Diggin' the Dharma

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/

How do we negotiate the Buddha's teachings on craving and clinging with our deep love of family and friends?   What is the difference between true love and "attached love," and when does attached love lead to dukkha?   This is an ongoing question.  The Buddha did expect monastics to be celibate and to leave their families but he did not expect this of householders.   Later traditions had other options.   Still, the teaching asks us to beware of love based on attachment and clinging.Support the showGo to our website to leave a comment, buy us a coffee, or see further notes and links: https://digginthedharma.com/

Buddha Nature is a concept that arises primarily in the Mahayana Buddhist teachings, though without using that language, specifically,  could certainly be interpreted within the early teachings as well.   The most famous Koan on this is "Does a Dog of Buddha Nature?"Doug and Jon have a spirited and at times confusing discussion on this.  Join in with us!Support the showGo to our website to leave a comment, buy us a coffee, or see further notes and links: https://digginthedharma.com/

The present moment seems to come and go, but is that the case?  What is the present moment anyway?  This is a deep philosophical question and certainly a central point of Buddhist practice.   Doug and Jon look at the topic from a number of different points of view .  It's always a fun discussion!Support the showGo to our website to leave a comment, buy us a coffee, or see further notes and links: https://digginthedharma.com/