Awake in the World Podcast Michael Stone

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 demythologizing the Buddha’s teachings and focusing on lived experiences, this talk offers a fresh perspective for modern practitioners.

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 gender inequality. Like Lao Tzu and Socrates, the Buddha sought ways for all people to find liberation. Michael delves into often-misunderstood Sanskrit terms, the origins of the Pali language, and insights from The Nikayas, a lesser-known Buddhist text.

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 to the public. To become a patron, visit: patreon.com/michaelstone.

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 to the public. To become a patron, visit: patreon.com/michaelstone.

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 Lotus Sutra collection can be found on a nearly complete playlist here: soundcloud.com/michaelstoneteaching/sets/lotus-sutra

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 to the public. To become a patron, visit: patreon.com/michaelstone.

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 Lotus Sutra collection will be added (as we uncover them) to a playlist here: soundcloud.com/michaelstoneteaching/sets/lotus-sutra

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 to the public. To become a patron, visit: patreon.com/michaelstone.

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 trees. Recorded June 28, 2011.

While some of the audio podcast episodes may be lost, you can read transcripts and notes from the talks in the text section of the community library. You can find the missing Lotus Sutra Part 18 in transcription here: https://michaelstoneteaching.com/lotus-sutra-18-situational-ethics/

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 to the public. To become a patron, visit: patreon.com/michaelstone.