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Content provided by JoAnn Fox and JoAnn Fox: Buddhist Teacher. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by JoAnn Fox and JoAnn Fox: Buddhist Teacher or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://ro.player.fm/legal.
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Buddhism for Everyone with JoAnn Fox
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Content provided by JoAnn Fox and JoAnn Fox: Buddhist Teacher. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by JoAnn Fox and JoAnn Fox: Buddhist Teacher or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://ro.player.fm/legal.
Buddhism for Everyone with JoAnn Fox is a weekly podcast that shares how to put the teachings of Buddhism into practice to be happier, more peaceful, or to become the spiritual warrior this world so desperately needs. JoAnn Fox has been teaching Buddhism for 17 years and does so with kindness and humor.
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203 episoade
Marcați toate (ne)redate ...
Manage series 2496615
Content provided by JoAnn Fox and JoAnn Fox: Buddhist Teacher. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by JoAnn Fox and JoAnn Fox: Buddhist Teacher or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://ro.player.fm/legal.
Buddhism for Everyone with JoAnn Fox is a weekly podcast that shares how to put the teachings of Buddhism into practice to be happier, more peaceful, or to become the spiritual warrior this world so desperately needs. JoAnn Fox has been teaching Buddhism for 17 years and does so with kindness and humor.
…
continue reading
203 episoade
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1 Episode 205 - Antidotes to Attachment 34:37
34:37
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Attachment is like a rope that binds us—tying our happiness to people, possessions, and circumstances. In Buddhism, attachment isn’t just about clinging to things we love; it’s the grasping, craving, and fear of loss that keep us trapped in cycles of dissatisfaction. The tighter we hold on, the more suffering we create. But don’t worry—there are antidotes to this challenging habit of attachment! In this episode, we’ll uncover practical tools from the Buddhist path to help us shift from attachment to true freedom. How can we love without clinging? Enjoy without suffering? These antidotes aren’t just abstract teachings; they’re actionable, life-changing practices that can transform our everyday experiences. Him I call a brahmana, who, in this world, has given up sensual pleasures, and leaving the home-life has become a bhikkhu; who has eradicated sensual desires and has come to the end of existence. --Buddha, The Dhammapada , Verse 415 References and Links Buddha (1986).The Dhammapada: Verses and Stories. Translated by Daw Mya Tin, M.A. (Website). Edited by Editorial Committee, Burma Tipitaka Association Rangoon. Courtesy .of Nibbana.com. For free distribution only, as a gift of dhamma. Retrieved from https://www.tipitaka.net/tipitaka/dhp/verseload.php?verse=415 Yeshe, Lama Thubten (2005) Introduction to Tantra: The Transformation of Desire [Kindle]. Wisdom Publications. To learn more about virtual classes with JoAnn Fox: Buddhist Study Program Find us at the links below: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Buddhismforeveryone Facebook Group:Join our private group at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sanghatalk/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buddhism.with.joann.fox X: @ Joannfox77 Buddhist Blog: buddhismforeveryone.com/buddhist-blog To learn more about virtual classes with JoAnn Fox: Buddhist Study Program…
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1 Episode 204 - Tranquility Meditation 38:22
38:22
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In the rush of daily life, our minds often feel like restless seas—waves of thoughts crashing, emotions rising and falling. But beneath the surface, there is a deep, still place. Tranquility meditation, or shamatha, is the practice of sinking into that stillness, calming the waters of the mind so that clarity and peace can naturally arise. In this episode, JoAnn Fox guides a tranquility meditation and explores the power of this practice. At its heart, tranquility meditation is about resting in focused awareness. We choose an object like the breath—and gently anchor our attention there. Each time the mind wanders, we kindly guide it back. No struggle, no judgment. Just the steady return to presence. As the practice deepens, the mind settles. Thoughts no longer pull us in a hundred directions. A sense of spaciousness grows, and with it, a gentle peace. This tranquility isn’t just a fleeting calm; it’s the foundation for wisdom. Buddha taught that cultivating tranquility prepares us for insight—the ability to see into the true nature of things, to understand the causes of suffering, and, ultimately, to find liberation. Only when the mind is still can we begin to see reality as it is. But even if enlightenment feels far away, tranquility meditation offers something invaluable in this moment: the ability to pause, to breathe, relax, and touch a little peace—right now. Him I call a brahmana, who, having traversed this dangerous swamp (of passion), this difficult road (of moral defilements), the ocean of life (samsara) and the darkness of ignorance (moha), and having crossed the fourfold Flood, has reached the other shore (Nibbana); who practices Tranquility and Insight Meditation, who is free from craving and from doubt, who clings to nothing and remains in perfect peace. --Buddha, The Dhammapada, Verse 414 References and Links Buddha (1986).The Dhammapada: Verses and Stories. Translated by Daw Mya Tin, M.A. (Website). Edited by Editorial Committee, Burma Tipitaka Association Rangoon. Courtesy .of Nibbana.com. For free distribution only, as a gift of dhamma. Retrieved from https://www.tipitaka.net/tipitaka/dhp/verseload.php?verse=414 Je Tsongkhapa (2014). Great Treatise on the Stages of the Path to Enlightenment, by Je Tsongkhapa, Volume 2 (Kindle). Translated by the Lamrim Chenmo Translation Committee. Joshua Cutler, Editor-in-Chief, and Guy Newlan, Editor. Find us at the links below: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Buddhismforeveryone Facebook Group:Join our private group at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sanghatalk/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buddhism.with.joann.fox X: @ Joannfox77 To learn more about virtual classes with JoAnn Fox: Buddhist Study Program…
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1 Episode 203 - Breaking the Barriers to Spiritual Growth 45:11
45:11
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The spiritual path begins with a mind conditioned by anger, attachment, and ignorance—and a stirring wish for change. The culmination of the path is a mind liberated—compassionate, boundless, and freed by wisdom. What comes between is unyielding, joyful effort. Buddha himself and his disciples are the living proof that the task is not beyond our reach. They show us that anyone who follows the path can accomplish the same goals. But what is needed is effort. The three obstacles to spiritual effort Procrastination Attachment to what is meaningless or non-virtuous Discouragement Procrastination Procrastination is the quiet voice that says, "Not now," allowing us to put off the work of self-cultivation until some elusive "better time." This postponement becomes a barrier that subtly entrenches old habits, robbing us of the momentum we need to progress. Overcoming procrastination requires recognizing that each moment offers a unique chance for growth. A traditional antidote to procrastination is remembering the preciousness of this human life, which affords us everything we need to attain enlightenment in this very lifetime! We can also remind ourselves that we don't know how long this particular human vehicle will last (it does seem to have more squeaks and problems under the hood than it used to!) In reality, the time of death is uncertain. Now is the time! Attachment to What is Meaningless or Non-virtuous We can check whether we are devoting too much time to fleeting pleasures, material desires, or activities that may bring temporary satisfaction but leave us feeling empty. Attachment to what is meaningless or non-virtuous distracts us from pursuing true joy and clarity. Perhaps we discover we don't just enjoy playing video games or binge-watching Netflix; we've become ensnared! Overcoming this attachment requires discerning the difference between fleeting pleasures and the enduring fulfillment of spiritual progress, choosing the latter as our aim. Every time we choose spiritual practice and activities, we loosen the grip of those attachments that block our spiritual growth. We give energy to more meaningful pursuits that align with our highest purpose and bring us closer to liberation. Discouragement Discouragement is the shadow that insists our progress is not enough. It saps our energy, making the spiritual journey seem arduous and our own potential small. Facing our own inner critic is a challenge that invites us to cultivate resilience and trust in our capacity for spiritual growth. Each small step on the path is significant. To rebel against this critical inner voice is to gather strength and to remember that the journey itself, with all its challenges, is the transformation. Him I call a brahmana, who, like the moon (in a cloudless sky), is pure, clear and serene, and in whom craving for existence is extinct. --Buddha, The Dhammapada, Verse 413 References and Links Buddha (1986).The Dhammapada: Verses and Stories. Translated by Daw Mya Tin, M.A. (Website). Edited by Editorial Committee, Burma Tipitaka Association Rangoon. Courtesy .of Nibbana.com. For free distribution only, as a gift of dhamma. Retrieved from https://www.tipitaka.net/tipitaka/dhp/verseload.php?verse=413 Je Tsongkhapa (2014). Great Treatise on the Stages of the Path to Enlightenment, by Je Tsongkhapa, Volume 3 (Kindle). Translated by the Lamrim Chenmo Translation Committee. Joshua Cutler, Editor-in-Chief, and Guy Newlan, Editor. To get the Zoom link for the virtual Buddhist class on Feb. 15, 2025, email joann@buddhismforeveryone.com Find us at the links below: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Buddhismforeveryone Facebook Group:Join our private group at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sanghatalk/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buddhism.with.joann.fox X: @ Joannfox77 To learn more about virtual classes with JoAnn Fox: Buddhist Study Program…
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1 Episode 202 - Beyond Good and Bad 37:24
37:24
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What if you could instantly reduce stress, anxiety, and worry—not by changing your circumstances, but by changing how you see them? So much of our discomfort comes from labeling things as "good" or "bad," clinging to what we want and resisting what we don't. But what if these labels aren't inherently true? In this episode of Buddhism for Everyone, we'll explore the Buddhist teaching that nothing is truly good or bad on its own—it only appears that way based on our perspective. By understanding this, we gain the ability to meet life's challenges with wisdom, flexibility, and peace. So, if you've ever wished you could let go of stress, worry, or frustration over "bad" things happening, this episode is for you. Let's journey beyond good and bad—to a place of inner freedom. H im I call a brahmana, who, in this world, has transcended both ties good and evil; who is sorrowless and, being free from the taints of moral defilements, is pure. --Buddha, T he Dhammapada , Verse 412 References and Links Buddha (1986). The Dhammapada: Verses and Stories. Translated by Daw Mya Tin, M.A. (Website). Edited by Editorial Committee, Burma Tipitaka Association Rangoon. Courtesy .of Nibbana.com. For free distribution only, as a gift of dhamma. Retrieved from https://www.tipitaka.net/tipitaka/dhp/verseload.php?verse=412 Je Tsongkhapa (2014). Great Treatise on the Stages of the Path to Enlightenment, by Je Tsongkhapa, Volume 3 (Kindle). Translated by the Lamrim Chenmo Translation Committee. Joshua Cutler, Editor-in-Chief, and Guy Newlan, Editor. Find us at the links below: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Buddhismforeveryone Facebook Group:Join our private group at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sanghatalk/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buddhism.with.joann.fox X: @ Joannfox77 To learn more about virtual classes with JoAnn Fox: Buddhist Study Program…
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1 Episode 201 - Welcome Everything 31:21
31:21
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In this episode, we dive into the very heart of Buddhist wisdom: the Four Noble Truths. These foundational teachings illuminate why we experience suffering and dissatisfaction and the path to inner peace and freedom. Buddha explained that dukkha, translated as suffering or dissatisfaction, arises from craving (attachment) fueled by ignorance. To use these Truths in daily life, Buddhist Teacher JoAnn Fox suggests a powerful practice for letting go of attachment: “Welcome Everything.” Welcome Everything What does it mean to truly embrace life as it unfolds, without clinging or resistance? We can use this simple yet profound mindset of welcoming everything to cultivate peace and free ourselves from the cycles of craving and dissatisfaction. The Four Noble Truths: The Truth of Suffering (Dukkha): Life is pervaded by suffering and dissatisfaction. Suffering includes not only physical pain but also emotional pain, such as anxiety, depression, and grief. The Truth of the Origin of Suffering (Samudaya): Suffering arises from craving (also called attachment) fueled by ignorance. The Truth of the Cessation of Suffering (Nirodha): It is possible to end suffering and dissatisfaction by letting go of attachment. The Truth of the Path Leading to the Cessation of Suffering (Magga): The way to the end of suffering and dissatisfaction is through the Noble Eightfold Path, a practical guide to ethical living, mental discipline, and wisdom. Him I call a brahmana, who has no desire either for this world or for the next, who is free from craving and from moral defilements. Him I called a brahmana, who has no craving, who through knowledge of the Four Noble Truths is free from doubt, and has realized Nibbana the Deathless. --Buddha, The Dhammapada (Verse 410 and 411) References and Links Buddha (1986).The Dhammapada: Verses and Stories. Translated by Daw Mya Tin, M.A. (Website). Edited by Editorial Committee, Burma Tipitaka Association Rangoon. Courtesy .of Nibbana.com. For free distribution only, as a gift of dhamma. Retrieved from https://www.tipitaka.net/tipitaka/dhp/verseload.php?verse=410 Je Tsongkhapa (2014). Great Treatise on the Stages of the Path to Enlightenment, by Je Tsongkhapa, Volume 1 and Volume 2 ( Kindle). Translated by the Lamrim Chenmo Translation Committee. Joshua Cutler, Editor-in-Chief, and Guy Newlan, Editor. Find us at the links below: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Buddhismforeveryone Facebook Group:Join our private group at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sanghatalk/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buddhism.with.joann.fox To learn more about virtual classes with JoAnn Fox: Buddhist Study Program…
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1 Episode 200 - Living Generously 42:06
42:06
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What does it mean to live generously? In this episode of Buddhism for Everyone, we explore the subtle ways we can practice abandoning stealing—not just materially, but in the countless small ways we might take without realizing it, like stealing time, being late, or complaining. Living generously is about cultivating a mindset of abundance and integrity. In daily practice, it means transforming our actions into gifts of kindness, consideration, and fairness. Small, mindful shifts can make a big impact on the way we live and interact with the world. Through Buddha's teachings, stories, and practical tips, we'll uncover how letting go of taking leads to greater peace and joy in our lives. Him I call a Brahmana, who, in this world takes nothing that is not given him, be it long or short, big or small, good or bad. Whoever in this world Takes nothing not given, Whether it is long or short, Large or small, Beautiful or not, I call a brahmin. (409) —Buddha, The Dhammapada References with Links Buddha (1986).The Dhammapada: Verses and Stories. Translated by Daw Mya Tin, M.A. (Website). Edited by Editorial Committee, Burma Tipitaka Association Rangoon. Courtesy .of Nibbana.com. For free distribution only, as a gift of dhamma. Retrieved from https://www.tipitaka.net/tipitaka/dhp/verseload.php?verse=409 Find us at the links below: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Buddhismforeveryone Facebook Group:Join our private group at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sanghatalk/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buddhism.with.joann.fox To learn more about virtual classes with JoAnn Fox: Buddhist Study Program…
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1 Episode 199 - A Disciplined Mind Brings Happiness 39:49
39:49
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Buddha taught that "A disciplined mind brings happiness." In this episode, we explore how shedding the habits of mind that are harmful to ourselves or others is the key to our own happiness. In the stillness of reflection, we may notice how easily the mind clings to habits that bring harm—to ourselves, to others, to the fragile beauty of our relationships. Perhaps it is anger, rising like a sudden storm, that steals our peace. Or it could be an endless loop of self-criticism that pains us. These are habits of mind that obscure our happiness. When we take up the work of letting go—of releasing judgment, anger, envy, fear—we are not losing anything. We are gaining the freedom to connect with the happiness that has always been ours to reap. This letting go requires discipline, yes. But not the cold, harsh kind. It is the discipline of kindness, of gently steering our minds away from harm and toward healing. Buddha's teaching reminds us that we are not our anger, our jealousy, our despair. These are visitors, and we can send them on their way! In that letting go, we return to ourselves—whole, radiant, and alive with joy. It is a daily practice and perhaps a lifelong one. But as we strive in this practice, we uncover the deep truth of life: our joy is not something to be sought; it is something to be revealed. May we each take up this practice with courage and tenderness, knowing that as we uncover our joy, we offer it to the world. Whoever lets passion, aversion, Conceit, and hypocrisy fall away Like a mustard seed from the tip of an awl, I call a brahmin. --Buddha, The Dhammapada Verse 407 References and Links Buddha.The Dhammapada. Translated by Gil Fronsdale. (Kindle). Shambala, Boston and London, 2011, pp. 78 ( Link ) Great Treatise on the Stages of the Path to Enlightenment, by Je Tsongkhapa, Volume 2. Translated by the Lamrim Chenmo Translation Committee. Joshua Cutler, Editor-in-Chief, and Guy Newlan, Editor. [Kindle] Pages 143-149. Find us at the links below: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Buddhismforeveryone Facebook Group:Join our private group at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sanghatalk/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buddhism.with.joann.fox To learn more about virtual classes with JoAnn Fox: Buddhist Study Program…
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1 Episode 198 - The Five Gatekeepers of Speech 39:50
39:50
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The Buddha, in his gentle wisdom, offered us a path to mindful speech through what he called "The Five Gatekeepers of Speech." These gatekeepers stand like sentinels, reminding us to pause before we speak. We ask ourselves: Is it true? Is it kind? Is it beneficial? Is it necessary? Is it the right time? Our speech, whether it lands on another's heart or drifts unnoticed through the air, always leaves its karmic mark on us. If we are kind to others with our speech, we create causes for our own happiness. When we are unkind to others, we create suffering for ourselves. Words are the most powerful tool we carry, shaping not only the world around us but also the spirit within us. With every sentence, we build up or break down—not just others but ourselves. This power is so profound because we wield it constantly. Each time we speak, we either sow seeds of healing or harm. And those words linger. Even when forgotten by others, their echoes remain within us, shaping our character--shaping our future. Beautiful speech Beautiful mind Beautiful world The Buddha taught us to tend to our speech mindfully, as one would a garden. The mind, planted with our words, will grow the fruits we eventually consume. So, let us speak with intention, knowing that every word has the power to uplift or diminish, and in the end, each of us must live among the gardens we plant. Whoever speaks What is true, informative, and not harsh, Who gives offense to no one, I call a brahmin. --Buddha, The Dhammapada (Verse 408) The Five Gatekeepers of Speech Buddha taught that we should check that our speech passes through these five gates before we speak: Is it true? Is it kind? Is it beneficial? Is it necessary? Is it the right time? The Four Downfalls of Speech Lying Divisive speech Harsh speech Idle gossip References and Links Buddha.The Dhammapada. Translated by Gil Fronsdale. (Kindle). Shambala, Boston and London, 2011. Find us at the links below: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Buddhismforeveryone Facebook Group:Join our private group at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sanghatalk/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buddhism.with.joann.fox To learn more about virtual classes with JoAnn Fox: Buddhist Study Program…
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1 Episode 197 - Metta Practice 37:32
37:32
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Metta, or loving-kindness, is a beautiful practice in Buddhism that calls on the heart to soften, to expand, to reach out with the wish for others’s happiness and well-being. It’s about nurturing love, not just for those who easily come to mind, but for everyone—the stranger, the difficult ones, and even ourselves. Metta practice, at its core, is deeply intertwined with non-violence because it cultivates the kind of love that makes harm unthinkable. In a world that so often pushes us towards division, Metta reminds us to see the shared humanity in each person. When you practice Metta, you are not just sending love out into the world, but you are transforming yourself. This practice dissolves the walls of anger, fear, and separation that lead to violence. It teaches us to see others not as enemies or obstacles, but as beings deserving of love, just like us. Non-violence isn't just the absence of harm; it’s the presence of compassion. Through Metta, we learn that the peace we long to see in our world begins within—through the quiet revolution of our hearts. A Practice Metta Metta Prayer May all beings be peaceful. May all beings be happy. May all beings be safe. May all beings awaken to the light of their true nature. May all beings be free. To practice the Metta Prayer begin by sitting comfortably, closing your eyes, and taking a deep breath. As you breathe, let the world fall away and center yourself in stillness. Start Metta with yourself—because, yes, you, too, deserve your own love and kindness. Silently repeat: May I be peaceful. May I be happy. May I be safe. May I awaken to the light of my true nature. May I be free. Let those words settle into your soul. Feel their warmth, their truth. Then think of someone you love dearly, someone who brings you joy. Offer the same blessing to them: May you be peaceful. May you be happy. May you be safe. May you awaken to the light of your true nature. May you be free. Next, turn to someone you feel neutral about, maybe a person you pass by daily but hardly notice. Offer the prayer to them, with sincerity: May you be safe. May you awaken to the light of your true nature. May you be free. Then, in a brave act of compassion, think of someone who has hurt you, someone difficult. Send them these same loving-kind words. This is where true healing begins. May you be safe. May you awaken to the light of your true nature. May you be free. Finally, let your love expand to include all beings everywhere, those you know and those you will never meet. Visualize the world bathed in the light of this blessing: May all beings be peaceful. May all beings be happy. May all beings be safe. May all beings awaken to the light of their true nature. May all beings be free. You may not change the world in this moment, but you will have changed yourself—and in doing so, you sow the seeds of peace that ripple far beyond what you imagine. Whoever is not mixed up with Householders or renunciants, Who has no abode and few desires, I call a brahmin. (404)* Having given up violence Toward beings both timid and strong, Whoever neither kills nor causes others to kill, I call a brahmin. (405)* Whoever is unopposing among those who oppose, Peaceful among the violent, Not clinging among those who cling, I call a brahmin. (406)* —Buddha, The Dhammapada References and Links Buddha.The Dhammapada. Translated by Gil Fronsdale. (Kindle). Shambala, Boston and London, 2011, pp. 78 ( Link ) Great Treatise on the Stages of the Path to Enlightenment, by Je Tsongkhapa, Volume 1 . Pages 222-223. Translated by the Lamrim Chenmo Translation Committee. Joshua Cutler, Editor-in-Chief, and Guy Newlan, Editor. Ruiz, Don Miguel. The Four Agreements. Amer-Ellen Publishing, 2011. pp. 34-38. Find us at the links below: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Buddhismforeveryone Facebook Group:Join our private group at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sanghatalk/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buddhism.with.joann.fox Direct link to sign up for classes: Buddhist Study Program…
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1 Episode 196 - Making mindful choices 35:06
35:06
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This episode explores how to make mindful choices that lead to happiness and well-being in the future. We can learn how to distinguish between virtuous actions and nonvirtuous actions Virtuous actions are those that lead to positive outcomes, both for oneself and others. They are rooted in wholesome mental states such as generosity, compassion, and wisdom. With mindfulness, we can detect whether our mind is in a virtuous mental state. Virtuous states of mind feel, like loving-kindness, feel pleasant and peaceful. Conversely, non-virtuous actions are those that lead to negative outcomes, causing harm to oneself and others. They arise from unwholesome mental states such as greed, anger, and ignorance. Sometimes these "unwholesome mental states" are called "delusions" because they distort reality. Anger, for example, is a mental state that always sees its object as unpleasant, though no person or experience is innately unpleasant. When our mental state is non-virtuous, it feels uncomfortable and tight. Checking to see how we are feeling before we act will let us know if we're acting with a non-virtuous state of mind. When we act out of non-virtue, the result is harmful to us because it leads to suffering in our future (bad karma). A simple mindfulness practice of checking whether our choices will bring happiness or suffering in the future follows: Before you act, ask yourself: How does this make me feel? Will it bring happiness to myself and others? Is it the right time? Buddha gave a similar directive when talking about speech: “Monks, a statement endowed with five factors is well-spoken, not ill-spoken. It is blameless & unfaulted by knowledgeable people. Which five? “It is spoken at the right time. It is spoken in truth. It is spoken affectionately. It is spoken beneficially. It is spoken with a mind of good-will.” -- Buddha, The Vaca Sutra, AN 5.198 By consciously engaging in wholesome actions, nurturing positive mental states, and adhering to ethical principles, we can transform our lives and the effects we have on those around us. Let us commit to this journey of virtue, knowing that each step brings us closer to true happiness and enlightenment. Him I call a brahmana, who is wise and is profound in his knowledge, who knows the right way from the wrong way, and who has attained the highest goal ( i.e., arahatship). --Buddha, the Dhammapada Verse 403 References with Links Buddha (1986).The Dhammapada: Verses and Stories. Translated by Daw Mya Tin, M.A. (Website). Edited by Editorial Committee, Burma Tipitaka Association Rangoon. Courtesy .of Nibbana.com. For free distribution only, as a gift of dhamma. Retrieved from https://www.tipitaka.net/tipitaka/dhp/verseload.php?verse=403 Buddha. Vaca Sutta, The Book of Fives, AN 5.198. suttacentral.net. Retrieved from: https://suttacentral.net/an5.198/en/thanissaro?lang=en&reference Je Tsongkhapa (2014). Karma. Great Treatise on the Stages of the Path to Enlightenment, by Je Tsongkhapa, Volume 1 ( Kindle). Translated by the Lamrim Chenmo Translation Committee. Joshua Cutler, Editor-in-Chief, and Guy Newlan, Editor. Find us at the links below: To learn about the Buddhist Study Group or Courses, visit our Website: BuddhismforEveryone.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Buddhismforeveryone Facebook Group: Join our private group at:https://www.facebook.com/groups/sanghatalk/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buddhism.with.joann.fox…
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1 Episode 195 - Feel before you act 35:40
35:40
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In this episode we explore one of the core teachings of the Buddha—the Five Aggregates and their connection to our problems and suffering. The Buddha taught that life is pervaded by dukkha, which means dissatisfaction or suffering. More specifically, in the First Noble Truth, Buddha taught that “The five aggregates subject to clinging are suffering.” These aggregates—form, sensation, perception, mental formations, and consciousness—are the parts that make our self. When our five aggregates, including our consciousness, are conditioned by ignorance, we experience an unenlightened life subject to dissatisfaction. In essence, our unenlightened life is suffering. Enlightened life is Nirvana, which is free of dissatisfaction and suffering. How do we experience an enlightened life? Buddha said that when we purify our aggregates of delusions, such as attachment and ignorance, we experience an enlightened life. In this episode, we begin a journey to purify our intentions and actions of delusions. JoAnn Fox teaches a simple way to check whether your intention is motivated by delusion. She also guides a meditation on this technique and offers a mindfulness practice for daily life. The five aggregates are: form feeling discrimination mental formations (or influences of a previous life, mental states or delusions) consciousness Mindfulness Practice Observe your intentions before acting by asking yourself “What are the consequences of this choice?” Will it bring happiness? What is my intention? Observe how you feel. Delusions make our minds uncomfortable. If we’re feeling uncomfortable, a delusion like anger or attachment is present in our minds, making our intention unskillful. This is a simple way to see if the intention is good or bad. Him I call a brahmana, who even in this existence realizes the end of dukkha (i.e., Nibbana), who has laid down the burden (of the skandhas) and who is free from moral defilements. --Buddha, The Dhammapada, Verse 402 Interested in live weekly classes with Joann Fox? Visit www.Buddhismforeveryone.comongoing-buddhist-study-program/ to enroll or learn more. Find us at the links below: Website: BuddhismforEveryone.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Buddhismforeveryone Podcast Facebook Group: Join our private group at:https://www.facebook.com/groups/sanghatalk/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buddhism.with.joann.fox…
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1 Episode 194 - Enjoying without attachment 43:17
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Joy and pleasures are woven into the fabric of our lives. The teachings of Buddha invite us to dance with moments of delight without the chains of attachment. In this episode, we explore how to savor the pleasures of life while releasing the grip of attachment. Way to enjoy life's pleasures without the pain of attachment: Enjoy the Moment Accept what is Let go of the past and future Enjoy the moment We discover a world of joy by fully immersing ourselves in each moment. Instead of fixating on the past or yearning for the future, let's learn to be present, allowing joy to arise from the most simple pleasures. Cultivating the art of presence also means learning to enjoy life's pleasures without trying to possess, control them, or keep them. Accept what is Non-attachment, a cornerstone of Buddhist philosophy, encourages us to accept what is. Non-attachment means we accept what is without wishing people, experiences, and things to be different. Releasing attachments allows us to discover freedom in the vast expanse of the human experience. We let other people be who they are at present. We let ourselves be. We let the experience be what it is. Without grasping at people and things being different, we can actually enjoy them! Let go of the past and future Remembering impermanence can help us let go of the past. Impermanence is like a river; it only flows in one direction—change. Go with the flow because change is inevitable. What we once obsessed over is eventually gone or boring or broken. The phrase "go with the flow" suggests we navigate the river of impermanence with grace. We let people go. Embracing impermanence is not a call to detach from life's pleasures but an invitation to savor them with a heart wide open. We find peace by releasing our grasp on the transient. Mindfulness of the present moment can help us detach from worries or cravings of the future. Mindfulness, as taught by Buddha, is like a dance with the present moment. Incorporating mindfulness into our daily life allows us to savor the present joys without clinging, much like a dancer who moves gracefully through a performance, fully immersed in the rhythm without thinking about the next step. Embracing life's pleasures without clinging is an art. Once mastered, it unlocks the door to true peace. We discover the profound beauty that arises when we learn to enjoy life without clinging. Like water on a lotus leaf Or a mustard seed on the tip of an awl Whoever does not cling to sensual craving Him I call a Brahman --Buddha, The Dhammapada (Verse 401) References with Links The Dhammapada, by Buddha. Translated by Gil Fronsdale. Je Tsongkhapa (2014). Great Treatise on the Stages of the Path to Enlightenment, by Je Tsongkhapa, Volume 1 ( Kindle). Translated by the Lamrim Chenmo Translation Committee. Joshua Cutler, Editor-in-Chief, and Guy Newlan, Editor. Find us at the links below: Website: BuddhismforEveryone.com Online Study Program: https://buddhismforeveryone.com/ongoing-buddhist-study-program/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Buddhismforeveryone Podcast Facebook Group: Join our private group at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sanghatalk/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buddhism.with.joann.fox…
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1 Episode 193: Compassion as antidote to anger 43:17
43:17
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For the average person, Moments of anger are inevitable. They can flare up in response to various triggers, from personal frustrations to global injustices. However, according to the Buddha's teachings, there is a powerful antidote to this destructive emotion: compassion. In Buddhism, compassion is revered as a guiding light, illuminating the path towards healing and awakening. At the heart of Buddhist philosophy lies the understanding of interconnectedness. Understanding interconnectedness leads to an awareness that everything we do as an individual affects the rest of humanity. It is also the idea that all beings are deeply interconnected by sharing a common desire for happiness and freedom from suffering. This fundamental principle forms the basis for cultivating compassion to overcome anger. Compassion is not merely a lofty ideal but a practical tool for navigating the complexities of human emotions. Buddha invites us to embrace the humanity in others, even in moments of conflict and turmoil. Through the lens of compassion, Buddha reminds us that every soul carries its burdens, and every heart yearns for solace and peace. In the face of anger, Buddha encourages us to pause and breathe. Witness the storm raging within with gentleness and understanding. Like a fragile bloom breaking through rocks, we can nurture the seeds of compassion within our hearts, even in the harshest environment. Buddha's teachings invite us to reclaim our power from the clutches of anger. No one benefits more from our patience and compassion than we do! Compassion can be like a warm embrace—soothing our weariness as we acknowledge the pain and struggles everyone faces. By extending compassion to others, we dissolve the barriers that separate us. Relying on compassion as an antidote to anger requires daily mindfulness—the awareness of our thoughts, emotions, and actions in the present moment. Through mindfulness, we observe the arising of anger without becoming consumed by it. Instead of feeding our painful feelings with angry thoughts, we feed them with thoughts of compassion towards that person. Rather than suppressing our emotions, we acknowledge them with compassion and guide them to pass without causing harm. By cultivating compassion, we can overcome the grip of anger and replace the habit with a sense of connection and harmony with all beings. In a world filled with turmoil and conflict, may we each strive to embody compassion and sow the seeds of peace and understanding wherever we go. In this episode, JoAnn Fox guides a meditation called taking and giving that helps us develop compassion toward someone who makes us angry or that we have some resentment toward. To practice taking and giving meditation with someone you feel anger toward: Begin by visualizing the person in front of you. Try to recognize their humanity, acknowledge that they experience suffering and desire happiness just like you. Consider the ways in which this person suffers. Imagine a day walking in their shoes. What causes them pain or frustration? Contemplate how you make them suffer. This meditation not only transforms your relationship with this person, but it also creates inner peace and harmony in your life. Him I call a brahmana, who is free from anger, who practises austerity, who is virtuous and free from craving, who is controlled in his senses and for whom this body (i.e., existence) is the very last. --Buddha, The Dammapada, Verse 400 References with Links Buddha (1986).The Dhammapada: Verses and Stories. Translated by Daw Mya Tin, M.A. (Website). Edited by Editorial Committee, Burma Tipitaka Association Rangoon. Courtesy .of Nibbana.com. For free distribution only, as a gift of dhamma. Retrieved from https://www.tipitaka.net/tipitaka/dhp/verseload.php?verse=400 Je Tsongkhapa (2014). Great Treatise on the Stages of the Path to Enlightenment, by Je Tsongkhapa, Volume 1 and Volume 2 ( Kindle). Translated by the Lamrim Chenmo Translation Committee. Joshua Cutler, Editor-in-Chief, and Guy Newlan, Editor. Find us at the links below: To learn about the Buddhist Study Group or Courses, visit our Website: BuddhismforEveryone.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Buddhismforeveryone Facebook Group: Join our private group at:https://www.facebook.com/groups/sanghatalk/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buddhism.with.joann.fox…
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1 Episode 192 - Solving Anger with Dharma 40:40
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In this episode, we delve into a universal human experience: anger. But fear not! We're not just exploring the problem; we're diving into solutions. Get ready for an enlightening journey as we uncover practical strategies rooted in Buddhist wisdom to tame the flames of anger and cultivate inner peace. We can learn how to transform the energy of anger into understanding and compassion. Through understanding and compassion we can heal ourselves and be a refuge of peace for others. In fact, in the story associated with the following verse, Buddha said: ‘Because I am patient and do no wrong to those who do me wrong, I have become a refuge to many." Then the Buddha spoke in verse as follows: Him I call a brahmana, who, without anger endures abuse, beating and being bound, and to whom the strength of patience is like the strength of an army. --Buddha, The Dhammapada (Verse 399) Interested in live weekly classes with Joann Fox? Visit www.Buddhismforeveryone.com to enroll or learn more. Find us at the links below: Website: BuddhismforEveryone.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Buddhismforeveryone Podcast Facebook Group: Join our private group at:https://www.facebook.com/groups/sanghatalk/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buddhism.with.joann.fox References with Links Buddha (1986).The Dhammapada: Verses and Stories. Translated by Daw Mya Tin, M.A. (Website). Edited by Editorial Committee, Burma Tipitaka Association Rangoon. Courtesy .of Nibbana.com. For free distribution only, as a gift of dhamma. Retrieved from https://www.tipitaka.net/tipitaka/dhp/verseload.php?verse=399 Je Tsongkhapa (2014). Great Treatise on the Stages of the Path to Enlightenment, by Je Tsongkhapa, Volume 2 ( Kindle). Translated by the Lamrim Chenmo Translation Committee. Joshua Cutler, Editor-in-Chief, and Guy Newlan, Editor.…
Virtual Classes with JoAnn Fox start this Saturday, March 2nd! You can enroll any time! What: An ongoing study program to practice the entire path of Buddhism. Join us at any point! When: Saturdays 10 am EST Why: People often have to study Buddhism in a piecemeal fashion. JoAnn participated in a virtual teacher training program for over ten years that presented the whole path of Buddhism. This systematic approach makes the path very clear. It makes it much easier to practice and creates deeper inner change. JoAnn wants others to have the same opportunity! We’ll also find ways to create a connected sangha. How: Live Classes will be held on Zoom. Or watch the recordings Two Class Options: Join the ongoing study program or enroll in short courses. Enroll on the website Buddhismforeveryone.com - For Ongoing Buddhist Study Program: https://buddhismforeveryone.com/ongoing-buddhist-study.../ - Short Courses: https://buddhismforeveryone.com/short-buddhist-courses.../ You can pause or cancel your subscription at any time. 100% Satisfaction Guarantee: If you discover the classes aren’t for you, get a full refund within the first 30 days. Questions: email joann@buddhismforeveryone.com…
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