Awake in the World Podcast
Michael Stone
Awake in the World Podcast is a library of talks on a wide-range of topics, including bringing mindfulness and meditation practice into daily life; personal and community issues regarding mental health; and social change. The podcasts were recorded at live events so you might hear coughing, airplanes, cars, sirens, laughter, and peoples’ questions—all part of the intimate experience. Michael Stone (1974-2017) was a Buddhist teacher, author, and mental health advocate. His legacy is stewarded by Carina Stone. Podcast funded by Patreon (patreon.com/michaelstone).
Episodes
Mentioned books
May 4, 2020 • 42min
Noting in the Empire of Selfies
A wide ranging talk by Michael Stone on using language in meditation practice, labelling thoughts, and the way kids and adults use language to mediate their internal states. [NOTE: The recording unfortunately was cut off before the end of the talk. We apologize for the error.]
Recorded on April 8, 2014.
Apr 26, 2020 • 33min
Gotta Make A Living, Part 2
Michael talks about how our work should be energetic, industrious, diligent and skilful. We should live within our means and keep good company. When you really, really want something, you might ask: How central is this for becoming a good version of myself?
Recorded on March 1, 2014.
Apr 20, 2020 • 1h 11min
Gotta Make A Living, Part 1
Michael offers teachings from the Buddhist tradition on how to make a living, and how to make ethical decisions around money in a financial world that revolves around extraction and exploitation.
Recorded on March 1, 2014.
Apr 12, 2020 • 49min
Driving Our Questions Deeper
Michael explores two questions: 1) Who Are You? and 2) What Should You Do? Using the old Zen koan, "What's the price of rice?" Michael talks about wrestling with questions, compassion, empathy, and how to care for people without getting credit.
Recorded on February 4, 2014.
Apr 5, 2020 • 47min
Why Can't the Tail Get Through?
Even when we advance in spiritual practice, something is always missing. Maybe nirvana is about having troubles without falling into defense or burnout? Michael also gives a strong critique of the economic stories that drive us.
Recorded on January 14, 2014.
Mar 29, 2020 • 42min
When You Have No One, No One Can Hurt You
Michael talks on loneliness, paying attention, and the importance of small ideas that can network and build a new culture.
Recorded at Centre of Gravity, Toronto on December 3, 2013.
Mar 22, 2020 • 57min
Yoga Put To Work In The World
Michael Stone gives a talk on the importance of paying attention, youth, and how deep yoga is a political practice. Recorded December 1, 2013 at Yoga Shala Calgary.
Mar 16, 2020 • 50min
Loneliness and Impermanence
Michael Stone explores the bleakness of loneliness, the puzzle of modern isolation, and how to work with being alone and feeling lonely.
Recorded at Centre of Gravity, Toronto, on November 26, 2013.
Mar 8, 2020 • 38min
Radical Politics, Buddhism, Forgiveness, with Joshua Stephens
A Q&A discussion with Joshua Stephens after his talk, Gentle with Each Other, Dangerous Together (https://soundcloud.com/michaelstoneteaching/gentle-with-each-other-dangerous-together-with-joshua-stephens).
Recorded at Centre of Gravity, Toronto, on November 12, 2013.
Mar 1, 2020 • 50min
Gentle with Each Other, Dangerous Together with Joshua Stephens
Often when we see Buddhist practice put into conversation with radical social transformation, commitments like forgiveness, patience, and non-attachment appear in one of two ways: as pillars of self-care, or resigned—almost theological—faith in inaction in the face of the intolerable. In fact, these practices are not merely tactical approaches to our immediate experience; they are key, prefigurative building-blocks worth re-thinking not just through the lens of the Buddha's teachings, but the accounts of actors on the ground in contemporary struggles.
Recorded at Centre of Gravity, Toronto on November 12, 2013.
