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 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/
Jul 30, 2023 • 30min
Listener Questions and Responses: The Roles of Teachers and Trauma in the Path
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/
Jul 2, 2023 • 24min
Dealing with the "Polycrisis"
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/
Jun 25, 2023 • 25min
Love but not Attachment
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/
