Awake in the World Podcast is a library of talks on a wide-range of topics, including bringing mindfulness and meditation practice into daily life; personal and community issues regarding mental health; and social change. The podcasts were recorded at live events so you might hear coughing, airplanes, cars, sirens, laughter, and peoples’ questions—all part of the intimate experience. Michael Stone (1974-2017) was a Buddhist teacher, author, and mental health advocate. His legacy is stewarded ...
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Best of Awake in the World: I Saw You Fall, So I Helped (Portland)
40:30
40:30
बाद में चलाएं
बाद में चलाएं
सूचियाँ
पसंद
पसंद
40:30
In this Best of Awake in the world episode, Michael explores what it truly means to live a life of deep care and openness—how it’s not about needing a title or a badge, but about the genuine commitment to serve others. He reflects on the Bodhisattva spirit, the vow to offer ourselves in service, no matter the circumstances. This lecture is a heartf…
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Best of Awake in the World: Moment To Moment Non-Stop Flow
55:09
55:09
बाद में चलाएं
बाद में चलाएं
सूचियाँ
पसंद
पसंद
55:09
In this Best of Awake in the World episode Michael speaks about bowing, forms of practice, gratitude, extending meditation beyond the cushion, and appreciating the practice of others during silent retreat. Recorded December 29, 2016 at Chapin Mill, New York.The Awake in the World podcast is brought to you by the generosity of our amazing Patreon su…
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Best of Awake in the World: Letting Go of Expectations & Having the Last Word
36:22
36:22
बाद में चलाएं
बाद में चलाएं
सूचियाँ
पसंद
पसंद
36:22
In this Best of Awake in the World episode, Michael begins his teaching on concentration techniques by connecting attention with the body. He emphasizes understanding the expectations we place on ourselves and others, highlighting how attachment can lead to suffering and the importance of not allowing others to dictate our feelings. Ironically, the…
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Best of Awake in the World: From Fear to Sympathy
47:13
47:13
बाद में चलाएं
बाद में चलाएं
सूचियाँ
पसंद
पसंद
47:13
In this Best of Awake in the World episode, Michael examines how to meet others who are in fear or anxiety, how to help anxious kids, how to validate the feelings of other people without exacerbating what’s going on for them, and how to develop concentration (jhana) practice. Wisconsin. Recorded March 26, 2017.…
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Best of Awake in the World: You Can’t Make A Person Into a Buddha
53:26
53:26
बाद में चलाएं
बाद में चलाएं
सूचियाँ
पसंद
पसंद
53:26
In this Best of Awake in the World episode, Michael explores practicing without an idea of gain, the Universal Self, Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche, the Buddha and Shunryu Suzuki. How can you blend your breath with the larger self? Moksha Westshore, B.C. Recorded February 18, 2017.The Awake in the World podcast is brought to you by the generosity of our …
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Ego & Essence: Cultivating Connection
33:35
33:35
बाद में चलाएं
बाद में चलाएं
सूचियाँ
पसंद
पसंद
33:35
Michael examines the fragile nature of the self while questioning how our egos—rooted in fear and craving—can create barriers to true togetherness. Through mindful attention to the present moment, we can renounce the grasping that fills our perceived voids as we navigate the ethical landscape of community, and our moral responsibility to care for e…
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The Paradoxes of Commitment and the Human Experience
57:08
57:08
बाद में चलाएं
बाद में चलाएं
सूचियाँ
पसंद
पसंद
57:08
In this episode, Michael examines the struggle between our intentions and the distractions that often arise when we seek to make meaningful changes in our lives. Drawing on thought-provoking examples—from donning the robes of a monk only to be tempted by life's vices, to the allure of love that strikes when we least expect it—we reflect on how old …
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25 Minute Guided Ashtanga Meditation
27:47
27:47
बाद में चलाएं
बाद में चलाएं
सूचियाँ
पसंद
पसंद
27:47
Michael leads a 25-minute guided meditation class that begins with the beautiful chanting of the Ashtanga Yoga Prayer. This practice encourages you to bring your awareness inward, grounding your gaze as you settle into the rhythm of your breath. Ideal for practitioners of all levels, this meditation invites you to find your mat, relax, and let your…
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In the second half of our exploration into Chapter 4 of the Yoga Sutra, Michael illuminates the distinction between our transient experiences and the underlying pure awareness that observes them. By recognizing this separation consciousness can realign itself toward true freedom. This shift in understanding enables a deeper liberation, as we grasp …
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In this episode, Michael investigates Chapter 4 of the Yoga Sutra, focusing on the concept of Samadhi, a state of meditative consciousness. Discover how Patanjali presents samadhi as both a process and a state that can arise through various avenues. Michael discusses how though integral to yoga, samadhi is not the ultimate goal but rather one of th…
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Michael teaches the distinction between pain and suffering and how everything is about healing. He explores the psychology behind these often intertwined experiences through the lens of one of the Buddha’s lesser-known teachings: The Two Darts. Michael begins by introducing this concept, offering a fresh perspective on how we can approach and manag…
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8 Limbs: Unveiling Our True Selves
57:58
57:58
बाद में चलाएं
बाद में चलाएं
सूचियाँ
पसंद
पसंद
57:58
In the second part of our dharma talk series, Michael builds upon our previous discussion on the Eight Limbs of Yoga and the Bhagavad Gita. Reflecting on how our actions and relationships influence our practice, he emphasizes the importance of addressing habitual patterns of thought and behaviour. Michael explores the challenge of recognizing our o…
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The 8 Limbs: Suggestions for Living Wisely
46:08
46:08
बाद में चलाएं
बाद में चलाएं
सूचियाँ
पसंद
पसंद
46:08
In this episode, Michael explores how the 8 limbs of yoga and their connections to everyday life form a continuous circle rather than a straight line. He explains that the Yamas are not commandments, but suggestions for how to live wisely and how to avoid false categorizations.The Awake in the World podcast is brought to you by the generosity of ou…
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Commitment: Embodied Perception
1:18:12
1:18:12
बाद में चलाएं
बाद में चलाएं
सूचियाँ
पसंद
पसंद
1:18:12
In this episode, Michael explores how our identities—shaped by body, gender, and culture—inform our worldview. He engages with experts and everyday thinkers to deepen our understanding of these complex topics, while also reflecting on how personal commitments and our own theories shape our perception of reality and ultimately, ourselves. Recorded D…
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In this episode, Michael explores the intersection of personal experience and spiritual practice. He discusses the Bhagavad Gita, focusing on Chapter 10, where Arjuna faces an inner conflict as he sees his own kin on the opposing side of the battlefield. This moment serves as a powerful metaphor for the paradoxes we encounter in life, grappling bet…
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Best of Awake in the World: Free to be Nobody
1:12:11
1:12:11
बाद में चलाएं
बाद में चलाएं
सूचियाँ
पसंद
पसंद
1:12:11
In this Best of Awake in the World episode on freedom and discipline, Michael explores how genuine freedom is achieved by peeling away the deeply ingrained habits of self-creation, such as striving, intellectualizing, clinging, and storytelling. By becoming aware of these tendencies, we can open up space for contentment, presence, and new possibili…
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Best of Awake in the World: What Are You Going to Let Go Of?
1:10:30
1:10:30
बाद में चलाएं
बाद में चलाएं
सूचियाँ
पसंद
पसंद
1:10:30
In this Best of Awake in the World episode Michael Starts off with a poem by Hafiz about haggling with God, he offers insights about ways to simplify and deepen practice, giving and receiving, renunciation, and ideas we need to let go of. Recorded on November 8, 2007.The Awake in the World podcast is brought to you by the generosity of our amazing …
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In the final episode of our series on the core teachings of the Buddha, Michael reflects on how to face life's uncertainties without succumbing to fear. Drawing from the dying Buddha’s advice to his friend Ananda, Michael explores the importance of finding refuge within ourselves. Amidst the impermanence and fragility of life, the Buddha encourages…
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What Are You Going to Do with What You’ve Got?
38:39
38:39
बाद में चलाएं
बाद में चलाएं
सूचियाँ
पसंद
पसंद
38:39
In the seventh episode of our 8-part series, Michael explores the Buddha’s teachings on karma. Contrary to fate, karma is seen as the actions that define who we are. Drawing from key texts, Michael explains how karma is intertwined with our experience of interdependence. The Buddha emphasizes that our feelings, thoughts, and actions are shaped by c…
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In the sixth episode of our series, Michael explores how meditation can facilitate a gentle openness to life. Drawing from Allen Ginsberg’s translation of Basho’s poetry and the Buddha’s teachings on "Conditioned Arising" and "Consciousness," Michael delves into the interconnectedness of existence. According to the Buddha, even consciousness arises…
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In the fifth episode of our series on the core teachings of the Buddha, Michael challenges common interpretations of nirvana and The Four Noble Truths. Drawing from "The Noble Quest" in the Majjhima Nikaya, Michael presents nirvana as something subtle and accessible within our lived experience, rather than a distant state to be attained through pra…
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In the fourth episode of our series on the core teachings of the Buddha, Michael explores how to let go of rigid identities and ideologies. Drawing from Vedic culture and parables in the Majjhima Nikaya, Michael shows how to offer our concepts of self and separateness to the metaphorical fire. The Buddha teaches that our bodies and minds are interd…
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In this third episode in the eight-part series, Michael explores the Buddha's teachings on transforming pain and uncovering truth. By exploring the parable of The City in the Samyutta Nikaya, Michael examines the Eightfold Path and the Four Noble Truths, emphasizing the importance of responding to suffering and dissatisfaction in our time.Follow al…
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In this second episode on the core teachings of the Buddha, Michael delves into the Buddha’s Middle Way. Without absolute truths or a single path, how do we navigate life? Michael highlights the human aspect of the Buddha's teachings, suggesting that practice is about compassionate engagement with the present rather than seeking enlightenment. By d…
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Before Buddhism: The Buddha’s Early Teachings on Liberation
48:09
48:09
बाद में चलाएं
बाद में चलाएं
सूचियाँ
पसंद
पसंद
48:09
In this first episode of an eight-part series, Michael explores the teachings of the Buddha before the rise of Buddhism as a religion. How was the world created? Is there a soul? Are the body and mind separate? These timeless questions, pondered by the Buddha, are examined against a backdrop of strict class systems, rigid religious beliefs, and gen…
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Best of Awake in the World: 20 min. Guided Meditation Mindfulness of the Breathing Body
24:10
24:10
बाद में चलाएं
बाद में चलाएं
सूचियाँ
पसंद
पसंद
24:10
In this Best of Awake in the World episode Michael leads a 20 minute guided meditation on Mindfulness of the breathing body in the abdomen to settle thoughts. Recorded 2017.The Awake in the World podcast is brought to you by the generosity of our amazing Patreon supporters, making it possible for us to keep Michael's archive of teachings available …
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Lotus Sutra, Part 20: Forgiveness as the Heart of Practice
1:07:29
1:07:29
बाद में चलाएं
बाद में चलाएं
सूचियाँ
पसंद
पसंद
1:07:29
This final episode of the unearthed Lotus Sutra podcast episodes, Michael discusses how the deepest practice a bodhisattva can ever do is to listen deeply and how the deepest thing we can ever experience is having a change of heart. This talk was recorded at Centre of Gravity's last evening at the Bellwoods location, July 12, 2011.The entire 2011 L…
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As we wrap up the newly located additions to the Awake in the World Lotus Sutra podcast episodes, Michael shares a discussion about contemplating someone in your life who you have a hard time seeing as a Buddha. Buddha Nature is your imagination and the way you can re-see people who have wounded you. Recorded June 28, 2011.Episodes of the 2011 Lotu…
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In this Awake in the World podcast episode, Michael shares a story of never disparaging Buddha and Mark Ragosian who lived in Woodstock New York. There is nowhere you can stand that is not a place the Buddha hasn't practiced. The Buddha was enlightened right where you are standing. If you can see others as a Buddha you are a Buddha—even animals and…
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In this Awake in the World podcast episode, Grant Hutchinson and Carina Stone give a talk on Chapter 15 and 16 of the Lotus Sutra based on their study group. Seeing what is actually in our lives, not just what we want to see. If your kids won't take medicine how do you give it to them? Recorded June 21, 2011.Episodes of the 2011 Lotus Sutra collect…
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Lotus Sutra, Part 16: The Empty Room
1:04:22
1:04:22
बाद में चलाएं
बाद में चलाएं
सूचियाँ
पसंद
पसंद
1:04:22
In this Awake in the World podcast episode, Mike Holboom and Christine Koch give talks on Chapter 15 of the Lotus Sutra. One day I can have such a killer exhale that I end as a puddle of bones on the floor and time passes instantly. Recorded June 14, 2011.Episodes of the 2011 Lotus Sutra collection will be added (as we uncover them) to a playlist h…
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In this Awake in the World podcast episode, Michael unpacks some parables to explore the story of an 8 year old girl who wakes up and touches every place in the Universe. There is no such thing as an atom. Everyone continually breaks down infinitely. How fast can a young woman get enlightened, especially if she is underwater? Recorded June 7, 2011.…
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Lotus Sutra, Part 14: Life is like a funeral
59:34
59:34
बाद में चलाएं
बाद में चलाएं
सूचियाँ
पसंद
पसंद
59:34
In this Awake in the World podcast episode, Michael talks about fear, community and how it grows. He shares a poem by Leonard Cohen and then he reads his own poem about his mother. Recorded May 31, 2011.As we uncover some of the long-lost episodes of the 2011 Lotus Sutra collection we’ll be adding podcast episodes as they go up to a playlist here: …
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Lotus Sutra, Part 13: We Need Bodhisattvas
1:04:25
1:04:25
बाद में चलाएं
बाद में चलाएं
सूचियाँ
पसंद
पसंद
1:04:25
Michael talks about people who can rub our back and say "it's ok" and everything they do is jewelled. Recorded May 24, 2011.As we uncover some of the long-lost episodes of the 2011 Lotus Sutra collection we’ll be adding podcast episodes as they go up to a playlist here: soundcloud.com/michaelstoneteaching/sets/lotus-sutraWhile some of the audio pod…
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Lotus Sutra, Part 11: A Jewel in Your Coat
45:58
45:58
बाद में चलाएं
बाद में चलाएं
सूचियाँ
पसंद
पसंद
45:58
In this recently found Lotus Sutra podcast episode, Michael shares a story about a man who falls asleep at a party and someone sews a jewel in his coat. Some have done this for you too. Can you realize your treasures? Recorded May 17, 2011.As we uncover some of the long-lost episodes of the 2011 Lotus Sutra collection we’ll be adding podcast episod…
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Best of Awake in the World: Lotus Sutra 9: What Ideas Do We Have Lying Around?
51:01
51:01
बाद में चलाएं
बाद में चलाएं
सूचियाँ
पसंद
पसंद
51:01
In this Best of Awake in the World podcast episode Michael talks about Milton Friedman, Emmanuel Levinas, and how when we don't see another's face, face to face, it's easy to kill. This talk happens after Osama Bin Laden's death and the Canadian election. It goes back and forth between internal practices and community life.The Awake in the World po…
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Lotus Sutra, Part 8: The Phantom City
37:29
37:29
बाद में चलाएं
बाद में चलाएं
सूचियाँ
पसंद
पसंद
37:29
Michael talks about the precepts ceremony, the illusion of time, decay, and the way we set up goals for ourselves, like phantom cities, only to be shocked when we realize that they're not as real as we once thought. How do we respond when we realize that our goals are actually ideas, phantom cities, that are helpful, but ultimately unreliable. Reco…
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Best of Awake in the World: Lotus Sutra, Part 7: Time in the Lotus Sutra
47:44
47:44
बाद में चलाएं
बाद में चलाएं
सूचियाँ
पसंद
पसंद
47:44
In this Best of Awake in the World podcast episode Michael asks some important questions. How many kalpas, ages, eons, did the Buddha sit still before he could wake up? Why did it take so long? It takes a while for the light to shine into the darkest places. What is our relationship to time? Recorded on April 12, 2011.The Awake in the World podcast…
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Best of Awake in the World: Lotus Sutra, Part 6: The Parable of the Prodigal Son
58:13
58:13
बाद में चलाएं
बाद में चलाएं
सूचियाँ
पसंद
पसंद
58:13
In this Best of Awake in the World podcast episode Michael uses the parable of a son who leaves his father and 50 years later the father finds ways of healing the son's low self-esteem. You don't have to be good or walk on your knees for a hundred miles, just love what you love. Recorded at Centre of Gravity, Toronto, on April 5 2011.The Awake in t…
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Best of Awake in the World: Lotus Sutra, Part 5: Upaya & The Parable of the Burning House
1:03:57
1:03:57
बाद में चलाएं
बाद में चलाएं
सूचियाँ
पसंद
पसंद
1:03:57
In this Best of Awake in the World podcast episode Michael begins by discussing death and Japan's earthquake. Using the image of the burning house and a father trying to save his children, he teaches how we need to leave our burning houses on our own steam, nobody can do it for us. The father in the parable, like the Buddha, uses skillful means to …
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Best of Awake in the World: Lotus Sutra, Part 4 (Q & A)
17:30
17:30
बाद में चलाएं
बाद में चलाएं
सूचियाँ
पसंद
पसंद
17:30
This Best of Awake in the World podcast episode is a Question and answer period with Michael after Lotus Sutra, Part 4 talk. None of the teachings are true! Even the ones about your own life. Part 2 of 2. Recorded on March 22, 2011.The Awake in the World podcast is brought to you by the generosity of our amazing Patreon supporters, making it possib…
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Best of Awake in the World: Lotus Sutra, Part 4
30:16
30:16
बाद में चलाएं
बाद में चलाएं
सूचियाँ
पसंद
पसंद
30:16
Michael talks about Fukushima, Japan, and Libya in this Best of Awake in the World podcast, and how lucky we are to practice in a place that is safe. How Mahayana Buddhism developed after the death of the Buddha with an emphasis on serving others and putting off personal enlightenment to serve the world. The talk ends with a moving story about a hi…
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Best of Awake in the World: Lotus Sutra, Part 3 - Upaya: Skill and Wisdom
1:01:39
1:01:39
बाद में चलाएं
बाद में चलाएं
सूचियाँ
पसंद
पसंद
1:01:39
In this Best of Awake in the World podcast episode, Michael teaches that it's not enough that our intentions are clear, our actions need to make a difference. Being a Bodhisattva means serving all beings including one's self, yet this can only occur when we see all beings as Buddhas. Recorded on March 16, 2011.As we unearth some of the long-lost ep…
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Guess what? After a deep-dive into our archives, we've unearthed some hidden gems! Most of the long-lost episodes of the 2011 Lotus Sutra collection are now found.In this Awake in the World podcast episode, Michael introduces the first section of the Lotus Sutra where the Buddha casts a light from the centre of his eyebrows and wakes up 18,000 worl…
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Best of Awake in the World: The Way Seeking Heart
46:01
46:01
बाद में चलाएं
बाद में चलाएं
सूचियाँ
पसंद
पसंद
46:01
As we approach the end of the year We will be sharing talks from Michael’s New Year’s Silent Retreats. In this episode, Michael offers an introduction to the five day silent New Year's Retreat. Michael talks about what can show up on retreat, and Dogen’s idea of the Way Seeking Heart. Recorded December 28, 2010.The Awake in the World podcast is bro…
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Best of Awake in the World: Reverence
45:13
45:13
बाद में चलाएं
बाद में चलाएं
सूचियाँ
पसंद
पसंद
45:13
We will be sharing talks from Michael’s New Year’s Silent Retreats as we approach the end of the year. In this episode, Michael gives a talk on depression, mental health, the negativity bias in the brain, and how we can have reverence for every moment of our lives. He talks about the Dalai Lama, photographer Nan Goldin, neuroscientist Rick Hanson, …
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Best of Awake in the World: Learn How to Stop Breaking Things
37:43
37:43
बाद में चलाएं
बाद में चलाएं
सूचियाँ
पसंद
पसंद
37:43
As we approach the end of the year we will be sharing talks from Michael’s New Year’s Silent Retreats. In this episode, Michael gives a talk on Dogen and how to practice meditation without memory and imagination. Learn to step back and turn your light inwards. Living in your small grass hut, covered in weeds. This podcast episode is from our archiv…
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In this talk, Michael summarizes his teachings and introduces a key passage on dealing with obstacles to practice from the Yoga-Sutra of Patanjali.These talks are part of a series on the psychology of yoga and Buddhism and were recorded in front of a small group in Toronto in 2015. Michael used a large whiteboard to draw diagrams and define terms. …
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Investigating Our Experience Without Identifying
44:58
44:58
बाद में चलाएं
बाद में चलाएं
सूचियाँ
पसंद
पसंद
44:58
In this talk, Michael explains the last two steps of the SAIN method and reintroduces the 3 Characteristics as part of the process of investigation and non- identification.These talks are part of a series on the psychology of yoga and Buddhism and were recorded in front of a small group in Toronto in 2015. Michael used a large whiteboard to draw di…
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In this talk, Michael introduces the acronym SAIN as a method for applying mindfulness techniques to our daily lives in order to help free us from our addictive and unskillful behaviour.These talks are part of a series on the psychology of yoga and Buddhism and were recorded in front of a small group in Toronto in 2015. Michael used a large whitebo…
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