(Ai assist:) A short, unscripted solo reflection on some subtle patterns showing up at the intersection of Western Dhamma practice, language, and politics — especially in the California scene. Topics touched on: No finger-pointing, no conclusions forced — just honest observations offered with metta Ai cleaned transcript with some extra edits by me: I’d beenContinue reading “(A)Political Notes Mostly Reflected In The California Dhamma Scene”
Category Archives: Buddhism
Faith, Persistence, Nimitta, Waiting For Jhana And The Four Elements | Anapanasati Series With Brian Newman
(Ai assist:) Executive coach and deep Dharma practitioner Brian Newman shares his journey into the Pa-Auk Sayadaw meditation lineage and the transformative power of strong samatha (concentration) practice. Brian explains how the need for unwavering presence in his coaching work led him to meditation, quitting alcohol, and eventually discovering that the ancient maps of theContinue reading “Faith, Persistence, Nimitta, Waiting For Jhana And The Four Elements | Anapanasati Series With Brian Newman”
(Losing) Balance in Dharma | “Meditation Q & A With Wendy Nash” #37
This is the thirty-seventh installment of the ongoing live series with Wendy Nash inquiring into meditation practice on and off the cushion. I recently witnessed a reoccurrence of various perplexing sentiments from the (USA) West Coast Dharma scene (which even parallel general society). After running this by Wendy she rightly pointed out tinges of self-righteousnessContinue reading “(Losing) Balance in Dharma | “Meditation Q & A With Wendy Nash” #37”
Breath, Light, The Inner Teacher And The Vastness Of Samadhi | Anapanasati Series With Richard Shankman
(Ai Assist:) Richard Shankman, author of the seminal book The Experience of Samādhi, gives a deep exploration of mindfulness of breathing (anapana), samadhi, jhana, and the fluid, often misunderstood nature of deep meditative states. Key Themes Discussed: Tone & Takeaway Warm, humble, and boldly honest, Richard dismantles dogmatic barriers while honoring tradition. The conversation isContinue reading “Breath, Light, The Inner Teacher And The Vastness Of Samadhi | Anapanasati Series With Richard Shankman”
Trust | “Meditation Q & A With Wendy Nash” #36
In this thirty-sixth installment of the ongoing live series with Wendy Nash inquiring into meditation practice on and off the cushion we delve into trust: its aspects in and outside of formal meditation and how these interrelate and feed into each other as well as the importance of trust for so many things. To nameContinue reading “Trust | “Meditation Q & A With Wendy Nash” #36”
“The Supernatural and the Divine” Chapter 9 From Buddhadhamma: The Laws Of Nature And Their Benefits To Life
This is the ninth chapter “The Supernatural and the Divine” from the book: Buddhadhamma: The Laws Of Nature And Their Benefits To Life by Bhikkhu P. A. Payutto (Somdet Phra Buddhaghosacariya) Published by Buddhadhamma FoundationCopyright © Buddhadhamma Foundation 2021Translated by Robin Philip Moore Editor: Bhikkhu Kovilo, typesetting: Bhikkhu Gambhīro Download this e-book in PDF, EPUB and MOBIContinue reading ““The Supernatural and the Divine” Chapter 9 From Buddhadhamma: The Laws Of Nature And Their Benefits To Life”
Bridging Ancient & Modern: Bhutan’s Landmark Global Peace Prayer Festival With Asoka
Global prayer for peace echoes across Bhutan: Event festivities highlight compassion, harmony, and cultural heritage, writes Jitsiree Thongnoi in Bhutan — https://www.bangkokpost.com/world/3134848/global-prayer-for-peace-echoes-across-bhutan (Ai assist:) In this swapcast episode I speak with Asoka from “Echoes and Story of Dharma” about the inaugural Global Peace Prayer Festival in Bhutan, scheduled from November 4-19, 2025. The discussion providesContinue reading “Bridging Ancient & Modern: Bhutan’s Landmark Global Peace Prayer Festival With Asoka”
Is There An Objective Purpose In Life? | “Meditation Q & A With Wendy Nash” #35
In this thirty-fifth installment of the ongoing live series with Wendy Nash inquiring into meditation practice on and off the cushion we delve into this question from user “xXHishamXx” we received at the end of last month’s session: “Is There An Objective Purpose In Life?” including relevance to meditation practice. My short answer is answeringContinue reading “Is There An Objective Purpose In Life? | “Meditation Q & A With Wendy Nash” #35”
“Calm And Insight” Chapter 8 From Buddhadhamma: The Laws Of Nature And Their Benefits To Life
This is the eighth chapter “Calm And Insight” from the book: Buddhadhamma: The Laws Of Nature And Their Benefits To Life by Bhikkhu P. A. Payutto (Somdet Phra Buddhaghosacariya) Published by Buddhadhamma FoundationCopyright © Buddhadhamma Foundation 2021Translated by Robin Philip Moore Editor: Bhikkhu Kovilo, typesetting: Bhikkhu Gambhīro Download this e-book in PDF, EPUB and MOBI formats atContinue reading ““Calm And Insight” Chapter 8 From Buddhadhamma: The Laws Of Nature And Their Benefits To Life”
Death, Breath, and Awakening: From Punk To Zen And Mindfulness Yoga | Anapanasati Series With Frank Jude Boccio
(Ai helps sum up nicely thus:) Zen and yoga teacher Frank Jude Boccio and I chat about the intersections of mindfulness, yoga, and Buddhist practice. Frank shares his journey from the punk scene in New York to decades of teaching meditation and yoga, influenced by Thích Nhất Hạnh and Zen traditions. We explore mindfulness ofContinue reading “Death, Breath, and Awakening: From Punk To Zen And Mindfulness Yoga | Anapanasati Series With Frank Jude Boccio”
Integrating Presence 