Toward Light: Practical Buddhism for the Modern World

In our meditation practice we cultivate a balanced effort, and prevent unwholseome mind states from arising, abandon them when they do arise. We cultivate wholesome mind states and sustain them.

How can we reduce harm in how we make and spend money?

The fourth factor on the Noble Eightfold Path is Wise Action. How does our Wise View and Wise Intention affect how we act in the world?

In the third path factor of wise speech we are asked to refrain from speech that is false, harsh, divisive, gossipy or idle and to cultivate speech that is honest, kind, timely and useful.

What underlies our thoughts words and deeds? And how can we make sure those intentions are wholesome?

The first path factor on the noble eightfold path is wise view. What understanding do we see the world through? How does understanding the truth of kamma help us on the path to freedom?

This episode includes 2 guided practices with the intention of helping to remember and retain the noble eightfold path factors.

The third noble truth is the truth of freedom. But what are we free from? And what does that open up for us?

Dependent origination is a map that helps us see the cycle of craving more clearly. You can read more about it here, and I share from Turning the Wheel of Truth by Ajahn Sucitto. 

The 12 links of dependent origination are: Ignorance avijjā, Mental activities sankhāras, Consciousness viññāna,  Name and Form nāma-rūpa, 6 senses salāyatana, Contact phassa, Feeling Tone vedanā, Thirst tanhā, Clinging upādāna, Becoming bhava, Birth jāti,  Aging, death, sorrow, lamentation, pain, grief and despair dukkha

Self-criticism, comparison, and judgement arise regularly. In this episode I look at why, and how we can work with them. I mention Internal Family Systems and this podcast with the founder of IFS.