2025-09-09 | Take Care how you Place your Feet in the Zendo | Josh Gifford

2025-09-11 | Dharma Talk | Cultivating Harmony | Jan Royle

Caverly Morgan • Turning Toward What Is • Sept 19, 2025

Meditation has been such an important part of my life journey, and I wanted to share a new perspective on this ancient practice. Over the past seven years of teaching others to meditate, I’ve heard so many people say they couldn’t do it because they believed they were “bad meditators.” AKA. they had a lot of thoughts. I get it. Sitting with your mind isn’t easy.

That’s what inspired me to create a different approach so more people can access. A sonic journey that blends music with mindfulness and the wisdom of teachers like Ram Dass and Alan Watts, who I’ve learned so much from. To share there’s more than one way to meditate. 

I've been performing these sets live in Austin TX, incorporating breathwork, live instruments and community - and I've been blown away by people's experiences. 

So I'm excited to share this with you now...find yourself a quiet place, get comfy, grab some good headphones and enjoy the journey. 


Track listing below: 

Track 1: Volo - Golden Lotus w/ Alan Watts
Track 2: John Pattern - now (ft. Ram Dass)
Track 3: Theory of Colours - Dauwd w/ Alan Watts
Track 4: Achiote - Geometrae w/ Kobe Bryant 
Track 5: ATYYA - Drift w/ Ram Dass
Track 6: ATYYA - Ancestors Speak (Clozee Remix) w/ Alan Watts
Track 7: Daggz -Magicians 
Track 8: Ekali - Stay Hollow w/ David Goggins
Track 9: Kalya Scintilla - Awareness 
Track 10: Zen Selekta - Break Free
Track 11: Iyakuh - Winds of Change w/ Latebloomer
Track 12: Volo - Elysium w/ Pharrell 
Track 13: Dario Poletti - Caminos de Alcanfor w/ Ram Dass
Track 14: Samite - Night Stories
Track 15: Justin Jay - Home pt. 1
Track 16: East Forest - I am Loving Awarensss (ft. Ram Dass)

Latebloomer Presents: Meditations Vol 1

Dharma Blues

Inspired by the opening verses of Chapter 10 of the Lotus Sūtra, "Dharma Blues" is my personal take on a truth that has resonated deeply. It's a song born from the recognition that suffering and joy are not separate, and that even in a world filled with strife, the "eyes of the Buddha" can show us the way to peace. With a sound that recalls the classic folk and blues artists I've always loved, this is a song for anyone on their own path to awakening.

Lyrics: 

Verse 1
Woke up this mornin’, sun hangin’ high,
Old trouble still driftin’, cloudin’ my eye.
Thought this world was only hurt and fight,
Till the Dharma whispered a deeper light:
“Look a little closer, hear what I say—
Equality and difference will guide your way.”

Chorus
Oh, the Buddha’s eyes see clear and true,
Through joy and sorrow, through me and you.
The world keeps turnin’, but my vision can,
From a restless drifter to a peaceful man.
I’ll keep this sutra close, steady in my hand,
Offerings of heart for this promised land.

Harmonica break
(low, train-whistle bends—hope rising through blue haze)

Verse 2
I once saw mountains and valleys divide,
Thought every soul had a place to hide.
But the same wind sings through every green tree,
The same sun’s shinin’ on you and on me.
Each of us carries a heavy old load,
Yet we walk one ground on the same long road.

Chorus (repeat)

Verse 3
This world’s a burning house, fire in the beams,
Desires climbing like half-woken dreams.
But Medicine King showed the cure inside:
A joy unbroken, a truth that abides.
Unlock that wisdom, let illusions fall—
No place to run, yet no need at all.

Chorus (repeat)

Bridge
It ain’t gold or silver you set on the shrine,
But time and mercy, a heart aligned.
So I’ll honor the keepers who bear this flame,
Bow my head softly, praise their name.

Final Chorus / Outro
Oh, the Buddha’s eyes see clear and true…
(last line lingers)
Offerings of heart—that’s what I bring,
Let the truth of the Dharma make my spirit sing.
Harmonica fades like a night train gone,
Leaving quiet dawn to carry the song.

Dharma Blues

Practicing mindfulness is known to help with myriad mental and physical health issues, including those associated with addiction. Could having a meditation practice also help dismantle systems of oppression? 

Host Morgan D. Stewart sits down with Ablossi Tzaphkiel & Sara Bumpus of Recovery Dharma as well as Dave Creswell & Colleen of Madison Insight Meditation group to explore the connections between meditation, creativity, and recovery. It's a powerful, and deeply personal episode for Morgan, about how a search for inner peace led to finding belonging in recovery spaces.

Featuring segments originally heard on Wisconsin Public Radio's "Wisconsin Life".

Sponsored by Art Lit Lab in Madison, WI.

This project is funded in part by a grant from Dane Arts, the Madison Arts Commission, with additional funds from the Wisconsin Arts Board.

HOW TO FIND SOLACE IN SANGHA w/ ABLOSSI & COLLEEN

The Buddha Never Truly Goes

"The Buddha Never Truly Goes" is a heartfelt ballad that bridges the gap between ancient wisdom and contemporary introspection. Through lyrical storytelling and a soulful, blues-infused melody, this song challenges the conventional view of the Buddha's passing, presenting it instead as a profound teaching on omnipresence and inner awakening.

The verses, rich with parables, guide the listener to understand that the Buddha's essence is not confined to a single lifetime or physical form. Instead, it is a timeless and ever-present force found in the natural world, in moments of quiet reflection, and, most importantly, within ourselves. This is a song of encouragement for anyone feeling lost or seeking guidance, reminding them that the path to enlightenment is an internal journey.

It's a perfect blend of poignant lyrics and melancholic yet hopeful music, reflecting a sound that is both deeply personal and universally resonant. This track is for seekers and spiritualists, for those who appreciate music as a vehicle for wisdom, compassion, and personal growth. Let the "Lotus Light" guide you.

Lyrics: 
(Verse 1)
They tell of Buddha’s final breath, and thought his work was through, A fading sun that left the earth, with nothing left to do. But the Master taught a deeper truth, to one who listened near, That worldly death was just a show, to conquer doubt and fear.

(Chorus)
'Cause the Buddha never truly goes, his home is everywhere, He's in the wind, a river's flow, a silent, humble prayer. So when your heart is dark with doubt, and you're lost upon the road, Just hear his voice, a silent sound, and lift that heavy load.

(Verse 2) 
Some folks get too comfortable, when they think the truth is free, If the Master’s always standing by, then where's the urgency? So he plays a trick, a clever means, a lesson sharp and grand, To make us hungry for his presence, while he guides a waking land.

(Chorus) 
'Cause the Buddha never truly goes, his home is everywhere, He's in the wind, a river's flow, a silent, humble prayer. So when your heart is dark with doubt, and you're lost upon the road, Just hear his voice, a silent sound, and lift that heavy load.

(Bridge) 
Maitreya, with an open heart, a timeless truth you'll see, I’ve walked this long, long path with you, and my light has set you free. And all who hear this lesson's sound, and hold it to their core, Will be a light for all the world, and shine forevermore.

(Guitar Solo - Melancholic but hopeful blues)

(Verse 3) 
Don't need a temple, don't need a shrine, don't need to count the years Just need a moment's humble thought, to wash away the tears To know the guiding hand is there, no matter what it seems To walk this earth with open eyes, and live the truest dreams.

(Outro) 
Yeah, the Buddha never truly goes... He's right here... in you and me... His light is always shining... can you see? Always... right here.

The Buddha Never Truly Goes

Single focus and Expansiveness

We are delighted to have Ben Campbell continue a thought provoking month of September Sunday Check-Ins.

Ben has prepared a short activity for us and shared the following pre-session musings.

Last month, Venerable Juewei shared the story of the fish in water, which was a powerful story about how sometimes, the most obvious, important realities are often the ones that are hardest to see and talk about. 

This week, we'll be invited to explore one of these areas -- gender -- and how it shapes our experience in profound and sometimes subtle ways. As an entry into this session, consider pondering the following questions:
1. What is your relationship to your gender? 
2. How has your gender impacted your journey? 

The Water We Swim In - Gender

We are delighted to have Ben Campbell continue a thought provoking month of September Sunday Check-Ins.
Ben has prepared a short activity for us and shared the following pre-session musings.

Last month, Venerable Juewei shared the story of the fish in water, which was a powerful story about how sometimes, the most obvious, important realities are often the ones that are hardest to see and talk about. 

This week, we'll be invited to explore one of these areas -- race and ethnicity -- and how it shapes our experience in profound and sometimes subtle ways. As an entry into this session, consider pondering the following questions:
1. How do you experience your racial or ethnic identity?
2. In what ways has race or ethnicity influenced your journey? 

The Water We Swim In - Race and Ethnicity

Big Heart City is a San Francisco-Based meditation group. An open-hearted and welcoming community, we aim to offer a safe and authentic spiritual home for those interested in inclining their hearts and minds towards love and wisdom.

Please like and share. 
Welcome to the musical world of The William Altig Choir, where ancient wisdom meets contemporary sound.

Inspired by the teachings of the Lotus Sutra and infused with deep spiritual themes, my music blends the rich traditions of blues and folk with modern elements, creating a unique fusion that resonates with both the heart and soul.

I've been captivated by the Lotus Sutra's messages of compassion, wisdom, and transformation since my youth. It's a journey of self-discovery that has found its voice in my music. Each song is a reflection of my own spiritual awakening and a celebration of universal truths.

My style is characterized by emotive storytelling, powerful lyrics, and a commitment to exploring the depths of human experience. Featuring contemplative blues, acoustic slide guitar, saxophone melodies, and the harmonies of a gospel choir, my music reflects a quest for enlightenment and a better understanding of the self.

Join me on this musical journey. Together, we can explore the teachings of the Lotus Sutra, finding solace, hope, and a deeper connection to the world around us.

#SpiritualMusic  #LotusSutraMusic  #ContemplativeBlues  #BuddhistGospel #AcousticSlideGuitar  #GospelChoir  #Self-Discovery  #SpiritualAwakening  #Hope  #The_William_Altig_Choir

The Humanistic Buddhism Centre (HBC) is committed to the research and development of Humanistic Buddhism as well as community engagement.  The Centre identifies and undertakes innovative projects that contribute to the scholarly and teaching communities.  Besides facilitating inter-disciplinary research and course-ware development that contributes to the Nan Tien Institute’s teaching programs, the Centre also participates in outreach programmes such as podcasts, workshops, and exhibitions.  This podcast collection houses resources on Humanistic Buddhism that will be useful to students, educators and informed Buddhists.

Just This Zen Community

Zazen – just sitting – is the foundation of our practice. At the heart of our community is our shared commitment to compassionate inquiry, mutual care and deep gratitude, demonstrated through our everyday actions, words and thoughts. This practice supports our aspiration to open to all of life, as an expression of the timeless wisdom of Buddha’s Way.

We welcome people of all races, cultures, ethnicities, sexual orientations, gender identities, classes, religions, abilities, and ages. We are committed to providing a safe place for all people to explore the dharma and awaken to their true nature.

We want to offer our deep gratitude and thanks to all the innumerable people whose practice and dedication have kept the flame of the dharma alive and well. We want to acknowledge that our western iteration of practice rests on the efforts of all those who practised for centuries in their own non-western cultures.

The Ordinary Mind Zen School Sydney podcast consists of Dharma talks given by Geoff Dawson.

New tracks tagged #Dharma