Theravada – Integrating Presence

(A)Political Notes Mostly Reflected In The California Dhamma Scene

(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”

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”

Depth, Integration, and Navigating Spiritual Terrain: In Conversation With Tina Rasmussen

Before I toss this over to AI to summarize / describe our conversation I want to take back that I said Tina “completed the grueling Samatha phase” which of course is anything but grueling. In fact, it is actually beautiful in the beginning, beautiful in the middle and beautiful in the end. I was reachingContinue reading “Depth, Integration, and Navigating Spiritual Terrain: In Conversation With Tina Rasmussen”

Awareness Itself | July 25/26, 2024 “Meditation Q & A With Wendy Nash” #23

In this twenty-third installment of the ongoing live series with Wendy Nash inquiring into meditation practice on and off the cushion we explore awareness itself, particularly in light of just having audited a retreat on it. Retreat Notes Disclaimers: Insights: Types of practices (that occurred to me): Questions: (Somewhat) Related: From https://integratingpresence.com/2022/06/12/podcast-jhanic-factors-and-formless-realms-contemplation-meditation: ‘It’s not aContinue reading “Awareness Itself | July 25/26, 2024 “Meditation Q & A With Wendy Nash” #23”

Multi-month Pāramitā (Perfections) Challenge For March 2022

[4/29/2022 UPDATE: Zero Pāramitā Challenge provided (to me) for Month 8 / April 2022 yet and 5/23/2022 UPDATE: same thing for the month of May and presumably ongoing unless — barring other possibilities — readers and listeners see a new Pāramitā Challenge from the source and/or a new post/podcast published on IntegratingPresence.com] Expediency, supreme enlightenment,Continue reading “Multi-month Pāramitā (Perfections) Challenge For March 2022”

Multi-month Pāramitā (Perfections) Challenge For February 2022

Sangha, criticism, the two truths, service to others, emptiness, generosity, conduct, non-clinging, non-harming, energy, the three unwholesome roots, and clarity round out the main topics for February 2022, month six of “The Pāramitā Challenge”. See also Months 1-3, Month 4 and 5. Instructions are to journal contemplations resulting from observed intentions, opportunities, and actions toContinue reading “Multi-month Pāramitā (Perfections) Challenge For February 2022”

Multi-month Pāramitā (Perfections) Challenge For January 2022

Meditation, concentration, contemplation, intoxicating substances, cravings, awakening, wisdom, and future Buddhahood round out the main topics for month five of “The Pāramitā Challenge” in January 2022. See also Months 1-3 and Month 4.

In addition to contemplating topics about the Pāramitās or Perfections, so far, this challenge also includes precepts, the (10 Abodes from the) 52 Stages of the Bodhisattva Path and Bodhisattva vows.

Instructions are to journal contemplations resulting from observed intentions, opportunities, and actions to be generous, moral and ethical while arousing faith in the Triple Gem then seeing where/when confident and where/when in doubt.

Multi-month Pāramitā (Attainments/Perfections) Challenge For December 2021

Apparently November 2021 was a break so December is month 4 of “The Pāramitā Challenge” (which I previously wrote and spoke on the first three months.)

This month includes the Pāramitā on diligence, the Right Speech precept (also doubling as a past Insight Timer live event) and the middle stages of the 10 Abodes from the 52 Stages of the Bodhisattva.

Multi-month Pāramitā (Attainments/Perfections) Challenge For August, September And October 2021

When presented with “The Pāramitā Challenge” I accepted and here we are. In addition to the Pāramitās or Perfections, so far, the challenge also includes precepts and the 52 Stages of the Bodhisattva Path and Bodhisattva vows.

So far, instructions are to journal contemplations resulting from observed intentions, opportunities, and actions to be generous, moral and ethical while arousing faith in the Triple Gem then seeing where/when confident and where/when in doubt.

I’ve not taken Bodhisattva vows, and so with little instruction in Mahāyāna Buddhism, apart from maybe a smidgen of the zen stuff, there’s the benefit of beginner’s mind is a nice way to put it. I shoot from the hip with a lot in this recording and will often use a Theravada lens and a lot of inquiry as I ponder out loud. It may come off at times as criticism and sometimes it may actually be, but these are mostly solo efforts at summonings what is really meant by the material.