Can even Buddhist teachings become commercialized, homogenized and…lost? Have we reached Buddhism Inc.? Or is it a quasi-tantric situation where desire is the fuel? A look at the delightful idea of “If you can’t eat it or fuck it, piss on it.” David & Raghu circle around concepts and contradictions within modern absorption of ancient teachings. And it always seems to end in the simplicity and depth of “kindness.”
Episode Outline:
- Airing Grievances – R and D respond to listener comments regarding their advertising skills
- Pet Psychology – Dave falls to the floor in adoration of his new feline friend. Why can’t he be so kind to republicans? Also, a psychologist finds an interesting ‘cat’alyst for progress with his patients
- Consumerism (The opposite of Buddhism?) – The mindrollers discuss the potential paradox in the current ‘commodification of consciousness’. Is the marketplace now manifesting in spirituality? Raghu points to attachment, in determining whether this enterprise is heading in the wrong direction – Not getting caught is key. The notoriety and accolades that can accompany a cause are just another opportunity for transformation
- Hot Tubing Your Way to Enlightenment – Is there really no growth in comfort, and are modern retreats a little too relaxing?
- The Bodhisattva Businessman – Can meditation be used to simply pacify or even encourage the ‘occasional’ nefarious dealings within high-power occupations? Dave highlights Mirabai Bush’s work, in attempting to bring mindfulness into the military
- What’s a Good Buddhist to Do? – Simply put, the real transformation takes place through the acknowledgment of all the forces at work, and the commitment to use all of these circumstances for the process of inner growth. As always, having a personal practice is paramount
- ‘Kindness’ (A poem by Naomi Shihab Nye) – The simple and direct teachings are often the most influential. Come down to the profound
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Photo via Gorbash Varvara