Episode 5: Removing obstacles to peace

Episode 5: Removing obstacles to peace

Author: JoAnn Fox: Buddhist Teacher November 2, 2018 Duration: 43:11

This episode explores the foundation of a happy life: ethical disciple. Ethical discipline is the practice of purposely refraining from non-virtuous actions for a certain amount of time. Non-virtuous actions are those that cause ourselves and others to suffer. Non-virtuous actions happen when we have confused, deluded states of mind like anger, attachment, pride, and fear. Non-virtuous actions create negative karma, which causes our unpleasant experiences-- thus good karma is the creator of experiences of happiness! This episode describes how listeners to practice ethical discipline and lay the foundation for their happiest life.

The verses of the Dhammapada (Chapter 1, verse 17-18) we study in this episode are:

"The evil doer suffers in this world

And he suffers in the next

He suffers in both

He suffers when he thinks of the evil he has done

And e suffers more when going on the evil path.

 

The virtuous man delights in this world

And he is happy in the next.

He is happy in both.

He is happy when he thinks of the good he has done,

And he is still more happy when going on the good path."


You'll find Buddhism for Everyone with JoAnn Fox to be a conversation that feels both timeless and immediately useful. JoAnn Fox, a Buddhist teacher with over two decades of experience, guides these discussions with a genuine warmth and a welcome touch of humor, making profound ideas feel accessible. This isn't about abstract philosophy; it's about the tangible ways these ancient practices can reshape our modern days. Each episode, released every other week, delves into practical applications. You might explore how to cultivate patience during a frustrating commute, find a deeper sense of contentment amidst daily routines, or develop the compassionate resilience the world needs. The podcast serves as a gentle, consistent reminder that spiritual growth isn't separate from ordinary life-it's woven right into it. JoAnn's approach demystifies meditation and mindfulness, framing them as tools for anyone seeking more peace or clarity. Whether you're completely new to these concepts or looking to deepen an existing practice, the conversations meet you where you are, offering insights that encourage reflection and, most importantly, action in your own life.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 230

Buddhism for Everyone with JoAnn Fox
Podcast Episodes
Episode 227 - Always Rely on a Happy Mind Alone [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:44
Always rely on a happy mind alone. This Buddhist slogan for training the mind isn't about "positive thinking" or just being happy. A "happy mind" refers to a mind that is peaceful and free from delusions, like like anger…
Episode 226 - Tame the Monkey Mind [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:59
Register for the free classes, Continuing the Walk for Peace: An Inner Peace Toolkit: https://buddhismforeveryone.com/walk-for-peace-toolkit In this episode, we talk about your monkey. The monkey on your back. You know t…
Episose 225 - Is your mind the Matrix? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:30
In The Matrix, the red pill reveals the truth behind appearances and opens the path to freedom. In Buddhism, a realization of the true nature of reality is the ultimate path to freedom. In this episode, we explore how wa…
Episode 224: Finding Happiness in Others' Joy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:26
Imagine feeling a burst of joy every time someone else wins. A friend gets a promotion, your sister finds love, a stranger shares good news, and you feel happiness with them. That spark of delight is the heart of sympath…
Episode 223 - Feed love or Feed Pain [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:38
We constantly make small choices that shape the reality of our relationships, whether with our partner, children, friends, or colleagues. They determine whether we deepen connection or cause resentment and distance to qu…
Episode 222: Preventing Anger [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:27
Longtime Buddhist Teacher, JoAnn Fox, explores five powerful Buddhist antidotes to anger and aversion: patience acceptance recognizing karma remembering impermanence seeing other people or challenges as spiritual teacher…
Episode 221 - W.A.I.T. What Am I Thinking? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:41
Delusions are distorted ways of looking at things that make our mind unpeaceful and uncontrolled. Anger exaggerates someone's faults. Attachment exaggerates someone's good qualities. Both lead us away from reality and ke…
Episode 220 - Self-Compassion [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:57
In this episode, JoAnn Fox shares the practice of W.A.I.T.—What Am I Thinking? to help us cultivate self-compassion and retrain the often-critical voice in our minds. Through mindfulness, we can begin to notice the thoug…
Episode 219: The Rain Could Turn to Gold [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:34
"The rain could turn to gold and still your thirst would not be slaked," the Buddha said. He was pointing to the endless cycle of craving, the restless thirst that keeps us searching outside ourselves for satisfaction. E…
Episode 218: Weaving Spiritual Practice into Daily Life [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:14
The Buddha said that the minds of his followers should "constantly, day and night, delight in spiritual practice." But what practice can we stitch into the fabric of ordinary days? This fan-favorite epsiode explores a sp…