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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.
Best of Awake in the World: A More Liquified Existence
In this Best of Awake in the World podcast episode Michael explores the “post-negation” section of the Heart Sutra, focusing on the lines, “with no hindrance in the mind. No hindrance, therefore no fear.” He describes hindrances as mental barriers,
Best of Awake in the World: Radical Open-ness
Guest speaker, Dr. Lauren Corman gives a gripping talk on animals and non-violence, given during a 12-day intensive at Centre of Gravity, Recorded on July 19, 2012.
Through classes in the area of Critical Animal Studies, which engages an
Best of Awake in the World: The Neighbour’s Dog is Barking
In this Awake in the World podcast Michael begins by stating that “this practice is a matter of life and death” and describes how yoga can help us see our patterns of conditioning, and help us to embrace both the
Best of Awake in the World: Intensifying Relationships and the Politics of Love
In this Best of Awake in the World episode Michael explores the difference between mindfulness and being self-conscious, Shantideva’s practices for exchanging your self with others, and suggestions for long-term practice.
Best of Awake in the World: Clouds in the Sky
In this Best of Awake in the world episode Michael leads a thirty-minute guided meditation focuses on noticing and letting go of commentary.
Best of Awake in the World: Tell Me, Who Is That Other?
In this Best of Awake in the World podcast episode based on a koan (Case Forty-five from the Gateless Gate) this talk explores the complex ways that we create a self and create an “other,” and how the two processes
Best of Awake in the World: The Jhanas (4 stages of concentration)
Michael breaks down the fundamentals of Jhana practice (the 4 stages of deep concentration). He explores the inner “maps” that guide absorption and offers insight into how practitioners can move into increasingly profound states. As stillness deepens, the familiar reference
Best of Awake in the World: The World is its Own Mantra
Michael explores the magic mantra that concludes the Heart Sutra, one of the most famous teachings in the Buddhist tradition. In this one-hour talk, he reflects on how this ancient mantra points to a profound shift in the way we
Best of Awake in the World: Hope Without Optimism
On Silent Retreat Michael Stone explores the Zen koan “Why Can’t the Tail Pass Through” along with thoughts on hope, optimism, and despair. He describes “mindfulness as a political tool” and how we don’t need a revolution, we need “embodied,
Best of Awake in the World: The Three Levels of Ethics: Literal, Compassionate, Koan
One of the last days of the 6 month Precepts course. Following chanting the Heart Sutra, five students present on the five ethical values of the course, and then Michael discusses three ways of thinking about ethics. And how to
Best of Awake in the World: Mindfulness & Situational Ethics
In this episode, Michael explores the intersection of mindfulness and situational ethics, unpacking how awareness can guide us through the complex moral landscapes of everyday life. Drawing from a 2015 lecture in an earlier version of his online course, Embodying
Consent, Connection & Ethics: A Modern Guide to Brahmacharya with Jessy Wollen
In this week’s episode, we continue our deep dive into The Five Ethics with a modern exploration of brahmacharya, often translated as the wise use of energy.
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