Book Reviews
Getting Knocked Off the Meditation Cushion: Unlearning Meditation
I recall going into the local sangha, taking a seat on my cushion, and the women in a chair beside me leaned down. “I notice whenever you come here that you always sit in a different place.” I smiled. “Yes, I’m not crazy about routine, and I enjoy challenging my comfort zones.” She looked at…
Read MoreEpisode 78 :: Jason Siff :: Unlearning Meditation Part One
Jason Siff Jason Siff speaks with us about Unlearning Meditation in the first of a two part episode. We come from a long line of meditators. For literally thousands of years, there have been specific instructions on how to do this practice, and what the outcomes will inevitably be. And we have very positive experiences…
Read MoreBasic Teachings of the Buddha
I’ve just finished reading Basic Teachings of the Buddha by Glenn Wallis for the second time, and I must say I really like this book. In fact, I wish I had had it years ago when I first started my exploration into Buddhism. I will be referring to this book in years to come. So…
Read MoreEpisode 74 :: Erik Storlie :: Psychedelics and Western Zen's Roots
Erik Storlie Dr. Erik Storlie joins us again, this time to speak about his book Nothing on My Mind: Berkeley, LSD, Two Zen Masters, and a Life on the Dharma Trail, about psychedelics and Western Zen’s roots. Many of us have some interest in the recent past in the Zen tradition’s start in the West.…
Read MoreEpisode 72 :: David McMahan :: The Making of Buddhist Modernism
David McMahan David L. McMahan talks with us about The Making of Buddhist Modernism. Hi, everyone. Over the past year or so of the podcast, many of you have heard me use terms regarding the ‘evolution’ of Buddhism in contemporary culture. Some of us also use terms like ‘adaptation’, but the underlying principle is the…
Read MoreEpisode 71 :: Carol Tavris :: Delusions and Cognitive Dissonance
Carol Tavris Carol Tavris speaks with us about how cognitive dissonance can lead to unhealthy conceptual attachments. Fairly frequently I get email from listeners, asking for recommendations on books that have been particularly helpful with practice. Often, there is an interest in books that are more secular in nature, and I’m happy to ask a…
Read MoreEpisode 68 :: Stephen Schettini :: It Begins with Silence
Stephen Schettini Stephen Schettini speaks with us about his new book, It Begins with Silence – The Art of Mindful Reflection. Meditation can be very challenging, not the least of which is understanding what it is we’re trying to do. Empty the mind, use the mind, both, or neither? Seeing that meditation can be many…
Read MoreEpisode 67 :: Scott Edelstein :: Sex and the Spiritual Teacher
Scott Edelstein Scott Edelstein speaks with us about his book Sex and the Spiritual Teacher. Physical relationships between teachers and students is not a particularly new occurrence. It happens, perhaps more than we know. In certain situations, there are factors making it clearly inappropriate. In others, the lines may not be so very clear, as…
Read MoreEpisode 66 :: Sikivu Hutchinson :: Moral Combat: Black Atheists, Gender Politics, and the Values Wars
Author and educator Sikivu Hutchinson speaks with us about her book, Moral Combat: Black Atheists, Gender Politics, and the Values Wars.
Read MoreEpisode 64 :: Glenn Wallis :: Buddhavacana, A Pali Reader
Glenn Wallis Our friend Dr. Glenn Wallis is back to talk with us today about his new book Buddhavacana, A Pali Reader, and the issues translators face making meaningful sense out of ancient texts. One of the most perplexing tasks a human being can attempt, at least for those of us who are linguistically challenged,…
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