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The Wisdom Podcast
Guy Armstrong: Illuminating Emptiness (#121)
Aug 6, 2021
Guy Armstrong, a respected teacher and author, shares his insights after leading meditation retreats for decades. He discusses his journey from intellectual understanding of Buddhism to profound Vipassana practice in Southeast Asia. Listeners will enjoy his reflections on Mahasi Sayadaw's teachings and the contrasts between Western retreat structures and traditional monastic training. Armstrong also illuminates the concept of choiceless attention in mindfulness, while exploring the evolution of Buddhist thought and its embrace of compassion and emptiness.
01:03:42
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Quick takeaways
- Guy Armstrong's journey into Dharma began at 16, evolving from Zen practices to deep engagement with Insight Meditation and mindfulness.
- His monastic training in Thailand, shaped by teachings from influential monks, provided a liberating yet challenging immersion in community and meditation.
Deep dives
Guy Armstrong's Journey into Buddhism
Guy Armstrong's exploration of Buddhism began at the young age of 16 when he stumbled upon a book titled 'The Way of Zen' by Alan Watts. This initial curiosity blossomed into a deep interest, leading him to join the Peace Corps in Malaysia where he felt a profound connection to Thailand. Upon returning to the United States, Armstrong discovered a meditation teacher in Palo Alto and began practicing Vipassana meditation, which he ultimately found resonated with him more than the Zen practices he initially studied. This journey laid the groundwork for his decades-long commitment to the Insight Meditation tradition and the quest for deeper mind-awareness through meditation.
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Discover
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