224 – Human Nature: Why Aren't We Born Enlightened?
Why aren't we just all born enlightened and avoid suffering? Or, we could ask: Why are human beings the way they are? Why did they evolve to cause so much suffering for themselves and others? If we al...
16 Dec 202229min
223 – Integrating Insights
On the meditation seat and off, we may experience significant insights - realizations that shift our perceptions of ourselves and world, and help relieve suffering. Insights may be sudden or gradual, ...
1 Dec 202224min
222 – Confronting the Buddha's Sexist Discourse – Part 2
I explore how - for some of us - explaining, dismissing, or justifying the story of the Buddha's resistance to ordaining women (told in the Gotami Sutta) does not completely neutralize the discouragin...
23 Nov 202228min
221 – Confronting the Buddha's Sexist Discourse – Part 1
I introduce the text that describes the Buddha's negative words and actions in response to the question of ordaining women into what was called the "homeless life" of his monastic community. Then I'll...
16 Nov 202230min
220 - Being the Only Buddhist in Your Family – Part 2
This is Part 2 of my discussion about being the only Buddhist in your family. I continue discussing ways to create more harmony between your spiritual practice and your family relationships, and then ...
29 Okt 202233min
219 – Being the Only Buddhist in Your Family – Part 1
Many – if not most – English (or Spanish!)-speaking Buddhists are converts to Buddhism. Even if you were raised in a Buddhist family, chances are good that as an adult you are surrounded by non-Buddhi...
21 Okt 202222min
218 - The Fourfold Bodhisattva Vow Part 3: Entering Dharma Gates & Attaining Buddhahood
I discuss the third and fourth vows of the Fourfold Bodhisattva Vow, about entering all Dharma Gates and embodying the unsurpassed Buddha Way. For some of us, these seem less accessible and relevant t...
15 Okt 202222min
217 - The Fourfold Bodhisattva Vow Part 2: Ending All Delusions
This is episode two in my series on the Fourfold Bodhisattva Vow (also called the Four Great Bodhisattva Vows). In the first episode of the series (216), I discussed the spirit of the bodhisattva vows...
30 Sep 202233min
