Explore every episode of the podcast Down to Earth Podcast

Reflections on the practice of Maranasati-recollection of death. 

This talk was recorded at Misfit Sangha in Albuquerque, NM. This talk explores the relationship between the liberating teachings of the Buddha of the early discourses and our responsibility to be engaged and responsive in everyday life in the face of individual and collective suffering. How can we remain connected to the aspiration to awaken while also remaining grounded in the world with the intention to benefit others. 

The Buddha encourages us in this way: “Perceiving one’s own benefit, one should practice tirelessly. Perceiving the benefit to others, one should practice tirelessly. Perceiving the benefit to both, one should practice tirelessly.” 

Reflections and guided meditation on mindfulness of the elements of Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Space. 

This talk was recorded at Wild Heart Meditation Center in Nashville, TN during a daylong meditation retreat.

In this talk Chris, delivered around a campfire in Southern Colorado, Chris discusses the Fire Sermon, traditionally regarded as the 3rd discourse given by Buddha, which illuminates both the place and process by which craving arises, and the way to become unhooked from this cycle. 

Reflections on mindfully facing climate change, inspired by Bhikkhu Analayo’s book of the same name. This talk primarily focuses on how mindfulness of mind states can at once be a support for skillful engagement with climate change, and also a support on the path to awakening. 

An overview of the Buddha’s teaching on the 4 noble truths, or 4 liberating insights of stress, the cause of stress, the cessation of stress, and the way of practice leading to the cessation of stress