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How To Get Ahead At Work, Buddhist-Style | David Nichtern

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Mar 27, 2024

Guest

David Nichtern

David Nichtern, a seasoned meditation teacher and author, discusses integrating Buddhist principles into the workplace. He believes that business can be a spiritual practice, advocating for harmony between creativity, spirituality, and financial success. The conversation touches on themes like vulnerability in professional settings, how mindfulness enhances self-awareness, and the balance between personal value and career choices. With personal anecdotes, Nichtern encourages listeners to embrace compassion and flexibility to navigate challenges in their professional journeys.

01:09:27

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insights

INSIGHT

Integrating Work and Spirituality

Work and spirituality aren't always separate.
Integrate creativity, spirituality, and business.

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ADVICE

Two Core Principles

Accept reality "as it is", acknowledging impermanence.
Take responsibility for your choices within that reality.

insights

INSIGHT

Befriending the Mind

Meditation isn't about clearing your mind, it's about befriending it.
Over time, the mind can become steadier and clearer through practice.

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Balancing Creativity, Spirituality, and Success

04:22 • 3min

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Buddhism in the Workplace

07:01 • 20min

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Merging Spirituality with Business Practices

27:31 • 6min

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Navigating the Path of Vulnerability and Value

33:10 • 15min

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Mindfulness and the Nature of Suffering

48:32 • 4min

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Lojong and the Nature of Truth

52:33 • 15min

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Embracing Outrageous Daring

01:07:28 • 5min

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Mindfulness and Beyond

Devil Makes Three is a propulsive novel that delves into the tumultuous world of Haiti following the 1991 coup that ousted President Jean-Bertrand Aristide. The story follows a diverse cast of characters, including American expats and Haitian nationals, as they navigate the treacherous landscape of political upheaval and personal survival. The novel explores themes of power, greed, and the complex interplay of international politics.

Zen mind, beginner's mind

Shunryū Suzuki

In 'Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind', Shunryu Suzuki explores the core principles of Zen Buddhism, focusing on the concept of 'shoshin' or 'beginner’s mind'. This mind is empty, free of the habits of the expert, and open to all possibilities. The book discusses various aspects of Zen practice, including zazen (sitting meditation), breathing techniques, and the importance of maintaining a non-dualistic and compassionate mindset. Suzuki uses simple language and everyday examples to illustrate how to apply Zen principles in daily life, emphasizing the need to approach each experience with freshness and openness, rather than preconceptions or a sense of achievement.

The wisdom of no escape

Pema Chödrön

In this book, Pema Chödrön presents teachings from a month-long dathun (retreat) she led in 1989. She argues that true liberation does not come from avoiding suffering but from fully experiencing it. The book encourages readers to say 'yes' to all life's manifestations, including pain and joy, and to find balance by befriending their authentic selves. Chödrön discusses various Buddhist concepts such as the Four Noble Truths, the value of ritual, and the importance of taking refuge in the Three Jewels. She also emphasizes the need to approach life with curiosity, bravery, and compassion, rather than trying to escape discomfort or cling to comfort.

The wisdom of insecurity

A Message for an Age of Anxiety

Alan Watts

In this book, Alan Watts draws on Eastern philosophy and religion to argue that true security and peace can only be achieved by understanding and embracing the impermanence and insecurity of life. He critiques the modern quest for security and certainty, highlighting the futility of chasing moving goalposts such as financial success, stability, or escape from pain. Watts emphasizes the importance of living in the present moment, letting go of the past and future, and accepting the uncertainty of life to find true freedom and fulfillment.

Shambhala: The Sacred Path of the Warrior

Book and Card Set (Book & Card Set)

Chögyam Trungpa

This book presents the Shambhala Buddhist vision of Chögyam Trungpa, focusing on the creation of an enlightened society through secular and non-religious approaches. It discusses the importance of meditation, basic goodness, fearlessness, egolessness, and soft-heartedness. The book aims to help individuals establish an enlightened society by living genuinely and compassionately in each moment, and it is grounded in the principles of Tibetan Buddhism while being accessible to people of any or no religious background.

Awakening from the daydream

David Nichtern

In 'Awakening from the Daydream', David Nichtern reimagines the ancient Buddhist allegory of the Wheel of Life, providing a modern perspective on how to break free from habitual patterns and find peace in an uncertain world. The book offers simple, practical steps for building a mindful and compassionate approach to living, making ancient teachings accessible to contemporary society.

Creativity, Spirituality, and Making a Buck

David Nichtern

In 'Creativity, Spirituality, and Making a Buck', David Nichtern offers a friendly and humorous guide for those seeking to align their spiritual, creative, and financial goals. Drawing from his experiences as a musician, entrepreneur, and Buddhist teacher, Nichtern provides advice on the creative process, business ethics, and mindfulness exercises to help readers thrive in their chosen fields.

New episodes come out every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday for free, with 1-week early access for Wondery+ subscribers.

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Buddhist strategies for making money and being creative.

Meditation teacher David Nichtern believes that business can be, in his words, an essential spiritual practice. He has been practicing and teaching meditation for over 40 years. He’s also the author of a book, Creativity, Spirituality, and Making a Buck. And he hosts a podcast by the same name. He began his career as a successful composer, producer, and guitarist. He’s recorded and played with Stevie Wonder, Jerry Garcia, Lana Del Rey, Paul Simon, and others. Recently, he’s become an entrepreneur, founding an online mindfulness based education platform called Dharma Moon.

You can check out the video series based on his latest book, here. And on June 14, David’s leading a 100 Hour Mindfulness Teacher Training. For more info, check out the Dharma Moon website.

Related Episodes:

Duncan Trussell on: Being a Spiritual Omnivore, Whether Psychedelics Are a Bridge to the Divine, and How the Gates of Hell Are Locked From the Inside