A Christian and a Buddhist walk in to a bar

This week. We talk about why we are the best. Just so much better than everyone else. And also why Buddhism asks us not to praise ourselves at the expense of others. 

This week in the bar we get out our critiques and slanders, and just go in on how much we really don't like each other.... not really. But we are looking at speaking ill of others, and the Buddhist precept that tells us... maybe don't.

Today we are back at the bar to tackle the topic of...being at the bar too much?  We look in to the role of intoxicants in the Buddhist precepts and discuss how one can better have a positive relationship with all things that cloud the mind.  https://open.substack.com/pub/oldster/p/ask-a-sober-oldster-23-nadia-bolz    

This week on the podcast, Jacob finally converts and Jamal reveals that he's been a universalist the whole time.    That's right! we are talking about lying, and how it interacts with the Buddhist precepts. Plus, stay turned for our brutal takedown of Kevin MacLeod.... nah I can't lie about that one. 

Sex is a complicated topic. But the Buddhist precepts has the answer! Maybe? We'll find out this week as we continue exploring the journey in to the zen precepts. 

We have a new Pope! And he's from Chicago, which makes him Da Pope. Today Jacob and Jamal learn all about the new head of the Catholic church, and dig deep in to the dish to find our about what they think this might mean for one of the worlds biggest religions.   https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c0ln80lzk7ko

We continue our exploration of the Buddhist precepts and Jamal's journey in to being not a monk. Or maybe kind of a monk? or perhaps just a stand up dude. 

Today we explore a listener question about the lesser known faith of Bahai.  What is it? What do they believe? and is it an answer to the inherent conflicts between other religions like Christianity and Buddhism?  https://www.bahai.org/  

Jamal has started working on the 10 Grave precepts of Zen. So we shall kick off our exploration of them with the 1st precept. Not Killing. Easy right? 

In our last throwback episode, we are back to finish the discussion of  'what does mindfulness look like without ethics behind it?'. This week we  turn the lens toward the mindfulness industry, and investigate the intersection between mindfulness and capitalism while asking: is there a place for mindfulness as a commodity in the market?   https://www.theguardian.com/l

Another throwback this week to an earlier conversation about how mindfulness has also become just a little bit of a capitalist industry. Ne episodes are just around the corner, we promise!  ---------------- Mindfulness is an ancient Buddhist technique for achieving enlightenment. It is also a massive capitalist industry, promising to both counter the issues caused by capitalism, and also to bring...

We are diving back in to the archives this week to bring back our conversation on mistakes, different types of love, and a bit about what samsara and enlightenment are.  Hope you enjoy, new episodes will be back very soon!    Article: https://bswa.org/teaching/wisdom-of-silence/  

We return to the D&D tavern with Rebecca. Talking all things religious, fantasy and in between. Who will roll a nat 20 this time around? Tune in to find out! 

We have Rebecca back! And this time, its nerdy.  We delve in to the wonderful and spiritual world of Dungeons and Dragons, so see what alignment various characters are, how we might face in the world of D&D and importantly, is God just playing Dungeon Master? 

What is it like going through a spiritual journey. Jamal is starting a lay-ordination process and in part 1 of this series, talks about what he is doing, why he's doing it, and what his hopes and fear are.    https://www.lionsroar.com/what-is-jukai/  

Its a special time of the year for multiple religions at once. And it all has to do with limiting our intake of food, and reflecting instead on the spiritual path.  Today we talk about the coalescence of Ramadan, Lent and the Bahai Fast, and what role fasting plays in religion.    https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/mar/10/three-religious-traditions-overlap-this-year-providing-a-rare-op...

Today we ask a very old question - is cultural evolution a thing? (bet you cant guess our answer...) https://scribepublications.com.au/books-authors/books/the-lamb-enters-the-dreaming-9781921640476

We love Stan Grant here in the Christian Buddhist Bar. So we did an episode on a wonderful article of his on Christmas. Someone get Stan to listen to the pod! https://www.thesaturdaypaper.com.au/comment/topic/2024/12/14/seeking-the-soul-christmas

Today we approach the thorny topic of religious cults, and what can happen if they really go too far.    TRIGGER WARNING  - this pod discusses a recent manslaughter and death of a child.  https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-01-29/elizabeth-struhs-diabetes-insulin-witheld-verdict/104863074?utm_source=abc_news_app&utm_medium=content_shared&utm_campaign=abc_news_app&utm_content=other  

We have more divine music! This week looking in to the ephemeral Sarah Blasco, her life growing up in a cult, and how its created her sound and message.    https://www.theguardian.com/music/2024/oct/08/sarah-blasko-i-just-need-to-conquer-this-mountain-album-interview? CMP=share_btn_url  

Today, Jacob has a question. What is the role of hope? This launches us off on one of our regular rambles, on all things hope, reincarnation, Buddhism and everything in between.   

Meshell Ndegeocello is a legend. A legend that so few have heard of. Today we unpack her song 'the Way' from her 1996 album, Peace Beyond Passion. We go in to how some artists just are drawn by the music, and how a song can convey so much more than what the words say.    Enjoy!    https://open.spotify.com/track/3txICxEvBgCBV63B4ednNB?autoplay=true

We are back! kicking off 2025 with a ramble about Jamal's recent experiences on a Zen retreat. How he found it, how it was different to others, and what he'll take away.

Merry Buddhamas all! As you gather around the Christmas tree to listen to this years episode, we thought we'd share a bit about where this holy tree came from. And look in to... is it Christian? or is it Capitalism in disguise? Have a great holidays, we will take a few weeks off and be back mid January    https://theconversation.com/a-story-of-legends-families-and-capitalism-a-candid-history-of-th...

Forgiveness. Is it Buddhist? Or is it Anti Buddhist?! Today we look in to this fascinating topic, and more. With your usual rambles and side quests.  https://tricycle.org/magazine/forgiveness-not-buddhist/