This week we're revisiting a favourite Awake in the World podcast episode. In the Zen tradition, there is a saying, “Reaching the mystery is nothing but breaking through and grabbing an ordinary person’s life.” The mystical experience turns out to be this present moment. Part of a series of talks on the Buddha before Buddhism. Recorded at Centre of Gravity on June 23, 2013.

Best of Awake in the World: Buddha's Last Word

Awake in the World Podcast is a library of talks on a wide-range of topics, including bringing mindfulness and meditation practice into daily life; personal and community issues regarding mental health; and social change. The podcasts were recorded at live events so you might hear coughing, airplanes, cars, sirens, laughter, and peoples’ questions—all part of the intimate experience. Michael Stone (1974-2017) was a Buddhist teacher, author, and mental health advocate. His legacy is stewarded by Carina Stone. Podcast funded by Patreon (patreon.com/michaelstone).

Religion & Spirituality

Other

Spirituality

Christianity

Buddhism

Hinduism

Judaism

Islam

In this first episode of an eight-part series, Michael explores the teachings of the Buddha before the rise of Buddhism as a religion. How was the world created? Is there a soul? Are the body and mind separate? These timeless questions, pondered by the Buddha, are examined against a backdrop of strict class systems, rigid religious beliefs, and gender inequality. Like Lao Tzu and Socrates, the Buddha sought ways for all people to find liberation. Michael delves into often-misunderstood Sanskrit terms, the origins of the Pali language, and insights from The Nikayas, a lesser-known Buddhist text.

The Awake in the World podcast is brought to you by the generosity of our amazing Patreon supporters, making it possible for us to keep Michael's archive of teachings available to the public. To become a patron, visit: patreon.com/michaelstone.

Before Buddhism: The Buddha’s Early Teachings on Liberation

In this Best of Awake in the World episode Michael leads a 20 minute guided meditation on Mindfulness of the breathing body in the abdomen to settle thoughts. Recorded 2017.

The Awake in the World podcast is brought to you by the generosity of our amazing Patreon supporters, making it possible for us to keep Michael's archive of teachings available to the public. To become a patron, visit: patreon.com/michaelstone.

Best of Awake in the World: 20 min. Guided Meditation Mindfulness of the Breathing Body

This final episode of the unearthed Lotus Sutra podcast episodes, Michael discusses how the deepest practice a bodhisattva can ever do is to listen deeply and how the deepest thing we can ever experience is having a change of heart. This talk was recorded at Centre of Gravity's last evening at the Bellwoods location, July 12, 2011.

The entire 2011 Lotus Sutra collection can be found on a nearly complete playlist here: soundcloud.com/michaelstoneteaching/sets/lotus-sutra

The Awake in the World podcast is brought to you by the generosity of our amazing Patreon supporters, making it possible for us to keep Michael's archive of teachings available to the public. To become a patron, visit: patreon.com/michaelstone.

Lotus Sutra, Part 20: Forgiveness as the Heart of Practice

As we wrap up the newly located additions to the Awake in the World Lotus Sutra podcast episodes, Michael shares a discussion about contemplating someone in your life who you have a hard time seeing as a Buddha. Buddha Nature is your imagination and the way you can re-see people who have wounded you. Recorded June 28, 2011.

Episodes of the 2011 Lotus Sutra collection will be added (as we uncover them) to a playlist here: soundcloud.com/michaelstoneteaching/sets/lotus-sutra

The Awake in the World podcast is brought to you by the generosity of our amazing Patreon supporters, making it possible for us to keep Michael's archive of teachings available to the public. To become a patron, visit: patreon.com/michaelstone.

Lotus Sutra, Part 19-2

In this Awake in the World podcast episode, Michael shares a story of never disparaging Buddha and Mark Ragosian who lived in Woodstock New York. There is nowhere you can stand that is not a place the Buddha hasn't practiced. The Buddha was enlightened right where you are standing. If you can see others as a Buddha you are a Buddha—even animals and trees.  Recorded June 28, 2011.

While some of the audio podcast episodes may be lost, you can read transcripts and notes from the talks in the text section of the community library. You can find the missing Lotus Sutra Part 18 in transcription here: https://michaelstoneteaching.com/lotus-sutra-18-situational-ethics/

The Awake in the World podcast is brought to you by the generosity of our amazing Patreon supporters, making it possible for us to keep Michael's archive of teachings available to the public. To become a patron, visit: patreon.com/michaelstone.

Best of Awake in the World: Buddha's Last Word

Download our free app to listen on your phone