Discover the importance of consistency in meditation practice and join the hosts in a 30-day meditation challenge. Explore the challenges of dealing with unwholesome thoughts during meditation and the importance of mindfulness. Learn about finding a balance between effort and relaxation in meditation. Explore the attitude towards meditation in a Zen context and the importance of finding pleasure in the practice. The speakers discuss their personal experiences with meditation and the importance of coffee in their routine.

Many folks with western religious upbringings find discomfort when faced, at least in a practice context, with a Buddha Rupa (statue) or other images and of course even more so when bowing or offerings are encouraged.   In this episode we'll talk about Buddha images: their history, practices we might use with them, as well as discuss the show on display at the Metropolitan Museum in NYC on early Buddhist artwork.Two of Doug's Videos:Buddhism and Icons: Prohibition to "Idolatry" -- https://youtu.be/qRqxuxS1qUgTree & Serpent: New Exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum -- https://youtu.be/RG3VjmMe6tYSupport the showGo to our website to leave a comment, buy us a coffee, or see further notes and links: https://digginthedharma.com/

Exploring the concept of the two truths doctrine and their relation to personal practice. The origins and development of the concept in Buddhism. The role of language in understanding relationships. The complexities of relationships and their connection to the two truths. Embracing both conventional and ultimate truths in life.

The podcast explores the concept of the Elements practice in Buddhism, including the composition of the body and the significance of the four basic elements. It discusses the manifestation of the Elements in everyday experiences and their interconnectedness. The concept of proprioception and its connection to our perception of self is explored. The practice of contemplation of the elements to achieve equanimity and relieve pain is discussed. The podcast also analyzes breaking down the body into its elements and its connection to the natural world.

Explore the connection between exercise and meditation practice. Reflect on accepting changes in the aging body. Emphasize the importance of being present during physical activities. Discuss the gradual development of ingrained instructions in Buddhist practice. Discover the practice of coming back and finding presence in making and drinking coffee.

Exploring acceptance and equanimity in Buddhist practice, the hosts discuss the challenges of accepting the present moment. They delve into the fine line between acceptance and clinging and explore the power of acceptance in removing blinders and overcoming resentment. The chapter also emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries for self-care and how accepting challenges leads to positive change and a calmer approach to problems.

Dealing with wildfires associated with global warming turns our mind to one of the Buddha's most famous and trenchant suttas, his third discourse, the Fire Sermon.Translation by Bhikkhu Sujato:https://suttacentral.net/sn35.28/en/sujatoTranslation by Bhikkhu Bodhi:https://suttacentral.net/sn35.28/en/bodhiDoug's video:https://youtu.be/dhTULnK8BWoSupport the showGo to our website to leave a comment, buy us a coffee, or see further notes and links: https://digginthedharma.com/

Doug and Jon respond to three member questions on how to reconcile non-judgment in our practice with the role of ethics, as well as how we can best deal with personal criticism and even aggression from co-workers.Support the showGo to our website to leave a comment, buy us a coffee, or see further notes and links: https://digginthedharma.com/

In this listener Q&A, Doug and Jon answer two questions: teachers' roles in guiding their students in the dharma, and how our past trauma might influence our journey.   We don't pretend to have specific answers, but these wonderful questions elicited a wonderful discussion.Support the showGo to our website to leave a comment, buy us a coffee, or see further notes and links: https://digginthedharma.com/

The time we are living through just now has been termed a poly-crisis.  A combination of existential crises happening all at once.  Whether it's climate change, the war in Ukraine, pandemics, worldwide hunger, refugees, civil strive. . . we are experiencing it all directly or indirectly.   How can our practice help?  Does it help? Doug and Jon reflect on their own experience of this.Support the showGo to our website to leave a comment, buy us a coffee, or see further notes and links: https://digginthedharma.com/