Author Archives: John Freese

John and former Marine Carl Stahmer talk about Dave Grossman’s book “On Killing.” Topics include the inherent resistance within humans to kill, the way the military and police create physical and emotional distance between killer and killed so that soldiers/officers … Continue reading →

UWest student Farah Shaikh interviews UWest students, alumni, and faculty that teach Buddhist philosophy and meditation in California State prisons via The Engaged Buddhist Alliance. The EBA is a nonprofit founded by Dr. Lewis Lancaster, John Freese, Venerable De Hong, … Continue reading →

Nick and John wax philosophic about the winter solstice.

Nick and John talk with Lama Rod Owens about what it means to be awakened in the Theravada and Tibetan traditions, the term “woke,” collective suffering, community, and embodiment from a social justice perspective.

John gives a Dharma talk on The Four Noble Truths from an early Buddhist perspective and from the perspective of Daoist internal alchemy. Notes for The Four Noble Truths Episode The three aspects: conceptual knowledge, practice, fruition Suffering, suffering should … Continue reading →

Nick and John continue their discussion with Carl Stahmer about the intersection of contemplative practice, social justice, Buddhism, socialism, and education.

Nick and John talk to Carl Stahmer about his experience being a conscientious objector in the Marines during the first Gulf War, karma, volition, and the importance of daily practice.

Nick and John talk about the third and fifth precepts with their guests Joseph Rogers and Erin Smith. Joseph and Erin are former members of Against the Stream, an LA based Buddhist community that fell apart under the weight of … Continue reading →

John and Nick talk with Yoga and meditation teacher Carah Ronan about the third precept of not engaging in sexual misconduct and how to work with sexual energy through meditation practice.