MN Sutta 139 clears up some common misconceptions about the Buddha's "Middle Way" and gives us a way to address what is "right" and "wrong" without attacking ourselves and others. Also in this episode, announcements about Deep South Dharma's Wednesday Night Book Study - get the Zoom link at Deep South Dharma. Plus, planning for the daylong meditation retreat with Jaya and Christie on November 9th at Mindful Nashville.

Taking a look at the dubious pleasures and sometimes unintended consequences of cynicism. Understanding the deeper use of the word in Buddhist teachings. Talk given by Acharya Christie Bates at Embracing Simplicity Nashville. More information at DeepSouthDharma.org

After some logistics for those considering the November 9th daylong retreat in Nashville TN, Christie gives an overview of the 10 Parami to help us understand their beauty and importance.

Acharya Christie Bates of Deep South Dharma with a brief message in honor of World Mental Health Day

One of the motivations for the Buddha's search for freedom was that he wanted to have something of lasting value to give to his son. If you want to get to the heart of his teaching, listen to what the Buddha taught his son, Venerable Rahula.

Acharya Christie Bates shares a conversation with  kalyana mitta (spiritual friend) and Deep South Dharma co-founder Jaya Judy Seeley. We learn more about Jaya's contemplative life, as well as the decision she and her husband made a couple of years ago to retire to Batesville, MS to more fully express their commitment as lay supporters of the Magnolia Grove Monastery community. Discussion ranges from the spiritual backgrounds of these southern women, to the experience of practice in community, to the temporary but poignant waves of grief we sometimes weather as we make the transition to greater happiness and well-being on the path.

Christie shares some details about the upcoming December retreat with Erin Rae at Heartwood Refuge & Retreat Center. Then comes a talk called "Tending the Heart" first shared at Embracing Simplicity Nashville in March 2017. Lastly, a simple song you can use for training the heart toward lovingkindness in all kinds of situations.

Deep South Dharma Podcast introduced by Acharya Christie Bates, Buddhist minister ordained in the Embracing Simplicity Contemplative Order of Venerable Pannavati and Venerable Pannadipa. For more information, visit deepsouthdharma.org

Christie shares a brief reflection upon returning home to Oxford after seeing the Americana Music Association Awards in Nashville this week. Then a talk on equanimity in the face of the vicissitudes as "The Best of Love." Lastly, a guided meditation to support the cultivation of equanimity in the face of changing circumstances, that of our own and our loved ones.

News on the Oxford Practice Group beginning this week and a new daylong retreat planned at Mindful Nashville (TN) for November. Then "Jaya" Seeley leads us in a beautiful practice of healing for those experiences of feeling shamed, being misunderstood, or any moment of "not-enough."