Explore every episode of the podcast Integrating Presence

(Ai assisted:) In this conversation, Neil Gaur shares his profound journey exploring the roots of religion, spirituality, and the connections between humanity and extraterrestrial beings. He discusses his upbringing in a Hindu family, his quest for understanding the similarities between different religions, and how ancient texts like the Sumerian scriptures have influenced his worldview. NeilContinue reading "Roots of Religion, Genetics, Hybridization, ETs And Drones With Neil Gaur"

Reflections on a balance between personal spiritual practice and selfless service as a lay resident in a Buddhist monastery in England. Key themes include emotional complexities, cultural differences between England and America regarding helpfulness, the importance of healthy boundaries to prevent burnout, and guidance from the heart in discernment.

In this thirty-second installment of the ongoing live series with Wendy Nash inquiring into meditation practice on and off the cushion we plan to share our current (meditation) practices. Stuff like what they are, for how long we’ve been doing them, how they are going, why we are doing them, etc. asking each other (specific)Continue reading "Current Practice Share | “Meditation Q & A With Wendy Nash” #32"

This is the seventh chapter “Supreme Peace: Nibbāna” from the book: Buddhadhamma: The Laws Of Nature And Their Benefits To Life by Bhikkhu P. A. Payutto (Somdet Phra Buddhaghosacariya) Published by Buddhadhamma FoundationCopyright © Buddhadhamma Foundation 2021Translated by Robin Philip Moore Editor: Bhikkhu Kovilo, typesetting: Bhikkhu Gambhīro Download this e-book in PDF, EPUB and MOBI formats atContinue reading "“Awakened Beings” Chapter 7 From Buddhadhamma: The Laws Of Nature And Their Benefits To Life"

Before I toss this over to AI to summarize / describe our conversation I want to take back that I said Tina “completed the grueling Samatha phase” which of course is anything but grueling. In fact, it is actually beautiful in the beginning, beautiful in the middle and beautiful in the end. I was reachingContinue reading "Depth, Integration, and Navigating Spiritual Terrain: In Conversation With Tina Rasmussen"

In this thirty-first installment of the ongoing live series with Wendy Nash inquiring into meditation practice on and off the cushion we went into formal compassion practice and how it can help with demonstrating compassion in daily life Ai basically summarizes thus: This episode Compassion in Action explores how mindfulness fosters a deeper, more engagedContinue reading "Compassion In Action | “Meditation Q & A With Wendy Nash” #31"

This is the sixth chapter “Supreme Peace: Nibbāna” from the book: Buddhadhamma: The Laws Of Nature And Their Benefits To Life by Bhikkhu P. A. Payutto (Somdet Phra Buddhaghosacariya) Published by Buddhadhamma FoundationCopyright © Buddhadhamma Foundation 2021Translated by Robin Philip Moore Editor: Bhikkhu Kovilo, typesetting: Bhikkhu Gambhīro Download this e-book in PDF, EPUB and MOBI formats atContinue reading "“Supreme Peace: Nibbāna” Chapter 6 From Buddhadhamma: The Laws Of Nature And Their Benefits To Life"

In this thirtieth installment of the ongoing live series with Wendy Nash inquiring into meditation practice on and off the cushion we explore the Eight Vicissitudes or Worldly Winds. I sometimes consider these as somewhat a psychology class crash course. While these don’t often seem to have a direct connection with formal meditation practices theyContinue reading "The Eight Vicissitudes Or Worldly Winds | “Meditation Q & A With Wendy Nash” #30"

This is the fifth chapter “The Law Of Kamma” from the book: Buddhadhamma: The Laws Of Nature And Their Benefits To Life by Bhikkhu P. A. Payutto (Somdet Phra Buddhaghosacariya) Published by Buddhadhamma FoundationCopyright © Buddhadhamma Foundation 2021Translated by Robin Philip Moore Editor: Bhikkhu Kovilo, typesetting: Bhikkhu Gambhīro Download this e-book in PDF, EPUB and MOBI formatsContinue reading "“The Law Of Kamma” Chapter 5 From Buddhadhamma: The Laws Of Nature And Their Benefits To Life"

Extended version on my other site https://innerskilled.com https://youtube.com/@innerskilled albeit more relevant to the work there

The description for this Feb 11, 2025 live event: I’ll go into detail of lots of stuff from the notes of noticing and observations I’ve had around the direct experience of (group) chanting practice which doesn’t come easily and naturally to me and yet can be quite a profound practice at times AI basically summarizedContinue reading "Chanting Practice Notes"

[Note: Randi of https://toveje.dk uses her own terminology so it mixes around the standard, currently established notion of the three realm classification* of desire realm, form realm and formless realm. However, plenty still meshes and aligns with this standardization too. She brings her direct experience to bear on this sutta of which a few translationsContinue reading "Skillfully Progressing Contact Beyond The Human Realm: Sutta Study With Randi Green — At Gaia Head (AN 8.64)"

In this twenty-ninth installment of the ongoing live series with Wendy Nash — where we delve into meditation practice both on and off the cushion — we focus on the relational aspects of partners, teams, and communities. Recently, it seems we’ve been somewhat overlooking the more meditative dimensions of our chosen topics. While this episodeContinue reading "Partners, Teams And Community | “Meditation Q & A With Wendy Nash” #29"

Brief musing on my visit: via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tripitaka_Koreana and https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haeinsa The Tripiṭaka Koreana[a] is a Korean collection of the Tripiṭaka (Buddhist scriptures), carved onto 81,258 wooden printing blocks in the 13th century. They are currently located at the Buddhist temple Haeinsa, in South Gyeongsang Province, South Korea.[1] It is the oldest intact version of Buddhist canon in Hanja script. It contains 1,496 titles, divided into 6,568 books, spanning 81,258Continue reading "Visiting The Wood Block Tripitaka At Haeinsa"

A little part of what’s recently been happening in work / life / practice, etc for the past roughly two months here at the end of December 2024 https://kwanumzen.org https://musangsa.org/international/kyol-che/

In this near impromptu twenty-eighth installment of the ongoing live series with Wendy Nash inquiring into meditation practice on and off the cushion we explore the many facets of mindfulness of speaking, stuff like its importance and the power of words, sound and (extended) silence. How is it in theory, practice and real life. Experiences.Continue reading "Mindfulness Of Speaking | “Meditation Q & A With Wendy Nash” #28"

[Partial AI assisted show notes:] On Oct 22, 2024 I spoke (again this time online) with David Johnson, a meditation practitioner with over 13 years at Dhammasukha. David reflects on his interactions with renowned meditation teachers such as Mahasi Sayadaw and Deepa Ma, as well as his evolving meditation journey. After practicing what’s considered byContinue reading "Aware Vs Concentration Jhanas, Buddhist Reconciliation And The Six R’s (To Dissolve Distractions) With David Johnson"

In this episode of Integrating Presence recorded Oct 16, 2024 [and AI assisted description] writer and creative Luka Boenisch and I explore the nature of the self, free will, and consciousness. Through a wide-ranging conversation, we chat self-inquiry, the illusion of the self, and the philosophical challenges surrounding free will and predeterminism. Luka shares hisContinue reading "Relationships, Creativity, And The Search For Meaning With Luka Boenisch"

Wendy Nash and I continue exploring meditation practices both on and off the cushion in the twenty-seventh session of the ongoing live series. While the following topics resonate to varying degrees with all of us, we focus on the more traditionally masculine themes of honor and respect as well as briefly touch on self-worth asContinue reading "Honor, Respect, Worthiness and Belonging | “Meditation Q & A With Wendy Nash” #27"

Brief note mentioning just what the title says: why the podcast has been offline / not working and upcoming offline retreat time. Also, a couple episodes of the podcast are scheduled to auto-publish while I’m away/offline. Update Nov 9: Just in time, looks like I’m able to upload again to archive.org

In this twenty-sixth installment of the ongoing live series with Wendy Nash inquiring into meditation practice on and off the cushion we explore attention spans drawing from our internal and external meditative and non-meditative observations to examine how attention spans seem to be quite short these days, why this may be, and what to doContinue reading "Lengthening Attention Spans | “Meditation Q & A With Wendy Nash” #26"

This is the fourth chapter “Dependent Origination” in/from the book: Buddhadhamma: The Laws of Nature and Their Benefits to Lifeby Bhikkhu P. A. Payutto (Somdet Phra Buddhaghosacariya) Published by Buddhadhamma FoundationCopyright © Buddhadhamma Foundation 2021Translated by Robin Philip Moore Editor: Bhikkhu Kovilo, typesetting: Bhikkhu Gambhīro Download this e-book in PDF, EPUB and MOBI formats at the followingContinue reading "“Dependent Origination” Chapter 4 From Buddhadhamma: The Laws Of Nature And Their Benefits To Life"

These are likely the first AI assisted show notes done on this site for a podcast with Danish meditation teacher/coach, author, and translator Niels Lyngsø recorded Sept 25, 2024: Topics Discussed: Key Takeaways: Quotes: Closing Thoughts: Niels encourages listeners to take a pragmatic approach to meditation and Buddhist teachings. Whether it’s 10 minutes a dayContinue reading "Who Gets Wise With Practical Meditation? In Conversation With Niels Lyngsø"

In this twenty-fifth installment of the ongoing live series with Wendy Nash inquiring into meditation practice on and off the cushion I explored conceit — superiority conceit, inferiority conceit, equality/comparison conceit, how it is related to many ills internally and externally and what to do about it in formal mediation and in the world. AContinue reading "Conceit | September 26, 2024 “Meditation Q & A W̶i̶t̶h̶ ̶W̶e̶n̶d̶y̶ ̶N̶a̶s̶h̶” #25"

This is the third chapter “Three Characteristics” in/from the book: Buddhadhamma: The Laws of Nature and Their Benefits to Lifeby Bhikkhu P. A. Payutto (Somdet Phra Buddhaghosacariya) Published by Buddhadhamma FoundationCopyright © Buddhadhamma Foundation 2021Translated by Robin Philip Moore Editor: Bhikkhu Kovilo, typesetting: Bhikkhu Gambhīro Download this e-book in PDF, EPUB and MOBI formats at the followingContinue reading "“Three Characteristics” Chapter 3 From Buddhadhamma: The Laws Of Nature And Their Benefits To Life"

In this twenty-fourth installment of the ongoing live series with Wendy Nash inquiring into meditation practice on and off the cushion we explore fear and courage. What are the pros and cons of fear and courage? How much is too much and how much is enough? How are these best viewed and worked with inContinue reading "Fear And Courage | “Meditation Q & A With Wendy Nash” #24"

Sept 23, 2024 UPDATE: Much of this audio can also be used in general for how to prepare for a meditation retreat at home. I’d also like to mention that due to the sweat pouring off my back from the sun after the last hour long sit of the retreat I didn’t manage to fillContinue reading "How To Prepare For A Meditation Retreat At Home [(Redo: Planning And Pre-event For Six Hour) Insight Timer Live Mini-Retreat On September 20]"

On July 11, 2024 Hope Fitzgerald and I get deep into many aspects of dowsing, energetic work with the planet, 10D love and compassion, how Hope came across the Infinity Wave and its continuing impact on many levels, the layers and layers of letting go, comfort zones, purity, and of course how all this relatesContinue reading "Catalysts For Awakening and Change Series: Infinite Waves Of Heightened Love And Compassion With Hope Fitzgerald"

In this twenty-third installment of the ongoing live series with Wendy Nash inquiring into meditation practice on and off the cushion we explore awareness itself, particularly in light of just having audited a retreat on it. Retreat Notes Disclaimers: Insights: Types of practices (that occurred to me): Questions: (Somewhat) Related: From https://integratingpresence.com/2022/06/12/podcast-jhanic-factors-and-formless-realms-contemplation-meditation: ‘It’s not aContinue reading "Awareness Itself | July 25/26, 2024 “Meditation Q & A With Wendy Nash” #23"

This is the second chapter “Six Sense Spheres” in/from the book: The Laws of Nature and Their Benefits to Lifeby Bhikkhu P. A. Payutto (Somdet Phra Buddhaghosacariya) Published by Buddhadhamma FoundationCopyright © Buddhadhamma Foundation 2021Translated by Robin Philip Moore Editor: Bhikkhu Kovilo, typesetting: Bhikkhu Gambhīro Download this e-book in PDF, EPUB and MOBI formats at the followingContinue reading "“Six Sense Spheres” Chapter 2 From Buddhadhamma: The Laws Of Nature And Their Benefits To Life"

On June 9, 2024 Integrated Ascension Method creator Nate Zeleznick and I talked energy, frequency, vibration, consciousness, martial arts, the ancient royal Indonesian method Marpati Puti, discernment in spiritual communities or lack thereof, root causes of war, greed, lack of interconnectivity and unity, creating change, power, eternalism, masculinity, reality, phasing of subatomic particles, surrendering andContinue reading "Proper Power With Nate Zeleznick"

On April 19, 2024 master space oil wizard and orator Alan Carroll and I could have very well approached nearly all the things about talking. Who knows? Likely not though. However, it was beyond fascinating to dive pretty deep into the particulars of deftly wielding the spoken English language. While Alan doesn’t directly address aContinue reading "Spaceful, Spirited Speaking With Alan Carroll"

This is the first chapter “Five Aggregates: The Five Constituents of Life” in/from the book: The Laws of Nature and Their Benefits to Lifeby Bhikkhu P. A. Payutto (Somdet Phra Buddhaghosacariya) Published by Buddhadhamma FoundationCopyright © Buddhadhamma Foundation 2021Translated by Robin Philip Moore Editor: Bhikkhu Kovilo, typesetting: Bhikkhu Gambhīro Download this e-book in PDF, EPUB and MOBIContinue reading "“Five Aggregates: The Five Constituents Of Life” Chapter 1 From Buddhadhamma: The Laws Of Nature And Their Benefits To Life"

In this twenty-second installment of the ongoing live series with Wendy Nash inquiring into meditation practice on and off the cushion we explore relational practice in its many modes and expressions like how we relate in various societal, cultural, national, institutional, academic and interrelational contexts; and in more formal contemplative containers like insight dialog, andContinue reading "Relational Practice | June 27/28, 2024 “Meditation Q & A With Wendy Nash” #22"

Since I was asked, here’s some thoughts and insights on doing a podcast. I read the request at the beginning and also read most of this post: https://integratingpresence.com/2023/04/23/grandiose-thought-experiments-to-show-up-like-never-before/ Also, here are some of the mostly free tools and resources I currently use: so I recently got this following email hey Josh I hope you’re aContinue reading "Podcasting Production Insights"

This is the ninth and final talk from the book Knowing and Seeing by the most Venerable Pa-Auk Tawya Sayadaw read by me and is a gift not for sale / to be sold. It is from the Fifth Revised Edition via: More info:

This April 16, 2024 recording with Zen Commuter podcast host Thom Walters gets into how Thom was introduced to mediation by his Mother at age 18, communication with guides (including his Mom), non-separation, challenges and rewards of teaching meditation in corporate environments, perspectives on various meditative experiences, attitudes to/about meditation, teaching meditation to prisoners, stillness,Continue reading "Zen Commuting With Thom Walters"

This is the eight talk from the book Knowing and Seeing by the most Venerable Pa-Auk Tawya Sayadaw read by me and is a gift not for sale / to be sold. It is from the Fifth Revised Edition via: More info:

This is the seventh talk from the book Knowing and Seeing by the most Venerable Pa-Auk Tawya Sayadaw read by me and is a gift not for sale / to be sold. It is from the Fifth Revised Edition via: More info:

In this twenty-first installment of the ongoing live series with Wendy Nash inquiring into meditation practice on and off the cushion we explore our experience of reality by (it being deduced down to): knowing and what’s being known, or perspectives like observing and what’s being observed, sensing and what’s being sense, etc. We also continueContinue reading "Knowing And What’s Being Known | May 28, 2024 “Meditation Q & A With Wendy Nash” #21"

Dean Graves returns to address the illusion of movement and along the way (mostly he) builds various avenues into this with topics such as the structure of creation, the intoxication of freewill, the five inherent characteristics, meditation, awareness, love, wisdom, unity, perception, Self, time, omniscience, autonomy, ego, and the many levels, the curriculum, and progressionContinue reading "Catalysts For Awakening and Change Series Encore: The Illusion Of Movement With Dean Graves"

This is the sixth talk from the book Knowing and Seeing by the most Venerable Pa-Auk Tawya Sayadaw read by me and is a gift not for sale / to be sold. It is from the Fifth Revised Edition via: More info:

This is the fifth talk from the book Knowing and Seeing by the most Venerable Pa-Auk Tawya Sayadaw read by me and is a gift not for sale / to be sold. It is from the Fifth Revised Edition via: More info:

In this April 9, 2024 conversation with Madhuri Pura Dasa — more affectionately known as Madhu — we talk about his journey as a young man finding inspiration in the Bhagavad Gita, so much so it inspired him to ordain as a monk in the Bhakti yoga tradition after turning 18 years old and theContinue reading "Mad Service Do’s With Madhuri Pura Dasa"

This is the fourth talk from the book Knowing and Seeing by the most Venerable Pa-Auk Tawya Sayadaw read by me and is a gift not for sale / to be sold. It is from the Fifth Revised Edition via: More info:

In this twentieth installment of the ongoing live series with Wendy Nash inquiring into meditation practice on and off the cushion we explore the highly significant topics of emotions and thinking (again) such as how to train and work with them inside and outside of (formal) meditation including various views, responses, and relationships to/about thinkingContinue reading "Emotions and Thinking | April 22, 2024 “Meditation Q & A With Wendy Nash” #20"

Part 2 of this March 18, 2024 conversation with a university friend dealing with some high strangeness and the Astral realms is on my other YouTube Channel and site innerskilled.com. Here we get into all things lucid dreaming from its importance to dream recall and memory to lucid dreaming techniques like substances, tech, mental constructsContinue reading "A Practicing Psychologist’s Approaches to Lucid Dreaming and Experiential Astral Investigation (Part 1 of 2)"

The April 10, 2024 Insight Timer live event description: Imagine being impeccable in speech and conduct. Let’s explore such an aspiration via topics like: intent / purpose, honesty, training, authenticity, sincerity, seriousness, humor, ease, intuition, wisdom, discernment, feedback, (self-) kindness, sympathy, mindfulness and the power of self-responsibility And I read this snippet: Take another personContinue reading "Surmounting the Impeccability Gauntlet"

This is the third talk from the book Knowing and Seeing by the most Venerable Pa-Auk Tawya Sayadaw read by me and is a gift not for sale / to be sold. It is from the Fifth Revised Edition via: More info:

May 2, 2024 UPDATE: Check out me guesting about cultivating mindfulness in everyday life on episode 17 for Aesha’s podcast 9 to 5 Wellness This February 23, 2024 conversation with Aesha Tahir puts a strong emphasis on the importance of what she calls an unhunched posture. She relates how the body can best interact withContinue reading "Unhunch A Bunch With Aesha Tahir"