Awake in the World Podcast

In this week’s Best Of episode, Michael explores the ethic of not stealing, (asteya). The Zen master Dōgen offers a beautiful translation: “The self and the things of the world are just as they are. The gate of freedom is open.” At its heart, this teaching is about being content with what we have. Another way to say it is this: not taking anything that isn’t freely given. Recorded in 2011.

From the 4th video in Michael’s online course, "Embodying Ethics & Vows in Modern Life," a nine-week program weaving Buddhist and yogic ethics into the fabric of daily life.

For the next few weeks, we'll be posting more excerpts and "Best of" episodes focused on The Five Ethics:

• Ahimsa (Non-Violence)
• Asteya (Non-Stealing)
• Satya (Honesty)
• Brahmacharya (Wise Use of Energy)
• Aparigraha (Non-Greed)

Join us to learn how these ethical principles can ground you in modern life.

If you’re interested in taking the full course,
visit: https://edu-michaelstone.com/product/embodying-ethics-vows-in-modern-life/

In this week’s Best Of episode, Michael reflects on satya, the practice of honesty. Satya isn’t an abstract ideal, it’s a lived experience that arises in real time through our relationships and daily lives. At the core of all meaningful practice is a commitment to honesty; without it, principles like non-violence or non-greed can’t fully take root. Recorded in 2011.

From the 3rd video in Michael’s online course, "Embodying Ethics & Vows in Modern Life," a nine-week program weaving Buddhist and yogic ethics into the fabric of daily life.

For the next few weeks, we'll be posting excerpts and "Best of" episodes focused on The Five Ethics:

• Ahimsa (Non-Violence): I will do no harm, recognizing that I am connected to all living beings.
• Satya (Honesty): I will speak the truth as I perceive it and not deceive anyone.
• Asteya (Non-Stealing): I will be satisfied with what I have and only take what is freely given.
• Brahmacharya (Wise Use of Energy): I will encounter all beings with respect and dignity.
• Aparigraha (Non-Greed): I will use all the ingredients of my life and practice generosity.

Join us to learn how these ethical principles can ground you in modern life.

If you’re interested in taking the full course, visit: edu-michaelstone.com/product/embody…n-modern-life/

Michael sits down with physician and abortion provider Pat Smith for a thoughtful conversation on the principle of non-harming. Together, they explore the space where ethics meet politics, how our beliefs and values shape the way we move through the world, and the role formal meditation can play in clarifying ethical life choices.

This excerpt comes from the second video in Michael’s nine-week online course, Embodying Ethics & Vows in Modern Life, which weaves Buddhist and yogic ethical teachings into the rhythms of everyday living.

Over the coming weeks, we’ll be sharing more excerpts and “Best of” episodes centered on the Five Ethics:

• Satya (Truthfulness): Speaking honestly as we perceive it, without deception.
• Asteya (Non-Stealing): Cultivating contentment and taking only what is freely given.
• Brahmacharya (Wise Use of Energy): Meeting all beings with respect and dignity.
• Aparigraha (Non-Greed): Living generously and working skillfully with all that life offers.

Join us as we explore how these timeless principles can support and ground us in modern life.

To learn more or enroll in the full course, visit:
edu-michaelstone.com/product/embody…n-modern-life/

In this week’s episode, we explore a deceptively simple question: How do you be interconnectedness?

It’s drawn from the first video in Michael’s online course, "Embodying Ethics & Vows in Modern Life," a nine-week program weaving Buddhist and yogic ethics into the fabric of daily life.

We are living in a time when people are asking big questions. Exhausted by the news and often feeling fear, sadness, or anxiety, we wonder: What do we do? How do we stay plugged into our values, and how can we be of service?

For the next few weeks, we'll be posting excerpts and "Best of" episodes focused on The Five Ethics:

• Ahimsa (Non-Violence): I will do no harm, recognizing that I am connected to all living beings.
• Satya (Honesty): I will speak the truth as I perceive it and not deceive anyone.
• Asteya (Non-Stealing): I will be satisfied with what I have and only take what is freely given.
• Brahmacharya (Wise Use of Energy): I will encounter all beings with respect and dignity.
• Aparigraha (Non-Greed): I will use all the ingredients of my life and practice generosity.

Join us to learn how these ethical principles can ground you in modern life.

If you’re interested in taking the full course, visit: https://edu-michaelstone.com/product/embodying-ethics-vows-in-modern-life/

In this talk, Michael explores anatta (not-self) and emptiness as lived practices rather than abstract ideas. He shows how our thinking is often shaped by storytelling and emphasizes the role of sitting practice in moving beyond language to directly examine the mental habits that cloud understanding.

The Awake in the World podcast is brought to you by the generosity of our amazing Patreon supporters, making it possible for us to keep Michael's archive of teachings available to the public. To become a patron, visit: patreon.com/michaelstone.