<p>This discussion uses the Four Noble Truths as the core of four ennobling questions to be explored in dialog. They are: • How does life rub you the wrong way? • How do you relate to difficulty? • Where do you find contentment? • What helps?<br/>This episode with Doug Kraft was recorded in 2017 at a retreat given in San Juan Bautista, CA.</p><a rel="payment" href="http://www.easingawake.org/donations.html">Support the show</a>

Hindrances as Friends

Sifting through the earliest records of the Buddha's talks, we find a simple, elegant, and powerful practice. When he died, his teaching became an “ism”, Buddhism. As it spread into other countries, cultures, and eras his teachings or “map” was copied and re-copied. Shortcuts and alternatives were added and deleted. Compared to the versions of his teachings most widely known, his original meditation emphasized: Tranquility: an open, receptive awareness favored over highly focused, one-pointed concentration; Simplicity: loving kindness, serenity and insight all integrated rather than treated as separate practices; Stages: the practice matures through stages, each of which builds upon and goes beyond earlier stages (or “jhana”); Ease: relaxing as more important than striving. These podcasts are dedicated to this approach to meditation and daily living. I call it “easing awake.”