Toward Light: Practical Buddhism for the Modern World

This week I share the first teaching the Buddha gave after his awakening. I share how the teachings have been passed down, I mention some books and translators including Bhikkhu Analayo and Bhikkhu Bodhi, and I read the sutta. *technical note: there is some construction noise in the background on the latter part of the episode. I apologize for the limits of my editing capabilities!*

In this episode I explore what the beginner's mind is, and how we resting in the beginners mind can help us on the Buddhist path and in our lives. I quote from Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind, and I share some of a post by Jack Kornfield. If you want to go deeper here are some offerings around this teaching, including one from Zenju Eathlyn Manuel

Sangha, community, is considered one of three refuges in Buddhism. I explore why this is such an important part of practice and how we can find and create sangha. I share quotes from this sutta, as well as quotes from Resmaa Menakem and Malidoma Patrice Some and others. I end the episode with a reflection about my experiences in a sangha that fell apart.

Continuing with the story of the Buddha's awakening, I share his decision to teach and what we can learn about compassion from this story. I lead a brief meditation to help train our bodies, hearts, and minds to understand this feeling of karuna (compassion). 

Continuing with the story of the birth of Buddhism, I share Siddhartha's battle with Mara, and how understanding that battle, and understanding the strategies Siddhartha used, can help us to work with difficult aspects in the mind. Some of the mind states I discuss include greed, the critical mind, and self doubt.

If you want further reading on Mara here is an essay from Access to Insight and and entry from The New World Encyclopedia

For this first episode of season 2, I explore the inspiration that led Siddhartha Gautama to become a spiritual seeker, which in turn led to his awakening as the Buddha. Besides exploring the four traditional messengers of illness, aging,  death and the spiritual life, I also look at the birth of his son as an additional messenger. For further information on this teaching here is an essay by Bhikkhu Bodhi and a Dharma talk by Ayya Santacitta

For the last episode of season 1 I explore the third noble truth, this truth of cessation and share ways we can experience small moments of liberation in our lives. I share quotes from Bhikkhu Bodhi, Rev. angel Kyodo williams and others.

This week I explore the concepts of anatta (not self), sakkaya ditthi (self-identity-view) and bhava tanha (craving to become) and how we can work to understand these terms as we move toward liberation. I guide a reflection practice and share some words from Joseph Goldstein. The episode ends with some guidance on ways to understand these concepts as we work to be antiracist.

This week I share the story of Angulimala, (from sutta MN 86, one translation here and another here), and look at 5 Dharma lessons we can take from this story. I share quotes from Sharon Salzberg and Bhikkhu Analayo and cover some themes including compassion, annica, and karma.

For each of us, finding balanced effort is an important part of our meditation practice. As we practice mindfulness throughout our days, we can notice where we are striving too hard, and where we are not bringing any energy, and find the balance in the middle. Wise effort is a part of the noble eightfold path; it is one of the steps to freedom.