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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Secular Dharma Podcasts
If you would like to support the work I do, Please consider making a donation, via paypal or venmo: https://www.davesmithdharma.com/contact/ 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 (CE ...
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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 Mikey Livid & Andrew Chapman, 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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Diggin' the Dharma with Jon Aaron and Doug Smith is a relaxed discussion of the Buddhist dharma between friends. Jon's interest centers around practice, while Doug's centers around scholarship of the early material, so their approaches balance practice with study. Their discussions will be approachable to a broad audience of Buddhists and those curious about Buddhism, and they welcome questions and comments. Jon is a teacher at Space2Meditate and NY Insight Meditation Center and a well known ...
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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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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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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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The Secular-Traditional Divide Examined: Four Guys Talk Dhamma | Roundtable with Clear Mountain Monastery
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1:01:02This week is a special episode, recorded thanks to Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho at Clear Mountain Monastery. Our conversation touched on themes Secular Buddhism vs Traditional Buddhism, the sacred, belief in rebirth, saddhā (faith), Mundane Right View vs Transcendent Right View, attachment to views, and much more! Clear Mountain Monastery will re…
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Reflections from Chiang Mai. In proper dedication to my teacher and mentor, Steven Smith. More to come.... https://www.davesmithdharma.com/ https://account.venmo.com/u/davesmithdharma Thank you for subscribing.By dave smith
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We are all experiencing an onslaught of information and it can be challenging to keep up. The fact is, we cannot keep up and the invitation to pause in practice is important. Mary discusses what gets in our way and how to find a path to equanimity among all the chatter. Recorded Nov. 8, 2025 in the virtual world Send me a text with any questions or…
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Our reactivity to situations often takes over and determines how we feel and act. However, if we can pause before reacting, we may have a very different experience. In this talk Mary discusses how we need to recognize how nothing in our reaction will change the situation, but how our reactions will impact our level of dukkha. Recorded Nov. 1, 2025 …
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Devas, Nagas, Yakkhas, a Halloween Episode
26:39
26:39
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26:39It's Halloween as Jon and Doug record their episode, so the discussion is about the supernatural beings in Buddhism, their history, how they reflect our own inner and outer states, and how we can practice with them. Support the show Go to our website to leave a comment, buy us a coffee, or see further notes and links: https://digginthedharma.com/…
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Mental proliferation or "papañca" is one key way the mind works overtime to keep us agitated and stressed out. Jon and Doug discuss how we get lost in our stories, and how sometimes it's good to spend time figuring them out, and other times it's best to figure out how to let them go. Support the show Go to our website to leave a comment, buy us a c…
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151
Mudita - The Gifts of Joy (talk + guided meditation)
58:40
58:40
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58:40In this episode Jessica Gibbons offers a talk and guided meditation on mudita, the gifts of joy! 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/donate…
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Reflecting on the Parami of Truthfulness, Mary investigates what gets in the way and keeps us removed from reality and not seeing the world clearly. We are invited to reflect on being honest with the world and, what is sometimes even more difficult, being honest with ourselves. There is freedom in truth. Recorded Oct. 19, 2025 at Insight Community …
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Given as part of the Monday night series at the Durango Dharma Center. https://www.durangodharmacenter.org/ https://www.davesmithdharma.com/ https://account.venmo.com/u/davesmithdharma Thank you for subscribing.By dave smith
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talk given for Insight Denver, via zoom: https://www.insightdenver.org/ https://www.davesmithdharma.com/ https://account.venmo.com/u/davesmithdharma Thank you for subscribing.By dave smith
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This talk was given for the Sunday mentoring group session. It discusses the role of metaphor, pointing to the fact the the primary metaphor is one of entrapment NOT pain and suffering. If you are interested in the mentoring program HERE https://www.davesmithdharma.com/ https://account.venmo.com/u/davesmithdharma Thank you for subscribing.…
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The Legend of Angulimala - From Serial Killer to Saint
58:04
58:04
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58:04In this episode, Mikey offers a talk on Angulimala, the serial killer who became a Buddhist monk. This story reveals the profound potential for transformation through the dharma. Mikey also draws a compassionate parallel between Angulimala’s journey and that of his student on death row, Christa Pike. If you would like to support Christa, you can si…
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In this talk Mary reflects on the idea of emptiness which can be thought of as an absence of attachment to self or I, Me and Mine. This freedom can seem elusive, but we can recognize it in our daily lives as we work on letting go. Recorded Oct. 9, 2025 in the virtual world After Buddhism by Stephen Batchelor Pay Attention, for Goodness' Sake by Syl…
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Gratitude/awareness: overview and guided
34:34
34:34
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34:34Morning 3, guided gratitude as awareness practice. Montana retreat, Bozeman Dharma Center. https://www.davesmithdharma.com/ https://account.venmo.com/u/davesmithdharma Thank you for subscribing.By dave smith
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Final talk, Montana retreat, Bozeman Dharma Center. https://www.davesmithdharma.com/ https://account.venmo.com/u/davesmithdharma Thank you for subscribing.By dave smith
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Evening 2 bramha vihara session, metta. Montana retreat, Bozeman Dharma Center. https://www.davesmithdharma.com/ https://account.venmo.com/u/davesmithdharma Thank you for subscribing.By dave smith
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Bramha Viharas and the 4 noble truths (tasks): Talk
55:06
55:06
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55:06Talk number 2 from the Montana retreat, Bozeman Dharma Center. The integration of the bramha viharas and the four noble truths. https://www.davesmithdharma.com/ https://account.venmo.com/u/davesmithdharma Thank you for subscribing.By dave smith
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Cultivating awareness: overview and guided
51:16
51:16
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51:16Day 2, morning session. Cultivating awareness. Montana retreat, Bozeman Dharma Center https://www.davesmithdharma.com/ https://account.venmo.com/u/davesmithdharma Thank you for subscribing.By dave smith
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Evening 1 heart practice session. Overview of sila-bramha-vihara with guided instructions. https://www.davesmithdharma.com/ https://account.venmo.com/u/davesmithdharma Thank you for subscribing.By dave smith
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Talk 1 from Montana retreat, Bozeman Dharma Center. https://www.davesmithdharma.com/ https://account.venmo.com/u/davesmithdharma Thank you for subscribing.By dave smith
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By Mary Stancavage
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Morning 1 overview and instructions. Bozeman Dharma Center Retreat. https://www.davesmithdharma.com/ https://account.venmo.com/u/davesmithdharma Thank you for subscribing.By dave smith
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Final talk from Vallecitos. The three trainings of the 8 fold path are outlined and described. https://www.davesmithdharma.com/ https://account.venmo.com/u/davesmithdharma Thank you for subscribing.By dave smith
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Evening heart practice from Vallecitos. Compassion in appreciate as they are outlined in the abhidharma (manual on Buddhist psychology) https://www.davesmithdharma.com/ https://account.venmo.com/u/davesmithdharma Thank you for subscribing.By dave smith
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Evening Bramha vihara session with a focus on metta/kindness. Check out my program at the Ghost Ranch in November. HERE https://www.davesmithdharma.com/ https://account.venmo.com/u/davesmithdharma Thank you for subscribing.By dave smith
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In this episode Jennifer Wang gives a dharma talk on boundaries and how they relate to the brahma viharas (loving kindness, compassion, sympathetic joy, and equanimity). 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 f…
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Talk 1 from Vallecitos "natural awareness" retreat. If you find these episodes useful, please consider dropping me some support. You can venmo or paypal at this page: https://www.davesmithdharma.com/contact/ https://www.davesmithdharma.com/ https://account.venmo.com/u/davesmithdharma Thank you for subscribing.…
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The development of Wisdom is a key component in Buddhist teachings and practice. It is not just knowledge of facts, but is a deep and embodied understanding of the nature of experience. Wisdom, Wise View and clear seeing are necessary for our awakening and liberation. Mary discusses wisdom and how we cultivate it in our daily lives. Recorded Septem…
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Knowing Equanimity Without Falling Into Indifference
27:42
27:42
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27:42In many respects our practice aims towards equanimity. But if we force it, we may end up in indifference instead. Jon and Doug discuss these very different states and how our practice can help us navigate through them. Support the show Go to our website to leave a comment, buy us a coffee, or see further notes and links: https://digginthedharma.com…
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The Path - 3rd Noble Truth - Letting Go of Reactivity
43:42
43:42
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43:42Wild 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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Inspired by aquotes, Mary reflects on how we contain multiplicities and can hold them all at once. We can experience suffering, and also awe. We can experience grief, and also gratitude. It's when we get stuck on one experience and block out others, that we are not fully present. Buddha's teachings invite us to be present for the fullness of our hu…
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Nonduality and the Ego with Jake Orthwein
1:02:16
1:02:16
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1:02:16Host Michael Taft talks with Jake Orthwein about the self as a construction, the distinction between no-self and emptiness, the crucial difference between having a functional ego and being identified with it, psychedelics and meditation and ego dissolution, the Buddha-nature vs. the True Self, dereification vs. defabrication, Taft’s distinction of …
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451
The Path - The 2nd Noble Truth (part 2)
46:45
46:45
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46:45Wild 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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A few reflections on impermanence and fixed views. There is no formal dharma talk this week. Recorded Sept. 15, 2025 in the virtual world (and near Zurich, Switzerland) Send me a text with any questions or comments! Include your name and email if you would like a response - it's not included automatically. Thanks. Visit Mary's website for more info…
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Practice can often be most helpful when things in our life go sideways. Jon and Doug discuss practice in the context of doctors, dentists, and hospital visits. Support the show Go to our website to leave a comment, buy us a coffee, or see further notes and links: https://digginthedharma.com/By Jon Aaron and Doug Smith
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14 years - Reflections on Buddhist Addiction Recovery
27:50
27:50
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27:50In this episode, Mikey Livid celebrates 14 years of addiction recovery and reflects on the journey that brought him to the dharma. He shares how Buddhism has become the foundation of his recovery path and explores the key lessons he’s learned along the way. *** Nov. 13th-16th at Southern Dharma - Hot Springs, NC - Get Your Mind Right: A Young Peopl…
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Wise Intention is the second factor of the Eightfold Path and can help to guide our journey from dukkha to liberation. However good our intentions can be however, sometimes we get caught up in expectations about how those intentions are supposed to play out which simply increases our dukkha. In this talk Mary discusses wise intention and letting go…
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What are we doing when we "meditate"? It seems like there are so many different styles and approaches. Jon and Doug discuss ways to frame and understand the practices. Support the show Go to our website to leave a comment, buy us a coffee, or see further notes and links: https://digginthedharma.com/By Jon Aaron and Doug Smith
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501
Loving Kindness Meditation Retreat - Loving Kindness Towards All Beings
44:46
44:46
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44:46This episode was recorded at the Loving Kindness Meditation Retreat in Sewanee, TN July 2025. Andrew Chapman offers the final instructions of the retreat on loving kindness to all beings. ***Get Your Mind Right: A Young People's Retreat on the Four Great Efforts with Mikey Livid and Rachael Tanner-Smith Nov. 13th-16th: https://southerndharma.org/re…
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In reflecting on 17 years of teaching the Saturday Afternoon Sit, Mary also talks about the invitation to check in with our spiritual practice every decade or so. We often want to see immediate results to whatever we're doing, but deepening our spiritual practice and cultivating wisdom and compassion takes time. We may see some immediate results, b…
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Talking about Deity Yoga with Peter McEwen
55:01
55:01
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55:01Host Michael Taft talks with meditation coach Peter McEwen about devotion in meditation practice, the need for stability in groundlessness, the ontological status of deities, common failure modes of practice, how to handle formless panic, the magical matrix, and the lasting power and beauty of deity yoga in the Vajrayana tradition. Peter McEwen is …
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Loving Kindness Meditation Retreat - Second Afternoon Instruction - Please Try! The Effort of Loving Kindness
43:44
43:44
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43:44This episode was recorded at the Loving Kindness Meditation Retreat in Sewanee, TN July 2025. Andrew Chapman offers the second afternoon instructions on the effort of loving kindness. ***Get Your Mind Right: A Young People's Retreat on the Four Great Efforts with Mikey Livid and Rachael Tanner-Smith Nov. 13th-16th: https://southerndharma.org/retrea…
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In this talk Mary takes a deep dive into what it means to take refuge in the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha. These reflections all point to a path to liberation - trusting in our awakening, how to get there, and how we support each other on the journey. This is an invitation to practice in the Triple Gem. Recorded August 24, 2025 at Insight Com…
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601
Loving Kindness Meditation Retreat - Second Morning Instruction - Expanding Loving Kindness Towards Yourself
38:35
38:35
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38:35This episode was recorded at the Loving Kindness Meditation Retreat in Sewanee, TN July 2025. Mikey Livid offers the second morning instructions on expanding loving kindness towards self. The phrases offered are: May I be at ease. May I be at peace. May I be kind and gentle with myself. May I be filled with loving kindness. Enjoy! *** Get Your Mind…
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https://www.davesmithdharma.com/https://account.venmo.com/u/davesmithdharmaThank you for subscribing.By dave smith
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The Buddha's famous teaching, often called The Fire Sermon, is about how easy it is to be caught up in the flames of greed, aversion and ignorance when we don't pay attention. Our senses are easily pulled into stories and reactions that keep us trapped in samsara. Nirvana/Nibbana means cessation as in putting out a flame and as we practice resistin…
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From Big Heart City Friday night class. https://www.davesmithdharma.com/ https://account.venmo.com/u/davesmithdharma Thank you for subscribing.By dave smith
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651
Sharon Salzberg - The Power of Loving Kindness
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1:01:03Meditation pioneer, world-renowned teacher, and New York Times bestselling author, Sharon Salzberg offers a talk on The Power of Loving Kindness. This episode was recorded Saturday, August 9th at an online fundraiser for Wild Heart Meditation Center. Enjoy! ***Get Your Mind Right: A Young People’s Retreat on the Four Great Efforts with Mikey Livid …
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