Brother David Steindl-Rast

We’re in a season of renewal in the natural world and in spiritual traditions; both Easter and Passover this year are utterly transformed. It’s drawing us back to the wisdom of Br. David Steindl-Rast, who makes useful distinctions around experiences that are life-giving and resilience-making yet can feel absurd to speak of in a moment like this. A Benedictine monk for over 60 years, Steindl-Rast was formed by 20th-century catastrophes. He calls joy “the happiness that doesn’t depend on what happens.” And his gratefulness is not an easy gratitude or thanksgiving — but a full-blooded, reality-based practice and choice.Br. David Steindl-Rast is a Benedictine monk and a beloved teacher and author on the subject of gratitude. He’s the founder and senior advisor for A Network for Grateful Living. His books include Gratefulness, The Heart of Prayer: An Approach to Life in Fullness, A Listening Heart, and an autobiography, i am through you so i.This show originally aired in January 2016.This interview is edited and produced with music and other features in the On Being episode "David Steindl-Rast — How to Be Grateful in Every Moment (But Not for Everything)." Find more at onbeing.org.

Brother David Steindl-Rast, a Benedictine monk known for his teachings on grateful living, discusses the path to lasting joy. He emphasizes how gratitude can transform both joyful and difficult moments into opportunities for deeper appreciation. Brother David explores the relationship between gratitude, trust, and societal harmony, sharing insights on embracing love to overcome fear. He recounts personal stories from his life in Nazi-occupied Austria, illustrating that even in darkness, one can find gratitude and meaning by living in the present.

Brother David Steindl-Rast, a Benedictine monk and renowned author, shares profound insights on gratitude as a path to lasting joy. He emphasizes that gratitude is not just a feeling but a vital spiritual practice that transforms our lives. The discussion covers how embracing the present and recognizing life's unpredictability fosters hope and resilience. David also contrasts gratitude with fear, highlighting its power to inspire societal change through love and belonging. His personal stories, including his journey through hardship, underscore the transformative potential of grateful living.

Brother David Steindl-Rast, a Catholic Benedictine monk noted for his interfaith dialogue and work bridging spirituality and science, joins in a profound conversation. They explore the transformative power of gratitude, emphasizing its role in personal awakening and joy. Delving into the interdependence of givers and receivers, they highlight the importance of recognizing each other's roles. The discussion also tackles how grief can spark growth, and the necessity of embracing diversity for a more connected consciousness. A truly enlightening dialogue!

Brother David Steindl-Rast and Jack Kornfield discuss the intersection of Christianity and Buddhism, the power of compassion, positive aspects of grief, and self-forgiveness. They explore topics like handling pain, forgiveness, self-compassion, and shared meditations. A blend of spiritual traditions and personal anecdotes offer insights into living with grace and love.

Brother David Steindl-Rast, known for his TED Talk on gratitude and his influential work at Gratefulness.org, shares profound insights on living a fulfilling life. He discusses how trust in life enhances joy and the transformative lessons gratitude can provide through adversity. David emphasizes the power of gratitude to foster connection and dismantle barriers, urging a shift from fear to collaboration. He also reflects on gratitude's universal nature and celebrates the technology that brings us closer together, enriching our shared experiences.

Join Brother David Steindl-Rast, an 86-year-old Benedictine monk who bridges the gap between Christianity and Buddhism. He discusses the transformative power of shared meals in spiritual practice, urging a more inclusive understanding of the Eucharist. Delving into the importance of gratitude, he highlights its role in overcoming struggles and fostering global community. Brother David also tackles the urgent need for personal responsibility in addressing the ecological crisis and emphasizes embracing life and death with trust and compassion.

This conversation features Brother David Steindl-Rast, an 86-year-old Benedictine monk and spiritual pioneer known for his fusion of Christianity and Buddhism. He shares profound reflections on his early life during WWII, addressing the impact of anti-Semitism and his personal journey navigating identity. Brother David highlights the influence of Rilke's poetry during turbulent times, as well as the joy he finds in monastic life and Gregorian chant. His thoughts on gratitude and mindfulness offer a spiritual lifeline amid contemporary challenges.

Brother David Steindl-Rast, an 86-year-old Benedictine monk renowned for uniting Christianity and Buddhism, shares his profound journey of gratefulness. He discusses how everyday tasks can lead to spiritual richness and the importance of redefining spiritual language for modern audiences. Brother David emphasizes the unity of humanity and divinity, advocating for interfaith dialogue. He also reflects on transformative experiences at Esalen, personal growth, and the joy of community through his prison ministry, encapsulating his philosophy of living life with gratitude.

In this enlightening conversation, Brother David Steindl-Rast, an 86-year-old Benedictine monk bridging Christianity and Buddhism, reflects on his spiritual journey. He shares transformative peak experiences that shaped his vision and his initial hesitations in engaging with Zen teachings. The dialogue emphasizes the beauty of nature from his childhood and explores deep themes of loss connected to family and beloved pets. Touching on resilience during wartime, Brother David provides profound insights into living a life grounded in gratitude.