A recent comment on our website prompted a discussion about whether certain  Buddhist practices (Lovingkindness for instance)  involve magical thinking.   

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Doug and Jon discuss two natural abilities we have to skillfully maneuver through the world. The Buddha discussed them as "guardians of the world" (Iti. 42).

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The Pāli word Sati literally means "remember' but also has the meaning of Mindfulness.  The question of memory in mindfulness practices is the starting point of our discussion in this week's episode.

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Recently we discussed a kind of secularized Buddhist practice with Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction. Today we discuss the topic of secular Buddhism. What do we mean by "secular" or "religious"?  How can such concepts (and they are just concepts)  be helpful or not?

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"Not mine, not I, not myself" is a phrase that appears in various suttas.  It can be a useful reminder to let go.  We cling to material things, people, and of course ourselves. When we lose something or someone, or when that idea of who I am suddenly shifts, it can manifest in significant suffering. In this episode, Doug and Jon discuss how they relate to this sutta and how it can be a helpful reminder when we find ourselves in the jaws of dukkha.

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What is non-dualism all about?  Is it a practice? Is it a way of looking at the world?  Or is it just words?  Yes and. . . 

We'll discuss the dharma and practice of non-dualism. Was it found in the early texts?  How do we understand and use it?

Doug's YouTube video on the topic:
Non-Dualism and Early Buddhism -- https://youtu.be/43v6lLweukg

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The training called Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction was developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn in the late '70s and could be credited with the concept of "secular mindfulness."  It is taught worldwide by hundreds of teachers and has been the topic of well over 1000 scientific research papers.    Is it Buddhist? Is it effective?  Jon Aaron is one of the prominent teachers of this curriculum and a trainer of new teachers.  He and Doug talk about the Buddhist underpinnings of this curriculum as well as it's impact on the secular mindfulness movement.

Link to Jon's upcoming MBSR Classes
Receive a 10% discount using: MBSR10

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What are the Buddha's views about views?   How are the ways we hold opinions about politics, people, food, etc, different from clinging to spiritual views?   The Buddha had a lot to say about this but how do we put it into practice.  How does our clinging to views, most importantly views about ourselves,  impede our progress on the path?  

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The Seven Awakening Factors are a fundamental teaching in the early Buddhist Suttas.    In an active form, these factors can be a valuable antidote to any of the Five Hindrances.    In a passive way, as we meditate, they can act as signposts informing us both where we are and what is needed at any given moment.  Throughout our day, they can work in the same way.

Each of these factors warrants its own podcast, but here we discuss them as a whole.

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In Buddhist practice, direct experience is a key component of mindfulness and the development of wisdom.  Can AI actually have direct experience?   And if so, does it actually develop true wisdom?  

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