Dharma talks from meditation teacher Mary Stancavage. These focus primarily on the pragmatic aspects of Buddhist teachings and philosophy drawing strongly on wisdom and heart practices. All are viewed through the lens of learning to live with an Undefended Heart. (photo by @kimanhuynh)
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If you would like to support the work I do, Please consider making a donation. https://www.paypal.me/satisila To find out more, or to join one of my many programs check my site: https://www.davesmithdharma.com/ For nearly 30 years, Dave Smith has held a practice rooted in the Insight Meditation (Vipassana) tradition. He was empowered to teach through the Against the Stream Buddhist Meditation Society, is a certified teacher for Cultivating Emotional Balance (CEB) which is combines contempora ...
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Wild Heart Meditation Center's podcast offers an assortment of talks given on topics as they relate to Buddhist practice. Wild Heart teachers Andrew Chapman & Mikey Livid, along with other group facilitators share their experience with Buddhist practice, specifically offering practical teachings and instructions for our everyday, ordinary, lives.
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New grassroots school or sect of Nichiren, Lotus Sutra based secular Buddhism. A philosophical and ethical meditation practice and way of life. Buddha was not a god or deity. He was just a super "woke" aka enlightened human. We ALL have the ability to attain buddhahood, enlightenment, wokeness. Let's do it together and help ourselves, each other, and the planet! Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/secular-lotus-buddhists/support
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One practitioner’s four-year journey to become a professional in Mindfulness and Secular Buddhism, without getting all mysterious and solemn about it. Join Shannon M Whitaker, co-host Jeff Street, and guests as we discuss the science, philosophy, culture, and practice of mindfulness: What’s the latest fMRI research actually telling us about the effects of Loving-Kindness on the brain? Why is Loving-Kindness a terrible translation of the Pāli word “Metta”? How are other practitioners navigati ...
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Dedicated to liberation in all its forms, Deconstructing Yourself is passionate about fearlessly investigating, attempting, and questioning all things to do with awakening, meditation, mindfulness, brain hacking, consciousness, neurofeedback, and more. Your host Michael W. Taft interviews some of the most interesting thinkers, authors, and teachers around, as well as other offerings. In this hard-hitting, radical, and fun podcast we look at secular post-, non-, un- Buddhism, Vajrayana, nondu ...
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David Vago, PhD and Lisa Dale Miller, LMFT, LPCC, SEP tackle the traditional Buddhist concept of "enlightenment" from their modern clinical points of view in a stimulating and fun discussion. Part 2 focuses on S-ART, David's neurobiological framework for describing the positive effects of meditation on self-awareness, self-regulation, and self-transcendence; Theravada, Mahāyāna and Vajrayāna notions of awakening and not-self; secular mental training; different interventions for different psy ...
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David Vago, PhD and Lisa Dale Miller, LMFT, LPCC, SEP tackle the traditional Buddhist concept of "enlightenment" from their modern clinical points of view in a stimulating and fun discussion. Part 2 focuses on S-ART, David's neurobiological framework for describing the positive effects of meditation on self-awareness, self-regulation, and self-transcendence; Theravada, Mahāyāna and Vajrayāna notions of awakening and not-self; secular mental training; different interventions for different psy ...
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Prison Mindfulness Podcast for those bringing mindfulness and transformational contemplative practices to underserved populations. Our nonprofit focuses on teaching mindfulness in prisons, jails, and all those impacted by the criminal justice system.
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Guest Teacher: Dave Smith - Mindfulness and the Addiction Economy
36:37
36:37
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36:37Dave Smith discusses the ever growing expansion of social media's "attention economy" into what has become an addiction economy. Dave explores Buddhist practices as a way to approach modern addiction to social media. Enjoy! Loving Kindness Meditation Retreat July 16th-20th: https://www.floweringlotusmeditation.org/2025-tennesee-summer-loving-kindne…
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This is a short reflection on the arising of insight from knowing and sensing and the calmness that allows us to meet each moment as it is. The world is on fire and developing the capacity to be present for ourselves and others is vital. Insight meditation practice offers us a way to meet the moment. Recorded May 24, 2025 in the virtual world Bhikk…
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Compassionate Holding, Compassionate Responding
22:21
22:21
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22:21Mikey Livid gives a talk on compassion in response to the pain and confusion of ICE's presence in Nashville, TN and many cities in the United States. Loving Kindness Meditation Retreat July 16th-20th in Sewanee, TN:https://www.floweringlotusmeditation.org/2025-tennesee-summer-loving-kindness-retreat Wild Heart Meditation Center in a non-profit Budd…
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With every ending there is a time to reflect before the beginning, but we often neglect this time in our haste to be on to the next new thing. The Buddha's teaching of impermanence or anicca, reminds us that all things come to an end whether we're ready or not. Citing William Bridges' work in The Way of Transition, Mary reminds to be present with t…
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Wild Heart Meditation Center in a non-profit Buddhist community based in Nashville, TN. https://www.wildheartmeditationcenter.org DONATE: If you feel moved to support WHMC financially please visit: https://www.wildheartmeditationcenter.org/donate Follow Us on Socials! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WildHeartNashville/ Instagram: https://www.ins…
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Mary discusses the idea of Skillful Means which Joseph Goldstein says is "for liberating the clinging mind from suffering." Using the wisdom, discernment and compassion that has arisen from our practice, we can navigate life skillfully while being fully grounded in the Buddha's teachings. Being fully present in the moment allows us to respond to ev…
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Talking about Dark Retreat, with Andrew Holecek
1:24:04
1:24:04
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1:24:04Host Michael Taft speaks with Andrew Holecek about the transformative practice of Dark Retreat, how the mind “falls into itself,” light as obfuscator, the revelation of the construction of reality, the power—and very real dangers—of Dark Retreat, ways to begin the practice of Dark Retreat, nondual view, Andrew’s own journey into this practice, and …
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Awakening Is Possible - The Third Noble Truth
24:44
24:44
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24:44Mikey Livid offers a talk on the Third Noble Truth: awakening is possible. He also discusses a Buddhist concept of the saying "Let Go, Let God." Enjoy! Loving Kindness Meditation Retreat July 16th-20th in Sewanee, TN: https://www.floweringlotusmeditation.org/2025-tennesee-summer-loving-kindness-retreat Wild Heart Meditation Center in a non-profit B…
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During these days when greed, hatred and delusion are running rampant, the Buddha's teachings on nonviolence and compassion are extremely relevant. Mary offers some examples from the suttas and points out the similarities to other world traditions who are deeply grounded in love. Recorded May 1, 2025 in the virtual world Send me a text with any que…
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Found within the Zen tradition, this talk explores the paradox of a sudden awakening followed by a gradual cultivation. It explores the idea of what does it mean to "practice". This was given in person at the Durango Dharma Center. https://www.durangodharmacenter.org/By dave smith
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Additional reflections on insight practice and how our insights are experienced at the somatic and instinctive level rather than our trying to figure things out. Inspired by the teachings on a recent retreat, Mary offers thoughts on seeing clearly, intuitive awareness and paying attention wherever we are. Recorded April 26, 2024 in the virtual worl…
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Wild Heart Meditation Center in a non-profit Buddhist community based in Nashville, TN. https://www.wildheartmeditationcenter.org DONATE: If you feel moved to support WHMC financially please visit: https://www.wildheartmeditationcenter.org/donate Follow Us on Socials! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WildHeartNashville/ Instagram: https://www.ins…
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This is by far the longest and most thorough talk on the 8 fold path that you will ever find. 5:55. I spliced it all together here for you because it is what I do. If you want to offer some support and send some $$ my way. Much appreciated. https://www.davesmithdharma.com/contact/By dave smith
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Mary attended a retreat this week and offers some reflections on kindness to ourselves, awareness, insight and interconnections. The name of the retreat was Retreat as Ceremony: Mindfulness and Indigenous Presence for Wellness and Healing. Check it out! Recorded April 21, 2025 in the virtual world Send me a text with any questions or comments! Incl…
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Sanity and Sainthood, with Dr. Tucker Peck
44:59
44:59
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44:59Host Michael Taft speaks with meditation teacher, clinical psychologist, and author Dr. Tucker Peck about the the difference between developing a clear understanding of how your psychology works and feeling just how you want to feel all the time; the importance of focusing on mental process verses mental content, his practical definitions of sanity…
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Existential, therapeutic, contemplative, ethical.By dave smith
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The Five Remembrances (AN 5.57) allow us to become comfortable with our mortality and the human condition and serve as an antidote to clinging. The fifth remembrance is to reflect on the fact that all we have are our actions since we will be separated from everything because of impermanence. Mary discusses the importance of understanding this idea …
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Due to much chatter amongst the crowd, I have further unpacked my thoughts around the previous rant. Come and see fo yo self.By dave smith
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Equanimity (Upekkha) - 7 Factors of Awakening Series
28:34
28:34
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28:34Maddie Finn offers a talk on equanimity (upekkha) as a part of a talk on the seven factors of awakening. The seven factors are: mindfulness, investigation, energy, joy, tranquility, concentration, and equanimity. Enjoy! Loving Kindness Meditation Retreat July 16th-20th: https://www.floweringlotusmeditation.org/2025-tennesee-summer-loving-kindness-r…
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Reflecting on the Rajan Sutta, Mary talks about the twofold teaching it offers. Just as we hold ourselves dear, we realized that others feel the same and knowing this, we vow to cause no harm. However, this can be a challenging practice and Mary offers thoughts on what might get in the way and how we can begin to hold both ourselves and others with…
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In this episode Mikey Livid discusses the difference between craving and desire through exploring his complex relationship to the saying: "Happiness comes easy to those with little preference." Enjoy! Loving Kindness Meditation Retreat July 16th-20th in Sewanee, TN: https://www.floweringlotusmeditation.org/2025-tennesee-summer-loving-kindness-retre…
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We're often given the instruction to relax during meditation. It is not just so that we feel relaxed or calm, but it allows us to let go of what we're holding and to make space for what's right here. We're creating the environment to be present for reality and move towards equanimity in each moment. Recorded 3/29/2025 in the virtual world Send me a…
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Guest Teacher: Ralph De La Rosa - Breaking Open Without Breaking Down
58:01
58:01
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58:01Ralph De La Rosa offers a talk and meditation on the topic "Breaking Open Without Breaking Down." Loving Kindness Meditation Retreat July 16th-20th:https://www.floweringlotusmeditation.org/2025-tennesee-summer-loving-kindness-retreat Wild Heart Meditation Center in a non-profit Buddhist community based in Nashville, TN. https://www.wildheartmeditat…
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The Roller Coaster is the Human Condition
19:01
19:01
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19:01In this brief reflection, Mary discusses the Buddha's teaching on the Eight Worldly Winds and how appropriate it is for today's world. Equanimity invites us to an appropriate response to whatever experience we have and when we understand the teaching of the winds and how we're driven by them if we don't pay attention, there is a chance for liberati…
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In this episode Andrew Chapman offers a dharma talk on the wisdom of setting boundaries! Enjoy! Loving Kindness Meditation Retreat July 16th-20th: https://www.floweringlotusmeditation.org/2025-tennesee-summer-loving-kindness-retreat Wild Heart Meditation Center in a non-profit Buddhist community based in Nashville, TN. https://www.wildheartmeditati…
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Although the Buddha did not teach using the word hope, his teachings are, as Oren Jay Sofer says, fundamentally hopeful: It affirms that there is a reliable way to release ourselves from suffering, to protect other beings, mitigate harm, and build a better world. In this talk Mary reflects on the importance of hope in this world today and how it is…
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The dark side of the Dharma is real, and mostly ignored. Some thoughts on the matter.By dave smith
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The monkey mind is a phrase often used to describe a mind that is all over the place and seldom in the present. All of us experience monkey mind, overwhelm or the Pali word Papañca. In this reflection Mary invites us to recognize when we get lost in this proliferation of thought and how to stay present. In these difficult days, we can be overwhelme…
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A lovely definition of equanimity is to be intimate with our deepest experience, without preference. In this talk, Mary discusses what that means and doesn't mean and how no preference in this moment is a practice of liberation. Recorded at the Insight Community of the Desert in Palm Springs on March 2, 2025 Send me a text with any questions or com…
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Wild Heart Meditation Center in a non-profit Buddhist community based in Nashville, TN. https://www.wildheartmeditationcenter.org DONATE: If you feel moved to support WHMC financially please visit: https://www.wildheartmeditationcenter.org/donate Follow Us on Socials! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WildHeartNashville/ Instagram: https://www.ins…
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Oftentimes we think that studying or following Buddhist teachings requires us to fit a certain mold or behave in a particular way. But this is not about a rigid practice and one size fits all. In this talk Mary reflects on how we're invited to live with righteous intention, grounded in love and wisdom. As Larry Ward says, we have "an evenness of he…
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This talks highlights the reality that the attention economy is over, we are now in the addiction economy. You have been warned. Double down on your practice. This talk was given at the DSD mentoring group. If you are interested in joining you can check out this LINK.By dave smith
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The Metta Sutta was the Buddha's offering to fearful monks and the practice of loving kindness and good will is still a path of liberation. As Ruth King says, metta is the antidote for aversion and those ways we hold ourselves captive. We live in fearful times and in this talk Mary discusses the practice of metta and how we can utilize it to free o…
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Awakening, Cessation, and Vulnerability, with Stephen Snyder
49:42
49:42
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49:42Host Michael Taft speaks with Stephen Snyder Sensei about practicing the Pa Auk jhanas, the importance of vulnerability in finding authentic strength, his two paths for awakening: the Theravada cessation path and the Zen shikantaza path, how to balance psychological work with awakening, seeing the enlightened qualities of anger (and other difficult…
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Inspired by a talk from Ayya Santacitta (We Are Not Without Medicine) Mary discusses how the world is in a time of darkness, and how our Buddhist practice helps us to move through it. We open to this moment and allow our wisdom and compassion move us towards the appropriate response. It is scary right now but we have our practice, and can move thro…
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In this episode Mikey offers a talk gently criticizing the traditional folklore about the two wolves. Enjoy! Wild Heart Meditation Center in a non-profit Buddhist community based in Nashville, TN. https://www.wildheartmeditationcenter.org DONATE: If you feel moved to support WHMC financially please visit: https://www.wildheartmeditationcenter.org/d…
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Ep. 34 Dharma Behind Bars: 35 Years of Buddhist Prison Outreach
24:07
24:07
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24:07Episode Highlights: 35 Years of Prison Dharma – Gary Allen shares his decades-long experience bringing Buddhist teachings to incarcerated individuals. •Correspondence-Based Dharma – The power of personal letters and structured courses in reaching prisoners. •Anger & Patience – Why teachings from Shantideva on patience and anger are essential in pri…
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Scrolling through the talk titles on Dharmaseed can offer insight in how to maneuver through the difficult challenges we're all facing in 2025. Connection, community, compassion, clarity and intention, all important principles of practice support our capacity to hold the moment. In this talk, Mary reflects on how we build a solid foundation. Record…
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Reflecting on a quote by Thich Nhat Hanh which says "There is not one action or one ritual that will bring you liberation" It require continual effort and commitment to practice. Mary discusses how this flies in the face of our culture's belief that it is up to us to find the fix that will bring us success or happiness or instant gratification. As …
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Final talk from my NYE Retreat in Bay St. Louis Mississippi. Thanks to Flowering Lotus Meditation. https://www.floweringlotusmeditation.org/ Join my Wednesday Night class: Dharma Live/Online sign up for free. HEREBy dave smith
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A talk from my Sunday mentoring group. You can find out more HEREBy dave smith
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The Bodhisattva realm is an existence that is open to all of us and is as important today as it's ever been. It's one of the four realms in Mahayana tradition and Mary discusses how meaningful it can be for us to live in a way that is wise and of benefit to all. As Diana Winston says, it is a "...wonderful and useful archetype for our work as socia…
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Aghora, Deities, and Devotion with Dr. Robert Svoboda
1:03:00
1:03:00
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1:03:00Host Michael Taft continues a lively discussion with author and ayurvedic physician Dr. Robert Svoboda about the Aghora method of transmutation, alignment with nature, deity yoga, deities as a co-creation of humans and a cosmic force, the path of knowledge vs. the path of devotion, enjoying the flavor of reality, and the foundational importance of …
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Sitting with the freshness of the destructive Los Angeles fires, Mary talks about how grief, anger and so many other emotions come and go and when they're challenging we push them away or ignore them, but that is perhaps the worst thing we can do. Our practice invites us to open to everything. To be with the grief and sadness can be frightening but…
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Ep. 33 Building a Culture of Awakening in Prisons with Susan Shannon
27:48
27:48
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27:48In this episode, Susan Shannon, a seasoned Buddhist practitioner, and chaplain, shares her journey of transformative prison ministry, including her work as a Buddhist chaplain on death row at San Quentin. She discusses her adaptable teaching approach, focusing on universal Buddhist principles like the Four Noble Truths and dependent arising, which …
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We often make intentions at the beginning of a new year, but it's also important that our intentions have a solid foundation. In this talk Mary discusses what intentions are and how we support them with the precepts, the paramis or other core values that allow us to see clearly and move with wisdom and compassion. There is a short meditation at the…
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