Buddhism Guide

There are many great podcasts on Buddhism as a religion and even more on Buddhism as a philosophy. This podcast is about Buddhism as a way of life, which means there is no Buddhist jargon or dogma. It is not based in the metaphysical world, but has its feet planted firmly on this planet. It is easy to understand and practical. I use the Buddha’s early teachings as the foundation for the podcast, and explain them in a way that is relevant to your life today. The Podcast is aimed at people who cannot read, who are visually impaired or English is not their first language.

There are many great podcasts on Buddhism as a religion and even more on Buddhism as a philosophy. This podcast is about Buddhism as a way of life, which means there is no Buddhist jargon or dogma. It is not based in the metaphysical world, but has its feet planted firmly on this planet. It is easy to understand and practical. I use the Buddha’s early teachings as the foundation for the podcast, and explain them in a way that is relevant to your life today. The Podcast is aimed at people who cannot read, who are visually impaired or English is not their first language.

There are many great podcasts on Buddhism as a religion and even more on Buddhism as a philosophy. This podcast is about Buddhism as a way of life, which means there is no Buddhist jargon or dogma. It is not based in the metaphysical world, but has its feet planted firmly on this planet. It is easy to understand and practical. I use the Buddha’s early teachings as the foundation for the podcast, and explain them in a way that is relevant to your life today. The Podcast is aimed at people who cannot read, who are visually impaired or English is not their first language.

There are many great podcasts on Buddhism as a religion and even more on Buddhism as a philosophy. This podcast is about Buddhism as a way of life, which means there is no Buddhist jargon or dogma. It is not based in the metaphysical world, but has its feet planted firmly on this planet. It is easy to understand and practical. I use the Buddha’s early teachings as the foundation for the podcast, and explain them in a way that is relevant to your life today. The Podcast is aimed at people who cannot read, who are visually impaired or English is not their first language.

There are many great podcasts on Buddhism as a religion and even more on Buddhism as a philosophy. This podcast is about Buddhism as a way of life, which means there is no Buddhist jargon or dogma. It is not based in the metaphysical world, but has its feet planted firmly on this planet. It is easy to understand and practical. I use the Buddha’s early teachings as the foundation for the podcast, and explain them in a way that is relevant to your life today. The Podcast is aimed at people who cannot read, who are visually impaired or English is not their first language.

Episode 14, 13 February 2015, Indulging in Superstitions. [10:11]

Intro: Welcome to Buddhism Guide’s Audio blog.

A contemporary look at Gautama Buddha’s Teachings, from Karma Yeshe Rabgye.

For more information, visit: http://www.buddhismguide.org

You can find more episodes of this audio blog on iTunes and Stitcher Podcasts.

A transcript of this episode is available at http://buddhismguide.org/audio-blog-archive/audio-blog-transcripts/episode-14-transcript-indulging-in-superstitions

Episode 14: Indulging in Superstitions. [00:45]

1. Superstition as a way of avoiding responsibility.

For centuries, people have been indulging in superstitions, lucky charms, omens, divinations, and fortune telling.

They've used these things to help them make decisions and keep them from taking responsibility for their own actions.

2. The Harm Caused by Superstition. [03:45]

You may say there's no harm done, but I beg to differ.

These two stories show just how harmful this type of trickery can be.

I believe these people are acting irresponsibly and fraudulently.

3. No use for "Low Art". [05:38]

Gautama Buddha called all these practices "low art" and on many occasions he stated that such things are of no use, as we have to take responsibility for our own lives.

In the [Anguttara Nikaya], Gautama Buddha stated that this is how responsible people act.

There is a story about a Brahman, who was an expert in predictions drawn from cloth.

Gautama Buddha did not believe in luck, fate or chance, he taught that, whatever happens, does so because of cause or causes.

4. Responsibility, Rationality and Obligations. [08:07]

So what did Gautama Buddha believe?

He believed in individual responsibility, rational thought and social obligations, rather than unhealthy fears and irrational superstitions.

This point was made very clear in the Mangala Sutra.

Episode 13, 7 February 2015, Something to Meditate on. [08:55]

Intro: Welcome to Buddhism Guide’s Audio blog.

A contemporary look at Gautama Buddha’s Teachings, from Karma Yeshe Rabgye.

For more information, visit: http://www.buddhismguide.org

You can find more episodes of this audio blog on iTunes and Stitcher Podcasts.

A transcript of this episode is available at http://buddhismguide.org/audio-blog-archive/audio-blog-transcripts/episode-13-transcript-something-to-meditate-on

Episode 13: Something to Meditate on. [00:45]

1. Single Minded Concentration.

In Gautama Buddha's Eightfold Path, what is traditionally talked about in Right Meditation is being able to concentrate single mindedly, on the object of your meditation.

The way to live a responsible life, is to meditate on the Eightfold Path, make it a part of your life, and then check your progress every day at a daily review session.

2. Right View. [02:37]

The first part of the Eightfold Path is Right View.

So, while meditating on Right View, you have to really understand the workings of cause and effect.

3. Right Intention. [03:43]

You should not harm others, nor have ill-will towards them and your actions should not be driven by the Three Poisons, which are:

Attachment,

Aversion, and

Unawareness.

4. Right Speech. [04:17]

Next, mediate on Right Speech.

Many a time we open our mouths before using our brains, and what comes out is harmful and unhelpful to others.

5. Right Action. [05:28]

Now comes Right Action.

So we must ensure we are fully in tune with our actions, so that we are aware of when we are being led astray by the Three Poisons.

6. Right Livelihood. [06:24]

Again, ensure that your work does not harm anybody and bring suffering to them.

Think about your chosen profession and if you see that you are harming a living being, try to change jobs, or at the very least minimise the damage you cause.

7. Be at ease on the cushion. [06:57]

In all of the above, ensure you put in the Right Effort and Right Mindfulness.

Because it is impossible to sit quietly and mentally still on the meditation cushion, if you are not at ease.

8. Right Mediation in a Nutshell. [07:42]

Let us try to put Right Mediation in a nutshell:

When our minds are unguarded and we are not concentrating, our actions, speech and thoughts are also unguarded.

On the other hand, when our mind is concentrating and guarded, our actions, speech and thoughts are also guarded.

Outro. [08:25]

You can find more information about this subject in Karma Yeshe Rabgye’s books at http://www.buddhismguide.org/books/

The best way to catch a snake – A Practical Guide to the Buddha’s Teachings;

Life’s meandering path – A Secular Approach to Gautama Buddha’s Guide to Living;

Ripples in the stream – A Pragmatic Journey Through Gautama Buddha’s Teachings.

They’re available now, from Amazon and Kindle.

Thank you for listening, and I hope you enjoyed Buddhism Guide's audio blog.

Until next time, remember, the only person we can ever truly know, is yourself.

Episode 12, 31 January 2015, Being Human. [04:43]

Intro: Welcome to Buddhism Guide’s Audio blog.

A contemporary look at Gautama Buddha’s Teachings, from Karma Yeshe Rabgye.

For more information, visit: http://www.buddhismguide.org

You can find more episodes of this audio blog on iTunes and Stitcher Podcasts.

A transcript of this episode is available at http://buddhismguide.org/audio-blog-archive/audio-blog-transcripts/episode-12-transcript-being-human

Episode 12: Being Human. [00:40]

1. "A Brotherhood of Man".

In the words of John Lennon:

"Imagine no possessions,

I wonder if you can,

No need for greed or hunger;

A brotherhood of man.

Imagine all the people sharing all the world;

You may say I'm a dreamer,

But I'm not the only one.

I hope some day you will join us, and the world will live as one."

A Brotherhood of Man seems such a dream at the moment, and as for sharing the world - forget it.

We are so far removed from the world where we can live as one.

In fact, we have very little tolerance for the views of others and seem hell-bent on pursuing our own selfish ideology.

We identify with religions, political parties, football teams, countries and so on.

But we never identify with the one thing that binds us together: Being Humans.

At the core of all religions is compassion for our fellow man, but this has been lost among so much dogma.

In the 21st Century, religions are still being run by men, not just any men, but rich and powerful men.

Men who are afraid of change.

In Christianity, you are told to love thy neighbor, but not if he's gay.

Muslims are being told to love only other Muslims.

And now Buddhists are starting to follow suit.

In Myanmar, Sri Lanka and Thailand, Buddhists have grown intolerant of Muslims and are burning their houses and even killing them.

This is from a religion based on non-violence.

However, the religions are not to blame, it is the fanatical people using the religions for their own personal ideology that are causing all the problems.

These fanatics are within all religions and they are slowly turning the world into a dangerous place.

These people are filled only with hatred and ignorance where will it all end?

Nobody knows the answer to this, but sooner or later people have to stand up and say - enough is enough.

We cannot survive in a world driven by killing, fear and discrimination.

By sitting on the fence and becoming immune to the violence around us, we moderate people are going to become part of the problem.

The moderate people within the various religions, and these are thankfully the majority, have to speak out sooner rather than later.

Tolerance is the only answer.

I envisage a world where we all have tolerance for others, a world where we accept difference, and not fear it.

You may say I'm a dreamer, but I hope and pray I'm not the only one.

Outro. [04:13]

You can find more information about this subject in Karma Yeshe Rabgye’s books at http://www.buddhismguide.org/books/

The best way to catch a snake – A Practical Guide to the Buddha’s Teachings;

Life’s meandering path – A Secular Approach to Gautama Buddha’s Guide to Living;

Ripples in the stream – A Pragmatic Journey Through Gautama Buddha’s Teachings.

They’re available now, from Amazon and Kindle.

Thank you for listening, and I hope you enjoyed Buddhism Guide's audio blog.

Until next time, remember, the only person we can ever truly know, is ourselves!

Episode 11, 19 January 2015, Mindfulness - The Bottom Line. [11:11]

Intro: Welcome to Buddhism Guide’s Audio blog.

A contemporary look at Gautama Buddha’s Teachings, from Karma Yeshe Rabgye.

For more information, visit: http://www.buddhismguide.org

You can find more episodes of this audio blog on iTunes and Stitcher Podcasts.

A transcript of this episode is available at http://buddhismguide.org/audio-blog-archive/audio-blog-transcripts/episode-11-transcript-mindfulness-the-bottom-line

Episode 11: Mindfulness - The Bottom Line. [00:45]

1. Mindfulness.

Gautama Buddha stated in various Sutras that there are Four Foundations of Mindfulness:

Mindfulness of body;

Mindfulness of feelings;

Mindfulness of mind;

Mindfulness of mental states.

2. Mindfulness of Body. [02:45]

This means being aware of your body and all the actions carried out by it.

3. Mindfulness of Feelings. [05:03]

There are Three Types of Feelings:

Pleasant,

unpleasant, and

neutral.

4. Mindfulness of Mind. [06:10]

Mindfulness of Mind is looking at the mind as though you are looking in a mirror.

Ask yourself, how is my mind at the moment?

Is it full of desire, full of anger, full of ignorance?

Is it present in the moment, or distracted?

In a guide to the Bodhisattva way of life Shantideva says:

Whenever I have the desire to move my body, or to say something, first of all, I should examine my mind, and then with steadiness, act in a proper way.

5. Mindfulness of Mental States. [07:55]

When we begin to be mindful of mental states, we start to see obstacles arise in the form of the Five Hindrances.

These hindrances are mental states that can lead us astray; take us away from responsible living.

The Five Hindrances are:

Being gripped by desire;

Feelings of ill will;

Lack of interest;

Restlessness, and

Doubt.

6. Right Mindfulness - The Bottom Line. [09:45]

If we are going to be Mindful, and Live a Responsible Life we have to be fully aware of, but not tangled up in, our bodies, feelings, minds and mental states.

By being mindful we'll be able to take full responsibility for all our actions.

This will ensure that our minds become more calm and we travel through life in the present moment.

Not being tossed backwards and forwards from the past to the future.

Being mindful means being conscious of every thought, feeling, emotion, physical sensation, and action.

So, the bottom line is, become aware of the present moment, but not engaged with it.

Outro. [10:40]

You can find more information about this subject in Karma Yeshe Rabgye’s books at http://www.buddhismguide.org/books/

The best way to catch a snake – A Practical Guide to the Buddha’s Teachings;

Life’s meandering path – A Secular Approach to Gautama Buddha’s Guide to Living;

Ripples in the stream – A Pragmatic Journey Through Gautama Buddha’s Teachings.

They’re available now, from Amazon and Kindle.

Thank you for listening, and I hope you enjoyed Buddhism Guide's audio blog.

Until the next time, remember: "The only person we can ever truly know, is ourselves".

Episode 10, 13 December 2014, Right Livelihood. [04:21]

Intro: Welcome to Buddhism Guide’s Audio blog.

A contemporary look at Gautama Buddha’s Teachings, from Karma Yeshe Rabgye.

Find out more, at http://www.buddhismguide.org

A transcript of this episode is available at http://buddhismguide.org/audio-blog-archive/audio-blog-transcripts/episode-10-transcript-right-livelihood

Episode 10: Right Livelihood. [00:30]

1. Right and Wrong Livelihoods. [00:35]

A Right Livelihood is one, which does not bring any harm to anyone or anything.

Gautama Buddha listed 5 professions that constitute a wrong livelihood.

They are:

Dealing in weapons;

Dealing in humans;

Dealing in meat production;

Dealing in intoxicants, and

Dealing in poisons.

2. Fortune Telling. [02:09]

In the Sutra, "The Fruit of the Contemplative Life", Buddha stated this:

"Whereas, some priests and contemplatives, living off food given in faith, maintain themselves by wrong livelihood. By such lowly arts as reading marks on the limbs, reading omens and signs, interpreting dreams, making predictions based on fingertips, laying daemons in the cemetery, placing spells on spirits, reciting house protection charms, giving protective charms, interpreting the calls of birds and animals."

The bottom line is that our livelihood must not bring harm to people, animals or the environment.

If we stick to this, we will be on the road to living a responsible life.

Outro. [04:00]

You can find more information about this subject in Karma Yeshe Rabgye’s books at http://www.buddhismguide.org/books/

The best way to catch a snake – A Practical Guide to the Buddha’s Teachings;

Life’s meandering path – A Secular Approach to Gautama Buddha’s Guide to Living;

Ripples in the stream – A Pragmatic Journey Through Gautama Buddha’s Teachings.

They’re available now, from Amazon and Kindle.

Thank you so much for listening, and I hope you enjoyed this audio blog.