Author Archives: John Freese
DWD Archive Episode 9: On Killing
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
DWD Archive Episode 8: Prison Dharma
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
DWD Archive Episode 7: Winter Solstice 2019
Nick and John wax philosophic about the winter solstice.
DWD Archive Episode 6: The Dependent Origination of Whiteness
Anthony Swindell from A Flair for the Curious podcast interviews John about his article “The Dependent Origination of Whiteness” published in the ethnic studies journal Kalfou. https://aflairforthecurious.com/ Notes from Anthony’s pod: John Freese is a co-host of the Down With … Continue reading
DWD Archive Episode 5: Awake vs Woke
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.
DWD Archive: The Four Noble Truths
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
DWD Archive Episode 4: Moral Courage Part 2 of 2
Nick and John continue their discussion with Carl Stahmer about the intersection of contemplative practice, social justice, Buddhism, socialism, and education.
DWD Archive Episode 3: Moral Courage Part 1 of 2
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.
DWD Archive Episode 2: Against the Stream
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
DWD Archive Episode 1: Dick Control
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.