Podcast
Josh Summers
Hosted by Unknown Author · EN
Creative and functional approach to the spiritual path, weaving insights and practices from Yin Yoga, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and ancient wisdom traditions
7episodes
Episodes
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Miles Sherts | The “I” of the Problem
Sep 9, 2024Tap to summarizeJosh and Miles explore the problem of being somebody and the role of the ego in creating internal conflict and external turmoil. We highlight the importance of addressing the cause of suffering and turmoil rather than focusing on the symptoms. We also touch on the concept of the ego as an avatar or projected image of oneself and the consequences of identifying with this false sense of self, along with the repression of shadow aspects and the process of uncovering and integrating them. Miles emphasizes the importance of recognizing and healing the shadow, as well as the need to be fully present and aware in order to transcend the ego. We conclude this chat discussing the potential for collective awakening and the role of consciousness in transforming humanity. Miles Sherts is an Insight Meditation teacher and communication coach. Website for Miles Sherts: https://www.practicalpresence.org/ Books by Miles: Conscious Communication, The Tyranny of the Ego, Human Nature
Transcribe →Joseph Goldstein | Roots and Flowers On the Path
Jul 23, 2024Tap to summarizeJoseph Goldstein needs no introduction. For over forty years, Joseph has been one of the most consequential meditation teachers on the planet, helping usher – along with a handful of westerners – the dharma’s migration to western soil. I first met Joseph in the kitchen at the Insight Meditation Society in Barre, Massachusetts. I was a work retreatant at the time (2002), when suddenly I realized that Joseph Goldstein was also in the kitchen. “Hi, I’m Joseph. Are you the new cook?” “No,” I said, self-consciously breaking my silence. “I’m a work retreatant.” “Sorry to interrupt your retreat,” Joseph said. “Thank you for your service.” In a moment, we pressed our palms in prayer fashion before our hearts, and then Joseph walked away with his quiet, unassuming manner. Joseph recently celebrated his 80th birthday, and in honor of his birthday and the tremendous impact of his life, I wanted to finally publish the wide-ranging and personal conversation we had last fall about the “roots and flowers on the path.” Joseph and I shared two close friends: Michael Brooks and Jack Engler. Michael died four years ago this July, and Jack died just over a year ago in March of 2023. I met both Michael and Jack through Joseph’s work. Michael was my first dharma brother and co-author, and we met at IMS. Jack was one of my dharma fathers, a therapist and mentor to me for over fifteen years, whom I met after a two-month retreat in Burma with Sayadaw U Pandita. All three of these men have had an enormous influence on my practice, teaching and life. It was a profound honor to sit down with Joseph on the Everyday Sublime Podcast. I was nervous – no question, and the audio had a few glitches. But I felt like I was sitting down with my favorite uncle, a gentle giant of wisdom and compassion, listening and learning about members of my beloved spiritual family: Michael, Jack, Munindra, Dipa Ma and Sayadaw U Pandita. In 2010, I wrote a profile on Joseph for the Columbia University alumni magazine, and I include the final paragraph here: Goldstein’s work has influenced everything from Buddhist-informed psychotherapy to mindfulness-based stress reduction programs to cutting edge research on meditation and neuroscience. Columbia’s preeminent Tibetan Buddhist scholar, the Jey Tsong Khapa Professor of Indo-Tibetan Buddhist Studies in the Department of Religion Robert Thurman affirms, “Joseph has been a great teacher for many, many people, helping them enormously. His recent book, One Dharma, has been influential in reducing divisiveness and sectarianism in the extremely diverse American Buddhist community. The Insight Meditation Society has been an important force in American culture, and it is well positioned to carry on its work for generations. All in all, Joseph is an American Buddhist ‘Venerable.’ ” If you enjoy this special episode with Joseph Goldstein, please share with a friend or two. Enjoy, and thank you for your support! Episode Summary: In this special episode, I speak with Joseph Goldstein, meditation teacher and co-founder of the Insight Meditation Society. We reminisce about our relationships with Michael Brooks and Jack Engler, two very influential individuals in the dharma world. Joseph shares his experiences working with Michael as a mentor and discusses the integration of spirituality and activism in Michael’s life. Joseph also discusses his time with Jack Engler and how Joseph guided Jack through the stages of insight on the very first three-month retreat in North America in Bucksport, Maine. The conversation then shifts to Joseph’s experiences in India and Burma, where he studied with his renowned teachers Munindra-ji, Dipa Ma, Mahasi Sayadaw and Sayadaw U Pandita. We compare experiences we had while working with U Pandita and the importance of deepening one’s practice in a single method before integrating other practices. We also explore the concept of One Dharma and how to navigate the multitude of Dharma streams available in the West. Our conversation concludes with Joseph’s advice for aspiring meditation teachers. Links mentioned: Insight Meditation Society: https://www.dharma.org/ Joseph Goldstein’s book: One Dharma The Buddha’s Playbook, by Michael Brooks and Josh Summers The late Michael Brooks’ podcast: The Michael Brooks Show The late Jack Engler’s essays on the Progress of Insight: Practicing for Awakening Part 1, Practicing for Awakening Part 2 On Dipa Ma: Dipa Ma, The Life and Legacy of a Buddhist Master On Munindra: Living This Life Fully, Stories and Teachings of Munindra
Transcribe →Miles Sherts | Insight, Intuition + Victimhood of the Ego
Jul 11, 2024Tap to summarizeIn this conversation, Miles Sherts and I discuss the relationship between insight meditation and intuition. We explore the distinction between insight meditation’s focus on impermanence, unsatisfactoriness, and emptiness, and the idea of intuition and clairvoyance. Miles emphasizes the importance of being present and aware of the prompts and intuitions that arise in daily life. We also delve into the illusion of ego and the role of awareness in transcending the ego’s influence. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the problem of victim psychology and the need to question and transcend the identity of victimhood. Takeaways: Insight meditation cultivates awareness and insight into the nature of reality, while intuition and clairvoyance are more personal and psychological insights. Being present and aware allows us to receive intuitive prompts and act on them, leading to a more functional and worry-free life. The ego is an illusion that creates the image of a separate self, and its constant maintenance drains our energy and prevents us from experiencing true happiness and effectiveness. The ego’s identity as a victim is a common pattern that perpetuates conflicts and oppression. Recognizing and questioning this victim mentality is essential for personal growth and societal change. Setting personal boundaries and protecting oneself is important, but it is crucial to differentiate between setting boundaries and perpetuating a victim identity. Victimization is a substitute for our real power and keeps us trapped in a cycle of disempowerment. Leadership without victimhood is essential for creating positive change. Unplugging from the ego allows us to tap into our innate power and feel a sense of empowerment. Practicing unhooking from thoughts and finding spaciousness within the mind can lead to a deeper understanding of our true nature. Miles Sherts is an Insight Meditation teacher and communication coach. Miles Sherts | Conscious Communication: https://joshsummers.net/miles-sherts-conscious-communication/ Website for Miles Sherts: https://www.practicalpresence.org/ Books by Miles: Conscious Communication, The Tyranny of the Ego, Human Nature
Transcribe →Clear comprehension of purpose | dharma talk
Jul 8, 2024Tap to summarizeOriginally recorded on July 8, 2024, Josh offers reflections about how to apply meditation and retreat practice to the fire of everyday life activity. All too often we are told to “be as mindful as possible,” and the Buddha has some better advice for us – advice that he gave to his son Rahula.
Transcribe →The gifts of noble friends
Jun 25, 2024Tap to summarizeOriginally recorded on June 24, 2024, Josh reflects on his niece’s memorial and ways of honoring and remembering the gifts of noble friends. LINKS mentioned: Sign up for our FREE Everyday Vitality practice pack for effective (and simple) ways to improve the vitality of your body, energy and mind. Josh and Terry share 4 guided practices: Self-Massage for Circulation + Energy Flow (10min) Daily Mobility for Joint Suppleness + Longevity (15min) Dynamic Flow for Integrated Stability + Coordination (30min) Soothing Flow for Relaxation + Inner Renewal (30min) =====>>>>www.joshsummers.net and sign up for your pack of Everyday Vitality practices. Everyday Strength: 4 Weeks to a Stronger You! Join Josh and Terry for a four week strength training program as a foundation for an integral life practice of yoga, energy work and heart-based meditation. ======>>>>>Everyday Strength Series.
Transcribe →Our Gifted Garden | Dharma Talk
Jun 12, 2024Tap to summarizeOriginally recorded on June 10, 2024, Josh returns to the podcast, reflecting on personal updates: the death of his niece and the relationship that formed with his neighbors while building a chicken coop together.
Transcribe →The Heart’s Divestment | Dharma Talk
May 7, 2024Tap to summarizeOriginally recorded on May 6, 2024, Josh offers reflections on the confusing relationship between renunciation and practicing one’s heart’s desire. Often seen in conflict, the practice of renouncing unfulfilling activity for the pursuit of one’s deepest desires is an ongoing evolution itself.
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