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

Mar 17, 2024 • 1h 4min
Lotus Sutra, Part 13: We Need Bodhisattvas
Exploring hidden enlightenment within oneself through the Parable of the Priceless Jewel in the Lotus Sutra. Unique Zen journey with Isan Dorsey and Philip Whalen in the Castro district. Imagination and resilience after tragedy, like post-Fukushima. The majestic Treasure Tower symbolism and importance of Bodhisattvas. Delving into origins of religion and human nature through storytelling and archetypes. Reflecting on relationships, imagination, and impermanence through Wallace Stevens and the Lotus Sutra.

Mar 10, 2024 • 46min
Lotus Sutra, Part 11: A Jewel in Your Coat
In this recently found Lotus Sutra podcast episode, Michael shares a story about a man who falls asleep at a party and someone sews a jewel in his coat. Some have done this for you too. Can you realize your treasures? Recorded May 17, 2011.
As we uncover some of the long-lost episodes of the 2011 Lotus Sutra collection we’ll be adding podcast episodes as they go up to a playlist here: soundcloud.com/michaelstoneteaching/sets/lotus-sutra
While some of the audio podcast episodes may be lost, you can read transcripts and notes from the talks in the text section of the community library.
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.

Mar 3, 2024 • 51min
Best of Awake in the World: Lotus Sutra 9: What Ideas Do We Have Lying Around?
In this Best of Awake in the World podcast episode Michael talks about Milton Friedman, Emmanuel Levinas, and how when we don't see another's face, face to face, it's easy to kill. This talk happens after Osama Bin Laden's death and the Canadian election. It goes back and forth between internal practices and community life.
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.

Feb 25, 2024 • 37min
Lotus Sutra, Part 8: The Phantom City
Michael talks about the precepts ceremony, the illusion of time, decay, and the way we set up goals for ourselves, like phantom cities, only to be shocked when we realize that they're not as real as we once thought. How do we respond when we realize that our goals are actually ideas, phantom cities, that are helpful, but ultimately unreliable. Recorded April 26, 2011.
As we unearth some of these long-lost episodes of the 2011 Lotus Sutra collection we’ll be adding podcast episodes as they go up to playlist here: soundcloud.com/michaelstoneteaching/sets/lotus-sutra
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.

Feb 18, 2024 • 48min
Best of Awake in the World: Lotus Sutra, Part 7: Time in the Lotus Sutra
In this Best of Awake in the World podcast episode Michael asks some important questions. How many kalpas, ages, eons, did the Buddha sit still before he could wake up? Why did it take so long? It takes a while for the light to shine into the darkest places. What is our relationship to time? Recorded on April 12, 2011.
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.

Feb 9, 2024 • 58min
Best of Awake in the World: Lotus Sutra, Part 6: The Parable of the Prodigal Son
In this Best of Awake in the World podcast episode Michael uses the parable of a son who leaves his father and 50 years later the father finds ways of healing the son's low self-esteem. You don't have to be good or walk on your knees for a hundred miles, just love what you love. Recorded at Centre of Gravity, Toronto, on April 5 2011.
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.

Feb 4, 2024 • 1h 4min
Best of Awake in the World: Lotus Sutra, Part 5: Upaya & The Parable of the Burning House
In this Best of Awake in the World podcast episode Michael begins by discussing death and Japan's earthquake. Using the image of the burning house and a father trying to save his children, he teaches how we need to leave our burning houses on our own steam, nobody can do it for us. The father in the parable, like the Buddha, uses skillful means to teach a path of freedom. And, is it ok to lie to uphold compassion? Recorded on March 29, 2011.
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.

Jan 28, 2024 • 18min
Best of Awake in the World: Lotus Sutra, Part 4 (Q & A)
This Best of Awake in the World podcast episode is a Question and answer period with Michael after Lotus Sutra, Part 4 talk. None of the teachings are true! Even the ones about your own life. Part 2 of 2. Recorded on March 22, 2011.
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.

Jan 21, 2024 • 30min
Best of Awake in the World: Lotus Sutra, Part 4
Michael talks about Fukushima, Japan, and Libya in this Best of Awake in the World podcast, and how lucky we are to practice in a place that is safe. How Mahayana Buddhism developed after the death of the Buddha with an emphasis on serving others and putting off personal enlightenment to serve the world. The talk ends with a moving story about a high school student rubbing the back of an elderly man at an evacuation centre in Japan. Part 1 of 2. Recorded on March 22, 2011.

Jan 14, 2024 • 1h 2min
Best of Awake in the World: Lotus Sutra, Part 3 - Upaya: Skill and Wisdom
In this Best of Awake in the World podcast episode, Michael teaches that it's not enough that our intentions are clear, our actions need to make a difference. Being a Bodhisattva means serving all beings including one's self, yet this can only occur when we see all beings as Buddhas. Recorded on March 16, 2011.
As we unearth some of the long-lost episodes of the 2011 Lotus Sutra collection we’ll be adding podcast episodes as they go up to playlist here: https://soundcloud.com/michaelstoneteaching/sets/lotus-sutra
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.


