There are teachings that take a lifetime to study, and teachings that can be said in a single breath. The Four Noble Truths were among the very first words the Buddha taught after his awakening, and they have remained the heart of Buddhist practice ever since.

Tonight, we move through each of the four truths slowly, with Zen stories and Buddhist tales woven throughout. We also follow the Buddha's own life: his sheltered early years, the long night of his awakening beneath the Bodhi tree, and his return to the simple business of being alive.

No prior knowledge of Buddhism is needed. Suitable for deep rest, gentle listening, and the long quiet hours of sleep.If this brought you some peace, you are welcome to follow the show for more long-form audio like this, and share it with anyone who could use a slower night.

Original commentary, stories and script written and produced by Midnight Monk. ✨🧘🌙

Tonight, we rest with the Dhammapada, one of the oldest and most beloved books of wisdom in the world, a collection of teachings nearly two and a half thousand years old. This new Buddhism for sleep series moves through it slowly, chapter by chapter, in the long quiet hours.

This is the first episode in the series, and we begin with the chapter on the mind: what the Buddha noticed about a mind that will not stay still, and how to find some ease with our own thoughts. We will journey through Zen stories and Buddhist teachings that can help us understand our minds more deeply, that we may find more peace.

No prior knowledge of Buddhism is needed. Suitable for deep rest, gentle listening, and the slow hours of sleep.If this brought you some peace, you are welcome to follow the show for more long-form audio like this, and share it with anyone who could use a slower night.

Original commentary, stories and script written and produced by Midnight Monk. ✨🧘🌙

Translation of The Dhammapada by Bhikkhu Sujato, available at: https://suttacentral.net/edition/dhp/en/sujato

Tonight, as we prepare for sleep, we explore one of the deepest questions in Buddhist and Zen teaching, and what the ancient wisdom traditions have to say about identity, awareness, and the peace that is already within you.

This episode draws on over two thousand years of Buddhist philosophy, Zen stories, and contemplative wisdom to gently guide you toward rest and understanding. Through stories of wandering monks, ancient ceremonies, encounters with nature, and timeless teachings from the Buddha, we explore what it means to let go of who you think you are and discover what remains.

Designed for deep relaxation, sleep, and gentle reflection. No prior knowledge of Buddhism or meditation is needed. If this brought you peace, feel free to follow Midnight Monk on Spotify and share this episode with someone who could use a quiet moment.

Original script written and produced by Midnight Monk. ✨🧘🌙

Tonight we explore what it means to trust life, even when things feel difficult. Through gentle Buddhist teachings, zen wisdom and timeless stories, we walk together through the feeling that something is not quite okay, and discover the quiet truth that has been waiting underneath it all along.

This is a long, unhurried journey meant for rest, reflection and sleep. There is nothing you need to do. Just settle in, close your eyes if you like, and let the words carry you.

This episode draws on teachings from the Buddhist and zen traditions, woven together with stories about forgiveness, belonging, and the simple courage of paying attention. Whether you are winding down after a long day, looking for something peaceful to fall asleep to, or simply in need of a gentle reminder that you are okay, you are welcome here. Thank you for spending this time with us tonight.

Originally researched, scripted and produced by Midnight Monk. 🧘🌙