Awake in the World Podcast

A community talk at Tassajara Monastery with Michael Stone & Zen teacher Paul Haller. They each share some of their biography and field Q&A about practice. Paul shares from his 40 years of Zen practice. Recorded at the Tassajara Zen Mountain Monastery, California. The Awake in the World podcast is brought to you by the generosity of our amazing Patreon supporters, making it possible for us to keep Michael's archive of teachings available to the public. To become a patron, visit: patreon.com/michaelstone.

Nothing needs to be refused. Let the breath travel the body without picking up speed. The clouds of thought haul across the sky. Let them come and go. Let the breath move the way blood moves: let it find its own rhythm. Recorded 2017. The Awake in the World podcast is brought to you by the generosity of our amazing Patreon supporters, making it possible for us to keep Michael's archive of teachings available to the public. To become a patron, visit: patreon.com/michaelstone.

In this thoughtful and powerful talk, Michael unpacks the transformative act of sharing the untold stories—the ones that challenge the status quo. He weaves together pressing global issues like climate change, economic disparity, and the erosion of human connection, offering 12 actionable steps toward crafting a new narrative of what it means to live with purpose and presence. Recorded live in Vancouver on January 28, 2015. The Awake in the World podcast is brought to you by the generosity of our amazing Patreon supporters, making it possible for us to keep Michael's archive of teachings available to the public. To become a patron, visit: patreon.com/michaelstone.

Roshi Pat Enkyo O’Hara, a Buddhist teacher deeply engaged with the Lotus Sutra, invites listeners to explore profound insights about the human experience. She discusses the parable of the burning house, illustrating how we often overlook the suffering around us amid distractions. The conversation emphasizes letting go of attachments for true spiritual growth. Roshi also shares how personal journeys from emptiness to purpose can blossom through adversity, highlighting the courage required to embrace life’s uncertainties.

Explore how meditation can transform even mundane tasks into profound practices. Delve into the dance of mindfulness in everyday life, where gratitude merges with the beauty of fleeting moments like cherry blossoms. Learn to cultivate awareness through meditation, reflecting on personal memories and emotions that enrich your journey. This intriguing blend of insights encourages embracing both the bright and shadowy aspects of existence.

Discover the power of mindfulness through breathing techniques, as listeners explore focal points like the belly and nostrils. The conversation emphasizes managing expectations in both meditation and everyday life, illustrated through relatable metaphors. A touching story reveals that true rewards come from nurturing experiences rather than just outcomes. The 'aim and allow' approach encourages openness and compassion, particularly in supporting individuals with autism. Personalizing meditation practices to address challenges like trauma is also highlighted.

Looking at early Pali texts, Michael tries to recover the original and fuller meaning of mindfulness from its current usage in the west. "Mindfulness establishes the presence of the object and thereby makes it available to scrutiny and discernment." Recorded at Centre of Gravity, Toronto. October 29, 2013. The Awake in the World podcast is brought to you by the generosity of our amazing Patreon supporters, making it possible for us to keep Michael's archive of teachings available to the public. To become a patron, visit: patreon.com/michaelstone.

Michael explores the fear of uncertainty and its impact on personal growth. He emphasizes balancing self-awareness with social responsibility and advocates for self-compassion amidst fear. The discussion touches on how we often numb emotional pain and the importance of awareness in healing. The podcast delves into the journey of awakening through suffering and the significance of dedicated practice in shaping one's legacy. Embracing both personal and collective pain is essential for deeper connections and authentic growth.

Michael Stone delves into the Zen koan of the oak tree, intertwining meditation with the politics of love. He shares a poignant account of the Buddha's final moments, emphasizing themes of love and companionship amidst suffering. The discussion reflects on the emotional ties between personal narratives and nature, highlighting how connections to the land can foster healing. With insights from a monk's transformative journey and the importance of simplicity, this conversation offers a rich exploration of mindfulness and the essence of life.

In this insightful Best of Awake in the World episode, Michael delves into how the mind works, the benefits—and limitations—of meditation, and why it’s not always the right fit for everyone. He explores karma, the psychology of delayed gratification, and touches on topics like borderline personality. You’ll also learn the difference between meditative practices that help uncover repression versus those that build a resilient, integrated self. Recorded live at the Enso Foundation in Kelowna. Approx. 1 hour. The Awake in the World podcast is brought to you by the generosity of our amazing Patreon supporters, making it possible for us to keep Michael's archive of teachings available to the public. To become a patron, visit: patreon.com/michaelstone.