Awake in the World Podcast

Michael Stone
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Aug 11, 2025 • 56min

Asking the Master

In this Best of Awake in the World epside Michael introduces Case 12 of the Mumonkon, "The Master". He ties waking up with social action and the teachings of the Burmese Monks who visited the evening prior. A funny and lively talk with practices you can use in your life. Recorded Oct 5, 2010. 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.
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Aug 3, 2025 • 25min

Best of Awake in the World: Fear, Rebirth, and the 3 Insights

In this Best of episode Michael describes how the Buddha met fear, mapping out how concentration practice unfolds, then offers a mind-opening view of rebirth and reincarnation. 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. Recorded in Wisconsin, March 26, 2017.
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11 snips
Jul 27, 2025 • 53min

Best of Awake in the World: Lack, Impermanence and Not Self

Explore the three characteristics that shape our existence through mindfulness and meditation. Discover how personal histories influence mental states and the importance of authenticity in navigating life's chaos. Dive into the evolution of suffering and learn that embracing pain can lead to profound healing. Finally, challenge your beliefs about identity as you accept impermanence as a fundamental aspect of the spiritual journey. This engaging discussion blends ancient teachings with practical insights for modern life.
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Jul 20, 2025 • 59min

Best of Awake in the World: Blending Traditions: Yoga & Buddhism

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.
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Jul 6, 2025 • 26min

Best of Awake in the World: 20 min. Guided Meditation: Feeling the Sensations of the Body

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.
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Jun 29, 2025 • 47min

Best of Awake in the World: Mindfulness & Social Action: Towards a Secular Spirituality

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.
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6 snips
Jun 22, 2025 • 1h 6min

Best of Awake in the World: Betrayal, Awakening, and Living in a Burning House

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.
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Jun 15, 2025 • 58min

Best of Awake in the World: Introduction to Meditation: Sometimes Awake, Sometimes Asleep

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.
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Jun 1, 2025 • 38min

Best of Awake in the World: Aim & Allow: How Mindfulness of Breathing Helps Us Manage Expectations

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.
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May 25, 2025 • 58min

Best of Awake in the World: Mindfulness, Memory, and Fantasy

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.

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