46 - Dogen's Genjokoan Part 5: Birds Fly, Fish Swim, a Zen Master Waves a Fan
In this episode we finish up the Genjokoan, focusing first on the rather long passage comparing our path of practice to the way a fish swims in the water, or a bird flies in the sky. Then I'll talk ab...
26 Jan 201826min
45 - The Value of Buddhist Prayer Part 3: Prayer for Personal Transformation
In this 3rd episode of three on Buddhist prayer, I talk about how prayer for personal transformation and change. I discuss why change is so hard, how both Buddhism and science suggest "executive contr...
20 Jan 201831min
44 - The Value of Buddhist Prayer Part 2: Aid-Seeking If There's No God
I continue our exploration of Buddhist prayer with a discussion of "aid-seeking" prayer, or prayer for a positive result. In particular, in this episode I cover the long-established traditions of Budd...
12 Jan 201827min
43 - The Value of Buddhist Prayer Part 1: Paradox of Prayer in a Nontheistic Spiritual Tradition
You might be surprised to know many Buddhists pray, given that Buddhism is fundamentally a nontheistic religion. It's possible to be an avowed atheist and a devout Buddhist at the same time. In fact, ...
6 Jan 201829min
42 - Buddha's Teachings Part 4: Right Speech - Factual, Helpful, Kind, Pleasant, and Timely
Right speech is an essential part of Shakyamuni Buddha's very first teaching of the Noble Eightfold Path, his prescription for spiritual liberation and insight. This teaching can be very useful to us ...
21 Dec 201732min
41 -Dogen's Genjokoan Part 4: Moon in a Dewdrop and Views of the Ocean
In this 4th episode of 5 on Zen master Dogen's Genjokoan (written in 1233), I discuss the image of the moon reflected in a dewdrop (ultimate reality reflected/realized by a limited person), and the me...
15 Dec 201724min
40 - Being Beneficial Instead of Right: The Buddhist Concept of Skillful Means
The Buddhist concept of "upaya," skillful or expedient means, arose around the dawn of the common era – about 2,000 years ago. It emphasizes that even if we possess wisdom, when we want to share it wi...
7 Dec 201729min
39 - Buddhist History 7: Indian Buddhism After the Buddha - The First 200 Years
This episode covers the first 200 years or so of Buddhism, beginning with the traditional account of events immediately after the Buddha's passing. Then I describe how the ordained Sangha met to compi...
30 Nov 201737min
