Asoka and I explore identity, self-exploration, and a 120-day Peace Walk by Buddhist monastics promoting inner peace and compassion. We emphasize themes like non-duality, ethical practice, and the importance of inner peace as a foundation for external harmony, alongside challenges in modern society, including technology and political conflicts.
Category Archives: Dharma Questions
Ānāpānasati with Heart, Parts Work & Grief | Ānāpānasati Series With Laura Geller & Willie Kunert
(Ai assist:) Enter Laura Geller and Willie Kunert—a married couple who met at Oberlin College almost 20 years ago, began meditating together as undergrads, lived in Southeast Asian monasteries, and now combine deep Buddhist practice with psychotherapy. Laura (an assistant teacher under Beth Upton in the Pa-Auk tradition) and Willie (hospice chaplain, grief therapist) shareContinue reading “Ānāpānasati with Heart, Parts Work & Grief | Ānāpānasati Series With Laura Geller & Willie Kunert”
Breath as an Anchor & Refuge for the Digital Age | Anapanasati Series With Jacques Rutzky
[ original unedited version: https://youtu.be/rJlxn1OZkms ] (Ai assisted:) In this fourth episode of the anapanasati series Integrating Presence welcomes meditation teacher Jacques Rutzky for a deep, personal conversation on mindfulness of breathing (anapanasati) and its role in daily life. Jacques shares his 50+ year journey into meditation—starting at age 16 in Detroit, discovering the PaliContinue reading “Breath as an Anchor & Refuge for the Digital Age | Anapanasati Series With Jacques Rutzky”
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”
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”
Mystery, Mindfulness, Liberation & Everyday Dharma | Anapanasati Series Premiere With Stephen Fulder
In this premiere episode of the Anapanasati series, Dharma teacher Stephen Fulder shares insights from his 50 years of practice, emphasizing a heartfelt approach to breath meditation. He advocates celebrating impermanence, balancing effort with trust, and fostering kindness. Fulder highlights the breath’s significance in overcoming challenges and discusses his new book and upcoming online events.
Is There A “Buddhist” Eschatology? Between Buddhas: A Somewhat Long View Of Cosmic Timelines
For those who’d rather not listen and/or potentially have more coherence here’s how AI edited my reflection (with slight edits from me): It’s early August 2025, and I want to start with a disclaimer. Some of you might hear this and think, “That’s pretty woo-woo, tripped-out speculation—cool, far-out stuff, man.” Others might think, “This isContinue reading “Is There A “Buddhist” Eschatology? Between Buddhas: A Somewhat Long View Of Cosmic Timelines”
Catalysts For Awakening And Change Series: From Autopilot To Awareness: Ivor “Gently’s” Inner Upheaval Into Intuition, Insight And Radical Responsibility
Ivor “Gently” shares his transformative journey from a conventional life to a spiritual path marked by significant awakenings. He explores themes like the unraveling of identity, ethical decision-making, and the importance of meditation and intuition. Ivor emphasizes individual growth, collective well-being, and accepting radical responsibility in one’s spiritual quest.
Thoughts And Questions On “The Mystery Of The Breath Nimitta” Or, The Case Of The Missing Simile By Ajahn Sona
While I have still maintained my moratorium on writing and talking solo about jhāna and nimitta, from time to time I do speak with others and discuss others’ writings on the topic, as I do here with “The Mystery of the Breath Nimitta: Or, The Case of the Missing Simile — An Essay on AspectsContinue reading “Thoughts And Questions On “The Mystery Of The Breath Nimitta” Or, The Case Of The Missing Simile By Ajahn Sona”
Current Practice Share | “Meditation Q & A With Wendy Nash” #32
In this thirty-second installment of the ongoing live series with Wendy Nash inquiring into meditation practice on and off the cushion we plan to share our current (meditation) practices. Stuff like what they are, for how long we’ve been doing them, how they are going, why we are doing them, etc. asking each other (specific)Continue reading “Current Practice Share | “Meditation Q & A With Wendy Nash” #32”
Integrating Presence 