Compassionate Action

Compassionate Action

Author: Kate Spina October 20, 2022 Duration: 9:04

In this episode I explore barriers to compassionate action and some guidelines to help us when we do take compassionate action.


Each week, Toward Light: Practical Buddhism for the Modern World gently bridges the gap between ancient wisdom and contemporary living. Guided by Kate Spina, who is trained in the Theravada lineage, these conversations and reflections focus on early Buddhist teachings, translating their core principles into tangible practices for today's unique challenges. This isn't about abstract philosophy; it's about finding a grounded sense of clarity, resilience, and compassion amid the noise of daily life. You'll hear practical guidance that intersects naturally with themes of mental fitness, personal growth, and holistic well-being, all framed within a accessible spiritual context. Kate's approach demystifies these timeless ideas, making them relevant whether you're navigating stress, seeking deeper purpose, or simply curious about a more mindful existence. The Toward Light podcast serves as a thoughtful companion for anyone looking to integrate sustainable, peaceful habits into their modern routine. By focusing on direct applications, the show honors the tradition of making these teachings genuinely useful, supporting listeners in cultivating a steadier, more intentional life one step at a time.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 121

Toward Light: Practical Buddhism for the Modern World
Podcast Episodes
Crafting an Ethical Life [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:43
What does it mean to be ethical? How do ethics, sila, point us toward freedom? Going through the 5 precepts (training rules) for lay people I look at these questions and more. Here is the adaptation of the precepts that…
Delusion, Ignorance, and Identity: How We Get in Our Own Way [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 11:27
In this episode I explore the factors that allowed 55% of White women to vote for Trump, and that allow us all to make decisions that are not in our own best interest. I look at the importance of cultivating community an…
Accepting the Truth of Change [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:09
How can we set goals, make plans, and live our day-to-day-lives, while also accepting the reality of impermanence? How can opening to impermanence reduce the hold that greed, hatred, and delusion, have on our lives?
Thinking about Death: The 9 Contemplations of Atisha [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:46
Death reflection and meditation is an integral part of the Buddhist path. In this episode I explore the Contemplations of Atisha and how this phrase-based practice can support our understanding of the Dharma.
Cultivating Patience [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:30
I've been pretty impatient recently so I thought it was important to look at this paramis of patience and explore ways we can work to cultivate it in our lives. And here is a beautiful article by Michele McDonald if you…
Understanding the Limits of Our Habitual Perceptions [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:17
We see the world through so many different lenses, and often those perceptions close us off from connection and compassion. Using different examples, I explore ways to bring mindfulness to our perceptions so we can bette…
Karma - Why We Are Where We Are [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:19
In this episode I explore karma and how we can see it in our daily lives and in our culture. I share quotes from Ajahn Sucitto, Bhikkhu Analayo, Ruth King, and others as I help us to navigate this complex and important t…
Working With Worry and Sleepiness [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:09
Worry and sloth are two of the five hindrances. While seemingly opposites, they are often interrelated. In this episode I explore how they manifest, why they might arise and how to work with them.
Buddhist Retreat Practice [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:36
A few hours after returning from meditation retreat I recorded this episode. I share my personal reflections of my experience. I also explore why we do meditation retreats, how they can benefit our practice, and ways to…
Setting Intentions [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:27
Sometimes we want to make a behavior change but we need to start by looking at our intention. In this episode I explore how to use aspects of the Wise Intention path factor to set intentions. Here is a blog post about th…