What Is Reality?

George breaks down the difference between ultimate reality vs. relative reality, connecting the dots between the original Pali terms and their modern interpretation. Drawing on the original text from Chapter Three of Mahasi Sayadaw's Manual of Insight, he offers his own unique take on how perception is affected by the physiology of eye sight, habituation and how we process sound. 

If you would like to engage directly in the practice of dāna (generosity), you are invited to help support us with a contribution to the Mettagroup Scholarship Fund.

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States of One-Pointedness

Sex! Drugs! Veganism! George discusses how one-pointed meditation leads to the ethical undertaking of the five precepts of Buddhism. Delving into how concentration practice on generosity opens the possibility of achieving jhana, the pain of not engaging and the experience of cessation, this episode concludes the deep exploration of Chapter Two of Manual of Insight by Mahasi Sayadaw.

If you would like to engage directly in the practice of dāna (generosity), you are invited to help support us with a contribution to the Mettagroup Scholarship Fund.

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The Practice of Generosity (Special Episode)

Taking a break from his ongoing exploration of Manual of Insight, George discusses the practice of generosity in Buddhism. This special episode of the DYP podcast delves into the basic ethics of the practice, the three levels of generosity, and how it all relates to the modern world. All with George's inimitable sense of humor and practical examples from his own life. 

If you would like to engage directly in the practice of dāna (generosity), you are invited to help support us with a contribution to the Mettagroup Scholarship Fund.

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The Dangers of the Lower Realms (and more!)

A fascinating look at karma, reincarnation and the traditional Buddhist vision of hell. The visceral, Dantean descriptions are paired with George's own unique secular Buddhist analysis. This continues the close reading of Manual of Insight Chapter Two, and also covers Burmese vs. Western practices, and practical approaches to noting.

If you would like to engage in the practice of dāna (generosity), you are invited to help support us with a contribution to the Mettagroup Scholarship Fund.

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Overcoming the Hindrances (Talk & Meditation)

A short dharma talk is followed by a guided meditation focused on overcoming the hindrances by going from concentration to insight. If you've never been to a class in person with George, this is a great chance to have that experience. For students following along in Mahasi Sayadaw's  Manual of Insight, this episode continues the exploration of Chapter Two. 

If you would like to engage in the practice of dāna (generosity), you are invited to help support us with a contribution to the Mettagroup Scholarship Fund.

Subscribe on iTunes or Stitcher.

Hindrances of Enlightenment

Continuing the discussion of Chapter Two from Mahasi Sayadaw's  Manual of Insight, "Purification of Mind," George leads an inquisitive group on a decidedly practical discussion on the challenges that arise during practice. Covering the five major hindrances to enlightenment, the conversation gets into how noting can be an effective way to deal with them, and the visual and physical aspects of meditation. 

If you would like to engage in the practice of dāna (generosity), you are invited to help support us with a contribution to the Mettagroup Scholarship Fund.

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Enlightenment for Householders

George explains why Mahasi Sayadaw's  Manual of Insight was nothing short of revolutionary for householders. Along the way, he touches on consciousness, the science behind pleasure vs. pain and how it all relates to the cycle of suffering and liberation.

If you would like to engage in the practice of dāna (generosity), you are invited to help support us with a contribution to the Mettagroup Scholarship Fund.

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Tranquility to Enlightenment

In a wide-ranging and fascinating talk, George gets into the history of the Burmese style of Buddhist practice, his own path to teacher Shinzen Young, and what liberation from suffering really means in this day and age. This episode marks part four of George's continued exploration of Chapter Two of Manual of Insight by Mahasi Sayadaw.

If you would like to engage in the practice of dāna (generosity), you are invited to help support us with a contribution to the Mettagroup Scholarship Fund.

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Insight to Enlightenment

An enthusiastic exploration of the revolutionary change in meditation practice developed by Mahasi Sayadaw when he declared that momentary insight was the equivalent of jhana in Chapter Two of Manual of Insight. Focusing on how this applies to householders, George describes the value of liberation from attachment and how it relates to suffering. 

If you would like to engage in the practice of dāna (generosity), you are invited to help support us with a contribution to the Mettagroup Scholarship Fund.

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Purification of Mind Part 2

George continues his in-depth exploration of "Purification of Mind" from Chapter Two of Manual of Insight by Mahasi Sayadaw. Delving further into the value of practicing both concentration and insight meditation, this is a wide-ranging discussion that covers some of the practical aspects to beginning a regular practice,  jhanas (altered states of consciousness), the concept of dukkha (pain or suffering), and how aging and health relate to meditation.

If you would like to engage in the practice of dāna (generosity), you are invited to help support us with a contribution to the Mettagroup Scholarship Fund.

Subscribe on iTunes or Stitcher.