http://odeo.com/channels/232733-Buddhist-Geeks-Seriously-Buddhist-Seriously-Geeky no Buddhist Geeks is a weekly audio show that presents groundbreaking interviews and discussions with Buddhist teachers, scholars, and advanced practitioners. Combining ancient wisdom with modern technology, Buddhist Geeks aims to catalyze a community of practitioners committed to awakening. Discover the emerging face of Western Buddhism. Everything on Buddhist Geeks is tied to awakening and to real practice. The "Geeks" don't want to "talk dharma" for the sake of flapping their gums and making themselves feel good. They want people to benefit concretely from the podcast, to be inspired in their practice, and to have humor while they go about the path. The Buddhist Geek's conversations are with teachers, scholars, and practitioners at the leading edge of Buddhism in the West, as are the show's listeners. "If you're trying to find your way as a young twenty-first-century Buddhist, don't miss this funny, sincere, NPR-esque podcast by three Gen-Y geeks from Boulder." – What is Enlightenment? Magazine Fueled by Your Generosity - Buddhist Geeks is primarily supported by the generosity of our listeners.  Please visit our donate page [http://www.buddhistgeeks.com/donate/] to learn how you can help support this project. Buddhist Geeks is a weekly audio show that presents groundbreaking interviews and discussions with Buddhist teachers, scholars, and advanced practitioners. Combining ancient wisdom with modern technology, Buddhist Geeks aims to catalyze a community of practitioners committed to awakening. Discover the emerging face of Western Buddhism. Everything on Buddhist Geeks is tied to awakening and to real practice. The "Geeks" don't want to "talk dharma" for the sake of flapping their gums and making themselves feel good. They want people to benefit concretely from the podcast, to be inspired in their practice, and to have humor while they go about the path. The Buddhist Geek's conversations are with teachers, scholars, and practitioners at the leading edge of Buddhism in the West, as are the show's listeners. "If you're trying to find your way as a young twenty-first-century Buddhist, don't miss this funny, sincere, NPR-esque podcast by three Gen-Y geeks from Boulder." – What is Enlightenment? Magazine Fueled by Your Generosity - Buddhist Geeks is primarily supported by the generosity of our listeners.  Please visit our donate page [http://www.buddhistgeeks.com/donate/] to learn how you can help support this project. Seriously Buddhist, Seriously Geeky en 40 Sun, 08 Nov 2009 22:00:00 -0800 Sun, 08 Nov 2009 22:00:00 -0800 Religion http://odeo.com/episodes/25425171-BG-146-Investing-in-the-Future-of-American-Buddhism We continue our discussion with Shambhala acharya, Judith Simmer-Brown, about how we can strategically invest in American Buddhism so that it survives in the long-term.  We explored the first three areas of importance in-depth in part 1, which included the translation of core texts, the development of a monastic lineage, and the appointment of dharma heirs.In this part of the discussion we flesh out the details of the fourth area, which is royal patronage.  Judith speaks about how, given a lack of that kind of support, most dharma teachers and organizations turn whole-heartedly to the market to sustain them.  And with that come all sort of issues--including the pursuit of fame and fortune.  We finish the discussion, going back to the question of whether we'll be able to develop a monastic community in the West, and why that's important to the healthy development of Buddhism in America.This is part 2 of a two-part series.  Listen to part 1, The Survival of Am... We continue our discussion with Shambhala acharya, Judith Simmer-Brown, about how we can strategically invest in American Buddhism so that it survives in the long-term.  We explored the first three areas of importance in-depth in part 1, which included the translation of core texts, the development of a monastic lineage, and the appointment of dharma heirs.In this part of the discussion we flesh out the details of the fourth area, which is royal patronage.  Judith speaks about how, given a lack of that kind of support, most dharma teachers and organizations turn whole-heartedly to the market to sustain them.  And with that come all sort of issues--including the pursuit of fame and fortune.  We finish the discussion, going back to the question of whether we'll be able to develop a monastic community in the West, and why that's important to the healthy development of Buddhism in America.This is part 2 of a two-part series.  Listen to part 1, The Survival of American Buddhism. We continue our discussion with Shambhala acharya, Judith Simmer-Brown, about how we can strategically invest in American Buddhism so that it survives in the long-term.  We explored the first three areas of importance in-depth in part 1, which included the translation of core texts, the development of a monastic lineage, and the appointment of dharma heirs.In this part of the discussion we flesh out the details of the fourth area, which is royal patronage.  Judith speaks about how, given a lack of that kind of support, most dharma teachers and organizations turn whole-heartedly to the market to sustain them.  And with that come all sort of issues--including the pursuit of fame and fortune.  We finish the discussion, going back to the question of whether we'll be able to develop a monastic community in the West, and why that's important to the healthy development of Buddhism in America.This is part 2 of a two-part series.  Listen to part 1, The Survival of American Buddhism. tag:odeo.com,2009-11-08,25425171 Sun, 08 Nov 2009 22:00:00 -0800 no Buddhist Geeks: Seriously Buddhist, Seriously Geeky http://odeo.com/episodes/25400266-BG-145-The-Survival-of-American-Buddhism This week, we're joined by Shambhala acharya and Naropa University professor, Judith Simmer-Brown.  She joins us today to discuss four areas, which she learned about while at Colombia University in the late 60's, that help determine whether or not Buddhism will take root in a new country.  These four are: The translation of core Buddhist texts into English The development of a monastic lineage w/ American lineage holders The training and appointment of dharma transmission holders Royal patronage, or financial support from within the country After describing each area of focus, Judith goes into depth as to how we're doing with the first three areas, today in America.  She shares her reflections, while also raising some provocative questions, as to how we're doing with building a sustainable infrastructure for Buddhism to prosper in the West. Next week, we'll finish the conversation by exploring the 4th area in depth, and speaking about how we can best invest in the fut... This week, we're joined by Shambhala acharya and Naropa University professor, Judith Simmer-Brown.  She joins us today to discuss four areas, which she learned about while at Colombia University in the late 60's, that help determine whether or not Buddhism will take root in a new country.  These four are: The translation of core Buddhist texts into English The development of a monastic lineage w/ American lineage holders The training and appointment of dharma transmission holders Royal patronage, or financial support from within the country After describing each area of focus, Judith goes into depth as to how we're doing with the first three areas, today in America.  She shares her reflections, while also raising some provocative questions, as to how we're doing with building a sustainable infrastructure for Buddhism to prosper in the West. Next week, we'll finish the conversation by exploring the 4th area in depth, and speaking about how we can best invest in the future of American Buddhism.  This is part 1 of a two-part series.  Listen to part 2 (airing next week).  This week, we're joined by Shambhala acharya and Naropa University professor, Judith Simmer-Brown.  She joins us today to discuss four areas, which she learned about while at Colombia University in the late 60's, that help determine whether or not Buddhism will take root in a new country.  These four are: The translation of core Buddhist texts into English The development of a monastic lineage w/ American lineage holders The training and appointment of dharma transmission holders Royal patronage, or financial support from within the country After describing each area of focus, Judith goes into depth as to how we're doing with the first three areas, today in America.  She shares her reflections, while also raising some provocative questions, as to how we're doing with building a sustainable infrastructure for Buddhism to prosper in the West. Next week, we'll finish the conversation by exploring the 4th area in depth, and speaking about how we can best invest in the future of American Buddhism.  This is part 1 of a two-part series.  Listen to part 2 (airing next week).  tag:odeo.com,2009-11-01,25400266 Sun, 01 Nov 2009 22:03:00 -0800 no Buddhist Geeks: Seriously Buddhist, Seriously Geeky http://odeo.com/episodes/25375069-BG-144-Turning-Your-Back-to-the-Buddha Insight Meditation teacher, Rodney Smith, joins us to explore the topic of "urban dharma"--seeing that the transformative potential of one's life and relationships are on equal footing with silent, more passive forms of meditation.  Rodney critiques the common tendency to elevate silent retreat practice above all other aspects of practice.  As part of that exploration he also shares a moving story from his time studying with the famous Advaita teacher Nisargadatta Maharaj. Rodney concludes by exploring what it might it means to be a "Buddhist revolutionary," updating and contemporizing the Buddhist teachings, while "turning one's back to the Buddha and moving forward..."  This is part 2 of a two-part series.  Listen to part 1, Stepping out of Self-Deception.  Insight Meditation teacher, Rodney Smith, joins us to explore the topic of "urban dharma"--seeing that the transformative potential of one's life and relationships are on equal footing with silent, more passive forms of meditation.  Rodney critiques the common tendency to elevate silent retreat practice above all other aspects of practice.  As part of that exploration he also shares a moving story from his time studying with the famous Advaita teacher Nisargadatta Maharaj. Rodney concludes by exploring what it might it means to be a "Buddhist revolutionary," updating and contemporizing the Buddhist teachings, while "turning one's back to the Buddha and moving forward..."  This is part 2 of a two-part series.  Listen to part 1, Stepping out of Self-Deception.  Insight Meditation teacher, Rodney Smith, joins us to explore the topic of "urban dharma"--seeing that the transformative potential of one's life and relationships are on equal footing with silent, more passive forms of meditation.  Rodney critiques the common tendency to elevate silent retreat practice above all other aspects of practice.  As part of that exploration he also shares a moving story from his time studying with the famous Advaita teacher Nisargadatta Maharaj. Rodney concludes by exploring what it might it means to be a "Buddhist revolutionary," updating and contemporizing the Buddhist teachings, while "turning one's back to the Buddha and moving forward..."  This is part 2 of a two-part series.  Listen to part 1, Stepping out of Self-Deception.  tag:odeo.com,2009-10-25,25375069 Sun, 25 Oct 2009 23:01:00 -0700 no Buddhist Geeks: Seriously Buddhist, Seriously Geeky http://odeo.com/episodes/25314842-BG-143-Stepping-out-of-Self-Deception Rodney Smith, the founder of the Seattle Insight Meditation Society, joins us today to discuss several fascinating topics.  We start with an exploration of how the Big Bang and the origin of life on Earth (some 3.8 billion years ago) and spiritually significant events.  We also discuss the overall compatibility between Buddhist teachings and these new found scientific findings.  Finally, Rodney shares with us a powerful mathematical analogy for understanding the spiritual path, that of fractions.  The numerator of the fraction represents the appearances of things, and the denominator represents the undifferentiated wholeness underlying appearances.  Rodney shares how spiritual practice, and the process of dying, can both help us cross the fraction line. This is part 1 of a two-part series.  Listen to part 2, Turning Your Back on the Buddha. (airing next week) Rodney Smith, the founder of the Seattle Insight Meditation Society, joins us today to discuss several fascinating topics.  We start with an exploration of how the Big Bang and the origin of life on Earth (some 3.8 billion years ago) and spiritually significant events.  We also discuss the overall compatibility between Buddhist teachings and these new found scientific findings.  Finally, Rodney shares with us a powerful mathematical analogy for understanding the spiritual path, that of fractions.  The numerator of the fraction represents the appearances of things, and the denominator represents the undifferentiated wholeness underlying appearances.  Rodney shares how spiritual practice, and the process of dying, can both help us cross the fraction line. This is part 1 of a two-part series.  Listen to part 2, Turning Your Back on the Buddha. (airing next week) Rodney Smith, the founder of the Seattle Insight Meditation Society, joins us today to discuss several fascinating topics.  We start with an exploration of how the Big Bang and the origin of life on Earth (some 3.8 billion years ago) and spiritually significant events.  We also discuss the overall compatibility between Buddhist teachings and these new found scientific findings.  Finally, Rodney shares with us a powerful mathematical analogy for understanding the spiritual path, that of fractions.  The numerator of the fraction represents the appearances of things, and the denominator represents the undifferentiated wholeness underlying appearances.  Rodney shares how spiritual practice, and the process of dying, can both help us cross the fraction line. This is part 1 of a two-part series.  Listen to part 2, Turning Your Back on the Buddha. (airing next week) tag:odeo.com,2009-10-18,25314842 Sun, 18 Oct 2009 23:04:00 -0700 no Buddhist Geeks: Seriously Buddhist, Seriously Geeky http://odeo.com/episodes/25272509-BG-142-Buddha-in-a-Cup-of-Tea This week, we're joined by Kenneth Cohen, a well-known qi-gong master.  Along with his training in the Taoist qi-gong and tai chi chuan, Kenneth has a strong connection to the Zen tradition and to the Japanese tea ceremony.  In this episode, he shares with us some of the history of tea (the camellia sinensis plant), its long-standing relationship to the Buddhist tradition, his own training with Japanese tea master Millie Johnstone, and the wonderful profundity of drinking a simple cup of tea. This week, we're joined by Kenneth Cohen, a well-known qi-gong master.  Along with his training in the Taoist qi-gong and tai chi chuan, Kenneth has a strong connection to the Zen tradition and to the Japanese tea ceremony.  In this episode, he shares with us some of the history of tea (the camellia sinensis plant), its long-standing relationship to the Buddhist tradition, his own training with Japanese tea master Millie Johnstone, and the wonderful profundity of drinking a simple cup of tea. This week, we're joined by Kenneth Cohen, a well-known qi-gong master.  Along with his training in the Taoist qi-gong and tai chi chuan, Kenneth has a strong connection to the Zen tradition and to the Japanese tea ceremony.  In this episode, he shares with us some of the history of tea (the camellia sinensis plant), its long-standing relationship to the Buddhist tradition, his own training with Japanese tea master Millie Johnstone, and the wonderful profundity of drinking a simple cup of tea. tag:odeo.com,2009-10-11,25272509 Sun, 11 Oct 2009 23:00:00 -0700 no Buddhist Geeks: Seriously Buddhist, Seriously Geeky http://odeo.com/episodes/25235026-BG-141-The-Mechanisms-of-Kensho "A perception, sudden as blinking, that subject and object are one, will lead to a deeply mysterious wordless understanding; and by this understanding will you awaken to the truth of Zen." - Zen Master Huang-po The above quote, taken from James Austin's newest book Selfless Insight, is a description of kensho, an "initial awakening" to the true nature of things.  We continue our discussion, this week, with James Austin about the importance of both kensho and satori in the Zen tradition, and his hypothesis as to what is happening in the brain, leading up to and during these events.  We also discuss the vast importance of the thalamus, which Austin describes as a type of gateway of perceptual experience.  Finally, Austin makes a strong distinction between both the absorptions and various types of quickenings that can precede kensho or satori, but that are not the same as them. This is part 2 of a two-part series.  Listen to part 1, This is Your Brain on Meditation. "A perception, sudden as blinking, that subject and object are one, will lead to a deeply mysterious wordless understanding; and by this understanding will you awaken to the truth of Zen." - Zen Master Huang-po The above quote, taken from James Austin's newest book Selfless Insight, is a description of kensho, an "initial awakening" to the true nature of things.  We continue our discussion, this week, with James Austin about the importance of both kensho and satori in the Zen tradition, and his hypothesis as to what is happening in the brain, leading up to and during these events.  We also discuss the vast importance of the thalamus, which Austin describes as a type of gateway of perceptual experience.  Finally, Austin makes a strong distinction between both the absorptions and various types of quickenings that can precede kensho or satori, but that are not the same as them. This is part 2 of a two-part series.  Listen to part 1, This is Your Brain on Meditation. "A perception, sudden as blinking, that subject and object are one, will lead to a deeply mysterious wordless understanding; and by this understanding will you awaken to the truth of Zen." - Zen Master Huang-po The above quote, taken from James Austin's newest book Selfless Insight, is a description of kensho, an "initial awakening" to the true nature of things.  We continue our discussion, this week, with James Austin about the importance of both kensho and satori in the Zen tradition, and his hypothesis as to what is happening in the brain, leading up to and during these events.  We also discuss the vast importance of the thalamus, which Austin describes as a type of gateway of perceptual experience.  Finally, Austin makes a strong distinction between both the absorptions and various types of quickenings that can precede kensho or satori, but that are not the same as them. This is part 2 of a two-part series.  Listen to part 1, This is Your Brain on Meditation. tag:odeo.com,2009-10-04,25235026 Sun, 04 Oct 2009 23:00:00 -0700 no Buddhist Geeks: Seriously Buddhist, Seriously Geeky http://odeo.com/episodes/25210582-BG-140-This-is-Your-Brain-on-Meditation This week we speak with academic nuerologist and Zen practitioner James Austin.  Austin, who wrote the well-known book, Zen and the Brain, joins us to explain some of the physical mechanisms underlying both attention and the way we process reality.  In terms of attention, he shares with us a very descriptive difference between "top-down" and "bottom-up" modes of attention.  He also shares the difference, from the perspective of the brain, between self-centered (egocentric) processing and other-centered (allocentric) processing.  He also shares the ways in which these two are related to the different forms of meditation that are commonly seen in the Buddhist tradition.  Although sometimes technical, his descriptions are extremely interesting for those who have an interest on the intersection between meditation and the brain. This is part 1 of a two-part series.  Listen to part 2 (airing next week). This week we speak with academic nuerologist and Zen practitioner James Austin.  Austin, who wrote the well-known book, Zen and the Brain, joins us to explain some of the physical mechanisms underlying both attention and the way we process reality.  In terms of attention, he shares with us a very descriptive difference between "top-down" and "bottom-up" modes of attention.  He also shares the difference, from the perspective of the brain, between self-centered (egocentric) processing and other-centered (allocentric) processing.  He also shares the ways in which these two are related to the different forms of meditation that are commonly seen in the Buddhist tradition.  Although sometimes technical, his descriptions are extremely interesting for those who have an interest on the intersection between meditation and the brain. This is part 1 of a two-part series.  Listen to part 2 (airing next week). This week we speak with academic nuerologist and Zen practitioner James Austin.  Austin, who wrote the well-known book, Zen and the Brain, joins us to explain some of the physical mechanisms underlying both attention and the way we process reality.  In terms of attention, he shares with us a very descriptive difference between "top-down" and "bottom-up" modes of attention.  He also shares the difference, from the perspective of the brain, between self-centered (egocentric) processing and other-centered (allocentric) processing.  He also shares the ways in which these two are related to the different forms of meditation that are commonly seen in the Buddhist tradition.  Although sometimes technical, his descriptions are extremely interesting for those who have an interest on the intersection between meditation and the brain. This is part 1 of a two-part series.  Listen to part 2 (airing next week). tag:odeo.com,2009-09-27,25210582 Sun, 27 Sep 2009 23:04:00 -0700 no Buddhist Geeks: Seriously Buddhist, Seriously Geeky http://odeo.com/episodes/25198319-BG-140-This-is-your-Brain-on-Meditation This week we speak with academic nuerologist and Zen practitioner James Austin.  Austin, who wrote the well-known book, Zen and the Brain, joins us to explain some of the physical mechanisms underlying both attention and the way we process reality.  In terms of attention, he shares with us a very descriptive difference between "top-down" and "bottom-up" modes of attention.  He also shares the difference, from the perspective of the brain, between self-centered (egocentric) processing and other-centered (allocentric) processing.  He also shares the ways in which these two are related to the different forms of meditation that are commonly seen in the Buddhist tradition.  Although sometimes technical, his descriptions are extremely interesting for those who have an interest on the intersection between meditation and the brain. This is part 1 of a two-part series.  Listen to part 2 (airing next week). This week we speak with academic nuerologist and Zen practitioner James Austin.  Austin, who wrote the well-known book, Zen and the Brain, joins us to explain some of the physical mechanisms underlying both attention and the way we process reality.  In terms of attention, he shares with us a very descriptive difference between "top-down" and "bottom-up" modes of attention.  He also shares the difference, from the perspective of the brain, between self-centered (egocentric) processing and other-centered (allocentric) processing.  He also shares the ways in which these two are related to the different forms of meditation that are commonly seen in the Buddhist tradition.  Although sometimes technical, his descriptions are extremely interesting for those who have an interest on the intersection between meditation and the brain. This is part 1 of a two-part series.  Listen to part 2 (airing next week). This week we speak with academic nuerologist and Zen practitioner James Austin.  Austin, who wrote the well-known book, Zen and the Brain, joins us to explain some of the physical mechanisms underlying both attention and the way we process reality.  In terms of attention, he shares with us a very descriptive difference between "top-down" and "bottom-up" modes of attention.  He also shares the difference, from the perspective of the brain, between self-centered (egocentric) processing and other-centered (allocentric) processing.  He also shares the ways in which these two are related to the different forms of meditation that are commonly seen in the Buddhist tradition.  Although sometimes technical, his descriptions are extremely interesting for those who have an interest on the intersection between meditation and the brain. This is part 1 of a two-part series.  Listen to part 2 (airing next week). tag:odeo.com,2009-09-27,25198319 Sun, 27 Sep 2009 23:04:00 -0700 no Buddhist Geeks: Seriously Buddhist, Seriously Geeky http://odeo.com/episodes/25158729-BG-139-A-Surfer-s-Quest-to-Find-Zen-on-the-Sea This week with speak with the author of Saltwater Buddha, Jaimal Yogis.  Jaimal, a Zen surfer and journalist, wrote Saltwater Buddha to chronicle his late teens and early 20's as he learned to surf and delved into Zen.  He shares with us some of the highlights from this time of his life, and also shares what a powerful metaphor the ocean has been for his spiritual life, especially given his passion for surfing.  He also shares some prescient observations about what it's like being a young Buddhist, and what he notices that is different about the young generation of up-and-coming practitioners.  This week with speak with the author of Saltwater Buddha, Jaimal Yogis.  Jaimal, a Zen surfer and journalist, wrote Saltwater Buddha to chronicle his late teens and early 20's as he learned to surf and delved into Zen.  He shares with us some of the highlights from this time of his life, and also shares what a powerful metaphor the ocean has been for his spiritual life, especially given his passion for surfing.  He also shares some prescient observations about what it's like being a young Buddhist, and what he notices that is different about the young generation of up-and-coming practitioners.  This week with speak with the author of Saltwater Buddha, Jaimal Yogis.  Jaimal, a Zen surfer and journalist, wrote Saltwater Buddha to chronicle his late teens and early 20's as he learned to surf and delved into Zen.  He shares with us some of the highlights from this time of his life, and also shares what a powerful metaphor the ocean has been for his spiritual life, especially given his passion for surfing.  He also shares some prescient observations about what it's like being a young Buddhist, and what he notices that is different about the young generation of up-and-coming practitioners.  tag:odeo.com,2009-09-20,25158729 Sun, 20 Sep 2009 23:00:00 -0700 no Buddhist Geeks: Seriously Buddhist, Seriously Geeky http://odeo.com/episodes/25122837-BG-138-Reflections-on-21st-Century-Dharma In this episode we have a round-table discussion, with members from the NYC-based Interdependence Project, on issues surrounding 21st century dharma in the West.  Both Buddhist Geeks and the Interdependence Project tend to attract younger practitioners in their 20s & 30s.  So, in this dialogue, where the oldest of us is 31, we take on some interesting questions about how Dharma is changing in the West, what challenges we face in the future, the economics of dharma, and the implications of a generation who are so interconnected with technology and culture.  Listen in to hear a genuine conversation between young practitioners who are trying to find their way as Buddhist practitioners in the 21st century.  In this episode we have a round-table discussion, with members from the NYC-based Interdependence Project, on issues surrounding 21st century dharma in the West.  Both Buddhist Geeks and the Interdependence Project tend to attract younger practitioners in their 20s & 30s.  So, in this dialogue, where the oldest of us is 31, we take on some interesting questions about how Dharma is changing in the West, what challenges we face in the future, the economics of dharma, and the implications of a generation who are so interconnected with technology and culture.  Listen in to hear a genuine conversation between young practitioners who are trying to find their way as Buddhist practitioners in the 21st century.  In this episode we have a round-table discussion, with members from the NYC-based Interdependence Project, on issues surrounding 21st century dharma in the West.  Both Buddhist Geeks and the Interdependence Project tend to attract younger practitioners in their 20s & 30s.  So, in this dialogue, where the oldest of us is 31, we take on some interesting questions about how Dharma is changing in the West, what challenges we face in the future, the economics of dharma, and the implications of a generation who are so interconnected with technology and culture.  Listen in to hear a genuine conversation between young practitioners who are trying to find their way as Buddhist practitioners in the 21st century.  tag:odeo.com,2009-09-13,25122837 Sun, 13 Sep 2009 23:00:00 -0700 no Buddhist Geeks: Seriously Buddhist, Seriously Geeky http://odeo.com/episodes/25084935-BG-137-Artificial-Wisdom We're back again with Artificial Intelligence researcher and Zen-dabbler, Ben Gortzel.  We continue our exploration of some of the major themes in his non-fiction story "Enlightenment 2.0".  This precipitates a conversation about whether consciousness is a result of the mechanisms of the brain, or whether it is fundamental.  And connected to that, what are the ethical implications of creating an artificial intelligence, if we do indeed see it as having BuddhaNature?  Finally, Ben shares what he has discovered while exploring the notion of "artificial wisdom"--including what difference there is between intelligence and wisdom.  He also talks about the seeming incompatibility between intense scientific thinking and enlightenment, and how that might be rectified by creating a more wise and intelligent super-mind.  This is part 2 of a two-part series.  Listen to part 1, Enlightenment 2.0.  We're back again with Artificial Intelligence researcher and Zen-dabbler, Ben Gortzel.  We continue our exploration of some of the major themes in his non-fiction story "Enlightenment 2.0".  This precipitates a conversation about whether consciousness is a result of the mechanisms of the brain, or whether it is fundamental.  And connected to that, what are the ethical implications of creating an artificial intelligence, if we do indeed see it as having BuddhaNature?  Finally, Ben shares what he has discovered while exploring the notion of "artificial wisdom"--including what difference there is between intelligence and wisdom.  He also talks about the seeming incompatibility between intense scientific thinking and enlightenment, and how that might be rectified by creating a more wise and intelligent super-mind.  This is part 2 of a two-part series.  Listen to part 1, Enlightenment 2.0.  We're back again with Artificial Intelligence researcher and Zen-dabbler, Ben Gortzel.  We continue our exploration of some of the major themes in his non-fiction story "Enlightenment 2.0".  This precipitates a conversation about whether consciousness is a result of the mechanisms of the brain, or whether it is fundamental.  And connected to that, what are the ethical implications of creating an artificial intelligence, if we do indeed see it as having BuddhaNature?  Finally, Ben shares what he has discovered while exploring the notion of "artificial wisdom"--including what difference there is between intelligence and wisdom.  He also talks about the seeming incompatibility between intense scientific thinking and enlightenment, and how that might be rectified by creating a more wise and intelligent super-mind.  This is part 2 of a two-part series.  Listen to part 1, Enlightenment 2.0.  tag:odeo.com,2009-09-06,25084935 Sun, 06 Sep 2009 23:00:00 -0700 no Buddhist Geeks: Seriously Buddhist, Seriously Geeky http://odeo.com/episodes/25049380-BG-136-Enlightenment-2-0 This week we speak with Ben Geortzel, an artificial intelligence researcher and Zen-dabbling spiritual seeker.  Ben shares with us his introduction to Zen and his on-going relationship to spiritual practice.  He also explains what is meant by "strong artificial intelligence" and AGI (artificial general intelligence) and explains why he thinks a fully functioning AI may be as little as a decade away.  Finally, we explore the overlap between his work as an AI researcher and his experiences with Zen and other spiritual practices, through discussing a story he wrote entitled, "Enlightenment 2.0" about an enlightened AI being who determines that it is possible to construct a more enlightened mind, what Ben calls a "super mind", but isn't sure whether or not it is possible for us.  This is part 1 of a two-part series.  Listen to part 2, Artificial Wisdom (airing next week). This week we speak with Ben Geortzel, an artificial intelligence researcher and Zen-dabbling spiritual seeker.  Ben shares with us his introduction to Zen and his on-going relationship to spiritual practice.  He also explains what is meant by "strong artificial intelligence" and AGI (artificial general intelligence) and explains why he thinks a fully functioning AI may be as little as a decade away.  Finally, we explore the overlap between his work as an AI researcher and his experiences with Zen and other spiritual practices, through discussing a story he wrote entitled, "Enlightenment 2.0" about an enlightened AI being who determines that it is possible to construct a more enlightened mind, what Ben calls a "super mind", but isn't sure whether or not it is possible for us.  This is part 1 of a two-part series.  Listen to part 2, Artificial Wisdom (airing next week). This week we speak with Ben Geortzel, an artificial intelligence researcher and Zen-dabbling spiritual seeker.  Ben shares with us his introduction to Zen and his on-going relationship to spiritual practice.  He also explains what is meant by "strong artificial intelligence" and AGI (artificial general intelligence) and explains why he thinks a fully functioning AI may be as little as a decade away.  Finally, we explore the overlap between his work as an AI researcher and his experiences with Zen and other spiritual practices, through discussing a story he wrote entitled, "Enlightenment 2.0" about an enlightened AI being who determines that it is possible to construct a more enlightened mind, what Ben calls a "super mind", but isn't sure whether or not it is possible for us.  This is part 1 of a two-part series.  Listen to part 2, Artificial Wisdom (airing next week). tag:odeo.com,2009-08-30,25049380 Sun, 30 Aug 2009 23:00:00 -0700 no Buddhist Geeks: Seriously Buddhist, Seriously Geeky http://odeo.com/episodes/25023827-BG-500-The-Buddhist-Geeks-Micropatron In this episode we share a little some details on the recent launch of the Buddhist Geeks Micropatronage Drive.  Listen in to hear where Buddhist Geeks is heading from here, and how you can help.  In this episode we share a little some details on the recent launch of the Buddhist Geeks Micropatronage Drive.  Listen in to hear where Buddhist Geeks is heading from here, and how you can help.  In this episode we share a little some details on the recent launch of the Buddhist Geeks Micropatronage Drive.  Listen in to hear where Buddhist Geeks is heading from here, and how you can help.  tag:odeo.com,2009-08-25,25023827 Tue, 25 Aug 2009 23:00:00 -0700 no Buddhist Geeks: Seriously Buddhist, Seriously Geeky http://odeo.com/episodes/25012114-BG-135-Meditation-is-Good-for-Your-Life In this episode we speak with Karma Kagyu teacher, Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche.  He starts off by telling us about how he got into formal Buddhist practice, at the tender age of 9.  He also shares some of his initial challenges with anxiety, and how he was able to work with it on his first 3-year retreat.  Rinpoche also shares some suggestions for meditators who are fairly new to the path, suggesting that they focus on 1) Wisdom & 2) Method.  In addition to that he speaks about what makes a good teacher and whether or not it is vital to practice in a particular lineage.  We finish our interview with Rinpoche discussing the importance of Joy on the Buddhist path, and of what he calls "Boundless Joy."  Tying in with that he shares what it was like participating in the meditative research conducted by Dr. Richard Davidson, and what the results of that study were.  In this episode we speak with Karma Kagyu teacher, Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche.  He starts off by telling us about how he got into formal Buddhist practice, at the tender age of 9.  He also shares some of his initial challenges with anxiety, and how he was able to work with it on his first 3-year retreat.  Rinpoche also shares some suggestions for meditators who are fairly new to the path, suggesting that they focus on 1) Wisdom & 2) Method.  In addition to that he speaks about what makes a good teacher and whether or not it is vital to practice in a particular lineage.  We finish our interview with Rinpoche discussing the importance of Joy on the Buddhist path, and of what he calls "Boundless Joy."  Tying in with that he shares what it was like participating in the meditative research conducted by Dr. Richard Davidson, and what the results of that study were.  In this episode we speak with Karma Kagyu teacher, Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche.  He starts off by telling us about how he got into formal Buddhist practice, at the tender age of 9.  He also shares some of his initial challenges with anxiety, and how he was able to work with it on his first 3-year retreat.  Rinpoche also shares some suggestions for meditators who are fairly new to the path, suggesting that they focus on 1) Wisdom & 2) Method.  In addition to that he speaks about what makes a good teacher and whether or not it is vital to practice in a particular lineage.  We finish our interview with Rinpoche discussing the importance of Joy on the Buddhist path, and of what he calls "Boundless Joy."  Tying in with that he shares what it was like participating in the meditative research conducted by Dr. Richard Davidson, and what the results of that study were.  tag:odeo.com,2009-08-23,25012114 Sun, 23 Aug 2009 23:03:00 -0700 no Buddhist Geeks: Seriously Buddhist, Seriously Geeky http://odeo.com/episodes/24973748-BG-134-The-Erotic-Embrace-of-Life-and-Meditation We're joined today by Vidyuddeva, a young Zen teacher who spent 5 years in monastic training with Zen Master Steve Hagen.  Vid is now a teacher in his own right, and teaches with both the iEvolve Practice Community as well as with the Integral Spiritual Center (founded by Ken Wilber).  In this episode, Vid shares with us how he came to the dharma, and how it eventually led to his time as a Zen monastic.  He also turns the table on the Geeks and begins questioning us as to what the significance is between meditation and life.  Listen in to hear more from this young & dynamic voice of wisdom.   We're joined today by Vidyuddeva, a young Zen teacher who spent 5 years in monastic training with Zen Master Steve Hagen.  Vid is now a teacher in his own right, and teaches with both the iEvolve Practice Community as well as with the Integral Spiritual Center (founded by Ken Wilber).  In this episode, Vid shares with us how he came to the dharma, and how it eventually led to his time as a Zen monastic.  He also turns the table on the Geeks and begins questioning us as to what the significance is between meditation and life.  Listen in to hear more from this young & dynamic voice of wisdom.   We're joined today by Vidyuddeva, a young Zen teacher who spent 5 years in monastic training with Zen Master Steve Hagen.  Vid is now a teacher in his own right, and teaches with both the iEvolve Practice Community as well as with the Integral Spiritual Center (founded by Ken Wilber).  In this episode, Vid shares with us how he came to the dharma, and how it eventually led to his time as a Zen monastic.  He also turns the table on the Geeks and begins questioning us as to what the significance is between meditation and life.  Listen in to hear more from this young & dynamic voice of wisdom.   tag:odeo.com,2009-08-16,24973748 Sun, 16 Aug 2009 23:00:00 -0700 no Buddhist Geeks: Seriously Buddhist, Seriously Geeky http://odeo.com/episodes/24941578-BG-133-Erik-Curren-The-Buddhist-Politician Erik Curren is a business leader, community activist, author, Buddhist meditator, and politician—who is running for state legislature in Virginia during the 2010 election period.  We were contacted by Erik's campaign manager, who told us that Erik's Buddhist background was causing a backlash of religious intolerance from some camps, including his fellow Democrats.  We spoke with Erik about the importance of religious freedom in American politics, as well as about the way that the Bodhisattva ideal impacts his work as a politician.  Finally, we speak with Erik about his first book, Buddha's Not Smiling, which explored some of the issues behind the current controversy between the two young men who both claim to be reincarnations of the 16th Karmapa--the spiritual head of the Karma Kagyu school.  It turns out that there is corruption and misunderstanding in Tibetan politics, just as there are in American politics.  Erik Curren is a business leader, community activist, author, Buddhist meditator, and politician—who is running for state legislature in Virginia during the 2010 election period.  We were contacted by Erik's campaign manager, who told us that Erik's Buddhist background was causing a backlash of religious intolerance from some camps, including his fellow Democrats.  We spoke with Erik about the importance of religious freedom in American politics, as well as about the way that the Bodhisattva ideal impacts his work as a politician.  Finally, we speak with Erik about his first book, Buddha's Not Smiling, which explored some of the issues behind the current controversy between the two young men who both claim to be reincarnations of the 16th Karmapa--the spiritual head of the Karma Kagyu school.  It turns out that there is corruption and misunderstanding in Tibetan politics, just as there are in American politics.  Erik Curren is a business leader, community activist, author, Buddhist meditator, and politician—who is running for state legislature in Virginia during the 2010 election period.  We were contacted by Erik's campaign manager, who told us that Erik's Buddhist background was causing a backlash of religious intolerance from some camps, including his fellow Democrats.  We spoke with Erik about the importance of religious freedom in American politics, as well as about the way that the Bodhisattva ideal impacts his work as a politician.  Finally, we speak with Erik about his first book, Buddha's Not Smiling, which explored some of the issues behind the current controversy between the two young men who both claim to be reincarnations of the 16th Karmapa--the spiritual head of the Karma Kagyu school.  It turns out that there is corruption and misunderstanding in Tibetan politics, just as there are in American politics.  tag:odeo.com,2009-08-09,24941578 Sun, 09 Aug 2009 23:00:00 -0700 no Buddhist Geeks: Seriously Buddhist, Seriously Geeky http://odeo.com/episodes/24903589-BG-132-Buddhist-Chaplaincy-Buddhist-Youth This week we're joined by Reverend Danny Fisher--a Buddhist Chaplain and author.  Danny shares with us his reasons for becoming chaplain, where the notion of chaplaincy or service to others comes from in the Buddhist tradition, and what it's like to undertake a Buddhist-based divinity program. In the 2nd half of our conversation we ask him about his take on the challenges and opportunities that young Buddhists encounter.  Being an emerging voice for young Buddhists, and a popular Buddhist blogger, Danny shares with us some of his thoughts on what it's like being a young Buddhist today.  This week we're joined by Reverend Danny Fisher--a Buddhist Chaplain and author.  Danny shares with us his reasons for becoming chaplain, where the notion of chaplaincy or service to others comes from in the Buddhist tradition, and what it's like to undertake a Buddhist-based divinity program. In the 2nd half of our conversation we ask him about his take on the challenges and opportunities that young Buddhists encounter.  Being an emerging voice for young Buddhists, and a popular Buddhist blogger, Danny shares with us some of his thoughts on what it's like being a young Buddhist today.  This week we're joined by Reverend Danny Fisher--a Buddhist Chaplain and author.  Danny shares with us his reasons for becoming chaplain, where the notion of chaplaincy or service to others comes from in the Buddhist tradition, and what it's like to undertake a Buddhist-based divinity program. In the 2nd half of our conversation we ask him about his take on the challenges and opportunities that young Buddhists encounter.  Being an emerging voice for young Buddhists, and a popular Buddhist blogger, Danny shares with us some of his thoughts on what it's like being a young Buddhist today.  tag:odeo.com,2009-08-02,24903589 Sun, 02 Aug 2009 23:00:00 -0700 no Buddhist Geeks: Seriously Buddhist, Seriously Geeky http://odeo.com/episodes/24871945-BG-131-Buddhist-History-101 This week we speak with esteemed scholar, and the former professor of Buddhist Studies at UC Berkely, Dr. Lewis Lancaster.  Lewis shares with us the important history of the Buddhist tradition, focusing in particular on the unique attributes of Buddhism that made it the first "world religion," a religion that is able to detach from it's original homeland and language and travel wide and far.  We also discuss the recent history of Buddhism transitioning to the West, and how Buddhism continues to morph and change through time.  Listen in for a great dose of geeky history!  This week we speak with esteemed scholar, and the former professor of Buddhist Studies at UC Berkely, Dr. Lewis Lancaster.  Lewis shares with us the important history of the Buddhist tradition, focusing in particular on the unique attributes of Buddhism that made it the first "world religion," a religion that is able to detach from it's original homeland and language and travel wide and far.  We also discuss the recent history of Buddhism transitioning to the West, and how Buddhism continues to morph and change through time.  Listen in for a great dose of geeky history!  This week we speak with esteemed scholar, and the former professor of Buddhist Studies at UC Berkely, Dr. Lewis Lancaster.  Lewis shares with us the important history of the Buddhist tradition, focusing in particular on the unique attributes of Buddhism that made it the first "world religion," a religion that is able to detach from it's original homeland and language and travel wide and far.  We also discuss the recent history of Buddhism transitioning to the West, and how Buddhism continues to morph and change through time.  Listen in for a great dose of geeky history!  tag:odeo.com,2009-07-26,24871945 Sun, 26 Jul 2009 23:00:00 -0700 no Buddhist Geeks: Seriously Buddhist, Seriously Geeky http://odeo.com/episodes/24833336-BG-130-Buddhism-and-the-Evolution-of-Religion Zen teacher Norman Fischer--a teacher in the lineage of Shunryu Suzuki Roshi—joins us again to speak about the religion, evolution, and Buddhism's unique role in both.  The conversation begins with an overview of American sociologist Robert Bellah's schema on the evolution of religion throughout the ages.  We then discuss the important role that Buddhism can play in the evolution of religion in the West.  This is part 2 of a two-part series.  Listen to Part 1, Buddhism May Need a Plan B.  Zen teacher Norman Fischer--a teacher in the lineage of Shunryu Suzuki Roshi—joins us again to speak about the religion, evolution, and Buddhism's unique role in both.  The conversation begins with an overview of American sociologist Robert Bellah's schema on the evolution of religion throughout the ages.  We then discuss the important role that Buddhism can play in the evolution of religion in the West.  This is part 2 of a two-part series.  Listen to Part 1, Buddhism May Need a Plan B.  Zen teacher Norman Fischer--a teacher in the lineage of Shunryu Suzuki Roshi—joins us again to speak about the religion, evolution, and Buddhism's unique role in both.  The conversation begins with an overview of American sociologist Robert Bellah's schema on the evolution of religion throughout the ages.  We then discuss the important role that Buddhism can play in the evolution of religion in the West.  This is part 2 of a two-part series.  Listen to Part 1, Buddhism May Need a Plan B.  tag:odeo.com,2009-07-19,24833336 Sun, 19 Jul 2009 23:02:00 -0700 no Buddhist Geeks: Seriously Buddhist, Seriously Geeky http://odeo.com/episodes/24794525-BG-129-Buddhism-May-Need-a-Plan-B As Buddhism transitions to the West, we see that it is doing so in a couple different ways.  Some forms look more like their original Asian roots, while others are secular and non-Religious in their presentation.  Zen teacher Norman Fischer, an early 2nd generation teacher in the lineage of Shunryu Suzuki Roshi, calls the more traditional forms part of "Plan A" and the more secular forms, "Plan B." In this interview we discuss with Norman the importance of Plan B approaches, like Jon Kabat-Zinn's Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction.  We also discuss his personal experience teaching Plan B at places like Google.  Finally, we explore how the livelihood of trained and competent meditation teachers may relay heavily on Plan B approaches. This is part 1 of a two-part series.  Listen to part 2 (airing next week). As Buddhism transitions to the West, we see that it is doing so in a couple different ways.  Some forms look more like their original Asian roots, while others are secular and non-Religious in their presentation.  Zen teacher Norman Fischer, an early 2nd generation teacher in the lineage of Shunryu Suzuki Roshi, calls the more traditional forms part of "Plan A" and the more secular forms, "Plan B." In this interview we discuss with Norman the importance of Plan B approaches, like Jon Kabat-Zinn's Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction.  We also discuss his personal experience teaching Plan B at places like Google.  Finally, we explore how the livelihood of trained and competent meditation teachers may relay heavily on Plan B approaches. This is part 1 of a two-part series.  Listen to part 2 (airing next week). As Buddhism transitions to the West, we see that it is doing so in a couple different ways.  Some forms look more like their original Asian roots, while others are secular and non-Religious in their presentation.  Zen teacher Norman Fischer, an early 2nd generation teacher in the lineage of Shunryu Suzuki Roshi, calls the more traditional forms part of "Plan A" and the more secular forms, "Plan B." In this interview we discuss with Norman the importance of Plan B approaches, like Jon Kabat-Zinn's Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction.  We also discuss his personal experience teaching Plan B at places like Google.  Finally, we explore how the livelihood of trained and competent meditation teachers may relay heavily on Plan B approaches. This is part 1 of a two-part series.  Listen to part 2 (airing next week). tag:odeo.com,2009-07-12,24794525 Sun, 12 Jul 2009 23:03:00 -0700 no Buddhist Geeks: Seriously Buddhist, Seriously Geeky http://odeo.com/episodes/24755299-See-archives-for-more For more information click on the link back to the podcast page. For more information click on the link back to the podcast page. For more information click on the link back to the podcast page. tag:odeo.com,2009-07-06,24755299 Mon, 06 Jul 2009 07:01:56 -0700 no Buddhist Geeks: Seriously Buddhist, Seriously Geeky http://odeo.com/episodes/24755243-BG-128-Peter-Fenner-Entering-into-Natural-Meditation This week, I speak with non-dual teacher and former Tibetan monk, Peter Fenner.  Peter was a monk for nearly a decade before he disrobed, realizing that the Buddhist practices he was engaged in weren't leading him to what he was looking for.  He then looked to Western psychotherapeutic technologies, and in the process developed a non-dual teaching that relates in part to Madhyamika, Advaita Vedanta, and Western psychology.  He calls this approach Radiant Mind, and in this episode we speak with him about the various aspects of his teaching, from a type of deconstructive inquiry based on dialoguing with him, to the formless "practice" of natural meditation.  Listen in to hear more about this type of "fruition or results" based spiritual path.  This week, I speak with non-dual teacher and former Tibetan monk, Peter Fenner.  Peter was a monk for nearly a decade before he disrobed, realizing that the Buddhist practices he was engaged in weren't leading him to what he was looking for.  He then looked to Western psychotherapeutic technologies, and in the process developed a non-dual teaching that relates in part to Madhyamika, Advaita Vedanta, and Western psychology.  He calls this approach Radiant Mind, and in this episode we speak with him about the various aspects of his teaching, from a type of deconstructive inquiry based on dialoguing with him, to the formless "practice" of natural meditation.  Listen in to hear more about this type of "fruition or results" based spiritual path.  This week, I speak with non-dual teacher and former Tibetan monk, Peter Fenner.  Peter was a monk for nearly a decade before he disrobed, realizing that the Buddhist practices he was engaged in weren't leading him to what he was looking for.  He then looked to Western psychotherapeutic technologies, and in the process developed a non-dual teaching that relates in part to Madhyamika, Advaita Vedanta, and Western psychology.  He calls this approach Radiant Mind, and in this episode we speak with him about the various aspects of his teaching, from a type of deconstructive inquiry based on dialoguing with him, to the formless "practice" of natural meditation.  Listen in to hear more about this type of "fruition or results" based spiritual path.  tag:odeo.com,2009-07-05,24755243 Sun, 05 Jul 2009 23:00:00 -0700 no Buddhist Geeks: Seriously Buddhist, Seriously Geeky http://odeo.com/episodes/24755244-BG-127-Pop-Buddhism-Satori-Porn This week we speak with Gen-X Zen teacher Brad Warner, author of the newly released Zen Wrapped in Karma Dipped in Chocolate.  We talk a little bit about his book, which leads to a critique of what we might call "Popular Buddhism."  We then ask Brad about an article he wrote called, "Satori Porn", where he argues that descriptions of enlightenment that make it sound like an experience just aren't that helpful for students.  Even so, at the end of the episode he tries his best to talk about enlightenment, while not describing it in terms of experience.  This week we speak with Gen-X Zen teacher Brad Warner, author of the newly released Zen Wrapped in Karma Dipped in Chocolate.  We talk a little bit about his book, which leads to a critique of what we might call "Popular Buddhism."  We then ask Brad about an article he wrote called, "Satori Porn", where he argues that descriptions of enlightenment that make it sound like an experience just aren't that helpful for students.  Even so, at the end of the episode he tries his best to talk about enlightenment, while not describing it in terms of experience.  This week we speak with Gen-X Zen teacher Brad Warner, author of the newly released Zen Wrapped in Karma Dipped in Chocolate.  We talk a little bit about his book, which leads to a critique of what we might call "Popular Buddhism."  We then ask Brad about an article he wrote called, "Satori Porn", where he argues that descriptions of enlightenment that make it sound like an experience just aren't that helpful for students.  Even so, at the end of the episode he tries his best to talk about enlightenment, while not describing it in terms of experience.  tag:odeo.com,2009-06-28,24755244 Sun, 28 Jun 2009 23:00:00 -0700 no Buddhist Geeks: Seriously Buddhist, Seriously Geeky http://odeo.com/episodes/24755245-BG-126-Natural-Wakefulness This week we speak with Shambhala acharya and cultural anthropologist, Gaylon Ferguson.  Gaylon speaks about the view of Natural Wakefulness, in short that innate wisdom is there from the beginning.  We also discuss the four foundations of mindfulness as they were taught by Chogyam Trungpa, and the differences between emphasizing naturalness and training on the spiritual path.  We wrap up by exploring how cultural anthropology and the study of religion fit in with being a practitioner of the dharma.  And since Gaylon has done and taught all three, he has a distinctly interdisciplinary approach that you'll probably find quite interesting. This week we speak with Shambhala acharya and cultural anthropologist, Gaylon Ferguson.  Gaylon speaks about the view of Natural Wakefulness, in short that innate wisdom is there from the beginning.  We also discuss the four foundations of mindfulness as they were taught by Chogyam Trungpa, and the differences between emphasizing naturalness and training on the spiritual path.  We wrap up by exploring how cultural anthropology and the study of religion fit in with being a practitioner of the dharma.  And since Gaylon has done and taught all three, he has a distinctly interdisciplinary approach that you'll probably find quite interesting. This week we speak with Shambhala acharya and cultural anthropologist, Gaylon Ferguson.  Gaylon speaks about the view of Natural Wakefulness, in short that innate wisdom is there from the beginning.  We also discuss the four foundations of mindfulness as they were taught by Chogyam Trungpa, and the differences between emphasizing naturalness and training on the spiritual path.  We wrap up by exploring how cultural anthropology and the study of religion fit in with being a practitioner of the dharma.  And since Gaylon has done and taught all three, he has a distinctly interdisciplinary approach that you'll probably find quite interesting. tag:odeo.com,2009-06-21,24755245 Sun, 21 Jun 2009 23:00:00 -0700 no Buddhist Geeks: Seriously Buddhist, Seriously Geeky http://odeo.com/episodes/24706654-BG-125-Insights-at-the-Edge We're joined again by Tami Simon--founder of the spiritual media company Sounds True and senior student of Vajrayana teacher Reggie Ray.  This week we ask her about her new podcast series, Insights at the Edge, in which she has been interviewing many of the best spiritual teachers in the world.  Having jokingly said that she wanted to name the show, "Grill the Guru," she uses her opportunity with these different teachers to ask them tough questions about their work.  We also ask her about some of the people that have impacted her the most during her decades of being around and working with some of the brightest spiritual teachers of our time.  She shares stories from some of her favorite luminaries, including quaker teacher and activist Parker Palmer, Julia Butterfly Hill, Adyashanti, and finally "the living now gate," Eckhart Tolle.  This is part 2 of a two-part series.  Listen to part 1, You Will Get the Dharma You Need.  We're joined again by Tami Simon--founder of the spiritual media company Sounds True and senior student of Vajrayana teacher Reggie Ray.  This week we ask her about her new podcast series, Insights at the Edge, in which she has been interviewing many of the best spiritual teachers in the world.  Having jokingly said that she wanted to name the show, "Grill the Guru," she uses her opportunity with these different teachers to ask them tough questions about their work.  We also ask her about some of the people that have impacted her the most during her decades of being around and working with some of the brightest spiritual teachers of our time.  She shares stories from some of her favorite luminaries, including quaker teacher and activist Parker Palmer, Julia Butterfly Hill, Adyashanti, and finally "the living now gate," Eckhart Tolle.  This is part 2 of a two-part series.  Listen to part 1, You Will Get the Dharma You Need.  We're joined again by Tami Simon--founder of the spiritual media company Sounds True and senior student of Vajrayana teacher Reggie Ray.  This week we ask her about her new podcast series, Insights at the Edge, in which she has been interviewing many of the best spiritual teachers in the world.  Having jokingly said that she wanted to name the show, "Grill the Guru," she uses her opportunity with these different teachers to ask them tough questions about their work.  We also ask her about some of the people that have impacted her the most during her decades of being around and working with some of the brightest spiritual teachers of our time.  She shares stories from some of her favorite luminaries, including quaker teacher and activist Parker Palmer, Julia Butterfly Hill, Adyashanti, and finally "the living now gate," Eckhart Tolle.  This is part 2 of a two-part series.  Listen to part 1, You Will Get the Dharma You Need.  tag:odeo.com,2009-06-14,24706654 Sun, 14 Jun 2009 23:00:00 -0700 no Buddhist Geeks: Seriously Buddhist, Seriously Geeky http://odeo.com/episodes/24664859-BG-124-You-Will-Get-the-Dharma-You-Need In this episode we speak with Tami Simon--founder of the spiritual media company Sounds True and senior student of Vajrayana teacher Reggie Ray.  Tami shares us with us the intimate details of her initial meeting with Reggie, and the amazing results that followed.  She also describes what she has learned from beginning to teach the dharma to others, while also making a vow to only teach that which she truly knows.  This is part 1 of a two-part series.  Listen to part 2, Insights at the Edge (airing next week).  In this episode we speak with Tami Simon--founder of the spiritual media company Sounds True and senior student of Vajrayana teacher Reggie Ray.  Tami shares us with us the intimate details of her initial meeting with Reggie, and the amazing results that followed.  She also describes what she has learned from beginning to teach the dharma to others, while also making a vow to only teach that which she truly knows.  This is part 1 of a two-part series.  Listen to part 2, Insights at the Edge (airing next week).  In this episode we speak with Tami Simon--founder of the spiritual media company Sounds True and senior student of Vajrayana teacher Reggie Ray.  Tami shares us with us the intimate details of her initial meeting with Reggie, and the amazing results that followed.  She also describes what she has learned from beginning to teach the dharma to others, while also making a vow to only teach that which she truly knows.  This is part 1 of a two-part series.  Listen to part 2, Insights at the Edge (airing next week).  tag:odeo.com,2009-06-07,24664859 Sun, 07 Jun 2009 23:00:00 -0700 no Buddhist Geeks: Seriously Buddhist, Seriously Geeky http://odeo.com/episodes/24637871-BG-123-Dharma-Music-Can-Sound-Like-Anything This week we speak to the Buddhist-inspired musician Ravenna Michalsen.  She explains why dharma music need not sound the way we think it should (think monks chanting in Asian in a cave).  Instead, Ravenna's music crosses musical genres and stretches our notion of what dharma music is.  We also discuss the life and teachings of Machig Labdron, one of Tibet's most famous female masters and the inventor of the Chöd lineage of practice.  At the end of the interview we end with a song from Ravenna's album Dharma Song called "Ki Ki So So."  This week we speak to the Buddhist-inspired musician Ravenna Michalsen.  She explains why dharma music need not sound the way we think it should (think monks chanting in Asian in a cave).  Instead, Ravenna's music crosses musical genres and stretches our notion of what dharma music is.  We also discuss the life and teachings of Machig Labdron, one of Tibet's most famous female masters and the inventor of the Chöd lineage of practice.  At the end of the interview we end with a song from Ravenna's album Dharma Song called "Ki Ki So So."  This week we speak to the Buddhist-inspired musician Ravenna Michalsen.  She explains why dharma music need not sound the way we think it should (think monks chanting in Asian in a cave).  Instead, Ravenna's music crosses musical genres and stretches our notion of what dharma music is.  We also discuss the life and teachings of Machig Labdron, one of Tibet's most famous female masters and the inventor of the Chöd lineage of practice.  At the end of the interview we end with a song from Ravenna's album Dharma Song called "Ki Ki So So."  tag:odeo.com,2009-05-31,24637871 Sun, 31 May 2009 23:00:00 -0700 no Buddhist Geeks: Seriously Buddhist, Seriously Geeky http://odeo.com/episodes/24607052-BG-122-The-Evolution-of-the-Mind-and-Life-Dialogues This week, Adam Engle, the business mastermind behind the Mind and Life Institute, joins us to discuss the both the evolution of the project as well as it's larger impact.  The first Mind and Life dialogue was held in Dharmsala, India in 1987 w/ His Holiness the Dalai Lama.  Since then, Adam says, it has done more than any other organization to help "legitimitize the scientific study of meditation."  Listen in to hear more about how they've they've gone about creating an active collaboration between scientists and contemplatives, and what kind of fruit that collaboration has bourne.  This week, Adam Engle, the business mastermind behind the Mind and Life Institute, joins us to discuss the both the evolution of the project as well as it's larger impact.  The first Mind and Life dialogue was held in Dharmsala, India in 1987 w/ His Holiness the Dalai Lama.  Since then, Adam says, it has done more than any other organization to help "legitimitize the scientific study of meditation."  Listen in to hear more about how they've they've gone about creating an active collaboration between scientists and contemplatives, and what kind of fruit that collaboration has bourne.  This week, Adam Engle, the business mastermind behind the Mind and Life Institute, joins us to discuss the both the evolution of the project as well as it's larger impact.  The first Mind and Life dialogue was held in Dharmsala, India in 1987 w/ His Holiness the Dalai Lama.  Since then, Adam says, it has done more than any other organization to help "legitimitize the scientific study of meditation."  Listen in to hear more about how they've they've gone about creating an active collaboration between scientists and contemplatives, and what kind of fruit that collaboration has bourne.  tag:odeo.com,2009-05-24,24607052 Sun, 24 May 2009 23:00:00 -0700 no Buddhist Geeks: Seriously Buddhist, Seriously Geeky http://odeo.com/episodes/24580384-BG-121-The-Great-Work-of-Western-Magick Alan Chapman is a Western magick practitioner, and the author of the newly released book, Advanced Magick for Beginners.  Alan found his way into the field of Chaos magick through the work of Aleister Crowley and since has worked with a powerful technique called "the Holy Guardian Angel," which very much like the guru yoga techniques of the Vajrayana schools, allows one to surrender to an external guide on the path to enlightenment.  Alan shares with us the details of the Western occult tradition, including its core purpose of enlightenment, which he calls "the great work" of magick.  He also connects some of the spiritual practices of magick with the Buddhist maps and models.  Finally, he shares with us some of the details of a project he has recently launched called Open Enlightenment, whose purpose is to promote a transparent and open discussion surrounding the nature of enlightenment throughout the world's mystical traditions. Alan Chapman is a Western magick practitioner, and the author of the newly released book, Advanced Magick for Beginners.  Alan found his way into the field of Chaos magick through the work of Aleister Crowley and since has worked with a powerful technique called "the Holy Guardian Angel," which very much like the guru yoga techniques of the Vajrayana schools, allows one to surrender to an external guide on the path to enlightenment.  Alan shares with us the details of the Western occult tradition, including its core purpose of enlightenment, which he calls "the great work" of magick.  He also connects some of the spiritual practices of magick with the Buddhist maps and models.  Finally, he shares with us some of the details of a project he has recently launched called Open Enlightenment, whose purpose is to promote a transparent and open discussion surrounding the nature of enlightenment throughout the world's mystical traditions. Alan Chapman is a Western magick practitioner, and the author of the newly released book, Advanced Magick for Beginners.  Alan found his way into the field of Chaos magick through the work of Aleister Crowley and since has worked with a powerful technique called "the Holy Guardian Angel," which very much like the guru yoga techniques of the Vajrayana schools, allows one to surrender to an external guide on the path to enlightenment.  Alan shares with us the details of the Western occult tradition, including its core purpose of enlightenment, which he calls "the great work" of magick.  He also connects some of the spiritual practices of magick with the Buddhist maps and models.  Finally, he shares with us some of the details of a project he has recently launched called Open Enlightenment, whose purpose is to promote a transparent and open discussion surrounding the nature of enlightenment throughout the world's mystical traditions. tag:odeo.com,2009-05-17,24580384 Sun, 17 May 2009 23:00:00 -0700 no Buddhist Geeks: Seriously Buddhist, Seriously Geeky http://odeo.com/episodes/24551307-BG-120-The-Mystery-of-the-Mind-Ten-Zen-Questions Dr. Susan Blackmore--a psychologist and long-time Zen practitioner--shares with us the discoveries that she made while writing her latest book, Ten Zen Questions.  Listen in to find out what she discovered after many, many hours of asking questions, such as:  "Am I conscious now?", "What was I conscious of a moment ago?", & "There is no time.  What is memory?"  Also, listen in to hear how she feels this type of exploration, often called Koan training in the Zen Buddhist tradition, can illuminate and inform the traditional scientific study of consciousness. Dr. Susan Blackmore--a psychologist and long-time Zen practitioner--shares with us the discoveries that she made while writing her latest book, Ten Zen Questions.  Listen in to find out what she discovered after many, many hours of asking questions, such as:  "Am I conscious now?", "What was I conscious of a moment ago?", & "There is no time.  What is memory?"  Also, listen in to hear how she feels this type of exploration, often called Koan training in the Zen Buddhist tradition, can illuminate and inform the traditional scientific study of consciousness. Dr. Susan Blackmore--a psychologist and long-time Zen practitioner--shares with us the discoveries that she made while writing her latest book, Ten Zen Questions.  Listen in to find out what she discovered after many, many hours of asking questions, such as:  "Am I conscious now?", "What was I conscious of a moment ago?", & "There is no time.  What is memory?"  Also, listen in to hear how she feels this type of exploration, often called Koan training in the Zen Buddhist tradition, can illuminate and inform the traditional scientific study of consciousness. tag:odeo.com,2009-05-11,24551307 Mon, 11 May 2009 05:13:00 -0700 no Buddhist Geeks: Seriously Buddhist, Seriously Geeky http://odeo.com/episodes/24551309-BG-119-The-Dharma-Overground Daniel Ingram, Theravada meditation teacher, joins us today to discuss the online community he and Buddhist Geeks host, Vince Horn helped create, The Dharma Overground.  Daniel shares how the Dharma Overground has been a grand experiment in discussing practical, down-to-earth, and empowering dharma out in the open and the results of that experiment thus far.  This is part 2 of a two-part series.  Listen to part 1, An Unusually Hardcore Dharma Book.  Daniel Ingram, Theravada meditation teacher, joins us today to discuss the online community he and Buddhist Geeks host, Vince Horn helped create, The Dharma Overground.  Daniel shares how the Dharma Overground has been a grand experiment in discussing practical, down-to-earth, and empowering dharma out in the open and the results of that experiment thus far.  This is part 2 of a two-part series.  Listen to part 1, An Unusually Hardcore Dharma Book.  Daniel Ingram, Theravada meditation teacher, joins us today to discuss the online community he and Buddhist Geeks host, Vince Horn helped create, The Dharma Overground.  Daniel shares how the Dharma Overground has been a grand experiment in discussing practical, down-to-earth, and empowering dharma out in the open and the results of that experiment thus far.  This is part 2 of a two-part series.  Listen to part 1, An Unusually Hardcore Dharma Book.  tag:odeo.com,2009-05-03,24551309 Sun, 03 May 2009 23:01:00 -0700 no Buddhist Geeks: Seriously Buddhist, Seriously Geeky http://odeo.com/episodes/24524085-BG-118-An-Unusually-Hardcore-Dharma-Book Daniel Ingram, a Theravada meditation teacher and one of our most popular guests, joins us again to discuss his recently published book, Mastering the Core Teachings of the Buddha.  In discussing the book we dive into some of the more foundation distinctions he makes, including that of the three trainings.  Daniel claims that the trainings in morality (or ethics), concentration (or meditation), and insight (or wisdom) are distinct trainings, each having their own unique gold standard.  He explores each of these gold standards and pays particular attention to the gold standard of insight, which has to do with seeing the three characteristics of experience—impermanence, suffering, and not-self.  Listen in for some geeky, technical, and hard-hitting dharma from one of today's little known, yet extremely profound, American dharma teachers. This is part 1 of a two-part series.  Listen to part 2, The Dharma Overground (airing next week).  Daniel Ingram, a Theravada meditation teacher and one of our most popular guests, joins us again to discuss his recently published book, Mastering the Core Teachings of the Buddha.  In discussing the book we dive into some of the more foundation distinctions he makes, including that of the three trainings.  Daniel claims that the trainings in morality (or ethics), concentration (or meditation), and insight (or wisdom) are distinct trainings, each having their own unique gold standard.  He explores each of these gold standards and pays particular attention to the gold standard of insight, which has to do with seeing the three characteristics of experience—impermanence, suffering, and not-self.  Listen in for some geeky, technical, and hard-hitting dharma from one of today's little known, yet extremely profound, American dharma teachers. This is part 1 of a two-part series.  Listen to part 2, The Dharma Overground (airing next week).  Daniel Ingram, a Theravada meditation teacher and one of our most popular guests, joins us again to discuss his recently published book, Mastering the Core Teachings of the Buddha.  In discussing the book we dive into some of the more foundation distinctions he makes, including that of the three trainings.  Daniel claims that the trainings in morality (or ethics), concentration (or meditation), and insight (or wisdom) are distinct trainings, each having their own unique gold standard.  He explores each of these gold standards and pays particular attention to the gold standard of insight, which has to do with seeing the three characteristics of experience—impermanence, suffering, and not-self.  Listen in for some geeky, technical, and hard-hitting dharma from one of today's little known, yet extremely profound, American dharma teachers. This is part 1 of a two-part series.  Listen to part 2, The Dharma Overground (airing next week).  tag:odeo.com,2009-04-26,24524085 Sun, 26 Apr 2009 23:00:00 -0700 no Buddhist Geeks: Seriously Buddhist, Seriously Geeky http://odeo.com/episodes/25333320-BG-117-Western-Buddhism-Megatrends-Scandals Lama Sarah Harding, Tibetan translator and student of the late Kalu Rinpoche, joins us again to discuss some of the major trends in Western Buddhism.  Having taught a class on "Buddhism in America" for the past several years, Sarah is uniquely positioned to share some key insights on this topic.  We cap the conversation off discussing the regular, and unfortunate, occurrence of scandal within different Buddhist communities in the West, and what some of the major causes seem to be.  This is part 2 of a two-part series.  Listen to part 1, The Traditional 3-Year Retreat: Intensive Training for a Nonexistent Job Lama Sarah Harding, Tibetan translator and student of the late Kalu Rinpoche, joins us again to discuss some of the major trends in Western Buddhism.  Having taught a class on "Buddhism in America" for the past several years, Sarah is uniquely positioned to share some key insights on this topic.  We cap the conversation off discussing the regular, and unfortunate, occurrence of scandal within different Buddhist communities in the West, and what some of the major causes seem to be.  This is part 2 of a two-part series.  Listen to part 1, The Traditional 3-Year Retreat: Intensive Training for a Nonexistent Job Lama Sarah Harding, Tibetan translator and student of the late Kalu Rinpoche, joins us again to discuss some of the major trends in Western Buddhism.  Having taught a class on "Buddhism in America" for the past several years, Sarah is uniquely positioned to share some key insights on this topic.  We cap the conversation off discussing the regular, and unfortunate, occurrence of scandal within different Buddhist communities in the West, and what some of the major causes seem to be.  This is part 2 of a two-part series.  Listen to part 1, The Traditional 3-Year Retreat: Intensive Training for a Nonexistent Job tag:odeo.com,2009-04-19,25333320 Sun, 19 Apr 2009 23:00:00 -0700 no Buddhist Geeks: Seriously Buddhist, Seriously Geeky http://odeo.com/episodes/24472880-BG-117-Western-Buddhism-Megatrends-Scandals Lama Sarah Harding, Tibetan translator and student of the late Kalu Rinpoche, joins us again to discuss some of the major trends in Western Buddhism.  Having taught a class on "Buddhism in America" for the past several years, Sarah is uniquely positioned to share some key insights on this topic.  We cap the conversation off discussing the regular, and unfortunate, occurrence of scandal within different Buddhist communities in the West, and what some of the major causes seem to be.  This is part 2 of a two-part series.  Listen to part 1, The Traditional 3-Year Retreat: Intensive Training for a Nonexistent Job Lama Sarah Harding, Tibetan translator and student of the late Kalu Rinpoche, joins us again to discuss some of the major trends in Western Buddhism.  Having taught a class on "Buddhism in America" for the past several years, Sarah is uniquely positioned to share some key insights on this topic.  We cap the conversation off discussing the regular, and unfortunate, occurrence of scandal within different Buddhist communities in the West, and what some of the major causes seem to be.  This is part 2 of a two-part series.  Listen to part 1, The Traditional 3-Year Retreat: Intensive Training for a Nonexistent Job Lama Sarah Harding, Tibetan translator and student of the late Kalu Rinpoche, joins us again to discuss some of the major trends in Western Buddhism.  Having taught a class on "Buddhism in America" for the past several years, Sarah is uniquely positioned to share some key insights on this topic.  We cap the conversation off discussing the regular, and unfortunate, occurrence of scandal within different Buddhist communities in the West, and what some of the major causes seem to be.  This is part 2 of a two-part series.  Listen to part 1, The Traditional 3-Year Retreat: Intensive Training for a Nonexistent Job tag:odeo.com,2009-04-19,24472880 Sun, 19 Apr 2009 22:00:00 -0700 no Buddhist Geeks: Seriously Buddhist, Seriously Geeky http://odeo.com/episodes/25333321-BG-116-The-Traditional-3-Year-Retreat-Intensive-Training-for-a-Nonexistent-Job Lama Sarah Harding, Tibetan translator and student of the late Kalu Rinpoche, joins us to discuss the experience of doing a traditional 3-year retreat in the Tibetan tradition.  She was part of a small group of people, who in the mid 70's did the first 3-year retreat held for Westerners.  Listen in to find out more about the practices one does during the traditional retreat, what the biggest challenges can be, and what the benefits are (especially when compared with shorter periods of practice).   This is part 1 of a two-part series.  Listen to part 2, Western Buddhism: Megatrends & Scandals. Lama Sarah Harding, Tibetan translator and student of the late Kalu Rinpoche, joins us to discuss the experience of doing a traditional 3-year retreat in the Tibetan tradition.  She was part of a small group of people, who in the mid 70's did the first 3-year retreat held for Westerners.  Listen in to find out more about the practices one does during the traditional retreat, what the biggest challenges can be, and what the benefits are (especially when compared with shorter periods of practice).   This is part 1 of a two-part series.  Listen to part 2, Western Buddhism: Megatrends & Scandals. Lama Sarah Harding, Tibetan translator and student of the late Kalu Rinpoche, joins us to discuss the experience of doing a traditional 3-year retreat in the Tibetan tradition.  She was part of a small group of people, who in the mid 70's did the first 3-year retreat held for Westerners.  Listen in to find out more about the practices one does during the traditional retreat, what the biggest challenges can be, and what the benefits are (especially when compared with shorter periods of practice).   This is part 1 of a two-part series.  Listen to part 2, Western Buddhism: Megatrends & Scandals. tag:odeo.com,2009-04-12,25333321 Sun, 12 Apr 2009 23:00:00 -0700 no Buddhist Geeks: Seriously Buddhist, Seriously Geeky http://odeo.com/episodes/24439294-BG-116-The-Traditional-3-Year-Retreat-Intensive-Training-for-a-Nonexistent-Job Lama Sarah Harding, Tibetan translator and student of the late Kalu Rinpoche, joins us to discuss the experience of doing a traditional 3-year retreat in the Tibetan tradition.  She was part of a small group of people, who in the mid 70's did the first 3-year retreat held for Westerners.  Listen in to find out more about the practices one does during the traditional retreat, what the biggest challenges can be, and what the benefits are (especially when compared with shorter periods of practice).   Lama Sarah Harding, Tibetan translator and student of the late Kalu Rinpoche, joins us to discuss the experience of doing a traditional 3-year retreat in the Tibetan tradition.  She was part of a small group of people, who in the mid 70's did the first 3-year retreat held for Westerners.  Listen in to find out more about the practices one does during the traditional retreat, what the biggest challenges can be, and what the benefits are (especially when compared with shorter periods of practice).   Lama Sarah Harding, Tibetan translator and student of the late Kalu Rinpoche, joins us to discuss the experience of doing a traditional 3-year retreat in the Tibetan tradition.  She was part of a small group of people, who in the mid 70's did the first 3-year retreat held for Westerners.  Listen in to find out more about the practices one does during the traditional retreat, what the biggest challenges can be, and what the benefits are (especially when compared with shorter periods of practice).   tag:odeo.com,2009-04-12,24439294 Sun, 12 Apr 2009 22:00:00 -0700 no Buddhist Geeks: Seriously Buddhist, Seriously Geeky http://odeo.com/episodes/25333322-BG-115-The-Buddha-Didn-t-Have-a-Credit-Card Insight Meditation teacher, Diana Winston, joins us to discuss an extremely relevant topic:  Buddhism & Money.  We explore whether or not spirituality and money are incompatible (as they are often seen) and if not how they might go together. Diana shares with us some of the original, though not so well known, teachings that the historical Buddha gave on money.  She also discusses why both Buddhist teachers and practitioners should work with money and become familiar with it, and reconts her own journey with spiritual practice and money and how she has been able to bring the two together.  Insight Meditation teacher, Diana Winston, joins us to discuss an extremely relevant topic:  Buddhism & Money.  We explore whether or not spirituality and money are incompatible (as they are often seen) and if not how they might go together. Diana shares with us some of the original, though not so well known, teachings that the historical Buddha gave on money.  She also discusses why both Buddhist teachers and practitioners should work with money and become familiar with it, and reconts her own journey with spiritual practice and money and how she has been able to bring the two together.  Insight Meditation teacher, Diana Winston, joins us to discuss an extremely relevant topic:  Buddhism & Money.  We explore whether or not spirituality and money are incompatible (as they are often seen) and if not how they might go together. Diana shares with us some of the original, though not so well known, teachings that the historical Buddha gave on money.  She also discusses why both Buddhist teachers and practitioners should work with money and become familiar with it, and reconts her own journey with spiritual practice and money and how she has been able to bring the two together.  tag:odeo.com,2009-03-29,25333322 Sun, 29 Mar 2009 23:00:00 -0700 no Buddhist Geeks: Seriously Buddhist, Seriously Geeky http://odeo.com/episodes/24388358-BG-115-The-Buddha-Didn-t-Have-a-Credit-Card Insight Meditation teacher, Diana Winston, joins us to discuss an extremely relevant topic:  Buddhism & Money.  We explore whether or not spirituality and money are incompatible (as they are often seen) and if not how they might go together. Diana shares with us some of the original, though not so well known, teachings that the historical Buddha gave on money.  She also discusses why both Buddhist teachers and practitioners should work with money and become familiar with it, and reconts her own journey with spiritual practice and money and how she has been able to bring the two together.  Insight Meditation teacher, Diana Winston, joins us to discuss an extremely relevant topic:  Buddhism & Money.  We explore whether or not spirituality and money are incompatible (as they are often seen) and if not how they might go together. Diana shares with us some of the original, though not so well known, teachings that the historical Buddha gave on money.  She also discusses why both Buddhist teachers and practitioners should work with money and become familiar with it, and reconts her own journey with spiritual practice and money and how she has been able to bring the two together.  Insight Meditation teacher, Diana Winston, joins us to discuss an extremely relevant topic:  Buddhism & Money.  We explore whether or not spirituality and money are incompatible (as they are often seen) and if not how they might go together. Diana shares with us some of the original, though not so well known, teachings that the historical Buddha gave on money.  She also discusses why both Buddhist teachers and practitioners should work with money and become familiar with it, and reconts her own journey with spiritual practice and money and how she has been able to bring the two together.  tag:odeo.com,2009-03-29,24388358 Sun, 29 Mar 2009 22:00:00 -0700 no Buddhist Geeks: Seriously Buddhist, Seriously Geeky http://odeo.com/episodes/25333323-BG-114-Different-Types-of-Jhana-Sutta-Vishudimagga-Vipassana We continue our discussion with insight meditation teacher and author, Richard Shankman.  In this episode we continue to dissect the different kinds of samadhi and their respective fruits--what in the Theravada tradition are called jhana (or "meditative absorption").  According to Shankman there are two ways of approaching the attainment of jhana, one as was taught in the original canonical texts of the Theravada, the Pali Suttas, and the other from the later commentaries on the Buddha's teachings, the Vishudimagga.  As a result we get two different forms of jhana--one called Sutta jhana and the other called Vishudimagga jhana.  This two-fold understanding, though geeky, shines light on the different methods of practicing both samadhi and vipassana meditation and offers a unitary model for understanding the two together.  We also briefly touch on a term called "vipassana jhana," which is used by notable Burmese and American insight meditation teachers, and r... We continue our discussion with insight meditation teacher and author, Richard Shankman.  In this episode we continue to dissect the different kinds of samadhi and their respective fruits--what in the Theravada tradition are called jhana (or "meditative absorption").  According to Shankman there are two ways of approaching the attainment of jhana, one as was taught in the original canonical texts of the Theravada, the Pali Suttas, and the other from the later commentaries on the Buddha's teachings, the Vishudimagga.  As a result we get two different forms of jhana--one called Sutta jhana and the other called Vishudimagga jhana.  This two-fold understanding, though geeky, shines light on the different methods of practicing both samadhi and vipassana meditation and offers a unitary model for understanding the two together.  We also briefly touch on a term called "vipassana jhana," which is used by notable Burmese and American insight meditation teachers, and relate the development of insight (via vipassana) to these two jhana systems.  For those folks who have experience practicing or studying in the Theravada tradition you will likely find your understanding of the tradition deeply enriched.  For those in other traditions you will almost certainly find this an interesting glimpse into the detailed intricacies of a one of the oldest Buddhist traditions of meditation.  This is part 2 of a two-part series.  Listen to part 1, The Power of Samadhi. We continue our discussion with insight meditation teacher and author, Richard Shankman.  In this episode we continue to dissect the different kinds of samadhi and their respective fruits--what in the Theravada tradition are called jhana (or "meditative absorption").  According to Shankman there are two ways of approaching the attainment of jhana, one as was taught in the original canonical texts of the Theravada, the Pali Suttas, and the other from the later commentaries on the Buddha's teachings, the Vishudimagga.  As a result we get two different forms of jhana--one called Sutta jhana and the other called Vishudimagga jhana.  This two-fold understanding, though geeky, shines light on the different methods of practicing both samadhi and vipassana meditation and offers a unitary model for understanding the two together.  We also briefly touch on a term called "vipassana jhana," which is used by notable Burmese and American insight meditation teachers, and relate the development of insight (via vipassana) to these two jhana systems.  For those folks who have experience practicing or studying in the Theravada tradition you will likely find your understanding of the tradition deeply enriched.  For those in other traditions you will almost certainly find this an interesting glimpse into the detailed intricacies of a one of the oldest Buddhist traditions of meditation.  This is part 2 of a two-part series.  Listen to part 1, The Power of Samadhi. tag:odeo.com,2009-03-22,25333323 Sun, 22 Mar 2009 23:00:00 -0700 no Buddhist Geeks: Seriously Buddhist, Seriously Geeky http://odeo.com/episodes/24346195-BG-114-Different-Types-of-Jhana-Sutta-Vishudimagga-Vipassana We continue our discussion with insight meditation teacher and author, Richard Shankman.  In this episode we continue to dissect the different kinds of samadhi and their respective fruits--what in the Theravada tradition are called jhana (or "meditative absorption").  According to Shankman there are two ways of approaching the attainment of jhana, one as was taught in the original canonical texts of the Theravada, the Pali Suttas, and the other from the later commentaries on the Buddha's teachings, the Vishudimagga.  As a result we get two different forms of jhana--one called Sutta jhana and the other Vishudimagga jhana.  This two-fold understanding, though geeky, shines light on the different methods of practicing both samadhi and vipassana meditation and offers a unitary model for understanding the two together.  We also briefly touch on a term called "vipassana jhana," which is used by notable Burmese and American insight meditation teachers, and relate t... We continue our discussion with insight meditation teacher and author, Richard Shankman.  In this episode we continue to dissect the different kinds of samadhi and their respective fruits--what in the Theravada tradition are called jhana (or "meditative absorption").  According to Shankman there are two ways of approaching the attainment of jhana, one as was taught in the original canonical texts of the Theravada, the Pali Suttas, and the other from the later commentaries on the Buddha's teachings, the Vishudimagga.  As a result we get two different forms of jhana--one called Sutta jhana and the other Vishudimagga jhana.  This two-fold understanding, though geeky, shines light on the different methods of practicing both samadhi and vipassana meditation and offers a unitary model for understanding the two together.  We also briefly touch on a term called "vipassana jhana," which is used by notable Burmese and American insight meditation teachers, and relate the development of insight (via vipassana) to these two jhana systems.  For those folks who have experience practicing or studying in the Theravada tradition you will likely find your understanding of the tradition deeply enriched.  For those in other traditions you will almost certainly find this an interesting glimpse into the detailed intricacies of a one of the oldest Buddhist traditions of meditation.  This is part 2 of a two-part series.  Listen to part 1, The Power of Samadhi. We continue our discussion with insight meditation teacher and author, Richard Shankman.  In this episode we continue to dissect the different kinds of samadhi and their respective fruits--what in the Theravada tradition are called jhana (or "meditative absorption").  According to Shankman there are two ways of approaching the attainment of jhana, one as was taught in the original canonical texts of the Theravada, the Pali Suttas, and the other from the later commentaries on the Buddha's teachings, the Vishudimagga.  As a result we get two different forms of jhana--one called Sutta jhana and the other Vishudimagga jhana.  This two-fold understanding, though geeky, shines light on the different methods of practicing both samadhi and vipassana meditation and offers a unitary model for understanding the two together.  We also briefly touch on a term called "vipassana jhana," which is used by notable Burmese and American insight meditation teachers, and relate the development of insight (via vipassana) to these two jhana systems.  For those folks who have experience practicing or studying in the Theravada tradition you will likely find your understanding of the tradition deeply enriched.  For those in other traditions you will almost certainly find this an interesting glimpse into the detailed intricacies of a one of the oldest Buddhist traditions of meditation.  This is part 2 of a two-part series.  Listen to part 1, The Power of Samadhi. tag:odeo.com,2009-03-22,24346195 Sun, 22 Mar 2009 22:00:00 -0700 no Buddhist Geeks: Seriously Buddhist, Seriously Geeky http://odeo.com/episodes/25333327-BG-113-The-Power-of-Samadhi Richard Shankman--a teacher in the insight meditation tradition and the author of the recently released book The Experience of Samadhi--joins us to discuss the various teachings and approaches to what in the Theravada tradition is called samadhi or concentration meditation.  During this episode Richard shares some of his personal background with samadhi practice and also explains two different forms of deep samadhi, called jhana in the Theravada tradition--one from the time of the Buddha as captured by the Pali Suttas and another which arouse hundreds of years later and which is captured in the authoritative text, the Visuddhimagga.  Listen in to find out about these different forms of deep concentration and absorption, which are a hallmark of the Theravada tradition of Buddhism...  This is part 1 of a two-part series.  Listen to part 2, Different Types of Jhana: Sutta, Vishudimagga, & Vipassana. Richard Shankman--a teacher in the insight meditation tradition and the author of the recently released book The Experience of Samadhi--joins us to discuss the various teachings and approaches to what in the Theravada tradition is called samadhi or concentration meditation.  During this episode Richard shares some of his personal background with samadhi practice and also explains two different forms of deep samadhi, called jhana in the Theravada tradition--one from the time of the Buddha as captured by the Pali Suttas and another which arouse hundreds of years later and which is captured in the authoritative text, the Visuddhimagga.  Listen in to find out about these different forms of deep concentration and absorption, which are a hallmark of the Theravada tradition of Buddhism...  This is part 1 of a two-part series.  Listen to part 2, Different Types of Jhana: Sutta, Vishudimagga, & Vipassana. Richard Shankman--a teacher in the insight meditation tradition and the author of the recently released book The Experience of Samadhi--joins us to discuss the various teachings and approaches to what in the Theravada tradition is called samadhi or concentration meditation.  During this episode Richard shares some of his personal background with samadhi practice and also explains two different forms of deep samadhi, called jhana in the Theravada tradition--one from the time of the Buddha as captured by the Pali Suttas and another which arouse hundreds of years later and which is captured in the authoritative text, the Visuddhimagga.  Listen in to find out about these different forms of deep concentration and absorption, which are a hallmark of the Theravada tradition of Buddhism...  This is part 1 of a two-part series.  Listen to part 2, Different Types of Jhana: Sutta, Vishudimagga, & Vipassana. tag:odeo.com,2009-03-15,25333327 Sun, 15 Mar 2009 23:00:00 -0700 no Buddhist Geeks: Seriously Buddhist, Seriously Geeky http://odeo.com/episodes/24311725-BG-113-The-Power-of-Samadhi Richard Shankman--a teacher in the insight meditation tradition and the author of the recently released book The Experience of Samadhi--joins us to discuss the various teachings and approaches to what in the Theravada tradition is called samadhi or concentration meditation.  During this episode Richard shares some of his personal background with samadhi practice and also explains two different forms of deep samadhi, called jhana in the Theravada tradition--one from the time of the Buddha as captured by the Pali Suttas and another which arouse hundreds of years later and which is captured in the authoritative text, the Visuddhimagga.  Listen in to find out about these different forms of deep concentration and absorption, which are a hallmark of the Theravada tradition of Buddhism...  This is part 1 of a two-part series.  Listen to part 2, (airing next week). Richard Shankman--a teacher in the insight meditation tradition and the author of the recently released book The Experience of Samadhi--joins us to discuss the various teachings and approaches to what in the Theravada tradition is called samadhi or concentration meditation.  During this episode Richard shares some of his personal background with samadhi practice and also explains two different forms of deep samadhi, called jhana in the Theravada tradition--one from the time of the Buddha as captured by the Pali Suttas and another which arouse hundreds of years later and which is captured in the authoritative text, the Visuddhimagga.  Listen in to find out about these different forms of deep concentration and absorption, which are a hallmark of the Theravada tradition of Buddhism...  This is part 1 of a two-part series.  Listen to part 2, (airing next week). Richard Shankman--a teacher in the insight meditation tradition and the author of the recently released book The Experience of Samadhi--joins us to discuss the various teachings and approaches to what in the Theravada tradition is called samadhi or concentration meditation.  During this episode Richard shares some of his personal background with samadhi practice and also explains two different forms of deep samadhi, called jhana in the Theravada tradition--one from the time of the Buddha as captured by the Pali Suttas and another which arouse hundreds of years later and which is captured in the authoritative text, the Visuddhimagga.  Listen in to find out about these different forms of deep concentration and absorption, which are a hallmark of the Theravada tradition of Buddhism...  This is part 1 of a two-part series.  Listen to part 2, (airing next week). tag:odeo.com,2009-03-15,24311725 Sun, 15 Mar 2009 22:00:00 -0700 no Buddhist Geeks: Seriously Buddhist, Seriously Geeky http://odeo.com/episodes/25333328-BG-112-Vajrayana-in-Plain-English In this episode, we continue our dialogue with Shingon teacher Hokai Sobol.  We begin our conversation by dropping a difficult question on Hokai, asking him how the Vajrayana traditions (both the Japanese and Tibetan) can maintain relevance in our post-modern and rapidly changing world.  He suggests that we must develop a "Vajrayana in Plain English," one that is germane to the particularities of this time and space.    And as the 1st generation of Buddhist teachers and leaders near retirement-age, now is the only time that we have to do so.  Listen in to hear his take on making the Vajrayana not only more relevant, but on it becoming a pioneering force and cultural leader in today's world.  This includes the way that Buddhist teachings, practice, & even creative expressions are presented. It includes nothing less than a bold transformation of the tradition.  This is part 2 of a two-part series.  Listen to part 1, Japanese Shingon: The Tru... In this episode, we continue our dialogue with Shingon teacher Hokai Sobol.  We begin our conversation by dropping a difficult question on Hokai, asking him how the Vajrayana traditions (both the Japanese and Tibetan) can maintain relevance in our post-modern and rapidly changing world.  He suggests that we must develop a "Vajrayana in Plain English," one that is germane to the particularities of this time and space.    And as the 1st generation of Buddhist teachers and leaders near retirement-age, now is the only time that we have to do so.  Listen in to hear his take on making the Vajrayana not only more relevant, but on it becoming a pioneering force and cultural leader in today's world.  This includes the way that Buddhist teachings, practice, & even creative expressions are presented. It includes nothing less than a bold transformation of the tradition.  This is part 2 of a two-part series.  Listen to part 1, Japanese Shingon: The True Word School. In this episode, we continue our dialogue with Shingon teacher Hokai Sobol.  We begin our conversation by dropping a difficult question on Hokai, asking him how the Vajrayana traditions (both the Japanese and Tibetan) can maintain relevance in our post-modern and rapidly changing world.  He suggests that we must develop a "Vajrayana in Plain English," one that is germane to the particularities of this time and space.    And as the 1st generation of Buddhist teachers and leaders near retirement-age, now is the only time that we have to do so.  Listen in to hear his take on making the Vajrayana not only more relevant, but on it becoming a pioneering force and cultural leader in today's world.  This includes the way that Buddhist teachings, practice, & even creative expressions are presented. It includes nothing less than a bold transformation of the tradition.  This is part 2 of a two-part series.  Listen to part 1, Japanese Shingon: The True Word School. tag:odeo.com,2009-03-08,25333328 Sun, 08 Mar 2009 23:00:00 -0700 no Buddhist Geeks: Seriously Buddhist, Seriously Geeky http://odeo.com/episodes/24276786-BG-112-Vajrayana-in-Plain-English In this episode, we continue our dialogue with Shingon teacher Hokai Sobol.  We begin our conversation by dropping a difficult question on Hokai, asking him how the Vajrayana traditions (both the Japanese and Tibetan) can maintain relevance in our post-modern and rapidly changing world.  He suggests that we must develop a "Vajrayana in Plain English," one that is germane to the particularities of this time and space.    And as the 1st generation of Buddhist teachers and leaders near retirement-age, now is the only time that we have to do so.  Listen in to hear his take on making the Vajrayana not only more relevant, but on it becoming a pioneering force and cultural leader in today's world.  This includes the way that Buddhist teachings, practice, & even creative expressions are presented. It includes nothing less than a bold transformation of the tradition.  This is part 2 of a two-part series.  Listen to part 1, Japanese Shingon: The Tru... In this episode, we continue our dialogue with Shingon teacher Hokai Sobol.  We begin our conversation by dropping a difficult question on Hokai, asking him how the Vajrayana traditions (both the Japanese and Tibetan) can maintain relevance in our post-modern and rapidly changing world.  He suggests that we must develop a "Vajrayana in Plain English," one that is germane to the particularities of this time and space.    And as the 1st generation of Buddhist teachers and leaders near retirement-age, now is the only time that we have to do so.  Listen in to hear his take on making the Vajrayana not only more relevant, but on it becoming a pioneering force and cultural leader in today's world.  This includes the way that Buddhist teachings, practice, & even creative expressions are presented. It includes nothing less than a bold transformation of the tradition.  This is part 2 of a two-part series.  Listen to part 1, Japanese Shingon: The True Word School. In this episode, we continue our dialogue with Shingon teacher Hokai Sobol.  We begin our conversation by dropping a difficult question on Hokai, asking him how the Vajrayana traditions (both the Japanese and Tibetan) can maintain relevance in our post-modern and rapidly changing world.  He suggests that we must develop a "Vajrayana in Plain English," one that is germane to the particularities of this time and space.    And as the 1st generation of Buddhist teachers and leaders near retirement-age, now is the only time that we have to do so.  Listen in to hear his take on making the Vajrayana not only more relevant, but on it becoming a pioneering force and cultural leader in today's world.  This includes the way that Buddhist teachings, practice, & even creative expressions are presented. It includes nothing less than a bold transformation of the tradition.  This is part 2 of a two-part series.  Listen to part 1, Japanese Shingon: The True Word School. tag:odeo.com,2009-03-08,24276786 Sun, 08 Mar 2009 22:00:00 -0700 no Buddhist Geeks: Seriously Buddhist, Seriously Geeky http://odeo.com/episodes/24248377-BG-111-Japanese-Shingon-The-True-Word-School In this episode we are joined by one of our favorite Buddhist Geeks, Hokai Sobol.  Hokai who is a teacher in the Shingon Buddhist tradition--a form of Vajrayana found in Japan--joins us today to speak about the Shingon school.  Hokai shares with us a brief history of Shingon tradition and its main teacher Kukai, the artistic dimension of Shingon, and also begins to explain the basic teachings and practices of the lineage.  Similar to the Tibetan Vajrayana approaches Shingon harnesses things like mudras (gestures), mantras (sounds), and mandalas (visualizations)--which lines up with the three-fold Body, Speech, & Mind.  Speaking about mantras specifically Hokai brings us through the three distinct dimensions of mantra practices and shows us how we can understand and practice with the basic mantra of "om"-"ah"-"hum."This is part 1 of a two-part series.  Listen to part 2, Vajrayana in Plain English (coming next week). In this episode we are joined by one of our favorite Buddhist Geeks, Hokai Sobol.  Hokai who is a teacher in the Shingon Buddhist tradition--a form of Vajrayana found in Japan--joins us today to speak about the Shingon school.  Hokai shares with us a brief history of Shingon tradition and its main teacher Kukai, the artistic dimension of Shingon, and also begins to explain the basic teachings and practices of the lineage.  Similar to the Tibetan Vajrayana approaches Shingon harnesses things like mudras (gestures), mantras (sounds), and mandalas (visualizations)--which lines up with the three-fold Body, Speech, & Mind.  Speaking about mantras specifically Hokai brings us through the three distinct dimensions of mantra practices and shows us how we can understand and practice with the basic mantra of "om"-"ah"-"hum."This is part 1 of a two-part series.  Listen to part 2, Vajrayana in Plain English (coming next week). In this episode we are joined by one of our favorite Buddhist Geeks, Hokai Sobol.  Hokai who is a teacher in the Shingon Buddhist tradition--a form of Vajrayana found in Japan--joins us today to speak about the Shingon school.  Hokai shares with us a brief history of Shingon tradition and its main teacher Kukai, the artistic dimension of Shingon, and also begins to explain the basic teachings and practices of the lineage.  Similar to the Tibetan Vajrayana approaches Shingon harnesses things like mudras (gestures), mantras (sounds), and mandalas (visualizations)--which lines up with the three-fold Body, Speech, & Mind.  Speaking about mantras specifically Hokai brings us through the three distinct dimensions of mantra practices and shows us how we can understand and practice with the basic mantra of "om"-"ah"-"hum."This is part 1 of a two-part series.  Listen to part 2, Vajrayana in Plain English (coming next week). tag:odeo.com,2009-03-01,24248377 Sun, 01 Mar 2009 22:00:00 -0800 no Buddhist Geeks: Seriously Buddhist, Seriously Geeky http://odeo.com/episodes/24162303-BG-110-Embodied-Zen "Meditation is the royal road to the unconscious." - Carl JungGerry Shishen Wick, Roshi joins us today to finish the discussion on koan training, Rinzai and Soto Zen, and on a method of training he uses to help people deal with certain psychological issues--called the Great Heart Way.  He sees all of these methods as leading toward a more genuine and embodied Zen.  This is part 2 of a two-part series.  Listen to part 1, Koan Training and the Different Styles of Zen. "Meditation is the royal road to the unconscious." - Carl JungGerry Shishen Wick, Roshi joins us today to finish the discussion on koan training, Rinzai and Soto Zen, and on a method of training he uses to help people deal with certain psychological issues--called the Great Heart Way.  He sees all of these methods as leading toward a more genuine and embodied Zen.  This is part 2 of a two-part series.  Listen to part 1, Koan Training and the Different Styles of Zen. "Meditation is the royal road to the unconscious." - Carl JungGerry Shishen Wick, Roshi joins us today to finish the discussion on koan training, Rinzai and Soto Zen, and on a method of training he uses to help people deal with certain psychological issues--called the Great Heart Way.  He sees all of these methods as leading toward a more genuine and embodied Zen.  This is part 2 of a two-part series.  Listen to part 1, Koan Training and the Different Styles of Zen. tag:odeo.com,2009-02-22,24162303 Sun, 22 Feb 2009 22:00:00 -0800 no Buddhist Geeks: Seriously Buddhist, Seriously Geeky http://odeo.com/episodes/24109514-BG-109-Koan-Training-and-the-Different-Styles-of-Zen Gerry Shishen Wick, Roshi is a dual-lineage holder of both the Soto and Rinzai schools of Zen.  His teacher Maezumi Roshi passed along both lineages, and so we take this unique opportunity to ask Roshi to compare these two different approaches.  He talks about shikantaza (Just Sitting) and also about koan practice--sometimes refered to as logical paradoxes.  He explains that the koan system includes many different kinds of koans, each with different purposes.  Some are meant to reveal the oneness of reality, while others are point to the multiplicity within that oneness.  He also discusses the difference between "live words" and "dead words," and why that distinction is so important in the practice of Koan training.This is part 1 of a two-part series.  Listen to part 2, airing next week.   Gerry Shishen Wick, Roshi is a dual-lineage holder of both the Soto and Rinzai schools of Zen.  His teacher Maezumi Roshi passed along both lineages, and so we take this unique opportunity to ask Roshi to compare these two different approaches.  He talks about shikantaza (Just Sitting) and also about koan practice--sometimes refered to as logical paradoxes.  He explains that the koan system includes many different kinds of koans, each with different purposes.  Some are meant to reveal the oneness of reality, while others are point to the multiplicity within that oneness.  He also discusses the difference between "live words" and "dead words," and why that distinction is so important in the practice of Koan training.This is part 1 of a two-part series.  Listen to part 2, airing next week.   Gerry Shishen Wick, Roshi is a dual-lineage holder of both the Soto and Rinzai schools of Zen.  His teacher Maezumi Roshi passed along both lineages, and so we take this unique opportunity to ask Roshi to compare these two different approaches.  He talks about shikantaza (Just Sitting) and also about koan practice--sometimes refered to as logical paradoxes.  He explains that the koan system includes many different kinds of koans, each with different purposes.  Some are meant to reveal the oneness of reality, while others are point to the multiplicity within that oneness.  He also discusses the difference between "live words" and "dead words," and why that distinction is so important in the practice of Koan training.This is part 1 of a two-part series.  Listen to part 2, airing next week.   tag:odeo.com,2009-02-15,24109514 Sun, 15 Feb 2009 22:00:00 -0800 no Buddhist Geeks: Seriously Buddhist, Seriously Geeky http://odeo.com/episodes/24063889-BG-108-Joseph-Goldstein-on-The-Science-of-Insight Joseph Goldstein--one of the primary figures in the development of the Insight Meditation movement--finishes up his conversation with us by sharing his perspective on the recent cross-pollunation of the Buddhist meditation with scientific investigation.  He shares some of the recent studies that he has contributed to--including an in-depth study at the Insight Meditation Society--and also discusses a few research possibilities that he has recommended to scientists.  Finally he shares an interesting idea he had for creating a "virtual bardo machine."  This is part 2 of a two-part series.  Listen to part 1, Joseph Goldstein on the Benefits of Long Term Practice. Joseph Goldstein--one of the primary figures in the development of the Insight Meditation movement--finishes up his conversation with us by sharing his perspective on the recent cross-pollunation of the Buddhist meditation with scientific investigation.  He shares some of the recent studies that he has contributed to--including an in-depth study at the Insight Meditation Society--and also discusses a few research possibilities that he has recommended to scientists.  Finally he shares an interesting idea he had for creating a "virtual bardo machine."  This is part 2 of a two-part series.  Listen to part 1, Joseph Goldstein on the Benefits of Long Term Practice. Joseph Goldstein--one of the primary figures in the development of the Insight Meditation movement--finishes up his conversation with us by sharing his perspective on the recent cross-pollunation of the Buddhist meditation with scientific investigation.  He shares some of the recent studies that he has contributed to--including an in-depth study at the Insight Meditation Society--and also discusses a few research possibilities that he has recommended to scientists.  Finally he shares an interesting idea he had for creating a "virtual bardo machine."  This is part 2 of a two-part series.  Listen to part 1, Joseph Goldstein on the Benefits of Long Term Practice. tag:odeo.com,2009-02-08,24063889 Sun, 08 Feb 2009 22:00:00 -0800 no Buddhist Geeks: Seriously Buddhist, Seriously Geeky http://odeo.com/episodes/24013248-BG-107-Joseph-Goldstein-on-the-Benefits-of-Long-Term-Practice Joseph Goldstein--one of the primary figures in the development of the Insight Meditation movement--joins us today to discuss the unique benefits of long-term practice.  He touches in on the need the train the mind, and hence the need for long periods of dedicated training.  He also shares some of the background and vision behind the long-term retreat facility that he helped start called the Forest Refuge--a place where people can come and do long, self-guided retreat practice.Finally, we touch in on the future of the insight meditation tradition, and really the development of Western Buddhism in general.  This is part 1 of a two-part series.  Listen to part 2 (airing next week). Joseph Goldstein--one of the primary figures in the development of the Insight Meditation movement--joins us today to discuss the unique benefits of long-term practice.  He touches in on the need the train the mind, and hence the need for long periods of dedicated training.  He also shares some of the background and vision behind the long-term retreat facility that he helped start called the Forest Refuge--a place where people can come and do long, self-guided retreat practice.Finally, we touch in on the future of the insight meditation tradition, and really the development of Western Buddhism in general.  This is part 1 of a two-part series.  Listen to part 2 (airing next week). Joseph Goldstein--one of the primary figures in the development of the Insight Meditation movement--joins us today to discuss the unique benefits of long-term practice.  He touches in on the need the train the mind, and hence the need for long periods of dedicated training.  He also shares some of the background and vision behind the long-term retreat facility that he helped start called the Forest Refuge--a place where people can come and do long, self-guided retreat practice.Finally, we touch in on the future of the insight meditation tradition, and really the development of Western Buddhism in general.  This is part 1 of a two-part series.  Listen to part 2 (airing next week). tag:odeo.com,2009-02-01,24013248 Sun, 01 Feb 2009 22:00:00 -0800 no Buddhist Geeks: Seriously Buddhist, Seriously Geeky http://odeo.com/episodes/23946617-BG-106-Tibetan-Buddhist-Lineage-in-the-West Reginald Ray, Tibetan Buddhist scholar and teacher, is backhitw us this week to discuss some pretty big topics.  We explore the break that he made, several years ago with the Shambhala tradition, and the larger implications of becoming a Western teacher in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition.  Connected with that we explore the whole issue of Westerners not being regularly empowered to be teachers, and several of the factors involved in that dynamic.  We also touch on whether or not Westeners make the best practitioners, and what seems to keep them from going deep.  This is part 2 of a two-part series.  Listen to part 1, The Forest Dwelling Yogi. Reginald Ray, Tibetan Buddhist scholar and teacher, is backhitw us this week to discuss some pretty big topics.  We explore the break that he made, several years ago with the Shambhala tradition, and the larger implications of becoming a Western teacher in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition.  Connected with that we explore the whole issue of Westerners not being regularly empowered to be teachers, and several of the factors involved in that dynamic.  We also touch on whether or not Westeners make the best practitioners, and what seems to keep them from going deep.  This is part 2 of a two-part series.  Listen to part 1, The Forest Dwelling Yogi. Reginald Ray, Tibetan Buddhist scholar and teacher, is backhitw us this week to discuss some pretty big topics.  We explore the break that he made, several years ago with the Shambhala tradition, and the larger implications of becoming a Western teacher in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition.  Connected with that we explore the whole issue of Westerners not being regularly empowered to be teachers, and several of the factors involved in that dynamic.  We also touch on whether or not Westeners make the best practitioners, and what seems to keep them from going deep.  This is part 2 of a two-part series.  Listen to part 1, The Forest Dwelling Yogi. tag:odeo.com,2009-01-25,23946617 Sun, 25 Jan 2009 22:00:00 -0800 no Buddhist Geeks: Seriously Buddhist, Seriously Geeky