The Game of Zen cover art

The Game of Zen

By: Scott Berman and Paul Agostinelli
  • Summary

  • The Game of Zen explores the often-overlooked ways in which professional, personal and spiritual growth are interrelated. We dive deep into the life teachings of the Buddha and the mindfulness practices of Zen, revealing how they can help us dramatically expand our possibilities for whole-hearted work, life and play. Play the game of life with wisdom, humor and skill for better businesses and happier lives.
    Copyright 2024 Scott Berman and Paul Agostinelli
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Episodes
  • E19: Navigating Attachment - Applying Buddhist Teachings to Modern Relationships
    May 17 2024

    On today’s episode of Game of Zen, we dive into the concept of attachment and its profound impact on our personal and professional lives. We explore how our attachments, whether towards people, success, or material possessions, can lead to suffering but also provide deep insights into our own behaviors. Paul & Scott highlight that understanding secure versus unhealthy attachment, especially in business ventures and family life, can illuminate paths to greater happiness and lessen our emotional burdens. We touched on Buddha's teachings about the roots of attachment—craving, aversion, and ignorance—and discussed practical steps to cultivate mindfulness and appreciation in every aspect of life. Don’t miss this transformative session, aimed at enriching your relationships and guiding you toward a more mindful and gratified existence. Tune in, let go, and grow with us!

    00:00 Desire for change creates adverse relationship with reality.

    05:08 Attachment to sports teams reflects emotional investment.

    07:25 Attachment to others causes suffering, avoid it.

    11:47 Self-awareness is key to healthy relationships and work.

    15:02 Embracing hunger without giving in to it.

    19:16 Balancing money and security in business.

    23:19 Overstaying at startup and in relationships impactful.

    27:18 Impermanence and attachment in life's changing stages.

    31:04 Attachment and suffering stem from resistance to impermanence.

    32:22 Meditation and mindfulness bring joy in the moment.

    37:07 Complex relationships involve love, attachment, and conflict.

    38:39 Attachment to loved ones changes with time.

    42:16 Teachers can't tell, but I can explain.

    Game of Zen links:

    Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-game-of-zen/id1700988890

    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2bjnPE66RC1bCL6h7i68jt?si=184f256fd76342e3&nd=1

    Podcast Landing Page: https://game-of-zen.captivate.fm/

    You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMJ2A-vZkd5ba7bW_8KNFgdkXiSfQh_xv

    Paul Agostinelli

    Zen@Work: https://www.zenatwork.org/

    Zen@Work Today: https://zenatwork.substack.com/

    Email: GameofZenpodcast@gmail.com

    #GameOfZen #NobleTruths #entrepreneurship

    #Buddhism #Mindfulness

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    44 mins
  • E18: Zen Connections: The Role of Community in Spiritual and Professional Growth
    Apr 27 2024

    Get ready for another enlightening journey on this week’s episode of The Game of Zen Podcast. Join hosts Paul & Scott as we explore the profound impact of Zen practices in both personal and corporate settings, and the importance of community in our spiritual journeys. Learn about the transformative potential of Zen retreats at Paul’s Boulder center. From daily meditation to intentional community engagement, these retreats are designed to deepen your practice and connect you to your inner Zen.

    00:00 Sangha is essential to a practice community.

    05:49 Organic journey attracts followers through insightful teachings.

    08:18 Different Buddhist schools focus on various aspects.

    13:59 Team connection brings validation and support.

    16:04 Philly sports fans unite for collective energy.

    18:35 Learning from diverse groups shapes character growth.

    23:24 Challenged to bring up vowels, led to growth.

    25:08 Appreciation for spiritual community and growth.

    30:24 Offsite meetings build strong company culture.

    32:47 Goal: Fulfillment amid life's conflicting forces.

    36:30 Recognizing special love and group uplift experience.

    39:10 Embracing new experiences and connecting with others.

    41:47 Grateful for your help and inspiration.

    Game of Zen links:

    Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-game-of-zen/id1700988890

    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2bjnPE66RC1bCL6h7i68jt?si=184f256fd76342e3&nd=1

    Podcast Landing Page: https://game-of-zen.captivate.fm/

    You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMJ2A-vZkd5ba7bW_8KNFgdkXiSfQh_xv

    Paul Agostinelli

    Zen@Work: https://www.zenatwork.org/

    Zen@Work Today: https://zenatwork.substack.com/

    Email: GameofZenpodcast@gmail.com

    #GameOfZen #NobleTruths #entrepreneurship

    #Buddhism #Mindfulness #Zen #Concentration #Buddha #Ignorance

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    43 mins
  • E17 - The Third Poison - Overcoming Ignorance
    Apr 12 2024

    We're thrilled to share with you the latest journey of spiritual exploration in our Game of Zen podcast. Enlightenment seekers like yourself won’t want to miss Episode 17, titled "The Third Poison - Ignorance," where our hosts delve deep into one of the greatest barriers on the road to awakening.

    Scott and Paul skillfully navigate through the murky waters of ignorance. As they discuss the impact of not knowing, the dangers of inner turning away, and the perils of a lack of awareness, they lay bare the impact on our self-awareness and compassion for others’ suffering. This conversation is especially pertinent in today's fast-paced world where ignorance can easily take root.

    00:00 Ignorance key teaching in Buddha's philosophy.

    04:48 Meditation leads to self-understanding and understanding others.

    07:50 Levels of ignorance and developing a richer understanding.

    12:10 Navigating entrepreneurship requires humility, adaptability, and decision-making.

    14:52 Ego creates defenses, distorts reality, justifies ignorance.

    18:47 Media ecosystem includes disinformation, deepfakes, reality questioning.

    23:40 Continually open yourself to new experiences.

    25:43 Foolishness brings wisdom and humility in life.

    30:14 Questioning biases, embracing change, opening eyes to suffering.

    32:24 Awareness of physical health is often ignored.

    35:03 Psychedelics can open windows of awareness.

    39:25 Endless path of learning and growth.

    43:51 Offering deep dive work in vows and self.

    45:02 Exploring Zen Buddhism's impact on work and life.

    Game of Zen links:

    Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-game-of-zen/id1700988890

    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2bjnPE66RC1bCL6h7i68jt?si=184f256fd76342e3&nd=1

    Podcast Landing Page: https://game-of-zen.captivate.fm/

    You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMJ2A-vZkd5ba7bW_8KNFgdkXiSfQh_xv

    Paul Agostinelli

    Zen@Work: https://www.zenatwork.org/

    Zen@Work Today: https://zenatwork.substack.com/

    Email: GameofZenpodcast@gmail.com

    #GameOfZen #NobleTruths #entrepreneurship

    #Buddhism #Mindfulness

    Show More Show Less
    46 mins

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