Buddhist Geeks Podcast
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Buddhist Geeks is a weekly audio show that presents ground-breaking interviews and discussions with Buddhist teachers, scholars, and advanced practitioners. Combining ancient wisdom with modern technology, Buddhist Geeks aims to catalyze a community of practice committed to awakening. Discover the emerging face of Western Buddhism.
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BG 148: Work, Sex, Money, Dharma
Author: Vince Horn
Mon, Nov 23, 2009
Martin Aylward continues his discussion with us how we
can bring forth a more relevant, relational, and potent form of
contemporary dharma practice. He begins by exploring the tendency for
Western practitioners to rely too much on retreat practice, instead of
on the juice that comes from their daily lives, and the need to work
more skillfully with our everyday experience.
In particular he highlights the areas of money and sex, as being areas
of our lives that have a lot of charge, and yet are usually nominalized
in dharma teachings. In 2010 Martin will be leading a special
urban-based retreat (or sandwich retreat) entitled Work, Sex, Money,
Dharma that deals specifically with these parts of our human
experience, in the hopes that we can create a practice of awakening
that includes every aspect of our lives. This is part 2 of a
two part series. Listen to part 1, Freestyle Awakening 
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BG 147: Freestyle Awakening
Author: Vince Horn
Mon, Nov 16, 2009
The theme of distinguishing between the Buddhist
teachings and forms which lead to awakening, and those forms that are
culturally inherited and perhaps unsuited for our current Western
context, is an ongoing one on Buddhist Geeks. This week, we continue
this exploration with Dharma teacher, Martin Aylward.
Martin, who lives in southern France, where he runs and teaches as Le
Moulin Meditation Centre, has been actively exploring what it means to
translate Dharma to the West. He recognizes that we're still quite
early in that process, but is a pioneer when it comes to adapting the
forms of Buddhism to the West. His use of technology and emphasis on
relational dharma, as well as what calls "Freestyle or DIY Awakening"
is a striking attempt at making Dharma more relevant for the lives of
Western, engaged, lay practitioners.
This is part 1 of a two part series. Listen to part 2, Work, Sex, Money, Dharma (airing next week!)
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BG 146: Investing in the Future of American Buddhism
Author: Vince Horn
Mon, Nov 09, 2009
We continue our discussion with Shambhala acharya,
Judith Simmer-Brown, about how we can strategically invest in American
Buddhism so that it survives in the long-term. We explored the first
three areas of importance in-depth in part 1, which included the
translation of core texts, the development of a monastic lineage, and
the appointment of dharma heirs.In this part of the discussion
we flesh out the details of the fourth area, which is royal patronage.
Judith speaks about how, given a lack of that kind of support, most
dharma teachers and organizations turn whole-heartedly to the market to
sustain them. And with that come all sort of issues--including the
pursuit of fame and fortune. We finish the discussion, going back to
the question of whether we'll be able to develop a monastic community
in the West, and why that's important to the healthy development of
Buddhism in America.This is part 2 of a two-part series.
Listen to part 1, The Survival of American Buddhism.
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BG 145: The Survival of American Buddhism
Author: Vince Horn
Mon, Nov 02, 2009
This week, we're joined by Shambhala acharya and Naropa
University professor, Judith Simmer-Brown. She joins us today to
discuss four areas, which she learned about while at Colombia
University in the late 60's, that help determine whether or not
Buddhism will take root in a new country. These four are:
The translation of core Buddhist texts into English
The development of a monastic lineage w/ American lineage holders
The training and appointment of dharma transmission holders
Royal patronage, or financial support from within the country
After describing each area of focus, Judith goes into depth as to how
we're doing with the first three areas, today in America. She shares
her reflections, while also raising some provocative questions, as to
how we're doing with building a sustainable infrastructure for Buddhism
to prosper in the West.
Next week, we'll finish the conversation by exploring the 4th area in
depth, and speaking about how we can best invest in the future of
American Buddhism.
This is part 1 of a two-part series. Listen to part 2, Investing in the Future of American Buddhism. 
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BG 144: Turning Your Back to the Buddha
Author: Vince Horn
Mon, Oct 26, 2009
Insight Meditation teacher, Rodney Smith, joins us to
explore the topic of "urban dharma"--seeing that the transformative
potential of one's life
and relationships are on equal footing with silent, more passive forms
of meditation. Rodney critiques the common tendency to elevate silent
retreat practice above all other aspects of practice. As part of that
exploration he also shares a moving story from his time studying with
the famous Advaita teacher Nisargadatta Maharaj.
Rodney concludes by exploring what it might it mean to be a "Buddhist
revolutionary," updating and contemporizing the Buddhist teachings,
while "turning one's back to the Buddha and moving forward..."
This is part 2 of a two-part series. Listen to part 1, Stepping out of Self-Deception. 
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BG 143: Stepping out of Self-Deception
Author: Vince Horn
Mon, Oct 19, 2009
Rodney Smith, the founder of the Seattle Insight
Meditation Society, joins us today to discuss several fascinating
topics. We start with an exploration of how the Big Bang and the
origin of life on Earth (some 3.8 billion years ago) and spiritually
significant events. We also discuss the overall compatibility between
Buddhist teachings and these new found scientific findings.
Finally, Rodney shares with us a powerful mathematical analogy for
understanding the spiritual path, that of fractions. The numerator of
the fraction represents the appearances of things, and the denominator
represents the undifferentiated wholeness underlying appearances.
Rodney shares how spiritual practice, and the process of dying, can
both help us cross the fraction line.
This is part 1 of a two-part series. Listen to part 2, Turning Your Back to the Buddha.
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BG 142: Buddha in a Cup of Tea
Author: Vince Horn
Mon, Oct 12, 2009
This week, we're joined by Kenneth Cohen, a well-known
qi-gong master. Along with his training in the Taoist qi-gong and tai
chi chuan, Kenneth has a strong connection to the Zen tradition and to
the Japanese tea ceremony. In this episode, he shares with us some of
the history of tea (the camellia sinensis plant), its
long-standing relationship to the Buddhist tradition, his own training
with Japanese tea master Millie Johnstone, and the wonderful profundity
of drinking a simple cup of tea.
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BG 141: The Mechanisms of Kensho
Author: Vince Horn
Mon, Oct 05, 2009
"A perception, sudden as blinking, that subject and
object are one, will lead to a deeply mysterious wordless
understanding; and by this understanding will you awaken to the truth
of Zen." - Zen Master Huang-po
The above quote, taken from James Austin's newest book Selfless Insight, is a description of kensho, an
"initial awakening" to the true nature of things. We continue our
discussion, this week, with James Austin about the importance of both kensho and satori
in the Zen tradition, and his hypothesis as to what is happening in the
brain, leading up to and during these events. We also discuss the vast
importance of the thalamus, which Austin describes as a type of gateway
of perceptual experience.
Finally, Austin makes a strong distinction between both the absorptions and various types of quickenings that can precede kensho or satori, but that are not the same as them.
This is part 2 of a two-part series. Listen to part 1, This is Your Brain on Meditation.
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BG 140: This is Your Brain on Meditation
Author: Vince Horn
Mon, Sep 28, 2009
This week we speak with academic nuerologist and Zen practitioner James Austin. Austin, who wrote the well-known book, Zen and the Brain,
joins us to explain some of the physical mechanisms underlying both
attention and the way we process reality. In terms of attention, he
shares with us a very descriptive difference between "top-down" and
"bottom-up" modes of attention. He also shares the difference, from
the perspective of the brain, between self-centered (egocentric)
processing and other-centered (allocentric) processing. He
also shares the ways in which these two are related to the different
forms of meditation that are commonly seen in the Buddhist tradition.
Although sometimes technical, his descriptions are extremely
interesting for those who have an interest on the intersection between
meditation and the brain. This is part 1 of a two-part series. Listen to part 2, The Mechanisms of Kensho.
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BG 139: A Surfer's Quest to Find Zen on the Sea
Author: Vince Horn
Mon, Sep 21, 2009
This week with speak with the author of Saltwater
Buddha, Jaimal Yogis. Jaimal, a Zen surfer and journalist, wrote
Saltwater Buddha to chronicle his late teens and early 20's as he
learned to surf and delved into Zen. He shares with us some of the
highlights from this time of his life, and also shares what a powerful
metaphor the ocean has been for his spiritual life, especially given
his passion for surfing. He also shares some prescient observations
about what it's like being a young Buddhist, and what he notices that
is different about the young generation of up-and-coming
practitioners. 
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BG 138: Reflections on 21st Century Dharma
Author: Vince Horn
Mon, Sep 14, 2009
In this episode we have a round-table discussion, with
members from the NYC-based Interdependence Project, on issues
surrounding 21st century dharma in the West. Both Buddhist Geeks and
the Interdependence Project tend to attract younger practitioners in
their 20s & 30s. So, in this dialogue, where the oldest
of us is 31, we take on some interesting questions about how Dharma is
changing in the West, what challenges we face in the future, the
economics of dharma, and the implications of a generation who are so
interconnected with technology and culture. Listen in to hear a
genuine conversation between young practitioners who are trying to find
their way as Buddhist practitioners in the 21st century. 
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BG 137: Artificial Wisdom
Author: Vince Horn
Mon, Sep 07, 2009
We're back again with Artificial Intelligence researcher
and Zen-dabbler, Ben Goertzel. We continue our exploration of some of
the major themes in his non-fiction story "Enlightenment 2.0". This
precipitates a conversation about whether consciousness is a result of
the mechanisms of the brain, or whether it is fundamental. And
connected to that, what are the ethical implications of creating an
artificial intelligence, if we do indeed see it as having
BuddhaNature?
Finally, Ben shares what he has discovered while exploring the notion
of "artificial wisdom"--including what difference there is between
intelligence and wisdom. He also talks about the seeming
incompatibility between intense scientific thinking and enlightenment,
and how that might be rectified by creating a more wise and intelligent
super-mind.
This is part 2 of a two-part series. Listen to part 1, Enlightenment 2.0. 
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BG 136: Enlightenment 2.0
Author: Vince Horn
Mon, Aug 31, 2009
This week we speak with Ben Goertzel, an artificial
intelligence researcher and Zen-dabbling spiritual seeker. Ben shares
with us his introduction to Zen and his on-going relationship to
spiritual practice. He also explains what is meant by "strong
artificial intelligence" and AGI (artificial general intelligence) and
explains why he thinks a fully functioning AI may be as little as a
decade away.
Finally, we explore the overlap between his work as an AI researcher
and his experiences with Zen and other spiritual practices, through
discussing a story he wrote entitled, "Enlightenment 2.0" about an
enlightened AI being who determines that it is possible to construct a
more enlightened mind, what Ben calls a "super mind", but isn't sure
whether or not it is possible for us.
This is part 1 of a two-part series. Listen to part 2, Artificial Wisdom.
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BG 135: Meditation is Good for Your Life
Author: Vince Horn
Mon, Aug 24, 2009
In this episode we speak with Karma Kagyu teacher,
Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche. He starts off by telling us about how he got
into formal Buddhist practice, at the tender age of 9. He also shares
some of his initial challenges with anxiety, and how he was able to
work with it on his first 3-year retreat. Rinpoche also shares some
suggestions for meditators who are fairly new to the path, suggesting
that they focus on 1) Wisdom & 2) Method. In addition to that he
speaks about what makes a good teacher and whether or not it is vital
to practice in a particular lineage.
We finish our interview with Rinpoche discussing the importance of Joy
on the Buddhist path, and of what he calls "Boundless Joy." Tying in
with that he shares what it was like participating in the meditative
research conducted by Dr. Richard Davidson, and what the results of
that study were. 
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BG 134: The Erotic Embrace of Life and Meditation
Author: Vince Horn
Mon, Aug 17, 2009
We're joined today by Vidyuddeva,
a young Zen teacher who spent 5 years in monastic training with Zen
Master Steve Hagen. Vid is now a teacher in his own right, and teaches
with both the iEvolve Practice Community as well as with the Integral
Spiritual Center (founded by Ken Wilber). In this episode,
Vid shares with us how he came to the dharma, and how it eventually led
to his time as a Zen monastic. He also turns the table on the Geeks
and begins questioning us as to what the significance is between
meditation and life. Listen in to hear more from this young &
dynamic voice of wisdom. 
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BG 133: Erik Curren: The Buddhist Politician
Author: Vince Horn
Mon, Aug 10, 2009
Erik
Curren is a business leader, community activist, author, Buddhist
meditator, and
politician—who is running for state legislature in Virginia during the
2010
election period. We were contacted by Erik's campaign manager, who
told us that Erik's Buddhist background was causing a backlash of
religious intolerance from some camps, including his fellow Democrats.
We spoke with Erik about the importance of religious freedom in
American politics, as well as about the way that the Bodhisattva ideal
impacts his work as a politician.
Finally, we speak with Erik about his first book, Buddha's Not Smiling,
which explored some of the issues behind the current controversy
between the two young men who both claim to be reincarnations of the
16th Karmapa--the spiritual head of the Karma Kagyu school. It turns
out that there is corruption and misunderstanding in Tibetan politics,
just as there are in American politics. 
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BG 132: Buddhist Chaplaincy, Buddhist Youth
Author: Vince Horn
Mon, Aug 03, 2009
This week we're joined by Reverend Danny Fisher--a
Buddhist Chaplain and author. Danny shares with us his reasons for
becoming chaplain, where the notion of chaplaincy or service to others
comes from in the Buddhist tradition, and what it's like to undertake a
Buddhist-based divinity program.
In the 2nd half of our conversation we ask him about his take on the
challenges and opportunities that young Buddhists encounter. Being an
emerging voice for young Buddhists, and a popular Buddhist blogger,
Danny shares with us some of his thoughts on what it's like being a
young Buddhist today. 
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BG 131: Buddhist History 101
Author: Vince Horn
Mon, Jul 27, 2009
This week we speak with esteemed scholar, and the former
professor of Buddhist Studies at UC Berkely, Dr. Lewis Lancaster.
Lewis shares with us the important history of the Buddhist tradition,
focusing in particular on the unique attributes of Buddhism that made
it the first "world religion," a religion that is able to detach from
it's original homeland and language and travel wide and far.
We also discuss the recent history of Buddhism transitioning to the
West, and how Buddhism continues to morph and change through time.
Listen in for a great dose of geeky history! 
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BG 130: Buddhism and the Evolution of Religion
Author: Vince Horn
Mon, Jul 20, 2009
Zen teacher Norman Fischer—a teacher in the lineage of
Shunryu Suzuki Roshi—joins us again to speak about the religion,
evolution, and Buddhism's unique role in both. The conversation begins
with an overview of American sociologist Robert Bellah's schema on the
evolution of religion throughout the ages. We then discuss the
important role that Buddhism can play in the evolution of religion in
the West. This is part 2 of a two-part series. Listen to
Part 1, Buddhism May Need a Plan B. 
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BG 129: Buddhism May Need a Plan B
Author: Vince Horn
Mon, Jul 13, 2009
As Buddhism transitions to the West, we see that it is
doing so in a couple different ways. Some forms look more like their
original Asian roots, while others are secular and non-Religious in
their presentation. Zen teacher Norman Fischer, an early 2nd
generation teacher in the lineage of Shunryu Suzuki Roshi, calls the
more traditional forms part of "Plan A" and the more secular forms,
"Plan B."
In this interview we discuss with Norman the importance of Plan B
approaches, like Jon Kabat-Zinn's Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction.
We also discuss his personal experience teaching Plan B at places like
Google. Finally, we explore how the livelihood of trained and
competent meditation teachers may rely heavily on Plan B approaches.
This is part 1 of a two-part series. Listen to part 2, Buddhism and the Evolution of Religion.
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BG 128: Peter Fenner: Entering into Natural Meditation
Author: Vince Horn
Mon, Jul 06, 2009
This week, I speak with non-dual teacher and former
Tibetan monk, Peter Fenner. Peter was a monk for nearly a decade
before he disrobed, realizing that the Buddhist practices he was
engaged in weren't leading him to what he was looking for. He then
looked to Western psychotherapeutic technologies, and in the process
developed a non-dual teaching that relates in part to Madhyamika, Advaita Vedanta, and Western psychology.
He calls this approach Radiant Mind, and in this episode we speak with
him about the various aspects of his teaching, from a type of
deconstructive inquiry based on dialoguing with him, to the formless
"practice" of natural meditation. Listen in to hear more about this
type of "fruition or results" based spiritual path. 
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BG 127: Pop Buddhism & Satori Porn
Author: Vince Horn
Mon, Jun 29, 2009
This week we speak with Gen-X Zen teacher Brad Warner, author of the newly released Zen Wrapped in Karma Dipped in Chocolate.
We talk a little bit about his book, which leads to a critique of what
we might call "Popular Buddhism." We then ask Brad about an article he
wrote called, "Satori Porn", where he argues that descriptions of
enlightenment that make it sound like an experience just aren't that
helpful for students. Even so, at the end of the episode he tries his
best to talk about enlightenment, while not describing it in terms of
experience. 
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BG 126: Natural Wakefulness
Author: Vince Horn
Mon, Jun 22, 2009
This week we speak with Shambhala acharya and cultural
anthropologist, Gaylon Ferguson. Gaylon speaks about the view of
Natural Wakefulness, in short that innate wisdom is there from the
beginning. We also discuss the four foundations of mindfulness as they
were taught by Chogyam Trungpa, and the differences between emphasizing
naturalness and training on the spiritual path. We wrap up by
exploring how cultural anthropology and the study of religion fit in
with being a practitioner of the dharma. And since Gaylon has done and
taught all three, he has a distinctly interdisciplinary approach that
you'll probably find quite interesting.
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BG 125: Insights at the Edge
Author: Vince Horn
Mon, Jun 15, 2009
We're joined again by Tami Simon--founder of the
spiritual media company Sounds True and senior student of Vajrayana
teacher Reggie Ray. This week we ask her about her new podcast series,
Insights at the Edge, where she
has been interviewing many of the best spiritual teachers in the
world. Jokingly, Tami said that she wanted to name the show, "Grill
the Guru." Even though that was a joke, there is some truth in it, and she uses her opportunity with these different teachers to
ask them tough questions about their lives. We also ask her
about some of the people that have impacted her the most during her
decades of being around, and working with some of the brightest
spiritual teachers of our time. She shares stories from some of her
favorite luminaries, including Quaker teacher and activist Parker
Palmer, Julia Butterfly Hill, Adyashanti, and finally "the living now
gate," Eckhart Tolle. This is part 2 of a two-part series. Listen to part 1, You Will Get the Dharma You Need. 
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BG 124: You Will Get the Dharma You Need
Author: Vince Horn
Mon, Jun 08, 2009
In this episode we speak with Tami Simon--founder of the
spiritual media company Sounds True and senior student of Vajrayana
teacher Reggie Ray. Tami shares us with us the intimate details of her
initial meeting with Reggie, and the amazing results that followed.
She also describes what she has learned from beginning to teach the
dharma to others, while also making a vow to only teach that which she truly
knows. This is part 1 of a two-part series. Listen to part 2, Insights at the Edge. 
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BG 123: Dharma Music Can Sound Like Anything
Author: Vince Horn
Mon, Jun 01, 2009
This week we speak to the Buddhist-inspired musician
Ravenna Michalsen. She explains why dharma music need not sound the
way we think it should (think monks chanting in Asian in a cave).
Instead, Ravenna's music crosses musical genres and stretches our
notion of what dharma music is. We also discuss the life and teachings
of Machig Labdron, one of Tibet's most famous female masters and the
inventor of the Chöd lineage of practice. At the end of the interview
we end with a song from Ravenna's album Dharma Song called "Ki Ki So So." 
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BG 122: The Evolution of the Mind and Life Dialogues
Author: Vince Horn
Mon, May 25, 2009
This week, Adam Engle, the business mastermind behind the Mind and Life Institute, joins us to discuss both the evolution of the project as well as its larger impact. The first Mind and Life Dialogue was held in Dharamsala, India in 1987 with His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Since then, Adam says, it has done more than any other organization to help "legitimatize the scientific study of meditation." Listen in to hear more about how they've gone about creating an active collaboration between scientists and contemplatives, and what kind of fruit that collaboration has borne.
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BG 121: The Great Work of Western Magick
Author: Vince Horn
Mon, May 18, 2009
Alan Chapman is a Western magick practitioner, and the author of the newly released book, Advanced Magick for Beginners.
Alan found his way into the field of Chaos magick through the work of Aleister Crowley and since has worked with a powerful technique called
"the Holy Guardian Angel," which very much like the guru yoga techniques
of the Vajrayana schools, allows one to surrender to an external guide
on the path to enlightenment. Alan shares with us the details
of the Western occult tradition, including its core purpose of enlightenment, which he
calls "the great work" of magick. He also connects some of the
spiritual practices of magick with the Buddhist maps and models.
Finally, he shares with us some of the details of a project he has
recently launched called Open Enlightenment, whose purpose is to
promote a transparent and open discussion surrounding the nature of
enlightenment throughout the world's mystical traditions.
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BG 120: The Mystery of the Mind: Ten Zen Questions
Author: Vince Horn
Mon, May 11, 2009
Dr. Susan Blackmore--a psychologist and long-time Zen
practitioner--shares with us the discoveries that she made while
writing her latest book, Ten Zen Questions. Listen in to find
out what she discovered after many, many hours of asking questions,
such as: "Am I conscious now?", "What was I conscious of a moment
ago?", & "There is no time. What is memory?" Also,
listen in to hear how she feels this type of exploration, often called
Koan training in the Zen Buddhist tradition, can illuminate and inform
the traditional scientific study of consciousness.
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BG 119: The Dharma Overground
Author: Vince Horn
Mon, May 04, 2009
Daniel Ingram, Theravada meditation teacher, joins us
today to discuss the online community he and Buddhist Geeks host, Vince
Horn helped create, The Dharma Overground. Daniel shares how the Dharma
Overground has been a grand experiment in discussing practical,
down-to-earth, and empowering dharma out in the open and the results of
that experiment thus far. This is part 2 of a two-part series. Listen to part 1, An Unusually Hardcore Dharma Book. 
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BG 118: An Unusually Hardcore Dharma Book
Author: Vince Horn
Mon, Apr 27, 2009
Daniel Ingram, a Theravada meditation teacher and one of
our most popular guests, joins us again to discuss his recently
published book, Mastering the Core Teachings of the Buddha. In
discussing the book we dive into some of the more foundation
distinctions he makes, including that of the three trainings. Daniel
claims that the trainings in morality (or ethics), concentration (or
meditation), and insight (or wisdom) are distinct trainings, each
having their own unique gold standard. He explores each of these gold
standards and pays particular attention to the gold standard of
insight, which has to do with seeing the three characteristics of
experience—impermanence, suffering, and not-self.
Listen in for some geeky, technical, and hard-hitting dharma from one
of today's little known, yet extremely profound, American dharma
teachers.
This is part 1 of a two-part series. Listen to part 2, The Dharma Overground. 
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BG 117: Western Buddhism: Megatrends & Scandals
Author: Vince Horn
Mon, Apr 20, 2009
Lama Sarah Harding, Tibetan translator and student of
the late Kalu Rinpoche, joins us again to discuss some of the major
trends in Western Buddhism. Having taught a class on "Buddhism in
America" for the past several years, Sarah is uniquely positioned to
share some key insights on this topic. We cap the conversation off
discussing the regular, and unfortunate, occurrence of scandal within
different Buddhist communities in the West, and what some of the major
causes seem to be. This is part 2 of a two-part series.
Listen to part 1, The Traditional 3-Year Retreat: Intensive Training
for a Nonexistent Job
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BG 116: The Traditional 3-Year Retreat: Intensive Training for a Nonexistent Job
Author: Vince Horn
Mon, Apr 13, 2009
Lama Sarah Harding, Tibetan translator and student of
the late Kalu Rinpoche, joins us to discuss the experience of doing a
traditional 3-year retreat in the Tibetan tradition. She was part of a
small group of people, who in the mid 70's did the first 3-year retreat
held for Westerners.
Listen in to find out more about the practices one does during the
traditional retreat, what the biggest challenges can be, and what the
benefits are (especially when compared with shorter periods of
practice). This is part 1 of a two-part series. Listen to part 2, Western Buddhism: Megatrends & Scandals.
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BG 115: The Buddha Didn't Have a Credit Card
Author: Vince Horn
Mon, Mar 30, 2009
Insight Meditation teacher, Diana Winston, joins us to
discuss an extremely relevant topic: Buddhism & Money. We explore
whether or not spirituality and money are incompatible (as they are
often seen) and if not how they might go together. Diana
shares with us some of the original, though not so well known,
teachings that the historical Buddha gave on money. She also discusses
why both Buddhist teachers and practitioners should work with money and
become familiar with it, and reconts her own journey with spiritual
practice and money and how she has been able to bring the two
together. 
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BG 114: Different Types of Jhana: Sutta, Vishudimagga, & Vipassana
Author: Vince Horn
Mon, Mar 23, 2009
We continue our discussion with insight meditation
teacher and author, Richard Shankman. In this episode we continue to
dissect the different kinds of samadhi and their respective
fruits--what in the Theravada tradition are called jhana (or
"meditative absorption"). According to Shankman there are two ways of
approaching the attainment of jhana, one as was taught in the original
canonical texts of the Theravada, the Pali Suttas, and the other from
the later commentaries on the Buddha's teachings, the Vishudimagga.
As a result we get two different forms of jhana--one called Sutta jhana
and the other called Vishudimagga jhana. This two-fold understanding, though
geeky, shines light on the different methods of practicing both samadhi
and vipassana meditation and offers a unitary model for understanding
the two together. We also briefly touch on a term called
"vipassana jhana," which is used by notable Burmese and American
insight meditation teachers, and relate the development of insight (via
vipassana) to these two jhana systems. For those folks who have
experience practicing or studying in the Theravada tradition you will
likely find your understanding of the tradition deeply enriched. For
those in other traditions you will almost certainly find this an
interesting glimpse into the detailed intricacies of a one of the
oldest Buddhist traditions of meditation. This is part 2 of a two-part series. Listen to part 1, The Power of Samadhi.
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BG 113: The Power of Samadhi
Author: Vince Horn
Mon, Mar 16, 2009
Richard Shankman--a teacher in the insight meditation tradition and the author of the recently released book The Experience of Samadhi--joins us to discuss the various teachings and approaches to what in the Theravada tradition is called samadhi or concentration meditation. During this episode Richard shares some of his personal background with samadhi practice and also explains two different forms of deep samadhi, called jhana
in the Theravada tradition--one from the time of the Buddha as captured
by the Pali Suttas and another which arouse hundreds of years later and
which is captured in the authoritative text, the Visuddhimagga.
Listen in to find out about these different forms of deep concentration
and absorption, which are a hallmark of the Theravada tradition of
Buddhism... This is part 1 of a two-part series. Listen to part 2, Different Types of Jhana: Sutta, Vishudimagga, & Vipassana.
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BG 112: Vajrayana in Plain English
Author: Vince Horn
Mon, Mar 09, 2009
In this episode, we continue our dialogue with Shingon
teacher Hokai Sobol. We begin our conversation by dropping a difficult
question on Hokai, asking him how the Vajrayana traditions (both the
Japanese and Tibetan) can maintain relevance in our post-modern and
rapidly changing world. He suggests that we must develop a "Vajrayana
in Plain English," one that is germane to the particularities of this
time and space. And as the 1st generation of Buddhist
teachers and leaders near retirement-age, now is the only time that we
have to do so. Listen in to hear his take on making the Vajrayana not
only more relevant, but on it becoming a pioneering force and cultural
leader in today's world. This includes the way that Buddhist
teachings, practice, & even creative expressions are presented. It
includes nothing less than a bold transformation of the tradition.
This is part 2 of a two-part series. Listen to part 1, Japanese Shingon: The True Word School.
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BG 111: Japanese Shingon: The True Word School
Author: Vince Horn
Mon, Mar 02, 2009
In this episode we are joined by one of our favorite
Buddhist Geeks, Hokai Sobol. Hokai who is a teacher in the Shingon
Buddhist tradition--a form of Vajrayana found in Japan--joins us today
to speak about the Shingon school. Hokai shares with us a brief
history of Shingon tradition and its main teacher Kukai, the artistic
dimension of Shingon, and also begins to explain the basic teachings
and practices of the lineage. Similar to the Tibetan
Vajrayana approaches Shingon harnesses things like mudras (gestures),
mantras (sounds), and mandalas (visualizations)--which lines up with
the three-fold Body, Speech, & Mind. Speaking about mantras
specifically Hokai brings us through the three distinct dimensions of
mantra practices and shows us how we can understand and practice with
the basic mantra of "om"-"ah"-"hum."This is part 1 of a two-part series. Listen to part 2, Vajrayana in Plain English.
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BG 110: Embodied Zen
Author: Vince Horn
Mon, Feb 23, 2009
"Meditation is the royal road to the unconscious." - Carl JungGerry
Shishen Wick, Roshi joins us today to finish the discussion on koan
training, Rinzai and Soto Zen, and on a method of training he uses to
help people deal with certain psychological issues--called the Great
Heart Way. He sees all of these methods as leading toward a more
genuine and embodied Zen. This is part 2 of a two-part
series. Listen to part 1, Koan Training and the Different Styles of
Zen.
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BG 109: Koan Training and the Different Styles of Zen
Author: Vince Horn
Mon, Feb 16, 2009
Gerry Shishen Wick, Roshi is a dual-lineage holder of
both the Soto and Rinzai schools of Zen. His teacher Maezumi Roshi
passed along both lineages, and so we take this unique opportunity to
ask Roshi to compare these two different approaches. He talks about shikantaza (Just Sitting) and also about koan practice--sometimes referred to as logical paradoxes. He
explains that the koan system includes many different kinds of koans,
each with different purposes. Some are meant to reveal the oneness of
reality, while others are point to the multiplicity within that
oneness. He also discusses the difference between "live words" and
"dead words," and why that distinction is so important in the practice
of Koan training.This is part 1 of a two-part series. Listen to part 2, Embodied Zen. 
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BG 108: Joseph Goldstein on The Science of Insight
Author: Vince Horn
Mon, Feb 09, 2009
Joseph Goldstein--one of the primary figures
in the development of the Insight Meditation movement--finishes up his
conversation with us by sharing his perspective on the recent
cross-pollunation of the Buddhist meditation with scientific
investigation. He shares some of the recent studies that he has
contributed to--including an in-depth study at the Insight Meditation
Society--and also discusses a few research possibilities that he has
recommended to scientists. Finally he shares an interesting idea he
had for creating a "virtual bardo machine." This is part 2 of a two-part series. Listen to part 1, Joseph Goldstein on the Benefits of Long Term Practice.
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BG 107: Joseph Goldstein on the Benefits of Long Term Practice
Author: Vince Horn
Mon, Feb 02, 2009
Joseph Goldstein--one of the primary figures
in the development of the Insight Meditation movement--joins us today
to discuss the unique benefits of long-term practice. He touches in on
the need the train the mind, and hence the need for long periods of
dedicated training. He also shares some of the background and vision
behind the long-term retreat facility that he helped start called the
Forest Refuge--a place where people can come and do long, self-guided
retreat practice.Finally, we touch in on the future of the
insight meditation tradition, and really the development of Western
Buddhism in general. This is part 1 of a two-part series. Listen to part 2, Joseph Goldstein on the Science of Insight.
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BG 106: Tibetan Buddhist Lineage in the West
Author: Vince Horn
Mon, Jan 26, 2009
Reginald Ray, Tibetan Buddhist scholar and
teacher, is backhitw us this week to discuss some pretty big topics.
We explore the break that he made, several years ago with the Shambhala
tradition, and the larger implications of becoming a Western teacher in
the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. Connected with that we explore the
whole issue of Westerners not being regularly empowered to be teachers,
and several of the factors involved in that dynamic. We also touch on
whether or not Westeners make the best practitioners, and what seems to
keep them from going deep. This is part 2 of a two-part series. Listen to part 1, The Forest Dwelling Yogi.
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BG 105: The Forest Dwelling Yogi
Author: Vince Horn
Tue, Jan 20, 2009
"Enlightenment is found in the Body and nowhere else." - famous Dzogchen sayingWe're
joined in this interview by Reginald Ray--author of numerous books on
Tibetan Buddhism and teacher in the lineage of Chogyam Trungpa
Rinpoche. In this episode we discuss the forest dwelling meditator, a
category of practitioner outside of the normal lay / monastic
dichotomy. In particular we look at the role that retreat--both group
and solitary--plays for the type of practitioner that does intensive
retreat but is not a full-time practitioner. We also discuss Reggie's
teaching emphasis on the shamanic aspect of Vajrayana Buddhism,
particulary the role that the body plays in awakening.This is part 1 of a two-part series. Listen to part 2, Tibetan Buddhist Lineage in the West.
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BG 104: Enlightenment for the Rest of Us
Author: Vince Horn
Mon, Jan 12, 2009
Shinzen Young joins us again to discuss the
possibility of a new way to deliver classical enlightenment to the
masses. He discusses the classic delivery systems, which included
monastic and lay life. He then builds on that to show a hybrid
two-fold delivery system that would incorporate his artificial
intelligence system with virtually led home retreats. This Home Practice Program is what is currently being offered at BasicMindfulness.org. Finally Shinzen discusses the "crowning glory" of his mission to unify Western and Eastern technologies, and that is to help nurture the emergence of a "neuro-scientific
paradigm for classical enlightenment." This paradigm could help lead
to the emergence of technologies which have the potential to bring
classical enlightenment to the masses and hence make large-scale social
and individual change. Though Shinzen doesn't think he'll see these
changes in his own lifetime, he does believe that he can do a lot to
help train the future scientists who will.This is part 3 of a 3-part series. Listen to part 1, Shinzen Young: The Hybrid Teacher & part 2, Building a Dharma Successor.
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BG 103: Building a Dharma Successor
Author: Vince Horn
Mon, Jan 05, 2009
Shinzen Young, professional meditation
instructor and geek-extraordinaire, continues his discussion with us on
the unique approach he has taken to combining the best of the
scientific approach with the best of the contemplative modalities of
the East. The result of this combination appears to be a delivery
system for enlightenment that uses an interactive and algorithmic
approach to guiding a student in their practice. In short, instead of
appointing a human dharma successor, he is trying to build one.Listen
in to find out more about this artificial intelligence system, which he
refers to as "virtual Shinzen," and how it might revolutionize the way
that dharma teaching is done!This is part 2 of a 3-part series. Listen to part 1, Shinzen Young: The Hybrid Teacher & part 3, Enlightenment for the Rest of Us.
Download File - 9.7 MB
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BG 102: Shinzen Young: The Hybrid Teacher
Author: Vince Horn
Mon, Dec 29, 2008
Shinzen Young, professional meditation
instructor and geek-extraordinaire, joins us today to share his unique
journey as a contemplative. From discontinuing his PhD studies to
become a full-time shingon practitioner to taking up Japanese Zen and
finally discovering the mindfulness practices originating from
Theravada Buddhism, Shinzen has gone deep with several contemplative
techniques. In addition to his training in the contemplative
traditions of the East, Shinzen took time to train himself to become a
relatively qualified mathematician and scientist so that he could one
day be poised to bring together the best of the East (contemplative
practice) with the best of the West (the scientific method). The
hybrid of which, he thinks will yield a comletely unique fusion.
Listen in to hear more from this incredibly gifted and incredibly geeky
meditation teacher.This is part 1 of a 3-part series. Listen to part 2, Building a Dharma Successor.
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BG 101: Hollow Bones Zen
Author: Vince Horn
Mon, Dec 22, 2008
Jun Po Roshi, an American Zen Master in the Rinzai Zen
tradition, joins us again this week to discuss the limitations of
Japanese Zen as it enters contemporary American culture. He also
shares the way that his Hallow Bones Zen community has re-organized the
core teachings of the Buddha in their five training elements:1. Sacred stewardship2. Philosophical re-indoctrination3. Emotional maturity & integrity4. Conscious embodiment5. Genuine insightThese five training elements are a re-working and
re-presentation of the original 8-fold path, but one that was designed
specifically for our time and place. This is part 2 of a two-part series. Listen to part 1, Psychotropics and NeuroLinguistic Zen.
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BG 100: Psychotropics and NeuroLinguistic Zen
Author: Vince Horn
Mon, Dec 15, 2008
Jun Po Roshi, an American Zen Master in the Rinzai Zen
tradition, joins us to discuss his fascinating history with
psychotropic drugs, including a form of LSD, called Clear Light, that he helped to create and distribute a long time ago.We
also speak with him about his new form of Koan practice that uses
NeuroLinguistic Programming (NLP) techniques to help anchor spiritual
realization in one's linguistic structures. This is part 1 of a two-part series. Listen to part 2, Hollow Bones Zen.
Download File - 9.9 MB
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BG 099: The Zen Tree Fort in the Sky
Author: Vince Horn
Mon, Dec 08, 2008
Ken Wilber coined the terms "ascending" and "descending" to describe two possible orientations to spiritual practice.
The ascending path has to do with transcending the world, leaving
samsara behind, and fusing with the infinite. The descending path has
to do with finding spirit in the world--in the midst of everyday life.
Both approaches are important, and both have been clearly highlighted
in Stuart Davis's journey as a Zen practitioner. Listen in to
hear Davis's radical flip-flop between these two approaches. Where
Davis once found himself sitting up in his "Zen tree fort in the sky" he
now finds that "the mystery" is most intimately connected with being a
father & husband. Lastly, Davis shares with us a very strange and
powerful connection he has with crows (yes, the animals), who apparently are an important
symbol in the Zen tradition. This is part 2 of a two-part series. Listen to part 1, Stuart Davis: Bodhisattva Rocker.
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BG 098: Stuart Davis: Bodhisattva Rocker
Author: Vince Horn
Mon, Dec 01, 2008
This week we're joined by prolific musician, artist,
writer, & comic Stuart Davis. Davis, a long-time Zen practitioner,
shares with us his background as a creative and the resulting unique
understanding that he has of the Bodhisattva's path. Specifically, we discuss his current creative projects, including a
language called IS that he is in the process of developing & and a
spiritual talk-show that he's hosting entitled Sex, God & Rock 'n
Roll.
We also cover the topic of re-incarnation, and the spiritual tutelage
he has received from his wife Marci. We hope you enjoy this interview
with one of the most creative, absurd, and hilarious Zen-artists we
know! This is part 1 of a two-part series. Listen to part 2, The Zen Tree Fort in the Sky.
Download File - 11.5 MB
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BG 097: The Dhamma Brothers: Vipassana Meditation in Prison
Author: Vince Horn
Mon, Nov 24, 2008
We are joined this week by Jenny Phillips, Director and Producer of the newly released documentary, The Dhamma Brothers. The Dhamma Brothers
gives an in-depth look at how a trial program of vipassana meditation
courses radically transforms the lives of inmates in a the
maximum-security prison facility in Alabama. In our interview
with Jenny we explore the story behind the film, her intentions for
creating it, and the potential ramifications of introducing these
powerful meditation practices into an environment where genuine
positive transformation is almost unheard of. Put another way we
discuss what happens when "East meets West, in the Deep South." To find out more about the movie and to watch the trailor please visit: www.dhammabrothers.com.
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BG 096: The Particularities of Awakening
Author: Vince Horn
Mon, Nov 17, 2008
The Geeks of the Round Table are back, continuing our
discussion of Judy Lief's article Glimpses of Awakening. We speculate
on the language and culture surrounding enlightenment both here in the
West and in various countries in the East--including Japan, Burma, and
Thailand. We also speculate on how likely it is that people can have
initial breakthroughs in their practice (the first glimpses of
enlightenment) and how useful it would be to have an empirical,
longitudinal study that tracked these kind of breakthroughs. And if
you make it all the way to the end of this dialogue you'll hear
something that has a %99 chance of getting you enlightened, right there
on the spot. :::wink, wink:::This is part 2 of a two-part series. Listen to part 1, The Buzz Lightyear Model of Enlightenment: To Infinity and Beyond.
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BG 095: The Buzz Lightyear Model of Enlightenment: To Infinity and Beyond
Author: Vince Horn
Tue, Nov 11, 2008
In this episode we bring back the Geeks of the Round
Table segment. Joining us is one of our regulars Duff McDuffee, and a
new geek to the lineup, Mike LaTorra. Mike is the resident teacher of
the Soto Zen Center in Las Cruces, New Mexico.
During this conversation we discuss an article written by Shambhala
Acharaya Judy Lief entitled, Glimpses of Awakening. We discuss the
ideals surrounding awakening, and use the classic three trainings model
(of ethics, concentration, & wisdom) to explore what enlightenment
is about. This is part 1 of a two-part series. Listen to part 2, The Particularities of Awakening.
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BG 094: Horizontal and Vertical Enlightenment
Author: Vince Horn
Mon, Oct 27, 2008
Philosopher
and long-time Buddhist practitioner, Ken
Wilber, continues his discussion of the meditative terrain and of his
spiritual philosophy in general. He finishes off his discussion of the
meditative maps with an exploration of what it actual takes--both in
terms of time and effort--to master these various stages of
consciousness. He
also explains the difference between what he is now calling "horizontal
enlightenment" (which is basically everything we've explored up to this
point) and "vertical enlightenment" which encompasses other areas of
human development that can't been developed while on the cushion.
According to him the traditional notion of Buddhist enlightenment isn't
he be-all-end-all of human development. Finally,
if you're interested in learning more about Ken's most recent work, and
how it's being applied in the world visit the newly launched site,
www.IntegralLife.com This
is part 2 of a two-part series. Listen to part 1, The Meditative Maps:
Happy Mornings and Dark Nights.
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BG 093: The Meditative Maps: Happy Mornings and Dark Nights
Author: Vince Horn
Mon, Oct 20, 2008
Philosopher and long-time Buddhist practitioner, Ken Wilber, shares with us a 10,000 foot view of the terrain of meditative experience. He describes several of the most common Buddhist maps and their progression, including the one presented in the Visuddhimagga (one of the most prevalent in the Theravada tradition), the 10 ox herding pictures in the Zen tradition, and the Anuttara Tantra from the Tibetan tradition.
He also gives an overview of the very difficult stages of practice called the Dark Nights. These are periods where after being plunged into a whole new experience of reality we have it stripped from us and feel like we have lost what was once discovered. Another meaning of the dark night has to do with dis-identifying with previous levels of consciousness, and the difficult journey of releasing our grasping and addiction to these lower levels.
This is part 1 of a two-part series. Listen to part 2, Horizontal and Vertical Enlightenment.
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BG 092: Buddhist Studies in the West
Author: Vince Horn
Mon, Oct 13, 2008
Dr. Jeffrey Hopkins, one of the most important figure in the development of Tibetan Buddhist Studies in the United States, joins us to discuss the importance of academic studies. We explore what Buddhist studies are like in the West, the relationship between being a scholar and practitioner, and the broader role that Buddhist academia plays in Western Buddhism.
This is part 2 of a two-part series Listen to part 1, The Practice Adventures of Dr. Jeffrey Hopkins.
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BG 091: The Practice Adventures of Dr. Jeffrey Hopkins
Author: Vince Horn
Mon, Oct 06, 2008
Today we speak with Dr. Jeffrey Hopkins, Professor Emeritus of Tibetan & Buddhist Studies at University of Virgina. Dr. Hopkins is a prolific translator--with 40 books translated in his career--and a committed meditation practitioner.
In this episode we ask him to share some of the details of his early practice. He shares with us his experience doing sky meditations and dark retreats, all of which he did before being exposed to Tibetan Buddhism. He also shares some of the details of his meeting the Dalai Lama and working with him on translating some of his books to English, as well as being his translator.
This is part 1 of a two-part series. Listen to part 2, Buddhist Studies in the West.
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BG 090: The Logistics of Being a Bodhisattva
Author: Vince Horn
Mon, Sep 29, 2008
Join us as we finish up our dialogue with Venerable Robina Courtin, the highly energetic Tibetan Nun, who some refer to as a "Dharma CEO". In this episode she continues to share the specific logistics behind her approach to balancing wisdom and compassion in today's world.
This is part 2 of a two-part series. Listen to part 1, Venerable Robina Courtin: Bodhisattva CEO.
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BG 089: Venerable Robina Courtin: Bodhisattva CEO
Author: Vince Horn
Mon, Sep 22, 2008
Join us this week as we converse with one of the most energetic and high-powered Nuns that we know, Venerable Robina Courtin. A long-time Nun in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, Robina shares with us the importance of approaching work in the world, from the "Bodhisattva perspective" while also maintaining a firm grounding in emptiness.
Listen in to find out more about the work that Robina does, and more importantly, how she approaches her work.
This is part 1 of a two-part series. Listen to part 2, The Logistics of Being a Bodhisattva.
Download File - 10.1 MB
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BG 088: Technology Makes our Delusion More Functional
Author: Vince Horn
Mon, Sep 15, 2008
We're joined again by CEO and Founder of Twine.com, and long-time Dzogchen practitioner, Nova Spivack. In this episode we discuss the short-comings of the Western traditions understanding and pursuit of consciousness, especially with regards to finding an ultimate particle in physics. We also explore the strengths and limitations of technology to aid in the process of awakening.
This is part 2 of a two-part series. Listen to part 1, Does the Web have Buddha Nature?
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BG 087: Does the Web have Buddha Nature?
Author: Vince Horn
Mon, Sep 08, 2008
This week we are joined by CEO and Founder of Twine.com and long-time Dzogchen practitioner Nova Spivack. Nova has been a student of many of the world's most well-known Rinpoches while simultaneously being one of the first pioneering entrepreneurs on the web.
In this episode Nova shares with us his background as a Buddhist practitioner and launches into a discussion on the intersection between Buddhist practice, artificial intelligence, cognitive science, and the future of the world wide web. He shares a unique perspective on the evolution of the web and tackles the question of whether or not the web will ever become sentient.
This is part 1 of a two-part series. Listen part 2, Technology Makes our Delusion More Functional.
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BG 086: How Did Descartes Die?
Author: Vince Horn
Mon, Sep 01, 2008
Join us this week as we speak with Dr. Peter Grossenbacher, director of the Consciousness Laboratory at Naropa University, about the difference between Eastern and Western modes of inquiry, sensory awareness practice, and of the importance of contemplative education.
Peter ties together the Eastern and Western schools of thought by pointing out that they are both loosely interested in the empirical, or what is observable. He also explains the sensory awareness practice that he guides students through, and in our first guided practice here on Buddhist Geeks, leads us through a few minutes of sensory awareness practice. We finish our discussion with Peter touching briefly on the role of "contemplative education," or in an education that is attempting to bring together conceptual and non-conceptual modes of learning.
This is part 2 of a two-part series. Listen to Part 1, The Consciousness Laboratory.
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BG 085: The Consciousness Laboratory
Author: Vince Horn
Mon, Aug 25, 2008
Join us this week as we speak with Dr. Peter Grossenbacher, director of the Consciousness Laboratory at Naropa University, about his research on meditation and contemplative spirituality.
Along with finding out about the specific work that Dr. Grossenbacher is engaged in in the Consciousness Lab, listen in as we ask we ask such questions as: Can awareness be defined through empirical methods? And if so, what methods might those be? And finally, can the emphasis on objectivity found in much of mainstream science be applied to subjective research?
This is part 1 of a two-part series. Listen to part 2 How Did Descartes Die?.
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BG 084: Dream Practices: Comparing Dream Yoga and Lucid Dreaming
Author: Vince Horn
Mon, Aug 18, 2008
B. Alan Wallace joins to us to compare and contrast two fantastic dream practices. One comes from the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, going all the way back to India, with the yogi Naropa. This practice, called Dream Yoga, is a type of insight practice which utilizes the dream state in order to wake up. The other practice, called Lucid Dreaming, comes out of the pioneering research of Dr. Stephen LaBerge. Lucid dreaming breaks down the same goals that Dream Yoga aspires to, but into smaller and more attainable goals. It is also firmly grounded in the scientific method.
Listen in to hear Dr. Wallace, who is authorized to teach both of these methods, discuss the similarities and differences in these two different approaches.
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BG 083: The Yogas of Dream and Sleep
Author: Vince Horn
Mon, Aug 11, 2008
Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche, an esteemed teacher in the Bon Buddhist tradition of Tibet, joins us again to continue describing the importance of dream yoga as part of the larger system of the 6 yogas of Naropa.
Rinpoche guides us through the three different kinds of dreams that we can have, including samsaric dreams, dreams of clarity, and clear light dreams. He also discusses the importance of dream practice, for those that have a naturally tendency toward being active in their dreams, comments on the methodology of lucid dreaming, that Western dream research Stephen LaBerge has created, and explains the importance of dream yoga in relationship to the process of death and the bardo.
This is part 2 of a two-part series. Listen to part 1, Sleep as a Spiritual Journey.
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BG 082: Sleep as a Spiritual Journey
Author: Vince Horn
Mon, Aug 04, 2008
“Look to your experience in dreams to know how you will fare in death. Look to your experience of sleep to discover whether or not you are truly awake." - Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche
Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche, an esteemed teacher in the Bon Buddhist tradition of Tibet, joins us to discuss the importance of sleep in relation to the spiritual path. Since we spend nearly a third of our lives asleep, the focus on sleep and dream practice becomes of utmost important for those practitioners that want to make the best of the time they have.
Listen in to find out more about the Bon tradition, the dissolution of the sense of self during sleep, and the way that dream practices can contribute to greater awareness during both sleep and death.
This is part 1 of a two-part series. Listen to part 2, The Yogas of Dream and Sleep.
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BG 081: The Inevitable Tension: Going Deep vs. Spreading Wide
Author: Vince Horn
Mon, Jul 28, 2008
Melvin McLeod, Editor-in-Chief of the Shambhala Sun and Buddhadharma magazines, concludes his conversation with us, this time discussing the inevitable tensions that arise in Buddhist media. These tensions center primarily around going deep vs. spreading wide. Listen in to hear how these magazines find the middle ground between condemning Buddhism to the irrelevant on the one hand (too much depth) and selling out on the other (too much breadth).
Also at the end Melvin shares the specific ways that their publications are looking to integrate new media technologies into their projects. Exciting times!
This is part 2 of a two-part series. Listen to part 1, Peering Under the Hood of Buddhist Media.
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BG 080: Peering Under the Hood of Buddhist Media
Author: Vince Horn
Mon, Jul 21, 2008
"Buddhism offers the most profound critique or criticism of life imaginable in it's analysis of the role of ego, and of the nature of samsara, as well as in its basic doctrine of emptiness. There could hardly be a more profound critique of life then to say that neither your nor it exists." - Melvin McLeod
Melvin McLeod, Editor-in-Chief of the Shambhala Sun and Buddhadharma magazines, joins us to share his perspective on the differences and similarities that Buddhist media sources have with more traditional media. Listen in to find out more about the philosophical underpinnings of a publication that has at it's heart a commitment to the teachings of non-ego.
This is part 1 of a two-part series. Listen to part 2, The Inevitable Tension: Going Deep vs. Spreading Wide.
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BG 079: Existential Threats and Risks: We Can't Escape Impermanence!
Author: Vince Horn
Mon, Jul 14, 2008
"At any moment the Yellowstone caldera could blow up, wipe out %99 of the life on the surface of the planet, and probably all humans, and in our last minutes the degree of equanimity with which we face that prospect is the test of our dharmic fortitude and wisdom." - James Hughes
In our final episode with professor James Hughes we tackle the less rosy side of Transhumanism, which has to do with massive existential threats and risks. Though there are many natural risks that could threaten humanity as a whole, including large asteriod collisions, gamma bursts, and super volcanoes, the Transhumanist recognize a whole host of other ways that we could threaten ourselves with advanced technologies.
In addition to discussing these threats and all of the possible side traps on the way toward a more techno-utopian future, James ties these together with our understanding of the dharma. He argues that even in a techno-utopian future (assuming we make it), we will still have to deal with annica—the ever changing flow of reality.
This is part 3 of a three-part series. Listen to part 1, Transhumanism and the Authentic Self and part 2, Cyborg Buddhas & Techno-Utopian Pure Lands!
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BG 078: Cyborg Buddhas & Techno-Utopian Pure Lands!
Author: Vince Horn
Mon, Jul 07, 2008
With radical advances in science in technology would it be possible for us to turn our world into a so-called, "Buddha Realm" or would it be more likely that we create some sort of God Realm, where awakening is discouraged because the conditions are so radically pleasant? And how specifically could these advances help us develop spiritually, on the path toward Buddhahood?
This week, we discuss this and other questions with professor James Hughes, author of the upcoming book Cyborg Buddha. If you want to have your views regarding technology and it's relation to the Buddhist path challenged, please listen in!
This is part 2 of a three-part series. Listen to part 1, Transhumanism and the Authentic Self and part 3, Existential Threats and Risks: We Can't Escape Impermanence!
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BG 077: Transhumanism and the Authentic Self
Author: Vince Horn
Mon, Jun 30, 2008
"The longer our lives, the more we'll have a chance to see that there's no self living them." - James Hughes
What is Transhumanism and how is it related to Buddhist practice? Will technology enable us to radically extend our lifespans, help us control our thoughts and emotions, and bring about the potential to upload our consciousness into virtual reality spaces? And if so, what are the deeper implications for our contemplative traditions. Will these advances actually support the deepening of wisdom? According to professor James Hughes, a Buddhist practitioner and leading voice in the Transhumanist movement, these advances will enable us to deconstruct the notion and experience we have of an "authentic self" and will support the development of happiness, and the cessation of suffering. Listen in to find out how...
This is part 1 of a three-part series. Listen to part 2, Cyborg Buddhas & Techno-Utopian Pure Lands! and part 3, Existential Threats and Risks: We Can't Escape Impermanence!
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BG 076: Rebirth and Suffering: How Important Are They?
Author: Vince Horn
Mon, Jun 23, 2008
"I do not believe in an after life, although I am bringing a change of underwear." - Woody Allen
The Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche joins us again, this time to discuss the importance of the teachings of rebirth in the Western context. He also gives many detailed suggestions on how to work with suffering in practice, especially when your awareness of it becomes more acute--a common occurrence in practice. We finish off this fantastic dialogue with Rinpoche hearing his thoughts on transplanting Buddhism to the west to form a genuine form of western buddhism.
This is part 3 of a three-part series. Listen to part 1, Analytical Meditation: Going Beyond Coffee Table Dharma and part 2, The Best Preparation for Dying Well is Living Well.
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BG 075: The Best Preparation for Dying Well is Living Well
Author: Vince Horn
Mon, Jun 16, 2008
The Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche is the only Rinpoche we know who owns and uses a Blackberry! Rinpoche shares with us the different ways that he has adopted modern technology into the work that he does and into his teaching style. We also speak with Rinpoche about his most recent book, which explores the Bardo teachings, Mind Beyond Death. Rinpoche explains to us that death, one of the greatest sources of suffering, gives us a palpable opportunity to live well. He also points out that in terms of the trained mind, both death and life are but two sides of the same coin. Both can bring about enlightenment.
This is part 2 of a three-part series. Listen to part 1, Analytical Meditation: Going Beyond Coffee Table Dharma
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BG 074: Analytical Meditation: Going Beyond Coffee Table Dharma
Author: Vince Horn
Mon, Jun 09, 2008
The Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche, one of the foremost teachers in the Nyingma and Kagyu schools of Tibetan Buddhism, joins us to discuss his efforts in creating a genuinely Western form of the traditional shedra tract of Buddhist learning. This traditional scholastic training system is being translated and slightly altered for Westerners so that they can learn the full system of monastic training. In this episode we spoke with Rinpoche about the ways that these systems are being altered for Westerners, how this in-depth training is different from "coffee table dharma", and how analytic meditation—using the mind to analyze the mind—actually works.
This is part 1 of a three-part series. Listen to part 2, The Best Preparation for Dying Well is Living Well.
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BG 073: The Darker Side of Zen: Institutions Defining Reality
Author: Vince Horn
Mon, Jun 02, 2008
"What the teacher really offers the student is literally living proof that all this talk and the seemingly impossible goals [of Zen] can be realized in this lifetime." - Baker Roshi in the Introduction to Zen Mind, Begineer's Mind
Stuart Lachs, who for many decades has studied Zen from within and from without, challenges the legitimacy and authority of the Zen Master by deconstructing the structures and invisible institutional systems that grant this authority to the Zen Master. Listen in to find out how Noam Chomsky's notion of "useful doctrinal fabrications" applies to Zen, how the story of an unbroken lineage of Zen masters going back to the Buddha himself is basically bogus, how all of the elements of Zen itself weave together to form a seamless web of nearly unquestionable power, and why it's so hard to leave these communities even if you want to.
This isn't to say that the practice of Zen isn't extremely powerful, and Stuart himself is a huge fan of the practices therein, but it is to say that many of us aren't aware of the ways that the institution itself defines reality for us.
This is part 2 of a two-part series. Listen to part 1, Zen Masters: Dressing the Donkey with Bells and Scarves.
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BG 072: Zen Masters: Dressing the Donkey with Bells and Scarves
Author: Vince Horn
Mon, May 26, 2008
Long-time American Zen practitioner Stuart Lachs has spent some 40 years practicing Zen. First with Suzuki Roshi at the Tassajara Monastery in California and then with Eido Shimano Roshi, Walter Nowick, and finally with Ch'an Master Sheng-yen. In all of these communities Stuart ran up against strange and unfortunate dynamics playing out between the Zen Master and their communities. After getting heavily involved with the academic and sociological study of Zen, Stuart began seeing some of the cultural (and invisible) reasons that these communities would falter, whether from sexual scandals, the intense vanity of the teacher, or worse.
In this episode he shares with us some of the ways that the legitimacy, authority & power of the Zen Master are spread through the Zen institution, and how these sometimes ridiculous ideals are accepted without questions from many intelligent, well-meaning, people. If you're a Buddhist practitioner of any sort, you won't want to miss this conversation!
This is part 1 of a two-part series. Listen to part 2, The Darker Side of Zen: Institutions Defining Reality.
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BG 071: Mind Like Space
Author: Vince Horn
Mon, May 19, 2008
Our conversation with Susan Piver continues this week as we wrap our discussion on the relationship between meditation and writing. We also also explore the role that intention plays in offering or marketing the dharma. Finally, we wrap up the conversation by touching in on personality theory and productivity. Find out which enneagram type the Buddha was, and why productivity systems can bring about more bliss than meditation, in one of our geekiest (and fun) conversations to date!
This is part 2 of a two-part series. Listen to part 1, Susan Piver: The Fearless Writer.
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BG 070: Susan Piver: The Fearless Writer
Author: Vince Horn
Mon, May 12, 2008
When Susan Piver's book, The Hard Questions, hit the top of the NY Times Bestsellers list (and stayed there) she decided that she needed to deepen her practice immediately. Listen in this week as speak with Susan about her journey as a popular author and Buddhist practitioner. And if you have an interest in writing, or the creative process, you won't want to miss out on her description of the "meditation for writers" retreats that she leads, where writers of all backgrounds are able to combine their interest in writing with the power of the retreat environment. Are creativity and meditation really all that different?
This is part 1 of a two-part series. Listen to part 2, Mind Like Space.
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BG 069: Every Generation Creates the Dharma Anew
Author: Vince Horn
Mon, Apr 28, 2008
The Round Table Geeks continue their exploration of Whitney Joiner's article, "Dive-bar Dharma". In a flurry of paradox, perspectives, humor, and exploration they tackle questions of integrating dharma into life, the Buddhist secular movements, contemplative practices in other traditions, and the historical and sociological dimensions of Dharma's spread to the West. We hope you enjoy this dynamic and fun conversation between fellow Buddhist geeks.
This is part 2 of a two-part series. Listen to part 1, Dive-bar Dharma: Making it Fresh or Sensationalizing it?.
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BG 068: Dive-bar Dharma: Making it Fresh or Sensationalizing it?
Author: Vince Horn
Mon, Apr 21, 2008
Join the Geeks of the Round Table as we discuss an article published on Salon.com entitled, Dive-bar Dharma. The geeks explore several questions, sparked by this article, including whether or not we should update ancient metaphors with more contemporary metaphors? Also of interest is how far teachers should go in adapting the teachings of the Buddha to the culture and counter-cultures that they teach within? How do we discover the fine between making the dharma more fresh and relevant and of sensationalizing it?
This is part 1 of a two-part series. Listen to part 2, Every Generation Creates the Dharma Anew.
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BG 067: Everything Arises in the Mind of the Yogi
Author: Vince Horn
Fri, Apr 11, 2008
Real creative expression, to me, is a process of discovery ... It's entering the mystery - Daido Roshi
John Daido Loori, Roshi continues his discussion with Robert Spellman on the intersection between contemporary art and contemplative awareness. The two teachers share revealing stories about their understanding of the importance of meditative awareness in the creative process, and of specific exercises that one can do to tap into deeper ways of seeing, participating, and merging with the creative process.
This is part 2 of a two-part series. Listen to part 1, Zen Mountain Monastery: Zen and the Arts.
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BG 066: Zen Mountain Monastery: Zen and the Arts
Author: Vince Horn
Fri, Apr 04, 2008
John Daido Loori, Roshi abbot of the Zen Mountain Monastery in NY and well-known Buddhist author, joins us to discuss the history and development of his teaching, especially with regards to the key role that Art plays in Zen practice. Naropa University teacher Robert Spellman joins us as guest host to ask Daido Roshi about the 8 gates of zen, Roshi's training with Minor White, the difference between Western and Eastern forms of art, how the wildness of nature relates to Buddha-Nature, and ethical issues of taking responsibility for one's state of mind and their art work.
This is part 1 of a two-part series. Listen to part 2, Everything Arises in the Mind of the Yogi.
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BG 065: The Three Faces of Spirit: Where is Awareness Locating Itself?
Author: Vince Horn
Thu, Mar 27, 2008
Where does awareness tend to locate itself? And how is this important in our experience and understanding of the Buddhist path of awakening? This week Diane Musho Hamilton—Zen sensei and Big Mind lineage holder—joins us again to discuss the importance of what Ken Wilber calls the three faces of spirit.
Using this powerful notion as a lens we explore questions about how and why lineage is passed down, the way that Buddhism adapts to new cultures and why it is particularly vulnerable to being destroyed, how cultural development impacts the tradition, issues surrounding the master-disciple relationship, and finally whether or not one can regulate the erotic impulse.
This is part 2 of a two-part series. Listen to part 1: Discover Yourself as a Perspective-Taking Being.
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BG 064: Discover Yourself as a Perspective-Taking Being
Author: Vince Horn
Thu, Mar 20, 2008
Diane Musho Hamilton, Zen sensei and Big Mind lineage holder, joins us to discuss her personal story on the path of awakening. From experiencing the death of several friends at a young age, to studying with Chogyam Trunpga in the mid-80s, to becoming the first lineage holder of a unique new spiritual process called Big Mind, join us as Diane shares the intimate details of her life as a seeker (and non-seeker).
In this dialogue we also touch in on the importance that the work of integral philosopher Ken Wilber has had on her teaching, especially with regards to what Wilber calls the three primordial perspectives. These three perspectives can be summarized by the pronouns, "I" (first-person), "we" (second-person), and "it" (third-person). Find out why these perspectives are so important to someone who is trying to bring together the spiritual quest with all of their other endeavors.
This is part 1 of a two-part series. Listen to Part 2, The Three Faces of Spirit: Where is Awareness Locating Itself?
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BG 063: Unwavering Samadhi: Meditative Achievement and Its Impact in the World
Author: Vince Horn
Fri, Mar 07, 2008
We continue our discussion with Buddhist teacher and author, B. Alan Wallace, on the impact of the recently completed Shamatha Project. Dr. Wallace shares the astounding levels of concentration that were achieved during the 3-month retreats he led and tells us more about the achievement of shamatha. Find out how deep the students on this retreat went, and why nearly %20 of them decided to continue on with intensive retreat practice after it was over!
Dr. Wallace also discusses the potential impact that a study of this magnitude could have on the scientific community as well as the culture-at-large. Questions that the study aimed to answer included, "Is it possible to train attention?" & "Does meditation have an effect on ethics?". While the answers may be obvious to meditators, having them scientifically validated could have a major impact on the fields of education, mental health, and psychology.
This is part 2 of a two-part series. Listen to Part 1: Reverberations from The Shamatha Project.
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BG 062: Reverberations from The Shamatha Project
Author: Vince Horn
Fri, Mar 07, 2008
B Alan Wallace, author of "The Attention Revolution" and "Embracing Mind", joins us to discuss the initial results from The Shamatha Project—one of the most extensive studies on the long-term benefits of meditation practice ever conducted. The terabytes of data that were collected during the course of the retreat-study included physiological and psychological measurements, thousands of entries from student journals, and the ongoing evaluations from Dr. Wallace as he interviewed with the students. Find out what his evaluations were, and how deeply the yogi's progressed over the course of their 3-month retreats.
Also listen is in to hear Dr. Wallace's perspective on the relationship between shamatha and vipassana, and whether deep states of shamatha are necessary pre-requisites for the advanced practices of insight found in the Buddhist tradition.
This is Part 1 of a two-part series. Listen to Part 2: Unwavering Samadhi: Meditative Achievement and Its Impact in the World.
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BG 061: Buddhist Magic: What is Possible with the Powers?
Author: Vince Horn
Thu, Feb 28, 2008
Have you ever considered what it would be like to cultivate, what in the Buddhist tradition are called the siddhis or magical powers? Buddhist magic is an endlessly fascinating topic, and in this episode we speak with Daniel Ingram, one of our favorite guests here on Buddhist Geeks, about the powers.
We cover their historical treatment by some of the major traditions, including the Zen, Tibetan, and Theravada. Daniel also gives us his first-hand experience having explored the powers, and considers the implications of doing public magic, and whether or not this kind of magic is "objectively real". We also discuss the ethical issues involved in using magic and issues of reproducibility.
Finally, we take a look at the ancient text, The Fruits of the Homeless Life, and explore what was said in that text about the powers, especially about the greatest power of all, the power of insight.
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BG 060: Geeks of the Round Table (tm)
Author: Vince Horn
Sat, Feb 23, 2008
The Geeks of the Round Table™ continue their discussion on the Big Mind process and the criticisms from Zen teacher Brad Warner, in his article Big Mind™ is a Big Load™ of Horse Shit (link goes to SuicideGirls, an alt porn site). The geeks focus on these criticisms which include charging for the dharma, the nature of an authentic transmission, trademarking Dharma practice, ethical issues with marketing the dharma, and issues of confusing personal psychology with transpersonal states and stages. Hold on to your seat and be prepared to be whisked into a world of geeky and fun banter between these young (and foolhardy) practitioners.
This is Part two of a two-part series. Listen to Part 1: McZen: A Double Satori with Cheese.
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BG 059: McZen: A Double Satori with Cheese
Author: Vince Horn
Sun, Feb 17, 2008
This is an experimental dialogue called Geeks of the Round Table. In this session we speak with two young Buddhist practitioners in a round-table format about Brad Warner's criticisms of the Big Mind process, in an article he wrote called, Big Mind™ is a Big Load™ of Horse Shit (link goes to SuicideGirls, an alt porn site). We are joined by a student of Genpo Roshi's as well as someone who has a more skeptical view of the Big Mind process.
This quick-paced dialogue covers a number of interesting topics including the difference between altered states and permanent traits, issues of marketing the Dharma, the nature of skillful means, transmission and practice, the important dialectic between tradition and innovation, and the recipe for a sensational new sandwich, the double satori with cheese.
This is part 1 of a two-part series. Listen to Part 2: Geeks of the Round Table™.
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BG 058: Crazy Wisdom Saves the Day!
Author: Vince Horn
Fri, Feb 08, 2008
Crazy Wisdom, a phrase coined by the late Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche, is used to describe uncommon, unique, and even wild ways of sharing wisdom. Wes Nisker, insight meditation teacher, shares with us his connection to the crazy wisdom teachers of the past, including such spiritual teachers as Jesus, Rumi, Kabir, and Benkei as well as philosophers, scientists, and artists from the Western tradition. We discuss the importance of crazy wisdom, especially with regards to it's ability to pave the way for new ways of thinking. Quoting Oscar Wilde, Wes explains that, "all great truths begin as blasphemy."
At the end of the talk we share an except from Wes Nisker's comic monologue album, with a track entitled Meeting the Buddha on the Road. With his own unique brand of Crazy Wisdom, Wes shares his initial exposure to the dharma and to the difficult, albeit funny, truth of how the mind works.
This is part 3 of a three-part series. Listen to Part 1: Atto, Zepto, and Yacto: The Buddhist Marx Brothers and Part 2: Science as the Western Wisdom Tradition.
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BG 057: Science as the Western Wisdom Tradition
Author: Vince Horn
Fri, Feb 01, 2008
"The true value of a human being is determined primarily by the measure and the sense in which he has attained to liberation from the self." - Einstein
One would think that the above quote would come from one of the East's great sages, but instead it comes from one of the last centuries most celebrated physicists. In this episode Wes Nisker shares with us his understanding of the similarities and differences amongst the Eastern and Western approaches to knowledge. He uses the human brain and it's two hemispheres as a metaphor for understanding these two different, and yet intimately related perspectives, and explores whether or not science is actually be a valid wisdom tradition.
We also discuss issues of intelligent design and evolution, as well as what it's like to look at the history of humanity through a "deep time" perspective. Enjoy this fast-paced and intellectually stimulating dialogue.
This is part 2 of a three-part series. Listen to Part 1: Atto, Zepto, and Yacto: The Buddhist Marx Brothers, and Part 3: Crazy Wisdom Saves the Day!
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BG 056: Insight Dialogue: Extending Meditation into Mutuality
Author: Vince Horn
Fri, Jan 25, 2008
What would it be like if we were able to extend the silence & clarity of the meditative mind into our relationships? Would this impact how we listen, what we say, and even how we perceive reality? Gregory Kramer, teacher of a unique interpersonal meditation called Insight Dialogue, claims that it does this and much more.
In this dialogue we find out about the specifics of the Insight Dialogue practice, covering each of the six steps of this practice (see below), as well as exploring what it's like to be on a retreat where both individual and interpersonal contemplation takes place.
The six steps of Insight Dialogue:
1. Pause
2. Relax
3. Open
4. Trust Emergence
5. Listen Deeply
6. Speak the Truth
This is Part 2 of a two-part series. Listen to Part 1, Interpersonal Meditation - Awakening as Relational Beings.
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BG 055: Atto, Zepto, and Yacto: The Buddhist Marx Brothers
Author: Vince Horn
Fri, Jan 18, 2008
We speak to insight meditation teacher and comedian Wes Nisker about humor, enlightenment, and the way that the scientific vision has impacted and informed the teachings of the Buddha. Quoting Wavy Gravy, Wes comments that, "If you don't have a sense of humor, it just isn't that funny."
Wes, who also has a passion for science, shares the Buddha's teachings on karma and impermanence and how those teachings relate to the current state of science. Find out how much happens in a yactosecond, and what science and the Buddhist teachings in karma have in common.
This is part 1 of a three-part series. Listen to Part 2: Science as the Western Wisdom Tradition & Part 3: Crazy Wisdom Saves the Day!
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BG 054: Interpersonal Meditation: Awakening as Relational Beings
Author: Vince Horn
Fri, Jan 11, 2008
Gregory Kramer, teacher of an interpersonal meditation practice called Insight Dialogue (and author of a book with the same title) joins us to explore the question of, "What is the path of awakening, when we realize that we are essentially relational beings?" We discuss his early path as a meditator and the later work that contributed to the co-creation of the dialogic meditation practice, insight dialogue.
We also delve into the interpersonal truths behind the 4 noble truths, especially as they relate to interpersonal suffering and hunger, and see how interpersonal meditation is one way to become free both personally and relationally.
This is Part 1 of a two-part series. Check out Part 2, Insight Dialogue: Extending Meditation into Mutuality to hear the rest of this dialouge.
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BG 053: Virtual Zen: Dropping Here and There
Author: Vince Horn
Tue, Dec 18, 2007
Jundo Cohen, student of Gudo Wafu Nishijima Roshi, and abbot of the almost completely virtual Treeleaf Zendo joined us to discuss his virtual sangha. Jundo formed the community to meet the needs of those people who were living in highly isolated situations, or were too sick or elderly to continue to sit with a local Sangha. Using technological tools such as Skype, U-Stream, and Operator 11 Jundo has found a way to do daily sittings, ceremonies, and even retreats online. Listen in and find out more about this ground-breaking endeavor.
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BG 052: The Spiritual Radical
Author: Vince Horn
Wed, Dec 12, 2007
We continue our discussion with spiritual teacher and dharma punk Noah Levine, and cover several more areas of interest, including the traditional Theravada ideal of enlightenment. We also discuss what it looks like to live as a Spiritual Rebel, Revolutionary, and finally a Spiritual Radical. Finally, Noah shares some of his thoughts on ways to engage environmental and political issues from a Buddhist perspective. Far from trying to escape samsara, Noah finds himself more and more interested in taking on the ideals of the Bodhisattva. We finish the dialogue asking Noah whether he thinks the Buddha was a boxers or briefs kind of guy. Be prepared to fall out of your chair (or cushion) in laughter when you hear his reply.
This is the 2nd part of a two-part series. Listen to Part 1: Being Human and Suffering Less Along the Way.
Download File - 7.1 MB
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BG 051: Becoming Whole: Lineage and Gender in American Buddhism
Author: Vince Horn
Wed, Dec 12, 2007
Finishing up our discussion with scholar-practitioner, and Shambhala Acharaya, Judith Simmer-Brown we explore two very important issues for Western Buddhists: lineage and gender. Judith shares her take on the importance of lineage for new teachers, explaining the role of an Acharaya, and discussing the need to connect strongly to the roots of the tradition. She also warns that if as Western Buddhists we aren't properly educated in our traditions we can't make intelligent adaptations, however important those adaptations might be.
We also discuss the role of gender in the West, acknowledging first and foremost that Western Buddhism has a very different relationship to gender then our Asian forefathers. A large percentage of Buddhist practitioners and teachers in the West are women, and as a result there have been interesting changes afoot.
This is part 2 of a two-part series. Listen to Part 1: The Scholar-Practitioner: Joining Theory and Practice
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BG 050: Being Human and Suffering Less Along the Way
Author: Vince Horn
Wed, Dec 12, 2007
Noah Levine, Buddhist teacher and dharma punk, shares the intimate details of his early lifestyle of punk rock, drugs, and jail and his climb out of a harmful way of living that was facilitated in part by meditation practice. For more details about his journey check out his spiritual memoir, Dharma Punx. He also shares with us his experience of becoming a Buddhist teacher under the tutelage of Jack Kornfield.
We go on to talk about Noah's most recent writing Against the Stream, and his unique way of expression the dharma. We also discuss the difference in how 1st generation & 2nd or 3rd generation teachers might express the Dharma in the West. He claims that there is a difference in emphasis, but that they are expressing the same fundamental teachings.
We finish our conversation discussing the ideas of karma and grace, and their inter-relation, as well as the true aim of the path, which for Noah is about "being human and suffering less along the way."
This is Part 1 of a two-part series. Listen to Part 2: The Spiritual Radical.
Download File - 9.2 MB
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BG 049: The Scholar-Practitioner: Joining Theory and Practice
Author: Vince Horn
Mon, Dec 03, 2007
Judith Simmer-Brown, a professor of Religious Studies at Naropa University and authorized teacher in the Shambhala tradition speaks with us about the coming together of theoretical study and meditation practice in the context of academia—what professor Charles Prebish calls the "scholar-practitioner". She shares with us the historical precedents for this movement in America, and how it is changing now.
When asked about the benefits of doing both study and practice together, Judith shares much of what she sees are the benefits of using a "contemplative pedagogy" (or contemplative education approach) in the classroom. She also relates the danger of not bringing these two forms of practice together, in that one could become either a "stupid practitioner" or "arrogant scholar" without the grounding of the opposite discipline.
We finish the conversation with Judith sharing some of resources she suggests for those people who want to deepen their theoretical understanding of the Buddhist tradition.
This is part 1 of a two-part series. Listen to Part 2: Becoming Whole: Lineage and Gender in American Buddhism.
Download File - 8.9 MB
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BG 048: Monasteries as the Conscience of Society
Author: Vince Horn
Sat, Dec 01, 2007
We continue our discussion with the Venerable Thubten Chodron, a long time Western Buddhist Nun, and founder of Sravasti Abbey in Washington State. In this dialogue she shares with us the vision behind Sravasti Abbey, discussing the benefits of living the monastic life and using community life as a means to continue to deepen practice. She also discusses the importance of monasteries in western culture, and maintains that monastics can serve as the conscience of the society, citing the recent events in Burma as an example. She also holds that monasteries are a place of hope and optimism, and that many people feel inspired and challenged by the monastic lifestyle. Before closing off the conversation she also touches on the importance of the dharma being offered freely to all people, especially with regards to gender. We hope you enjoy this conversation with one of the West's most beloved Tibetan Nuns.This is part 2 of a two-part series. Listen to part 1, Reformatting the Hard Disk of the Mind.
Download File - 18.1 MB
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BG 047: Marketing Mindfulness to the Youth
Author: Vince Horn
Wed, Nov 21, 2007
In the second half of our conversation with Buddhist teacher Diana Winston we go on to discuss the various ways that Buddhism and more secular mindfulness practices are being marketed to youth. The mindfulness movement itself seems to be one of the most promising of these different methods, as does the promulgation of Buddhist teachings via the internet.
We finish off our discussion exploring the promises and perils of starting a serious practice when one is in their teens, and explore how serious, young practitioners end up often missing out on some other important areas of development.
Listen to the 1st part of this conversation if you haven't already.
Download File - 13.0 MB
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BG 046: Reformatting the Hard Disk of the Mind
Author: Vince Horn
Fri, Nov 16, 2007
Thubten Chodron, a long time Western Buddhist Nun, and founder of Sravasti Abbey in Washington State, took time with us to discuss her work as a teacher, including all of the work she has done with students online. She shared with us the potential down-sides of having a purely digital relationship with a teacher, as one doesn't have the opportunity to see experience teacher as a living example. Chodron also commented on an issue she sees our society having with spiritual practice, in that we tend to want things to be easy and quick. Her, and other teachers, have observed a tendency to want a kind of "push-button enlightenment". The truth, she says, is that there aren't any shortcuts when it comes to transforming the mind and realizing suffering and it's cessation.We finish off our conversation with Chodron exploring what has changed as Buddhism has come to the West. She mentions that much of the packaging has changed, but that it's always a tricky process differentiating the packaging from the teachings of liberation. What is culture and what is the dharma? She gives her opinions on the subject, and shares some of the ways in which her community is trying to change with the times. We hope you enjoy this conversation with one of the West's most beloved Tibetan Nuns. Listen to Part 2: Monasteries as the Conscience of Society to hear more.
Download File - 9.1 MB
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BG 045: What Happens to the Dharma when the Boomers Die Out?
Author: Vince Horn
Fri, Nov 09, 2007
Diana Winston, insight meditation teacher and author, took a break from a busy day of work from the UCLA's Mindful Awareness Research Center to join us in a discussion on Buddhism and youth. After sharing some insight into what her most recent work at UCLA is aiming to accomplish, Diana explored the question of whether or not youth are flocking to Buddhism today, as they did in the 60s and 70s. In her experience, the number of people under age 30 has actually increased since she was a young meditator in the early 90s, but it is still remains a small percentage of the overall demographic of Western Buddhists.
We discuss why that might be the case, touching in on both historical and financial factors. We also hear from Diana about efforts that are being made at Spirit Rock Meditation Center, including teen and young-adult retreats as well as youth scholarships. She then asks the three younger participants (all of us in our 20s) what brought us to the teachings of the dharma. We finish the conversation sharing the personal reasons that we were drawn to the dharma in our late-teens and early 20s.
This is part 1 of a two-part series. Listen to Part 2: Marketing Mindfulness to the Youth.
Download File - 8.5 MB
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BG 044: Bodh Gaya is "The City"
Author: Vince Horn
Fri, Nov 02, 2007
In our final segment with Buddhist teacher and author Sharon Salzberg, she starts off by describing what it's is like doing a retreat in the Insight Meditation tradition. She includes information about the daily structure of the retreat and also discusses what it is like to be in a silent retreat environment. Gwen and she also discuss the common experience of boredom in meditation practice, especially with regards to the conditioning that comes from living in a "culture of stimulation". Sharon goes on to describe her experience of seeing the Bodhi Tree while in Bodh Gaya in the 70s, and about the importance of that place—what she calls "The City". She also gives her telling of the Buddha's experience of enlightenment under the tree. This conversation ends with Gwen asking Sharon what she sees her next steps are as a student of Buddhist practice. We hope you've enjoyed this wonderful series with one of America's most well-respected Buddhist teachers. We also want to thank Gwen Bell for the interview, of which it will be her last here on Buddhist Geeks. You can find out more about Gwen and the other fantastic work she is doing at www.gwenbell.comThis is part 3 of a three-part series. Listen to Part 1: Sharon Salzberg on Now and Then & Part 2: From the Point of View of Insight Meditation.
Download File - 8.0 MB
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BG 043: Neuroscience and The Enlightenment Machine
Author: Vince Horn
Tue, Oct 30, 2007
In this episode we spoke with neuroscientist and Buddhist meditator Daniel Rizzuto. Vince and he discussed a number of topics including the link between contemplative and scientific methodologies, some of the potential technologies that could emerge for the neuroscientific research, including Daniel's favorite, an empathic training device. Daniel also shared some of the meditation research he was aware of, including Dr. Sara Lazar's research out of harvard where she found that meditation actually affected the structural basis of the brain (check out the study here) as well as some of the recent meditation research that was conducted using EEG devices.
We then discussed the possibility of constructing a neural map that describes a practitioners evolution, and the potential that such a map could be used to help create a device—a so called "enlightenment machine"—that could actually accelerate that process. The question soon emerged, how might this machine impact one's ethical understanding? Can someone actually go through the process without a revolution in their ethical understanding? The Buddhist tradition often describes the inseparability of insight and ethical understanding or the unity of Emptiness and Compassion. Daniel proposed that a sub-field of neuroscience, neuroethics is an attempt at understanding the neural correlates of one's ethical choices, such that this information could be built into a device even if it weren't a by-product of the process of spiritual maturation.
Download File - 12.4 MB
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BG 042: From the Point of View of Insight Meditation
Author: Vince Horn
Tue, Oct 30, 2007
In the 2nd part of our conversation with Sharon Salzberg, Gwen Bell speaks to her about a number of fascinating subjects. They begin with Sharon’s experience writing for secular publications, such as Oprah’s O Magazine and her experience writing her most recent book, Faith: Trusting Your Own Deepest Experience. They also discuss some periods of Sharon's practice where she was confronting the "banality of her own mind" and a large amount of suffering and despair.
The conversation ends with Sharon's account of the early days of the Insight Meditation Society. She also touches on how the organization has evolved over time, from it's early disorganized beginning to it’s current condition as a well established center. She also discusses in detail what it's like to do a retreat at the Retreat Center and at the newer long-term retreat facility, the Forest Refuge.
This is part 2 of a three-part series. Listen to Part 1: Sharon Salzberg on Now and Then & Part 3: Bodh Gaya is "The City".
Download File - 20.3 MB
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BG 041: Sharon Salzberg on Now and Then
Author: Vince Horn
Tue, Oct 30, 2007
Sharon Salzberg co-founded the Insight Meditation Society in Barre, Mass., when she was twenty-three. In this episode Salzberg shares some of the insights that she’s discovered along the way, telling stories in a way that will make them accessible to new and seasoned practitioners alike. May they illuminate your day, your car ride or your walk to work as you listen.
This is part one of a three part series. Listen to Part 2: From the Point of View of Insight Meditation & Part 3: Bodh Gaya is "The City".
Download File - 14.2 MB
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BG 040: How Do You Sell the Dharma?
Author: Vince Horn
Tue, Oct 30, 2007
In our final segment with meditation instructor Ethan Nichtern, he shares his perspective on selling the dharma, transforming culture, the Shambhala tradition, and the need for more dharma teachers who aren’t necessarily enlightened.
This is part 3 of a three-part series. Listen to Part 1: What Did Jessica Alba Eat for Breakfast? & Part 2: Buddhism & Money - Does Priceless Mean it’s Free?
Download File - 7.7 MB
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BG 039: More on Tibetan Studies at Naropa
Author: Vince Horn
Tue, Oct 30, 2007
In this episode, Ryan continues his conversation with Troy Omafray and Cory Leistikow, two of his fellow classmates in Naropa University’s MA Indo-Tibetan Studies program. They discuss requirements of the program including Nitartha Institute, dathun, and Tibetan language.
This is part 2 of a two-part series. Listen to Part 1: Tibetan Buddhist Studies at Naropa University.
Download File - 7.4 MB
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BG 038: Buddhism & Money: Does Priceless Mean it’s Free?
Author: Vince Horn
Tue, Oct 30, 2007
In the 2nd part of our conversation with author, artist, and meditation instructor Ethan Nichtern we deal with the slightly off-limits topic of spirituality and money. Ethan shares his perspective on what Right Livelihood ought to look like in a market economy, where the Buddhist teachings are as valuable as many other services.
This is part 2 of a three-part series. Listen to Part 1: What Did Jessica Alba Eat for Breakfast? & Part 3: How Do You Sell the Dharma?
Download File - 8.8 MB
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BG 037: Tibetan Buddhist Studies at Naropa University
Author: Vince Horn
Tue, Oct 30, 2007
In this episode, Ryan chats with Troy Omafray and Cory Leistikow, two of his fellow classmates in Naropa University’s MA Indo-Tibetan Studies program. They discuss the nature of the courses, their personal experience, and what to expect if you decide to pursue the program.
This is part 1 of a two-part series. Listen to Part 2: More on Tibetan Studies at Naropa.
Download File - 10.2 MB
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BG 036: What Did Jessica Alba Eat for Breakfast?
Author: Vince Horn
Tue, Oct 30, 2007
Ethan Nichtern, recently published author, meditation teacher and founder of the ID Project, met with Gwen Bell in Manhattan at the Om Yoga Studio. He talks in this podcast about how, in the 21st century, we're coming to Buddhism because we’re already very "hooked in" to the world and want to work more on discovering our own minds.
This is part one of a three part series. Listen to Part 2: Buddhism & Money - Does Priceless Mean it’s Free? & Part 3: How Do You Sell the Dharma?
Download File - 10.8 MB
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BG 035: Theory, Yoga, & Art
Author: Vince Horn
Tue, Oct 30, 2007
In our last segment with art and meditation professor Robert Spellman he shares with us a key distinction between the theoretical and the yogic and how that important distinction relates to artistic practice.
This is part 3 of a three-part series. Listen to Part 1: Dharmic Throw Up & Part 2: An Antidote to Seriousness.
Download File - 9.0 MB
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BG 034: An Antidote to Seriousness
Author: Vince Horn
Tue, Oct 30, 2007
In this episode Robert Spellman delves into the liberating nature of humor and laughter. He also touches on the question of whether a genuine spiritual practice leads to a diminishing of one's personality.
This is part 2 of a three-part series. Listen to Part 1: Dharmic Throw Up & Part 3: Theory, Yoga, & Art.
Download File - 4.9 MB
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BG 033: Lacking Leadership, Lacking Conceptuality
Author: Vince Horn
Tue, Oct 30, 2007
In our final segment, speaking with Hokai Sobol and Daniel Ingram the conversation wraps up with a criticism of what is missing from some of the Buddhist leadership in the West, as well as the issues surrounding conceptuality and non-conceptuality.
This is part 3 of a three-part series. Listen to Part 1: Croatia, Alabama, and Colorado Collide! & Part 2: Are you Stuck? Get Unstuck!
Download File - 7.7 MB
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BG 032: Dharmic Throw Up
Author: Vince Horn
Tue, Oct 30, 2007
This week, we had the great pleasure of speaking with teacher and artist Robert Spellman, who was a long-time student of Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche. In the first part of the series Robert shares several personal vignettes and also introduces a somewhat (w)retched metaphor for understanding the development of the path. Sounds tasty huh!?
This is part 1 of a three-part series. Listen to Part 2: An Antidote to Seriousness & Part 3: Theory, Yoga, & Art.
Download File - 8.3 MB
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BG 031: Are you Stuck? Get Unstuck!
Author: Vince Horn
Tue, Oct 30, 2007
In the 2nd part of this interview Vince, Daniel, and Hokai continue to explore the territory of meditation and psychology, discusses the mastery of meditation techniques, and touch on how people can get unstuck if they are lost in the content and stories of their minds.
This is part 2 of a three-part series. Listen to Part 1: Croatia, Alabama, and Colorado Collide! & Part 3: Lacking Leadership, Lacking Conceptuality.
Download File - 9.0 MB
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BG 030: Croatia, Alabama, and Colorado Collide!
Author: Vince Horn
Mon, Oct 29, 2007
In this episode Vince Horn speaks with two of Buddhist Geeks most active users: Daniel Ingram and Hokai Sobol. They discuss the reasons that people get into Buddhist practice, what really inspires one to “go for it”, and what hinders one from doing so. They finish off their conversation touching on the differences between Western Psychology, and the territory that contemplative practice covers.
This is part 1 of a three-part series. Listen to Part 2: Are you Stuck? Get Unstuck! & Part 3: Lacking Leadership, Lacking Conceptuality.
Download File - 8.0 MB
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BG 029: Mass Producing Meditators
Author: Vince Horn
Mon, Oct 29, 2007
In this episode Vince talks with Theo Horesh and Duff McDuffee, two S.N. Goenka practitioners. They discuss the effects of what can be called the mass production of meditators. They also explore the differences in using a single technique or multiple techniques for realization.
This is part 2 of a two-part series. Listen to Part 1: Entrepregurus and the Meditation Factory.
Download File - 7.9 MB
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BG 028: Entrepregurus and the Meditation Factory
Author: Vince Horn
Mon, Oct 29, 2007
In this episode Vince interviews Theo Horesh and Duff McDuffee, two S.N. Goenka practitioners. They discuss the techniques of the Goenka tradition and how one might see it as a meditation factory. In the next episode, they discuss the power of the Goenka approach and possible criticisms of the practice.
This is part 1 of a two-part series. Listen to Part 2: Mass Producing Meditators.
Download File - 14.6 MB
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BG 027: Are you Stalking Us?!
Author: Vince Horn
Mon, Oct 29, 2007
In this episode, the three geeks process listener feedback about podcasts and blog posts. They also discuss the future of podcasts on Buddhist Geeks and creating more dynamic conversations.
Download File - 13.3 MB
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BG 026: Buddhist Geeks Highlights
Author: Vince Horn
Mon, Oct 29, 2007
In this episode, the three geeks gather at the Falling Fruit studio and reminisce about the first six months of Buddhist Geeks. Each discuss their favorite podcasts and posts. They also plug the new hot and sexy Buddhist Geeks t-shirts. In the next episode the geeks will discuss feedback from the sangha and the future of Buddhist Geeks.
Download File - 13.8 MB
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BG 025: It's Like Phil Donahue!
Author: Vince Horn
Mon, Oct 29, 2007
At 87, Nishijima Sensei, Brad Warner's teacher, loves the fact that he can blog. In this episode, Gwen and Brad discuss the pros and cons of using the "tech factor" to spread the Dharma. In the comment section, a few possible questions for further exploration: How important is the accumulation of "Information" in your Buddhist practice? Why can’t we have all the things we desire? Does sex equal evil?The last few minutes are questions from the Buddhist Geeks sangha members, thanks BGeeks!This is part 3 of a three-part series. Listen to Part 1: Buddhism is Something that Old Folks Do & Part 2: Feeding the Beast.
Download File - 17.9 MB
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BG 024: With the Light Comes the Dark
Author: Vince Horn
Mon, Oct 29, 2007
In our final podcast with insight meditation teacher John Travis, he describes the training that new teachers are going through in his tradition. He also touches on the subject of enlightenment, the shadow, and our tendency to try and bypass the human condition.
This is part 3 of a three-part series. Listen to Part 1: On Being a Dharma Bum & Part 2: Insight Meditation and Primordial Awareness.
Download File - 14.9 MB
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BG 023: Feeding the Beast
Author: Vince Horn
Mon, Oct 29, 2007
In this episode, Warner talks about excited states like anger, the trouble with online community, and our attachment to ego. How do we "reinforce the Self" and how do we begin to work with our anger (trigger work? just noticing?)? Two questions Brad and Gwen talk about that we invite you to discuss in the comment section at Buddhist Geeks.This is part 2 of a three-part series. Listen to Part 1: Buddhism is Something that Old Folks Do & Part 3: It's Like Phil Donahue!
Download File - 12.6 MB
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BG 022: The Dualistic Conundrum: Insight Meditation and Primordial Awareness
Author: Vince Horn
Mon, Oct 29, 2007
In the next episode with Insight Meditation teacher John Travis, he discusses how both the gradual and sudden schools of enlightenment fit in with the practice of vipassana meditation. Find out how this teacher has resolved this paradox in his own teaching and practice.
This is part 2 of a three-part series. Listen to Part 1: On Being a Dharma Bum & Part 3: With the Light Comes the Dark.
Download File - 14.9 MB
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BG 021: Buddhism is Something that Old Folks Do
Author: Vince Horn
Mon, Oct 29, 2007
Anyone that's had the chance to study with Brad Warner knows he’s young(ish), funny and knowledgeable about the Dharma. Warner’s new book, Sit Down & Shut Up, chronicles the life and times of Dogen, author of the Shobogenzo. The book simultaneously tracks Warner’s own career as a punk rock bassist and Zen teacher, weaving Dogen's story seamlessly with his own. With warmth and humor coming through in both the book and the interview, we get a chance to hear Warner talk about the book, the four points of zazen, being bored and innate perfection.This is part 1 of a three-part series. Listen to Part 2: Feeding the Beast & Part 3: It's Like Phil Donahue!
Download File - 14.3 MB
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BG 020: Leave the Pot on the Stove
Author: Vince Horn
Mon, Oct 29, 2007
In this final episode with Vince Horn, he continues to share his reflections and experiences of a two-month meditation retreat he recently completed. In this podcast, he discusses the relationship between dharma study and mindfulness practice. Vince also describes his experience of leaving retreat and transitioning back into the relative world. Finally, he leaves listeners with some parting words of encouragement for those aspiring to do long-term retreats. We hope you enjoy this conversation with this insightful Buddhist Geek.
This is part 3 of a three-part series. Listen to Part 1: Vince Horn on Taking the Two Month Plunge & Part 2: The Vipassana Vendetta.
Download File - 9.9 MB
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BG 019: On Being a Dharma Bum
Author: Vince Horn
Mon, Oct 29, 2007
In our first podcast with Insight Meditation teacher John Travis, he shares the story of his many years of practice and seeking in India, as well as the time after that in which he had to bring what he had learned back to America. We hope you enjoy this personal account of one "dharma bums" adventures in Asia.
This is part 1 of a three-part series. Listen to Part 2: Insight Meditation and Primordial Awareness & Part 3: With the Light Comes the Dark.
Download File - 19.2 MB
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BG 018: The Vipassana Vendetta
Author: Vince Horn
Mon, Oct 29, 2007
In this episode, Vincent Horn continues to share his reflections and experiences of a two-month meditation retreat he recently completed. In this podcast, he discusses doing karma yoga during long-term retreats, state chasing in meditation and suffering and death in practice. We hope you enjoy this conversation with this insightful Buddhist Geek.
This is part 2 of a three-part series. Listen to Part 1: Vince Horn on Taking the Two Month Plunge & Part 3: Leave the Pot on the Stove.
Download File - 13.5 MB
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BG 017: Genpo “Big Mind’s” Gwen
Author: Vince Horn
Mon, Oct 29, 2007
In this final segment with Genpo Roshi, Gwen Bell is guided through the Big Mind process. This final portion of the interview gives listeners a rare opportunity to listen to the Big Mind experience happen unscripted and raw. An intimate conversation and a glimpse into one Geek’s practice, beliefs and experience.
This is part 3 of a three-part series. Listen to Part 1: Genpo Roshi on Big Mind & Part 2: Is Zen Enough?
Download File - 27.3 MB
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BG 016: Vince Horn on Taking the Two Month Plunge
Author: Vince Horn
Mon, Oct 29, 2007
In this episode Ryan Oelke interviews fellow resident geek, Vince Horn, who shares his reflections and experiences of a two-month mediation retreat he recently completed. In this first podcast, Vince talks about the role of extended retreat in his personal practice, the nuts and bolts of preparing for a long retreat, and the basics of a two-month insight meditation retreat. Whether you’re a long-time yogi or considering your first extended retreat, we think you’ll enjoy these series of podcasts with this Buddhist Geek.
This is part 1 of a three-part series. Listen to Part 2: The Vipassana Vendetta & Part 3: Leave the Pot on the Stove.
Download File - 13.6 MB
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BG 015: Is Zen Enough?
Author: Vince Horn
Mon, Oct 29, 2007
In this segment, Genpo Roshi goes into an eloquent description of the role that Big Mind process, zazen, and koan practice can play in a more whole and integrated Zen training. He also touches on the develop of the spiritual practitioner, and his understanding of how one can progress through this developmental territory. This is an exciting conversation with one of the most controversial, and perhaps most brilliant, Zen Master alive today.
Download File - 19.9 MB
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BG 014: A Crisis of Curiosity
Author: Vince Horn
Mon, Oct 29, 2007
In this episode Gwen Bell interviews Anne McQuade, a current student of Genpo Roshi and regular reader of our site. A large part of their conversation focuses on a controversial article that Brad Warner—who will be one of our future guests—published on suicidegirls.com (an alt porn site), criticizing Genpo Roshi and the Big Mind process.*
* - Please be warned that this is a highly controversial episode, and the publishers here at Buddhist Geeks are not trying to take sides for or against Genpo Roshi and the Big Mind process or Brad Warner and his approach. We simply want to probe into this very real issue of Western Buddhist teachers having strongly opposing opinions, even within the same tradition.
Download File - 8.4 MB
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BG 013: Genpo Roshi on Big Mind
Author: Vince Horn
Mon, Oct 29, 2007
In this episode Gwen Bell interviews Genpo Roshi, a Western Zen teacher and lineage holder of both the Soto and Rinzai traditions. He is also the author of four books, as well as an upcoming release, Big Mind, Big Heart. In this podcast Genpo Roshi discusses Big Mind, his unique method of introducing practitioners to their true nature. We hope you enjoy this conversation with Genpo Roshi and be sure to share your thoughts, insights, and experiences in the comment section.
This is part 1 of a three-part series. Listen to Part 2: Is Zen Enough? & Part 3: Genpo “Big Mind’s” Gwen.
Download File - 14.0 MB
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BG 012: Take Your Seat: The Importance of Boundaries in Practice
Author: Vince Horn
Mon, Oct 29, 2007
Fleet Maull talks about how we work with the boundaries of the self and of the heart in the maitri, bodhichitta and tonglen practices.
This is part 2 of a two-part series. Listen to Part 1: Fleet Maull on Plunge Experiences.
Download File - 20.1 MB
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BG 011: Models of Enlightenment
Author: Vince Horn
Mon, Oct 29, 2007
In our final conversation with Daniel Ingram he goes on to explore various "models of enlightenment" and weighs the relative value of these different models, which we carry around with us unconsciously. Daniel also tries to answer the all-important question of, "How does one practically go about becoming enlightened?"
Dive in and enjoy this dynamic conversation that pushes the very boundaries of what we normally consider "socially appropriate" Buddhism.
This is part 3 of a three-part series. Listen to Part 1: You Can Do It! & Part 2: Enlightened Teachers.
Download File - 16.8 MB
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BG 010: Where the Rubber Meets the Road: Fleet Maull on Plunge Experiences
Author: Vince Horn
Mon, Oct 29, 2007
In this episode, Gwen Bell interviews Buddhist teacher Sensei Fleet Maull. Fleet recently spent a month on retreat with Roshi Bernie Glassman and the Zen Peacemakers in Massuchusetts, where he became a fully empowered Zen teacher. Fleet teaches at Naropa University and leads weekly meditation sessions there. His teachings are accessible to a wide audience and his authenticity is a breath of fresh air in the world of Buddhist teachers. In this podcast Fleet shares his practice background and discusses the value of plunge experiences. Listen to Part 2: The Importance of Boundaries in Practice to hear the conclusion of this conversation.
Download File - 13.2 MB
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BG 009: Enlightened Teachers
Author: Vince Horn
Mon, Oct 29, 2007
In our latest podcast with Theravada teacher Daniel Ingram he breaches the taboo of enlightenment by discussing the enlightenment of other teachers. Not only that but he argues for a more transparent approach to enlightenment within certain teaching circles, in hopes that enlightenment can become more attainable. Listen and see why he thinks this will help.
This is Part 2 of a three-part series. Listen to Part 1: You Can Do It! & Part 3: Models of Enlightenment.
Download File - 11.0 MB
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BG 008: Where are all the Western Rinpoches?
Author: Vince Horn
Mon, Oct 29, 2007
In this podcast, Phil Stanley discusses lineage in Western Buddhism, the lack of western teachers, what it will take to develop more qualified individuals. Phil notes that we are in an awkward phase in Western Buddhism, where we have several intermediary teachers and few fully empowered and authorized lineage holders. He discusses the development of such teachers in terms of training and cultural and economic resources. Phil also discusses the development of Western translators.
This is part 3 of a three-part series. Listen to Part 1: Phil Stanley on the Development of Western Buddhism & Part 2: We're Not the Cheerleaders of Buddhism.
Download File - 9.8 MB
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BG 007: The Shamatha Project
Author: Vince Horn
Mon, Oct 29, 2007
In 2007 Dr. Wallace will be leading a joint scientific project named The Shamatha Project. A battery of studies will be conducted in two 3-month meditation retreats (one retreat is a control group), and the results will be submitted to the most prestigious academic journals. In our final podcast with Alan Wallace he discusses this project, both in terms of its structure and his hypotheses.
This is part 3 of a three-part series. Listen to Part 1: Alan Wallace on Achieving Shamatha & Part 2: Get a PhD in Contemplative Science.
Download File - 12.7 MB
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BG 006: You Can Do It!
Author: Vince Horn
Mon, Oct 29, 2007
This is our first podcast with Daniel Ingram, MD, an authorized teacher in the Theravada tradition and an avid fan of out-right honesty with regards to the spiritual path.
In this episode Daniel (aka "Dharma Dan") shares some of his more formative experiences as a meditator, touches on some of the Buddhist maps of awakening, and shares a powerful message, namely that enlightenment is possible.
This is Part 1 of a three-part series. Listen to Part 2: Enlightened Teachers & Part 3: Models of Enlightenment.
Download File - 16.4 MB
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BG 005: We're Not the Cheerleaders of Buddhism
Author: Vince Horn
Mon, Oct 29, 2007
In our second podcast with professor Phil Stanley, Phil discusses Buddhist lifestyles in the West and how our approach to practice differs from traditional Eastern practitioners. He addresses our relationship to retreats and monasticism, as well as the difficulties Westerners face in finding a livelihood that supports practice. Phil also discusses controversy over what constitutes a legitimate lineage and teacher.
This is part 2 of a three-part series. Listen to Part 1: Phil Stanley on the Development of Western Buddhism & Part 3: Where are all the Western Rinpoches?
Download File - 13.4 MB
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BG 004: Get a PhD in Contemplative Science
Author: Vince Horn
Mon, Oct 29, 2007
In our second podcast with Alan Wallace, he presents a new model for "professional" contemplatives. Instead of trying to transplant the monastic model to the West, Dr. Wallace suggests that contemplation become an actual profession.
Just as a neuroscientist would go to school to get a PhD and then spend 40+ hour a week working in their field, so too could we have "contemplative scientists" who devote their time to the exploration and investigation of subjective experience.
This is part 2 of a three-part series. Listen to Part 1: Alan Wallace on Achieving Shamatha & Part 3: The Shamatha Project.
Download File - 13.0 MB
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BG 003: Phil Stanley on the Development of Western Buddhism
Author: Vince Horn
Mon, Oct 29, 2007
In our first podcast with scholar-practitioner Phil Stanley, professor at Naropa University, he chats with us about how he became a practitioner and his passion for Buddhist study. Phil shares his thoughts on the importance of intellectual study, as well as what changes he sees Buddhism experiencing as it takes root in the West.
This is Part 1 of a three-part series. Listen to Part 2: We're Not the Cheerleaders of Buddhism & Part 3: Where are all the Western Rinpoches?
Download File - 22.9 MB
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BG 002: Alan Wallace on Achieving Shamatha
Author: Vince Horn
Mon, Oct 29, 2007
In our first podcast featuring scholar-practitioner B. Alan Wallace we asked Dr. Wallace to give us the low-down on his spiritual journey, as well as describe the stages of deepening relaxation and vividness of attention leading to the culmination of an attainment he calls shamatha.
This is Part 1 of a three-part series. Listen to Part 2: Get a PhD in Contemplative Science & Part 3: The Shamatha Project.
Download File - 21.9 MB
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BG 001: Meet the Geeks
Author: Vince Horn
Mon, Oct 29, 2007
In our 1st podcast, "Meet the Geeks" you'll hear the three founding members of Buddhist Geeks discussing the vision behind this project. By weaving together snippets of a larger conversation this podcast should give you a sense of what this project is about and how you can contribute to it.
The following podcasts will be interviews with Buddhist teachers, scholars, and advanced practitioners who we feel have provocative perspectives to offer.
We hope you enjoy!
Download File - 21.2 MB
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