Posts Tagged ‘mindfulness’
Buddhism Without Buddha
by Mark Knickelbine One of the topics we get into with some frequency is what the relationship is or ought to be between Secular Buddhism and the Buddha. Is dharma practice inextricably linked to the smiling sage beneath the Bo tree? Is it possible for the core practices to be presented entirely outside the framework…
Read MoreThe Four Foundations of Secular Buddhism
by Mark Knickelbine This is another in a series of posts in which I have been discussing ideas presented by Stephen Batchelor in a series of dharma talks in late 2010. I encourage you to check them out at dharmaseed.org. While Stephen Batchelor has often written and talked about his vision of a Buddhism that does…
Read MoreAnatomy of Seeing into Experience: Right View
This is Part 1 of a series of exploration and practice into the first factor of The Eightfold Path. This first factor really holds within it the entire path. It’s not something you master and move onto the second, but is a journey of exploration that carries over into all the other factors as well.…
Read MoreHow an Atheist Practices Secular Buddhism
What science has taught me about being skeptical of the outer world, Buddhism has taught me about being skeptical of the inner world. Both require critical thinking, and both require evidence. While science turns those methods outward, Buddhism turns those methods inwards. What differs are the tools. In science, to evaluate the world and universe…
Read MoreNo One to be Reborn
Critical thinking, skepticism, and experimentation are not only important in science, but our everyday lives. This is also true in Buddhism, and especially secular Buddhism. In fact, the Buddha was well known for saying, and I’m paraphrasing here: Don’t just believe what I say. Look for yourself.
When we first began practice with meditation, and mindfulness in our daily lives, many of the teachings prove themselves to be true. It becomes starkly apparent, for instance, that we cling to pleasure and we have aversion to pain. Our reactions to such clinging often cause a great deal of internal suffering. Mindfulness goes on to reveal much more than just clinging, but also how we create and recreate a feeling of self.
Read MoreEpisode 49 :: Tim Ward :: What The Buddha Never Taught
Today’s guest is Tim Ward, author of What The Buddha Never Taught, about his experiences as a Theravadin monk in Thailand.
Read MoreEpisode 44 :: Chris Mitchell :: Asperger's Syndrome and Mindfulness
Chris Mitchell Chris Mitchell speaks with us about his book, Asperger’s Syndrome and Mindfulness. According to the Asperger’s Disorder website, “… affected individuals are characterized by social isolation and eccentric behavior in childhood. There are impairments in two-sided social interaction and non-verbal communication.” Think about that. When you’re growing up, you not only have the…
Read MoreEpisode 43 :: Stephen Schettini :: The Novice, and Mindful Reflection
Stephen Schettini Stephen Schettini speaks with us about his experiences as a Tibetan monk in his book, The Novice: Why I Became A Buddhist Monk, Why I Quit, And What I Learned. We’re very fortunate to live in a time where we can have experiences our ancestors could never have dreamed of. Our modern communication…
Read MoreEpisode 35 :: Chris McKenna :: The Mind Body Awareness Project
Chris McKenna Today we’re joined by Chris McKenna, Executive Director of The Mind Body Awareness Project. Many of us started our Buddhist practice out of an interest in Asian culture, through martial arts, or we heard meditation was a good way to relax. Some of us have started the practice of the eightfold path because…
Read MoreEpisode 33 :: Theo Koffler :: Mindfulness Without Borders
Theo Koffler Theo Koffler joins us to speak about Mindfulness Without Borders, a collaborative for teaching mindful awareness and social-emotional intelligence to educators, parents, students and healthcare providers. How many of us have found remarkable value in the practice of mindfulness? It helps us be more aware, see things as they are, and make better…
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