Diggin' the Dharma

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/

In these days of divisiveness, it's easy to get into political arguments or, at the very least, think ill thoughts about some of our leaders.    The Buddha's words on wise speech can be a useful guide.  Support the showGo to our website to leave a comment, buy us a coffee, or see further notes and links: https://digginthedharma.com/

A recent comment on our website prompted a discussion about whether certain  Buddhist practices (Lovingkindness for instance)  involve magical thinking.   Support 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 discuss two natural abilities we have to skillfully maneuver through the world. The Buddha discussed them as "guardians of the world" (Iti. 42).Support the showGo to our website to leave a comment, buy us a coffee, or see further notes and links: https://digginthedharma.com/

The Pāli word Sati literally means "remember' but also has the meaning of Mindfulness.  The question of memory in mindfulness practices is the starting point of our discussion in this week's episode.Support the showGo to our website to leave a comment, buy us a coffee, or see further notes and links: https://digginthedharma.com/

The hosts dive into secular Buddhism, exploring the definitions and implications of being secular versus religious. They discuss how secularism can foster open dialogue rather than opposition to religion. The conversation touches on the relationship between mindfulness and its Buddhist roots, debunking myths that secular practices lack ethical foundations. They also confront pushback from traditionalists and address how concepts like rebirth can be interpreted differently. Overall, they emphasize the accessibility of mindfulness for all, regardless of belief.

"Not mine, not I, not myself" is a phrase that appears in various suttas.  It can be a useful reminder to let go.  We cling to material things, people, and of course ourselves. When we lose something or someone, or when that idea of who I am suddenly shifts, it can manifest in significant suffering. In this episode, Doug and Jon discuss how they relate to this sutta and how it can be a helpful reminder when we find ourselves in the jaws of dukkha.Support the showGo to our website to leave a comment, buy us a coffee, or see further notes and links: https://digginthedharma.com/

Dive into the fascinating world of non-dualism and its roots in early Buddhist thought. Explore how concepts like Advaita and Pali usages shape our understanding. Discover the role of non-dual practices in meditation and how the Brahma-Viharas help dissolve subject/object distinctions. The discussion takes a modern twist, examining AI and personhood through a non-dual lens. Plus, unpack the risks of misinterpreting non-duality and the importance of ethics in practice. It's a deep, thought-provoking journey!

The training called Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction was developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn in the late '70s and could be credited with the concept of "secular mindfulness."  It is taught worldwide by hundreds of teachers and has been the topic of well over 1000 scientific research papers.    Is it Buddhist? Is it effective?  Jon Aaron is one of the prominent teachers of this curriculum and a trainer of new teachers.  He and Doug talk about the Buddhist underpinnings of this curriculum as well as it's impact on the secular mindfulness movement. Link to Jon's upcoming MBSR ClassesReceive a 10% discount using: MBSR10Support the showGo to our website to leave a comment, buy us a coffee, or see further notes and links: https://digginthedharma.com/