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The joke used to be that every time Michael opened his mouth what he said was archived here. We couldn’t be more grateful for that now because it is one of the best ways Michael’s teachings will live on.
The Awake in the World Podcast is the heart of the Community Library. Talks are 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.
This podcast has been created so that anyone can have instant access to Michael’s teachings. It has been made possible due to generous donations from members of the community. In the six years that the podcast has been available, over half a million people have pressed play as a way to be more—like the name says—awake in the world.
Each podcast is between 30-60 minutes long. As always, you’re encouraged to follow along weekly as part of your practice. 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.
A More Liquified Existence
In this Awake in the World podcast episode Michael elucidates the “post-negation” part of the Heart Sutra, particularly the lines “with no hindrance in the mind. No hindrance, therefore no fear.” He characterizes hindrances as walls of the mind and
The Authoritarian Structures of the Mind
In this Awake in the World podcast episode, Michael explores the “negation section” of the Heart Sutra (no eye, no ear, no nose, no tongue…) and how the story-telling and I-making functions of the mind contract and cling, leading us
Patanjali’s an Optimist
In this Awake in the World podcast episode, Michael unpacks part of the second pada of the Yoga Sutra (2.29 – 2.39) with an emphasis on wholesome thoughts, the yamas, the cure for nihilism, and the importance of not separating
Yoga as a Living Tradition
In this Awake in the World podcast episode, Michael emphasizes the need to view yoga as a living tradition that is relevant and useful in our contemporary lives. He discusses faith versus fundamentalism, the centrality of karma, how asana fits
Awareness & Morality
In this podcast episode, Michael discusses the relationship between awareness and morality or mindfulness and ethics. When we are faced with the unprecedented and unrepeatable complexities of this moment, the question is not, “What is the right thing to do?”
Awareness & Creative Energy (Brahmacharya)
In this podcast episode, Michael discusses the ethic of brahmacharya. Brahmacharya literally translated means to live like Brahma, the creator God. It means acceleration and to have pistons fire and to build cities and make art and neighbours and architecture
Being Satisfied (Asteya)
In this podcast episode, Michael explores the ethic of not stealing (asteya). Dogen, a wonderful Zen master, translates it this way: “The self and things of the world are just as they are. The gate of freedom is open.” This
Become Honesty (Satya)
In this podcast episode, Michael discusses the ethic of honesty (satya). In the practice of satya, we become honesty, it arises out of the real-time situations of our loves and livings. The deepest value of practice comes through our commitment
Wisdom & Spontaneity
In this podcast episode, Michael discusses the relationship in our daily lives between form and formlessness. Wisdom is not separate from who we are. It’s like beads rolling on a tray: sudden, ready, uninhibited.
Generosity & Not Being Possessive
Michael interviews Simone Moir, Registered Psychotherapist, on the precept of aparigraha (non-greed) and the practice of generosity. They discuss what comes up around possessiveness, addiction and obsession, embracing impermanence, the importance of relationship and knowing the importance of boundaries.
Ahimsa (Non-harming)
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 the world, our belief system, and our values, and the influences of
Fear, Whirlpools & Recalling the Past
The Buddha’s experience of absorption in the forest, and how he turned to the experience of pleasure in his body to stabilize during anxiety and dread.
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The Community Library will continue as long as we have supporters. The more support we have, the more we can ensure that the teachings Michael left behind can be available for free to anyone in the world.