Sharpening the Mind

The Unsatisfactory Nature of All Things

Actions have consequences.

There’s nothing to hold onto.

Human life is precious and rare. Don’t waste it.

This is a talk based on the teachings in “Power of Mind” by Khentrul Lodro Thaye

This is a mind training teaching.

This is a talk on training our minds. I read some quotes from “The Power of Mind” by Khentrul Lodro Thaye.

Taking and Sending

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. 

Someone asked me

This is a talk from the Dhammapada

This is a teaching from the Dhammapada.

A talk from the Dhammapada.

This is a teaching from the Dhammapada.

This is a teaching from the Dhammapada

This talk is from the Dhammapada.

This is a teaching from the Dhammapada

From the Dhammapada

Very short introduction to the Dhammapada, the teachings of the Buddha.

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.

A description of a Formless meditation practice as well as a little guidance. 

This is a teaching from “Steps to the Great Perfection” by Jigme Lingpa

This talk was recorded at Fountain City Meditation on 11/25/19. We talked about how we sometimes make our own suffering worse.

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.

This is a talk and discussion about when and why meditation is hard.

A Zen Story that can tell us a few things about expectations and perception.

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

This talk was recorded at Aquarius KC in February of 2020. 

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. 

Talk on trying to control everything all the time. And Guided Silent Illumination Practice.

This was recording in November of 2019 and Heart of the Dove KC.

Nothing in the world can offend

This talk comes from the 37 Practices of a Bodhisattva and was originally recorded in 2020.

This talk comes from the 37 Practices of a Bodhisattva and was originally recorded in 2020.

This is a guided visualization meditation from the text “Steps to the Great Perfection” by Jigme Lingpa

Equanimity and Open Awareness

This is a guided visualization meditation from the text “Steps to the Great Perfection” by Jigme Lingpa

Entering the Way of the Bodhisattva Chapter 5 (second half)  Talk + Reading.

Entering the Way of the Bodhisattva Chapter 5 (first half)  Talk + Reading.

"Entering the Way of the Bodhisattva" by Shantideva Reading + Talk Chapter 3. Embracing Bodhichitta.  Can we celebrate our spiritual path?

Right now it’s like this. What can I do?

"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?

Short meditation from “The Path of Peace” by Ayya Khema

"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

The phrases used in this guided meditation are from “the Path to Peace” by Ayya Khema

Shantideva Had No Friends

What is Joy? Can we expand our circle of joy?

Equanimity

Talk + Meditation

Do our opinions get in our way? Can we hold them more loosely?

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

Everyone is fighting a hard battle.

a guided meditation

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

Comparisons, Labels, and Encouragement

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

a guided meditation

This talk was recorded at Heart of the Dove KC in December of 2019.

a guided meditation

This talk was originally recorded at a meditation gathering on the lawn of the Nelson Atkins Museum in September of 2019.

Kindness, Compassion, Joy, and Equanimity

The story of an illiterate peasant who became a Zen Master. 

What is kindness?

I'm talking in this podcast about Mindfulness of Breathing and Open Awareness Practice. What are they and why would we do them?

I gave this guided meditation instruction at the Rime Buddhist Center on 3/13/22.

This is a guided meditation on the Boundless Heart practice. This was recorded at Aquarius KC on 2/26/22

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.

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

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/

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

a short 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/

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/

This is a guided meditation for metta practice. 

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/

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/

Metta (kindness)

“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

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

What are the forms of laziness and how can we overcome them?

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?

"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

"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

"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

"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

"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

"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

“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

"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"

This is a guided meditation. 

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/

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

Meditation can be hard. 

Can a spiritual teacher from thousands of years ago really teach us anything? Also, is Buddhism really negative?

Generosity, Virtue, Patience, Diligence, Concentration, and Wisdom.

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

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

"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

"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

"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

"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

"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

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. 

Honor Your Commitments Don't Be Scandalous Learn How To Be Patient this is from the Lojong Teachings

If you can practice while distracted, you are well trained. This is from the Lojong Teachings

Practice the Five Strengths. They are: Strong Determination, Familiarization, Seed of Virtue, Reproach, and Aspiration. This is from the Lojong Teachings

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

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

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

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

In all activities: practice. It’s all sacred. Even a broken beer bottle reflects the entire universe. This is from the Lojong teachings.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Everything always changes.  This is a talk I gave at the One Mind Zen Hermitage.

“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

“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

“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

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 

“To return to the root is to find the meaning, but to pursue appearances is to miss the source.” -Sengcan

“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

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

"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/

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

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

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 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

Different forms of meditation described. Plus, my favorite: Silent Illumination.  if you want to support this podcast by making a donation you can do so by clicking here: Donate Go like my Facebook Page: facebook.com/dscharpy

Start Where You Are. Where else could you start?  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

Kindness - Compassion - Joy - Equanimity. Dharma Talk and Guided Meditation. 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 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

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

“We teach best what we need to learn” -Michael Stone 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

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

This talk was recorded at Monday Meditation on 2/3/20. ————————————————————————-Go to my website: kansascitymeditation.com if you feel moved to make a donation to support this work you can do so here: Paypal: PayPal.me/DanielScharpenburg venmo: @DScharp

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

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

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.

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

This talk was recorded at Fountain City Meditation on 12/2/19. We talked about believing in our practice and common obstacles. =================== if you feel moved to make a donation you can do so here: Paypal: https://PayPal.me/DanielScharpenburg venmo: @DScharp

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”.

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.

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.

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.

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

I had a discussion with Alicia Marley about laziness, empowerment, Facebook, and goals.

This was recorded at a Meditation Gathering on 9/14/19.

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”

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.

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

This is a discussion I had with Alicia Marley on Self Image, Compliments, and Empowerment

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.

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

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. 

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

Daniel and Alicia talk about: Insecurity, Introspection, and Brain Weasels.

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.

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.