In a reflection on absorbing the power of compassion, Matthieu Ricard shares his meditative story with Rohan Gunatillake.This episode was originally aired on Meditative Story, a podcast that combines the emotional pull of first-person storytelling with the immediate, science-backed benefits of mindfulness practice – all surrounded by breathtaking and cinematic music. You can find Meditative Story on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more!Today's podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Click to receive 10% off your first month with your own licensed professional therapist: betterhelp.com/beherenow Matthieu Ricard takes us on a meditative journey through:Exposure to extraordinary peopleThe correlation between intelligence, creativity, and human goodnessHow documentary images of Tibet inspired Matthieu to experience the far east for himselfThe smells, sounds, and sensations of entering India for the first timeMeeting Kangyur Rinpoche and experiencing an aura of peaceLeaving after his PhD to study full time with Kangyur Rinpoche in IndiaAllowing presence to permeate our mindsActualizing the Buddha natureAbout Matthieu Ricard:Matthieu Ricard is a Nepalese-French writer, photographer, translator and Buddhist monk who resides at Shechen Tennyi Dargyeling Monastery in Nepal. He is also the author of Notebooks Of A Wandering Monk. He has spent years of his life in the presence of some of the world’s greatest mindfulness practitioners and felt the weight of their powerful compassion. Learn more about Matthieu and his work HERE.About Rohan Gunatillake:Rohan Gunatillake is a writer, entrepreneur, and host of the podcast Meditative Story. By artfully crafting meditations to compliment each guest’s story, Rohan blends mindfulness with narrative to create a unique listening experience, encouraging listeners to use someone else’s transformative moment as the basis for their own. He’s also the founder of the best-selling app Buddhify, and author of Modern Mindfulness: How to Be More Relaxed, Focused, and Kind While Living in a Fast, Digital, Always-On World.“We do not need words. We do not need to analyze or even comprehend. The quality of the presence is self-evident. It is best to just experience it, let it permeate your mind and become a part of you. Ultimately, it is up to each practitioner to actualize the Buddha nature dwelling within each of us.” – Matthieu RicardSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Focusing on the ways that Buddhism points us inward, Gil Fronsdal explains the dharma in a brief and accessible way.Today's podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Click to receive 10% off your first month with your own licensed professional therapist: betterhelp.com/beherenowIn this guest episode, Gil lectures on:Emptiness within Theravada BuddhismWhat happens after our basic necessities are metHow we are versus what we doBecoming free from doctrinesThe importance of practice and heightened sensitivitySuffering and the cessation of sufferingSkillful actions and improving the quality of inner lifeThe portability of inner wealthThe limitations of obsessing over the selfCraving and how we can hold sensations without clinging“You can experience suffering in all of many forms and you can experience the liberation and freedom from it, the absence of it. The guideline here is what you can know for yourself. The inner life, the quality of your life, what you can know for yourself, that’s really what this tradition is pointing to.” – Gil FronsdalSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In an entire episode of guided practice, JoAnna Hardy leads listeners deeper into the sensations of the body.This dharma talk was recorded at Insight Meditation Society – Retreat Center and originally published on Dharmaseed.org. In this episode, JoAnna guides listeners towards:Stabilizing the mind and slowing downPaying attention to the sensations of our bodiesNoticing the things our bodies come into contact withRecognizing pain, being with it, and redirecting our attention if necessaryUnderstanding our choice in how we have experiencesA walking meditation practiceRemaining connected to the bodies we inhabit About JoAnna Hardy: JoAnna Hardy is an insight meditation (Vipassanā) practitioner and teacher; she is on faculty at the University of Southern California, a meditation trainer at Apple Fitness+, a founding member of the Meditation Coalition, a teacher’s council member at Spirit Rock Meditation Center, a visiting retreat teacher at Insight Meditation Society, and a collaborator on many online meditation Apps and programs.Her greatest passion is to teach meditation in communities that are dedicated to seeing the truth of how racism, gender inequality and oppression go hand in hand with the compassionate action teachings in Buddhism and related perspectives to social and racial justice. “In this flesh suit of muscle and bone, we can get to know the sensations. What do those sensations feel like without the mind telling us what they feel like? What are the sensations of pain in our body? Tingling, prickly pressure, tension, being curious to knowing it. One of the options can be that we redirect our attention somewhere else in the body.” – JoAnna HardySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Explaining loving kindness as the antidote to fear and aggression, Trudy Goodman guides us in two meditative practices.This talk was originally published on Dharmaseed.orgIn this 2017 recording from the Spirit Rock Meditation Center, Trudy Goodman leads a talk on:Loving kindness as the antidote to fearTaming our inner aggressionStrengthening the BrahmaviharasOffering Metta to ourselves and othersThe miracle of connecting to each otherThe jellyroll practiceA traditional loving-kindness practice“You are the source of life, and the mystery, and the magic of life itself manifesting as this body and everything it knows how to do and this mind and all the capacities and intelligence that it has and this ability to connect with each other in ways that are so, sometimes miraculous, sometimes painful too. But, all the abilities that we have, this is really what we’re treasuring and offering our respect and reverence to.” – Trudy GoodmanSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Offering listeners insights, stories, and guided imagery, Gil Fronsdal describes the idea of the self as an anchor.This recording from the Insight Meditation Center was originally published on Dharmaseed.orgThis week on the BHNN Guest Podcast, Gil teaches us about:Ideas of the self as an anchorThe three characteristics of inconstancy, suffering, and not-selfThe Buddha’s views on the selfHow thinking about the self actually takes us away from the selfStaying with the flow in meditationThe suffering found within ‘me, myself, and mine’A dharma story about zen master Suzuki RoshiHow most concepts are based on relationship and comparisonThe pain in basing our joy off of the comparison to othersConventions, constructs, and rulesBecoming wise to the projections of the mindTrusting the practice“The purpose of this deep meditation is to help us to become free, help us to lift up the anchors so we’re not held back, not limited, so we don’t set ourselves up to be washed over by the floods that come.” – Gil Fronsdal----In a world that often feels like it's teetering on the edge, it's not surprising that so many of us grapple with feelings of instability and overwhelm. On Tuesday, December 19th, join acclaimed Buddhist meditation teachers Sharon Salzberg and Ethan Nichtern for a free online conversation on staying grounded, available, and engaged, even when the world is on fire.Sharon and Ethan will also discuss the upcoming Dharma Moon Yearlong Buddhist Studies program and offer their insights on how studying Buddhism can help us show up more fully for ourselves and others during these challenging times.Visit dharmamoon.com/event for more info and to reserve your free spot!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Mindshift Podcast Returns to Be Here Now Network for an interview with Dr. Raghu Appasani on coping skills and the joy of missing out.Today's podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Click to receive 10% off your first month with your own licensed professional therapist: betterhelp.com/beherenowIn this episode of Mindshift, Shira and Jordana speak with their guest, Dr. Raghu Appasani about:Loneliness, comparison, and social mediaPrioritizing our own needsRecognizing our circle of controlShowing up authentically for ourselvesMaking decisions to be in the presentJOMO aka the Joy of Missing OutCommitting to daily acts of self-careBeing mindful of what media we consumeSetting time aside to process emotionsNegativity and cognitive biasUnderstanding our emotions and how to copeBoundaries and how to set themInsights on cultivating joyGet a copy of The JOMO Journal HERE“We have full agency and control on the joy of missing out versus the fear of missing out. When we think about what you can do for your own mental health it comes down to what can you control, what can’t you control. When you choose to not go to something or you make a decision to be in the present moment with yourself, you can make an active decision on what type of emotion or feeling you want associated with that.” – Raghu Appasani, MDAbout Raghu Appasani, MD:Dr. Raghu Appasani is an Integrative & Addiction psychiatrist and psychotherapist known for his innovative approach to mental well-being. With a deep commitment to evidence-based practices, he combines psychotherapy, pharmacology, nutrition, and holistic methods to provide personalized care. Dr. Appasani is also a dedicated neuroscientist, exploring the clinical applications of non-ordinary states of consciousness and delving into the human experience. As an entrepreneur, he founded The MINDS Foundation, a mental health NGO in India, and serves as the Chief Medical Officer at PYM Health. Dr. Appasani extends his expertise by advising various mental health organizations, including Mud\Wtr, demonstrating his unwavering dedication to improving mental health globally. He is additionally the Program Director of Nutrition/Youth/Metabolic Mental Health & Psychedelics at the California Institute for Stress & Resilience. Keep up with Dr. Raghu on his website or on Instagram.About Shira Lazar:Shira Lazar, an Emmy-nominated pioneer in digital culture and emerging trends, is renowned for her impactful web-first news brand, ‘What’s Trending’. With a knack for recognizing the pulse of the digital age, Shira has graced various prestigious platforms including SXSW, VeeCon and CES, earning her a coveted spot on Fast Company’s Most Influential Women in Technology list. As a passionate advocate for digital evolution, Shira’s insights and expertise have resonated with audiences worldwide. Venturing beyond the digital realm, Shira’s commitment to holistic well-being led her to co-found Peace Inside Live. Fusing her profound understanding of the digital landscape with a passion for inner peace and wellness, she has effectively bridged the gap between technology and mindfulness. Through Peace Inside Live, Shira endeavors to bring tranquility and balance to the fast-paced corporate world, highlighting the significance of mental well-being in today’s digital age.About Jordana Reim:Jordana Reim has dedicated her life to expanding consciousness – her own, her community’s, and humanity’s.Her teaching journey began in 2008 after her first Yoga Teacher Training with YogaWorks. She has spent the last decade refining her personal practice through travels and residencies at some of the most sacred and beautiful places on Earth including the islands of Thailand, ashrams of India and the Himalayas of Nepal. On a continual search for higher ground, the New Jersey-native shares her considerable learnings as she coaches others in corporate, group and private meditation, breathing, and other wellness modalities. Trained in the Himalayas of Nepal, Jordana is a facilitator and teacher’s trainer for Vedic Sound Healing, a practice of energy healing through sound & vibration. Jordana’s classes are a retreat for mind. Students call her both calming and enlightening and “a recipe for blissful days and sleep!” Her original meditations have been streamed over 1 million times worldwide. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Joseph Goldstein joins Rohan Gunatillake to share the meditative story of how he first learned to integrate his spirituality into everyday life.This episode was originally aired on Meditative Story, a podcast that combines the emotional pull of first-person storytelling with the immediate, science-backed benefits of mindfulness practice – all surrounded by breathtaking and cinematic music. You can find Meditative Story on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more! Joseph Goldstein shares a personal story about:One of the most transformative moments in Joseph’s lifeThe beginning of Joseph’s enlightenment journeyIntegrating the spiritual gifts Joseph learned from the east into his everyday life in the westLearning to embrace the uncomfortable feeling of not-knowingHow Joseph first connected with Ram DassJoseph’s first job offer teaching a meditation classSaying yes and allowing opportunities to present themselvesA guided mindfulness practice“It’s as if my life exists as two separate strands. One is the strand of my practice, which feels clear and stable. The other is how that practice will manifest and how I can ever hope to apply it to the world. Spiritually, I am flying high. But I have no idea where to land.” – Joseph GoldsteinAbout Joseph Goldstein:Joseph Goldstein has been leading insight and loving-kindness meditation retreats worldwide since 1974. He is a co-founder of the Insight Meditation Society in Barre, Massachusetts, where he is one of the organization’s guiding teachers. In 1989, together with several other teachers and students of insight meditation, he helped establish the Barre Center for Buddhist Studies.About Rohan Gunatillake:Rohan Gunatillake is a writer, entrepreneur, and host of the podcast Meditative Story. By artfully crafting meditations to compliment each guest’s story, Rohan blends mindfulness with narrative to create a unique listening experience, encouraging listeners to use someone else’s transformative moment as the basis for their own. He’s also the founder of the best-selling app Buddhify, and author of Modern Mindfulness: How to Be More Relaxed, Focused, and Kind While Living in a Fast, Digital, Always-On World.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this immersive episode, Sharon Salzberg shares the journey of her spiritual life with the host of Meditative Story, Rohan Gunatillake.This episode was originally aired on Meditative Story, a podcast that combines the emotional pull of first-person storytelling with the immediate, science-backed benefits of mindfulness practice – all surrounded by breathtaking and cinematic music. You can find Meditative Story on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more!Sharon Salzberg shares her story:Sharon’s first trip to IndiaHow disappointments and discomforts can lead to self-discoveryBeing kind to ourselves and allowing slip-ups to happenThe initial meeting of Sharon Salzberg and Joseph GoldsteinGoenka’s non-verbal advice to Sharon and how laughter can release fear and angerReorienting ourselves when we veer off courseA guided meditation"It will take a while before I learn that the skillful response to feeling anger is to feel it, and then, even to take an interest in it. I don’t have to let it carry me into action that I may regret. I already feel the lesson that life is teaching me over and over again: we all face challenges. It’s how we become who we are. You don’t have to judge yourself all the time. Give yourself a break.” – Sharon SalzbergAbout Sharon Salzberg:Sharon Salzberg is a meditation pioneer, world-renowned teacher, and New York Times bestselling author. She is one of the first to bring mindfulness and lovingkindness meditation to mainstream American culture over 45 years ago, inspiring generations of meditation teachers and wellness influencers. Sharon is co-founder of The Insight Meditation Society in Barre, MA, and the author of twelve books, including the New York Times bestseller, Real Happiness, now in its second edition, and her seminal work, Lovingkindness.Her forthcoming release, Real Life: The Journey from Isolation to Openness and Freedom, is set for release in April of 2023 from Flatiron Books. Her podcast, The Metta Hour, has amassed five million downloads and features interviews with thought leaders from the mindfulness movement and beyond.Learn more about Sharon and order your copy of her new book at www.sharonsalzberg.comAbout Rohan Gunatillake:Rohan Gunatillake is a writer, entrepreneur, and host of the podcast Meditative Story. By artfully crafting meditations to compliment each guest’s story, Rohan blends mindfulness with narrative to create a unique listening experience, encouraging listeners to use someone else’s transformative moment as the basis for their own. He’s also the founder of the best-selling app Buddhify, and author of Modern Mindfulness: How to Be More Relaxed, Focused, and Kind While Living in a Fast, Digital, Always-On World.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Facing the anxiety caused by climate change, Nina Rao, Allegra Lovejoy, and environmentalist Dekila Chunyalpa, come together to find solutions.Today's podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Click to receive 10% off your first month with your own licensed professional therapist: betterhelp.com/beherenowNina Rao, Dekila Chunyalpa, and Allegra Lovejoy spend this episode discussing:The source of rising global temperaturesClimate migrants and refugeesThe anthropocentric effect on the natural worldDekila’s conservation workHow the value of nature has been consumed by economicsLooking to India for answers on environmentalismThe validity of anxiety surrounding the environmental crisisReinforcing our communities for survivalContemplating our relationship with natureThe privilege of having access to natureCoping with Eco Anxiety through mindfulnessJoy as a means of increasing our resilienceKinship with the environment for a conservation strategyA brief practice in grounding and compassion for the earthAbout Nina Rao:Nina Rao is a devotional singer. She tours with Krishna Das, playing cymbals, singing, and acting as his business manager. Nina has two of her own albums, “Antarayaami – Knower of All Hearts” and “Anubhav”. Nina regularly leads kirtan, workshops, and retreats in her hometown of Brooklyn, New York and beyond. Keep up with Nina on her website.“I’m not saying this is the solution for everything, but set aside land for natural habitat and wildlife. We’ve forgotten how to actually live with wildlife so we have to re-learn that, so until we do, we have to give them that space.” – Nina RaoAbout Dekila Chunyalpa:Dekila is the founder and director of the Loka Initiative. She is an accomplished environmental program director, with 20+ years of experience in designing and implementing global conservation and climate strategies and projects. Known as an innovator in the environmental field, Dekila has expertise in faith-led environmental and climate partnerships, biodiversity landscape and river basin strategy design, and community-based conservation. She began her career in 2001 working on community-based conservation in the Eastern Himalayas and went on to work on climate adaptation and free flowing rivers in the Mekong region for the World Wildlife Fund in 2004.In 2008, she helped establish Khoryug, an association of over 50 Tibetan Buddhist monasteries and nunneries implementing environmental projects across the Himalayas under the auspices of His Holiness the Karmapa. In 2009, Dekila founded and led WWF Sacred Earth, a 5-year pilot program that built partnerships with faith leaders and religious institutions towards conservation and climate results in the Amazon, East Africa, Himalayas, Mekong, and the United States. She received the prestigious Yale McCluskey Award in 2014 for her work and moved to the Yale School of Environmental Studies as an associate research scientist, where she researched, lectured and designed the prototype for what is now the Loka Initiative. Dekila is originally from the Himalayan state of Sikkim in India and is of Bhutia origin.Stay in tune with Dekila on Instagram.“I really believe that if we can have these dialogues where we show the the ecological interdependence, the karma of climate change, if we can show how it has happened, what karmic actions brought us here, then one of the interesting outcomes of that is that we can connect what people are already doing to environmental and climate solutions.” – Dekila ChunyalpaAbout Allegra Lovejoy:Allegra Lovejoy is a multifaith chaplain and writer. She is currently completing her MDiv at Yale Divinity School and holds a Masters in Environmental Management from Yale School of the Environment. She earned her BA from Princeton University in International Affairs and Public Policy, concentrating in conflict studies in the Middle East and South Asia. Learn more about Allegra here.“We need both nature-based solutions and major reductions in emissions. That means the way we source energy, how much energy we generate and consume, how much stuff we generate and consume, how we grow food and how we travel.” – Allegra LovejoySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Tuning into the sacred rhythms of earth, Llewellyn Vaughan-Lee describes pathways to living a more conscious and connected life.In this episode featuring Stories from a Living Future, Llewellyn discusses:Our relationship to the earthThe Sufi path drawing us towards unionSpiritual responsibility in a time of global crisisListening to the earth with our heart, soul, and sensesAn ecology of consciousnessBearing witness to the forces in natureConnecting the threads between our inner and outer worldKeeping an awareness of patternsThe pandemic, war, and collapse of biodiversityWhat divisiveness is doing to our collective soulLove as the universal language of all peopleGlobal prospects for the future generationsThe unchanging sacred nature of creationFinding living stories that we can connect toExtinction, greed, and global warming“Today we no longer know how our individual life forms part of a living whole. We no longer have a center or a foundation. Yet, the ancient rhythm of creation still exists within our body and our psyche within every breath, even if it has been buried and almost forgotten.” – Llewellyn Vaughan-LeeAbout Llewellyn:Llewellyn Vaughan-Lee, Ph.D. is a Sufi teacher in the Naqshbandiyya-Mujaddidiyya Sufi Order. He is the author of Sufism, the Transformation of the Heart, and the founder of The Golden Sufi Center. Check out his new podcast Working With Oneness.----Discover the transformative practice of teaching mindfulness in a new FREE 30-page ebook by Senior Buddhist teacher and Emmy award-winning musician, David Nichtern. With its blend of humor, wisdom, and accessible approach, The Art of Teaching Mindfulness ebook is a must-read for anyone interested in sharing the life-changing practices of mindfulness with others.Already downloaded by over 15k people, visit dharmamoon.com/ebook to get YOUR free copy of The Art of Teaching Mindfulness!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Gil Fronsdal talks about the importance of posture in our meditation practice and offers a bevy of suggestions for staying comfortable and pain-free both on the floor and in a chair.This dharma talk was originally published on Dharma Seed.Today's podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Click to receive 10% off your first month with your own licensed professional therapist: betterhelp.com/beherenowIn this episode, Gil explores:How posture can really help anchor us to the present momentBeing intentional with our posture in meditation versus giving into posture driven by emotions that arise during meditationWhy there is no perfect posture for meditation, only the posture that works best at this moment in timeTips and tricks for various meditation postures, from sitting on the floor to using a chair“And so the dharma posture is a posture that we can hold our sadness in, hold our grief, despair, whatever it might be, but without giving into it, collapsing into it. So it’s not denying it, but it’s also not getting entangled with it.” – Gil FronsdalSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Using poetry and story-telling, Trudy Goodman melds together present moment awareness and Metta in this beautiful ode to mindfulness.This dharma talk was originally published on Dharma Seed.Today's podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Click to receive 10% off your first month with your own licensed professional therapist: betterhelp.com/beherenowIn this 2008 talk recorded at the Spirit Rock Meditation Center, Trudy Goodman demonstrates:What mindfulness actually meansExperiencing metta as a byproduct of being mindfulNoticing we are lost as a sign of awarenessHaving Metta for ourselves when we veer off courseSelf-worth and our capacity for compassionBeing alive as our greatest achievementDeveloping strategies for painful emotionsThe practice of taking a step backMaking the shift into receptivityThe Zen tradition and calling out to yourselfThe contour of the Dharma and being in service of alivenessAppreciating our surroundings through the non-interfering presence of mindfulness“The beauty of our mindfulness practice is that it can go anywhere, that the quality of our attention when we’re mindful, it really doesn’t depend on the content of the experience.“ – Trudy GoodmanSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Delving into the power of meditation, Jackie Dobrinska and Sharon Salzberg tie together the skills of concentration, mindfulness, and compassion.Today’s episode was recorded as part of the Ram Dass Fellowship’s regular online gatherings. To learn more about the Ram Dass Fellowship and sign up to join a fellowship gathering near you, visit RamDass.org/Fellowship.Today's podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Click to receive 10% off your first month with your own licensed professional therapist: betterhelp.com/beherenowIn this episode from the Ram Dass Fellowship, we hear Sharon Salzberg and Jackie Dobrinska explore:The three skills of Concentration, Mindfulness and CompassionHow distractions waste our energyAlways being able to start overThe difference between what’s happening and the stories we tell ourselvesOpening our attention through lovingkindness practicesThe practical and transformational power of meditationInsight as the most precious gift of mindfulnessA guided meditation from SharonA Q&A from listeners on the subjects of meditation, coping, and more“We begin again all the time. That’s what resilience is. It’s that adjustment. It’s being alive to change, being able to move, being able to flow. That’s what we’re actually practicing in meditation when we get distracted, when we let go, when we begin again. – Sharon SalzbergSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Offering listeners the gift of receiving metta, JoAnna Hardy leads a guided meditation using The Awesome Book of Love.Today's podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Click to receive 10% off your first month with your own licensed professional therapist: betterhelp.com/beherenowIn this episode, JoAnna describes:The ways that love can be felt and expressedTouch deprivation and the power of a hugMātā Amritānandamayī, the hugging saintAllowing ourselves to receive kindness and loveThe generosity in letting someone giveThe Awesome Book of Love and the beauty of listening to storiesA guided meditation on love Ram Dass' Love Serve Remember Foundation and the Alan Watts Organization invite you to open your mind, open your heart, and tap into the living truth of Alan Watts and Ram Dass. Learn more about this special 4-week Virtual Course:"The Presence of the Way: The Dharma of Alan Watts and Ram Dass"About JoAnna Hardy: JoAnna Hardy is an insight meditation (Vipassanā) practitioner and teacher; she is on faculty at the University of Southern California, a meditation trainer at Apple Fitness+, a founding member of the Meditation Coalition, a teacher’s council member at Spirit Rock Meditation Center, a visiting retreat teacher at Insight Meditation Society, and a collaborator on many online meditation Apps and programs.Her greatest passion is to teach meditation in communities that are dedicated to seeing the truth of how racism, gender inequality and oppression go hand in hand with the compassionate action teachings in Buddhism and related perspectives to social and racial justice. “Maybe the expression or experience of love, maybe it’s through the way that you feed your body, or the way that you eat, or the way that you exercise, or the way that you share a smile with a stranger when you’re walking down the street. Maybe it’s how hard you work and the care that you put into your profession. Maybe you’re a good friend. Maybe you’re a good listener. – JoAnna HardySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Pondering what it means to awaken spiritually, Llewellyn Vaughan-Lee examines the possibility of life beyond the illusions of ego that are fed by our distorted culture.Two cultural icons. Two unique perspectives... One understanding of the presence of the way.Ram Dass' Love Serve Remember Foundation and the Alan Watts Organization invite you to open your mind, open your heart, and tap into the living truth of Alan Watts and Ram Dass. Learn more about this special 4-week Virtual Course:"The Presence of the Way: The Dharma of Alan Watts and Ram Dass"In this episode, Llewellyn tells us his thoughts on:What a spiritual awakening can look and feels likeBeing here now for our individual self and the worldHaving an awareness for the distortions of our culturePerception versus what is presentCulturally created illusions and conditioningThe primal experience of life and creationThe relationship between humanity and the worldThe archetypal Garden of Eden and divine presenceWhen reality meets with our illusionsHow the ego manipulates our thoughtsThe non-existence of separateness in nature“A primary spiritual experience is to be awake in the moment, to experience life as it is. In this moment we experience life not through the patterns of the mind, or the illusions of the ego, but a simple, direct experience of life around us.” – Llewellyn Vaughan-LeeAbout Llewellyn:Llewellyn Vaughan-Lee, Ph.D. is a Sufi teacher in the Naqshbandiyya-Mujaddidiyya Sufi Order. He is the author of Sufism, the Transformation of the Heart, and the founder of The Golden Sufi Center. Check out his new podcast Working With Oneness.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Honoring the full spectrum of human experiences, Trudy Goodman explores our interconnection to all things and how to reconcile personal and universal truths.Today's podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Click to receive 10% off your first month with your own licensed professional therapist: betterhelp.com/beherenowIn this episode, Trudy Goodman weaves through:Awareness of impermanenceEmptiness and the vast universal activity of the DharmaDeepening our practice and gaining clarityThe Heart SutraThe Form and FormlessTantra of the spiritual world and the conventional worldLetting go of controlIdentifying with our mental illness versus being awareBeing mindful when we are out of balanceHonoring our personal truths an unique human experiencesAbout Trudy Goodman:Trudy is a Vipassana teacher in the Theravada lineage and the Founding Teacher of InsightLA. For 25 years, in Cambridge, MA, Trudy practiced mindfulness-based psychotherapy with children, teenagers, couples and individuals. Trudy conducts retreats and workshops worldwide.Learn more about Trudy’s offerings at trudygoodman.comThis Dharma talk was originally recorded in 2008 at the Spirit Rock Meditation Center during a month long insight-meditation retreat. Find the rest of the talks from this retreat on Dharmaseed.org.“To be whole and complete on our spiritual path, we need to honor the full catastrophe; the darkness and the light, the relative and the absolute, the personal and the universal, the whole spectrum of our experience, of humanness.” – Trudy GoodmanSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Exploring the hindrances of mind, Gil Fronsdal offers a Buddhist perspective on the many forms of doubt and how we can embrace it.Today's podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Click to receive 10% off your first month with your own licensed professional therapist: betterhelp.com/beherenowIn this Guest episode recorded at the Te Moata Retreat Center, Gil Fronsdal uncovers:Doubt as the fifth hindrance of mind The many forms of doubt (self-questioning, spiritual confusion, indecisiveness) Recognizing when we are in a hindrance of mind Having an uncompromising acceptance of the moment The usefulness of doubt and doubt as an indicator of necessary change Becoming comfortable with discomfort Naming what we feel and moving on as a method of mindful acceptance The zen practice of know, feel, relax Trusting the walkway and knowing that things work themselves out Acknowledging what is beneficial and what is not (the 'ouch' vs. the 'ahhh') Reactivity as an instinctual way of responding with greed, delusion, resistance, etc.“It turns out there’s always a walkway right next to you. Whatever the hindrance is, there’s always a walkway just a breath away.” – Gil FronsdalSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Activist, writer and yoga teacher Seane Corn joins Jackie Dobrinska, host of the Ram Dass Fellowship, for a conversation about nurturing the soul with love and attention in a way that allows for a ‘revolution of the soul’.Today's podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Click to receive 10% off your first month with your own licensed professional therapist: betterhelp.com/beherenowIn this interview for the Ram Dass Fellowship, Jackie speaks with Seane Corn about:Tapping into our inner strength and pursuing a ‘revolution of the soul’How the practices of yoga, mindfulness and meditation can offer relief for those who have experienced severe traumaLearning to befriend ourselvesToday’s episode was recorded as part of the Ram Dass Fellowship’s regular online gatherings. To learn more about the Ram Dass Fellowship and sign up to join a fellowship gathering near you, visit RamDass.org/Fellowship.“Getting real is recognizing not only the grief and the anger, but the sense of powerlessness that a lot of people feel in this day and age.” – Seane CornSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sufi teacher Llewellyn Vaughan-Lee describes the multi-tiered transformations that can come from from working with light.Be sure to check out his new podcast Working With Oneness for more insightful and flowing wisdom from Llewellyn.Today's podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Click to receive 10% off your first month with your own licensed professional therapist: betterhelp.com/beherenowIn this episode Llewellyn explores:The deep ecology of our consciousnessDeveloping the light of our divine natureInner life and outer serviceBringing primal, spiritual energy into our lives and communitiesIndividual and societal transformationsThe illusion of separateness“When a human being prays and looks towards God, turns towards the divine inside of them, then that light shines through them. It is the light of pure awareness.” – Llewellyn Vaughan-LeeAbout Llewellyn:Llewellyn Vaughan-Lee, Ph.D. is a Sufi teacher in the Naqshbandiyya-Mujaddidiyya Sufi Order. He is the author of Sufism, the Transformation of the Heart, and the founder of The Golden Sufi Center. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Trudy Goodman shares Zen Master Dōgen's method, the Backward Step, for stepping back into awareness and receiving each moment as awakening.Today's podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Click to receive 10% off your first month with your own licensed professional therapist: betterhelp.com/beherenowIn this episode, Trudy Goodman lectures on:Stories about Wonhyo, Bodhidharma, Ajahn Chah, and the BuddhaHow to work with what arises when sitting in retreatDōgen Zenji’s Backward StepDating Jack KornfieldBeing present with different kinds of experiences"When we have the capacity to be with our own suffering with a more steady presence, what happens is we can help other people with that steady presence. We can be with them through the ups and downs of their lives when we’re called to do that. And so freeing our hearts is a blessing, not just for ourselves, but for our world." – Trudy GoodmanAbout Trudy Goodman:Trudy is a Vipassana teacher in the Theravada lineage and the Founding Teacher of InsightLA. For 25 years, in Cambridge, MA, Trudy practiced mindfulness-based psychotherapy with children, teenagers, couples and individuals. Trudy conducts retreats and workshops worldwide.Learn more about Trudy's offerings at trudygoodman.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

JoAnna Hardy gives us perspective on the origins of metta and guides us through a gentle meditation to cultivate loving kindness for ourselves and all beings.“One of my favorite teachings around this idea of metta, or loving kindness, care, friendliness, benevolence, is that naturally from a mind and heart that are at ease, this quality comes alive. So we don't actually have to do anything to make it happen.” - JoAnna HardyIn this offering from a 2018 Spirit Rock retreat, JoAnna gently guides us through a metta meditation, softly exploring:Clearing the hindrances of our being through mindfulness practice and allowing our natural state of metta to emerge The origins of metta Metta as the antidote to fear, aversion, and hatred The undefended heart and the undefended mind How we feel about wishing for the wellbeing of ourselves and of beings who: are easy to love, we feel neutral towards, we have a light agitation towards, feels like a difficult person to loveExplore JoAnna's heartwork hereAbout JoAnna Hardy: JoAnna Hardy is an insight meditation (Vipassanā) practitioner and teacher; she is on faculty at the University of Southern California, a meditation trainer at Apple Fitness+, a founding member of the Meditation Coalition, a teacher's council member at Spirit Rock Meditation Center, a visiting retreat teacher at Insight Meditation Society, and a collaborator on many online meditation Apps and programs.Her greatest passion is to teach meditation in communities that are dedicated to seeing the truth of how racism, gender inequality and oppression go hand in hand with the compassionate action teachings in Buddhism and related perspectives to social and racial justice. Graphic via Khwanchai AMstockerSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sufi teacher Llewellyn Vaughan Lee returns with a collection of heartful poetry that touches on nature, soul, prayer, and practices of the heart.Today's podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Click to receive 10% off your first month with your own licensed professional therapist: betterhelp.com/beherenowIn this episode, Llewellyn Vaughan Lee recites his writings on:*Restoring the inner garden of our souls*Moving into a relational way of being*The restlessness of our culture and how we can surrender to a more natural rhythm*Finding belonging within the natural world*A conscious return to present moment awareness*The mystery of breath-work and it’s connection between the inner and outer worldLearn more about Llewellyn and find more resources at: The Golden Sufi Center“We can also re-imagine the inner garden of our soul, create a place protected from the demands of greed and desires. We can work to restore this inner land often polluted by the noise and clutter of today’s world. Returning it to its natural beauty and sense of peace. Through prayer and love we water and nurture the garden until it flowers into our life.” – Llewellyn Vaughan LeeSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Gil Fronsdal returns for a guest episode on the importance of our quality of mind and explores self-discovery through our actions.Today's podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Click to receive 10% off your first month with your own licensed professional therapist: betterhelp.com/beherenowIn this BHNN Guest Episode, Gil Fronsdal speaks on:Being still and befriending the self Self-discovery and our motivationsA story of the Buddha and his sonActions as a mirror to the selfLearned behavior & conditioning versus the truth “You study yourself, you study what you do in body, mind, speech, and those actions show you that you know yourself. You know yourself through your actions, through what you do, not by what you are.” – Gil Fronsdal See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Guiding us through The Four Immeasurables, author and teacher Lama Tsomo lectures about developing deep connections.Today's podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Click to receive 10% off your first month with your own licensed professional therapist: betterhelp.com/beherenowIn this episode, Lama Tsomo teaches us about:Technology as a window to the worldHow to have deep, satisfying connectionThe four immeasurablesLoving-kindness, compassion, and equanimity Near and Far Enemies About Lama Tsomo:Born Linda Pritzker, Lama Tsomo followed a path of spiritual inquiry and study that ultimately led to her ordination as one of the few American lamas in the Tibetan Buddhism. Today she works to share the teachings of the Namchak tradition, making its time-tested meditation practices accessible to westerners. “Each of the four boundless qualities gets us past our ego fixations and joins us with another in a way that brings right relationship. We can feel that rightness and joining when it happens. As we know from neuroscience, that feeling registers in that ever-popular left middle pre-frontal lobe — a main locust of positive emotions.” – Lama TsomoSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Learn how to access wisdom through intentional action and radical honesty with Buddhist teacher Trudy Goodman.Today's podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Click to receive 10% off your first month with your own licensed professional therapist: betterhelp.com/beherenow"When we're honest we can look at ourselves directly. We can look at our own behavior. We can admit when we made a mistake and we can learn how to change at least some of our ways so that we do not cause that particular kind of harm again." – Trudy GoodmanIn this episode, Trudy Goodman lectures on:Discontinuing harmful activities Honesty and being directThe Dharma as our safetyThe consequences of our actionsIntegrity and looking at our motivationsThe coexistence of Love and HateAbout Trudy Goodman:Trudy is a Vipassana teacher in the Theravada lineage and the Founding Teacher of InsightLA. For 25 years, in Cambridge, MA, Trudy practiced mindfulness-based psychotherapy with children, teenagers, couples and individuals. Trudy conducts retreats and workshops worldwide.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Spiritual Musicians Deva Premal and Miten serenade us and respond to questions in this magical guest episode with Jackie Dobrinska.This podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Click to receive 10% off your first month with your own licensed professional therapist: betterhelp.com/beherenowThis episode features:Beautiful songs from Deva Premal & MitenMusic that explores birth, death, the mother, oneness, etc.Instruction on mantra, music, and meditationA description of the Gayatri mantraDiscussions surrounding auspicious moments and tantra“You make love with yourself. We have to begin inside. Whatever we are feeling is a gift to connect with our inner being. It is a challenge, and if we rise to the challenge there is no heartbreak; there is only bliss and gratitude.” – Miten See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, Gil shares a resonant guided meditation helping us into a relaxed state of silence, stillness, and spaciousness.This podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Click to receive 10% off your first month with your own licensed professional therapist: betterhelp.com/beherenow“If you hear the sound of the birds, it’s because it’s quiet enough to hear them. Hear the whistling of the birds, and hear the silence that allows us to hear. In the silence, sounds appear. It’s possible to be aware of both the sounds and the silence.” – Gil FronsdalMore about Gil Fronsdal:Gil Fronsdal is the co-teacher for the Insight Meditation Center in Redwood City, California; he has been teaching since 1990. He has practiced Zen and Vipassana in the U.S. and Asia since 1975. He was a Theravada monk in Burma in 1985, and in 1989 began training with Jack Kornfield to be a Vipassana teacher. Gil teaches at Spirit Rock Meditation Center where he is part of its Teachers Council. Gil was ordained as a Soto Zen priest at the San Francisco Zen Center in 1982, and in 1995 received Dharma Transmission from Mel Weitsman, the abbot of the Berkeley Zen Center. He currently serves on the SF Zen Center Elders’ Council. In 2011 he founded IMC’s Insight Retreat Center. Gil has an undergraduate degree in agriculture from U.C. Davis where he was active in promoting the field of sustainable farming. In 1998 he received a PhD in Religious Studies from Stanford University studying the earliest developments of the bodhisattva ideal. He is the author of The Issue at Hand, essays on mindfulness practice; A Monastery Within; a book on the five hindrances called Unhindered; and the translator of The Dhammapada, published by Shambhala Publications. You may listen to Gil’s talks on Audio Dharma.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, Shira and Jordana are talking about finding love when you’re a person who’s focused on personal and spiritual growth. Is it easier or more difficult?This podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Click to receive 10% off your first month with your own licensed professional therapist: betterhelp.com/beherenowJoined by dating coach Francesca Hogi, Jordana Reim & Shira Lazar dive into:*What is the biggest lie we tell ourselves about dating?*What creates longevity in relationships?*How do we know if the person we are dating is “the one”?*How can we prepare ourselves to meet our partner?*Francesca’s RAW equation: Ready? Able? Willing? And how it can help you filter who you’re dating.“For most people, what they actually need to understand is the power that they have to change the things they believe about love so that they can make love an inevitable thing that happens in their life.” – Francesca Hogi Francesca Hogi is a coach, podcast host, speaker, and matchmaker. Her passion is helping people get into healthy, lasting relationships through the power of self love and empowered dating strategies.An internationally recognized and award-winning love expert, Francesca’s been featured on The Today Show, in Marie Claire, Harper’s Bazaar, The Huffington Post, and more. She is the founder of The True Love Society membership community, and hosts the podcast Dear Franny, where she gives candid love advice. Francesca writes about digital romance for Forbes.com, Bustle.com and more. Prior to her love career, Francesca was a corporate attorney and appeared on two seasons of the iconic reality TV show Survivor. She lives in Los Angeles with her boyfriend and their dog, Toast. Find Francesca here:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dearfranny/Clubhouse:https://www.clubhouse.com/@dearfrannyPodcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dear-franny/id147512786560 Day Romantic Activation: https://school.francescahogi.com/60-day-romantic-activationPeace Inside Live is a mindfulness platform for a global collective across web3 video, audio and in-person channels.Peace Inside was founded by Emmy-nominated broadcaster, Media CEO, NFT collector and strategic advisor, Shira Lazar and meditation guide, author and master facilitator, Jordana Reim. Along with a network of 100+ global facilitators we serve clients including Dinomonks NFT, Knights of Degen, The Boys & Girls Clubs of America, HBO, Spotify and Capital One.Find us on all social channels instagram.com/peaceinsidelive Follow hosts Shira & Jordana instagram.com/shiralazar  instagram.com/jordana_is_Learn more at: www.peaceinside.liveSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Llewellyn returns with a microdose of poetic wisdom exploring the space between stories, between the known and unknown worlds, a space that is also present with each and every breath.This podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Click to receive 10% off your first month with your own licensed professional therapist: betterhelp.com/beherenowLlewellyn Vaughan-Lee, Ph.D. is a Sufi teacher in the Naqshbandiyya-Mujaddidiyya Sufi Order. He is the author of Sufism, the Transformation of the Heart, and the founder of The Golden Sufi Center. Check out his new podcast Working With Oneness.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Spirit Underground's Lama Rod Owens offers a guided benefactor practice and chanting of the Tibetan Buddhist mantra, 'Om Mani Padme Hum.'Today's podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Click to receive 10% off your first month with your own licensed professional therapist: betterhelp.com/beherenow"As we move through really difficult situations, it's so important that we call into our practice help, support, and care. That's always a part of my practice. I think so much of my practice is really just asking for help over and over again, and asking to see the love, the care that I deserve, that we all deserve." – Lama Rod OwensIn this talk, Lama Rod Owens offers:Insights around help, support, love, and care within our practice along the spiritual pathA guided "benefactor practice" – a metta practice focused around a source of refuge, love, and careChanting of and meaning behind the resonant Tibetan Buddhist mantra, "Om Mani Padme Hum"This episode sourced from DharmaSeed was recorded at the Spirit Rock Meditation Center retreat for Deepening into the Heart of Love and Freedom on 11/3/2020.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Author, speaker, and scholar, Acharya Shunya, joins Jackie Dobrinska to illuminate Ma Durga’s shakti and clarity, teaching us how to truly ‘Roar Like a Goddess.’In this sublime session from the Ram Dass Fellowship Livestreams, rest your heart and expand your awareness, as Vedic Scholar and award winning author of several bestselling books, Acharya Shunya, explores unlocking and accessing the Divine Feminine power of Shakti in each of us. This podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Click to receive 10% off your first month with your own licensed professional therapist: betterhelp.com/beherenowToday’s episode was recorded as part of the Ram Dass Fellowship’s regular online gatherings. To learn more about the Ram Dass Fellowship and sign up to join satsang near you, visit RamDass.org/Fellowship.  “Durga is your Mother – who else would you ask for things, but Durga?” – Acharya ShunyaAbout Acharya Shunya:The ancient Vedic tradition of India, that has given birth to the lofty spiritual disciplines of Yoga, Ayurveda, and Adwaita believes that every being of every gender, binary and non-binary, is the bearer of divine feminine power known as Shakti. This power is not only formidable but also wise, awake and intuitive. Your spiritual relationship with this power shall determine many things, including what did you come here to blossom into? How can you become a gift to the universe? How can you fulfill your destiny and step into your own divine immensity? In this sublime session, rest your heart and expand your awareness, as Vedic Scholar and award winning author of several bestselling books including her latest Roar Like A Goddess, Acharya Shunya explores unlocking and accessing this locked feminine power. Acharya Shunya’s goddess teachings, because this wisdom can enhance anyone’s instant self-worth and help reclaim instant feminine-power from within. ... Acharya Shunya is a wisdom teacher and a catalyst for empowering health and elevating consciousness worldwide. She is an award-winning and internationally renowned author, speaker and scholar of nondual wisdom (Advaita) and a classically-trained master of Yoga and Ayurveda. The first female head of her 2,000-year-old Indian Vedic spiritual lineage, Acharya Shunya provides a rare opportunity to receive authentic teachings from a genuine Vedic master—one with a distinctly down-to-earth, feminine flavor who never lets us forget that our humanity is to be embodied and enjoyed.About Jackie Dobrinska:Jackie Dobrinska is a beloved holistic health educator, wise woman practitioner, yoga therapist, minister, director of education, and author. Jackie has mentored with some of the world’s preeminent teachers, scholars and visionaries in mind-body health, weaving together wisdom traditions from around the world. She teaches regionally at universities, hospitals, studios, businesses, and national conferences and festivals, passing on the tools that empower individuals in their own health and transformation. In addition to her programs in wellness, yoga, herbs, healthy eating and women’s health, she is the founding director of the Greater Asheville Yoga Association and core staff for SE Wise Women. Learn more at: A Simple Vibrant LifeSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How can we create a home for the heart that goes with us wherever we go?Trudy Goodman offers a reflection on leaving home and being home. Discover how mindfulness and meditation practices can help us strike a balance between the familiar and the unknown, allowing us to rest in a place of equanimity wherever where might be.This podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Click to receive 10% off your first month with your own licensed professional therapist: betterhelp.com/beherenow"Leaving home is a powerful metaphor for doing this practice. To leave the comfort of the familiar. To leave our familiar and cherished ideas about ourselves and everything else." - Trudy GoodmanNEW Meditation Series: Pause, Breathe, Be Here Now with Ram Dass, Sharon Salzberg, Jack Kornfield, Tara Brach, Joseph Goldstein, John Lockley, Ram Dev, Trudy Goodman, Lama Tsultrim Allione—FREE January 16 to 25. Sit in true peace, love, and tranquility. Join thousands of people around the world for this collective meditation experience: onecommune.com/ramdassThis dharma talk was given at Spirit Rock Meditation Center (Yucca Valley) on April 30, 2005 and was originally published on Dharma Seed. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In an inspiring talk on resiliency, Lama Rod Owens discusses remaining devoted to liberation despite our struggles.Lama Rod Owens covers the dharma of freedom, loving ourselves, ancestral work, and the power of meditation in this BHNN Guest Podcast episode.This Dharma Talk was originally published on DharmaSeed.orgThis podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Click to receive 10% off your first month with your own licensed professional therapist: betterhelp.com/beherenowNEW Meditation Series: Pause, Breathe, Be Here Now with Ram Dass, Sharon Salzberg, Jack Kornfield, Tara Brach, Joseph Goldstein, John Lockley, Ram Dev, Trudy Goodman, Lama Tsultrim Allione—FREE January 16 to 25. Sit in true peace, love, and tranquility. Join thousands of people around the world for this collective meditation experience: onecommune.com/ramdass  "My brokenheartedness doesn't hold me. The despair doesn't hold me, the sorrow doesn't hold me. I, with the support of joy, gratitude, kindness, compassion, love, I hold the brokenheartedness." — Lama Rod OwensSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

JoAnna Hardy returns to share a guided meditation all around the first foundation of mindfulness – mindfulness of the body.This podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Click to receive 10% off your first month with your own licensed professional therapist: betterhelp.com/beherenow"A lot of our mindfulness practice is the intentional quality of intention. What am I paying attention to right now?" – JoAnna HardySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Through bearing witness, love and service, Llewellyn shares how we can collectively heal the crisis of disconnection & ecological devastation.Llewellyn Vaughan-Lee, Ph.D. is a Sufi teacher in the Naqshbandiyya-Mujaddidiyya Sufi Order. He is the author of Sufism, the Transformation of the Heart, and the founder of The Golden Sufi Center. Check out his new podcast Working With Oneness."What matters is what we bring to this intimate exchange, whether our prayers are heartfelt or just a mental exercise. It is always through the heart that our prayers are heard. – Llewellyn Vaughan-LeeSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In a wildly inspirational talk, musician John Forté and holistic educator Jackie Dobrinska discuss resonance, integration & catharsis through the lens of music.This podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Click to receive 10% off your first month with your own licensed professional therapist: betterhelp.com/beherenowGrammy-nominated recording artist, filmmaker, writer, and activist John Forté was first recognized for his work with the multi-platinum hip-hop group The Fugees. Since then, Forté has been involved in a number of creative and advocacy-based projects. As a classically trained hip-hop and pop veteran, Forté blends sleek rhythms and catchy hooks – in the process turning some difficult life experiences into introspective, uplifting music.Listen now! Click the link to stream John Forté’s new album: Vessels, Angels & AncestorsJackie Dobrinska is a beloved holistic health educator, wise woman practitioner, yoga therapist, minister, director of education, and author. Jackie has mentored with some of the world’s preeminent teachers, scholars and visionaries in mind-body health, weaving together wisdom traditions from around the world. She teaches regionally at universities, hospitals, studios, businesses, and national conferences and festivals, passing on the tools that empower individuals in their own health and transformation. In addition to her programs in wellness, yoga, herbs, healthy eating and women’s health, she is the founding director of the Greater Asheville Yoga Association and core staff for SE Wise Women. Learn more at: A Simple Vibrant LifeToday’s episode was recorded as part of the Ram Dass Fellowship’s regular online gatherings. To learn more about the Ram Dass Fellowship and sign up to join satsang near you, visit RamDass.org/Fellowship.  “The process where art inspires life, life inspires art, for me has always been put into a song. If I really want to talk about it, if I really want to preserve it in the amber of time, put it into a song.” – John FortéSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Welcome to the final episode of this special guest mini-series where host David Devine speaks with the founders of The Holistic Life Foundation – Ali Smith, Atman Smith, and Andres Gonzalez – about all the synchronicities that lead to their new book: Let Your Light Shine.Order Let Your Light Shine for insightful lessons on how mindfulness can empower children and rebuild communities.This podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Click to receive 10% off your first month with your own licensed professional therapist: betterhelp.com/beherenowThe Holistic Life Foundation is a Baltimore-based nonprofit organization committed to nurturing the wellness of children and adults in underserved communities. It was founded by Ali Smith, Atman Smith, and Andres Gonzalez. Through a comprehensive approach that helps children develop their inner lives through yoga, mindfulness, and self-care. HLF demonstrates a deep commitment to learning, community, and stewardship of the environment. HLF is also committed to developing high-quality evidence-based programs and curriculum to improve community well-being. Order their new book, Let Your Light Shine, to learn more about how mindfulness can empower children and rebuild communities.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Buddhist Master, Thich Nhat Hanh, explores how we can joyfully bring mindfulness into everyday activities like phone calls, driving, and walking. This special episode of the Be Here Now Network Guest Podcast I hosted by Jackie Dobrinska, Love Serve Remember Foundation’s Director of Outreach and Education, and brought to you by the Ojai Foundation.Click here for a full transcription: beherenownetwork.com/thich-nhat-hanhYou can also follow along with captions on Youtube: https://youtu.be/Y5mPFvqkVnk See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Trudy offers clear and flowing insight into how the Buddha’s concept of sīla –virtue, ethics – fits into the Noble Eightfold Path, as well as our daily lives.  This podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Click to receive 10% off your first month with your own licensed professional therapist: betterhelp.com/beherenowIn this Dharma Talk from May 4th, 2009 at the Spirit Rock Meditation Center Yucca Valley Spring Retreat, Trudy Goodman explores sīla as a way to love. After sharing how it fits into the Noble Eightfold Path, she reflects on Yoga Sutras, shining mindful awareness, receptivity and leaning back, compassion and wisdom, the Dalai Lama and humility, sexual energy and love making in relation to awakening, and the rewards and blessings of sīla.This Dharma Talk by Trudy Goodman was originally published on DharmaSeed.orgSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Welcome to the second episode of three special episodes where guest host David Devine speaks with the founders of The Holistic Life Foundation – Ali Smith, Atman Smith, and Andres Gonzalez – about empowering yourself and others with the help of mindfulness and meditation.This podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Click to receive 10% off your first month with your own licensed professional therapist: betterhelp.com/beherenowThe Holistic Life Foundation is a Baltimore-based nonprofit organization committed to nurturing the wellness of children and adults in underserved communities. It was founded by Ali Smith, Atman Smith, and Andres Gonzalez. Through a comprehensive approach that helps children develop their inner lives through yoga, mindfulness, and self-care. HLF demonstrates a deep commitment to learning, community, and stewardship of the environment. HLF is also committed to developing high-quality evidence-based programs and curriculum to improve community well-being. Order their new book, Let Your Light Shine, to learn more about how mindfulness can empower children and rebuild communities.Order their new book, Let Your Light Shine, to learn more about how mindfulness can empower children and rebuild communities.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Llewellyn offers clear reflections on the state of humanity in the modern world through the lens of Ram Dass and the living present moment.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Welcome to the first episode of three special episodes where guest host David Devine speaks with the founders of The Holistic Life Foundation - Ali Smith, Atman Smith, and Andres Gonzalez - about empowering yourself and others with the help of mindfulness and meditation.This podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Click to receive 10% off your first month with your own licensed professional therapist: betterhelp.com/beherenowThe Holistic Life Foundation is a Baltimore-based nonprofit organization committed to nurturing the wellness of children and adults in underserved communities. It was founded by Ali Smith, Atman Smith, and Andres Gonzalez. Through a comprehensive approach that helps children develop their inner lives through yoga, mindfulness, and self-care. HLF demonstrates a deep commitment to learning, community, and stewardship of the environment. HLF is also committed to developing high-quality evidence-based programs and curriculum to improve community well-being.Preorder their new book, Let Your Light Shine, to learn more about how mindfulness can empower children and rebuild communities.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Nina Rao speaks with Wasfia Nazreen about her adventures as a mountaineer, her friendship with the Dalai Lama, her work as an activist, and how she climbed her own inner mountains.This podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Click to receive 10% off your first month with your own licensed professional therapist: betterhelp.com/beherenowWasfia Nazreen is best known for being the only Bangladeshi and first Bengali in the world to climb the Seven Summits, the highest mountains of every continent. She is also the only woman to hold the simultaneous titles of National Geographic Explorer & Adventurer. An outspoken activist since her late teens, her passion has always been driven by causes close to her heart. A human-rights activist, an environmentalist, a writer, educator, pilot, and producer – Wasfia wears many hats, all of which are grounded in strong foundations of meditation and self-realization practices. Learn more about her and follow her many adventures on her website, Facebook, Instagram, and TwitterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Gil Fronsdal returns to relay the story of the sudden awakening of Bahiya, as well as the liberating poem from the Buddha which it inspired. This podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Click to receive 10% off your first month with your own licensed professional therapist: betterhelp.com/beherenowIn this Dharma Talk, Gil Fronsdal relays Buddhist wisdom in the form of poems and stories which point at the simplicity of liberation. Exploring true freedom as release rather than relief, he offers insight into how we can peel back our mental overlays and judgements so we can be with the sweet suchness of experience.Support podcasts like this through the Be Here Now Network 6th-Anniversary Fundraiser Drive - win tickets to the Ram Dass Legacy retreat in Maui, shop limited edition BHNNxBrunofsky merch and more: beherenownetwork.com/fundraiserToday's Dharma talk by Gil Fronsdal was originally published on DharmaSeed.org"Who are you when you're not telling yourself who you are?" – Gil FronsdalSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

SIMRIT joins Jackie Dobrinska for a conversation on finding self-worth and self-confidence, clearing the subconscious mind, breaking addiction, and trusting our intuition.This podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Click to receive 10% off your first month with your own licensed professional therapist: betterhelp.com/beherenow Chart-topping and world-renowned musician and vocalist, SIMRIT, has been studying and working with the science of sound and consciousness for two decades. SIMRIT creates vibrationally powerful and healing music to impact both positive internal & external change. Decades of study and experimentation with the quantum technology of Naad Yoga (the ancient science of using sound to impact the brain’s neural pathways and chemicals, eliciting altered states of reality) deeply influences her music. Listen to SIMRIT's newly released single, Guru Ram Dass, on the Soul Land Music Series Vol.1 Compilation Album.Support podcasts like this through the Be Here Now Network 6th-Anniversary Fundraiser Drive - win tickets to the Ram Dass Legacy retreat in Maui, shop limited edition BHNNxBrunofsky merch and more: beherenownetwork.com/fundraiserTo learn more about the Ram Dass Fellowship and sign up to join satsang near you, visit RamDass.org/Fellowship.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Nina Rao visits Dr. Jaya Prasada in India for a conversation that explores the spiritual legacy of contemporary Indian Saint, Sri Siddhi Ma.This podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Click to receive 10% off your first month with your own licensed professional therapist: betterhelp.com/beherenowDr Jaya Prasada is the author of the new book Sri Siddhi Ma: The Story of Neem Karoli Baba's Spiritual Legacy. Jaya was born on 13 August 1948 in Lucknow, India. She graduated from Loreto College, and earned her master’s degree from the University of Lucknow. In 1981, she did her PhD on Prime Minister Indira Gandhi from the University of Rohilkhand. Jaya lived for thirty-seven years in the closest proximity to the divine mother Sri Siddhi Ma, who inherited the spiritual legacy of Neem Karoli Baba. Her debut book, Sri Siddhi Ma, is dedicated to her guru Sri Siddhi Ma and takes us into the life and times of the silent saint of Kainchi. Jaya lives between Kainchi Dham and her home ‘Teertham’ in Nainital, where Sri Siddhi Ma took mahasamadhi in December 2017. She is an ardent photographer, a keen mountain traveller and likes to keep up with technology.This episode is an impromptu recording made on location in the hills of India. Due to these circumstances, this episode is a soundscape of daily life in the hills of India. If you have any trouble hearing Jaya and Nina's conversation, please tune into the video version of this podcast for subtitles: youtu.be/ZobVBY0hCiYSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Mindshift podcast returns to BHNN! This time, Shira Lazar & Jordana Reim speak with spiritual teacher David Gangelman about enlightenment.This podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Click to receive 10% off your first month with your own licensed professional therapist: betterhelp.com/beherenowLearn more about how you can support Be Here Now Network podcasts like the BHNN Guest Podcast through our 6th-Anniversary Fundraiser Drive - win tickets to the Ram Dass Legacy retreat in Maui, shop limited edition BHNNxBrunofsky merch and more: beherenownetwork.com/fundraiserShira Lazar and Jordana Reim are co-founders of Peace Inside Live. Become a Peace Insider at peaceinside.live.David Gandelman is a spiritual teacher, author, and guide, whose mission is to awaken souls on their path of growing into being human, and living an enlightened, purpose-driven life. He is the founder of the Meditation School app, and host of the Meditation School, Energy Matters, and Grounded Sleep podcasts. He has taught at Cornell University, NBC Universal, SAP, and numerous other organizations. David holds a B.A. in Western philosophy from Rutgers University and has studied Eastern spiritual traditions while living in the Himalayas. This, along with his experience as the director of a school for intuitive development and mysticism in Hawaii, informs his unique teaching style. David connects energetic experience, ancient wisdom traditions, and humor in order to create a safe atmosphere for people interested in learning to meditate and develop into their potential. Keep up with David on instagram and youtube.To join Jordana & David, April 1-11, 2023 in Nepal and Bhutan go to meditationschool.us/nepal-retreat-2023 for more information and registration.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Gil Fronsdal returns to the BHNN Guest Podcast to discuss letting go, the truth, and the retreat experience.This podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Click to receive 10% off your first month with your own licensed professional therapist: betterhelp.com/beherenow“I have been (on retreats) reduced to falling on my knees as the truth has seeped in gradually, dawned on me, or hit me over the head with a sledge-hammer” – Gil Fronsdal See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Using the experience of her mother’s recent death, Trudy talks about ways to practice with emotional reactivity and pure strong emotion.This podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Click to receive 10% off your first month with your own licensed professional therapist: betterhelp.com/beherenowOriginally recorded in 2008 by the Insight Meditation Society.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this poetic micro-episode, Llewellyn Vaughan-Lee offers perspective on how friendship and community can help us move towards a brighter future in these rapidly changing times.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Welcome to this episode of the BHNN Guest Podcast where Gil Fronsdal evokes the compassionate heart within us all. This podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Click to receive 10% off your first month with your own licensed professional therapist: betterhelp.com/beherenow“Compassion of the heart does not involve fixation, compassion of the heart comes when we are relaxed.” – Gil FronsdalSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Madison Margolin discusses mysticism, psychedelics, and religion in this segment of the Ram Dass Fellowship on the BHNN Guest Podcast. This podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Click to receive 10% off your first month with your own licensed professional therapist: betterhelp.com/beherenowFor those of you who do not know Madison Margolin, she is the host of the Set and Setting podcast on Be Here Now Network. She grew up in the Maharaj-ji Satsang and her father was a close friend of Ram Dass. Her father also legally represented Timothy Leary and campaigned to legalize cannabis. Madison is the founder of DoubleBlind, a publication highlighting stories about psychedelics, spirituality, environmentalism, and more. Learn more at: madisonmargolin.comJackie Dobrinska is a beloved holistic health educator, wise woman pracitioner, yoga therapist, minister and author. Jackie has mentored with some of the world's preeminent teachers, scholars and visionaries in mind-body health, weaving together wisdom traditions from around the world. She teaches regionally at universities, hospitals, studios, businesses, and national conferences and festival, passing on the tools that empower individuals in their own health and transformation. In addition to her her wellness programs in wellness, yoga, herbs, healthy eating and women's health, she is the founding director of the Greater Asheville Yoga Association and core staff for SE Wise Women. Learn more at: A Simple Vibrant LifeGet connected with the Ram Dass Fellowship community! Find local groups and check out the different and virtual fellowship groups available: ramdass.org/fellowshipSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This episode of the BHNN Guest Podcast features JoAnna Hardy in a discussion of suffering, control, and The Four Noble Truths at the Insight Meditation Society.This podcast is brought to you by BetterHelp. Click to receive 10% off your first month with your own licensed professional therapist: betterhelp.com/beherenow“It is kind of interesting to push the edge of our practice a little bit and engage with instead of always backing down too [that which we are not comfortable with].” – JoAnna HardySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This time on the BHNN Guest Podcast, we commune with Spring Washam in a discussion of wisdom, compassion, strength, and courage. This recording is from the 2022 live-streamed Ram Dass Fellowship. Join Spring along with a collection of BHNN dharma teachers and guests in exploring the intersection of Buddhism & Bhakti at the inaugural Love Serve Remember Summer Mountain Retreat August 25th - 29th in Boone, NC!Spring Washam is a healer, writer, facilitator, spiritual activist, and dharma teacher. Spring has studied indigenous healing practices and works with students individually from around the world. She is currently based in California but she teaches workshops, large groups, compassion meditation and loving-kindness retreats throughout the country. Her work includes earth-based practices, awakening in the body, movement, dance, and yoga. Spring is a founding member and core teacher at the East Bay Meditation Center and has practiced and studied under meditation masters in both the Theravada and Tibetan schools of Buddhism. She is on the teacher’s council at Spirit Rock Meditation Center and is considered a pioneer in bringing mindfulness-based healing practices to diverse communities.Jackie Dobrinska is a beloved holistic health educator, wise woman pracitioner, yoga therapist, minister and author. Jackie has mentored with some of the world's preeminent teachers, scholars and visionaries in mind-body health, weaving together wisdom traditions from around the world. She teaches regionally at universities, hospitals, studios, businesses, and national conferences and festival, passing on the tools that empower individuals in their own health and transformation. In addition to her her wellness programs in wellness, yoga, herbs, healthy eating and women's health, she is the founding director of the Greater Asheville Yoga Association and core staff for SE Wise Women. Learn more at: A Simple Vibrant LifeSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Llewellyn Vaughan-Lee offers a short reflection on how we can maintain community in uncertain times and hold onto the light that is left.This podcast is brought to you by BetterHelp. Click to receive 10% off your first month with your own licensed professional therapist: betterhelp.com/beherenowLlewellyn Vaughan-Lee, PhD is a Sufi teacher in the Naqshbandiyya-Mujaddidiyya Sufi Order. He is the author of Sufism, the Transformation of the Heart, and the founder of The Golden Sufi Center.“The primal knowing that one is part of a living community founded on love and service, true companionship, is like a caravan traveling the desert of our increasingly soulless world.” – Llewellyn Vaughan-LeeSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this BHNN Guest Podcast, get ready for some spiritual nourishment from John Lockley as he guides us in healing our hungry ghosts and discusses devotion, ancestors, and other audience questions with Jackie Dobrinska.Join Spring and a collection of dharma teachers in exploring the intersection of Buddhism & Bhakti at the inaugural Love Serve Remember Summer Mountain Retreat August 25th - 29th in Boone, NC!John Lockley is an international speaker, teacher, and healer. He runs shamanic retreats and uses the techniques of prayer, dream work and connection to nature to help people connect with their own ancestors and spiritual traditions. He is one of the first white men, in recent history, to become a fully initiated sangoma in the Xhosa lineage of South Africa. Find out more about John’s work by reading about his Mentoring, Zoom Sessions, In-Person Divinations, Plant Healing and Monthly Webinars. Jackie Dobrinska is a beloved holistic health educator, wise woman pracitioner, yoga therapist, minister and author. Jackie has mentored with some of the world's preeminent teachers, scholars and visionaries in mind-body health, weaving together wisdom traditions from around the world. She teaches regionally at universities, hospitals, studios, businesses, and national conferences and festival, passing on the tools that empower individuals in their own health and transformation. In addition to her her wellness programs in wellness, yoga, herbs, healthy eating and women's health, she is the founding director of the Greater Asheville Yoga Association and core staff for SE Wise Women. Learn more at: A Simple Vibrant Life“This is what I am offering to all of us, to become aware of the craving inside of us, and then to replace it with some kind of spiritual practice and then that in itself is going to make a huge difference on the world.” – John LockleySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Inviting you on a 'Three Breath Journey,' Gil explores mindfulness from the perspectives of wellbeing, somatic inquiry, relaxation, and as a wellspring of dharmic pleasure.This podcast is brought to you by BetterHelp. Click to receive 10% off your first month with your own licensed professional therapist: betterhelp.com/beherenowIn this Dharma Talk stemming from Auckland Insight Meditation's Cultivation and Insight Retreat livestream on 2/14/2022, Gil Fronsdal shares his non-meditation, the 'Three Breath Journey,' before diving into topics like: when to be mindful, mindfulness as relaxation and wellbeing, mindfulness of the body, and how to tap into the Buddha's inner wellspring of dharmic pleasure.This talk from Gil Fronsdal was originally published on DharmaSeed.orgSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This time on the BHNN Guest Podcast, Spring Washam shares some of her insights about awakening and the mind-body connection.Join Spring and a collection of dharma teachers in exploring the intersection of Buddhism & Bhakti at the inaugural Love Serve Remember Summer Mountain Retreat August 25th - 29th in Boone, NC!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This time on the BHNN Guest Podcast, we recieve a beautiful prose letter written and recited by Llewellyn Vaughan-Lee to his granddaughter. It explores the state of the modern world and how the next generation can access the mythological magic of being alive.This podcast is brought to you by BetterHelp. Click to receive 10% off your first month with your own licensed professional therapist: betterhelp.com/beherenowLlewellyn Vaughan-Lee, PhD is a Sufi teacher in the Naqshbandiyya-Mujaddidiyya Sufi Order. He is the author of Sufism, the Transformation of the Heart, and the founder of The Golden Sufi Center.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This time on the BHNN Guest Podcast, Trudy Goodman offers wisdom on how to use mindfulness when working with difficult emotions.“This is sometimes not so easy, to recognize what we’re feeling. Often our feelings are hidden under repetitive thought loops that are kind of our minds' way of protecting or defending against feelings that might seem hard to bear. But actually, it is more painful to be caught in the looping, obsessive, repetitive thinking than to simply take a breath and let that attention drop down and sense what the feeling is under them.” —Trudy GoodmanSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

JoAnna Hardy returns to shares discussion and guided practice around imbibing choiceless awareness in the present moment.This podcast is brought to you by BetterHelp. Click to receive 10% off your first month with your own licensed professional therapist: betterhelp.com/beherenowIn this unique Dharma talk stemming from the Insight Meditation Society's Retreat for 18 - 32 Year Olds, JoAnna Hardy offers a potent guided practice for opening to the state of choiceless awareness. From there, she discusses the connection between anxiety and excitement, before opening to audience questions on sleep, metta, imagery, and dropping thoughts.This talk from JoAnna Hardy was originally published on DharmaSeed.orgSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Gil Fronsdal returns to the Guest Podcast to share illuminating spiritual lessons learned along the journey of parenting.This talk from Gil Fronsdal was originally published on DharmaSeed.orgCheck out a new Spring season of the Ram Dass Soul Land Music Series featuring artists such as Gone Gone Beyond, David Starfire, & Jai Uttal!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Spring Washam applies Wise Metta to our daily lives—offering us the potential of recognizing our innate inner radiance.This podcast is brought to you by BetterHelp. Click to receive 10% off your first month with your own licensed professional therapist: betterhelp.com/beherenowIn this Dharma Talk from Spirit Rock Meditation Center's Yucca Valley Spring Retreat on May 6th, 2009—Spring Washam explores the potential of loving ourself and others through the practice of lovingkindness. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Llewellyn Vaughan-Lee returns to share When the Source Ran Free, his pandemic passage on the magic of living stories for returning sacredness back into our relationship with Earth.This podcast is brought to you by BetterHelp. Click to receive 10% off your first month with your own licensed professional therapist: betterhelp.com/beherenowLlewellyn Vaughan-Lee, PhD has followed the Naqshbandi Sufi path since he was 19 years old. In 1991, he became the successor of his teacher, Irina Tweedie, who brought this particular Indian branch of Sufism to the West. He is an extensive lecturer, author of several books, and the founder of The Golden Sufi Center. Learn more about Llewellyn and The Golden Sufi Center.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Nina Rao and Keli Reddy interview author Vrinda Sheth about Sita’s Fire, a retelling of the Ramayana that brings Sita and the other female characters from the story to center stage.This podcast is brought to you by BetterHelp. Click to receive 10% off your first month with your own licensed professional therapist: betterhelp.com/beherenowVrinda Sheth was raised in the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition in Sweden. She is an alumnus of the reputed Kalakshetra institute, holding a First Class Diploma in Bharata Natyam, Indian classical dance. She remains devoted to tradition while exploring ways to bridge the gap between the modern and the ancient. Vrinda is passionate about bringing women’s voices and stories center stage and is the author of the award-winning Sita’s Fire Trilogy. She has a B.A. in English from the University of Florida and is pursuing a Masters in Literature. She lives in Florida with her husband and three children.Keli Lalita Reddy, ERYT, received a BA in Writing, Literature, and the Arts from the New School for Social Research in NYC. She is the founder of both the Bhakti Marg Yoga teacher training and Mantralogy, a record label that promotes sacred music. She teaches Yoga asana and philosophy in both Saratoga and in the Hudson Valley and is currently pursuing a Masters in Cultural Anthropology. She is the guitar player of Krishnacore band 108, as well as a kirtan enthusiast and singer. She divides her time between Albany and Columbia County, where she raised three children, now grown, with her husband. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From Big Mind to granular attention, Trudy Goodman illuminates how to live simultaneously from universal and personal truths, staying present with it all.In this Dharma talk from Spirit Rock’s Monthlong Retreat on March, 20th, 2011, Trudy Goodman explores the two truths—the two major facets of this one jewel called life—absolute and relative; or, as Trudy eloquently paints them: universal and personal. Peering through the lens of these two simultaneous planes of truth, Trudy shares reflective stories and Buddhist insight exploring wisdom as a factor of awakening.This talk from Trudy Goodman was originally published on DharmaSeed.orgSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Gil Fronsdal explores how cultivating dharmic confidence helps us keep our practice steady and understand the distinction between wholesome and unwholesome actions.This podcast is brought to you by BetterHelp. Click to receive 10% off your first month with your own licensed professional therapist: betterhelp.com/beherenowOriginally published on Dharma Seed See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Helping us past our endless wanderings on the hamster wheel of samsara, Spring Washam illuminates Buddha’s way to freedom and lasting happiness.In this Dharma talk from the Insight Meditation Society’s People of Color Retreat on June 16th, 2010; Spring Washam explores the Buddha’s Second Noble Truth in an illuminating discussion on desire, craving, and clinging.This talk from Spring Washam was originally published on DharmaSeed.orgSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this dharma talk, Mingyur Rinpoche introduces us to Shamata meditation, exploring how everything can be transformed into an object of meditation, even our biggest obstacles in life.This podcast is brought to you by BetterHelp. Click to receive 10% off your first month with your own licensed professional therapist: betterhelp.com/beherenowBorn in 1975, Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche is a much-loved and accomplished Tibetan Buddhist meditation teacher. In addition to extensive training in the meditative and philosophical traditions of Tibetan Buddhism, Rinpoche has maintained a lifelong interest in Western science and psychology. Rinpoche currently teaches throughout the world, with centers on four continents. His candid and often humorous accounts of his own personal difficulties have endeared him to Buddhist and non-Buddhist students alike. Learn more about Rinpoche and find his worldwide teaching schedule at tergar.org.This talk from Trudy Goodman was originally published on DharmaSeed.orgSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Trudy Goodman returns to share a resonant guided meditation practice on working with thoughts using mind, body, awareness, & imagination.Trudy Goodman, Ph.D, is a Vipassana teacher in the Theravada lineage and the Founding Teacher of InsightLA. She also teaches residential retreats at Spirit Rock Meditation Center in Woodacre, CA, Vallecitos Mountain Retreat Center, and Insight Meditation Society in Barre, MA, among others. Learn more at TrudyGoodman.com.This talk from Trudy Goodman was originally published on DharmaSeed.orgSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Highlighting the importance of storytelling in Buddhism as a direct and meaningful way to engage the Dharma, Gil Fronsdal shares classic Buddhist tales.This talk from Gil Fronsdal was originally published on DharmaSeed.orgThis podcast is brought to you by BetterHelp. Click to receive 10% off your first month with your own licensed professional therapist: betterhelp.com/beherenowSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

JoAnna Hardy sheds light on 'the great balancing act,' offering Buddhist insight into inclusion, ethics, self-reliance, control, karma, manifestation, and nature.This talk from JoAnna Hardy was originally published on DharmaSeed.org See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Spring Washam offers Middle Way reflections on befriending your body through the lens of Buddha and Metta.This talk from Spring Washam was originally published on DharmaSeed.orgSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sufi teacher Llewellyn Vaughan-Lee explores the connection between spiritual practice and our ecological crisis through the lens of his own spiritual journey. This podcast is brought to you by BetterHelp. Click to receive 10% off your first month with your own licensed professional therapist: betterhelp.com/beherenowLlewellyn Vaughan-Lee has followed the Naqshbandi Sufi path since he was 19 years old. In 1991, he became the successor of his teacher, Irina Tweedie, who brought this particular Indian branch of Sufism to the West. He is an extensive lecturer, author of several books, and the founder of The Golden Sufi Center. Learn more about Llewellyn and The Golden Sufi Center. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Be Here Now Network welcomes the Mindshift podcast to our Guest Podcast channel! In this first episode, meditation teacher Light Watkins joins Shira Lazar and Jordana Reim for a discussion on how to find inspiration in stagnation.This podcast is brought to you by BetterHelp. Click to receive 10% off your first month with your own licensed professional therapist: betterhelp.com/beherenowLight Watkins is a meditation teacher and bestselling author. His latest book, Knowing Where to Look: 108 Daily Doses of Inspiration, is now available. Learn more about him at lightwatkins.com, plus check out his podcast, At the End of the Tunnel.Shira Lazar and Jordana Reim are co-founders of Peace Inside Live. Become a Peace Insider at peaceinside.live. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Exploring the question 'Why do we sit?' JoAnna Hardy takes us on a Buddhist journey through nature, Dharma, wandering forest monks, facing fear, the Second Arrow, & The Four Noble Truths.JoAnna Hardy is an insight meditation (Vipassanā) practitioner and teacher; She is on Faculty at the University of Southern California, Founding member of the Meditation Coalition, a teacher's council member at Spirit Rock Meditation Center, iBme, visiting retreat teacher at Insight Meditation Society, and collaborator on many online meditation apps and programs. For more information, upcoming events, offerings, or to book a one-on-one session, please visit JoannaHardy.orgSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this practice-steeped dharma talk, a hilarious and engaging Mingyur Rinpoche invites the audience into an array of guided meditations and thought experiments around relaxed open awareness.Continuing last episode's 2010 dharma talk hosted at Spirit Rock, aptly titled, The Neuroscience of Meditation, Mingyur Rinpoche picks back up answering audience questions on using meditation to work with fear of pain, if he would like people to pray for him during his next three-year retreat, and how to meditate properly with disabilities or physical difficulties. From there, he naturally and hilariously shares a smorgasbord of guided meditations and experiments highlighting open awareness.Born in 1975, Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche is a much-loved and accomplished Tibetan Buddhist meditation teacher. From a young age, he was drawn to a life of contemplation. In addition to extensive training in the meditative and philosophical traditions of Tibetan Buddhism, Rinpoche has maintained a lifelong interest in Western science and psychology. Rinpoche currently teaches throughout the world, with centers on four continents. His candid and often humorous accounts of his own personal difficulties have endeared him to Buddhist and non-Buddhist students alike. Learn more about Rinpoche and find his worldwide teaching schedule at tergar.org.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mingyur Rinpoche returns for a dharma talk illuminating the neuroscience of meditation and the joy of the present moment.Born in 1975, Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche is a much-loved and accomplished Tibetan Buddhist meditation teacher. From a young age, he was drawn to a life of contemplation. In addition to extensive training in the meditative and philosophical traditions of Tibetan Buddhism, Rinpoche has maintained a lifelong interest in Western science and psychology. Rinpoche currently teaches throughout the world, with centers on four continents. His candid and often humorous accounts of his own personal difficulties have endeared him to Buddhist and non-Buddhist students alike. Learn more about Rinpoche and find his worldwide teaching schedule at tergar.org.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Nina Rao invites Veda expert, Shantala Srirmaiah, and NYC yoga legend, Eddie Stern, to share the roots of chanting practice and ritual worship outlined in the Vedas.Production Note: This interview was remotely recorded in different parts of the world. We ask for your patience and understanding during moments of inconsistent quality.Shantala Sriramaiah studied Sanskrit chanting and Indian scriptures from an early age as part of her family tradition and school education in Bangalore, India. She has been mentored by several Vedic scholars and teaches a growing global community of students through her online platform. Shantala is especially keen on connecting aspirants to the relevance of Vedas for personal development and to the source texts of Yoga. She is based in Brussels, Belgium. For more info and offerings, please visit Vedastudies.comEddie Stern is a Yoga teacher, author, and lecturer from NYC. He has been practicing Yoga since 1987, and ran his school in SoHo from 1993-2019. In the late 1990’s and early 2000’s the school became a focal point for Ashtanga Yoga in New York, with an eclectic mix of downtown artists and spiritual seekers practicing and meditating next to each other. Eddie has a passion for seeking out diversity in all aspects of his work, and uses a multidisciplinary combination of technology, scientific research and collaboration to help further understanding, education and access to yoga. He continues to study philosophy, Sanskrit, ritual, science and religion, as well as maintain a passion for the daily practice of Yoga. More info at EddieStern.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Spring Washam shares Buddhist wisdom on planting seeds of happiness, remembering who you are, and awakening for the benefit of all beings.In this dharma talk exploring the Buddhist quality of Bodhicitta—the awakened heart-mind—in relation to the Way of the Bodhisattva—awakening for the benefit of others—Spring Washam offers optimism and hope on the spiritual path. Sharing funny personal stories and enlightening Buddhist legends on cultivating seeds of happiness for the future by remembering who you truly are now, Spring uncovers the selfless, compassionate heart of the awakening Bodhisattva.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Alan Watts Organization and Be Here Now Network have come together to bring you a new podcast series that dives deep into the Alan Watts Archive’s 100-hour collection of talks. This Monday, June 7th, discover for yourself why Alan Watts has continued to inspire generations of seekers with the Alan Watts Being in the Way podcast. This exciting new series is hosted by Mark Watts, Alan's son and archive curator. Mark and his guests share Alan Watts’ inspirational work that poetically interprets the wisdom teachings of the East for Western audiences. Set a reminder for June 7th and subscribe to the Alan Watts Being in the Way podcast wherever you get podcasts to receive regular wisdom from Alan Watts - brought to you by the Alan Watts Organization and Ram Dass' Be Here Now Network!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of the Be Here Now Guest Podcast, Nina Rao and Devadas Labrecque speak with Japna Tulsi about her film, Windfall of Grace, which details the story of Neem Karoli Baba.Japna Tulsi is a keen spiritual traveler. She has a background in Rural Development and has worked as a consultant with various NGOs in the field of environment and sustainable livelihoods. Responding to a deep desire to fulfill her higher calling, she embarked on a film project on Neem Karoli Baba in August 2017 as an amateur filmmaker. The result is Windall of Grace.Devadas Labrecque is a devotee of Mata Amritanandamayi, a kirtaniya, a composer, and an artist hailing from Brooklyn, New York. He leads kirtans throughout the world and has produced a wide variety of recordings, including Nina Rao's chant album, Antarayaami. Go to windfallofgrace.com now to stream the film today.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this episode of the BHNN Guest Podcast, Rev. Dr. Ron Bell and Dr. Lenwood W. Hayman Jr. share a conversation about the importance of giving yourself permission to be fully present in your trauma. Welcome to Trauma Tuesday – a Black and Brown curated space for healing and transformation in the midst of trauma. This is the first in a series of discussions between Rev. Dr. Ron Bell and Dr. Lenwood W. Hayman Jr. about the significance of taking a community approach to healing complex trauma. Catch more episodes of Trauma Tuesday on the Camphor UMC Youtube channel: Trauma TuesdayRev. Dr. Ron Bell is both a pastor and author. He is the senior pastor of Camphor Memorial UMC and a regular guest columnist for the Saint Paul Monitor. His latest book is The Four Promises: Journeying through Past and Present Trauma. Dr. Lenwood W. Hayman, Jr. is an Associate Professor of Behavioral Health Science in the School of Community Health and Policy at Morgan State University. As a teacher, Dr. Hayman offers radical love by working to inspire social-justice-minded scholars to critically analyze course content to develop a skillset for disrupting the incomplete narratives established about the communities from which they come.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

XO Higher Self podcast's, Bunny Michael, answers questions on fear, attachment, relationships, boundaries, & romancing our spirits into the unapologetic beauty of the wholeness of who we are.Host of the XO Higher Self podcast, Bunny Michael, is a femme presenting non-binary rapper, actor, author, and visual artist best known for their Higher Self meme project on Instagram. Their work has been featured in The New York Times, HuffPost, Paper Magazine, Dazed and Confused, and Vice - where they host a digital show for the Broadly Channel called “Broadly Hotline.” Beyond their transformative books, Love Notes From You Higher Self, and, Me and My #HigherSelf, Bunny also played the role of Bea on Season 2 of HBO’s hit show, “High Maintenance.” Keep up with their upcoming projects at bunnymichael.com.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Yoga innovator, Jocelyn Kay Levy, is joined by kirtan wallah, Nina Rao, to share Mothers' perspectives on spiritual practice, offering personal stories and advice from Siddhi Ma.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Nina Rao welcomes Dena Merriam and Mirabai Starr for a conversation about Dena’s book, The Untold Story of Sita, and how the forces of Sita and Ram are still present in the world today.Dena Merriam is a long-time meditation practitioner in the lineage of Kriya Yoga and the author of multiple books, including The Untold Story of Sita. Learn more about her at denamerriam.com.Mirabai Starr is an award-winning author of creative nonfiction; her latest book is called Wild Mercy. Learn more about her at mirabaistarr.com. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Chris Bashinelli returns to the BHNN Guest Podcast for a fresh conversation with Daryl Davis about his process of shifting the perspectives of the white supremacists he engages with. Daryl Davis is a musician, bandleader, actor, author, and race relations expert. He is well known for his work with engaging Ku Klux Klan members, many of whom wind up shifting perspectives, and leaving and denouncing the KKK. Learn more about Daryl and all of his work at daryldavis.com. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mingyur Rinpoche joins the BHNN Guest Podcast, sharing a dharma talk exploring meditation, open awareness, making friends with your problems, and overcoming the monkey mind.Born in 1975, Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche is a much-loved and accomplished Tibetan Buddhist meditation teacher. From a young age, he was drawn to a life of contemplation. In addition to extensive training in the meditative and philosophical traditions of Tibetan Buddhism, Rinpoche has maintained a lifelong interest in Western science and psychology. Rinpoche currently teaches throughout the world, with centers on four continents. His candid and often humorous accounts of his own personal difficulties have endeared him to Buddhist and non-Buddhist students alike. Learn more about Rinpoche and find his worldwide teaching schedule at tergar.org.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

JoAnna Hardy returns to the BHNN Guest Podcast to give a dharma talk centered on the first foundation of mindfulness, the breath and the body, and offer some meditation instructions.Find upcoming events and content from Joanna, or even book a one-on-one session at joannahardy.org.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Kelly Carlin joins Chris Bashinelli for a conversation around the journey to authenticity and being in the moment, humanity and transparency, and the trappings of fame and celebrity.Kelly Carlin is a writer, speaker and broadcast host. She is also a practitioner of Zen Buddhism, has a Masters in Jungian/Archetypal psychology, and is a producer on-screen and in the theater. Daughter of comedian George Carlin, Kelly comes from a family steeped in comedy, full of big ideas and warm hearts. Learn more about Kelly’s work, find her podcast, radio show and more at thekellycarlinsite.com.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Chris Bashinelli talks with race relations expert Daryl Davis about his philosophy for engaging with white supremacists, and why it takes the collective voice to create lasting change. Daryl Davis is a musician, bandleader, actor, author, and race relations expert. He is well known for his work with engaging Ku Klux Klan members, many of whom wind up leaving and denouncing the KKK. Learn more about Daryl and all of his work at daryldavis.com. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Exploring the nature of empowered compassionate service, Spring Washam shares inspirational stories of selflessness and interconnection.What does it mean to take an open heart into the world? Spring Washam takes a clear and insightful look into how we can meet each moment with an openhearted joy of compassionate service. Sharing a handful of stories from inspirational beings that represent the discernible truths of interconnectedness and interdependence, Spring elucidates how we can more fully offer our compassionate heart to the world.For more information on her teachings, personal sessions, book, upcoming retreats, and digital offerings, visit SpringWasham.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Trudy Goodman Kornfield returns to the BHNN Guest Podcast to share stories about awakening and offer wisdom around being present for each and every moment – because this is it.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Gil Fronsdal returns to the BHNN Guest Podcast for a dharma talk centered on dependent origination and its connection to emptiness, suffering, and the notion of self.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Insight Meditation teacher JoAnna Hardy returns to the BHNN Guest Podcast for a dharma talk about the five hindrances and why they are like dust in our eyes that keeps us from seeing clearly.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Nina Rao hosts Satsang elders Mirabai Bush, Parvati Markus, and Radha Baum in sharing stories from the female perspective about Indian mystic and Guru, Neem Karoli Baba.Joining together in a virtual remembrance and celebration of the life and teachings of Indian Guru, Neem Karoli Baba, on the anniversary of his Mahasamadhi, Nina invites powerful female Satsang elders Mirabai Bush, Parvati Markus, and Radha Baum to share stories of their time spent in his presence after following the path laid out by Ram Dass to India in the early 1970s. Illuminating the deep transmission of gathering in community and sharing stories of the Guru, Nina welcomes us all to meet where our rivers merge, joining in Satsang and darshan of the divine loving presence known affectionately as Maharajji.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Spring Washam explores the essence of embodiment, and how by coming home into our bodies we can restore the connection to our intuition and personal power.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Gil Fronsdal explores the Buddha’s teachings on beauty and care, sharing their relationship to karma, meditation, the witness, and the Dharma.This talk is from the April 15, 2020 Spirit Rock Rock Meditation Center: Living Through Awareness Online Retreat. Gil Fronsdal is the co-teacher at the Insight Meditation Center and the Insight Retreat Center in California. He has practiced Zen and Vipassana since 1975 and has a Ph.D. in Buddhist Studies from Stanford. He has trained in both the Japanese Soto Zen tradition and the Insight Meditation lineage of Theravada Buddhism of Southeast Asia. Gil was trained as a Vipassana teacher by Jack Kornfield and is part of the Vipassana teachers’ collective at Spirit Rock Meditation Center.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Trudy Goodman discusses cultivating inner-strength, finding inspiration in unity, and selflessly radiating love and awareness like Ram Dass.Trudy Goodman Kornfield, Ph.D., is a Vipassana teacher in the Theravada lineage and the Founding Teacher of InsightLA. She also teaches residential retreats at Spirit Rock Meditation Center in Woodacre, CA, Vallecitos Mountain Retreat Center, and Insight Meditation Society in Barre, MA, among others. Learn more at trudygoodman.com.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Spring Washam gives a dharma talk around the concept of Samsara and the freedom provided by the Eightfold Path, which is like the Yellow Brick Road that leads us away from suffering.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Gil Fronsdal gives a dharma talk around encountering truth in a retreat setting, letting go of attachments, and developing skills on the path of cultivation. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Elucidated by deep personal stories of racial confusion and a heritage of oppression, JoAnna Hardy offers enriching wisdom on the nature of compassion.This talk is from the 2018 Insight Meditation Society People of Color Retreat. This year the Insight Meditation Society will be hosting their Online Retreat For People of Color June 18th through June 22nd (Thursday to Monday). You can register online here.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Nina Rao talks with tiger conservationists Dr. Ullas Karanth and Dr. Krithi Karanth about their work at the Centre for Wildlife Studies in India.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

If you enjoy the Road Home Podcast, we think that you will appreciate this conversation about the ways we can develop our confidence through the practices of mindfulness and meditation with Be Here Now Network Teachers Ethan Nichtern and Sharon Salzberg.This conversation originally aired on The Road Home Podcast with Ethan Nichtern. You can find the Road Home Podcast in your podcast player along with Sharon Salzberg's podcast Metta Hour for insight on integrating the wisdom and practices of Buddhism into our lives.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this dharma talk, JoAnna Hardy breaks down the three levels of delusion, and explores how we can move from the grogginess of delusion to the bright light of wisdom.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Roshi Wendy Egyoku Nakao and Joseph Bobrow talk about spiritual practice during the Coronavirus pandemic and what these chaotic circumstances might reveal about ourselves and the world.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How can we work with the neverending flow of thoughts, emotions, and sensations as they arise in the mind?Trudy Goodman Kornfield shares a meditation and words of wisdom around cultivating the ability to work with the thinking mind.Would you like to be part of the next generation of mindfulness meditation instructors? If so, we invite you to take a unique opportunity to study with Trudy, Jack Kornfield, Tara Brach and many more of today’s leading mindfulness and meditation teachers. Learn how you can become a certified instructor to guide others in their practice: The Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Certification Program: A Two-Year Training Program for Teaching Awareness and Compassion-Based PracticesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Author Duncan Ryūken Williams and Joseph Bobrow look at what the struggle of Japanese Americans during World War II can teach us about how community and faith can offer liberation during difficult times.Duncan Ryūken Williams was born in Tokyo, Japan to a Japanese mother and British father. He has earned a Ph.D. in Religion from Harvard University and was ordained as a Sōtō Zen Buddhist priest in 1993 by the Kotakuji Temple in Nagano, Japan. Williams is currently the Director of the USC Shinso Ito Center for Japanese Religions and Culture. Would you like to be part of the next generation of mindfulness meditation instructors? If so, we invite you to take a unique opportunity to study with Jack Kornfield and Tara Brach and become a certified instructor to guide others in their practice: The Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Certification Program: A Two-Year Training Program for Teaching Awareness and Compassion-Based Practices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this dharma talk, Spring Washam explores the Prajnaparamita, also known as the mother of the Buddhas, and why it’s so important to establish self-compassion.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Robert Thurman joins Nina Rao for a conversation around strategies we can use to restore our balance with the natural world.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Gil Fronsdal explores the different ways we can approach the Buddhist concept of emptiness, and how letting go of attachment to the self can feel scary but is actually very safe.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Insight Meditation teacher JoAnna Hardy returns to the BHNN Guest Podcast for a dharma talk about reframing the idea of love, and cultivating self love through Metta practice.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Spring Washam offers a Dharma talk that explores the power of faith on the spiritual path.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Trudy Goodman Kornfield explores devotion as a path to wisdom, and how to approach spiritual practice with pure devotion while still being mindful of impermanence. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Gil Fronsdal offers an extended loving-kindness practice that opens the heart to even the most difficult person in our lives.Why practice loving-kindness for ourselves or others? Gil looks at what loving-kindness (Metta) practice has to offer and guides us through the practice – beginning with an offering of goodwill for ourselves.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Insight meditation teacher JoAnna Hardy returns to the BHNN Guest Podcast to talk about the ways in which effort can help create balance in our spiritual practice.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this dharma talk, Spring Washam explores the important role of community, or Sangha, in our spiritual practice, and the wisdom that can be found in inclusion.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this episode of the BHNN Guest Podcast, Gil Fronsdal explores the concept of liberation as a process of fading away so that we can be more fully present in each moment.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Emmy nominated director Sophie Lanfear joins Chris Bashinelli for a conversation about documentary series Our PlanetSophie Lanfear is a producer and director, known for Our Planet (2019), Life Story (2014) and The Hunt (2015). Our Planet is available to stream on Netflix: Our PlanetSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Spring Washam shares a talk that reminds us of our Buddha-nature and how we each can walk as Buddhas in the world.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Insight meditation (Vipassanā) teacher JoAnna Hardy shares a toolkit for working with our emotions and thoughts. JoAnna Hardy has received her training in the Theravada insight tradition through the Spirit Rock/IMS program led by Jack Kornfield, Joseph Goldstein, and others. She brings the Dharma to communities and individuals who don't typically have access to traditional settings. JoAnna is a co-founder of the Meditation Coalition, learn more at meditationcoalition.orgSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Gil Fronsdal shares a reflection on cultivating mindfulness in the family unit.“I believe that one of the greatest things I could offer my children is the Dharma.”See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Be Here Now Guest Podcast presents a talk from Stephen Levine that explores how we relate to mental and physical pain.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Trudy Goodman Kornfield reflects on the nature of identity and offers practices to help take a step back, slow down, and breathe.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Be Here Now Guest Podcast presents a talk from Stephen Levine that explores the psychological and spiritual stages of dying.Stephen Levine was an American poet, author and Buddhist teacher best known for his work on death and dying. He was a friend and colleague to many Be Here Now Network Teachers. Along with Ram Dass, Jack Kornfield, Joseph Goldstein and Sharon Salzberg, Stephen is responsible for making the teachings of Theravada Buddhism more widely available to students in the West. He also helped establish the Living/Dying Projectwith Dale Borglum and Ram Dass. Find more talks and writings from Stephen and his wife Ondrea at levinetalks.com.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this Dharma talk, Trudy Goodman shares a reflection on the moments of greater freedom that we cultivate with mindfulness practice.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Relationship expert Ken Page joins Francesca Maximé on the BHNN Guest Podcast to talk about love, relationships, and Ken’s book, Deeper Dating.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This time on the BHNN Guest Podcast, Gil Fronsdal shares a reflection on the simplicity and availability of the moment, the here and now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This time on the BHNN Guest Podcast, Trudy Goodman reflects on the fruits of mindfulness and shares practices that hasten our inevitable awakening.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on the BHNN Guest Podcast, Loch Kelly shares a conversation with Father Thomas Keating around the many lenses of science and spirituality that seek to uncover our true nature.Father Thomas Keating was one of the principal architects and teachers of the Christian contemplative prayer movement. This conversation was on spiritual practice was the last public recording of Keating before his passing on October 25, 2018. Learn more about the legacy and teachings of Father Thomas Keating at contemplativeoutreach.org.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Author Mark Matousek joins Francesca Maximé for a conversation about using writing as a pathway for personal exploration and awakening.Listen here: https://beherenownetwork.com/francesca-maxime-bhnn-guest-podcast-ep-31-writing-to-awaken-with-mark-matousek/Mark is a bestselling author, teacher, and speaker whose work focuses on personal awakening and creative excellence through transformational writing and self-inquiry. His workshops, classes, and mentoring have inspired thousands of people around the world to reach their artistic and personal goals. The essence of Mark’s philosophy is that “When you tell the truth, your story changes. When your story changes, your life is transformed.” Only by dispelling life myths and revealing your authentic truth can transformation begin. Learn more about Marks offerings at markmatousek.com.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This time on the BHNN Guest Podcast, Francesca Maximé sits down for a conversation with Professor Rhonda V. Magee about bringing attention to systemic injustice.Find show notes and resources here: https://beherenownetwork.com/bhnn-guest-podcast-ep-30-rhonda-v-magee/This conversation was recorded on September 26th, 2018 - nearly four weeks into what has become a historical Supreme Court judicial appointment and confirmation hearing of Brett Kavanaugh. This hearing became a national conversation as focus quickly turned to multiple accusations from women in Kavanaugh's early adulthood who claim to have a witness to and victims of sexual abuse by Kavanaugh. Francesca and Rhona look at the bigger lessons to take from the hearing and what role contemplative practices play in healing systemic abuse.Rhonda V. Magee is Professor of Law at the University of San Francisco and is an internationally-recognized thought and practice leader on integrating Mindfulness into Higher Education, Law and Social Justice. Learn more about Rhonda and subscribe to her mailing list to receive updates on Rhonda's upcoming book: rhondavmagee.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This time on the BHNN Guest Podcast, Loch Kelly invites us to expand our model of who we are and what heals.Find show notes and resources here: https://beherenownetwork.com/bhnn-guest-podcast-ep-29-who-we-are/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this talk, Adyashanti looks at what is necessary in order to undertake the journey of awakening and uncover our true nature.Find show notes and resources here: https://beherenownetwork.com/bhnn-guest-podcast-ep-28-always-and-already/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on the Be Here Now Guest Podcast, Francesca Maximé shares a conversation with Dr. Dan Siegel about embracing possibility and the science behind mindfulness practice.Find show notes and links: https://beherenownetwork.com/bhnn-guest-podcast-ep-27-dr-dan-siegel/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This time on the Be Here Now Network Guest Podcast, Spring Washam speaks about how listening with the heart and cultivating loving kindness can lead us away from suffering and towards our true nature. Spring Washam is a meditation teacher, author and visionary leader based in southern California. She is the author of the newly released book entitled A Fierce Heart: Finding Strength, Courage and Wisdom in Any Moment. Spring is one of the founders and core teachers at the East Bay Meditation Center, located in downtown Oakland.Find show notes for this episode, links to additional content and more: https://beherenownetwork.com/bhnn-guest-podcast-ep-26-listening-heartSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this podcast, Stephanie Nash interviews Loch Kelly about his unique Shift Into Freedom glimpse method of meditation.Stephanie Nash is a Mindfulness Coach and Integrative Counselor who is an expert in the Unified Mindfulness system developed by Shinzen Young (with whom she has worked closely and) whose techniques and strategies have become an integral part of her personal experience as well as her teaching. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Nick Polizzi sits down with Sandra Ingerman for a conversation around what shamanic practices have to offer the Western world.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on the Be Here Now Network’s Guest Podcast, Piet Hut joins Loch Kelly to discuss what Western science and Tibetan Buddhism have to teach us about the timeless awareness that comes with being in the moment. Piet Hut is one of the founders of YHouse, and currently its President. He is also a Professor of Astrophysics and the Head of the Program in Interdisciplinary Studies at the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton, N.J. He has been invited to give talks at various conferences on science and consciousness for more than 20 years. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this episode of the Be Here Now Network’s Guest Podcast, Graham Hancock joins Nick Polizzi to talk about re-examining the history of humanity and the role sacred medicines have played in our development.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on the Be Here Now Network’s Guest Podcast, Loch Kelly and Stephan Bodian share a conversation about moving beyond mindfulness and towards a more direct approach to lasting peace, happiness and love.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on the Be Here Now Network’s Guest Podcast, Nick Polizzi is joined by ethnopharmacologist Dr. Dennis McKenna for a conversation about the science of psychedelics and the study of plant medicine.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on the Be Here Now Network’s Guest Podcast Mark Epstein, M.D. examines the overlap between psychotherapy and meditation, looking at how we can use the Buddha’s own inner struggle as a model for our own. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this episode of the Be Here Now Network’s Guest Podcast, Trudy Goodman looks at the three pillars of Buddhist practice.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this episode of the Be Here Now Network’s Guest Podcast, Gil Fronsdal shows how we can be happier and less reactive when we are working with suffering, instead of working against it. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this episode of the Be Here Now Guest Podcast, Gil Fronsdal takes a practical look at the state of consciousness known in Buddhism as Samadhi. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ram Dass joins Roshi Joan Halifax for a conversation around rethinking our approach to social action and developing practices that allow us to approach conflict with love and equanimity. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Roshi Joan Halifax is joined by Wendy Johnson at Upaya Zen Center for a conversation about grounding ourselves in the roots of our practice. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sharon Salzberg joins Roshi Joan for a conversation about the fruits of joy and freedom in Buddhist practice.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this episode of the Be Here Now Network’s Guest Podcast, Chris Bashinelli shows us how to become a global citizen by re-defining our beliefs about success and connecting with others.In this keynote speech to The Future Business Leaders of America, Chris Bashinelli shares with us the tools to needed to transform our lives by reshaping our perspective. At a time when external gratification and distraction are at an all-time high, Chris inspires us to connect with a deeper version of ourselves, thereby fostering more authentic relationships with others and with the world around them. Together, we will reimagine what it means to live a life full of success.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this episode of the Be Here Now Network’s Guest Podcast, Gil Fronsdal examines the Five Hindrances of the mind which make it difficult for us to be mindful and presentSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this episode of the Be Here Now Network’s Guest Podcast, Gil Fronsdal explores how to let go of our attachment to outcome and just be.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this episode of the Be Here Now Network’s Guest Podcast, Mirabai Starr and Roshi Joan Halifax take questions from a live audience about the power of love and the need for perseverance. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Gil examines the Buddhist teaching that says nothing needs to be done. Attachment comes in many flavors. Even as we begin to ease our clinging, our expectations and judgments in the moment still control us. Gil explores how practice allows us to move away from this and begin to appreciate that nothing needs to be done. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Roshi Joan explains the Three Jewels of refuge and how we can find a safe place within ourselves. We are given the call to take refuge in the awakened nature of all beings, a refuge in the moment, and in the interconnectedness of all beings. In doing so, we find the Buddha nature within. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Gil Fronsdal returns with guidance on how we might practice during difficult times.   Our first reaction to difficult times is to seek out a temporary relief. What would happen, however, if we focus our attention on letting go of the suffering instead? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Roshi Joan Halifax returns to explore the idea of a blessed catastrophe and reflects on the transformative power of suffering. In this life, there are moments of the blessed catastrophe which challenge our resilience and strength of character. Like a crucible, these moments burn away our faults and impurities. Through her experiences, Roshi Joan gives us insight into working through these trials and how these experiences lead us to the Buddha Nature and the Divine.   See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Gil speaks about the concept of self and not-self. For all the teachings of not-self (anatta) in Buddhism, there is also the concept of the great self (mahatma). Early texts show the character of the Buddha as someone with a very advanced self-concept. He had a strong sense of identity and gave accounts of his experiences and spiritual capacities in the first person. What is the relationship between being spiritually awake and the concept of self? Gil explains that early Buddhist tradition did not try to answer the question of “who am I” initially. Instead, it raises other questions such as “what is freedom?” What is it to be psychologically and spiritually free from the shackles of our own mind? The beginning of wisdom is recognizing that our mental traps exist in the first place. The ancient tradition teaches us to develop our self as an island refuge. From this refuge, we may observe the deceptions and patterns of our mind. Understanding how we are caught in our own traps allows us to overcome them and become free from the vise of self.   See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How does spiritual practice work when we are out in the world and not around those who are committed to being loving all the time? Eventually, we discover that everything is love. Mirabai tells her story of life after the passing of Neem Karoli Baba in 1973. Leaving her community in India, Mirabai asked the question, “How can you be in a world you are not creating and still go where there is no love?” Finding direction in the wisdom of her guru, Mirabai set out on a journey that took her and her family across the world. In her journey, she experienced and learned to see love in everyone. Learning that there really is no them and us. Instead, it is all just us and everything is love. “Never go where there is no love” – Neem Karoli Baba. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, Saints and Sonnets, guest teacher, Mirabai Starr, shares with us the poetry and stories of two Spanish mystic saints who shared a deep devotion and who held a love for God in their heart that burned like fire. Mirabai gives a rich historical context to the lives of St. Teresa of Ávila and St. John of the Cross, and brings many parallels to the eastern spiritual experience. How do we turn our suffering in the darkest of times into a candle of hope? Show Notes 01:15 - After a brief introduction Mirabai begins to tell us of the intertwined stories of, St.John of the Cross and Teresa of Ávila. Both were influenced by the teachings of Judaism and Islam before converting to Catholicism. We are given a better understanding of how their cultural background and Spain's history of mysticism informed their teachings and work. 04:44 - The early life and visionary experiences of Teresa are explored. It is explained via these experiences, that Teresa calls raptures, are very similar to what the Indian saints call samadhi. It is not long however before she attracted the attention of the Inquisition which would come to a head later in life. 09:50 - We jump forward one generation to St. John of the Cross. Born in 1542 to a poor family, John worked as a boy in a nearby hospice to support his parents and siblings. He quickly drew notice with the unique loving-kindness and care he showed the patients there. John is sent by the church to the University of Salamanca on scholarship to study Catholicism, where he is exposed to Islamic teachings as well. 12:15 - Back to 1535, we find Teresa entering the Order of the Carmelites on mount Carmel in modern day northern Isreal. She sees the order as having strayed from its roots and given into materialism and political corruption. Teresa begins a reform that seeks to return to the more contemplative tradition. This is a labor she spends most of her life seeing through to completion. 12:55 - Much later in 1571, struggling with her reformation of the Carmelite Order, Teresa hears stories of the 23-year-old John and summons him to her. John shared her views on reformation and agreed to help Teresa with her efforts. They met quick success and formed the Discalced (barefoot) Carmelite Order, which quickly spreads across the Catholic world. 15:25 - In return for his efforts in helping Teresa reform the order, John is imprisoned by the Inquisition. For nine months he was kept isolated in a cell atop a Spanish monastery. John passed the days by creating and reciting poetry. Through unknown means, John eventually escapes his captivity. Miraculously, he follows a black dog away from the monastery and is led to a local Discalced convent whose nuns brought John back to health. While recovering at the convent, John writes his most famous poem "Dark Night of the Soul", which John called an outpouring of love for God from his soul. 19:40 - Mirabai reads an excerpt from "Dark Night of the Soul", and discusses the meaning behind some of the stanzas. 24:35 - A comparison between Ram Dass's teachings of ego, soul, and with the Christian teachings of Via Negative, the way of negation. 28:11 - A reading of "Keeping Quiet", by Pablo Neruda. 30:30 - A reading of "O My Friends", by Mira Bai 31:40 - Reflections on the journey of the soul. 33:15 - A reading of "Love Dogs", by Rumi. 34:55 - Question and Response  with Mirabai and crowd. Starting with a question on how we know the difference between legitimate accounts of saints and hagiography. 40:10 - How to maintain faith during our personal "dark night of the soul" experience. 46:20 - Mirabai continues the "Q&R" with questions on dealing with paradoxes and trying to grasp at epiphanies.   For events news and more from Mirabai, visit her website. Mirabai Starr writes, speaks and leads retreats on the inter-spiritual teachings of the mystics. Known for her revolutionary translations of John of the Cross, Teresa of Avila, and Julian of Norwich, Mirabai renders mystical masterpieces accessible, beautiful, and relevant to a contemporary circle of seekers. Her commentaries on the interconnected wisdom of all traditions are lyrical and evocative. She builds bridges not only between religious traditions, but also between contemplative life and compassionate service, between cultivating an inner relationship with the Beloved and expressing that intimacy in community, between the transformational power of loss and longing for the sacred. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This talk from Roshi Joan Halifax looks at reversing the dynamic of the defended heart, and finding strength in vulnerability. Roshi reflects on: - How our practice can confirm our inherent strength to uphold ourselves in the midst of any conditions. - To practice or realize fundamental equanimity and stay absolutely tender hearted. - "We are plagued by fear--fear in the experience of a separate and solid self. Which we need to define and defend." - At times even our own spirituality can be put out there as a defense. - Love is a meltdown that re-establishes a more unified base of brilliance goodness and sadness.   See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.