Explore every episode of the podcast Kevin Griffin: Dharma and Recovery

People often struggle to meditate “right.” The belief that meditation involves stopping thoughts ignites a struggle to control the mind. When we let go of t his view and this […]

Oct. 1, 2024. This is a critical balance we seek to achieve in meditation practice, in recovery, and in life. Clinging causes suffering, so letting go is the logical response. […]

This Buddhist monk has a special way of working with mindful breathing

Intro talks about using the breath in working with pain recovering from surgery. Main talk addresses “citta,” mind or mind states from Anapanasati Sutta. This goes into different ways of defining the mind.

Drawing from Bhikkhu Analayo’s teachings on Anapanasati (Mindfulness of Breathing). Exploring the difference between close attention to a meditative object and a more open awareness. This is preceded by a very personal reflection on the evolution of my own practice. What I’ve learned: "Just don’t stop."

Reflections on crisis in our country, and further the struggles that all nations face. Looking at all of that through the lens of “greed, hatred, and delusion.” If we don’t look at this through the lens of dharma, we can be crushed by all this.

From an eight-week Buddhism & the Twelve Steps class at Spirit Rock Meditation Center, March, 2011. This class addresses the “God question.” Many of the ideas in these classes can be found in my books, especially Budddhism & the Twelve Steps Workbook, and Higher Power: Buddhism & the Twelve Steps.

From a Buddhism and the Twelve Steps class series in 2011 at Spirit Rock Meditation Center. Many of the ideas in these classes can be found in my books, especially Budddhism & the Twelve Steps Workbook, and Higher Power: Buddhism & the Twelve Steps.

In this talk from 2011, I tell some of my drunkalogue, then start to talk about powerlessness and Step 1. Topics include, karma, triggers, craving, the Four Noble Truths, Mindfulness, and the Middle Way. Connecting Buddhism and the Twelve Steps. Many of the ideas in these classes can be found in my books, especially Budddhism & the Twelve Steps Workbook, and Higher Power: Buddhism & the Twelve Steps.

Reflecting on the benefits of meditation systems and recovery systems, versus more organic, intuitive ways of working.

Reflection on mindful breathing with a focus on the duality of the personal experience versus the impersonal Dharma.

After some reflections on working with pain after surgery, I talk about a passage in the Simile of the Saw sutta that challenges us to let go of anger.

On election day, I discuss spiritual values that transcend politics.

From a Buddhism and the Twelve Steps class series at Spirit Rock Meditation Center in Spring 2011. Many of the ideas in these classes can be found in my books, especially Budddhism & the Twelve Steps Workbook, and Higher Power: Buddhism & the Twelve Steps.

From the Buddhism and the Twelve Steps class series at Spirit Rock Meditation Center in Spring of 2011. Many of the ideas in these classes can be found in my books, especially Budddhism & the Twelve Steps Workbook, and Higher Power: Buddhism & the Twelve Steps.

From the Buddhism and the Twelve Steps class series at Spirit Rock Meditation Center in March, 2011. Many of the ideas in these classes can be found in my books, especially Budddhism & the Twelve Steps Workbook, and Higher Power: Buddhism & the Twelve Steps.

From the Buddhism and the Twelve Steps class series at Spirit Rock in March 2011. Many of the ideas in these classes can be found in my books, especially Budddhism & the Twelve Steps Workbook, and Higher Power: Buddhism & the Twelve Steps.

From the Spirit Rock Buddhism and the Twelve Steps class, March of 2011. Many of the ideas in these classes can be found in my books, especially Budddhism & the Twelve Steps Workbook, and Higher Power: Buddhism & the Twelve Steps.

Compassion and Loving Kindness as an antidote to current world affairs. Referencing my book “Living Kindness.”

Drawing from Ajahn Pasanno’s “Nourishing the Roots.”

I tell the story of how I came to write my first book.

Not all karma is personal. The weather, biology, physics and more are impersonal. And we are not responsible for other people’s karma.

Reflecting on Hiri and Ottappa, the inner guides for ethical living. Drawing from Ajahn Pasanno’s “Nourishing the Roots.”

The holidays are a time of high-risk for addicts to relapse. This is an important time to stay close to your recovery community and committed to your recovery program.

“Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind” – let the thoughts come and let them go. Don’t get into a conflict with thoughts, don’t analyze, don’t try to figure out. Let them be.

Reading from “Why We Meditate” by Tsoknyi Rinpoche and Daniel Goleman

The moments that remind us that our memories and view of the world are a construction. At times we discover an alternative version of events.

Exploring the life and journey of the Buddha as a series of choices to let go.

In the midst of a self-retreat, I talk about my practice.

Group Discussion.

Reflecting on finding stillness in the mind without efforting.

Making the connections between the 12 Step idea of Powerlessness and Buddhist teachings on impermanence and agency.

Strategies for sustaining focus in meditation.

Right Concentration and the five factors of absorption.

Exploring the challenges of learning meditation.

Two teachings on effort: the Four Great Efforts and the simile of tuning the lute.

Discussing styles of meditation, then talking about how to hold past regrets.

Talking about how Ajahn Pasanno responds to questions about high states and enlightenment. Keeping it simple and down to earth.

Reflecting on the stages and lessons of forty years of sobriety.

Reflecting on separating mindfulness from the larger Dharma. The importance of an integrated practice, including morality, wisdom, and mind training. Viewing the practice as a long term training rather than a fix.

April 29, 2025. Reading from my own work in progress, “Let It Go,”, referencing Judson Brewer’s “Craving Mind”, and Christina Grof’s” Thirst for Wholeness.”

9/23/2025 Exploring how naming experiences, feelings, and objects reifies them.

9/16/2025 Connecting Buddhist mindfulness practices with understanding not-self.

Tips for mindful meditation to reduce stress and manage emotions.

October 28, 2025 Exploring three qualities the Buddha recommends for our meditation and spiritual practice.

Continuing to explore trauma, addiction, and mindfulness meditation.

Exploring trauma in addiction and meditation. Discriminating between ordinary suffering and severe trauma. This moves on to discussing depression, feeling, and naming uncomfortable states, making them more real.

October 7, 2025 Exploring the underlying desire that triggers addiction.

The non-verbal reality of experience. Referencing Ajahn Sumedho’s famous phrase.

Meditation focusing on feeling rather than thoughts. Connecting to the nervous system as a source of intelligence.