.
Don't look "out there" for permission or an authority who will reward or punish us for breaking the "rules." This concept of ethics in the 5 Precepts is not one based on a transactional experience, but is firmly anchored in the non-dual perspective central to Buddhist philosophy.
When we work with the precepts, we do so with the understanding that "self" and "other" are delusions. There is nothing external to us acting as an authority. Clearing up ignorance is what alleviates suffering. This requires working with ourselves on a very deep and intimate level—honestly evaluating our own motivations and thinking deeply about how our actions will affect others.
Don't look "out there" for permission or an authority who will reward or punish us for breaking the "rules." This concept of ethics in the 5 Precepts is not one based on a transactional experience, but is firmly anchored in the non-dual perspective central to Buddhist philosophy.
Episode 17 - Radically Happy: Conversation with Phakchok Rinpoche and Erric Solomon
Join me in a conversation with Phakchok Rinpoche and Erric Solomon, authors of the just-released book, Radically Happy: A User's Guide to the Mind. In the book and in our conversation, ancient wisdom meets modern methods as we explore the universal search for well-being, for happiness.
As Rinpoche and Erric discuss with me, the root of happiness has somehow slipped through our fingers, as we gallop through are always-on, always distracted modern world. And they discuss how their new book will help us:
Get to know our own mind ...
Stop the looking-for-happiness conundrum ...
Relax the comparing and judging ...
Be more present, attentive, and aware ...
And access a subtle sense of well-being, even when things are not so great.
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Links mentioned in this podcast:
Radically Happy website / blog: radicallyhappy.org/
Creating Space Guided Meditation on SoundCloud: soundcloud.com/user-3708139/guided-creating-space
Facebook Page of Radically Happy: www.facebook.com/radicallyhappy/
As Rinpoche and Erric discuss with me, the root of happiness has somehow slipped through our fingers, as we gallop through are always-on, always distracted modern world. And they discuss how their new book will help us:
Get to know our own mind ...
Stop the looking-for-happiness conundrum ...
Relax the comparing and judging ...
Be more present, attentive, and aware ...
And access a subtle sense of well-being, even when things are not so great.
________________________________________________________________________________
Links mentioned in this podcast:
Radically Happy website / blog: radicallyhappy.org/
Creating Space Guided Meditation on SoundCloud: soundcloud.com/user-3708139/guided-creating-space
Facebook Page of Radically Happy: www.facebook.com/radicallyhappy/
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The Book, Radically Happy: A User's Guide to the Mind
https://www.amazon.com/Radically-Happy-Users-Guide-Mind-ebook/dp/B07DZH2NGS/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1541883113&sr=1-1&keywords=radically+happy |
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Episode 16 - Simple Awareness and The Many Forms of Meditation
When we think of Buddhism, we think of meditation. In this episode I will take you on a tour of the many ways to meditate. But at the core of the episode is the simple awareness that all meditation rests on ... and that everyday happiness rests on.
Join me as I talk about what simple awareness is. Awareness is simply that and our minds are aware by their very nature, yet that nature is obscured by thoughts and emotions. Simple, clear awareness exists between our thoughts and underneath our emotions.
In this episode I'll share some of my experiences with joyous spontaneous awareness and a little of my own awareness meditation practice ... in hopes of inspiring you to look for and relax into the awareness that is at the heart of meditation and your being.
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Links mentioned in this podcast:
Unified Mindfulness: unifiedmindfulness.com/
Unified Mindfulness FREE Core Training Course: unifiedmindfulness.com/core
Live and Dare: Master Your Mind, Master Your Life: liveanddare.com/
Loch Kelly: lochkelly.org/
Adyashanti: www.adyashanti.org/
Sam Harris: samharris.org/
Join me as I talk about what simple awareness is. Awareness is simply that and our minds are aware by their very nature, yet that nature is obscured by thoughts and emotions. Simple, clear awareness exists between our thoughts and underneath our emotions.
In this episode I'll share some of my experiences with joyous spontaneous awareness and a little of my own awareness meditation practice ... in hopes of inspiring you to look for and relax into the awareness that is at the heart of meditation and your being.
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Links mentioned in this podcast:
Unified Mindfulness: unifiedmindfulness.com/
Unified Mindfulness FREE Core Training Course: unifiedmindfulness.com/core
Live and Dare: Master Your Mind, Master Your Life: liveanddare.com/
Loch Kelly: lochkelly.org/
Adyashanti: www.adyashanti.org/
Sam Harris: samharris.org/
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Books mentioned in this podcast:
Shift Into Freedom by Loch Kelly https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1622033507?ie=UTF8&tag=podcastcoachi-20&camp=1789&linkCode=xm2&creativeASIN=1622033507 Waking Up by Sam Harris https://www.amazon.com/Waking-Up-Spirituality-Without-Religion/dp/1451636024/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1540136730&sr=1-4&keywords=waking+up&dpID=5113lJZJQuL&preST=_SY291_BO1,204,203,200_QL40_&dpSrc=srch Why Buddhism is True: The Science and Philosophy of Meditation and Enlightenment by Robert Wright https://www.amazon.com/Why-Buddhism-True-Philosophy-Enlightenment-ebook/dp/B01MPZNG63/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1540136855&sr=1-1&keywords=why+buddhism+is+true |
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Episode 15 - A Buddha Belongs to the World: The Earth & You
Join me as I explore the very earthly foundations of Buddhism itself, as we turn the light of Dharma towards ecology. Siddhartha Gautama asked the Earth to confirm his enlightenment, his Buddhahood. He did not ask for help from heavenly beings. He asked the Earth.
In an episode celebrating "Earth Care Week", we'll reflect on climate change and think about our own personal relationship with the earth, as spiritual practice. In giving up grasping at heaven "out there", our home, Mother Earth, offers us the heaven right under our feet.
Thinking about the Earth and how to reconnect can be a central practice for centering your mind ... slowing it down ... and syncing your body and mind to the Earth's rhythm.
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Links mentioned in podcast:
> One Earth Sangha - https://oneearthsangha.org/
> One Earth Sangha EcoSattva Training: https://oneearthsangha.org/programs/2017-ecosattva-training/
EcoSattva Vows - https://oneearthsangha.org/programs/2016-ecosattva-training/vows/
At the conclusion of the EcoSattva Training, we invite those who are so moved in confirming our commitment to health, vitality and ease for all beings, seen and unseen, near and far, born and yet-to-be-born. These vows, like the metta phrases, can be customized and tuned to fit the shape of your heart-mind, what will most inspire and sustain your EcoSattva practice. We can repeat them everyday as a reminder of our intention and be strengthened in knowing that others are expressing these same intentions.
Based on my love of the world and understanding of deep interdependence of all things, I vow
In an episode celebrating "Earth Care Week", we'll reflect on climate change and think about our own personal relationship with the earth, as spiritual practice. In giving up grasping at heaven "out there", our home, Mother Earth, offers us the heaven right under our feet.
Thinking about the Earth and how to reconnect can be a central practice for centering your mind ... slowing it down ... and syncing your body and mind to the Earth's rhythm.
____________________________________________________________________________
Links mentioned in podcast:
> One Earth Sangha - https://oneearthsangha.org/
> One Earth Sangha EcoSattva Training: https://oneearthsangha.org/programs/2017-ecosattva-training/
EcoSattva Vows - https://oneearthsangha.org/programs/2016-ecosattva-training/vows/
At the conclusion of the EcoSattva Training, we invite those who are so moved in confirming our commitment to health, vitality and ease for all beings, seen and unseen, near and far, born and yet-to-be-born. These vows, like the metta phrases, can be customized and tuned to fit the shape of your heart-mind, what will most inspire and sustain your EcoSattva practice. We can repeat them everyday as a reminder of our intention and be strengthened in knowing that others are expressing these same intentions.
Based on my love of the world and understanding of deep interdependence of all things, I vow
- To live in Earth more lightly and less violently in the food, products and energy I consume.
- To commit myself daily to the healing of the world and the welfare of all beings; to discern and replace human systems of oppression and harm.
- To invite personal discomfort as an opportunity to share in the challenge of our collective liberation.
- To draw strength and guidance from the living Earth, from our ancestors and the future generations, and from our brothers and sisters of all species.
- To help others in their work for the world and to ask for help when I feel the need.
- To pursue a daily spiritual practice that clarifies my mind, strengthens my heart and supports me in observing these vows.
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Books mentioned in podcast: The World We Have: A Buddhist Approach to Peace and Ecology - by Thich Nhat Hanh https://www.amazon.com/World-We-Have-Buddhist-Approach/dp/1888375884/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1539110004&sr=1-1&keywords=the+world+we+have&dpID=513M9eA2RgL&preST=_SY291_BO1,204,203,200_QL40_&dpSrc=srch The Practice of the Wild - Essays by Gary Snyder https://www.amazon.com/Practice-Wild-New-Preface-Author-ebook/dp/B00F0VCUHK/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1539110153&sr=1-1&keywords=the+practice+of+the+wild |
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Episode 14 - Protesting? What's in Your Mind?
In the first "Ask Me Anything" Episode, I respond to a listener's question about Buddhist insight into protesting. I circle around this question by sharing thoughts I had from my own life and two Dharma talks I gave in January and July of 2017.
Instead of focusing what we're protesting and why, I talk more about what was in my mind and how it made my feel. This is where I think the focus needs to be: "What's in your mind?" Does your urge for speech or action come from an intention of anger or intention of peace?
Can I help create peace, equality, and justice through a motivation of anxiety, anger, and divisiveness? If we come to the proposed solution as broken selves, can we help? Can we bring our own peace to unrest? Come and sit with me in the questions.
Instead of focusing what we're protesting and why, I talk more about what was in my mind and how it made my feel. This is where I think the focus needs to be: "What's in your mind?" Does your urge for speech or action come from an intention of anger or intention of peace?
Can I help create peace, equality, and justice through a motivation of anxiety, anger, and divisiveness? If we come to the proposed solution as broken selves, can we help? Can we bring our own peace to unrest? Come and sit with me in the questions.
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Books quoted in the podcast:
> The Way of The Bodhisattva by Shantideva - The Padmakara Translation Group https://www.amazon.com/Way-Bodhisattva-Shantideva-ebook/dp/B006L8SE58/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1537738395&sr=1-1&keywords=the+way+of+the+bodhisattva+by+shantideva > Time to Stand Up: An Engaged Buddhist Manifesto for Our Earth - The Buddha's Life and Message through Feminine Eyes by Thanissara https://www.amazon.com/Time-Stand-Up-Buddhist-Manifesto-ebook/dp/B00Q1HZM5O/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1537738543&sr=1-1-fkmr0&keywords=thanissaro+time+to+stand+up > No Mud, Not Lotus: The Art of Transforming Suffering by Thich Nhat Hanh https://www.amazon.com/No-Mud-Lotus-Transforming-Suffering-ebook/dp/B00LDYFFNY/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1537738633&sr=1-1&keywords=no+mud+no+lotus |
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Episode 13 - Right Effort: Joyful Balance
In this podcast, we'll look at the sixth part of The Eightfold Path and the first step into the area of meditation: Right Effort. Is your energy / your efforts, positive contributors to making you more content ... and making the people around you more content? If not, maybe you need to bring attention to and tweak your habits a little bit.
We'll look at the hindrances to right effort and the obstacles to concentration or destructive trains of thought. It's all about noticing and removing or replacing a little habit, followed by another, and another.
And guess what? It all hinges on paying attention; about noticing. That is the hard part. Adjusting your habits isn't as hard.
Listen to find ways to help in creating "joyous effort" through "The Five Daily Guidelines" offered by The Bright Dawn Center of Oneness Buddhism: http://www.brightdawn.org/Five%20Daily%20Life%20Guidelines.pdf
We'll look at the hindrances to right effort and the obstacles to concentration or destructive trains of thought. It's all about noticing and removing or replacing a little habit, followed by another, and another.
And guess what? It all hinges on paying attention; about noticing. That is the hard part. Adjusting your habits isn't as hard.
Listen to find ways to help in creating "joyous effort" through "The Five Daily Guidelines" offered by The Bright Dawn Center of Oneness Buddhism: http://www.brightdawn.org/Five%20Daily%20Life%20Guidelines.pdf
Episode 12 - MORE Koans: Bringing Them Into the Everyday
In this podcast, we'll look more closely at koans, poetry, koan practice in general ... and we'll see how to work with one koan, specifically ... to start your practice.
We'll look at the koan, "Manjushri Enters the Gate." I will provide an interpretation from Rev. Gyomay Kubose, as well as how I worked with this koan. But each person must bring his own wisdom to a koan. (Zen Koans, by Gyomay Kubose, from Bright Dawn Center of Oneness Buddhism Dharma House Publishing.)
Koan practice IS for everyday life! It is for taking up your everyday — the kitchen or the office — as a koan. How can you use a koan in everyday life? How can you use a koan to break free from thinking ruts, hardened concepts, judgments?
We'll look at the koan, "Manjushri Enters the Gate." I will provide an interpretation from Rev. Gyomay Kubose, as well as how I worked with this koan. But each person must bring his own wisdom to a koan. (Zen Koans, by Gyomay Kubose, from Bright Dawn Center of Oneness Buddhism Dharma House Publishing.)
Koan practice IS for everyday life! It is for taking up your everyday — the kitchen or the office — as a koan. How can you use a koan in everyday life? How can you use a koan to break free from thinking ruts, hardened concepts, judgments?
Episode 11 - Koans: Reaching the Limits of Thought; Jumping Into the Void of I Don't Know
Up for a fun challenge? In this podcast, I talk about my love of Zen Koans, as one of the rarest practices for 'messing with' your conceptual mind and shaking your false trust in the stability of what we think is 'knowledge.'
A koan is, in essence, a problem that can't be solved by the intellect. In trying to understand it, you run up against the limitations of thought and, hopefully, tap into a direct and non-verbal awareness of reality. Most people think of koans as riddles or puzzles to solve. It's not about that. The deal with koans is that they are about "I don't know."
Koans expose us to the fact that we are so stuffed with concepts and snared by thinking that we can't see what's right in front of us ... in the kitchen ... in the garden ... the desk ... out our window ... on a familiar walk. These are the place where koans leap from. Through koans we get a glimpse into how to let the world come to us in whatever shape it takes.
I invite you to try koans for yourself. In the podcast, I share John Tarrant's "seven things to notice about koans" and 3 ways you might start a koan practice:
A koan is, in essence, a problem that can't be solved by the intellect. In trying to understand it, you run up against the limitations of thought and, hopefully, tap into a direct and non-verbal awareness of reality. Most people think of koans as riddles or puzzles to solve. It's not about that. The deal with koans is that they are about "I don't know."
Koans expose us to the fact that we are so stuffed with concepts and snared by thinking that we can't see what's right in front of us ... in the kitchen ... in the garden ... the desk ... out our window ... on a familiar walk. These are the place where koans leap from. Through koans we get a glimpse into how to let the world come to us in whatever shape it takes.
I invite you to try koans for yourself. In the podcast, I share John Tarrant's "seven things to notice about koans" and 3 ways you might start a koan practice:
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1) Purchase the book, Zen Koans, by Gyomay Kubose, from Bright Dawn Center of Oneness Buddhism Dharma House Publishing. And/or purchase this book, Bring Me the Rhinoceros: And Other Zen Koans That Will Save Your Life, by John Tarrant (link to Amazon).
2) Check out these websites from John Tarrant: zenosaurus.blogspot.com/ tarrantworks.com/ 3) Read my blog posts on Koans for Everyday Life on this website at "Blog." More posts on koans will be coming ... at least 2, maybe more. |
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Episode 10 - Right Livelihood Is Not WHAT You Do, But What You Think About What You Do
In this podcast, we'll look at how we can move from thinking about work as what we are ... or as something we're 'stuck with' ... or as something we are 'becoming' on our progression up the ladder ... to how and who we are being with our work. Are we authentic? Are we mindful?
Work is THE golden opportunity to walk the walk, not just talk the talk. We spend most of our waking hours at work. This is where we are presented with all the tough choices about right view, right intention, right speech, and right action.
Practicing "Right Livelihood" means practicing Right Mindfulness. The way you answer the phone ... the way you talk to a co-worker or client ... the way you file a file ... the way you act in a meeting. Do we honestly try to take care of our co-workers and customers? Or are we just doing our job?
Work is THE golden opportunity to walk the walk, not just talk the talk. We spend most of our waking hours at work. This is where we are presented with all the tough choices about right view, right intention, right speech, and right action.
Practicing "Right Livelihood" means practicing Right Mindfulness. The way you answer the phone ... the way you talk to a co-worker or client ... the way you file a file ... the way you act in a meeting. Do we honestly try to take care of our co-workers and customers? Or are we just doing our job?
Episode 9 - Right Action is NOT REaction
In this podcast we'll talk about "Right Action" and how our typical actions are reactions. I'll explore the difference between reacting and responding, and how mindfulness is the necessary ingredient to right action.
The key to right action is right view. Understanding and accepting things as they are is the beginning of enlightened action. Buddhist moral statement are not "laws" pointing to absolutes, but expression of spiritual practice aimed at creating a constructive life energy.
Discover a positive way of looking at the Ten Non-Virtues or "Freedom Vows" of body, speech, and mind taught by the Buddha—not what NOT to do, but what TO DO: How to nourish life, honor others' property, speak in ways that bring people together, be happy at others' good fortune, and more!
The key to right action is right view. Understanding and accepting things as they are is the beginning of enlightened action. Buddhist moral statement are not "laws" pointing to absolutes, but expression of spiritual practice aimed at creating a constructive life energy.
Discover a positive way of looking at the Ten Non-Virtues or "Freedom Vows" of body, speech, and mind taught by the Buddha—not what NOT to do, but what TO DO: How to nourish life, honor others' property, speak in ways that bring people together, be happy at others' good fortune, and more!
Episode 8 - Mindfulness Without the Woo-Woo with Meg Salter
Mindfulness has become mainstream, but it is still confusing or unreachable for some who try to begin a mindfulness practice. What is it? Meg Salter takes the "woo-woo" out of it.
Mindfulness is not some magic light bulb that goes off and you're magically transformed, as Meg explains. You're still the same old person...only a slightly better version.
And guess what? It's not all about sitting cross-legged on a $200 cushion. Listen to Meg describe the "real benefit" of mindfulness: when you take it off the cushion. Learn about mindfulness in the style of Everyday Buddhism!
To learn more about Meg Salter, Executive Coach and Mindfulness Coach, check out her website: megsalter.com/
Mindfulness is not some magic light bulb that goes off and you're magically transformed, as Meg explains. You're still the same old person...only a slightly better version.
And guess what? It's not all about sitting cross-legged on a $200 cushion. Listen to Meg describe the "real benefit" of mindfulness: when you take it off the cushion. Learn about mindfulness in the style of Everyday Buddhism!
To learn more about Meg Salter, Executive Coach and Mindfulness Coach, check out her website: megsalter.com/
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To preview her book, Mind Your Life, you can see and order it here on Amazon: www.amazon.com/Mind-Your-Life-Mindfulness-Extraordinary/dp/0995936803/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1493238254&sr=8-1-fkmr0&keywords=mind+your+life+mega+salter
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Episode 7 - Right Speech: Zip It!
In this podcast we're going to talk about "Right Speech" or why we should consider just "zipping it."
Talking. We're always talking. Even when we're listening we're talking ... mentally creating our responses. And, now, with endless social media forums and "drive-by" Twitter and Instagram talking, it's a constant stream of yap, yap, yap. Sharing our opinion of everything with everyone.
Learn about the 4 practices of right speech ... Oh, and why Buddhas have big ears and small mouths, while emoticons have big mouths and NO ears.
Talking. We're always talking. Even when we're listening we're talking ... mentally creating our responses. And, now, with endless social media forums and "drive-by" Twitter and Instagram talking, it's a constant stream of yap, yap, yap. Sharing our opinion of everything with everyone.
Learn about the 4 practices of right speech ... Oh, and why Buddhas have big ears and small mouths, while emoticons have big mouths and NO ears.
Episode 6 - Got Intention? AKA How to Be Less of a Jerk
In this podcast we're going to talk about "Right Intention" or how to be less of a jerk. Trying to be less of a jerk requires action ... not just thinking.
We typically have trouble self-correcting, because we do things habitually or from a reactionary pattern. We never actually see ourselves doing them, until we complete the action. Being mindful is the process needed to accomplish change.
Discover the "magic power" of equanimity and learn about Thich Nhat Hanh's 4 practices of right intention.
We typically have trouble self-correcting, because we do things habitually or from a reactionary pattern. We never actually see ourselves doing them, until we complete the action. Being mindful is the process needed to accomplish change.
Discover the "magic power" of equanimity and learn about Thich Nhat Hanh's 4 practices of right intention.
Episode 5 - Discussion with Noah Rasheta
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In this podcast I'm talking with Noah Rasheta of the Secular Buddhism podcast and author of the books: Secular Buddhism and No-Nonsense Buddhism for Beginners: Clear Answers to Burning Questions About Core Buddhist Teachings.
Noah has a great story to share about a crisis of faith, existential angst, and a wondering if everything was falling apart. You won't be disappointed in his story of how he discovers how you can be comfortable in uncertainty through his exploration of Buddhist teachings and practice. You can find out more about Noah on his website: https://secularbuddhism.com/ |
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Episode 4 - What Does Buddhism Say About...?
In this episode, as a fun diversion, I'm going to talk about "the Buddhist answer to everything. And the answer is: "Maybe."
Buddhism is experiential. You must practice to find out the answer. You must apply it to understand it. You need to ask the questions of yourself and find your own answers.
"Maybe" puts certainty on hold ... giving you time to find your own truth.
Buddhism is experiential. You must practice to find out the answer. You must apply it to understand it. You need to ask the questions of yourself and find your own answers.
"Maybe" puts certainty on hold ... giving you time to find your own truth.
Episode 3 - The Slippery Self
In this podcast, we'll look at the Buddhist concept of "No-Self", or Anatta, I introduced in episode 2. Where is your "self"? Is it something you can describe? It's hard to describe or identify as a discrete and non-changing thing, yet we sometimes cling to ideas of self that cause us to be stuck and miserable in life.
Do you wear an internal label that "brands" you forever in your own mind, your own sense of identity? Are you trapped wearing the label of chronically ill? Victim? Old and useless? What if you could see life outside the shadow of that label?
What if you could catch a glimpse of life happening without that "you" getting in the way? In this episode, I offer 3 short mindfulness exercises that will allow you to slip away from yourself for a few minutes and feel how peaceful it is!
Do you wear an internal label that "brands" you forever in your own mind, your own sense of identity? Are you trapped wearing the label of chronically ill? Victim? Old and useless? What if you could see life outside the shadow of that label?
What if you could catch a glimpse of life happening without that "you" getting in the way? In this episode, I offer 3 short mindfulness exercises that will allow you to slip away from yourself for a few minutes and feel how peaceful it is!
Episode 2 - What Is Your Why? Align Yourself with a Big Story
This episode is about finding your WHY. How do you feel about your life? Is it motivated by a big story, something bigger than yourself and your own little ego-driven, perceived wants and needs? The Buddha offered his followers an opportunity to become part of a big story. Being part of a big story is the answer to your WHY. It's a story of how our afflictions are met with a noble response.
Do you complain about everything? Your aches and pains, your busyness, the weather? In our culture it seems complaining is the natural way of communication. A constant drone of whining. We wear our complaints like badges of honor. The Buddha offered another way in his big story. The story of how our thoughts and feelings—which sometimes can feel and be so destructive—can actually be transformed into happiness, by following a path that teaches us to see life as it is, not as we would like it to be.
Instead of having a whiny response to life, the Buddha taught us to see life exactly as it is: A noble response.
Do you complain about everything? Your aches and pains, your busyness, the weather? In our culture it seems complaining is the natural way of communication. A constant drone of whining. We wear our complaints like badges of honor. The Buddha offered another way in his big story. The story of how our thoughts and feelings—which sometimes can feel and be so destructive—can actually be transformed into happiness, by following a path that teaches us to see life as it is, not as we would like it to be.
Instead of having a whiny response to life, the Buddha taught us to see life exactly as it is: A noble response.
Episode 1 - Be an Insider: Change Your Mind; Change Your Life
In the first podcast episode of Everyday Buddhism: Making Everyday Better we'll talk about what it means to be an "insider." The Tibetan word for Buddhist is called Nangpa. Nangpa means “insider.”
Everything in our lives is about how we look at things and nobody makes us see things another way. We have to own our own perspective. We can’t blame anger, sadness—or even happiness—on anything on the outside. Nobody made you feel angry, sad, or happy. You made yourself angry. Something might've happened outside of you to make you the anger arise, but it came from inside of you.
It is only in our looking inside will we discover answers to any of our questions or solutions to any of our problems. Change your mind; change your life.
Everything in our lives is about how we look at things and nobody makes us see things another way. We have to own our own perspective. We can’t blame anger, sadness—or even happiness—on anything on the outside. Nobody made you feel angry, sad, or happy. You made yourself angry. Something might've happened outside of you to make you the anger arise, but it came from inside of you.
It is only in our looking inside will we discover answers to any of our questions or solutions to any of our problems. Change your mind; change your life.
Your Host
Wendy Shinyo Haylett, a Buddhist teacher and lay minister with The Bright Dawn Center of Oneness Buddhism. Wendy has 25+ years of coaching experience, helping people live their lives and careers with more mindfulness and resilience.
In this podcast she shares the "tips and tricks" found in Buddhist teachings to help make your professional and personal life better ... everyday!
Shout out to Paul Werner for the awesome theme music track, "Hello." Podcast listeners frequently contact me to say
they can't stop smiling when they hear it. Me too! So give him some love. Here is the link to the track on SoundCloud: soundcloud.com/paulwernermusic/hello
they can't stop smiling when they hear it. Me too! So give him some love. Here is the link to the track on SoundCloud: soundcloud.com/paulwernermusic/hello
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