Secular Buddhism

The podcast discusses the concept of Dependent Origination in Buddhism and its application to daily life, including examples like a car and mindful eating. It explores how fear arises from various causes and conditions, and the impact of beliefs on emotions. The episode also emphasizes the practical application of Dependent Origination, using a bowl of chili to illustrate interconnectedness and self-understanding.

The podcast discusses the concept of a 'circle of skills' and its relation to learning paragliding and practicing mindfulness. It emphasizes the importance of gradually expanding one's skill set and taking baby steps in order to grow. The host also explores the parallels between injury rehabilitation and Buddhist teachings on suffering. Overall, the podcast highlights the power of incremental growth, understanding one's mind, and cultivating mindfulness in daily life.

In this episode, I will talk about "The First Meditation" a story about an experience that Siddhartha (the Buddha) had when he was 9 years old. I believe this experience shaped his understanding of the importance of experiential vs intellectual understanding and I believe there are some good lessons to be learned by us as we hear this story. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The podcast discusses the concept of taking the long view in Buddhism and gaining a higher perspective. It emphasizes considering the needs of others and the negative impact of the 'we are right' mentality. The parable of the horse is explored, highlighting the interdependent nature of events. The importance of finding balance in meditation and life is discussed using the analogy of a musician seeking instruction from the Buddha. The concept of personal tuning is explored, focusing on self-reflection, contentment, and avoiding comparison to others for peace and fulfillment.

Zen Master Seung Sahn said "I do not teach Buddhism. I only teach don't know." The beauty of not knowing arises when we understand that reality is unknowable as a complete picture. First, because it's always changing, and second, we are limited in our perspective in terms of space and time. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Explore the concept of a liberated state of mind and the Buddhist teachings of emptiness, signlessness, and aimlessness. Reflect on personal losses and the meaning of freedom in Buddhist practice. Delve into the three doors of liberation in Buddhism: emptiness, signlessness, and aimlessness. Explore the impermanence of memories and the absence of a separate self. Embrace aimlessness and find joy in every experience by redirecting ambition and embracing the present moment.

Observation in Buddhist practice is an active skill that allows for more skillful action. The podcast explores the correlation between observation and skillful action, as well as its role in the mind and navigating suffering. It emphasizes the power of observation in understanding our own minds and leading to more intentional actions.

In this podcast episode, I share my thoughts about "Buddha nature" and what it means to me. I also share the story of the little rock in my backyard that had a Buddha painted on the rock. When the paint started to fade, I was able to see the buddha nature of that rock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Reflecting on the uniqueness of every moment and valuing its preciousness. Sharing thoughts on processing the loss of a loved one. Discussing the unpredictable nature of life and the importance of learning from experiences. Recounting a tragic accident and exploring the concept of 'firsts and lasts'. Emphasizing the value of mindfulness and finding peace in embracing each moment.

Overcoming fears through ballroom dancing. Life as a dance, embracing the ups and downs. Symbolism of the cosmic dance of the universe. Finding joy and resilience in everyday challenges.