Psychotherapist and meditation teacher Bill Belanger — founder of Mixed Contemplative Arts — shares his journey through Tibetan Buddhism, his decade-long training under Dr. Daniel P. Brown, and how Western Dharma can evolve beyond rigid dogma by focusing on pragmatic, reality-tested results—an approach he compares to Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). We also explore the balanceContinue reading “What Can Western Buddhism Learn From MMA? Psychotherapy, Dzogchen And Prison Dharma With Bill Belanger”
Category Archives: suttas
A Watch In The Ocean: From Silicon Valley To Ordination In Myanmar & Sri Lanka With Bhante Subhūti Bhikkhu
In a swapcast featuring Bhante Bhikkhu Subhuti, an American Buddhist monastic, he shares his journey from layperson to monk in Sri Lanka over 20 years. The discussion covers meditation practices, the integration of Dhamma into daily life, and advice for lay practitioners on spiritual development, emphasizing both traditional and practical aspects of Buddhism.
Recent Dhamma Vibes — Aug 2026
(Thanks to the Dhamma friends and teachers for sharing / pointing these out) The Autobiography and Dhamma Teachings of Ajahn Dtun — dedicated and relentless practice Obstructions to concentration (based on the Upakkilesa Sutta) The Tip of the Fingernail — Nakhasikhā Sutta (SN 13:1) — https://www.dhammatalks.org/suttas/SN/SN13_1.html To Kaccāna Gotta – Kaccānagotta Sutta (SN 12:15) — Therīpadāna —Continue reading “Recent Dhamma Vibes — Aug 2026”
“Happiness” Chapter 11 (Part 2) From Buddhadhamma: The Laws Of Nature And Their Benefits To Life
Due to the size of this chapter this is part 2 of the eleventh chapter “Happiness” (starting with subchapter 11.9 “Happiness and Ethics” to the end of Chapter 11) 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 ©Continue reading ““Happiness” Chapter 11 (Part 2) From Buddhadhamma: The Laws Of Nature And Their Benefits To Life”
July Retreats and Updates
Brief note: I’m on for almost back to back retreats at IMS and Dhammasukha in July which will likely see little to no internet interactions until near end of July for another Meditation Q & A and to start editing a cohosted swapcast with a monastic guest recorded yesterday. Related: https://integratingpresence.com/2023/10/04/buddhist-cosmology-structure-and-access-with-ajahn-punnadhammo/ Post Retreats Update: SomeContinue reading “July Retreats and Updates”
“Happiness” Chapter 11 (Part 1) From Buddhadhamma: The Laws Of Nature And Their Benefits To Life
Due to the size of this chapter this is part 1 of the eleventh chapter “Happiness” (spanning to the end of subchapter 11.8 “Review of Different Forms of Happiness”) 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 ©Continue reading ““Happiness” Chapter 11 (Part 1) From Buddhadhamma: The Laws Of Nature And Their Benefits To Life”
Peace Walks Inward: Peace Pilgrimage, Resolving Inner Conflict, (Authentic) Dharma Lineages, Brahma Viharas and Navigating Duality with Asoka
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.
“The Buddhist Teachings On Desire” Chapter 10 From Buddhadhamma: The Laws Of Nature And Their Benefits To Life
This is the tenth chapter “The Buddhist Teachings On Desire” 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 Buddhist Teachings On Desire” Chapter 10 From Buddhadhamma: The Laws Of Nature And Their Benefits To Life”
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”
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: Anapana as a Universal Doorway: Richard shares his 55-year practice rooted in breath meditation, emphasizing its accessibility andContinue reading “Breath, Light, The Inner Teacher And The Vastness Of Samadhi | Anapanasati Series With Richard Shankman”
