Diggin' the Dharma
Jon Aaron and Doug Smith
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 teacher and trainer of teachers of Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction. Doug has a PhD in Philosophy and runs Doug's Dharma on YouTube and the Online Dharma Institute, where he gives courses on early Buddhism. Find them at: https://digginthedharma.com/
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jun 11, 2023 • 24min
What Is "Now"? What Was "Now"? What will be "Now"?
Send a textThe present moment seems to come and go, but is that the case? What is the present moment anyway? This is a deep philosophical question and certainly a central point of Buddhist practice. Doug and Jon look at the topic from a number of different points of view . It's always a fun discussion!Support the showGo to our website to leave a comment, buy us a coffee, or see further notes and links: https://digginthedharma.com/
Jun 4, 2023 • 27min
Speak Kindly and Don't Carry a Stick!
Send a textIn these days of divisiveness, it's easy to get into political arguments or, at the very least, think ill thoughts about some of our leaders. The Buddha's words on wise speech can be a useful guide. Support the showGo to our website to leave a comment, buy us a coffee, or see further notes and links: https://digginthedharma.com/
May 28, 2023 • 24min
Do You Believe in Magic??
Send a textA recent comment on our website prompted a discussion about whether certain Buddhist practices (Lovingkindness for instance) involve magical thinking. Support the showGo to our website to leave a comment, buy us a coffee, or see further notes and links: https://digginthedharma.com/
May 21, 2023 • 25min
The Guardians of the World
Send a textDoug and Jon discuss two natural abilities we have to skillfully maneuver through the world. The Buddha discussed them as "guardians of the world" (Iti. 42).Support the showGo to our website to leave a comment, buy us a coffee, or see further notes and links: https://digginthedharma.com/
May 14, 2023 • 27min
Does Memory have a Role in Mindfulness?
Send a textThe Pāli word Sati literally means "remember' but also has the meaning of Mindfulness. The question of memory in mindfulness practices is the starting point of our discussion in this week's episode.Support the showGo to our website to leave a comment, buy us a coffee, or see further notes and links: https://digginthedharma.com/
Apr 30, 2023 • 26min
Secular Buddhism. . . Is that a thing?
The hosts dive into secular Buddhism, exploring the definitions and implications of being secular versus religious. They discuss how secularism can foster open dialogue rather than opposition to religion. The conversation touches on the relationship between mindfulness and its Buddhist roots, debunking myths that secular practices lack ethical foundations. They also confront pushback from traditionalists and address how concepts like rebirth can be interpreted differently. Overall, they emphasize the accessibility of mindfulness for all, regardless of belief.
Apr 23, 2023 • 25min
What Do You Mean It's Not Mine???
Send a text"Not mine, not I, not myself" is a phrase that appears in various suttas. It can be a useful reminder to let go. We cling to material things, people, and of course ourselves. When we lose something or someone, or when that idea of who I am suddenly shifts, it can manifest in significant suffering. In this episode, Doug and Jon discuss how they relate to this sutta and how it can be a helpful reminder when we find ourselves in the jaws of dukkha.Support the showGo to our website to leave a comment, buy us a coffee, or see further notes and links: https://digginthedharma.com/
Apr 16, 2023 • 28min
Dualism or Non-Dualism, That is the Question
Dive into the fascinating world of non-dualism and its roots in early Buddhist thought. Explore how concepts like Advaita and Pali usages shape our understanding. Discover the role of non-dual practices in meditation and how the Brahma-Viharas help dissolve subject/object distinctions. The discussion takes a modern twist, examining AI and personhood through a non-dual lens. Plus, unpack the risks of misinterpreting non-duality and the importance of ethics in practice. It's a deep, thought-provoking journey!
Apr 9, 2023 • 28min
What's the Story with Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and the idea of Secular Mindfulness
Send a textThe training called Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction was developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn in the late '70s and could be credited with the concept of "secular mindfulness." It is taught worldwide by hundreds of teachers and has been the topic of well over 1000 scientific research papers. Is it Buddhist? Is it effective? Jon Aaron is one of the prominent teachers of this curriculum and a trainer of new teachers. He and Doug talk about the Buddhist underpinnings of this curriculum as well as it's impact on the secular mindfulness movement. Link to Jon's upcoming MBSR ClassesReceive a 10% discount using: MBSR10Support the showGo to our website to leave a comment, buy us a coffee, or see further notes and links: https://digginthedharma.com/
Apr 2, 2023 • 27min
Does Clinging to Our Views Get Us Anywhere?
Send a textWhat are the Buddha's views about views? How are the ways we hold opinions about politics, people, food, etc, different from clinging to spiritual views? The Buddha had a lot to say about this but how do we put it into practice. How does our clinging to views, most importantly views about ourselves, impede our progress on the path? Support the showGo to our website to leave a comment, buy us a coffee, or see further notes and links: https://digginthedharma.com/
