This podcast episode from "The Game of Zen" features hosts Scott Berman and Sensei Paul discussing the interrelatedness of professional, personal, and spiritual growth. They explore life teachings from the Buddha and Zen mindfulness practices to enhance "wholehearted work, life, and play." A core theme is the evolution of an individual's moral sense, moving from confusion and loyalty through fairness and justice, eventually reaching higher levels of benevolence and goodness. Drawing on a Daoist quote, they also examine how the "Dao"—being organically integrated with the world's wisdom—can be lost through attachment to external conditions and attempts to control the future, emphasizing the importance of a "mind of not knowing" and embracing life's challenges wholeheartedly rather than avoiding them.

• [02:45] Scott introduces the main topic of the episode, a quote from Paul's newsletter titled, "The End of Folly, Beyond Performative Loyalty, Goodness, and Wisdom." He reads a quote about the evolution of individual moral senses, from confusion to goodness.
• [04:00] Paul expands on the concept of consciousness evolution, explaining the different levels from folly (confusion) to benevolence (well-meaning) and goodness (well-doing).
• [07:15] Scott asks how aging and natural maturity combine with intentional practice to accelerate personal growth. Paul responds by explaining that this progression involves opening oneself up to more responsibility and capacity.
• [11:00] The discussion shifts to the application of these principles in different aspects of life, including career. Paul introduces the levels of "job," "career," and "vocation."
• [13:00] Scott shares a personal story about his daughter's recent promotion, using it as an example of reaching a new "level" of growth.
• [14:40] Scott reads another quote from the newsletter, this one from Laozi about the Dao. The quote outlines a degradation from Dao (wisdom) to goodness, kindness, justice, and ultimately, folly.
• [16:40] Paul provides a deeper explanation of the Daoist quote, noting that it works backward from the highest state of being organically integrated with the universe's unfolding wisdom.
• [19:00] Scott asks how one loses and regains the Dao. Paul explains that it is lost by attaching to stimulation, trying to control the world, or being self-centered. He also introduces the concept of "life living life as life."
• [22:00] The hosts discuss the mind of "not knowing" and how a sense of certainty can be the "beginning of folly." Scott uses the example of his knowledge of the Sixers basketball team, admitting he still can't predict the outcome.
• [26:30] They talk about how a higher level of internal defense helps handle external strangeness. Paul introduces the Zen perspective on overcoming challenges by "going into them," using the quote, "When hot be hot, when cold be cold."
• [30:00] Scott shares his personal practices for overcoming obstacles, including seeking good doctors, maintaining healthy habits, being vulnerable, and being honest with friends and family.
• [34:00] The conversation turns to the comparison between the Buddha's eight-fold path and reaching the Dao. Paul explains the parallel relationship, stating that Zen is considered a combination of Daoism and Buddhism.
• [36:00] The hosts wrap up the episode. Paul teases the new title of his newsletter, "The Zen Shift," and encourages listeners to check it out.
• [37:00] The episode concludes with a final message to the listeners, encouraging them to subscribe and continue their journey of mindful...

In this episode of The Game of Zen, Scott and Paul discuss death and impermanence, drawing from Paul's newsletter, "The Mortal Coil."

Contemplating Death for a Happier Life (1:00 - 4:00)

Paul shares his belief that contemplating your own death leads to a happier life and helps relieve existential anxiety. He explains that suppressing the fear of death also suppresses a lot of the "juice" in life and is at the root of many neuroses.

Wisdom and Impermanence (4:00 - 6:30)

The discussion turns to the Buddhist idea that "All conditioned things are impermanent." Paul explains that seeing this with wisdom, rather than fear, allows one to turn away from suffering.

Grief as Wisdom (6:30 - 9:00)

Paul discusses how wisdom arises with age and through grief. He highlights grief as a "wisdom emotion," emphasizing the importance of surrendering to feelings that arise from loss. Scott shares how he learned from his mother's graceful acceptance of her own death.

Meditative Practices and Quality of Life (9:00 - 13:00)

Paul mentions the Buddhist practice of contemplating death to "bring us more alive and appreciative." Scott shifts the conversation to life extension, and Paul offers the Zen perspective that a deep, meaningful life is more valuable than a long one.

No Birth and No Death (13:00 - 16:00)

Scott asks about the Buddhist concept of "no birth and no death." Paul explains that life and death are not separate but are "interpenetrating with each other."

Mortality for Presence and Happiness (16:00 - 21:00)

Scott shares how contemplating mortality brings him joy and happiness by bringing him back to the present moment. Paul agrees and offers an exercise: to combat anxiety, envision yourself dying rather than living forever.

Leaving a Legacy (21:00 - 24:00)

Paul warns against obsessing over death and encourages listeners to "contemplate death, but not to dwell in terror." Scott reflects on his late uncle, whose teachings continue to live on in those he affected.

Embracing the Whole Ride (24:00 - 29:00)

Paul discusses the power of karma, stating that life extension activities pursued with compassion create positive karma. Scott quotes from Paul's newsletter, which emphasizes that sincerely coming to terms with mortality means fully appreciating the "whole ride" of life, with all its pleasures and pains.

Contemplating Your Own Funeral (29:00 - 32:00)

Scott shares his habit of contemplating his own funeral to appreciate life, and Paul reinforces this as a practice that fosters humility and encourages people to live for their own enjoyment.

Closing Remarks (32:00 - 34:00)

Scott encourages listeners to explore Paul's Substack newsletter, "Zen at Work," and his online community, "One Body Sangha." The hosts conclude, thanking listeners and wishing them "peace and prosperity on your path ahead."

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

One Body Sangha --...

Here is a timeline summary of the conversation:

Scott Berman and Sensei Paul's "The Game of Zen" podcast explores the connection between professional, personal, and spiritual growth, drawing on Buddhist and Zen teachings. This episode focuses on independence and self-empowerment, especially relevant with the upcoming 250th anniversary of the USA.

True Emancipation and Intrinsic Power:

Paul introduces the idea that "there's no way to gain emancipation through another person." He explains that we often cede power to external factors. True power and independence come from discovering our innate ability to influence ourselves and others, residing within our consciousness.

Navigating External Influences and the Perils of Success:

While age often brings wisdom in discerning what we can control, Paul warns that increased external power can breed arrogance. The conversation then shifts to social media, highlighting how seeking external validation (like "dopamine spikes" from likes) can be a surrender of personal power. Scott shares an anecdote illustrating the mind's tendency to focus on negative validation.

Sovereignty, Interdependence, and Qualities to Avoid:

Drawing parallels between America's break from British rule and personal liberation, Scott emphasizes shedding negative influences. Paul introduces sovereignty—the ability to be "agentic" within oneself—and clarifies it doesn't mean isolation. He discusses the Buddhist progression from dependence to independence to interdependence, seeing the latter as the "most in accord with reality."

From Zen Master Kosho Roshi, six qualities to avoid are presented:

• Opportunism: Being a "slave to the world presenting you with opportunities."
• Passivity: Relying on external motivation.
• Dependence upon others: Giving up sovereignty.
• Arrogance: Insecurity disguised as superiority.
• Lack of concentration: Draining energy.
• Accepting what others say uncritically: Giving up discernment.

Cultivating Independence of Mind:

Paul's newsletter highlights positive characteristics arising from inner confidence: service, joyful action, independence of mind, humility, concentration, and critical thinking. Cultivating independence of mind, especially in today's "poly-crisis" world, involves maintaining an "open mind" and a multi-perspectival view, embracing dynamic critical thinking ("the 'no'") and open-mindedness ("the 'yes'").

Humility, Confidence, and Mindfulness:

Scott explores balancing outward humility with inner confidence. Paul clarifies that true humility acknowledges what's beyond our control, while false humility is "virtue signaling." True humility and confidence are mutually reinforcing. Scott stresses mindfulness and staying in the present to maintain perspective.

The episode concludes with an optimistic outlook on the USA as a work in progress, with individual and community effort driving continuous improvement.

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: