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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.
When Thorns Grow in Our Practice
A talk and group exercise for working with thorns when they begin to grow on the branches of our practice and in our lives. Recorded November 2, 2010.
Who Am I If Not This Mask?
Michael continues his month-long discussion about masks and how they shouldn’t stick to your face. He gives the sangha some homework. Recorded October 11, 2010.
Asking the Master
Michael introduces Case 12 of the Mumonkon, “The Master”. He ties waking up with social action and the teachings of the Burmese Monks who visited the evening prior. A funny and lively talk with practices you can use in your
I’ve Stopped: Can You?
Michael tells the story of Angulimala, a murderer who met the Buddha and changed his ways though was still stoned to death. This teaching illustrates how we are never free of karma and that our conduct always shapes our lives.
Deeply Secret Mind
Jen Whitney investigates a favourite koan of hers and relates it to the passing of Michael and how the community can move forward from here. Recorded at the Eight-Day Silent Meditation Retreat in France, August 2017.
How Do You Use All Your Hands & Eyes?
Part two of Michael describing how to enter the path of practice and become a committed student at Centre of Gravity. Recorded September 15, 2010.
Mountains Are Not Mountains
Jen Whitney explores the famous saying by Seigen Ishin, integrating the wisdom of poet David Budbill. Recorded at the Eight-Day Silent Meditation Retreat in France, August 2017.
Freeing the Body, Freeing the Mind
A talk Michael gave at his book launch for Freeing the Body, Freeing the Mind. Recorded at the Shambhala Centre on September 9, 2009.
Without Ideals of Violence
Jen Whitney discusses working with ideals, expectations, and perfection, and turning towards it with love. Recorded at the Eight-Day Silent Meditation Retreat in France, August 2017.
Togethering
During a weekend retreat in Michael’s honour, Carina Stone speaks about how practice shows up as both a scaffolding for loss and as the path forward. She responds to the questions what do we do now and why do we
Falling Down, Getting Up
Caitlin Lambstrom remembers Michael and what he taught her: that practice is not a way to transcend our humanness, but to embrace it. Awakening is not an end goal, but a possibility that exists in each moment – even the
We Practice Because We Forget
A discussion and talk Michael gave at the Yoga Festival Toronto with local teachers and studio owners. Recorded August 21, 2010.
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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.