5 Minute Dharma Podcast show

5 Minute Dharma Podcast

Summary: 5 Minute Dharma is a weekly five minute podcast that seeks to give people practical Buddhist wisdom for everyday life. The podcast is designed to be a simple, non-scholarly introduction to Buddhism. Therefore technical words are kept to a minimum, and when they are used they are explained in everyday English. This goal of keeping it simple matches the goal of keeping it practical. Released every Friday morning.

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  • Artist: Dr. Jay N. Forrest
  • Copyright: 5 Minute Dharma Podcast is Copyrighted © 2012-2014 by Jay N. Forrest and is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.

Podcasts:

 046 What is Right Livelihood? | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 4:27

In this episode we want to explore the meaning of Right Livelihood. Right Livelihood is one of the steps in the Noble Eightfold Path. Right Livelihood means appropriate livelihood, livelihood that is skillful and wise. Right Livelihood is making a living that is in sync with reality as it really is. Podcast Outline Introduction A. First, Right livelihood is concerned with ensuring that one earns one's living in a righteous way. B. Second, Let’s look at the Positive Aspects of Right Livelihood C. Thirdly, What to do if your in a job that harms others. Conclusion

 045 Embrace Your Suffering | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 5:40

In this episode we want to explain what it means to embrace your suffering. Four Noble Truths are the foundation of Buddhism. The complete system of the Buddha’s teaching are outlined in the Four Noble Truths. Today I want to focus on just the First Noble Truth, the Truth of Suffering. Podcast Outline Introduction A. First, The First Noble is the Truth of Suffering. B. Second, Suffering should be embraced C. Third, become mindful of your pain. Conclusion

 044 Positive Right Action | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 4:54

In this episode we want to explore the meaning of positive Right Action. Right action is one of the steps in the Eightfold Noble Path. For lay people this is basically covered by the Five Precepts. The Five Precepts tell us what to avoid, what not to do. What we need to do is to turn them into positive action. Podcast Outline Introduction A. First, Developing Loving-Kindness and Compassion. B. Second, What does it mean to live an ethical life as a Buddhist? C. Third, What Would Buddha Do? Conclusion

 043 Homosexuality and Buddhism | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 4:57

In this episode we want to deal with homosexuality from a Buddhist perspective. Homosexuality is one of those hot button issues that polarises people. This is partly because homosexuality is considered a sin in some religions like Christianity. It is also partly because it is not socially acceptable to the majority of Americans. Podcast Outline Introduction A. First, the Buddhist ideal is abstinence. B. Second, the Buddhist view of homosexuality is positive. C. Third, Buddhism encourages us to take responsibility for our sexual behavior. Conclusion

 042 Death and Dying | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 6:00

In this episode we want to talk a little about Death and Dying. On March 2, 2013 my dad passed away. It was not completely unexpected, he had been having heart issues and was scheduled for surgery. The passing of my father has motivated me to contemplate death. Podcast Outline Introduction A. First, we live life in denial of death, ignoring the inevitable. B. Second, there is a great advantage in Meditating on our death. C. Third, Is there life after death? Conclusion

 041 Vesak or Buddha Day | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 5:08

In this episode we want to explore the meaning and significance of Vesak or Buddha Day. Every religion has its holidays, and this includes Buddhism. For those just becoming Buddhists, they may not know the various holidays. Adding to the confusion, different Buddhist traditions celebrate various holidays on different dates. Podcast Outline Introduction A. First, What is the meaning and importance of Vesak. B. Second, let’s discuss when is Vesak is celebrated. C. Third, Let’s examine some ways of celebrating Vesak as a lay person. Conclusion

 040 The Five Precepts | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 5:47

In this episode we want to explore the meaning of the Five Precepts. The Five Precepts are the Basics of Buddhist Morality. These Five Precepts are the essential minimum needed for moral conduct. The the Five Precepts are: Abstain from killing any living being; Abstain from taking what is not given; Abstain from speaking falsely; Abstain from sexual misconduct; Abstain from intoxicants. Podcast Outline Introduction A. The First Precept is Abstain from killing any living being. B. The Second Precept is Abstain taking what is not given C. The Third Precept is Abstain from speaking falsely D. The Fourth Precept is Abstain from sexual misconduct E. The Fifth Precept is Abstain from intoxicants that cause heedlessness. Conclusion

 039 What is Right Speech? | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 5:52

In this episode we want to explore the meaning of Right Speech. Right Speech is one of the steps in the Noble Eightfold Path. Right Speech means appropriate speech, skillful speech, wise speech. Right Speech is speech that is in sync with reality as it really is. Podcast Outline Introduction A. First, Right Speech is not False or Dishonest B. Second, Right Speech is not Divisive or Disruptive C. Third, Right Speech is not Harsh or Abusive D. Fourth, Right Speech is not idle chatter Conclusion

 038 Creating a Home Altar | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 5:28

In this episode we want to tell you how to create an Altar. Although an altar is not necessary for meditation, it can be helpful. It can be an expression of your inner life and values, as well as a reminder of your aspirations. An altar can help you relax, focus, and open your mind to the present moment. Incense Offering Prayer In gratitude and joy I offer this incense and take refuge, in the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha. May the fragrance arise and help me awaken, to be wise in mind and compassionate in heart. Podcast Outline Introduction A. First, you need to decide what you want on your altar. B. Second, I want to talk about the importance of incense. C. Lastly, I want to share with you an Incense Offering Prayer I wrote. Conclusion

 037 Don’t Convert People | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 4:51

In this episode we want to explain why Buddhist’s don’t try to convert people. In many religious traditions, one of the goals of believers is to convert people to their religion. Some use subtle tactics, while others can be very aggressive, even going door to door. Not Buddhism. Podcast Outline Introduction A. First, there are a number of reasons Buddhists don’t try to convert people. B. Second, how does Buddhism gain converts if no one is trying to convert people. C. Third, What can Buddhists do to help people discover Buddhism Conclusion

 036 In Praise of Agnosticism | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 5:59

In this episode we want to share why I appreciate the agnostic attitude. In 1869 English biologist Thomas Huxley coined the term Agnosticism. Agnosticism is an attitude affirming the uncertainty of certain claims concerning ultimate reality. It also can apply in other areas as well. Podcast Outline Introduction A. First, The Agnostic is one who asserts that there are limits to human knowledge. B. Second, We need to Learn to become comfortable with uncertainty C. Third, I will share with you the four words leading to the highest wisdom. Conclusion

 035 The Three Poisons | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 5:31

In this episode we want to examine the three poisons, usually referred to as greed, hatred, and delusion. The First Noble Truth is that life is suffering and ultimately unsatisfactory. The Second Noble Truth is that the cause of suffering is attachment. Tied up with this idea of attachment is the three poisons Podcast Outline Introduction A. The First Poison is Usually referred to as Greed. B. The Second Poison is Said to be Hatred. C. The Third Poison is Said to be Delusion Conclusion

 034 Why Be a Vegetarian | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 5:43

In this episode we want to give you just three reasons to consider becoming a Vegetarian. A Vegetarian is a person who doesn’t eat any animals, such as beef, pork, poultry, fish, or other sea animals. A Vegan goes even further and doesn’t eat anything produced by an animal, such as eggs, milk, cheese, and honey. Personally I am a Vegetarian, but I also try to limit my consumption of eggs, milk, and cheese. Podcast Outline Introduction A. First, there are the Environmental Reasons to become a Vegetarian. B. Secondly, there are the Health Reasons to become a Vegetarian. C. Thirdly, there are the Ethical Reasons to become a Vegetarian. Conclusion

 033 All Relationships are Impermanent | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 5:26

In this episode we want to examine the meaning that all relationships are impermanent. Impermanence is a great truth of Buddhism. Nothing is permanent, everything is constantly changing. This applies not only to objects and people, it also applies to our relationships. Podcast Outline Introduction A. First, all relationships are impermanent. B. Second, Many refuse to love because they are paralyzed by fear. C. Thirdly, we need to learn to forgive. Conclusion

 032 The Problem of Unlearning | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 5:54

In this episode we want to expose the problem of trying to unlearn the things we learn that are wrong. We don’t realize how many things we unconsciously learn from just growing up among enlightened beings. Add to that the direct teachings of parents, teachers, and religious leaders and you have a lot of unlearning to do. Podcast Outline Introduction A. First, let’s look at the many things we need to unlearn B. So Secondly, we need to discover our presuppositions - the things we assume beforehand. C. Thirdly, how do we begin the process of unlearning. Conclusion

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