
Sharpening the Mind
By Daniel Scharpenburg
Talks with Daniel Scharpenburg (Gegan Kelsang Dakpa). Daniel is a class facilitator at the Rime Buddhist Center in Kansas City, Missouri. He was given the title "Gegan" in the Rime tradition and is a former zen monk. A heart-centered meditation podcast.
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You can now become a supporter of my podcast! anchor.fm/daniel-scharpenburg/support

Desire - Talk and Discussion
Sharpening the Mind • By Daniel Scharpenburg • Dec 24, 2019
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13:44
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Key Points of Meditation
This is a talk based on the teachings in “Power of Mind” by Khentrul Lodro Thaye
09:01
January 10, 2023

Why Train Your Mind?
This is a talk on training our minds. I read some quotes from “The Power of Mind” by Khentrul Lodro Thaye.
33:27
January 01, 2023

The Four Foundations of Mindfulness
In this talk I explore a fundamental Buddhist teaching called "The Four Foundations of Mindfulness". Can being mindful of our bodies, feelings, thoughts, and the world around us help us to live in a better way? I think so.
15:49
December 15, 2022

Introducing The Dhammapada
Very short introduction to the Dhammapada, the teachings of the Buddha.
06:56
November 07, 2022

Anger and Screens of Confusion
This is a recording of a live talk I gave online in the Tattooed Buddha Community Facebook group. I went over a teaching from Hongzhi in “Cultivating the Empty Field” then I addressed some questions and comments about anger.
30:03
October 31, 2022

Silent Illumination
A description of a Formless meditation practice as well as a little guidance.
12:08
October 11, 2022

Contemplating Impermanence
This is a teaching from “Steps to the Great Perfection” by Jigme Lingpa
21:01
October 02, 2022

The Second Arrow
This talk was recorded at Fountain City Meditation on 11/25/19. We talked about how we sometimes make our own suffering worse.
12:35
September 30, 2022

The Three Kinds of Laziness - Dharma Talk
What is laziness and how does it stop us from reaching our potential and developing ourselves? This talk was given at Fountain City Meditation on 9/9/19.
09:06
September 26, 2022

Difficulties in Meditation
This is a talk and discussion about when and why meditation is hard.
13:13
September 22, 2022

A Flower and a Smile
A Zen Story that can tell us a few things about expectations and perception.
13:49
September 19, 2022

The Stories We Tell Ourselves
We are telling ourselves stories all the time. We re-create our past. We worry/have expectations about the future. And we tell all sorts of stories about ourselves and others. Is this helpful?
“You can no longer deceive yourselves as sincerely as you did before. You have now got the taste of truth.” -Ouspensky
14:25
September 09, 2022

Meditation For Everyone
This talk was recorded at Aquarius KC in February of 2020.
36:42
September 08, 2022

The Three Essentials
Great Faith, Great Doubt, Great Determination.
Trying to practice without all three of these present is like having a table that's missing a leg.
12:31
September 07, 2022

On Trying to Control Everything
Talk on trying to control everything all the time. And Guided Silent Illumination Practice.
20:54
September 05, 2022

The Second Arrow (talk + meditation)
This was recording in November of 2019 and Heart of the Dove KC.
40:12
August 30, 2022

Bad Company
This talk comes from the 37 Practices of a Bodhisattva and was originally recorded in 2020.
27:30
August 25, 2022

Abandoning Negative Places, Free From Distraction
This talk comes from the 37 Practices of a Bodhisattva and was originally recorded in 2020.
21:38
August 22, 2022

Karma Guided Visualization
This is a guided visualization meditation from the text “Steps to the Great Perfection” by Jigme Lingpa
19:37
August 18, 2022

Impermanence Guided Visualization
This is a guided visualization meditation from the text “Steps to the Great Perfection” by Jigme Lingpa
10:56
August 11, 2022

Guarding Awareness part 2
Entering the Way of the Bodhisattva Chapter 5 (second half) Talk + Reading.
25:40
August 09, 2022

Guarding Awareness part 1
Entering the Way of the Bodhisattva Chapter 5 (first half) Talk + Reading.
38:50
August 09, 2022

Embracing Bodhicitta
"Entering the Way of the Bodhisattva" by Shantideva Reading + Talk Chapter 3. Embracing Bodhichitta. Can we celebrate our spiritual path?
17:25
August 08, 2022

Offerings, Refuge, and Misdeeds
"Entering the Way of the Bodhisattva" by Shantideva Reading + Talk Chapter 2. Confessing Misdeeds What can we do to help ourselves cultivate virtue? How does virtue help us on our path? What's the point of making offerings? What's the point of Refuge Vows?
51:11
August 04, 2022

Benefits of Bodhicitta
"Entering the Way of the Bodhisattva" by Shantideva Reading + Talk Chapter 1. Explaining the Benefits of Bodhichitta What is the mind of awakening? How does opening our hearts help ourselves and others? The book I'm reading from can be purchased here: https://www.shambhala.com/entering-the-way-of-the-bodhisattva-15591.html
28:57
July 28, 2022

Guided Metta Meditation
The phrases used in this guided meditation are from “the Path to Peace” by Ayya Khema
23:58
July 21, 2022

Guided Metta Practice
This is a guided metta practice from the book "Boundless Heart" by Christina Feldman
You can buy this book here:
https://www.shambhala.com/boundless-heart-3649.html
15:52
June 23, 2022

The Most Noble Way of Living in This World
here's a guided metta meditation:
Boundless Heart Guided Meditation
and here's another one with a talk on the subject included:
Boundless Heart talk + meditation
if you are interested in Christina Feldman's book "Boundless Heart" you can get it here. Highly recommend.
Boundless Heart by Christina Feldman
13:03
May 26, 2022

Training in Kindness
here's a guided metta meditation:
Boundless Heart Guided Meditation
and here's another one with a talk on the subject included:
Boundless Heart talk + meditation
if you are interested in Christina Feldman's book "Boundless Heart" you can get it here. Highly recommend.
Boundless Heart by Christina Feldman
14:29
May 23, 2022

The Thing About Meditation Is... (talk + meditation)
This talk was recorded at Heart of the Dove KC in December of 2019.
46:03
May 17, 2022

Laziness - Talk + Discussion
This talk was originally recorded at a meditation gathering on the lawn of the Nelson Atkins Museum in September of 2019.
40:58
May 11, 2022

What is Zen Meditation?
I'm talking in this podcast about Mindfulness of Breathing and Open Awareness Practice. What are they and why would we do them?
10:48
April 28, 2022

Boundless Heart Guided Meditation (short version)
I gave this guided meditation instruction at the Rime Buddhist Center on 3/13/22.
12:49
March 21, 2022

Boundless Heart Guided Meditation
This is a guided meditation on the Boundless Heart practice. This was recorded at Aquarius KC on 2/26/22
21:28
March 02, 2022

Boundless Heart Meditation
This is a talk and meditation that I gave at Aquarius KC on 2/26/22. I talked about the Four Immeasurables and led Metta Meditation.
46:46
February 26, 2022

Intentions and the Four Immeasurables
May All Beings Be Happy
May All Beings Be Free From Suffering
May All Beings Never Be Separated From Happiness
May All Beings Abide in Equanimity, Undisturbed by the Eight Worldly Concerns
10:05
February 01, 2022

The Courage to Open Our Hearts
Compassion is Bravery, Vulnerability is strength.
Talk from Lama Lena:
https://lamalenateachings.com/chenrezig-practice-video/
A Fearless Heart by Thupten Jinpa PhD:
https://www.amazon.com/Fearless-Heart-Courage-Compassionate-Transform/dp/1101982926
Rime Center Temple Fund:
https://www.rimecenter.org/temple-project/
09:18
January 31, 2022

Fearless Compassion
Can we live with open hearts?
I read some quotes by Thupten Jinpa in this talk. You can get his book "A Fearless Heart" here:
https://www.amazon.com/Fearless-Heart-Courage-Compassionate-Transform/dp/1101982926
11:35
January 18, 2022

Four Immeasurables For The Enemy (guided meditation)
This is a guided meditation for bringing awareness to others using Heart Practices.
This guided meditation was inspired by Ken McLeod's Meditation on the Four Immeasurables which can be found here:
https://unfetteredmind.org/meditating-on-the-four-immeasurables/
14:02
December 27, 2021

Four Immeasurables for the Neutral (guided meditation)
This is a guided meditation for bringing awareness to others using Heart Practices.
This guided meditation was inspired by Ken McLeod's Meditation on the Four Immeasurables which can be found here:
https://unfetteredmind.org/meditating-on-the-four-immeasurables/
16:01
December 20, 2021

Four Immeasurables for Friends (guided meditation)
This is a guided meditation for bringing awareness to friends using Heart Practices.
This guided meditation was inspired by Ken McLeod's Meditation on the Four Immeasurables which can be found here:
https://unfetteredmind.org/meditating-on-the-four-immeasurables/
16:05
December 13, 2021

Four Immeasurables for Yourself (Guided Meditation)
This is a guided meditation for bringing awareness to yourself using Heart Practices.
This guided meditation was inspired by Ken McLeod's Meditation on the Four Immeasurables which can be found here:
https://unfetteredmind.org/meditating-on-the-four-immeasurables/
13:50
December 01, 2021

Abandoning Negativity
“Abandoning negative places, disturbing emotions gradually subside;
Being free from distraction, the practice of virtue spontaneously increases;
With brightened awareness one feels confidence in the Dharma;
To adhere to solitude is the practice of the bodhisattvas.”
the 37 Practices of a Bodhisattva. Verse 3.*
*all quotations are from “Illuminating the Thirty-Seven Practices of a Bodhisattva by Chokyi Dragpa
15:36
October 24, 2021

Rare Freedoms and Riches
At this time of having obtained the rare great ship of freedoms and riches,
To listen, reflect, and meditate, without any distraction day and night,
In order to liberate oneself and others from the ocean of samsara
Is the practice of bodhisattvas.
-from the 37 practices of a bodhisattva.
all quotations are from “Illuminating the Thirty-Seven Practices of a Bodhisattva by Chokyi Dragpa
11:27
October 10, 2021

Rough Edges and Scissorhands
Can we stop making enemies out of everything and pushing back against the world?
Can we soften our rough edges?
Do we have scissors for hands?
14:20
September 26, 2021

Mind Training: Worldly Concerns
"All that must not be polluted
By the stains of the eight concerns.
By understanding all phenomena as illusion,
May we be free from the fetters of attachment."
-Langri Tangpa
12:05
September 22, 2021

Mind Training: Offering To Mothers
"In short, may I offer to all my mothers,
Both directly and indirectly, all happiness and benefit,
And may I secretly take upon myself
All the harms and sufferings of my mothers."
-Langri Tangpa
10:23
September 19, 2021

Mind Training: Great Hopes and Harm
"Even if one whom I have helped
And in whom I have great hopes
Instead irrationally causes me harm,
May I regard that one as my genuine spiritual teacher."
-Langri Tangpa
07:57
September 15, 2021

Mind Training: Attacks from Others
"When, out of jealousy, others
Abuse and attack me in unjust ways,
May I take defeat upon myself
And offer victory to others."
-Langri Tangpa
17:28
September 12, 2021

Mind Training: Beings of Bad Character
"When seeing sentient beings of bad character
Who are oppressed by fierce evil and suffering,
May I cherish them, for this is as rare
As the discovery of a precious treasure."
-Langri Tangpa
14:00
September 08, 2021

Mind Training: All the Time
"In all activities may I examine my mind,
And as soon as negative emotions arise,
Since they cause trouble for myself and others,
May I avert them, using direct methods."
-Langri Tangpa
12:52
September 05, 2021

Mind Training: Others Are Paramount
“When accompanying anyone anywhere, I must regard myself as the inferior to all And, from the core of my heart, Respectfully hold others as paramount.” -Langri Tangpa
09:53
September 01, 2021

Mind Training: Beings Are Precious
"Considering that all sentient beings
Accomplish a supreme purpose
Superior to the wish-fulfilling jewel,
I shall at all times hold them to be very precious."
-Langri Tangpa "Eight Stanzas of Mind Training"
13:37
August 29, 2021

Shame, Embarrassment, Humiliation, Guilt
Are these negative emotions the same or different?
This is a teaching inspired by "Dare to Lead" by Brene Brown, PhD, LMSW.
You can get that book here:
https://www.amazon.com/Dare-Lead-Brave-Conversations-Hearts/dp/0399592520/
14:21
August 22, 2021

Aspiration, Steadfastness, Joyfulness, and Relinquishment
There are said to be Four Forces that help us manifest the quality of Diligence in our lives. They are Aspiration, Steadfastness, Joyfulness, and Relinquishment.
In this talk I read from the text "The Nectar of Manjushri's Speech" by Kunzang Pelden. You can get this book here:
https://www.amazon.com/Nectar-Manjushris-Speech-Shantidevas-Bodhisattva/dp/1590306996
15:03
August 15, 2021

The Buddha and Suffering
Can a spiritual teacher from thousands of years ago really teach us anything?
Also, is Buddhism really negative?
27:59
July 26, 2021

The Six Perfections
Generosity, Virtue, Patience, Diligence, Concentration, and Wisdom.
18:34
July 19, 2021

Like a Sudden Flash of Lightning
Ikkyu said, "Like a vanishing dew, a passing apparition or sudden flash of lighting - already gone - thus should one regard one's self."
This is my talk on the self. We teach that all things are impermanent, and that includes us. (sorry)
If you want to donate to support this work, you can do so here: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/danielscharpenburg
15:49
July 12, 2021

Lessons In My Delusion
This episode is going to mostly be a life update sort of thing. I felt inspired to just share how the way I see things has shifted some in the past year or so. I think labels don't matter all that much, but I've stopped calling myself a "Zen Buddhist". That doesn't feel like the path for me anymore. The path for me is the way of the Bodhisattva. I know that now.
If you want to donate to support this work, you can do so here: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/danielscharpenburg
37:53
July 11, 2021

Guarding Awareness
"Entering the Way of the Bodhisattva" by Shantideva Reading + Talk Chapter 5.
Guarding Awareness.
The book I'm reading from can be purchased here: https://www.shambhala.com/entering-the-way-of-the-bodhisattva-15591.html
If you want to donate to support this work, you can do so here: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/danielscharpenburg
47:35
June 23, 2021

Teachings on Carefulness
"Entering the Way of the Bodhisattva" by Shantideva Reading + Talk Chapter 4.
Teachings on Carefulness.
The book I'm reading from can be purchased here: https://www.shambhala.com/entering-the-way-of-the-bodhisattva-15591.html
If you want to donate to support this work, you can do so here: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/danielscharpenburg
30:07
June 16, 2021

Embracing Bodhichitta
"Entering the Way of the Bodhisattva" by Shantideva Reading + Talk Chapter 3. Embracing Bodhichitta. Can we celebrate our spiritual path?
The book I'm reading from can be purchased here: https://www.shambhala.com/entering-the-way-of-the-bodhisattva-15591.html
If you want to donate to support this work, you can do so here: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/danielscharpenburg
16:02
June 02, 2021

Offerings, Refuge, and Misdeeds
"Entering the Way of the Bodhisattva" by Shantideva Reading + Talk Chapter 2. Confessing Misdeeds What can we do to help ourselves cultivate virtue? How does virtue help us on our path? What's the point of making offerings? What's the point of Refuge Vows?
The book I'm reading from can be purchased here: https://www.shambhala.com/entering-the-way-of-the-bodhisattva-15591.html
If you want to donate to support this work, you can do so here: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/danielscharpenburg
44:46
May 27, 2021

The Benefits of Bodhichitta
"Entering the Way of the Bodhisattva" by Shantideva
Reading + Talk
Chapter 1. Explaining the Benefits of Bodhichitta
What is the mind of awakening? How does opening our hearts help ourselves and others?
The book I'm reading from can be purchased here:
https://www.shambhala.com/entering-the-way-of-the-bodhisattva-15591.html
If you want to donate to support this work, you can do so here:
https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/danielscharpenburg
21:04
May 20, 2021

Shantideva Had No Friends
Shantideva was not a popular guy. He lived at a monastic college with 500 other men and had no friends. Everyone thought he was a lazy jerk and they looked for creative ways to bully him.
They were wrong about him. They thought they could make him so embarrassed that he would leave forever. Instead they got one of the greatest spiritual teachings of all time, The Way of the Bodhisattva.
22:08
May 15, 2021

Train in Three Basic Principles
Honor Your Commitments
Don't Be Scandalous
Learn How To Be Patient
this is from the Lojong Teachings
10:27
May 14, 2021

If You Practice While Distracted
If you can practice while distracted, you are well trained.
This is from the Lojong Teachings
15:40
May 12, 2021

The Five Strengths
Practice the Five Strengths.
They are: Strong Determination, Familiarization, Seed of Virtue, Reproach, and Aspiration.
This is from the Lojong Teachings
14:05
May 03, 2021

See Confusion As Enlightenment.
You get there by realizing you're there.
This is from the Lojong Teachings.
If you’re interested in supporting these teachings with a financial donation you can do so by clicking here: https://meditationwithdaniel.com/donate
10:03
April 26, 2021

Be Grateful to Everyone
Can we have more gratitude in our lives?
How can we be grateful to everyone?
This is from the Lojong Teachings.
If you’re interested in supporting these teachings with a financial donation you can do so by clicking here: https://meditationwithdaniel.com/donate
09:47
April 23, 2021

Drive All Blames Into One
What if we take responsibility for everything that happens? Can we face hardships with a calm and even mind?
With a Zen story about Master Hakuin.
This is from the Lojong Teachings.
If you’re interested in supporting these teachings with a financial donation you can do so by clicking here: https://meditationwithdaniel.com/donate
20:42
April 21, 2021

Transform Disasters Into the Path
Can we make our struggles into part of our journey?
With a story about the famous teacher Atisha.
This is from the Lojong Teachings.
If you’re interested in supporting these teachings with a financial donation you can do so by clicking here: https://meditationwithdaniel.com/donate
17:12
April 19, 2021

It Is All Sacred
In all activities: practice. It’s all sacred. Even a broken beer bottle reflects the entire universe. This is from the Lojong teachings.
13:01
April 14, 2021

Seeds of Virtue
Objects and Poisons are Seeds of Virtue. Can we flip the script and use our weaknesses as strengths? This is from the Lojong Teachings. If you’re interested in supporting these teachings with a financial donation you can do so by clicking here: https://meditationwithdaniel.com/donate
15:25
April 12, 2021

Sending And Receiving With The Breath
This is a very short introduction to the meditation practice called Tonglen, or sending and receiving. Our intention with each breath is to inhale suffering and exhale love and compassion. This is from the Lojong Teachings. . If you’re interested in supporting these teachings with a financial donation you can do so by clicking here: https://meditationwithdaniel.com/donate
12:37
April 09, 2021

After Meditation, Be a Child of Illusion
The spiritual journey isn’t limited to what happens when we’re meditating. We can cultivate a sense of wonder in our lives. This is from the lojong teachings. If you’re interested in supporting these teachings with a financial donation you can do so by clicking here: https://meditationwithdaniel.com/donate
16:54
April 06, 2021

Rest in the Openness of Your Mind
What if we just calm down and sit in silence for a few minutes? This is from the lojong teachings. If you’re interested in supporting these teachings with a financial donation you can do so by clicking here: https://meditationwithdaniel.com/donate
12:09
April 06, 2021

Don’t Get Stuck on Peace
How does the path get in the way of the path? This is from the lojong teachings. If you’re interested in supporting these teachings with a financial donation you can do so by clicking here: https://meditationwithdaniel.com/donate
09:59
April 01, 2021

Examine the Nature of Awareness
Who are you? Who were you before your life told you who to be? This is a talk from the lojong teachings. If you’re interested in supporting these teachings with a financial donation you can do so by clicking here: https://meditationwithdaniel.com/donate
13:11
March 31, 2021

See Everything As A Dream
What does it mean to see things as dreams? Are the things we’re holding on to as important as we think? This is from the lojong teachings. If you’re interested in supporting this podcast with a donation you can go to https://meditationwithdaniel.com/donate
10:32
March 30, 2021

Preliminaries: how do we begin and why?
From the lojong teachings. What inspires us to do any of this? If you’re interested in supporting this podcast with a donation you can go to https://meditationwithdaniel.com/donate
32:19
March 26, 2021

Introduction to the Heart
A short introduction to lojong teachings.
If you’re interested in supporting this podcast with a donation you can go to https://meditationwithdaniel.com/donate
13:40
March 23, 2021

Teachings are for the Living
Teachings from Master Silly Mountain (Han Shan Deqing)
This includes the first of Han Shan's Maxims.
Why don't we, as Buddhists, go out and convince people to join us? Should we? Would that be effective?
Also, what's the deal with impermanence? And emptiness?
Let's talk about these things.
if you want to support this work by making a donation you can do so by clicking here: paypal.me/danielscharpenburg
16:44
December 21, 2020

Bodhi Mind and the Four Great Vows
A reading from "The Method of No Method" and commentary on ethics, the four great vows, and the mind of awakening.
if you want to support this workby making a donation you can do so by clicking here: paypal.me/danielscharpenburg
15:03
November 29, 2020

Impermanence & Death
Everything always changes.
This is a talk I gave at the One Mind Zen Hermitage.
17:50
November 12, 2020

Fearful and Irresolute (talk + meditation)
“To live in the Great Way is neither easy nor difficult, but those with limited views are fearful and irresolute"
-Sengcan
if you want to support this podcast by making a donation you can do so by clicking here: paypal.me/danielscharpenburg
29:43
September 24, 2020

The Old Mind (talk +meditation)
“When no discriminating thoughts arise, the old mind ceases to exist.” -Sengcan
Talk + MIndfulness of Breathing Practice
if you want to support this podcast by making a donation you can do so by clicking here: https://paypal.me/danielscharpenburg
21:41
September 14, 2020

Cherishing Opinions (talk + meditation)
“Do not search for the truth; only cease to cherish opinions. Do not remain in the dualistic state; avoid such pursuits carefully.” -Sengcan
if you want to support this podcast by making a donation you can do so by clicking here: paypal.me/danielscharpenburg
32:19
August 18, 2020

Koans! The Wild Fox Koan
Daniel and Alicia talk about Baizhang and the Wild Fox. I invited my soon-to-be wife Alicia Marley onto the podcast again to talk about the second koan from the Gateless Barrier Collection. This is an odd koan with some magical things going on and the lesson might be a little hard to find. Our conversation ended up taking us pretty far afield from talking about the koan and we ended up asking questions like "is chanting important?" and "Can meditation make you a better criminal?”
if you want to support this podcast by making a donation you can do so by clicking here: paypal.me/danielscharpenburg
55:37
August 13, 2020

Appearances and the Root (talk + meditation)
“To return to the root is to find the meaning, but to pursue appearances is to miss the source.” -Sengcan
28:00
August 10, 2020

Denying Reality (talk + meditation)
“To deny the reality of things is to miss their reality” -Sengcan
if you want to support this podcast by making a donation you can do so by clicking here: https://paypal.me/danielscharpenburg
Go like my Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/dscharpy
29:31
July 09, 2020

Koans! The Dog Koan
Daniel and Alicia talk about Zhaozhou's Dog.
I invited my soon-to-be wife Alicia Marley onto the podcast to talk about the first koan from The Gateless Barrier collection. She has no knowledge of zen koans, so I was wondering if her beginners perspective would help make things clear.
In this episode we talk about the title "The Gateless Barrier" (sometimes called The Gateless Gate, sometimes called The Barrier That Has No Gate)
And we talk about the Koan that is called "Zhaozhou's Dog"
if you want to support this podcast by making a donation you can do so by clicking here: https://paypal.me/danielscharpenburg
Go like my Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/dscharpy
I wanted to recommend someone else's podcast too. If you're interested in podcasts about koans, go listen to Knot Zen:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/knot-zen/id1489124156
39:04
June 23, 2020

Be Serene (talk + meditation)
"Be serene in the oneness of things and erroneous views will vanish by themselves." -Sengcan
if you want to support this podcast by making a donation you can do so by clicking here: paypal.me/danielscharpenburg
Go like my Facebook Page: facebook.com/dscharpy
This episode references a text called Faith in Mind. A version of it can be purchased here:
https://www.amazon.com/Trust-Mind-Rebellion-Chinese-Zen/dp/0861713915/
19:24
June 22, 2020

How to be a Buddhist Protester w/ Alex Kakuyo
Sensei Alex Kakuyo came onto the podcast again to talk with me about current events, protests, and the role of Buddhist teachers in the world of politics.
Alex is a lay Buddhist minister in the Bright Dawn Buddhist tradition.
You can read his article "How to be a Buddhist Protester" here:
https://sameoldzen.blogspot.com/2020/05/how-to-be-buddhist-protester.html\
and he wrote this article for Lion's Roar:
https://www.lionsroar.com/the-buddhist-pureland-and-living-under-curfew/
and you can buy his book "Perfectly Ordinary" here:
https://www.amazon.com/Perfectly-Ordinary-Buddhist-Teachings-Everyday/dp/167376939X/
if you want to support this podcast by making a donation you can do so by clicking here: paypal.me/danielscharpenburg
Go like my Facebook Page: facebook.com/dscharpy
44:56
June 11, 2020

Sensei Alex Kakuyo: Perfectly Ordinary
I had my first long distance podcast guest. Sensei Alex Kakuyo is a lay Buddhist minister and author of Perfectly Ordinary: Buddhist Teachings for Everyday Life.
You can learn about Alex here: sameoldzen.blogspot.com
And you can buy his book here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0852GYDXX
Alex teaches in the Bright Dawn Tradition, which you can learn about here: Brightdawn.org
I first "met" Alex because I saw his writing at The Tattooed Buddha, which you can see here: The Tattooed Buddha
if you want to support this podcast by making a donation you can do so by clicking here: paypal.me/danielscharpenburg
Go like my Facebook Page: facebook.com/dscharpy
53:53
May 21, 2020

The Buddha Holds Up a Flower
The Buddha Held Up a Flower. Kasyapa Smiled. Case 6 from the Gateless Gate.
The Gateless Gate is a classic text. My favorite version can be purchased here:
Passing Through the Gateless Barrier by Guo Gu
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18:08
May 15, 2020

Different Forms of Meditation
Different forms of meditation described. Plus, my favorite: Silent Illumination.
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24:23
May 13, 2020

Start Where You Are
Start Where You Are. Where else could you start?
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14:40
May 07, 2020

Four Immeasurables
Kindness - Compassion - Joy - Equanimity. Dharma Talk and Guided Meditation.
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a version of this talk was given as a video on the Tattooed Buddha Facebook page. You can like that page here: facebook.com/thetattooedbuddha
23:25
May 04, 2020

The Wild Fox
Baizhang and the Wild Fox.
Case 2 From “the Gateless Gate”
The Gateless Gate is a classic text. My favorite version can be purchased here:
Passing Through the Gateless Barrier by Guo Gu
if you want to support this podcast by making a donation you can do so by clicking here: paypal.me/danielscharpenburg
Go like my Facebook Page: facebook.com/dscharpy
16:34
April 30, 2020

Anxiety and Iphones
“We teach best what we need to learn” -Michael Stone
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16:46
April 27, 2020

Does a Dog Have Buddha Nature?
What does that even mean? Source: “the Gateless Gate” Case 1 The Gateless Gate is a classic text.
My favorite version can be purchased here: https://www.amazon.com/Passing-Through-Gateless-Barrier-Practice/dp/1611802814
if you want to support this podcast by making a donation you can do so by clicking here: paypal.me/danielscharpenburg
Go like my Facebook Page: facebook.com/dscharpy
14:48
April 24, 2020

Don’t Be a Jerk, Be Nice, Train the Mind (talk and discussion)
This talk was recorded at Monday Meditation on 2/3/20. ————————————————————————-Go to my website: kansascitymeditation.com
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Paypal: PayPal.me/DanielScharpenburg
venmo: @DScharp
19:50
February 04, 2020

In Our Own Way - Talk and Discussion.
This was recorded at Monday Meditation on 1/6/20. We talked about how often we get in the way of our own efforts to improve ourselves. We also talked about the three poisons: greed, aversion, and delusion. And we had a lively discussion
17:14
January 07, 2020

Indira Grace - Religion is Like Ice Cream
Indira has been a Buddhist for 20 years. She has worked as a spiritual advisor, reiki healer, and teacher (including teaching inmates in prison). She writes for the Tattooed Buddha. She is currently working on a Unity Minister degree. We talked about Unity Church, which you can learn about here: www.unity.org and Oneness which you can learn about here: www.omoneness.com
01:01:17
January 06, 2020

Guided Meditation and 2020 Vision w/ Whitney Sause
This talk was recorded at Fountain City Meditation on 12/30/19. Guided Meditation: 0:00-24:00. Discussion: 24:00-49:00. Whitney led the practice for the first time. At the beginning she introduces herself, then there’s a guided meditation followed by a discussion that includes: goals for the year, renewable energy, MS, and other things.
49:11
December 31, 2019

Desire - Talk and Discussion
This talk was recorded at Fountain City Meditation on 12/23/19. We talked about desire. Can we relate to our desires in a more meaningful way? Do you want to be a dog or a tiger? ——————————-
if you feel moved to make a donation to support this work you can do so here:
Paypal: https://PayPal.me/DanielScharpenburg
venmo: @DScharp
13:45
December 24, 2019

The Thing About Meditation is... (talk and discussion)
This talk was recorded at Fountain City Meditation on 12/2/19. We talked about believing in our practice and common obstacles.
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if you feel moved to make a donation you can do so here:
Paypal: https://PayPal.me/DanielScharpenburg
venmo: @DScharp
16:17
December 10, 2019

Katarina Elaine - Temple Scarlet Founder
I sat down with my friend Katarina Elaine. She is a Wiccan, a spiritual teacher, and an event coordinator who runs a yearly retreat called Temple Scarlet. We talked about festivals, meditation, pathworking, sacred sexuality, paganism, and the meaning of the word “witch”.
57:05
November 17, 2019

Sergio Moreno: Buddhist Chaplain
I sat down with my friend Sergio who is a Buddhist and a Chaplain in Kansas City. We talked about how his career in spiritual wellness and his life as a Buddhist influence each other. We also talked about right livelihood and being fully present for people that need it.
56:31
October 20, 2019

Zen Mind Workshop
This talk was recorded on 9/28/19 at Aquarius KC, a metaphysical store in Kansas City. I introduced zen meditation, gave some guidance, and took questions. It went really well. Go to https://aquariuskc.com to learn more about this store. I really appreciate that they invited me to give a talk there.
52:19
September 28, 2019

Anxiety and Attachment with Alicia Marley
On this episode I talked with my guest and partner Alicia about letting go of anxiety and attachment. We recorded this in the car during a road trip.
20:49
September 22, 2019

The Great Treasure - Dharma Talk and Discussion
There is silence and calm beneath all the stuff we’re carrying. “The Great Treasure” is a story from the text “Dropping Ashes on the Buddha.” This Talk was recorded at a public meditation on 9/16/19
09:40
September 17, 2019

Laziness and Goals. With guest Alicia Marley
I had a discussion with Alicia Marley about laziness, empowerment, Facebook, and goals.
43:50
September 16, 2019

Laziness. Dharma Talk and Discussion
This was recorded at a Meditation Gathering on 9/14/19.
09:23
September 14, 2019

Patience - Dharma Talk and Discussion
This talk was recorded at a public meditation event on 9/2/19. We meditated and talked about Patience, as well as what to do when you feel itchy, giving in to your desires, and our fixation on doing things “the right way”
18:00
September 03, 2019

Encouraging Each Other To Practice- Dharma Talk And Discussion
This was recorded at a public meditation event on 8/26/19. We meditated and discussed things like keeping your eyes open, hearing sounds, and why this is called zen.
15:17
August 27, 2019

Meditation Instruction and Guidance
This talk is meditation instruction I gave at a Meditation Gathering. It was an outdoor event so there is a lot of ambient noise. Notes on posture - healing breath practice - following the breath - silent illumination
21:24
July 17, 2019

Self Image and Compliments with Alicia Marley
This is a discussion I had with Alicia Marley on Self Image, Compliments, and Empowerment
29:21
July 03, 2019

The Buddha and the Truth About Suffering
The Buddha is sometimes described as a doctor. He saw the was we suffer as a disease to be treated. His teaching is a treatment plan. This is a tiny bit about his life story, but more importantly about the central Buddhist teaching of the Four Noble Truths.
28:33
May 23, 2019

Barefoot Bran
Barefoot Bran is my guest. He’s a buddhist folk musician in Kansas City. He’s a member of the Rime Buddhist Community and the Order of Bards, Ovates, and Druids. We talk about spirituality, music, dreams, and community, as well as the intersection between paganism and buddhism
01:07:43
May 06, 2019

Spiritual Community with guest Daniel Symes
My childhood friend Daniel Symes joined me on the podcast to talk about spiritual communities.
Daniel has been my friend since I was 11 years old and he's a member of pagan and freemason communities. We discussed what those communities, and Buddhism, do well and also where they struggle. I talked some, but not much, about my experience at a temple I used to attend called the Rime Center. He talked some about his experience with the pagan communities: Camp Gaea and Gaia Community (and I marveled at the fact that there are two pagan communities in Kansas City with essentially the same name). And we also talked about semi-spiritual communities like Freemasonry and Scouts BSA.
And we talked about Fountain City Meditation, which I think is a project but may actually be a community.
40:46
April 07, 2019

Grieving and Death
We all have to face death. Impermanence is a part of our lives and one thing we all have in common is that we lose the people we care about. What can help us with our grief? In this episode I get personal and talk about my own story. ——Recommended Reading: “Awake in the World” by Michael Stone and “No Death, No Fear” by Thich Nhat Hanh
23:27
March 25, 2019

Insecurity Part 2: with Daniel and Alicia
Daniel and Alicia talk about: Insecurity, Introspection, and Brain Weasels.
38:39
March 20, 2019

Insecurity Part 1: with Daniel and Alicia
Part one of a series. Insecurity is something we all struggle with it. In this episode Daniel and Alicia explore Daniel’s insecurity regarding hosting events.
29:14
March 11, 2019

Alicia Marley
Alicia Marley came to the podcast. We talked a little bit about Buddhism, but mainly we discussed Facebook, having a sense of wonder, and Geocaching.
39:17
January 26, 2019