Sex! Drugs! Veganism! George discusses how one-pointed meditation leads to the ethical undertaking of the five precepts of Buddhism. Delving into how concentration practice on generosity opens the possibility of achieving jhana, the pain of not engaging and the experience of cessation, this episode concludes the deep exploration of Chapter Two of Manual of Insight by Mahasi Sayadaw.

Taking a break from his ongoing exploration of Manual of Insight, George discusses the practice of generosity in Buddhism. This special episode of the DYP podcast delves into the basic ethics of the practice, the three levels of generosity, and how it all relates to the modern world. All with George's inimitable sense of humor and practical examples from his own life.

A fascinating look at karma, reincarnation and the traditional Buddhist vision of hell. The visceral, Dantean descriptions are paired with George's own unique secular Buddhist analysis. This continues the close reading of Manual of Insight Chapter Two, and also covers Burmese vs. Western practices, and practical approaches to noting.

A short dharma talk is followed by a guided meditation focused on overcoming the hindrances by going from concentration to insight. If you've never been to a class in person with George, this is a great chance to have that experience. For students following along in Mahasi Sayadaw's  Manual of Insight, "Purification of Mind," this episode continues the exploration of Chapter Two.

Covering the five major hindrances to enlightenment, the conversation gets into how noting can be an effective way to deal with them, and the visual and physical aspects of meditation.

Continuing the rich discussion of Chapter Two of Mahasi Sayadaw's Manual of Insight, George explains why the tome was nothing short of revolutionary for householders. Along the way, he touches on consciousness, the science behind pleasure vs. pain and how it all relates to the cycle of suffering and liberation.

In a wide-ranging and fascinating talk, George gets into the history of the Burmese style of Buddhist practice, his own path to teacher Shinzen Young, and what liberation from suffering really means in this day and age. This episode marks part four of George's continued exploration of Chapter Two of Manual of Insight by Mahasi Sayadaw.

An enthusiastic exploration of the revolutionary change in meditation practice developed by Mahasi Sayadaw when he declared that momentary insight was the equivalent of jhana in Chapter Two of Manual of Insight. Focusing on how this applies to householders, George describes the value of liberation from attachment and how it relates to suffering.

George continues his in-depth exploration of "Purification of Mind" from Chapter Two of Manual of Insight by Mahasi Sayadaw. Delving further into the value of practicing both concentration and insight meditation, this is a wide-ranging discussion that covers some of the practical aspects to beginning a regular practice, jhanas (altered states of consciousness), the concept of dukkha (pain or suffering), and how aging and health relate to meditation.

Using Chapter Two of Manual of Insight by Mahasi Sayadaw ("Purification of Mind") as a jumping off point, George discusses moving between concentration and insight practice, the difference between wet and dry meditation, sentimentality vs. actual loving-kindness and the value of going on retreat. This episode marks another lively session with students that covers a lot of interesting ground.