buddhist wisdom

In this episode, we explore the topic of attachment and its role in our lives. Dr. Seth Zuiho Segal challenges the common belief that Buddhism advocates for non-attachment in all aspects of life. He explains that there are different kinds of attachments, including attachments to people, objects, opinions, and self-identity. While certain attachments can be limiting, Seth argues that relationships are crucial for our overall well-being and that they provide an opportunity to practice mindfulness and compassion. He encourages listeners to prioritize the quality of their relationships and to embrace the complexities of attachment.

 

Venerable De shares personal experience of forming attachments to people who mistreated him and the subsequent impact on his self-worth. He emphasizes the importance of letting go of negative self-views and hard feelings towards abusers in order to move forward and live a healthy life. Venerable De also highlights the significance of offering loving kindness and compassion, both to oneself and to others, as a means of healing and finding solace in difficult times.

 

Mary Stancavage, discusses the concept of letting go of attachments to certain identities or perceptions of oneself. She reflects on her own journey of rediscovering her passion for archaeology without attaching her self-worth to it. Mary advises listeners to dig deep and question the underlying motivations behind their attachments, suggesting that the true source of discomfort often lies beneath the surface.

 

Dave Smith cautions against viewing attachment as inherently negative. He argues that it is rather the greed and clinging associated with attachment that can lead to suffering. Dave introduces the term "lobha" or greed and explains its role in fueling attachment. He encourages listeners to practice kindness and patience towards themselves and others, emphasizing the importance of cultivating a metta (loving-kindness) practice.

 

Throughout the episode, the speakers challenge common misconceptions about attachment and offer insights into how we can navigate its complexities. They highlight the role of relationships, self-reflection, and mindfulness in finding balance and fostering well-being. By exploring the nuances of attachment, listeners are encouraged to develop a greater understanding of themselves and their connections to others.

In today's episode, we will be contemplating the rules and our responses to them, drawing examples from both professional and spiritual realms.

In her professional life, Margaret teaches project management, guiding individuals in planning and implementing various initiatives. In an introductory course, participants often question the necessity of following all the recommended best practices. Margaret explains that while they are not obligated to do so, it is important to be aware of these tools and practices, as you cannot utilize what you do not know exists. By ignoring these tools, you may miss out on valuable insights and potential positive outcomes.

Moving on to more advanced discussions, Margaret emphasize the importance of understanding rules before choosing to disregard them. In certain professional settings, there are individuals who can go against organizational culture or policies without facing negative repercussions. These individuals possess a deep understanding of what they are doing and why, exhibiting wisdom in their actions. It is not about rebellious rule-breaking, but rather the discernment gained through experience and knowledge.

Now, let us shift our focus to our spiritual practice. Reflecting on our previous episode, where we explored the Noble Eightfold Path, we realize that our Buddhist practice has its own set of rules. However, it is crucial to remember that these rules are not meant for cherry-picking.

You may have come across the Kalama sutta, which some individuals use as an opportunity to dismiss Buddhist teachings. This sutta encourages us to question and validate our beliefs through personal experience and wisdom. It highlights the need to be mindful of our intentions and the potential harm that may arise from unskillful qualities.

Traditions should not be followed blindly solely because they are traditions, and reports cannot be trusted solely based on the reliability of their sources. Our own preferences should not guide us unless they are thoroughly tested and proven beneficial. It is essential to practice appropriate attention and seek guidance from wise individuals, which we refer to as having admirable friends.

In our own journeys of self-discovery, we can benefit from incorporating these ideas into our own practice and rules. Before making decisions, we should inquire about our intentions, consider the likely outcomes, and seek the counsel of those we trust and admire. By doing so, we can cultivate wisdom and make choices that align with our spiritual path.

 

Congratulations, after much work, you have reached the mountain top and are wise. Now, all you need to do is sit back, and relax. Enjoy the rest of your time in this life and revel in your wisdom.

You know better! Wisdom is challenging to obtain, and requires work to maintain. In our last episode, we gained a shamanic perspective on the four challenges we face as we seek wisdom.

Today, we will consider those challenges, and consider some Buddhist teachings on wisdom. Specifically on the Noble Eightfold Path and how sila, samadhi, and prajna support us and sustain us on the path.

"We all have wisdom" - Mingyur Rinpoche

Isra García interviews world-renowned Tibetan Buddhist leader and meditation teacher Mingyur Rinpoche. Also known for authoring three New York Times best-seller, The Joy of Living: Unlocking the Secret and Science of Happiness, Joyful Wisdom: Embracing Change and Finding Freedom and In Love with the World. He is also the headmaster and spiritual leader at the Tergar Community, an international network of Buddhist meditation centres. Mingyur integrates Tibetan meditation with the current scientific understanding of the mind and mental health.

"Don't control too much, fin the balance"

In this rich and profound but brief conversation, Mingyur Rinpoche and Isra explore a vast range of topics; from getting the best meditation, awareness and finding joy to his take on psychedelics, winning over anxiety, panic and fear and how to practice compassion and love for getting the most out of from our lives.

"Don't fight the monkey mind"

"Make yourself a friend with everything" - Mingyur Rinpoche

Interview main topics (and index)

1. The most prominent Turning points in Rinpoche's life
2. How has Mingyur learned to transform the panic and anxiety attacks he had when he was a child through meditation
3. What would Mingyur say to any child that is facing any kind of fear, anxiety or bullying, and also what to say to their parents
4. How to be truly happy in today's world, the (secret) recipe
5. What Mingyur Rinpoche found out after 10 years of solitary meditation.
6. What happened when Mingyur Rinpoche decided to leave his monastery to wander through India, and the experiences that touched him deeply?
7. Mingyur's meditation journey so far - how his practice has evolved over time.
8. Rinpoche's take on psychedelics and meditation.
9. Mingyur Rinpoche's daily routine - habits that stand out or excel from the rest
10. The three persons, dead or alive, have influenced him the most, why and how.
11. Three great teachings from three masters he has learned from.
12. What is s the practice that has proven most essential for Rinpoche?
13. The suffering he did find while training as a monk was most difficult to endure.
14. About mystical experiences.
15. The joy of living in 2022 and how we can find it.
16. Meditation, Science, psychology, physics and neurology.
17. Where to start when Mingyur starts teaching meditation to someone that has not practised before and wants them to make a giant leap in their awareness?
18. The one single mistake advanced meditations keep on repeating over and over.
19. Practising compassion daily and how we can introduce it in our daily lives.
20. Effective for westerners.
21. A meditation practice for busy or impatient persons.
22. Rinpoche's take on love.
23. Recommendations for people who have derailed from their path of self-discovery and need to find their way back.
24. Self-talk to employ when potentially inappropriate anger o hatred begins to surface.
25. Learnings about writing the New York Times Bestseller The joy of living.
26. Critical points to take into account from his book Joyful Wisdom.
27. Where and how did Mingyur Rinpoche find harmony?
28. He uses teachings or techniques when helping others cope with often tricky and harmful experiences.
29. Rinpoche shares a story that significantly impacted him when he heard it for the first time.
30. Something that is challenging him at this moment.
31. A skill practice he has found significantly rewarding besides meditation.
32. Three books have changed Mingyur Rinpoche's life.
33. His biggest takeaway on life so far.
34. Final message

"If you remember your breath, you are here"

Podcast show notes

• The joy of Living Online training.
• La Alegría de Vivir Available in Spanish.
• Tergar Community.
• Rinpoche Europe tour.
• Rinpoche Youtube channel.
• Rinpoche Instagram account.

"Believe in your goodness" - Mingyur Rinpoche

If you are open, life and the people around you can be your teacher. Everyone has loss and suffering – whether they have heard of Buddhism or not.

Now, in your Buddhist practice, finding and following a credible teacher will serve you well. We live in a time where we have access to many teachers.

When I was new (and compared to those who have practiced for 40 years or more or even 30 years or more), I am still new; I investigated different teachers and traditions. When I decided to pursue an advanced degree in Buddhist Studies, I knew it would help me learn more and that it would help me find my place in a world with many Buddhist traditions.

Here we are, together, the Death Dhamma community. On our paths, in our Buddhist practices. Listening to others and discerning what wisdom is. With that question in mind, here are some pieces of wisdom that our 12 wise teachers of season 2 have offered.

 

Sometimes when you start to consider making a career change you can get caught up and lost in the busyness of your current life and projects that you don't get to give your next career move enough time or attention. In this week's episode Shandra shares 3 important questions that are taken from a book written by a Buddhist Monk and applied specifically to making career change... Considering these questions can help you focus your attention on the right things, at the right time so you can make progress and make the decisions that are right for you. Have a listen and see what you discover to help you make the right career move, at the right time for you. Thank you for listening.