Fields of Gold
Insight Myanmar30 Maj 2025

Fields of Gold

Episode #349: Oliver Tanner's journey begins in London, where as a teenager, he became restless and dissatisfied with the status quo. At 19, he traveled through Asia, which first exposed him to the idea of meditation. He first practiced yoga, but a chance encounter led to a Vipassana meditation course in the tradition of S. N. Goenka, which profoundly shifted his perspective. His commitment deepened through sitting and serving at Vipassana centers, notably in the UK, where he immersed himself in long courses and involvement in the meditation community.

A turning point came when he decided to explore the Buddha's teachings directly. He traveled to Myanmar, and became inspired by the country’s living Buddhist culture, the people’s generosity, and their integration of Dharma into daily life. So he enrolled at the International Theravada Buddhist Missionary University in Yangon, and dedicated himself to studying Pali, Abhidhamma, and the suttas to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the Buddha's words, and integrate them into his life.

His time in Myanmar highlighted the importance of independent practice and the continuous cultivation of wholesome qualities beyond formal sitting meditation. This holistic approach, supported by his studies, expanded his understanding of the Dharma, emphasizing integration into every moment of life.

Oliver has since moved to Sri Lanka with his family, pursuing advanced studies in Buddhist philosophy, culminating in a PhD that delved deeply the intricate teachings of the Pattana. His journey, shaped by tradition, practice, and inquiry, reflects a profound evolution from youthful curiosity to a deeply integrated spiritual life.

Avsnitt(540)

Going Rogue: A Doctor on the Front Lines

Going Rogue: A Doctor on the Front Lines

Coco’s career path in medicine wasn’t supposed to end up this way. But on February 1st, for Coco and so many others, “all of the dreams just got wasted away.”He was initially hesitant to join the stre...

14 Apr 20212h 27min

The End Justifies the Memes

The End Justifies the Memes

What is the deeper, symbolic meaning of an overturned alms bowl? What reasoning goes into the decision as to whether a protest sign is written in English or Burmese, or as pictograms, or emojis? And h...

10 Apr 20212h 6min

A Screeching Halt: The Military Coup Shoots Down Reforms

A Screeching Halt: The Military Coup Shoots Down Reforms

Maw Htin Aung, a Kachin Christian by birth, appeared to be a leader right for his time, the kind of progressive champion needed in Myanmar who could help move the country towards a promising future. I...

4 Apr 20211h 34min

Understanding the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM)

Understanding the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM)

While those outside of Myanmar following news of the protests have often heard updates about the importance of the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM), some may still not be clear about its inception an...

30 Mars 20211h 33min

Taking a Moral Stand

Taking a Moral Stand

Ashin Sarana is speaking out, and he’s prepared for the consequences. “I'm basically ready for everything,” the Czech monk tells us. “I'm ready that they will come and they will destroy property, I'm ...

25 Mars 20212h 39min

Drawing a Line Between Hope and Fear

Drawing a Line Between Hope and Fear

Kyawt Thiri Nyunt’s journey from Myanmar to the United States at age 19 was not just a physical one, but a cultural and psychological one as well. She had traveled to enroll in a small liberal arts co...

15 Mars 20212h 13min

Navigating Rough Waters

Navigating Rough Waters

At a time when corporations, countries, and individuals are speaking out, taking a moral stand, and considering action to support the Burmese people as state-sponsored terror grips their nation, what ...

10 Mars 20211h 6min

Feeding Freedom, Not Fear

Feeding Freedom, Not Fear

A world-renowned expert on Burmese cuisine and author of the best-selling book Mandalay: Recipes and Tales from a Burmese Kitchen, Mi Mi Aye never imagined that one day she might become an activist. B...

7 Mars 20211h 36min

Populärt inom Politik & nyheter

svenska-fall
aftonbladet-krim
p3-krim
rss-krimstad
flashback-forever
blenda-2
rss-sanning-konsekvens
politiken
aftonbladet-daily
rss-vad-fan-hande
rss-krimreportrarna
motiv
spar
grans
rss-frandfors-horna
rss-flodet
svd-ledarredaktionen
dagens-eko
olyckan-inifran
rss-aftonbladet-krim