5 Minute Dharma Podcast

In this episode we want to deal with the Hindrance of Aversion. The Buddha taught that there are five major obstacles to meditation, and hence to enlightenment. They are sense desire, aversion, sloth and torpor, restlessness and worry, and skeptical doubt. Podcast Outline Introduction A. First, we need to recognize the presence of Aversion. B. Second, we need to remove Aversion that have arisen. C. Third, we need to prevent the arising of feelings of Aversion. Conclusion

In this episode we want to deal with the Hindrance of Sense Desire. The Buddha taught that there are five major obstacles to meditation, and hence to enlightenment. They are sense desire, aversion, sloth and torpor, restlessness and worry, and skeptical doubt. Podcast Outline Introduction A. First, we need to recognize the presence of Sense Desire B. Second, we need to remove Sense Desires that have arisen. C. Third, we need to prevent the arising of Sense Desire. Conclusion

In this episode we want to examine what koans are and why they are used. A famous koans is, “When both hands are clapped, a sound is produced: listen to the sound of one hand.” Because Zen is so popular in the United States, you may have actually heard this koan before. Podcast Outline Introduction A. First, let’s define what a koan is. B. Secondly, let’s look back to the beginnings of the koan. C. Lastly, we want to answer the question of why koana are used. Conclusion

In this episode we want to Introduce you to Zen Buddhism. Jay's first introduction to Zen came as a Christian minister over a decade ago. After studying Zen for a while, he sought out and studied under a Christian Zen teacher. After becoming a Buddhist, I have since embraced the Insight Meditation movement. Podcast Outline Introduction A. First, let’s begin at the beginning. B. Second, So What is Zen? C. Thirdly, Zen is not Zen without Zazen Conclusion

In this episode we want to explain what Engaged Buddhism is and clear up a few misconceptions. Thich Nhat Hanh is credited with coining the term "Engaged Buddhism." But there are a number of misconceptions about Engaged Buddhism. Many think of Engaged Buddhism as a new phenomenon, but Engaged Buddhism is just Buddhism. Podcast Outline Introduction A. First, lets clear up some misconceptions about Engaged Buddhism B. So what is Engaged Buddhism? C. There are a number of Pitfalls to Avoid Conclusion

In this episode we want to explore the relationship between Buddhism and politics. The Dictionary defines politics as "the complex or aggregate of relationships of people in society." politics is about relationships. Politics is really about how we live together as human beings. Now clearly this is something we should care about. Podcast Outline Introduction A. First, the importance of mixing Religion and Politics B. Secondly, What is Buddhist Politics? C. Lastly, let’s look at the three aspects of Buddhist politics. Conclusion

In this episode we want to help you in reading the Buddhist Sutras. Almost every religion has their sacred scriptures. Buddhism is no different. The Buddhist scriptures or sacred texts are called Suttas in Pali and Sutras in Sanskrit. Podcast Outline ntroduction A. First, the Buddhist Sutras are not like the Christian Bible. B. Second, we should understand that there are basically three major canons of Sutras. C. Lastly, I want to give you a few guidelines in reading and interpreting the Buddhist Sutras. Conclusion

In this episode we want to explain how to become a Buddhist. I am a Buddhist. But what does that mean really? A Buddhist is someone who practices the religion based on the Buddha's teachings. So how does one become a Buddhist? Podcast Outline Introduction A. First, what makes a person a Buddhist. B. Secondly, a Buddhist takes refuge in the Three Jewels, which is also called the Triple Gem. C. Lastly, so how do you become a Buddhist? Conclusion

In this episode we want to explore the meaning of the Three Jewels. The Three Jewels refers to the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha. They are the central focus of inspiration and devotion for Buddhists. They are the three things that Buddhists take refuge in, and look toward for guidance, in the process known as taking refuge. Podcast Outline Introduction A. The Three Jewels are also called the Three Treasures, the Three Refuges, and the Triple Gem. B. The First Jewel is the Buddha. C. The Second Jewel is the Dharma D. The Third Jewel is the Sangha Conclusion

In this episode we want to help you discover which of the Buddhist paths is right for you. There are many different methods and paths in Buddhism. There is Pure Land, Zen, Vipassana, Tibetan, and many more. It can be very confusing to someone new to Buddhism. Podcast Outline Introduction A. First, let’s be honest with one another. B. Secondly, is the path truly the path the historical Buddha taught. C. Thirdly, Let’s look at the Four Basic Kinds of Paths Conclusion

In this episode we want to explore the two kinds of Buddhist meditation. Buddhism teaches two kinds of meditation. One is called tranquility meditation and is from the Pali word Samatha. The second is called insight meditation and is from the Pali word Vipassana. Podcast Outline Introduction A. First, let’s begin with an understanding of Samatha or tranquility meditation B. Secondly, let’s get an understanding of Vipassana or insight meditation C. Thirdly, the Buddha said there was one way to Nirvana Conclusion

In this episode we want to explain how to meditate while you are driving. Being a Buddhist is about becoming mindful in everything we do. Meditation is not just for the cushion, its for our entire life. Just reminder to drive safely and pay attention to what’s going on around you. Podcast Outline Introduction A. First, We tend to think of meditation as the time we sit down on our cushion, close our eyes, and focus on our breath. B. Secondly, here are the basic instructions for meditating while you’re driving . C. Thirdly, stop lights are an excellent to time to relax and de-stress. Conclusion

In this episode we want to help you learn how to deal with criticism. Being a public figure means that my chances of being the subject of criticism is much higher than it would otherwise be. With thousands of people listening to my podcast and reading my blog, it simply isn’t possible to please everyone. Criticism is unavoidable. Podcast Outline Introduction A. First, There are different kinds of criticism. B. But Secondly, not all the criticism we get is constructive. C. Thirdly, here are a few hints at giving criticism. Conclusion

In this episode we want to encourage you to consider letting go of God. There are many ideas and concepts that we cling to, one that many desperately cling to is the idea of God. Buddhism is not Atheistic but rather Agnostic. For Buddhists, the question is not helpful, it doesn’t tend to enlightenment. Podcast Outline Introduction A. First, you should understand that Buddhism is not Atheistic. B. Secondly, why we should let Go of God. C. Thirdly, letting go of God doesn’t mean rejecting God. Conclusion

In this episode we want to explore the training in ethical conduct. The Eightfold Noble Path is traditionally divided into what is called the Three Training, which are Ethical Conduct, Mental Discipline, and Wisdom. Ethical conduct includes Right Speech, Right Action, and Right Livelihood. Podcast Outline Introduction A. First, we will look at the importance of the training in ethical conduct. B. Secondly, we need to understand the Meaning of “Right” used in the Eightfold Noble Path. C. Thirdly, Ethical conduct can be divided into negative and positive. Conclusion