My Buddhist Lineage

My Buddhist Lineage

Author: Kate Spina February 4, 2021 Duration: 11:13

In this episode I discuss the Theravada Buddhist tradition I am rooted in and the lineage of teachers that I learn from. For more reading on Buddhism I recommend Buddhism: A Concise Introduction by Smith and Novak. Some of the teachers I mention in this episode include Gil Fronsdal, Michele McDonald, Jack Kornfield, Ruth Denison, Sayadaw U Pandita, Joseph Goldstein, JoAnna Hardy, Mary Stancavage, and Dipa Ma. Living Buddhist Masters is an excellent book about teachers that have influenced many of my teachers. I share about my practice at The Insight Meditation Society and two of the traditions that I have learned about there; The Thai Forest Tradition and the Mahasi Tradition


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
Letting Go [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:45
These teachings and this path point to freedom from craving, to liberation. How do we get in touch with that feeling? How can we live and feel the Dharma? This episode includes a jataka tale, many quotes, and two poems f…
Mindfulness of the Mind [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:56
Continuing the series on the satipatthana sutta I unpack the third foundation of mindfulness, mindfulness of mind. I explore how understanding our thinking mind can help us to change our behaviors and make a more harmoni…
Mindfulness of Feeling Tone: What's Underneath Our Patterns [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:59
Continuing the series on the four foundations of mindfulness I look at the second foundation: mindfulness of feeling tone (vedana). I share quotes from Mindfulness by Joseph Goldstein, Perspectives on the Satipatthana by…
Why Mindfulness of the Body Is Important [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:10
This episode begins a series on the four foundations of mindfulness. I explore the word mindfulness and then talk about the first foundation - mindfulness of the body. I discuss how embodied awareness can help us become…
Living with the Truth of Craving [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:51
The second noble truth is the truth that craving (tanha) creates and compounds our suffering. How do we understand the difference between unwholesome craving and wholesome desire? How can our experiences with the pandemi…
Training Our Hearts [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:44
This week I introduce the four brahmaviharas, the four heart qualities we can cultivate to create more harmony in our lives and the world. I share ways we can connect with the feeling of these qualities and actions we ca…
Wise Speech: Guidelines for Communicating [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:35
In this episode I share the path factor of Wise Speech and explore types of speech we are asked to refrain from and types of speech we are asked to cultivate. I then use examples from daily life to try on this teaching.…
Using the Spiritual Faculties to Help Cultivate Anti-Racism [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:43
This episode I explore the 5 spiritual faculties and look at how they can be applied to cultivating anti-racism. A link to the text of the teaching is here and and here is an article by Bhikkhu Bodhi going into more deta…