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
Oct 22, 2023 • 27min
Is Karma Collective or Individual?
Is there such a thing as collective karma? Doug and Jon will consider the picture of karma given in early Buddhism, and compare it to the idea of collective karma, or alternately to a notion of 'aggregate' karma. How does karma work among groups of people?Support the showGo to our website to leave a comment, buy us a coffee, or see further notes and links: https://digginthedharma.com/
Oct 15, 2023 • 30min
How Do We Know What Response is Appropriate?
The podcast explores the concept of 'appropriate response' in the Zen tradition, discussing the challenges of defining it during intense times. They also emphasize responding to hatred with care and compassion. The importance of compromise and understanding leadership is explored, referencing Lincoln as an example. Mindfulness is discussed as a tool for making a meaningful difference and taming reactivity. The tendency to collectivize and rationalize is explored, and a range of political situations are touched upon.
6 snips
Oct 8, 2023 • 26min
Balancing our Effort in Meditation
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.
Oct 1, 2023 • 28min
Buddhist Rupas and Other Images: is this idol worship?
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/
Sep 24, 2023 • 29min
Let's Talk About the Two Truths
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.
Sep 3, 2023 • 27min
Elemental Practice
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.
Aug 27, 2023 • 29min
It's All Practice-- or it can be!
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.
Aug 20, 2023 • 23min
Turning Toward What is Here-- Whether You Like or Not.
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.
Aug 13, 2023 • 28min
The Fire Sermon
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/
Aug 6, 2023 • 31min
Listener Questions and Responses: Non-Judgment, Ethics, and Working with Unwanted Criticism
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/
