Buddhist Geeks

Meditation teacher Kenneth Folk joins Vincent Horn, Emily Horn, and Kelly Sosan Bearer to conclude a Geeks of the Round Table discussion on a recent Wired article, Enlightenment Engineers, that profiles Kenneth and the Buddhist Geeks as part of the developing meditation culture(s) in Silicon Valley. The group talks about Ken’s plan to enlighten the Illuminati with a Meditation Trojan Horse, whether or not there is a “right motivation” for maintaining a meditation practice, and how this all relates to the popular assumption that meditation should be free of a goal-oriented approach. This is part two of a two part series. Listen to part one BG 295: Meditating to Get Ahead. Episode Links: Enlightenment Engineers ( http://www.wired.com/business/2013/06/meditation-mindfulness-silicon-valley ) Kenneth Folk ( http://kennethfolkdharma.com ) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode taken from a Geeks of the Round Table Google Hangout, meditation teacher Kenneth Folk joins Buddhist Geeks Vincent Horn, Emily Horn, and Kelly Sosan Bearer to discuss a recent Wired article, Enlightenment Engineers, that profiles Kenneth and the mindfulness culture in Silicon Valley. Emily opens the conversation by asking, “Does meditation really make you more productive and wealthy? And is it a way to get ahead?” The group explores these questions and discusses how variables in an individual’s values, form of practice, and other perceptual filters affect the answers. This is part one of a two part series. Listen to part two: The Trojan Horse of Meditation. Episode Links: Kenneth Folk ( http://kennethfolkdharma.com ) Enlightenment Engineers ( http://www.wired.com/business/2013/06/meditation-mindfulness-silicon-valley ) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

David Passiak is a former religion scholar turned technology entrepreneur who has spent nearly 20 years working at the intersection of disruptive innovation and traditional conceptions of community and wisdom. David is author of Red Bull to Buddha: Innovation and the Search for Wisdom and also the forthcoming The Disruption Revolution: Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and the New Rules of Leadership. In this conversation David and host Vincent Horn discuss the book Red Bull to Buddha and the cycles of technological innovation that have led to major social change throughout history. In talking about the inspiration for the book, David describes visiting a temple in Thailand where bottles of the sports energy drink Red Bull were being presented as devotional offerings. He explains how examining his discovery of Red Bull in the temple led him to explore how the meaning of a brand or object is dependent on cultural context, and how culture is affected by technological advance. This leads Vincent and David to discuss how a Buddhist practice can help one to navigate a world that’s in a constant state of cultural and technological disruption. Episode Links: Red Bull to Buddha: Innovation and the Search for Wisdom ( http://www.amazon.com/kindle-store/dp/B00E4W4C1S ) Social Meditate ( http://www.socialmeditate.com ) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Teachers Sofia Diaz and Trudy Goodman continue this episode of Geeks of the Round Table with host Kelly Sosan Bearer by exploring the Feminine aspect of spiritual practice from a female teacher’s point of view. The women begin by discussing qualitative differences in teaching approaches between female and male teachers, and Trudy talks about the more intimate approach she uses when teaching. Using Mother Teresa as an example of a female spiritual leader who supported many but found difficulty in finding support herself, the women discuss how the sometimes difficult role of female spiritual leader has grown and evolved. Moving on to how neglecting topics of sexuality, sexual attraction, and gender differences in spiritual practice can cause suffering for both men and women, they conclude the conversation with advice to younger generations: trust your feelings, trust your intuition, and lovingly explore the differences between yourself and others. This is part two of a two part series. Listen to part one Perfect Insight is Perfect Love. Episode Links: Sofia Diaz ( www.sofiayoga.com ) Trudy Goodman ( www.insightla.org/about/teachers.php ) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode taken from a Geeks of the Round Table Google Hangout, Sofia Diaz and Trudy Goodman join host Kelly Sosan Bearer to discuss Feminine Practice and its connections and distinctions to the masculine principle in spiritual practice. Kelly begins by asking: what is feminine practice and what is its distinction from other practices? Sofia describes feminine practice as being the devotional, feeling part of practice as compared to the masculine insight and contemplative part, though both dimensions are deeply intertwined. Both Sofia and Trudy then relate their individual longing and search for the feminine dimension of practice, how they each came to a realization of the feminine principle in their own practice, and how each approaches these energetics when teaching. This is part one of a two part series. Listen to part two: Be the Lover Episode Links: Sofia Diaz ( http://www.sofiayoga.com ) Trudy Goodman ( https://www.insightla.org/about/teachers.php ) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ken Mcleod is one of the more innovative teachers of Buddhism today, known for his ability to explain difficult and subtle teachings. In the conclusion of this conversation on the “Truth”, Ken and host Vincent Horn compare and contrast various approaches to spiritual development and some hidden pitfalls one might encounter. Vincent begins by asking a fundamental question of the search for the “Truth”: by whose authority? The two then discuss some helpful qualifiers when searching for a spiritual authority, some pitfalls to avoid when trusting that authority, and the various ways study might look under various authorities and techniques. Ken describes how the spiritual path will generally progress and the importance of periodically examining one’s motivations for study. They conclude the conversation by discussing the importance of fundamentals to whatever authority or path of practice one chooses. This is part two of a two part series. Listen to part one: Truth is a Red Herring. Episode Links: Unfettered Mind ( http://www.unfetteredmind.org ) PINA ( http://www.pina-film.de/en/ ) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ken Mcleod is one of the more innovative teachers of Buddhism today, known for his ability to explain difficult and subtle teachings. In this conversation with host Vincent Horn, Ken takes on one of the most difficult topics to pin down: the “Truth”. They begin the conversation by examining the supposition that the path to enlightenment is ultimately to find the “Truth”. Vincent talks about how his early efforts in practice were rooted in the need to find the “Truth”, and how his motivations and understanding have changed. Ken relates his own recent advances on the topic. The two then examine the role and representation of the “Truth” in context of spiritual practice, psychological well being, and philosophical inquiry. They then explore the parallels of “Truth” and “Enlightenment” and how each idea is shaped and defined by the culture and by the individual. This is part one of a two part series. Listen to part two: Questioning Frameworks of Practice. Episode Links: Unfettered Mind ( http://www.unfetteredmind.org ) Straw Dogs ( http://amzn.to/1MRFcSd ) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Tony Stubblebine is interested in meditation, app development, and behavioral design. He’s brought all three interests together in his latest project, a habit building app called Lift. In this conversation over Google Hangouts, Tony and host Vincent Horn discuss the merits and potential shadow side to behavioural design. Tony describes how he became interested in the science of behavioural design and how that led him to create Lift as a way to bring a social aspect to building positive habits. They talk about the three components to consider when building a habit, how the QS Movement relates to behavioural design, and how to use systems like Lift to build strong positive habits like daily meditation. Episode Links: LIFT ( https://lift.do ) Lift’s How to Meditate page with free guided meditations ( https://lift.do/meditation ) BJ Fogg ( http://www.bjfogg.com ) Quantified Self ( http://quantifiedself.com ) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this interview, host Vincent Horn speaks with Dr. Ronald Purser–professor of management at SFSU and an ordained Zen Buddhist teacher in the Korean Taego order. They explore Ronald’s research on organizational mindfulness, mindfulness in corporate settings, and how Buddhist philosophy can inform organizational theory and practice, with a particular emphasis on exploring the limitations and shadow-sides of the mindfulness movement as it moves into the business context. Episode Links: College of Business at San Francisco State University ( http://cob.sfsu.edu/cob/directory/faculty/ronald-purser ) Center for Creative Inquiry ( http://www.creativeinquiry.org/develop/index.php ) Korean Buddhist Taego Order ( http://www.taegozen.net ) Beyond McMindfulness ( http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ron-purser/beyond-mcmindfulness_b_3519289.html ) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

David M. Levy is a professor of technology in the Information School (or iSchool) at the University of Washington. Since 2006 he has offered a course called “Information and Contemplation”, a course on mindfulness in the Digital Age. In this interview with host Vincent Horn, David talks about his early rejection of zen meditation practice and how he came back to it later through a study of calligraphy. They talk about a National Science Foundation funded study David created to observe the effects of meditation on multitasking, and the university course he subsequently developed at the iSchool, “Information and Contemplation.” He talks about insights his students have through the course and the surprising way email can be used as a focus for mindfulness. Finally, Vincent and David discuss the idea of taking a “digital Sabbath” and the usefulness of periodically unplugging from the online world. Episode Links: What Computers Still Can’t Do: A Critique of Artificial Reason ( http://amzn.to/15yQx4K ) “You’re Distracted. This Professor Can Help.” ( http://chronicle.com/article/Youre-Distracted-This/138079/ ) Xerox PARC ( http://www.parc.com ) Darlene Cohen ( http://www.darlenecohen.net ) “Information and Contemplation” ( http://dmlevy.ischool.uw.edu/information-and-contemplation/ ) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ramez Naam is a computer scientist who spent 13 years at Microsoft, leading teams working on email, web browsing, search, and artificial intelligence. He’s the author of several books including Nexus, a science fiction thriller set in the near future when humans are linked mind-to-mind by an experimental and illegal nano-drug. In this conversation with host Vincent Horn, Ramez describes his inspiration for the book and it’s narrative of collectivism and mind-to-mind connection through technology. The two discuss the fact, fiction, benefits, and perils of technology that can connect humanity so intimately, and what that kind of technology could mean to the process of awakening. Episode Links: www.RamezNaam.com Nexus ( http://rameznaam.com/nexus/ ) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mike Redmer is a freelance UX designer and mindfulness coach. His most recent project, the ReWire App, is part of a growing field of technology designed to assist the end user in attaining greater degrees of concentration ability and contemplative awareness. In this second part of their conversation, host Vincent Horn discusses with Mike the subtleties of contemplative design and the current state of contemplative technology. Vincent relates details of his experience with some of these technologies at the recent Wisdom 2.0 conference, and he and Mike discuss the mixed potential each sees in the future of ubiquitous computing. This is part two of a two part series. Listen to part one, ReWiring Meditation for the Digital Age Episode Links: ReWire: meditation remixed ( http://rewireapp.com ) I used Google Glass: the future, but with monthly updates ( http://bit.ly/1MRE8O4 ) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mike Redmer is a freelance UX designer and mindfulness coach. His most recent project, the ReWire App, came out of a desire to utilize technology to make mediation more effective and engaging. In this first part of a conversation with host Vincent Horn, Mike shares his motivation for creating Rewire and the ways he hopes it can help people develop in meditation. He also describes how he approached designing the app, the improvements he made in the second iteration, and how Shinzen Young’s practice of “Just Note Gone” influenced the end product and Mike himself. This is part one of a two part series. Listen to part two, Contemplative Technologies Episode Links: ReWire: meditation remixed ( http://rewireapp.com ) The Power of Gone ( http://shinzen.org/Articles/PowerofGone.pdf ) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dr. Reggie Ray is an author, teacher, and the Spiritual Director for the Dharma Ocean Community in Crestone, Colorado. In this episode Reggie and host Vincent Horn conclude their conversation by discussing the recurring cycle of conflict between “authentic lineages” and “institutional lineages” in the world’s religions. Reggie describes the personal toll this conflict had on his teacher, Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche, and how many unorthodox teachers have found themselves threatened and restricted by religious institutions. He then describes how the techniques of Mahamudra can lead us to identify all the places where we hold back as people so that we may find freedom from all forms of restriction. This is part two of a two part series. Listen to part one – BG 281: Mahamudra in the Modern World Episode Links: Buddhist Saints in India: A Study in Buddhist Values and Orientations ( http://amzn.to/1MRDXm5 ) Dharma Ocean ( http://www.dharmaocean.org ) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dr. Reggie Ray is an author, teacher, and the Spiritual Director for the Dharma Ocean Community in Crestone, Colorado. He has forty years of study and intensive meditation practice within the Tibetan Buddhist tradition in the lineage of Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche. Recently, Dr. Ray published an audio training series through Sounds True titled Mahamudra in the Modern World. In this episode Dr. Reggie Ray and host Vincent Horn discuss the basics of the Mahamudra tradition and Reggie’s approach to teaching it. He shares his insight into how his personal practice has changed and deepened through teaching, and he answers questions such as: Is a personal relationship with a teacher necessary? And, how does one know when it’s time to start teaching? This is part one of a two part series. Listen to part two – BG 282: Specializing in Letting Go Episode Links: The Forest Dwelling Yogi ( http://bit.ly/1MRDNuI ) Dharma Ocean ( http://www.dharmaocean.org ) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Stephen Schettini is an author and blogger at TheNakedMonk.com, and a teacher of Mindful Reflection. He was a Tibetan Buddhist monk for 8 years before he left the monastic path and began referring to himself as an ex-Buddhist. In this episode Stephen talks with host Vincent Horn about why he left his monastic order and what he learned from the experience. They discuss why people are drawn to formal religious orders and guru-disciple relationships, and Stephen describes possible alternatives to the guru-disciple dynamic that might be more appropriate for the modern world. Finally, after questioning the very existence of the historical Buddha, they discuss why the myth might be more important than the story of the historical man. Episode Links: The Naked Monk ( http://www.thenakedmonk.com ) “Sick Love” ( http://www.thenakedmonk.com/2013/01/14/sick-love/ ) “Zen Buddhists Distressed by Accusations Against Teacher” ( http://nyti.ms/12MlZgW ) The Novice ( http://amzn.to/12MlVxs ) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ted Meissner is the host of The Secular Buddhist podcast and the Executive Director of the Secular Buddhist Association. In this episode host Vincent Horn concludes his conversation with Ted by exploring the role of Tradition in secular Buddhism. They consider the question of spiritual authority in secular Buddhism and whether it’s possible to see through the filter of culture and tradition. This is part two of a two part series. Listen to part 1: Secular Buddhism. Episode Links: Secular Buddhism ( http://bit.ly/1MRDsbA ) The Secular Buddhist Association ( secularbuddhism.org ) The Secular Buddhist Podcast ( secularbuddhism.org/the-secular-buddhist-podcasts/ ) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ted Meissner is the host of The Secular Buddhist podcast and the Executive Director of the Secular Buddhist Association. In this episode with host Vincent Horn, Ted shares examples of secular Buddhism, why he is skeptical but not cynical about religion, and he stresses what he thinks is the importance of right speech in the modern world. This is part one of a two part series. Episode Links: The Secular Buddhist Association ( http://secularbuddhism.org ) The Secular Buddhist Podcast ( http://secularbuddhism.org/the-secular-buddhist-podcasts/ ) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Lawrence Levy is a student of Segyu Rinpoche and a former CFO and board member at Pixar Animation Studios. He left his role as an executive at Pixar in 2000 to pursue a study of religion and philosophy, which led him to Buddhism. In this episode, Lawrence speaks with host Rohan Gunatillake about working at Pixar, the lessons he learned at the company, and how he has applied those lessons to building the Buddhist organization the Juniper Foundation. Episode Links: Juniper Foundation ( http://www.juniperpath.org ) Awakening the Mind ( http://www.juniperpath.org/works/A7614E/Awakening+the+Mind/ ) Pixar ( http://www.pixar.com ) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

John F. Simon is a visual artist and software programmer whose work can be found in prominent museum collections such as the Museum of Modern Art, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. He was also one of the app designers on the world’s first app album, from Björk, called Biophilia. In this episode we speak with John about his long-standing search for the source of creativity, and how that search has led him to explore a contemplative Buddhist practice. During the discussion with host Vincent Horn, John describes the strategy he uses to search for the source of his creativity and the parallels his strategy shares with meditation teacher Daniel Ingram’s progress of insight map. Episode Links: www.iclock.com John’s profile at the Gering & Lopez Gallery ( http://www.geringlopez.com/artists/john-f-simon-jr ) Björk’s Biophilia ( http://bjork.com/#/past/discography/biophilia ) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Buddhist Geeks Vincent Horn and Rohan Gunatillake conclude their interview for the KGNU public radio program Sacred Lines by further discussing the intersections between Buddhism and Technology. From the efficacy of mindfulness apps to the ubiquitous question of duality, the Geeks explore what it means to be Buddhist in a technologically advanced world. This is part two of a two part series. Episode Links: CU’s Center for Media, Religion, and Culture ( cmrc.colorado.edu/about ) KGNU ( www.kgnu.org ) buddhify ( buddhify.com ) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In a recent interview for the KGNU public radio program Sacred Lines, Buddhist Geeks Vincent Horn and Rohan Gunatillake have a discussion about what it means to be a modern Buddhist practitioner, how technology can complement Buddhist practice, and how geekery and meditation meld. They use the Buddhist Geeks project and buddhify mobile app as illustrations of how they’re experimenting with these various topics. This is part one of a two part series. Episode Links: CU’s Center for Media, Religion, and Culture ( http://cmrc.colorado.edu/about ) KGNU ( http://www.kgnu.org ) buddhify ( http://buddhify.com ) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jonathan Blow is an indie game designer most well known for his time-bending game Braid. In this episode we conclude our conversation with Jonathan by exploring his upcoming game, The Witness, as well as his in-depth exploration of non-duality. This is part 2 of a two part series. Listen to part 1, Quantum Gaming. Episode Links: The Witness ( http://the-witness.net ) Myst ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myst ) Nondualism ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nondualism ) On Being ( http://www.onbeing.org ) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jonathan Blow is an indie game designer most well known for his time-bending game Braid. In this episode Jonathan describes his journey from a kid fascinated with playing video games in arcades to a game developer concerned with game design as a spiritual practice. This is part one of a two part series. Episode Links: Braid ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Braid_(video_game) ) The Witness ( http://the-witness.net ) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Michaël Harboun wants to design products that find a balance between inner contemplation and external technology. In this conversation we explore things like transpersonal social networks and speak about the way that gaming can be contemplative (Michael would like to simply call video games “experiences”). We also discuss the idea of “Contemplative Design”, how it works, and how it can lead to innovation in consumer products. This is part two of a two part series. Episode Links: www.MichaelHarboun.com Transcendenz ( https://vimeo.com/25771444 ) www.IDEO.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

“We can only see what we’ve become conscious of.” – Michaël Harboun Michaël Harboun wants to design products that find a balance between inner contemplation and external technology. The concept video for his augmented reality project Transcendenz illustrates the positive potential of finding such a balance. In this episode Michaël and host Vincent Horn discuss the philosophical goals of Transcendenz, the fact and fiction of the current state of some of the technologies portrayed in the concept video–like augmented reality and computer brain interfaces–and finally the way that Buddhist thought has influenced this project. This is part one of a two part series. Episode Links: www.MichaelHarboun.com Transcendenz ( https://vimeo.com/25771444 ) www.IDEO.com Thomas Nagel’s Bat Experiment ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Nagel ) Augmented Reality ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Augmented_reality ) Google’s Project Glass ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Project_Glass ) Emotiv ( http://emotiv.com ) InteraXon : Thought Controlled Computing ( http://www.interaxon.ca ) Elliot Hedman ( http://www.buildempathy.com ) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

David Frenette is a senior teacher in the Centering Prayer movement–a contemplative Christian practice that was designed by Father Thomas Keating. He’s also the spiritual director at the Center for Contemplative Living in Denver, and the author of The Path of Centering Prayer: Deepening Your Experience of God. In this episode, David describes the similarities and differences between Buddhist and Christian practice, the benefit of surrender, and the Christian Contemplative tenet of “the God within serves the God in other people.” This is part two of a two-part series. Episode Links: The Path of Centering Prayer: Deepening Your Experience of God ( http://amzn.to/VFpGRY ) Incarnational Contemplation ( http://www.incarnationalcontemplation.com ) Center for Contemplative Living in Denver ( http://www.contemplativeoutreach-co.org ) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

David Frenette is a senior teacher in the Centering Prayer movement–a contemplative Christian practice that was designed by Father Thomas Keating. He’s also the spiritual director at the Center for Contemplative Living in Denver, and the author of The Path of Centering Prayer: Deepening Your Experience of God. In this episode, David describes his path from Zen to Christianity and how he uses the practice of Centering Prayer to deepen his experience of God. This is part one of a two part series. Episode Links: The Path of Centering Prayer: Deepening Your Experience of God ( http://amzn.to/VFpGRY ) Incarnational Contemplation ( http://www.incarnationalcontemplation.com ) Center for Contemplative Living in Denver ( http://www.contemplativeoutreach-co.org ) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, taken from the Buddhist Geeks Conference 2012, Daniel Ingram talks about the ways that contemplatives could learn from the Naturalists. The Naturalists excelled in meticulous exploration, descriptive science, and classification. Their example can serve as the foundation for the next step in contemplative advancement, where the vast spectrum of inner experience, could be described and cataloged in an entirely new way. Episode Links: Daniel Ingram ( http://www.integrateddaniel.info ) Mastering the Core Teachings of the Buddha ( http://amzn.to/Ri7No5 )See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Willoughby Britton, contemplative scientist and neuroscience researcher, spoke at the Buddhist Geeks Conference 2012 about mixing Dharma with scientific enterprise. Scientific research of meditation is undoubtedly one of the forces behind the proliferation of the Dharma, and offers much promise as a “Dharma technology”. However, Britton asserts that significant challenges remain before we can harness the full power of scientific enterprise. Episode Links: Willoughby Britton at Brown University ( http://research.brown.edu/myresearch/Willoughby_Britton ) Britton Lab ( http://www.brittonlab.com ) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, taken from the Buddhist Geeks Conference in 2012, Martine Batchelor explores the process of grasping and its amplifying/exaggerating effects. She also goes into how meditation can help us to de-grasp/release our holding thus allowing for a more creative engagement and creative response. Episode Links: www.martinebatchelor.org See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What is the message of Buddhism today? Self-improvement? A fulfilling life? An understanding of the mysteries of the human condition? How does McLuhan’s famous dictum “the medium is the message” apply now that people are connecting with Buddhism in radically different ways? In this episode, taken from the Buddhist Geeks Conference in 2012, Ken McLeod explores how McLuhan’s famous dictum “the medium is the message” might apply to Buddhism. Episode Links: Unfettered Mind ( www.unfetteredmind.org ) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Richard Eskow is a writer, consultant, and musician, who is a senior fellow with a public policy group. In this episode, Richard discusses with host Vincent Horn a recent article he wrote for Tricycle Magazine called DNA Sutra. For the piece he had his DNA analyzed to have his ancestry traced all the way back to the “first mother”. He describes how the process has led him to a greater understanding of karma, the conditions that connect himself with his adversaries, and his greater connection to all of humanity. Episode Links: DNA Sutra ( http://www.tricycle.com/feature/dna-sutra ) 23andme ( https://www.23andme.com ) Tricycle Magazine ( http://www.tricycle.com ) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

David Vago, an instructor of psychology at Harvard Medical School, has held the position of Senior Research Coordinator for the Mind & Life Institute, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to fostering dialogue and research at the highest possible level between modern science and the great living contemplative traditions. In this episode David relates how his personal mindfulness practice has integrated with his professional scientific research. He talks about the thriving community of scientists interested in mindfulness that has taken root in contemporary academia and research, and he highlights some current projects and lines of inquiry that have benefited from this uniquely supportive atmosphere. Episode Links: www.ContemplativeNeurosciences.com Mind and Life Institute ( http://www.mindandlife.org ) The Dark Night Project ( http://bit.ly/1gc7P2j ) Mapping the Mindful Brain ( http://bit.ly/1gc7Weo ) Contemplative Mind in Life ( http://contemplativemind.wordpress.com ) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Seth Greenland is an author, playwright, and screenwriter. For two seasons he was a writer-producer on the Emmy-nominated HBO series Big Love. His latest novel, The Angry Buddhist, is the story of an ex-policeman seeking guidance from an online Buddhist teacher. The novel is currently in development with Showtime as a possible series for the network with Greenland writing and producing. In this episode Greenland speaks with host Vincent Horn about the book, what messages he hopes to convey with the Showtime series, and how Buddhism is making its way further into the pop culture landscape. Episode Links: www.sethgreenland.com The Angry Buddhist ( http://amzn.to/MX4OSI ) Showtime Develops ‘Angry Buddhist’ Series ( http://www.deadline.com/2012/04/showtime-develops-angry-buddhist-series ) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Gary Weber has been a scientist, military officer, senior executive in industry and academia, and is the author of the book Happiness Beyond Thought: A Practical Guide to Awakening. He has practiced Zen meditation, yoga, and philosophy for more than thirty-five years. In 1998, after over 20 thousand hours of various contemplative practices, his thoughts stopped (or very nearly so). We speak with him about what it has been like since then, experiencing nearly no self-referential thoughts or emotions. We also speak with Weber about how he is working with scientists to bring enlightenment to the Facebook Generation. Episode Links: Happiness Beyond Thought: A Practical Guide to Awakening ( http://www.happiness-beyond-thought.com/thebook/thebook.html ) Happiness Beyond Thought Blog ( http://happinessbeyondthought.blogspot.com ) Mapping the Mindful Brain ( http://bit.ly/1gc7Weo ) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dr. Judson Brewer is an assistant professor at Yale in psychiatry and a contemplative scientist studying the effects of meditation on the brain. He and his colleagues believe they have found a way to use FMRI to give meditators real time feedback on their mindfulness practice. This feedback has led to increased efficacy and efficiency in mindfulness practice. Since making these discoveries, Brewer has joined the Contemplative Development Mapping Project in hopes of creating a common language between meditation traditions to more easily discern progress in meditation practice. In this episode, Brewer describes to Vincent Horn how his work in addiction treatment led to these discoveries. They discuss the difficulty in objectively marking progress on the path to awakening, how that led to his participation in the Contemplative Development Mapping Project, and how using FMRI to understand mindfulness practice may eventually affect Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike. Episode Links: The Dark Night Project ( http://bit.ly/1gc7P2j ) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Keith Martin-Smith is an author, martial artist, and ordained Zen priest. His latest book is “A Heart Blown Open”, the biography of his teacher Jun Po Denis Kelly Roshi. In this episode, Vincent Horn talks with Keith about the book and Jun Po’s “Mondo Zen” approach, which aims to join the path of awakening with emotional maturity. Episode Links: www.keithmartinsmith.com A Heart Blown Open ( http://amzn.to/1gc7Ins ) Mondo Zen ( http://www.mondozen.org ) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

John Peacock is a scholar and Associate Director of The Oxford Mindfulness Centre. His studies of the earliest Buddhist writings have revealed to him a very human Buddha and a very different Buddhism than we know today. In a conversation with Hokai Sobol, Peacock describes the historical Buddha as a very practical teacher and a radical social reformer. He cites passages of the earliest writings that describe a very human and emotional Buddha that enjoyed satire. He calls the Buddha the “First Psychologist” and relates to him as a teacher who was more interested in practical psychology than philosophy. This is Part 1 of a 2 part series. Episode Links: Oxford Mindfulness Center ( http://oxfordmindfulness.org ) Hokai Sobol | 21st Century Dharma ( http://www.hokai.info ) Sutta Nipata ( http://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/kn/snp/index.html ) Ariyapariyesana Sutta ( http://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/mn/mn.026.than.html ) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jane McGonigal is an author and game designer who wants to change the world through gaming. In this second part of a presentation recorded during the 2011 Buddhist Geeks Conference, she shares the details about games where people are going into the world and using gamer virtues for real life good. From better community organizing, to solutions for regional famine, to possible treatments for cancer, McGonigal and her gamers are changing the world one epic win at a time. She concludes the presentation by inviting to the stage her twin sister Kelly McGonigal. Together they give the audience an inside look at the ongoing conversation the sisters have had about the possible convergence of gaming and Buddhist practice. This is part two of a two part series. Episode Links: www.janemcgonigal.com Awakening is an Epic Win [video] ( youtu.be/uI46wbjrVc0 ) Reality is Broken ( amzn.to/1gc7qgv ) Fold It ( http://fold.it/portal/ ) Ground Crew ( http://gameful.org/groups/groundcrew/forum/ ) Evoke ( http://www.urgentevoke.com ) Living Compassion ( http://www.livingcompassion.org ) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jane McGonigal is an author and game designer who describes herself as “23% Buddhist, 77% geek.” She begins the presentation, originally given at the 2011 Buddhist Geeks Conference, by asking three questions: Do Buddhists and Game Designers share goals? Do Buddhists and Game Designers share methods? Could Buddhists and Game Designers share practices? She then shares some fascinating insights into the measured benefits of gaming, after which she has the audience join her in a game of “massive multiplayer thumb wrestling.” Jane closes her talk by drawing some striking parallels between the goals and benefits of gaming with the goals and benefits of Buddhist practice. This is part 1 of a 2 part series. Listen to part 2 (airing next week). Episode Links: www.janemcgonigal.com Awakening is an Epic Win [video] ( https://youtu.be/uI46wbjrVc0 ) Reality is Broken ( http://amzn.to/1gc7qgv ) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Kelly Sosan Bearer speaks with Ed Halliwell, journalist, teacher, and author, about his new book The Mindful Manifesto and its themes of mindfulness, Buddhism, and Science. Ed describes his personal experience with stress and depression and his journey to Buddhism and mindfulness practice as a way to get healthy. He defines “mindfulness” and then leads the Geeks through a ”3 step breathing space practice” meant to reduce stress. Episode Links: The Mindful Manifesto: How Doing Less and Noticing More Can Help Us Thrive in a Stressed-Out World ( http://amzn.to/1gc7gWq ) The Guardian ( http://www.guardiannews.com ) Integral Chicks ( http://www.integralchicks.com )See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode Rohan Gunatillake speaks with Buddhist teacher Rob Burbea on the topic of Climate Change. Rob wonders why the Western Buddhist community is largely silent on the topic, and over the course of the discussion Rohan and Rob explore several questions, including: How does dharma practice relate to the topic of Climate Change? What is the consequence of Buddhists not addressing this issue? What example should Buddhist teachers and leaders show in relation to climate change?Episode Links:The Meditator as Revolutionary Dharma and Climate ChangeGaia Housewww.21awake.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ken McLeod and Vincent Horn continue their conversation about the student-teacher relationship by examining communication mediums. They begin by examining the value and limitations of video chat as well as the benefits and dangers of practice via social networking. Vincent and Ken explore why it’s important for students and teachers to meet in the middle of communication gaps, and what happens when they don’t. This is part 2 of a two-part series. Listen to part 1, Crossing the Generational Divide. Episode Links: Unfettered Mind ( http://www.unfetteredmind.org ) Pragmatic Buddhism ( http://bit.ly/1S1bMYw ) www.openpractice.me See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ken McLeod joins Vincent Horn for the start of a conversation examining some of the painful generational gaps that occur between students and teachers. They begin by exploring the question of how to skillfully deal with this gap, and in particular what kinds of gaps are most common. Vincent brings up some of the tensions he has felt and noticed, many of which are usually only discussed “behind closed doors”. This leads into one of the most pressing areas where tension is felt between the generations, with that of technology. This is part 1 of a two-part series. Listen to part 2, The Communication Gap. Episode Links: Pragmatic Buddhism ( http://bit.ly/1S1bMYw ) Philosophy as a Way of Life ( http://amzn.to/GQsNQ8 ) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Rob McNamara is a psychology professor, zen practitioner, and strength trainer who works at the intersection of strength training and contemplative practice. In this episode McNamara explains how his experiences in the gym helped him understand the purpose of meditation, and how both inner and outer strength are deeply intertwined. He describes how strength training can stretch both the upper and lower boundaries of the ego, helping us learn how to not check out when things get uncomfortable, nor space out when we have an opportunity to relax deeply and let go. Episode Links: www.robmcnamara.com Strength to Awaken ( http://amzn.to/ysYV4H ) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, taken from the Buddhist Geeks Conference in 2011, Diane Hamilton explores Enlightenment, not as a binary state, but from a developmental point of view, as ever-expanding identification. Hamilton explains, and then demonstrates through the Big Mind Process, the value of taking on the perspective of others to help resolve disputes and come to greater understanding of human development. Episode Links: www.dianemushohamilton.com The Most Fundamental Duality ( http://bit.ly/1S1brVD ) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Rohan Gunatillake, in this presentation taken from the Buddhist Geeks Conference in 2011, explores how Buddhism can learn from the suffering of other established systems such as the music, publishing and journalism industries. Rohan outlines his presentation based on the Buddha’s Four Noble Truths, explains how he used the concepts presented to launch an iPhone app, and challenges other entrepreneurs to join in the quest to bring these values to other business initiatives. Episode Links: http://rohangunatillake.com buddhify ( http://buddhify.com ) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, taken from the Buddhist Geeks Conference in 2011, Kelly McGonigal, PhD in Health Psychology, speaks on how the neuroscience of meditation can help us understand how practice shapes the mind and can also offer fresh insights into concepts like mindfulness and suffering. As Dr. McGonigal presents various scientific studies that show differences in the brain functioning between meditators and non-meditators, she highlights how meditation practice benefits the practitioner in various ways such as higher pain thresholds and reduced depression. Episode Links: www.kellymcgonigal.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ari Goldfield and Rose Taylor are Buddhist teachers and translators . Goldfield is a Buddhist translator and teacher who has studied and practiced under the close guidance of Khenpo Tsültrim Gyamtso Rinpoche since 1995. Taylor is a Buddhist translator and second-generation Buddhist teacher who teaches Buddhist meditation, philosophy, yogic exercise and dance, and classical Tibetan language to Westerners as well as to the nuns at Khenpo Tsültrim Gyamtso Rinpoche’s nunneries in Bhutan and Nepal. In this conversation with host Vincent Horn they recount how each discovered their paths and together they explain the “songs of yogic joy”, one of the unique aspects of the Kagyu path of Tibetan Buddhism. As a special treat Goldfield and Taylor end the episode with two examples of this type of singing meditation. Episode Links: Wisdom Sun ( http://www.wisdomsun.org ) Stars of Wisdom ( http://www.starsofwisdom.info ) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.