Plant Powered Buddhist

One of the most impactful tools Sensei used on his personal spiritual journey was borrowed from his interest in physics...especially quantum physics. Albert Einstein used "thought experiments" to help formulate his Theory of Relativity and understanding of the universe. Here, Sensei modifies that same process to help you discover a deeper truth about your "inner-Universe" (i.e.mind), behavior and...

The Chan Buddhist tradition utilizes short stories in dialogue format that help listeners cultivate wisdom and improve their understanding. Here, Sensei uses one of those stories to help open up deeper insights for your spiritual eating practice. This is the first "story time with Sensei." Press play to learn from the wisdom of a wise old woman...

Japan has a wonderful spiritual eating tradition that is more than 7 centuries old. It's called Shojin Ryori and Sensei introduces the basics in this episode. It is rooted in Buddhist teachings which were brought to Japan from China in 538. Learn about a wonderful tradition that even many Japanese people are unaware as well as pick up some ideas that will definitely enhance your own practice!

How well do you understand the role of light in Universe? How about light's role in relation to energy? These may not be things you have considered when you think about your daily meal choices. In this episode, Sensei introduces some scientific facts and deep insights that will elevate your spiritual eating practice...forever.

Consistent with the overall goal of transforming something you do everyday (eating) into a more conscious and spiritual experience we must address each component of that experience. In this episode, you'll learn about a practice that will surely bring more insight and deeper awareness into your eating practice. Take a deep breath, relax and push play...

This episode poses an important question. It may sound like a strange question to ask. Well, if it does sound strange then you've already gained some deep insight into your eating habits. Let's take a deeper dive together and see what jewels we can discover that will strengthen our practice!

Want to reintroduce a sense of adventure and spontaneity back into your life? Maybe meet that special someone, improve your health or make a meaningful new connection? Or perhaps see things you've never seen before in an environment you think you know well? Yes, this and much more, are all possible through transforming your grocery shopping experience. Sensei explains one way to do this starting t...

This episode will prove to be highly beneficial and deeply insightful for your spiritual journey. Here, Sensei describes his food addiction, how he beat it and the catalyst that sparked the journey. This is the first episode of season 2 and one you don't want to miss...

Exciting news. We are entering the second season of this podcast beginning in June 2022. Here Sensei makes several important announcements relevant to the focus of this podcast going forward. Have you noticed the name change? Find out why it has changed and more in this episode!

Forgiving people is one of the most challenging things to do. It can take a lot time to grapple with this along with years of therapy depending on the particulars of the situation. Sensei recommends something quite radical: never forgive people. What? Are you ready to never struggle with whether to forgive or not? If so, press place now and learn how...

In eastern traditions such as Buddhism the use of chanting mantras is a well established practice. The specific mantra used depends on the context and purpose. In the west, the closest thing to the use of mantras is what are called "affirmations." In this episode, Sensei shares with you a life changing affirmation that organically arose in his consciousness during a challenging period in his life....

I am often asked my opinion about a variety of subjects and matters related to Buddhism, healing, therapies and counseling. One of the questions that regularly comes up, and for some reason a lot lately, is what I think about Buddhist Psychology. This has become a popular phenomenon in the west in the past 25+ years. Many psychologists and therapists state this as their approach. The matter is nua...

In this episode, Sensei takes you through the initial inquiry into understanding the mind. Contrary to what many believe, understanding the mind is directly accessible to anyone if the proper questions are asked. You will be taken through this initial inquiry with the goal of putting you on course towards shattering the shackles of ego-hood and personal attachments. If you are interested in improv...

Realization #8 captures the "how to" aspect of self-realization or enlightenment. It invokes a powerful tool that drastically shifts outcomes from potential to actual. According to Sensei, in our days and times, what is called "commitment" falls far short of what is emphasized by this Realization. If you are not 100% satisfied with your current spiritual journey or experience then you must listen...

How many people are able to exercise self-control? Can you? Why is it that these days almost everyone seems out of control and in conflict with everyone else? Is this merely a case of needing more anger management courses? Realization 7 gives us a different insight into how to foster more self-control. Sensei focuses on 2 helpful techniques gleaned from this Realization that will prove helpful to...

Realization #6 challenges you to substantially shift your consciousnesses in a way that allows equal-mindedness to become lived experience. Transcending dualism is a part of this. Sensei goes into depth about how the mind can actually do this. He also offers a definition of "poverty" within the context of the dualism of wealth/poverty and friends/foes that will prove extremely useful for you. Are...

In this episode, Sensei presents insightful commentary on Realization #5. This deep realization touches on ignorance and the ability to break the cycle of birth and death. The cycle of birth of death is not limited to what you may believe it to be. Sensei explains how this process is playing out in every phenomenal experience. Here you will see how the unconscious hidden conditioning of your mind...

Why would great beings mention anything about "laziness" in the context of Realizations? Laziness is generally understood only as inactivity of the body or lack of "doing things." But, the root of laziness, it's psychological impact on your life and mental states is rarely explained. There is a cure for laziness and it may not be what you think. In the context of the previous 2 Realizations, this...

Realizations number 3 deals with an issue that is universally of interest to people. It describes what real happiness is. As with the previous 2 Realizations, this one challenges more conventional notions to reveal a lasting and achievable happiness. Sensei offers supporting commentary and insight to help make this wisdom directly accessible. If you are interested in happiness and want to start ex...

Here Sensei continues with the exploration of the 8 Realizations. In this episode, Realization 2 is covered. The word "greedy" is not a word that one might want to describe himself/herself as. But, when we go deeper into the subtlety of what greed really is you may be surprised that some form of it is hiding inside of you. Realization 2 should provide the wisdom to remove any form of greed within...

In this segment, Sensei introduces 2 more key components of the 1st Realization: Nature of the Mind & The Cycle of Birth & Death. The 1st Realization is meant to orient one to the true nature of this world while the other 7 Realizations teach us how to live in it. When you can truly understand both your mind and all phenomena (like the birth & death cycle) simultaneously it creates the opportunity...

This episode begins an ambitious effort by Sensei to explore a sutra ( The 8 Realizations of Great Beings) via his podcast. The intention here is to provide more tools, and how to use them, in order to declutter your life. This first episode covers the first half of Realization #1 which deals with the worldview of the Buddha. A detailed explanation of Impermanence and Emptiness is given along with...

The material clutter in your living space is the result of many factors including overconsumption and lack of discipline. Your personal relationships, and the reasons for the clutter they produce, may be more difficult to detect. In this episode, Sensei explains: (1) What relationship clutter is. (2) How it arises. (3) How to minimize or eliminate it. This is a deeper level of decluttering. Master...

When one gets deeper into their practice of minimalism their are certain tasks that perhaps you may have dreaded doing that have the possibility of taking on an entirely different meaning. They can even spontaneously produce some organic deep living wisdom. Here Sensei shares one of those with you and how you could begin to truly deepen your minimalist practice without needing to set aside additio...

Managing the amount of of material things you possess is essential to your mental health. You might be unaware about how having too many things adds to your sense of stress, anxiety or overwhelm. Some of the signs that you have too many things might surprise you. To get on the path to a healthier living space listen to see which of these signs applies to you.