Integrating Presence

(Ai assist:) Enter Laura Geller and Willie Kunert—a married couple who met at Oberlin College almost 20 years ago, began meditating together as undergrads, lived in Southeast Asian monasteries, and now combine deep Buddhist practice with psychotherapy. Laura (an assistant teacher under Beth Upton in the Pa-Auk tradition) and Willie (hospice chaplain, grief therapist) shareContinue reading "Ānāpānasati with Heart, Parts Work & Grief | Ānāpānasati Series With Laura Geller & Willie Kunert"

This is the tenth chapter “The Buddhist Teachings On Desire” from the book: Buddhadhamma: The Laws Of Nature And Their Benefits To Life by Bhikkhu P. A. Payutto (Somdet Phra Buddhaghosacariya) Published by Buddhadhamma FoundationCopyright © Buddhadhamma Foundation 2021Translated by Robin Philip Moore Editor: Bhikkhu Kovilo, typesetting: Bhikkhu Gambhīro Download this e-book in PDF, EPUB and MOBIContinue reading "“The Buddhist Teachings On Desire” Chapter 10 From Buddhadhamma: The Laws Of Nature And Their Benefits To Life"

In this thirty-eighth installment of the ongoing live series with Wendy Nash inquiring into meditation practice on and off the cushion we to delve into the influence of language in meditation. Recently a podcast guest mentioned a turning point when a teacher described the breath as: oh so delicate. There’s also an exercise some insightContinue reading "Language | “Meditation Q & A With Wendy Nash” #38"

[ original unedited version: https://youtu.be/rJlxn1OZkms ] (Ai assisted:) In this fourth episode of the anapanasati series Integrating Presence welcomes meditation teacher Jacques Rutzky for a deep, personal conversation on mindfulness of breathing (anapanasati) and its role in daily life. Jacques shares his 50+ year journey into meditation—starting at age 16 in Detroit, discovering the PaliContinue reading "Breath as an Anchor & Refuge for the Digital Age | Anapanasati Series With Jacques Rutzky"

(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"

(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"

This is the thirty-seventh installment of the ongoing live series with Wendy Nash inquiring into meditation practice on and off the cushion. I recently witnessed a reoccurrence of various perplexing sentiments from the (USA) West Coast Dharma scene (which even parallel general society). After running this by Wendy she rightly pointed out tinges of self-righteousnessContinue reading "(Losing) Balance in Dharma | “Meditation Q & A With Wendy Nash” #37"

(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"

In this thirty-sixth installment of the ongoing live series with Wendy Nash inquiring into meditation practice on and off the cushion we delve into trust: its aspects in and outside of formal meditation and how these interrelate and feed into each other as well as the importance of trust for so many things. To nameContinue reading "Trust | “Meditation Q & A With Wendy Nash” #36"

This is the ninth chapter “The Supernatural and the Divine” from the book: Buddhadhamma: The Laws Of Nature And Their Benefits To Life by Bhikkhu P. A. Payutto (Somdet Phra Buddhaghosacariya) Published by Buddhadhamma FoundationCopyright © Buddhadhamma Foundation 2021Translated by Robin Philip Moore Editor: Bhikkhu Kovilo, typesetting: Bhikkhu Gambhīro Download this e-book in PDF, EPUB and MOBIContinue reading "“The Supernatural and the Divine” Chapter 9 From Buddhadhamma: The Laws Of Nature And Their Benefits To Life"

(Ai assist:) In this swapcast episode I speak with Asoka from “Echoes and Story of Dharma” about the inaugural Global Peace Prayer Festival in Bhutan, scheduled from November 4-19, 2025. The discussion provides an accessible overview of Bhutan as a small Himalayan kingdom with a population of about 750,000, renowned as the world’s last VajrayanaContinue reading "Bridging Ancient & Modern: Bhutan’s Landmark Global Peace Prayer Festival With Asoka"

In this thirty-fifth installment of the ongoing live series with Wendy Nash inquiring into meditation practice on and off the cushion we delve into this question from user “xXHishamXx” we received at the end of last month’s session: “Is There An Objective Purpose In Life?” including relevance to meditation practice. My short answer is answeringContinue reading "Is There An Objective Purpose In Life? | “Meditation Q & A With Wendy Nash” #35"

This is the eighth chapter “Calm And Insight” from the book: Buddhadhamma: The Laws Of Nature And Their Benefits To Life by Bhikkhu P. A. Payutto (Somdet Phra Buddhaghosacariya) Published by Buddhadhamma FoundationCopyright © Buddhadhamma Foundation 2021Translated by Robin Philip Moore Editor: Bhikkhu Kovilo, typesetting: Bhikkhu Gambhīro Download this e-book in PDF, EPUB and MOBI formats atContinue reading "“Calm And Insight” Chapter 8 From Buddhadhamma: The Laws Of Nature And Their Benefits To Life"

(Ai helps sum up nicely thus:) Zen and yoga teacher Frank Jude Boccio and I chat about the intersections of mindfulness, yoga, and Buddhist practice. Frank shares his journey from the punk scene in New York to decades of teaching meditation and yoga, influenced by Thích Nhất Hạnh and Zen traditions. We explore mindfulness ofContinue reading "Death, Breath, and Awakening: From Punk To Zen And Mindfulness Yoga | Anapanasati Series With Frank Jude Boccio"

In the 34th live session with Wendy Nash, the discussion revolves around Metta, or Loving-kindness meditation. The session explores its various dimensions, practicality in daily life, and the significance of boundaries in relationships. Observations about community gestures and personal stories enhance understanding. Participants are encouraged to share experiences and strengthen their meditation practice.

In this premiere episode of the Anapanasati series, Dharma teacher Stephen Fulder shares insights from his 50 years of practice, emphasizing a heartfelt approach to breath meditation. He advocates celebrating impermanence, balancing effort with trust, and fostering kindness. Fulder highlights the breath's significance in overcoming challenges and discusses his new book and upcoming online events.

In a heartfelt reunion, meditation teacher Denny K Miu discusses his evolving political awareness and societal changes during the CO-V lockdowns with a friend. They explore Buddhist principles, the impact of globalization, immigration stories, and health tips through the N.E.U.R.O framework, emphasizing meditation, emotional intelligence, and fostering harmony amid uncertainty.

For those who’d rather not listen and/or potentially have more coherence here’s how AI edited my reflection (with slight edits from me): It’s early August 2025, and I want to start with a disclaimer. Some of you might hear this and think, “That’s pretty woo-woo, tripped-out speculation—cool, far-out stuff, man.” Others might think, “This isContinue reading "Is There A “Buddhist” Eschatology? Between Buddhas: A Somewhat Long View Of Cosmic Timelines"

In this thirty-third installment of the ongoing live series with Wendy Nash inquiring into meditation practice on and off the cushion we delve into boundaries, especially as they relate to mindfulness, empathy, and personal/professional relationships. Wendy has mentioned previously that she often explores this theme in her work with clients and that it resonates stronglyContinue reading "Boundaries | “Meditation Q & A With Wendy Nash” #33"

Ivor "Gently" shares his transformative journey from a conventional life to a spiritual path marked by significant awakenings. He explores themes like the unraveling of identity, ethical decision-making, and the importance of meditation and intuition. Ivor emphasizes individual growth, collective well-being, and accepting radical responsibility in one's spiritual quest.