Diggin' the Dharma
Jon Aaron and Doug Smith
Diggin' the Dharma with Jon Aaron and Doug Smith is a relaxed discussion of the Buddhist dharma between friends. Jon's interest centers around practice, while Doug's centers around scholarship of the early material, so their approaches balance practice with study. Their discussions will be approachable to a broad audience of Buddhists and those curious about Buddhism, and they welcome questions and comments. Jon is a teacher at Space2Meditate and NY Insight Meditation Center and a well known teacher and trainer of teachers of Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction. Doug has a PhD in Philosophy and runs Doug's Dharma on YouTube and the Online Dharma Institute, where he gives courses on early Buddhism. Find them at: https://digginthedharma.com/
Episodes
Mentioned books
Apr 7, 2024 • 29min
The Nature of Buddha Nature
Exploring the controversial concept of Buddha Nature across different Buddhist traditions, the podcast delves into the evolution of the term and its interpretations. They discuss reification and subjectivity in perception, highlighting the limitations of language in hindering spiritual experiences. The chapter also explores the concept of being Buddha, ethics, and the significance of individual perspectives.
Mar 31, 2024 • 26min
Moving Beyond Craving and Clinging
Exploring the challenges of moving to a new city and letting go of attachments. Discussing the concept of craving and clinging as causes of suffering. Reflecting on the uncertainty of life and the wisdom gained from unpleasant experiences.
Mar 17, 2024 • 29min
Buddhism and the Golden Rule
Exploring the Golden Rule in Buddhism, Right Speech, and challenging biases with mindfulness. Comparing ethical guidelines in Buddhism and Jainism, emphasizing non-harm and intention. Discussing the importance of collaborative political discourse and supporting the show through various means.
Mar 10, 2024 • 28min
The Heart Quality of Courage
The podcast discusses courage in the context of recent events like the death of Alexei Navalny. It explores the difference between bravery and courage, and how acts of courage are seen in everyday life. The hosts delve into ancient Greek and Buddhist philosophy to understand the nature of courage, highlighting the importance of facing fear with wisdom and compassion. They also share personal stories of everyday courage and reflect on the role of courage in personal growth.
Mar 3, 2024 • 27min
Papañca! Exactly What it Sounds Like
Exploring the concept of 'Papancha' in mindfulness and meditation. Analyzing the challenge of observing thoughts without getting entangled in them. Discussing the importance of investigating personal narratives without continuous storytelling. Delving into the relationship between present moment awareness and mental proliferation. Learning to recognize and step back from obsessive thoughts to avoid entanglement.
Feb 25, 2024 • 28min
Let's Talk More About Meditation
In this podcast, they discuss the importance of meditation, exploring various practices such as breath-focused meditation, open awareness, and loving kindness. They also touch on accepting feelings of agitation, transforming challenges with mindfulness, and the calming effects of following the breath for a clearer state of mind.
Feb 18, 2024 • 30min
Coming Back to the Core: Strategies of Right Effort
Exploring the significance of Right Effort in meditation practices, cultivating compassion and mindfulness, and transforming waiting into mindfulness practice. Discussing the importance of skillful qualities, renunciation, and moderation in daily habits.
Feb 11, 2024 • 25min
Impermanence and the Closing of the Rubin Museum
The hosts discuss the closing of New York's Rubin Museum of Himalayan Buddhist art and its significance as a symbol of impermanence. They talk about the impact of the pandemic on the museum and its features, including a bookstore gift shop and various events. The value of contemporary art is compared to older art, specifically Buddhist art, and the role of museums in exhibiting artworks out of their original context. They also discuss a Tibetan museum and shrine in Staten Island and the preservation of sacred works.
Feb 4, 2024 • 27min
Coming Back to the Core: Knowing Right View
Dive into the concept of right view in Buddhism, the correlation between right view and skillful behavior, exploring attachment to roles and the nature of opinions, and examining the impact of our views on our actions, relationships, and society.
4 snips
Jan 28, 2024 • 31min
Coming Back to the Core: Are we Understanding Our Intentions?
This podcast explores the importance of right view and intention in Buddhism, and how it evolves into deeper wisdom. It also discusses breaking negative spirals, the power of intention, embracing imperfections through the Japanese art of kenzuki, and the overlap of Japanese aesthetics and Zen practice.
