Awake in the World Podcast - Michael Stone

Latest Episodes:

The Secular Buddha: Part Four Mar 06, 2022

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In this talk Stephen Batchelor muses about the Buddha’s “breakthrough” and his embrace of first person analysis (based on attention, introspection and reason) to reveal a fundamentally contingent world. Recorded on March 27, 2010.

The Secular Buddha: Part Three Feb 27, 2022

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Guest teacher Martine Batchelor explains how the point of contact between sense and sense object is the moment when the choice between grasping and not grasping takes place. Not grasping allows for creative engagement—an attitude of stability and openness, so that we can meet problems in new and different ways. Recorded on March 26, 2010.

The Secular Buddha: Part Two Feb 20, 2022

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In this podcast guest teacher Stephen Batchelor asks “What did the Buddha awaken to?” Drawing largely on the Buddha’s First Sermon (Turning the Wheel of Dharma) he elucidates the Four Truths, the actions required by them and the cyclical, processual nature of these teachings. Recorded on March 26, 2010.

The Secular Buddha: Part One Feb 13, 2022

Show notes

Guest teacher Stephen Batchelor explains his interest in Secular Buddhism, which returns the word “secular'' to its etymological root, “saeculum,” meaning “this age” or “at this time in this world.” He describes some of the historical and societal circumstances surrounding Gautama Buddha’s teaching and argues for a return to what the Buddha taught in the Pali Canon to “recover what lies on the ground floor.” Recorded on March 26, 2010.

A Performed Meditation Feb 06, 2022

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This Awake in the World Podcast features guest speaker Christopher House, who was the artistic director of the Toronto Dance Theater for twenty-five years (he retired in 2020). He describes his studies with the American experiential choreographer Deborah Hay (author of My Body, the Buddhist) and her unique, subversive, present-centered approach to choreography and performance. Recorded on March 23, 2010.

Embodying the Buddha's Teachings Jan 30, 2022

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In this podcast episode, Michael introduces the bodhisattva path and the paramitas. The bodhisattva ideal is you at your best – rather than simply a code of ethics, it is the cultivation and realization of your particular form of creativity, responsiveness, and compassion. This talk is an excerpt from our Six Practices for Awakening the Heart online course. Drawing on ancient Buddhist knowledge, this 7-week online course offers six practices for becoming more compassionate, courageous, and imaginative in how we live. Find out more: https://michaelstoneteaching.com/product/six-practices-for-awakening-the-heart/

A Civilizing Practice Jan 28, 2022

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Michael explores Patanjali’s teachings on samadhi (Pada 1, 41-51) and points out that if practice becomes too self-focused and too centered on achieving “special” mind states it can be easily co-opted by social forces like institutionalized greed, hatred and delusion. He argues that practice was meant to lead to a cultural and civilizational awakening, not just personal liberation. Recorded on March 16, 2010.

Uncovering the Roots Jan 13, 2022

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In this deep dive into the first four lines of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra Michael talks about the nature of awareness and the goals of yoga. Recorded March 14, 2010.

Waiting for a Ride Jan 09, 2022

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Starting with a poem by Gary Snyder, Michael explores the Fourth Pada of the Yoga Sutra and argues that without the experience of a solid meditation practice it cannot be comprehended. Patanjali, he says, “is leaving you speechless.” But waiting at the airport watching everything come and go, isn’t a bad analogy. Recorded on March 9, 2007.

Best of Awake in the World: Forgiveness Dec 31, 2021

Show notes

This week we're revisiting a favourite Awake in the World podcast episode from a New Year's retreat. A tender and personal talk Michael gives during silent retreat about his father, forgiveness, and how we need to practice forgiveness all the time. He talks about how, and why. He talks about the painter Hellen Frankenthaller’s death and practicing in good times and bad. Recorded on December 29, 2011.

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