In this dharma talk, astrophysicist Adam Frank speaks to us about his life-braiding zen and science. In particular, how ‘Koans aren’t magic, but when they are, they’re SUCH magic!’


Adam Frank: Koans as Questions, Koans as Test: One Scientist’s Personal Perspective

The Upaya Dharma Podcast features Wednesday evening Dharma Talks and recordings from Upaya’s diverse array of programs. Our podcasts exemplify Upaya’s focus on socially engaged Buddhism, including prison work, end-of-life care, serving the homeless, training in socially engaged practices, peace & nonviolence, compassionate care training, and delivering healthcare in the Himalayas.

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In this opening session for The Bodhisattva’s Activism Roshi Joan, John Dunne, and Dekila Chungyalpa plant seeds for the context and importance of this program. Roshi frames the theme of this program perfectly with a clear and direct question, “What [in Buddhist practice] gives us the confidence as practitioners to engage in activism?”. These introductory remarks covered a range of topics from emotional intelligence in activism, highlighted by John Dunne, to exploring ecological mindfulness with Dekila. The faculty speakers share personal experiences and insights, emphasizing the transformative power of Buddhist practice in addressing modern crises and the importance of community and solidarity. Participants, both onsite and online, were encouraged to reflect on their roles in societal change, consider the impact of their actions, and discuss practical ways to apply Buddhist teachings to overcome challenges.

The Bodhisattva’s Activism (1 of 8)

This is a continuation of final session which concludes the four part series Four Flavors of Love. Frank Ostaseski reminds us the brahmaviharas are considered powerful and beautiful aspects of the human mind and heart that can be cultivated and shared. Frank reviews each “flavor of love,” highlighting the features of each: Metta, Karuna, Mudita, Upekkha. The session also discusses the near enemies of each of these heavenly abodes.

Four Flavors of Love: Upekkha Part 2 (6 of 6)

This session concludes the four part series Four Flavors of Love. Frank Ostaseski reminds us the brahmaviharas are considered powerful and beautiful aspects of the human mind and heart that can be cultivated and shared. Frank reviews each “flavor of love,” highlighting the features of each: Metta, Karuna, Mudita, Upekkha. The session also discusses the near enemies of each of these heavenly abodes.

Four Flavors of Love: Upekkha Part 1 (5 of 6)

In this session of the Four Flavors of Love participants focus on Mudita, the third Brahma vihara, which translates to appreciative joy or sympathetic joy. Mudita involves finding joy in the basic goodness of all beings and recognizing the fundamental well-being of ourselves and others. Frank addresses potential concerns, such as whether focusing on joy might lead to ignoring the plight of those who are struggling. Frank argues that Mudita doesn’t release us from our responsibility for compassionate action and that it is based on rejoicing in good qualities and good choices.

Four Flavors of Love: Mudita (4 of 6)

This is a continuation of the second session of this series where Frank Ostaseski emphasizes the interconnectedness of the four brahmaviharas and how they support each other. This talk focus on Karuna (Compassion) and includes guided practice of compassion using phrases to evoke the quality of compassion and extend it to various beings.

Adam Frank: Koans as Questions, Koans as Test: One Scientist’s Personal Perspective

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