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Do People These Days Need Enlightenment?
Michael considers the final lines of the first pada of the Yoga Sutra through the lens of a Buddhist koan: Case 62 of the Book of Serenity.
What Can You Do About the World?
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
Enter Here
This meandering talk starts with a story about “Entering the Way” and flows around asana practice, pranayama, the role of a teacher, the five kleshas and the importance of healthy doubt (the kind that comes with faith).
Mindfulness & Social Action (e-Book)
This talk was given by Michael in Vancouver on January 28, 2015. He described it as a manifesto for how to talk about spirituality in a post-metaphysical age, used a PowerPoint presentation (the slides are included in the e-book) and
Best of Awake in the World: Emptiness, Self, Depression & Narcissism
Michael gives a talk on the ways mindfulness meditation can help with the spectrum of mental illness and also some signs to watch out for as practice deepens. Part of a series of talks on Shantideva’s Guide to a Bodhisattva’s
Forever Jung (eBook)
A collection of notes on/transcripts of Michael’s dharma talk series on Carl Jung and meditation practice that we’ve designed into a beautiful booklet titled, Forever Jung.
Intimacy, Transmission & Awakening: The Ten Ox-Herding Pictures (eBook)
Michael gave a series of dharma talks on the Ten Ox-Herding Pictures during a silent meditation retreat in the summer of 2015. These profound talks range from Buddhist philosophy, Zen koans, psychological insights, references to Allen Ginsberg, and personal stories
Happiness: An Essay (eBook)
In 2016, Michael collaborated with designer Robin Yolanda Lamarr to create this beautiful e-book using his essay on happiness as a gift to the sangha. Today, we’re sharing it with our patrons as a thank you for your continued support.
Who Are You?
In this talk (on the first lines of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra) Michael explores the mistakes we make as we try to ground ourselves and construct identities based on stories, desires and fears.
Heart Sutra: Seeing the Background (eBook)
One of Michael’s more listened-to series of dharma talks is on the Heart Sutra. These six talks were recorded during his 12-day intensive at Centre of Gravity in 2012. Over the span of six months, we’ll be transcribing, editing, and
In that Lump of Flesh and Bones
In this talk Michael argues that yoga and mindfulness are best practiced via the body versus striving for the attainment of philosophical or intellectual concepts. He encourages trusting that the body is the natural world and listening with the heart,
Best of Awake in the World: Ahimsa (Non-harming)
This week we’re revisiting a favourite Awake in the World podcast episode. Michael interviews Pat Smith, physician and abortion provider, on the precept of non-harming. Michael and Pat discuss ethics versus political ideologies, the relationships between how we are in
About the Community Library
Michael was a great archivist and the Community Library was—and continues to be—a labour of love. Everything in the Community Library is available for free. Anyone, anywhere can have instant access to material that will help them deepen their practice and contribute to a culture of compassion and collaboration.
Libraries are places where we gather alone together. They are known to be places of refuge for seekers, as well as those who are marginalized. This library is no different. It helps us nourish our beautiful, international community without walls. Now, it will also help keep Michael’s legacy alive.