Awake in the World Podcast artwork

Awake in the World Podcast

501 episodes - English - Latest episode: 18 days ago - ★★★★★ - 108 ratings

Awake in the World Podcast is a library of talks 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. 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. Michael Stone (1974-2017) was a Buddhist teacher, author, and mental health advocate. His legacy is stewarded by Carina Stone. Podcast funded by Patreon (patreon.com/michaelstone).

Buddhism Religion & Spirituality
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Episodes

Best of Awake in the World: Lotus Sutra 9: What Ideas Do We Have Lying Around?

March 03, 2024 16:00 - 51 minutes - 46.7 MB

In this Best of Awake in the World podcast episode Michael talks about Milton Friedman, Emmanuel Levinas, and how when we don't see another's face, face to face, it's easy to kill. This talk happens after Osama Bin Laden's death and the Canadian election. It goes back and forth between internal practices and community life. The Awake in the World podcast is brought to you by the generosity of our amazing Patreon supporters, making it possible for us to keep Michael's archive of teachings ava...

Lotus Sutra, Part 8: The Phantom City

February 25, 2024 16:30 - 37 minutes - 17.2 MB

Michael talks about the precepts ceremony, the illusion of time, decay, and the way we set up goals for ourselves, like phantom cities, only to be shocked when we realize that they're not as real as we once thought. How do we respond when we realize that our goals are actually ideas, phantom cities, that are helpful, but ultimately unreliable. Recorded April 26, 2011. As we unearth some of these long-lost episodes of the 2011 Lotus Sutra collection we’ll be adding podcast episodes as they go...

Best of Awake in the World: Lotus Sutra, Part 7: Time in the Lotus Sutra

February 18, 2024 16:00 - 47 minutes - 43.7 MB

In this Best of Awake in the World podcast episode Michael asks some important questions. How many kalpas, ages, eons, did the Buddha sit still before he could wake up? Why did it take so long? It takes a while for the light to shine into the darkest places. What is our relationship to time? Recorded on April 12, 2011. The Awake in the World podcast is brought to you by the generosity of our amazing Patreon supporters, making it possible for us to keep Michael's archive of teachings availabl...

Best of Awake in the World: Lotus Sutra, Part 6: The Parable of the Prodigal Son

February 09, 2024 18:19 - 58 minutes - 53.3 MB

In this Best of Awake in the World podcast episode Michael uses the parable of a son who leaves his father and 50 years later the father finds ways of healing the son's low self-esteem. You don't have to be good or walk on your knees for a hundred miles, just love what you love. Recorded at Centre of Gravity, Toronto, on April 5 2011. The Awake in the World podcast is brought to you by the generosity of our amazing Patreon supporters, making it possible for us to keep Michael's archive of t...

Best of Awake in the World: Lotus Sutra, Part 5: Upaya & The Parable of the Burning House

February 04, 2024 16:00 - 1 hour - 58.6 MB

In this Best of Awake in the World podcast episode Michael begins by discussing death and Japan's earthquake. Using the image of the burning house and a father trying to save his children, he teaches how we need to leave our burning houses on our own steam, nobody can do it for us. The father in the parable, like the Buddha, uses skillful means to teach a path of freedom. And, is it ok to lie to uphold compassion? Recorded on March 29, 2011. The Awake in the World podcast is brought to you b...

Best of Awake in the World: Lotus Sutra, Part 4 (Q & A)

January 28, 2024 16:00 - 17 minutes - 16 MB

This Best of Awake in the World podcast episode is a Question and answer period with Michael after Lotus Sutra, Part 4 talk. None of the teachings are true! Even the ones about your own life. Part 2 of 2. Recorded on March 22, 2011. The Awake in the World podcast is brought to you by the generosity of our amazing Patreon supporters, making it possible for us to keep Michael's archive of teachings available to the public. To become a patron, visit: patreon.com/michaelstone.

Best of Awake in the World: Lotus Sutra, Part 4

January 21, 2024 16:00 - 30 minutes - 27.7 MB

Michael talks about Fukushima, Japan, and Libya in this Best of Awake in the World podcast, and how lucky we are to practice in a place that is safe. How Mahayana Buddhism developed after the death of the Buddha with an emphasis on serving others and putting off personal enlightenment to serve the world. The talk ends with a moving story about a high school student rubbing the back of an elderly man at an evacuation centre in Japan. Part 1 of 2. Recorded on March 22, 2011.

Best of Awake in the World: Lotus Sutra, Part 3 - Upaya: Skill and Wisdom

January 14, 2024 16:00 - 1 hour - 56.5 MB

In this Best of Awake in the World podcast episode, Michael teaches that it's not enough that our intentions are clear, our actions need to make a difference. Being a Bodhisattva means serving all beings including one's self, yet this can only occur when we see all beings as Buddhas. Recorded on March 16, 2011. As we unearth some of the long-lost episodes of the 2011 Lotus Sutra collection we’ll be adding podcast episodes as they go up to playlist here: https://soundcloud.com/michaelstonetea...

Lotus Sutra, Part 2

January 07, 2024 16:00 - 1 hour - 34.7 MB

Guess what? After a deep-dive into our archives, we've unearthed some hidden gems! Most of the long-lost episodes of the 2011 Lotus Sutra collection are now found. In this Awake in the World podcast episode, Michael introduces the first section of the Lotus Sutra where the Buddha casts a light from the centre of his eyebrows and wakes up 18,000 worlds. Is this a reminder that the light of the awakening goes everywhere, leaving nothing out. Maybe we can put off enlightenment in order to serve...

Best of Awake in the World: The Way Seeking Heart

December 24, 2023 16:00 - 46 minutes - 63.2 MB

As we approach the end of the year We will be sharing talks from Michael’s New Year’s Silent Retreats. In this episode, Michael offers an introduction to the five day silent New Year's Retreat. Michael talks about what can show up on retreat, and Dogen’s idea of the Way Seeking Heart. Recorded December 28, 2010. The Awake in the World podcast is brought to you by the generosity of our amazing Patreon supporters, making it possible for us to keep Michael's archive of teachings available to th...

Best of Awake in the World: Reverence

December 17, 2023 16:00 - 45 minutes - 62.1 MB

We will be sharing talks from Michael’s New Year’s Silent Retreats as we approach the end of the year. In this episode, Michael gives a talk on depression, mental health, the negativity bias in the brain, and how we can have reverence for every moment of our lives. He talks about the Dalai Lama, photographer Nan Goldin, neuroscientist Rick Hanson, Yun-Men, and how to find your light. New Year's Silent Meditation Retreat 2014-15 at Chapin Mill in Upstate New York. Photo by Andréa de Keijzer. ...

Best of Awake in the World: Learn How to Stop Breaking Things

December 10, 2023 16:00 - 37 minutes - 34.5 MB

As we approach the end of the year we will be sharing talks from Michael’s New Year’s Silent Retreats. In this episode, Michael gives a talk on Dogen and how to practice meditation without memory and imagination. Learn to step back and turn your light inwards. Living in your small grass hut, covered in weeds. This podcast episode is from our archive and was recorded on Dec 30, 2012. The Awake in the World podcast is brought to you by the generosity of our amazing Patreon supporters, making i...

Compassion And Equanimity

December 03, 2023 16:00 - 54 minutes - 74.8 MB

In this talk, Michael summarizes his teachings and introduces a key passage on dealing with obstacles to practice from the Yoga-Sutra of Patanjali. These talks are part of a series on the psychology of yoga and Buddhism and were recorded in front of a small group in Toronto in 2015. Michael used a large whiteboard to draw diagrams and define terms. The lectures are based on Chapters 8, 9, and 19 in his book The Inner Tradition of Yoga. The Awake in the World podcast is brought to you by the...

Investigating Our Experience Without Identifying

November 27, 2023 16:00 - 44 minutes - 75.7 MB

In this talk, Michael explains the last two steps of the SAIN method and reintroduces the 3 Characteristics as part of the process of investigation and non- identification. These talks are part of a series on the psychology of yoga and Buddhism and were recorded in front of a small group in Toronto in 2015. Michael used a large whiteboard to draw diagrams and define terms. The lectures are based on Chapters 8, 9, and 19 in his book The Inner Tradition of Yoga. The Awake in the World podcast...

Suffering, Acceptance & Freedom

November 17, 2023 19:28 - 50 minutes - 86.4 MB

In this talk, Michael introduces the acronym SAIN as a method for applying mindfulness techniques to our daily lives in order to help free us from our addictive and unskillful behaviour. These talks are part of a series on the psychology of yoga and Buddhism and were recorded in front of a small group in Toronto in 2015. Michael used a large whiteboard to draw diagrams and define terms. The lectures are based on Chapters 8, 9, and 19 in his book The Inner Tradition of Yoga. The Awake in the...

Adolescence & Delaying Gratification

November 12, 2023 16:00 - 54 minutes - 75.2 MB

In this talk, Michael shares a video of Richie Davidson presenting his research on addiction, adolescence and delaying gratification to the Dalai Lama. These talks are part of a series on the psychology of yoga and Buddhism and were recorded in front of a small group in Toronto in 2015. Michael used a large whiteboard to draw diagrams and define terms. The lectures are based on Chapters 8, 9, and 19 in his book The Inner Tradition of Yoga. The Awake in the World podcast is brought to you by...

Craving, Addiction & Reactivity

November 05, 2023 16:00 - 47 minutes - 64.8 MB

In this talk, Michael focuses on samskaras or the psychological grooves formed of habituated behaviour, how those contribute to addiction and how spiritual practice can free us from both. These talks are part of a series on the psychology of yoga and Buddhism and were recorded in front of a small group in Toronto in 2015. Michael used a large whiteboard to draw diagrams and define terms. The lectures are based on Chapters 8, 9, and 19 in his book The Inner Tradition of Yoga. The Awake in th...

Working with Reactivity (Part2)

October 29, 2023 21:18 - 34 minutes - 47.7 MB

This week Michael focuses on the cycle of samsara as a model to understand the psychology of human experience, relationship and behaviour. These talks are part of a series on the psychology of yoga and Buddhism and were recorded in front of a small group in Toronto in 2015. Michael used a large whiteboard to draw diagrams and define terms. The lectures are based on Chapters 8, 9, and 19 in his book The Inner Tradition of Yoga. The Awake in the World podcast is brought to you by the generosi...

Working with Reactivity (Part 1)

October 23, 2023 15:00 - 26 minutes - 36.3 MB

In this talk, Michael focuses on the cycle of samsara as a model to understand the psychology of human experience, relationship and behaviour. These talks are part of a series on the psychology of yoga and Buddhism and were recorded in front of a small group in Toronto in 2015. Michael used a large whiteboard to draw diagrams and define terms. The lectures are based on Chapters 8, 9, and 19 in his book The Inner Tradition of Yoga. The Awake in the World podcast is brought to you by the gene...

Consciousness & Interdependence (part 2)

October 15, 2023 15:00 - 28 minutes - 39.5 MB

In this talk, Michael continues to explore the Buddhist and Yogic perceptions of consciousness as well as how the mind and senses function to form a sense of self. These talks are part of a series on the psychology of yoga and Buddhism and were recorded in front of a small group in Toronto in 2015. Michael used a large whiteboard to draw diagrams and define terms. The lectures are based on Chapters 8, 9, and 19 in his book The Inner Tradition of Yoga. The Awake in the World podcast is broug...

Consciousness & Interdependence (Part1)

October 09, 2023 15:00 - 39 minutes - 54.1 MB

In this talk, Michael explores the Buddhist and Yogic perceptions of consciousness as well as how the mind and senses function to form a sense of self. These talks are part of a series on the psychology of yoga and Buddhism and were recorded in front of a small group in Toronto in 2015. Michael used a large whiteboard to draw diagrams and define terms. The lectures are based on Chapters 8, 9, and 19 in his book The Inner Tradition of Yoga. The Awake in the World podcast is brought to you by...

Mindfulness & Intimacy (Part 2)

October 01, 2023 04:00 - 37 minutes - 51.8 MB

In this talk Michael continues to present his approach to spiritual practice with grounded psychological insight into key practices of both the yogic and Buddhist traditions. These talks are part of a series on the psychology of yoga and Buddhism and were recorded in front of a small group in Toronto in 2015. Michael used a large whiteboard to draw diagrams and define terms. The lectures are based on Chapters 8, 9, and 19 in his book The Inner Tradition of Yoga. The Awake in the World podca...

Mindfulness & Intimacy (Part 1)

September 25, 2023 16:00 - 36 minutes - 33.8 MB

In this talk Michael presents his approach to spiritual practice with grounded psychological insight into key practices of both the yogic and Buddhist traditions. These talks are part of a series on the psychology of yoga and Buddhism and were recorded in front of a small group in Toronto in 2015. Michael used a large whiteboard to draw diagrams and define terms. The lectures are based on Chapters 8, 9, and 19 in his book The Inner Tradition of Yoga. The Awake in the World podcast is brough...

Best of Awake in the World: In that Lump of Flesh and Bones

September 18, 2023 14:30 - 1 hour - 43.9 MB

This week we're revisiting a favourite Awake in the World podcast episode. 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, so that “knowing” or too much technique don’t become obstacles to intimacy. Recorded on May 16, 2008.

Best of Awake in the World: Do People These Days Need Enlightenment?

September 10, 2023 15:00 - 54 minutes - 58.2 MB

This week we're revisiting a favourite Awake in the World podcast episode. In this talk, 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. Recorded on May 25, 2010.

The Form is Hugging You

September 03, 2023 14:00 - 46 minutes - 62.4 MB

Michael gives a talk about the importance of form, and the importance of not becoming caught by form, and how this insight expands out to allow spontaneity, creativity, and freedom to be whatever you need to be moment by moment. Recording date unknown.

Nest Building

August 27, 2023 14:00 - 39 minutes - 42.8 MB

In this talk on awareness, Michael uses the metaphor of a nest to describe our accumulation of narratives, memories and viewpoints, and argues that non-attachment (vairagya) is crucial and “viewpoint interruption” is a practice in itself. Recorded on September 29, 2009.

Not Too Tight, Not Too Loose

August 20, 2023 13:59 - 29 minutes - 24.8 MB

Michael leads a thirty-minute meditation focusing on the finer points of the posture (form), and explains how physiological details and psychological states affect one another. Recorded on September 26, 2009.

Best of Awake in the World: The Good Enough Meditator

August 13, 2023 15:00 - 47 minutes - 43.8 MB

This week we're revisiting a favourite Awake in the World podcast episode. In this talk, Michael highlights the hindrances to practice described in line 30 of the Yoga Sutras and then offers some techniques to work with them. Recorded on February 9, 2010.

Knowing the Unknowable

August 06, 2023 14:00 - 55 minutes - 61.4 MB

In this talk on the Third Foundation of Mindfulness (from the Satipatthana Sutta), Michael covers the kleshas, karma and learning to discern skilful versus unskilful mind states. Recorded on September 25, 2009.

An Army of Coolness

July 30, 2023 14:00 - 56 minutes - 71.3 MB

Michael gives a talk about the Buddha’s “Fire Sermon,” and connects it to practice, being in relationship, and the cultivation of generosity, creativity and loving action. Recorded on September 22, 2010.

A Ball Thrown into a River

July 23, 2023 14:00 - 48 minutes - 36.5 MB

In this talk Michael covers part of the Ariyapasasana Sutta (the Buddha’s own account of his awakening), the difference between Patanjali’s definition of yoga and the Buddha’s Second Truth, recognizing and working with (or against) the momentum of culture, and navigating our relationship with our ego/storyteller. Recorded on September 16, 2008.

A Case of Mistaken Identity

July 16, 2023 14:00 - 50 minutes - 54.4 MB

Michael argues that “yoga citta vritti nirodha” can be interpreted as “the ending of our misidentification with the movement of consciousness” and that our attempts to ground or reify our self-identity lead to dissatisfaction and anxiety. Recorded on September 15, 2009.

Stormy Sea and Heaven’s River

July 09, 2023 14:00 - 1 hour - 78.1 MB

Using a Haiku by Basho as a jumping off point, Michael continues his exploration of Dogen’s essay The Time Being. Recorded on September 13, 2009.

Best of Awake in the World: Not Picking & Choosing

July 02, 2023 14:00 - 1 hour - 72.4 MB

This week we're revisiting a favourite Awake in the World podcast episode. Michael uses an old Zen tale, a troubled story about him falling in love with his wife, and quotes from Shunryu Suzuki, to describe the practice of not-knowing and not holding onto anything. He ends with a very interesting and subtle meditation instruction on breathing. Chapin Mill, New York. Recorded December 31, 2016.

Best of Awake in the World: Seals, Owls, and Letting Go of Destructive Relationships

June 25, 2023 14:00 - 57 minutes - 67.2 MB

This week we're revisiting a favourite Awake in the World podcast episode. Michael explores the sensitive topic of knowing when to pull out of relationships, kindness to one’s self, emptiness, love, and a story about appreciating that you and others are divine. Chapin Mill, New York. Recorded December 30, 2016.

Whatever is Needed

June 18, 2023 14:00 - 1 hour - 85 MB

Michael talks about dukkha, self-care, and activism. He also describes several kinds of burnout and some methods to prevent being afflicted by them. Recorded on September 12, 2010.

Self-Portraits

June 11, 2023 13:59 - 1 hour - 77.7 MB

Starting with Dogen’s Self-Portrait, Michael explores different ways of viewing self-hood and argues for a “useful” doubt in respect to the self (not the kind that leads to indecision, but the kind that opens us up to new possibilities). Recorded on September 12, 2009.

The Whisk, the Staff, Three Heads and Eight Arms

June 04, 2023 14:00 - 44 minutes - 46.8 MB

In this talk Michael unpacks Dogen’s essay on The Time Being and argues that an unhealthy relationship with time can be one of our biggest discontents. Recorded on September 11, 2009.

The Problem is the Wanting

May 28, 2023 14:00 - 40 minutes - 29.9 MB

Micheal explores the difficulty of being immersed in a culture of desire, our tendency to want to be something other than what we are, and our notion that practice is going to get us somewhere. Recorded on September 9, 2008.

Best of Awake in the World: Anxiety & Meditation

May 21, 2023 14:00 - 56 minutes - 69.6 MB

This week we're revisiting a favourite Awake in the World podcast episode. Michael explains how we can cultivate a field in which anxiety can arise and change, surrounded by spaciousness. We have forces of good inside us, we aren't fated to live out our history, and we are loveable just as we are. Recorded in London.

The Center of the Storm is Calm

May 14, 2023 14:00 - 45 minutes - 50 MB

In this talk on the Yoga Sutra Michael highlights the fluctuations of consciousness, kaivalya, and four kinds of nirodha. Recorded on September 7, 2009.

Best of Awake in the World: My Body is My Teacher Now

May 07, 2023 14:00 - 34 minutes - 37.9 MB

This week we're revisiting a favourite Awake in the World podcast episode. How to not leave your body, even when it feels untrustworthy. We can always turn to the body in pain, grief, and even in altered states of consciousness. Anxiety, compassion, and equanimity always play out in your body. Victoria, B.C. Recorded January 19, 2017.

Three Principles of Peacemaking

April 30, 2023 14:00 - 42 minutes - 30.3 MB

This talk explores Bernie Glassman’s guiding principles for taking practice into daily life: not knowing, bearing witness and taking loving action. Recorded on September 6, 2008.

Without Holding On

April 23, 2023 14:00 - 24 minutes - 12.5 MB

Michael guides a meditation on the breath, with an emphasis on letting go of grasping. Recorded on September 28, 2007.

Only Fools Understand Yoga

April 16, 2023 14:00 - 1 hour - 37.5 MB

In this talk Michael describes ujjayi breathing as a meditative practice, explains that the goal of yoga is not samadhi, and argues that “realization” automatically cycles back to the yamas—and demands action in response to suffering in the world. Recorded on September 27, 2007.

Are Stiff People Less Awake?

April 09, 2023 14:00 - 20 minutes - 10.8 MB

Michael speaks about the eight limbs of Ashtanga and how to practice them. He argues for the importance of a sitting practice as well as asana. (Unfortunately the last half of this talk failed to record, so it ends abruptly). Recorded on September 25, 2007.

Best of Awake in the World: Not Being Possessive and the Gift of Fearlessness

April 02, 2023 14:00 - 51 minutes - 51.4 MB

This week we're revisiting a favourite Awake in the World podcast episode. Michael Stone gives a talk during the ethics course about the precept of Aparigraha, and using our imagination. Recorded at Centre of Gravity, Toronto, on March 17, 2011.

Vande Gurunam

March 26, 2023 14:00 - 1 hour - 44.1 MB

In this talk inspired by “bowing to reality,” Michael covers impermanence, story-telling and his view of the three most common ways we try to deal with our dukkha. Recorded on September 21, 2007.

Let It Be

March 19, 2023 14:00 - 32 minutes - 16.5 MB

Michael talks about Patanjali, subject/object duality, and the meaning of nirodha. Recorded on September 29, 2007.

Guests

Norman Fischer
3 Episodes

Books

The Ivory Tower
1 Episode
The Prodigal Son
1 Episode