Awake in the World Podcast - Michael Stone

Latest Episodes:

Three Principles of Peacemaking Apr 30, 2023

Show notes

This talk explores Bernie Glassman’s guiding principles for taking practice into daily life: not knowing, bearing witness and taking loving action. Recorded on September 6, 2008.

Without Holding On Apr 23, 2023

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Michael guides a meditation on the breath, with an emphasis on letting go of grasping. Recorded on September 28, 2007.

Only Fools Understand Yoga Apr 16, 2023

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In this talk Michael describes ujjayi breathing as a meditative practice, explains that the goal of yoga is not samadhi, and argues that “realization” automatically cycles back to the yamas—and demands action in response to suffering in the world. Recorded on September 27, 2007.

Are Stiff People Less Awake? Apr 09, 2023

Show notes

Michael speaks about the eight limbs of Ashtanga and how to practice them. He argues for the importance of a sitting practice as well as asana. (Unfortunately the last half of this talk failed to record, so it ends abruptly). Recorded on September 25, 2007.

Best of Awake in the World: Not Being Possessive and the Gift of Fearlessness Apr 02, 2023

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This week we're revisiting a favourite Awake in the World podcast episode. Michael Stone gives a talk during the ethics course about the precept of Aparigraha, and using our imagination. Recorded at Centre of Gravity, Toronto, on March 17, 2011.

Vande Gurunam Mar 26, 2023

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In this talk inspired by “bowing to reality,” Michael covers impermanence, story-telling and his view of the three most common ways we try to deal with our dukkha. Recorded on September 21, 2007.

Let It Be Mar 19, 2023

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Michael talks about Patanjali, subject/object duality, and the meaning of nirodha. Recorded on September 29, 2007.

Focus on the Calm Part of the Breath Mar 12, 2023

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A twenty-minute guided meditation on breath-centered mindfulness. Recorded on October 31, 2009.

Peace in the Breath, Stillness in the Ground Mar 05, 2023

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In this guided mindfulness-of-the-body practice Michael focuses on feeling the ground, the breath, the support of the posture and a sense of buoyancy within stability. Recorded on October 30, 2009.

"To Swallow Myself in Ceaseless Flow" Feb 26, 2023

Show notes

Michael explains Patanjali’s take on subduing the causes of suffering in their gross and subtle forms (Pada 2, 10-12) and how this differs from our modern psychological viewpoint. Recorded on October 28, 2008.