Best Sensei Derek Podcasts (2025)

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How To Authentically Question Yourself 36:59

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1+ y ago36:59

36:59

Ever make a right decision but the outcome seemed to be "wrong?" When making decisions related to food there is a way to avoid this scenario. A technique employed by a reportedly unattractive Greek man used it so well he was eventually executed for it. Sounds strange doesn't it? What is that technique? Sensei uses it in this deeply contemplative ep…

1
Short Reading Eat Like A Buddha Chapter One 12:24

1+ y ago12:24

12:24

In this episode, Sensei Derek reads a short excerpt from chapter one of his book Eat Like a Buddha. This chapter's title is 'Contemplation of Self.' It opens with explaining the concept of acquired and inherited limitations and identities and their roles in creating a false sense of self. Sensei highlights the challenges of transcending these state…

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Systems Of Oppression And Eating Food 22:02

1+ y ago22:02

22:02

(Apologies if sound quality is not as good with ear/head phones as without. Tried every fix but none worked) Today, many people are concerned with various systems of oppression. Systems of oppression involving gender, economics, career opportunities, access to quality healthcare, ethnicity, affordable housing, education, animals and religion are co…

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Bringing Magic Back Into Life 24:17

2y ago24:17

24:17

In this episode, Sensei discusses how to bring magic back into everyday life. He emphasizes that while temporary experiences like vacations or new possessions can bring excitement, true magic comes from finding contentment in everyday activities. We can make the mundane divine with conscious attention and present awareness. But how does one actuall…

1
The Beauty of Being Lost 25:10

2y ago25:10

25:10

Who am I? How can I find myself? I need to find myself. These thoughts are ones you have likely held on more than one occasion. "Finding yourself" has been heralded as the holy treasure for spiritual seekers. Being lost is a condition that is perceived to be undesirable. Sensei has an alternative perspective (and approach) to this that will save yo…

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When The Middle East Will See Peace 37:43

2y ago37:43

37:43

In the spirit of authentic communication, Sensei addresses one of the most complex issues in our time...the conflict in the Middle East. Never afraid to engage with a controversial subject matter he offers some insights on what must happen to help create a true lasting peace. This is a delicate but real share...…

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How To Win At Not Winning 41:00

2y ago41:00

41:00

Do you consider yourself to be a winner or a loser? In today's climate this may sound like a harsh question to ask another person. It's probably even more difficult of a question to ask yourself. Yet, you likely are implicitly living under the daunting shadow of this question every day of your life. The internet is full of people teaching you about…

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A Calm Mind In Troubling Times 28:31

2y ago28:31

28:31

Wars. Climate change. Greed. Political, social and racial strife. Economic injustice and gender discrimination. Extreme poverty and homelessness. This is the doom and gloom weighing down the minds of many. How is your mind coping with this? Press play for a helpful contemplation to clear the mind and see a nuance you are likely missing.…

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3 Components of Meditation Pt 3: Wisdom 18:18

2+ y ago18:18

18:18

In this third and final episode of Sensei's intro series on meditation, he addresses the third component which is wisdom. Wisdom in the Chan tradition, and in Buddhism generally, is one of the highest perfections or virtues that can be achieved. In contemporary times, wisdom has been watered down in meaning so much that almost any common sense unde…

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3 Components of Meditation Pt 2: Samadhi 31:41

2+ y ago31:41

31:41

In the first part of this 3 part series, Sensei discussed the importance of establishing an ethical standard (or moral code) as an essential ingredient of practicing meditation. Here, he describes the second component of meditation which is samadhi. Samadhi is a foundational pillar in the practice of Chan. (a.k.a Zen) There are a number of meditati…

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3 Components of Meditation Pt. 1: Ethical Standard 24:14

2+ y ago24:14

24:14

Meditation has been misrepresented and watered down through misguided marketing. Meditation is not about what many people, especially westerners, think it is. Sensei introduces you to the first of three components of meditation in this episode. If you want to get the real value of meditating, then you should listen to this 3 part series.…

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The Truth About Time 45:08

2+ y ago45:08

45:08

Many people totally misunderstand the phenomenon called "time." Due to these misunderstandings poor and irreversible decisions are often made. In this episode, Sensei clears up these misunderstandings so that you can begin to experience life in new and wonderful way. It will require that you break with some deeply held conceptions about time that a…

1
What It Really Means To Feel Good 26:34

2+ y ago26:34

26:34

Feeling good in your body? If you are like many the answer is "no" or "sometimes." To start feeling good (not not just ok) in your body will require a mind shift away from many deep rooted conventional notions. Unwittingly, many people have set a low bar both for feeling good and for how long it's possible to do so. Sensei offers precise insights i…

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Food As Thy Guru? 30:27

2+ y ago30:27

30:27

It may sound strange to consider taking food as your guru! But, this is precisely the foundation upon which Sensei has built an entirely new way to consciously exploring, and improving, our relationship to food and eating. Tune in to learn more about this approach and how you may already be implementing aspects of this every day!…

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What My Bowl Of Oatmeal Taught Me This Morning 22:03

2+ y ago22:03

22:03

Have you ever felt your life has lost its spice? That your life is just blasé, routine or boring? You are not alone in this. Many people are feeling this way. When you think of an exciting dish, oatmeal would probably not make it into your top 10 list. That might change after listening to Sensei's experience and insight after eating his morning bow…

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My 3 Month Experiment With Breatharianism 30:42

3y ago30:42

30:42

What is breatharianism? What does it mean to actually live on prana? What is it like not to eat food for days, weeks or months? In this episode, Sensei shares some provocative insights from his 90+ day experiment with this practice. While writing his book Eat Like A Buddha he engaged in several spiritual practices including breatharianism. You don'…

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Sneaky Addictions Caused By Eating Food 21:16

3y ago21:16

21:16

Many people eat food primarily based upon how it makes them feel. Perhaps you are such a person. You eat food to feel "good." Or simply because you like the taste of it. Given the social norms around eating food you unknowingly create addictions that are far more destructive than any addiction to food could ever be. Press play now to hear Sensei ex…

1
You Need To Know This About The Mind 17:17

3y ago17:17

17:17

The mind is so vast and mysterious. It feels so personal yet efforts to tame or subdue it seem useless. In this episode, Sensei introduces some counterintuitive wisdom about the mind that will point you in the direction of peace you seek. The end of the battle against the mind starts here...

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Should Buddhists Eat "Meat?" 26:17

3y ago26:17

26:17

This is a controversial issue within the Buddhist community. Should Buddhists be eating animals and animal products? This question is often raised with Sensei. Here he addresses it publicly for the first time. His response will be of interest to Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike...

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Eat Like A Buddha Is Available Now On Amazon 4:47

3y ago4:47

4:47

Sensei has published his new book Eat Like A Buddha: Mental Recipes To Free Your Mind & Heal The World. It is available now on Amazon. Press play to listen to Sensei read a brief description about the book. Then go purchase your copy!

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What I Eat Everyday 34:50

3y ago34:50

34:50

Many people have inquired about what Sensei actually eats everyday. How is he able to stay looking so vibrant and healthy? These are good questions given the nature of this podcast. In this episode, Sensei lays out not only what he eats everyday, but also his food principles and the specific items that are in his kitchen. To get an insider's view i…

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Spiritual Love on Valentine's Day 30:35

3y ago30:35

30:35

Valentine's Day, like many other days of acknowledgement, is celebrated in contemporary times for reasons nearly unrelated to its original purpose. How might you and your partner or loved ones incorporate the original spirit of Valentine's Day into the contemporary expressions of this day? What could that look like and why should you care? Addition…

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New Book Announcement Pt.1: Eat Like A Buddha 13:50

3y ago13:50

13:50

I am excited to share some wonderful insider news about my new completed book: Eat Like A Buddha. Why did I dedicate an entire year of my life exclusively focused on writing it? This included moving to another country for the entire time! Press play now to get some details on this and more...

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When Cow Dung Smells Like Perfume 17:49

3y ago17:49

17:49

Here Sensei shares, with commentary, a gongan that involves an exchange between a Chan master and a man who fancied himself to be much more along the path to enlightenment than his actual state. Learn from this story how your mind-state influences "what you see" in yourself and others. Gongans are powerful exchanges between individuals that often r…

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Building Spiritual Momentum 37:45

3y ago37:45

37:45

Building spiritual momentum requires commitment and a focused mind. This is especially true when you're attempting to harmonize your relationship with food. In this episode, you'll learn (1) what spiritual momentum is (2) its similarities and differences to physical momentum and (3) how to generate spiritual momentum to improve your conscious pract…

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Bodhisattva 10 Gong Singing Bowl Prayer For Enlightened Eyesight 5:07

3y ago5:07

5:07

The eyes play a significant role in your experience of the phenomenal world. But, there is much more to Existence than the objects you perceive with your eyes. My prayer is that you not only see more...but see it All.

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Your Tea May Still Be Too Hot To Drink 21:28

3y ago21:28

21:28

Here Sensei shares, with commentary, a gongan that involves a battle tested war general. This general is ready to commit to a life of peace and Chan practice after having engaged in much violence and many states of anger. Gongans are powerful exchanges between individuals that often result in a major awakening of one of the participants. The Chan B…

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Why You Remain Trapped In A Dualistic Existence Part 2 45:09

3y ago45:09

45:09

Having detailed the moment-to-moment reason you remain trapped in a dualistic existence in Part 1, here you will learn about the concept that cements the entrapment generated by the first reason. Transcending the first reason is no easy feat. But, as you learned, it's completely possible with consistency and intention. This second reason is undoubt…

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Why You Remain Trapped In A Dualistic Existence Part 1 34:19

3y ago34:19

34:19

If you are like most people you experience existence as one of multiplicity. Though you may even believe, wish, hope or think that dualism is not true, unfortunately it's still how you live and make most decisions. There are 2 main reasons why this true. In this first of a 2 part series, Sensei explains the first reason you are trapped in dualism. …

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Awakening Of The Baker 23:23

3y ago23:23

23:23

Here Sensei retells with commentary a gongan that involves a poor baker and his life changing exchange with a Chan master. Gongans are powerful exchanges between individuals that often result in a major awakening of one of the participants. The Chan tradition uses this tool of teaching with great effect. Listen to this gongan (a.k.a koan in Japanes…

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Are You A Taste Master or Slave? 31:41

3y ago31:41

31:41

In this episode, you will go through a contemplative exercise with Sensei on one of the 6 senses. In the Chan tradition, there are 6 senses: touch, sound, sight, feeling, taste and thought. The focus here is on taste. This particular exercise gives you direct experience into the unfolding of awakening in real time. Rarely does one get direct access…

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Mind Mastery Over Food 37:54

3y ago37:54

37:54

Mind Mastery is often viewed by many to be beyond their personal reach. In a world that tells you that you need an app, or some form of tech, to do anything perhaps this may seem true. It is not true. In this episode, Sensei introduces you to contemplative practice which is an essential technique in the Chan tradition. Using food as the focus you'l…

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The Three Universal Teachings Of All Buddhas 38:16

3y ago38:16

38:16

Here Sensei introduces the 3 Universal Teachings Of All Buddhas. These guidelines were taught by every Buddha in addition to whatever else they may have taught. In this episode, you'll learn what they are, and more importantly, how to tangibly apply them to your practice. Whether you've heard of the 3 Universals or not this application of them will…

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Cultural Allegiance and Spiritual Growth 28:50

3y ago28:50

28:50

Culture can play a significant role in one's spiritual development. Cultural allegiance is a phenomenon that often leads to contradictory and harmful outcomes. How might your cultural allegiance be impacting your spiritual growth and journey? Press play to find out...

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Do This The Next Time You Eat 20:36

3y ago20:36

20:36

Consistent with the goal of transforming your life through spiritualizing your eating experience, Sensei offers another powerful exercise that has far reaching and life changing possibilities. You'll be able to test your results in a very short period of time. Press play to find out what it is and then give it a try...…

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Herbs Are Not Medicine 22:25

3y ago22:25

22:25

The use of herbs as medicine has been done since the beginning of human existence. Cultures found, studied, tested and used herbs that were available in their immediate environments to help heal the body. If you are interested in maximizing your personal health with the use of herbs it's time for you to go beyond the limited understanding you may p…

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Sometimes I Feel Like A Fraud 24:18

3+ y ago24:18

24:18

I often receive wonderful compliments from people about how disciplined I am with my practice. I appreciate the kind sentiments. However, I think it's time to share a little secret about my discipline and practice...

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How NOT To Be A Slave To Counting Calories 22:19

3+ y ago22:19

22:19

The not so great calorie debate has many people confused about how many calories they should be consuming. In this episode, learn an organic approach that can free you from wasting time and energy counting calories or debating about them!

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Introduction To Pre-Meal Rituals 23:05

3+ y ago23:05

23:05

Pre-meal rituals have waned in contemporary times. But, they are not dead. In this episode, you'll learn about their value, key components and purpose. Likewise, you'll get an understanding about the wide customization available to you in forming your own and why you need to start incorporating them into your practice right now!…

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How Your Eating Habits Reflect Your Values 11:14

3+ y ago11:14

11:14

Most people probably draw no correlations between what they eat and the values they claim to hold. Is this you? You are not alone. Learn an exercise in this episode that will result in a self-verifiable truth that will change your life in a wonderfully meaningful way...

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Introduction To Spiritual Calories 19:19

3+ y ago19:19

19:19

People often quarrel about calories in relation to the types of foods one "should" consume. It's often an ego-centric exchange focused on the level of body. In this episode, Sensei raises the level of conversation to introduce spiritual calories. What are spiritual calories? Where do they come from? How do we consume them? All of this is addressed …

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Reset With My 5 Minute Singing Bowl Meditation 6:51

3+ y ago6:51

6:51

Sometimes words just get in the way. Sometimes we just need to sit. Please accept this singing bowl offering from my heart to yours. No guidance. No words. Just you, me, my bowl and good vibes. Adjust your volume accordingly...tones intentionally become more feint towards the end. If you like this and want more please join Pink Lotus Sangha at Plan…

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Eat Your Way To Enlightenment 25:05

3+ y ago25:05

25:05

Many people are interested in cultivating compassion, connecting with others and full self-realization. But, many of these same people are not interested in established religions and spiritual traditions. If this sounds like you, or someone you know, listen to Sensei explain how he came to the realization of literally eating yourself into Enlighten…

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Spiritual Psychology of Eating 17:42

3+ y ago17:42

17:42

When you decide to eat consciously there is more involved than physical considerations. Your genes do not determine your your destiny. There is a spiritual component beyond the biology that needs conscious attention. Why this is so and what results if this is ignored is the subject of this powerful episode...…

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When Deeper Awareness Causes Challenges In Your Relationship 19:20

3+ y ago19:20

19:20

This is a serious challenge that will likely arise in your life the more you commit to your practice. How does one handle this problem? Sensei opens up a clear path to work through this issue. This challenge is a rite of passage moment for those who experience it. Press play and learn how to navigate it...…

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Interdependence of Spiritual Practice 24:27

3+ y ago24:27

24:27

The world's religious and spiritual traditions often call us to be mindful of our relationship with various deities or an omnipotent god. This can have the effect of allowing people to see beyond their own self-centeredness. In this episode, Sensei directs our attention to a more worldly consideration for our spiritual practice which has the potent…

1
4 Signs Your Taste Buds Are Polluted 16:00

3+ y ago16:00

16:00

It may sound crazy but it's highly likely that though you have been eating food your whole life you may not have ever really tasted it. How could this be possible? Here, Sensei introduces his "taste buds pollution test." He developed this test after discovering similar taste bud traits he found in himself to be common in those he assists. Listen no…

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Yoga Of Mother Earth 15:58

3+ y ago15:58

15:58

Every "thing" that is alive expresses its liveliness. This also applies to Mother Earth. However, when forces and beings get out of sync with her yoga a significant imbalance is created. We're all in Mother Earth's yoga class. When imbalance ensues only one party is truly harmed. It may not be the one you think. Tune in now to find out why this rea…

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Four Foundations Of Spiritual Power 23:29

3+ y ago23:29

23:29

Whenever one is invited to go beyond sole reliance on the body it can spark feelings and thoughts of inadequacy. Conscious eating requires this of you. Some may feel outright incapable of tapping into spiritual power. It's seems too mysterious. How does one actually do it? What are its constituent parts? Here, Sensei explains the four foundations o…

1
Eating In Silence 20:37

3+ y ago20:37

20:37

It is true that enjoying a delicious meal with friends, a partner, family or colleagues can be fun. It's a social affair. However, there are some real gems to be discovered when incorporating silent eating as part of your spiritual eating practice. In this episode, Sensei shares what benefits you are missing out on that a silent eating practice can…