Awake in the World Podcast - Michael Stone

Latest Episodes:

The Two Darts: A Buddhist Psychology of Pain Aug 09, 2021

Show notes

In this Awake in the World Podcast Michael explains the teaching of “The Two Darts” (the Sallatha Sutta) and asserts that the Buddha offers a useful and supportive model for working with pain—whether it is physical, emotional, or cultural in origin. Recorded on June 19, 2007.

Ducks’ Legs Are Short, Cranes’ Legs Are Long Aug 02, 2021

Show notes

In this Awake in the World Podcast Michael covers the ninth part of the Genjokoan that begins, “A fish swims in the ocean, and no matter how far it swims there is no end to the water.” He argues that realization comes with knowing what nourishes you—and then “you can do you.” Recorded on July 29, 2010.

Cherishing All Life Jul 26, 2021

Show notes

In this Awake in the World podcast, guest teacher Trudy Goodman gives a talk on sila, the ethical foundations of the eightfold path (wise livelihood, wise behaviour, and wise speech). Recorded on July 18, 2009 at a mindfulness for clinicians program with Leading Edge Seminars.

Ordinary Mind is the Way Jul 19, 2021

Show notes

In this Awake in the World podcast Michael talks about the tendency we have to amplify suffering by creating a self that we think is separate and “special,” and how in our quest to be enlightened we can often get tripped up by the same instincts.

Water Holding and Nestling the Moon Jul 12, 2021

Show notes

In this Awake in the World podcast Michael muses about the section of the Genjokoan that starts, “Enlightenment is like the moon reflected on the water….” Along the way he weaves in Kannon, koans, zen poetry, and Bob Dylan. Recorded July 22, 2010.

Eyes You Have Seen Seeing You in the Face of Others Jul 05, 2021

Show notes

In this Awake in the World podcast Michael focuses on emptiness or boundlessness as a way of talking about interdependence, and Dogen’s views (from the Genjokoan) about enlightenment and delusion. The talk includes a reading of Robert Bringhurst’s poem, “Dogen.” Recorded on July 9, 2010.

Only Insofar as One Is Speechless...Part Two Jun 28, 2021

Show notes

In this Awake in the World podcast Michael continues his exploration of Dogen’s Genjokoan and ponders the question, “How do you know you’re awake?” Recorded on July 8, 2010.

Only Insofar as One Is Speechless...Part One Jun 21, 2021

Show notes

In this Awake in the World podcast Michael delves into the capacity of questioning to pull us back into our lives, but only if we can practice in the paradoxical space of not-seeking, not conceptualizing, and not clinging to our habits. Recorded on July 8, 2010.

Make Yourself Available Jun 14, 2021

Show notes

In this Awake in the World podcast Michael muses about understanding in the poetic sense—what’s under the point of view we choose to stand in? He touches on karma, habits, projection, doubt and our fraught relationship with time. Recorded on January 25, 2008

The Mind as a Process Jun 06, 2021

Show notes

In this Awake in the World podcast Michael gives advice and practical tips for dealing with some of the struggles that come up during sitting practice, such as sleepiness, rumination, or difficult emotions like anger. Recorded on January 22, 2008.