New Contemplatives

In this talk Michael looks at the five kleshas and their corresponding cultural samskaras through the practice of working with a koan–an exercise in not knowing. He also describes Bernie Glassman and Grover Gauntt’s street retreats and their three guiding principles: bearing witness, not knowing and taking loving action. Recorded on May 18, 2010.

What Can You Do About the World?

This week we're revisiting a favourite Awake in the World podcast episode. In the Zen tradition, there is a saying, “Reaching the mystery is nothing but breaking through and grabbing an ordinary person’s life.” The mystical experience turns out to be this present moment. Part of a series of talks on the Buddha before Buddhism. Recorded at Centre of Gravity on June 23, 2013.

Best of Awake in the World: Buddha's Last Word

Starting with a poem by Hafiz about haggling with God, Michael offers insights about ways to simplify and deepen practice, giving and receiving, renunciation, and ideas we need to let go of. Recorded on November 8, 2007.

What Are You Going to Let Go Of?

In this guided meditation practice Michael provides suggestions for cultivating equanimity and radical acceptance. The instructions last approximately fifteen minutes, followed by fifteen minutes of silence before the bell. Recorded on November 10, 2008.

This Is the Way It Is

Cynthia Bourgeault - Perennial Wisdom for Troubled Times: Contemplative Awakening and Conscious Engagement

Modern day mystic, Episcopal priest, writer, and internationally known retreat leader, Cynthia Bourgeault divides her time between solitude at her hermitage in Maine, U.S.A., and travelling globally to spread the recovery of the Christian contemplative and wisdom path.
 
In her talk Cynthia explores the persistent intuition of the Wisdom tradition that there is such a thing as "a conscious circle of humanity" from which we may receive guidance - and how contemplative practice prepares us to awaken to it.
 
This event was organised by WCCM in association with Contemplative Outreach.  
Recorded: October 31st 2017 at St. James Priory, Bristol.

WCCM Bristol UK Talks

Cynthia Bourgeault - Perennial Wisdom for Troubled Times

Awake in the World Podcast is a library of talks on a wide-range of topics, including bringing mindfulness and meditation practice into daily life; personal and community issues regarding mental health; and social change. The podcasts were recorded at live events so you might hear coughing, airplanes, cars, sirens, laughter, and peoples’ questions—all part of the intimate experience. Michael Stone (1974-2017) was a Buddhist teacher, author, and mental health advocate. His legacy is stewarded by Carina Stone. Podcast funded by Patreon (patreon.com/michaelstone).