Sharpening the Mind

By Daniel Scharpenburg

Talks with Daniel Scharpenburg (Gegan Kelsang Dakpa). Daniel is a class facilitator at the Rime Buddhist Center in Kansas City, Missouri. He was given the title "Gegan" in the Rime tradition and is a former zen monk. A heart-centered meditation podcast.

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Advice for Mind Training part 2

Sharpening the MindMar 20, 2023

00:00

26:33

Jul 28, 202228:57

Guided Metta Meditation

The phrases used in this guided meditation are from “the Path to Peace” by Ayya Khema

Jul 21, 202223:58

Shantideva Had No Friends

Jul 21, 202221:22

Training in Joy

What is Joy? Can we expand our circle of joy?

Jul 17, 202212:23

Equanimity (talk + meditation)

Equanimity

Jul 14, 202226:32

Essential Peace (talk + meditation)

Talk + Meditation

Jul 07, 202225:35

No Opinions

Do our opinions get in our way? Can we hold them more loosely?

Jun 30, 202229:30

Guided Metta Practice

This is a guided metta practice from the book "Boundless Heart" by Christina Feldman
You can buy this book here:
www.shambhala.com/boundless-heart-3649.html

Jun 23, 202215:52

Training in Compassion

Everyone is fighting a hard battle.

Jun 15, 202215:59

Sympathetic Joy Meditation

a guided meditation

May 29, 202222:40

The Most Noble Way of Living in This World

here's a guided metta meditation:
Boundless Heart Guided Meditation
and here's another one with a talk on the subject included:
Boundless Heart talk + meditation
if you are interested in Christina Feldman's book "Boundless Heart" you can get it here. Highly recommend.
Boundless Heart by Christina Feldman

May 26, 202213:03

Comparisons, Labels, and Encouragement

May 24, 202220:53

Training in Kindness

May 23, 202214:29

Compassion Meditation

a guided meditation

May 22, 202227:32

The Thing About Meditation Is... (talk + meditation)

This talk was recorded at Heart of the Dove KC in December of 2019.

May 17, 202246:03

Lovingkindness Meditation

a guided meditation

May 15, 202218:39

Laziness - Talk + Discussion

This talk was originally recorded at a meditation gathering on the lawn of the Nelson Atkins Museum in September of 2019.

May 11, 202240:58

Four Immeasurables

Kindness, Compassion, Joy, and Equanimity

May 09, 202222:39

Zen Master Nice Guy

The story of an illiterate peasant who became a Zen Master.

May 05, 202224:10

Metta: Kindness

What is kindness?

Apr 28, 202210:28

What is Zen Meditation?

I'm talking in this podcast about Mindfulness of Breathing and Open Awareness Practice. What are they and why would we do them?

Apr 28, 202210:48

Boundless Heart Guided Meditation (short version)

I gave this guided meditation instruction at the Rime Buddhist Center on 3/13/22.

Mar 21, 202212:49

Boundless Heart Guided Meditation

This is a guided meditation on the Boundless Heart practice. This was recorded at Aquarius KC on 2/26/22

Mar 02, 202221:28

Boundless Heart Meditation

This is a talk and meditation that I gave at Aquarius KC on 2/26/22. I talked about the Four Immeasurables and led Metta Meditation.

Feb 26, 202246:46

Intentions and the Four Immeasurables

May All Beings Be Happy

May All Beings Be Free From Suffering

May All Beings Never Be Separated From Happiness

May All Beings Abide in Equanimity, Undisturbed by the Eight Worldly Concerns

Feb 01, 202210:05

The Courage to Open Our Hearts

Compassion is Bravery, Vulnerability is strength.

Talk from Lama Lena:

https://lamalenateachings.com/chenrezig-practice-video/

A Fearless Heart by Thupten Jinpa PhD:

https://www.amazon.com/Fearless-Heart-Courage-Compassionate-Transform/dp/1101982926

Rime Center Temple Fund:

https://www.rimecenter.org/temple-project/

Jan 31, 202209:18

Fearless Compassion

Can we live with open hearts?

I read some quotes by Thupten Jinpa in this talk. You can get his book "A Fearless Heart" here:

https://www.amazon.com/Fearless-Heart-Courage-Compassionate-Transform/dp/1101982926

Jan 18, 202211:35

Guided Meditation for Kindness and Ease

a short guided meditation

Dec 28, 202110:15

Four Immeasurables For The Enemy (guided meditation)

This is a guided meditation for bringing awareness to others using Heart Practices.
This guided meditation was inspired by Ken McLeod's Meditation on the Four Immeasurables which can be found here:
unfetteredmind.org/meditating-on-the-four-immeasurables/

Dec 27, 202114:02

Four Immeasurables for the Neutral (guided meditation)

Dec 20, 202116:01

Kindness Meditation

This is a guided meditation for metta practice.

Dec 13, 202110:44

Four Immeasurables for Friends (guided meditation)

This is a guided meditation for bringing awareness to friends using Heart Practices.
This guided meditation was inspired by Ken McLeod's Meditation on the Four Immeasurables which can be found here:
unfetteredmind.org/meditating-on-the-four-immeasurables/

Dec 13, 202116:05

Four Immeasurables for Yourself (Guided Meditation)

This is a guided meditation for bringing awareness to yourself using Heart Practices.
This guided meditation was inspired by Ken McLeod's Meditation on the Four Immeasurables which can be found here:
unfetteredmind.org/meditating-on-the-four-immeasurables/

Dec 01, 202113:50

Metta (kindness)

Nov 21, 202111:22

Abandoning Negativity

“Abandoning negative places, disturbing emotions gradually subside;
Being free from distraction, the practice of virtue spontaneously increases;
With brightened awareness one feels confidence in the Dharma;
To adhere to solitude is the practice of the bodhisattvas.”

the 37 Practices of a Bodhisattva. Verse 3.*

*all quotations are from “Illuminating the Thirty-Seven Practices of a Bodhisattva by Chokyi Dragpa

Oct 24, 202115:36

Rare Freedoms and Riches

At this time of having obtained the rare great ship of freedoms and riches,

To listen, reflect, and meditate, without any distraction day and night,

In order to liberate oneself and others from the ocean of samsara

Is the practice of bodhisattvas.

-from the 37 practices of a bodhisattva.

all quotations are from “Illuminating the Thirty-Seven Practices of a Bodhisattva by Chokyi Dragpa

Oct 10, 202111:27

Laziness

What are the forms of laziness and how can we overcome them?

Oct 03, 202115:59

Rough Edges and Scissorhands

Can we stop making enemies out of everything and pushing back against the world?
Can we soften our rough edges?
Do we have scissors for hands?

Sep 26, 202114:20

Mind Training: Worldly Concerns

"All that must not be polluted

By the stains of the eight concerns.

By understanding all phenomena as illusion,

May we be free from the fetters of attachment."

-Langri Tangpa

Sep 22, 202112:05

Mind Training: Offering To Mothers

"In short, may I offer to all my mothers,
Both directly and indirectly, all happiness and benefit,
And may I secretly take upon myself
All the harms and sufferings of my mothers."
-Langri Tangpa

Sep 19, 202110:23

Mind Training: Great Hopes and Harm

"Even if one whom I have helped
And in whom I have great hopes
Instead irrationally causes me harm,
May I regard that one as my genuine spiritual teacher."
-Langri Tangpa

Sep 15, 202107:57

Mind Training: Attacks from Others

"When, out of jealousy, others
Abuse and attack me in unjust ways,
May I take defeat upon myself
And offer victory to others."
-Langri Tangpa

Sep 12, 202117:28

Mind Training: Beings of Bad Character

"When seeing sentient beings of bad character
Who are oppressed by fierce evil and suffering,
May I cherish them, for this is as rare
As the discovery of a precious treasure."
-Langri Tangpa

Sep 08, 202114:00

Mind Training: All the Time

"In all activities may I examine my mind,
And as soon as negative emotions arise,
Since they cause trouble for myself and others,
May I avert them, using direct methods."
-Langri Tangpa

Sep 05, 202112:52

Mind Training: Others Are Paramount

“When accompanying anyone anywhere, I must regard myself as the inferior to all And, from the core of my heart, Respectfully hold others as paramount.” -Langri Tangpa

Sep 01, 202109:53

Mind Training: Beings Are Precious

"Considering that all sentient beings
Accomplish a supreme purpose
Superior to the wish-fulfilling jewel,
I shall at all times hold them to be very precious."
-Langri Tangpa "Eight Stanzas of Mind Training"

Aug 29, 202113:37

A Guided Meditation

This is a guided meditation.

Aug 25, 202125:34

Shame, Embarrassment, Humiliation, Guilt

Are these negative emotions the same or different?

This is a teaching inspired by "Dare to Lead" by Brene Brown, PhD, LMSW.

You can get that book here:

https://www.amazon.com/Dare-Lead-Brave-Conversations-Hearts/dp/0399592520/

Aug 22, 202114:21

Aspiration, Steadfastness, Joyfulness, and Relinquishment

There are said to be Four Forces that help us manifest the quality of Diligence in our lives. They are Aspiration, Steadfastness, Joyfulness, and Relinquishment.
In this talk I read from the text "The Nectar of Manjushri's Speech" by Kunzang Pelden. You can get this book here:
www.amazon.com/Nectar-Manjushris-Speech-Shantidevas-Bodhisattva/dp/1590306996

Aug 15, 202115:03

Common Obstacles to Meditation

Meditation can be hard.

Aug 09, 202113:39

The Buddha and Suffering

Can a spiritual teacher from thousands of years ago really teach us anything?
Also, is Buddhism really negative?

Jul 26, 202127:59

The Six Perfections

Generosity, Virtue, Patience, Diligence, Concentration, and Wisdom.

Jul 19, 202118:34

Like a Sudden Flash of Lightning

Ikkyu said, "Like a vanishing dew, a passing apparition or sudden flash of lighting - already gone - thus should one regard one's self."

This is my talk on the self. We teach that all things are impermanent, and that includes us. (sorry)

If you want to donate to support this work, you can do so here: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/danielscharpenburg

Jul 12, 202115:49

Lessons In My Delusion

This episode is going to mostly be a life update sort of thing. I felt inspired to just share how the way I see things has shifted some in the past year or so. I think labels don't matter all that much, but I've stopped calling myself a "Zen Buddhist". That doesn't feel like the path for me anymore. The path for me is the way of the Bodhisattva. I know that now.

If you want to donate to support this work, you can do so here: www.paypal.com/paypalme/danielscharpenburg

Jul 11, 202137:53

Guarding Awareness

"Entering the Way of the Bodhisattva" by Shantideva Reading + Talk Chapter 5.
Guarding Awareness.
The book I'm reading from can be purchased here: www.shambhala.com/entering-the-way-of-the-bodhisattva-15591.html
If you want to donate to support this work, you can do so here: www.paypal.com/paypalme/danielscharpenburg

Jun 23, 202147:35

Teachings on Carefulness

"Entering the Way of the Bodhisattva" by Shantideva Reading + Talk Chapter 4.

Teachings on Carefulness.

The book I'm reading from can be purchased here: https://www.shambhala.com/entering-the-way-of-the-bodhisattva-15591.html

If you want to donate to support this work, you can do so here: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/danielscharpenburg

Jun 16, 202130:07

Embracing Bodhichitta

"Entering the Way of the Bodhisattva" by Shantideva Reading + Talk Chapter 3. Embracing Bodhichitta. Can we celebrate our spiritual path?

The book I'm reading from can be purchased here: https://www.shambhala.com/entering-the-way-of-the-bodhisattva-15591.html

If you want to donate to support this work, you can do so here: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/danielscharpenburg

Jun 02, 202116:02

Offerings, Refuge, and Misdeeds

The book I'm reading from can be purchased here: https://www.shambhala.com/entering-the-way-of-the-bodhisattva-15591.html

If you want to donate to support this work, you can do so here: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/danielscharpenburg

May 27, 202144:46

The Benefits of Bodhichitta

"Entering the Way of the Bodhisattva" by Shantideva

Reading + Talk

Chapter 1. Explaining the Benefits of Bodhichitta

What is the mind of awakening? How does opening our hearts help ourselves and others?

The book I'm reading from can be purchased here:

https://www.shambhala.com/entering-the-way-of-the-bodhisattva-15591.html

If you want to donate to support this work, you can do so here:

https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/danielscharpenburg

May 20, 202121:04

Shantideva Had No Friends

Shantideva was not a popular guy. He lived at a monastic college with 500 other men and had no friends. Everyone thought he was a lazy jerk and they looked for creative ways to bully him.
They were wrong about him. They thought they could make him so embarrassed that he would leave forever. Instead they got one of the greatest spiritual teachings of all time, The Way of the Bodhisattva.

May 15, 202122:08

Train in Three Basic Principles

Honor Your Commitments
Don't Be Scandalous
Learn How To Be Patient
this is from the Lojong Teachings

May 14, 202110:27

If You Practice While Distracted

If you can practice while distracted, you are well trained.

This is from the Lojong Teachings

May 12, 202115:40

The Five Strengths

Practice the Five Strengths.
They are: Strong Determination, Familiarization, Seed of Virtue, Reproach, and Aspiration.

This is from the Lojong Teachings

May 03, 202114:05

See Confusion As Enlightenment.

You get there by realizing you're there.
This is from the Lojong Teachings.

If you’re interested in supporting these teachings with a financial donation you can do so by clicking here: meditationwithdaniel.com/donate

Apr 26, 202110:03

Be Grateful to Everyone

Can we have more gratitude in our lives?
How can we be grateful to everyone?
This is from the Lojong Teachings.
If you’re interested in supporting these teachings with a financial donation you can do so by clicking here: meditationwithdaniel.com/donate

Apr 23, 202109:47

Drive All Blames Into One

What if we take responsibility for everything that happens? Can we face hardships with a calm and even mind?
With a Zen story about Master Hakuin.
This is from the Lojong Teachings.
If you’re interested in supporting these teachings with a financial donation you can do so by clicking here: meditationwithdaniel.com/donate

Apr 21, 202120:42

Transform Disasters Into the Path

Can we make our struggles into part of our journey?
With a story about the famous teacher Atisha.

This is from the Lojong Teachings.

If you’re interested in supporting these teachings with a financial donation you can do so by clicking here: https://meditationwithdaniel.com/donate

Apr 19, 202117:12

It Is All Sacred

In all activities: practice. It’s all sacred. Even a broken beer bottle reflects the entire universe. This is from the Lojong teachings.

Apr 14, 202113:01

Seeds of Virtue

Objects and Poisons are Seeds of Virtue. Can we flip the script and use our weaknesses as strengths? This is from the Lojong Teachings. If you’re interested in supporting these teachings with a financial donation you can do so by clicking here: meditationwithdaniel.com/donate

Apr 12, 202115:25

Sending And Receiving With The Breath

This is a very short introduction to the meditation practice called Tonglen, or sending and receiving. Our intention with each breath is to inhale suffering and exhale love and compassion. This is from the Lojong Teachings. . If you’re interested in supporting these teachings with a financial donation you can do so by clicking here: meditationwithdaniel.com/donate

Apr 09, 202112:37

After Meditation, Be a Child of Illusion

The spiritual journey isn’t limited to what happens when we’re meditating. We can cultivate a sense of wonder in our lives. This is from the lojong teachings. If you’re interested in supporting these teachings with a financial donation you can do so by clicking here: meditationwithdaniel.com/donate

Apr 06, 202116:54

Rest in the Openness of Your Mind

What if we just calm down and sit in silence for a few minutes? This is from the lojong teachings. If you’re interested in supporting these teachings with a financial donation you can do so by clicking here: meditationwithdaniel.com/donate

Apr 06, 202112:09

Don’t Get Stuck on Peace

How does the path get in the way of the path? This is from the lojong teachings. If you’re interested in supporting these teachings with a financial donation you can do so by clicking here: meditationwithdaniel.com/donate

Apr 01, 202109:59

Examine the Nature of Awareness

Who are you? Who were you before your life told you who to be? This is a talk from the lojong teachings. If you’re interested in supporting these teachings with a financial donation you can do so by clicking here: meditationwithdaniel.com/donate

Mar 31, 202113:11

See Everything As A Dream

What does it mean to see things as dreams? Are the things we’re holding on to as important as we think? This is from the lojong teachings. If you’re interested in supporting this podcast with a donation you can go to meditationwithdaniel.com/donate

Mar 30, 202110:32

Preliminaries: how do we begin and why?

From the lojong teachings. What inspires us to do any of this? If you’re interested in supporting this podcast with a donation you can go to meditationwithdaniel.com/donate

Mar 26, 202132:19

Introduction to the Heart

A short introduction to lojong teachings.

If you’re interested in supporting this podcast with a donation you can go to https://meditationwithdaniel.com/donate

Mar 23, 202113:40

Teachings are for the Living

Teachings from Master Silly Mountain (Han Shan Deqing)

This includes the first of Han Shan's Maxims.

Why don't we, as Buddhists, go out and convince people to join us? Should we? Would that be effective?
Also, what's the deal with impermanence? And emptiness?

Let's talk about these things.