Plant Powered Buddhist

Ever make a right decision but the outcome seemed to be "wrong?" When making decisions related to food there is a way to avoid this scenario. A technique employed by a reportedly unattractive Greek man used it so well he was eventually executed for it. Sounds strange doesn't it? What is that technique? Sensei uses it in this deeply contemplative episode. Don't worry the outcome will be good...hopefully. Sensei used it on himself and is still here to talk about it. Warning, the taste may be bitter...

In this episode, Sensei Derek reads a short excerpt from chapter one of his book Eat Like a Buddha. This chapter's title is 'Contemplation of Self.' It opens with explaining the concept of acquired and inherited limitations and identities and their roles in creating a false sense of self. Sensei highlights the challenges of transcending these states in order to make your best decisions in life about your eating habits. He also mentions the 'Four Horsemen' that drive your eating decisions. You definitely want to hear what these are. Overall this a concise sharing of a portion of the first chapter that will stimulate deeper thoughts about the psycho-spiritual aspects of eating!

(Apologies if sound quality is not as good with ear/head phones as without. Tried every fix but none worked) Today, many people are concerned with various systems of oppression. Systems of oppression involving gender, economics, career opportunities, access to quality healthcare, ethnicity, affordable housing, education, animals and religion are common targets that people feel need to be resisted. But what about oppression related to food? Who is railing against this? Not many people are and the real reason they are not may disturb you. In fact, you may find it quite offensive...unless...

In this episode, Sensei discusses how to bring magic back into everyday life. He emphasizes that while temporary experiences like vacations or new possessions can bring excitement, true magic comes from finding contentment in everyday activities. We can make the mundane divine with conscious attention and present awareness. But how does one actually do that? Tune in for an insightful exploration of an everyday activity that can bring the magic every day of your life when done right. If you want a deeper dive into the phenomenon of food and your relationship to it purchase Sensei's book: Eat Like A Buddha. It's available on Amazon in both paperback and hardcover.

Who am I? How can I find myself? I need to find myself. These thoughts are ones you have likely held on more than one occasion. "Finding yourself" has been heralded as the holy treasure for spiritual seekers. Being lost is a condition that is perceived to be undesirable. Sensei has an alternative perspective (and approach) to this that will save you from a lot of unnecessary heartache and personal conflict. Press play to hear it.

In the spirit of authentic communication, Sensei addresses one of the most complex issues in our time...the conflict in the Middle East. Never afraid to engage with a controversial subject matter he offers some insights on what must happen to help create a true lasting peace. This is a delicate but real share...

Do you consider yourself to be a winner or a loser? In today's climate this may sound like a harsh question to ask another person. It's probably even more difficult of a question to ask yourself. Yet, you likely are implicitly living under the daunting shadow of this question every day of your life. The internet is full of people teaching you about "how to win. " In this episode, Sensei teaches you something far more valuable...how to win at not winning.

Wars. Climate change. Greed. Political, social and racial strife. Economic injustice and gender discrimination. Extreme poverty and homelessness. This is the doom and gloom weighing down the minds of many. How is your mind coping with this? Press play for a helpful contemplation to clear the mind and see a nuance you are likely missing.

In this third and final episode of Sensei's intro series on meditation, he addresses the third component which is wisdom. Wisdom in the Chan tradition, and in Buddhism generally, is one of the highest perfections or virtues that can be achieved. In contemporary times, wisdom has been watered down in meaning so much that almost any common sense understanding can constitute wisdom. Sensei restores wisdom to its rightful hight station in this episode. He simultaneously explains why one is not practicing meditation where wisdom is not the both the goal and result. The Buddha dedicated a significant portion of his life to teaching specifically about wisdom. The deep insights, and precious jewels of wisdom, are preserved for those who properly persevere in their meditation practice. Press play to hear how to cultivate this wisdom via meditation for yourself.

In the first part of this 3 part series, Sensei discussed the importance of establishing an ethical standard (or moral code) as an essential ingredient of practicing meditation. Here, he describes the second component of meditation which is samadhi. Samadhi is a foundational pillar in the practice of Chan. (a.k.a Zen) There are a number of meditation techniques available to the Chan practitioner to help develop and deepen samadhi. As one develops a deeper understanding and practice of samadhi the lines between the state of "meditation" and "non-meditation" become feint and eventually fade away. But what is samadhi? How does one correctly practice and achieve it? This and related topics are covered in this episode.

Meditation has been misrepresented and watered down through misguided marketing. Meditation is not about what many people, especially westerners, think it is. Sensei introduces you to the first of three components of meditation in this episode. If you want to get the real value of meditating, then you should listen to this 3 part series.

Many people totally misunderstand the phenomenon called "time." Due to these misunderstandings poor and irreversible decisions are often made. In this episode, Sensei clears up these misunderstandings so that you can begin to experience life in new and wonderful way. It will require that you break with some deeply held conceptions about time that are believed by most people. If you're ready now...press play.

Feeling good in your body? If you are like many the answer is "no" or "sometimes." To start feeling good (not not just ok) in your body will require a mind shift away from many deep rooted conventional notions. Unwittingly, many people have set a low bar both for feeling good and for how long it's possible to do so. Sensei offers precise insights into how you can actually begin feeling good starting today no matter where you are on the feel-good scale...

It may sound strange to consider taking food as your guru! But, this is precisely the foundation upon which Sensei has built an entirely new way to consciously exploring, and improving, our relationship to food and eating. Tune in to learn more about this approach and how you may already be implementing aspects of this every day!

Have you ever felt your life has lost its spice? That your life is just blasé, routine or boring? You are not alone in this. Many people are feeling this way. When you think of an exciting dish, oatmeal would probably not make it into your top 10 list. That might change after listening to Sensei's experience and insight after eating his morning bowl of oatmeal...

What is breatharianism? What does it mean to actually live on prana? What is it like not to eat food for days, weeks or months? In this episode, Sensei shares some provocative insights from his 90+ day experiment with this practice. While writing his book Eat Like A Buddha he engaged in several spiritual practices including breatharianism. You don't want to miss this episode...

Many people eat food primarily based upon how it makes them feel. Perhaps you are such a person. You eat food to feel "good." Or simply because you like the taste of it. Given the social norms around eating food you unknowingly create addictions that are far more destructive than any addiction to food could ever be. Press play now to hear Sensei explain what these hidden addictions are and why you should be award of them.

The mind is so vast and mysterious. It feels so personal yet efforts to tame or subdue it seem useless. In this episode, Sensei introduces some counterintuitive wisdom about the mind that will point you in the direction of peace you seek. The end of the battle against the mind starts here...

This is a controversial issue within the Buddhist community. Should Buddhists be eating animals and animal products? This question is often raised with Sensei. Here he addresses it publicly for the first time. His response will be of interest to Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike...

Sensei has published his new book Eat Like A Buddha: Mental Recipes To Free Your Mind & Heal The World. It is available now on Amazon. Press play to listen to Sensei read a brief description about the book. Then go purchase your copy!