The Zen Studies Podcast

Delve into the nuanced concepts of acceptance and non-attachment in Zen Buddhism. Discover how these ideas are often misconstrued, as true acceptance doesn’t mean not caring or avoiding change. Learn about 'dukkha,' the discomfort of existence, and the power of embracing present moment awareness. Explore how our identities are shaped and the importance of non-attachment for authentic engagement with life. This journey encourages compassion, curiosity, and a deeper understanding of self through the Bodhisattva path.

Buddhism began when Siddhartha Gautama experienced a spiritual awakening over 2,500 years ago in India, and became an "awakened one," or Buddha. Over the course of two episodes, I tell the story of the Buddha's life from birth to death, while carefully explaining the sources of information we have about his life - because that's an important part of the history, too!

Buddhism began when Siddhartha Gautama experienced a spiritual awakening over 2,500 years ago in India, and became an "awakened one," or Buddha. Over the course of two episodes, I tell the story of the Buddha's life from birth to death, while carefully explaining the sources of information we have about his life - because that's an important part of the history, too!

If you've spent any time in a Zen community, or reading Zen books, you will have encountered the term "practice" countless times. Buddhist teachers throughout the centuries have told us to "practice" diligently. Students of Zen are called "practitioners" and we talk to one another about our "practice." What Is "Zen Practice," anyway? In this episode I present three important meanings of "practice," and how you can define practice in a traditional sense (Zen teachings, methods, conventions, etc.) or an experiential sense (how you face your life right here, right now).

Explore the historical significance of Siddhartha Gautama's enlightenment, the pivotal moment that birthed Buddhism. Dive into the concepts of transmigration and karma, unraveling Siddhartha's internal struggles with the cycle of life. Discover the transformative insights he garnered regarding suffering and past lives. This journey of realization offers practical wisdom on achieving liberation through a profound shift in perspective.

Zen Buddhism is a non-theistic religious tradition. However, it's not entirely correct to say that there is no God in Zen. While we don't conceive of, or worship, an omnipotent personification of the Divine, at the heart of our tradition is the teaching that reality itself is luminous, precious, and infused with compassion. We don't ascribe an agenda, personality, or gender to That-Which-Is-Greater, but we long to live in harmony with It, and personally experience intimacy with It. These longings infuse our spiritual practice with meaning.

Explore the limitations of traditional mindfulness practices and discover the concept of unified presence instead. This approach encourages a deeper, more holistic connection to life, moving beyond dualistic thinking. Learn how to engage fully with your mind, body, and heart, embracing authenticity without the burdens of perfectionism or comparison. Personal experiences illuminate the path towards wholehearted living, inviting listeners to accept their true selves.

This episode is a continuation of episode 5, which focused on the historical and religious context in India before the Buddha, and how social, economic, and political changes inspired new, alternative religious movements around the time of the Buddha (500-400s BCE). I continue that story by talking about the new movements, their major spiritual questions, and how they answered them. This should give you a sense of how Buddhism compared to the other new religions of its time, and how the Buddha's approach differed from those of his contemporary spiritual teachers.

Discover the fascinating historical and religious backdrop of Buddhism's origins in ancient India. Explore the decline of the Indus Valley civilization and the rise of the Aryan migration. Learn about the Vedic texts' emphasis on rituals and the emergence of philosophical inquiry through the Upanishads. Delve into the societal transformations of the Iron Age, the impact of karma and reincarnation, and the rise of alternative spiritual movements seeking liberation. Unravel the core spiritual questions that shaped this evolving landscape.

Discover strategies to manage distracting thoughts during meditation. Learn how to remain engaged in a practice that often seems passive. Uncover the keys to maintaining a consistent zazen practice over time. Find out how cultivating self-awareness and patience can enhance your meditation experience.