Zenju Earthlyn Manuel - Identity as Path

Zenju Earthlyn Manuel - Identity as Path

Author: Mind & Life Institute November 5, 2021 Duration: 36:15
In this episode, Wendy speaks with author, Zen priest and Buddhist teacher, Zenju Earthlyn Manuel. Zenju's work highlights how the various facets of our identity can become "fertilizer" for growth on the path of spiritual and personal development. This conversation covers many topics, including: growing up in the Christian church, and the questions it raised for her; her unusual path into Buddhism; how to work with your identity while moving beyond the self; the truth of interdependence and cause & effect; two truths (relative vs. absolute) in relation to identity; bringing together spirituality and social justice; the central importance of embodiment; integration with nature; how contemplative science should proceed; and the dance between delusion and enlightenment. Full show notes and resources  

At the heart of Mind & Life is a simple, profound question: what is a mind, really? This isn't just a philosophical puzzle but a practical exploration of the mental habits that define our days. The conversations hosted by the Mind & Life Institute gently dismantle the walls between disciplines, weaving together insights from neuroscience and psychology with the lived wisdom of contemplative traditions. You’ll hear dialogues that feel less like interviews and more like shared discoveries, where a philosopher and a meditation teacher might find common ground on how attention works, or where a scientist discusses the social impact of compassion training. Each episode is an invitation to look inward with curiosity, examining how practices like meditation aren't about escape but about engaging with our inner world more skillfully. This podcast operates from the conviction that understanding our own minds is foundational to addressing broader cultural and societal challenges. It’s for anyone who has ever wondered about the mechanics of their own thoughts and emotions and sought a deeper, evidence-informed conversation about transformation. Tune in for a thoughtful blend of rigorous inquiry and personal relevance, where ancient questions meet modern investigation.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 90

Mind & Life
Podcast Episodes
Brian Dias – Epigenetics and Intergenerational Trauma [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:51
In this episode, Wendy speaks with neuroscientist and trauma researcher Brian Dias. Brian is one of the pioneers in understanding how trauma can be transferred between generations. Research in this space has helped fuel…
Jyoti Mishra – Mindfulness and Climate Trauma [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:02
In this episode, Wendy speaks with neuroscientist and mental health researcher Jyoti Mishra. Jyoti has been investigating how mindfulness and attention training affect our brains, and can help in the context of mental he…
Simon Goldberg – The Shape of Healing [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:32
In this episode, Wendy speaks with psychologist and contemplative researcher Simon Goldberg. Simon uses tools drawn from psychotherapy research to better understand the therapeutic processes and outcomes of mindfulness a…
Diana Chapman Walsh – Contemplative Leadership [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:04:06
In this episode, Wendy speaks with educational leader, writer, and climate activist Diana Chapman Walsh. Diana had a long and successful career in public health at Boston and Harvard University, and then became the presi…
Daniel Goleman – Beyond Emotional Intelligence [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:12
In this episode, Wendy speaks with psychologist and author Daniel Goleman. Dan has been fostering and contributing to contemplative science since the very early days of the conversation between science and Buddhism, and…
Robin Nusslock – How Stress Gets Under Our Skin [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:05:21
In this episode, Wendy speaks with neuroscientist Robin Nusslock. Robin has long been interested in the mind through both scientific and Buddhist lenses, and he trained with Richie Davidson. His work focuses on the brain…
Hanne De Jaegher – Making Sense Together [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:23
In this episode, Wendy speaks with philosopher and cognitive scientist Hanne De Jaegher. Hanne was influenced by Francisco Varela's ideas from an early age, and has been working to extend enactive theories of mind into s…
Grant Jones – Music, Meditation, and Healing [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:16
In this episode, Wendy speaks with musician, contemplative, researcher, and activist Grant Jones. Grant is working to develop and implement contemplative and liberatory tools for underserved populations. This conversatio…
Linda Carlson – Mindfulness and Cancer [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:00
In this episode, Wendy speaks with psychosocial oncology researcher Linda Carlson. Linda has pioneered the application of mindfulness and contemplative practice for cancer patients, focusing on both psychological and bio…
Paul Condon – Relational Meditation [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:04:53
In this episode, Wendy speaks with social psychologist and contemplative researcher Paul Condon. Paul's work integrates psychological theory with the Buddhist contemplative tradition, looking at meditation through the le…