Plant Powered Buddhist
By Sensei Derek
The goal of this podcast is to inspire you to adopt aspects of minimalism, conscious eating and authentic communication as spiritual practices. Expect to hear insightful content that explores these phenomena while applying Buddhist philosophy and wisdom about mind and Consciousness to them. Sensei Derek is an Author and practicing lay Buddhist disciple. (Chan/Pureland Buddhism) He also follows a 100% plant-based eating regimen. All are welcome regardless of spiritual background or lack of one.
Plant Powered BuddhistNov 14, 2023
00:00
41:16
When The Middle East Will See Peace
In the spirit of authentic communication, Sensei addresses one of the most complex issues in our time...the conflict in the Middle East. Never afraid to engage with a controversial subject matter he offers some insights on what must happen to help create a true lasting peace. This is a delicate but real share...
Nov 28, 202337:59
How To Win At Not Winning
Do you consider yourself to be a winner or a loser? In today's climate this may sound like a harsh question to ask another person. It's probably even more difficult of a question to ask yourself. Yet, you likely are implicitly living under the daunting shadow of this question every day of your life. The internet is full of people teaching you about "how to win. " In this episode, Sensei teaches you something far more valuable...how to win at not winning.
Nov 14, 202341:16
A Calm Mind In Troubling Times
Wars. Climate change. Greed. Political, social and racial strife. Economic injustice and gender discrimination. Extreme poverty and homelessness. This is the doom and gloom weighing down the minds of many. How is your mind coping with this? Press play for a helpful contemplation to clear the mind and see a nuance you are likely missing.
Oct 31, 202328:47
3 Components of Meditation Pt 3: Wisdom
In this third and final episode of Sensei's intro series on meditation, he addresses the third component which is wisdom. Wisdom in the Chan tradition, and in Buddhism generally, is one of the highest perfections or virtues that can be achieved. In contemporary times, wisdom has been watered down in meaning so much that almost any common sense understanding can constitute wisdom. Sensei restores wisdom to its rightful hight station in this episode. He simultaneously explains why one is not practicing meditation where wisdom is not the both the goal and result. The Buddha dedicated a significant portion of his life to teaching specifically about wisdom. The deep insights, and precious jewels of wisdom, are preserved for those who properly persevere in their meditation practice. Press play to hear how to cultivate this wisdom via meditation for yourself.
May 30, 202317:02
3 Components of Meditation Pt 2: Samadhi
In the first part of this 3 part series, Sensei discussed the importance of establishing an ethical standard (or moral code) as an essential ingredient of practicing meditation. Here, he describes the second component of meditation which is samadhi. Samadhi is a foundational pillar in the practice of Chan. (a.k.a Zen) There are a number of meditation techniques available to the Chan practitioner to help develop and deepen samadhi. As one develops a deeper understanding and practice of samadhi the lines between the state of "meditation" and "non-meditation" become feint and eventually fade away. But what is samadhi? How does one correctly practice and achieve it? This and related topics are covered in this episode.
May 23, 202330:24
3 Components of Meditation Pt. 1: Ethical Standard
Meditation has been misrepresented and watered down through misguided marketing. Meditation is not about what many people, especially westerners, think it is. Sensei introduces you to the first of three components of meditation in this episode. If you want to get the real value of meditating, then you should listen to this 3 part series.
May 09, 202322:58
The Truth About Time
Many people totally misunderstand the phenomenon called "time." Due to these misunderstandings poor and irreversible decisions are often made. In this episode, Sensei clears up these misunderstandings so that you can begin to experience life in new and wonderful way. It will require that you break with some deeply held conceptions about time that are believed by most people. If you're ready now...press play.
May 02, 202343:51
What It Really Means To Feel Good
Feeling good in your body? If you are like many the answer is "no" or "sometimes." To start feeling good (not not just ok) in your body will require a mind shift away from many deep rooted conventional notions. Unwittingly, many people have set a low bar both for feeling good and for how long it's possible to do so. Sensei offers precise insights into how you can actually begin feeling good starting today no matter where you are on the feel-good scale...
Apr 25, 202325:14
Food As Thy Guru?
It may sound strange to consider taking food as your guru! But, this is precisely the foundation upon which Sensei has built an entirely new way to consciously exploring, and improving, our relationship to food and eating. Tune in to learn more about this approach and how you may already be implementing aspects of this every day!
Apr 11, 202329:41
What My Bowl Of Oatmeal Taught Me This Morning
Have you ever felt your life has lost its spice? That your life is just blasé, routine or boring? You are not alone in this. Many people are feeling this way. When you think of an exciting dish, oatmeal would probably not make it into your top 10 list. That might change after listening to Sensei's experience and insight after eating his morning bowl of oatmeal...
Apr 04, 202320:47
My 3 Month Experiment With Breatharianism
What is breatharianism? What does it mean to actually live on prana? What is it like not to eat food for days, weeks or months? In this episode, Sensei shares some provocative insights from his 90+ day experiment with this practice. While writing his book Eat Like A Buddha he engaged in several spiritual practices including breatharianism. You don't want to miss this episode...
Mar 28, 202329:26
Sneaky Addictions Caused By Eating Food
Many people eat food primarily based upon how it makes them feel. Perhaps you are such a person. You eat food to feel "good." Or simply because you like the taste of it. Given the social norms around eating food you unknowingly create addictions that are far more destructive than any addiction to food could ever be. Press play now to hear Sensei explain what these hidden addictions are and why you should be award of them.
Mar 21, 202319:59
You Need To Know This About The Mind
The mind is so vast and mysterious. It feels so personal yet efforts to tame or subdue it seem useless. In this episode, Sensei introduces some counterintuitive wisdom about the mind that will point you in the direction of peace you seek. The end of the battle against the mind starts here...
Mar 14, 202316:00
Should Buddhists Eat "Meat?"
This is a controversial issue within the Buddhist community. Should Buddhists be eating animals and animal products? This question is often raised with Sensei. Here he addresses it publicly for the first time. His response will be of interest to Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike...
Mar 07, 202324:57
Eat Like A Buddha Is Available Now On Amazon
Sensei has published his new book Eat Like A Buddha: Mental Recipes To Free Your Mind & Heal The World. It is available now on Amazon. Press play to listen to Sensei read a brief description about the book. Then go purchase your copy!
Mar 04, 202304:47
What I Eat Everyday
Many people have inquired about what Sensei actually eats everyday. How is he able to stay looking so vibrant and healthy? These are good questions given the nature of this podcast. In this episode, Sensei lays out not only what he eats everyday, but also his food principles and the specific items that are in his kitchen. To get an insider's view into Sensei's kitchen press play now...
Feb 21, 202333:31
Spiritual Love on Valentine's Day
Valentine's Day, like many other days of acknowledgement, is celebrated in contemporary times for reasons nearly unrelated to its original purpose. How might you and your partner or loved ones incorporate the original spirit of Valentine's Day into the contemporary expressions of this day? What could that look like and why should you care? Additionally, if you are single, how could you also participate? These questions and related themes are the subjects that we'll cover on a day recognized by many as the most romantic day of the year.
Feb 14, 202330:36
New Book Announcement Pt.1: Eat Like A Buddha
I am excited to share some wonderful insider news about my new completed book: Eat Like A Buddha. Why did I dedicate an entire year of my life exclusively focused on writing it? This included moving to another country for the entire time! Press play now to get some details on this and more...
Feb 02, 202313:50
When Cow Dung Smells Like Perfume
Here Sensei shares, with commentary, a gongan that involves an exchange between a Chan master and a man who fancied himself to be much more along the path to enlightenment than his actual state. Learn from this story how your mind-state influences "what you see" in yourself and others. Gongans are powerful exchanges between individuals that often result in a major awakening of one of the participants. The Chan Buddhism tradition uses this tool of teaching with great effect. Listen to this gongan. (a.k.a koan in Japanese Buddhism) Then, incorporate its wisdom into your contemplative exercises to support your spiritual eating practices.
Feb 01, 202317:50
Building Spiritual Momentum
Building spiritual momentum requires commitment and a focused mind. This is especially true when you're attempting to harmonize your relationship with food. In this episode, you'll learn (1) what spiritual momentum is (2) its similarities and differences to physical momentum and (3) how to generate spiritual momentum to improve your conscious practice.
Jan 31, 202337:46
Bodhisattva 10 Gong Singing Bowl Prayer For Enlightened Eyesight
The eyes play a significant role in your experience of the phenomenal world. But, there is much more to Existence than the objects you perceive with your eyes. My prayer is that you not only see more...but see it All.
Jan 26, 202305:07
Your Tea May Still Be Too Hot To Drink
Here Sensei shares, with commentary, a gongan that involves a battle tested war general. This general is ready to commit to a life of peace and Chan practice after having engaged in much violence and many states of anger. Gongans are powerful exchanges between individuals that often result in a major awakening of one of the participants. The Chan Buddhism tradition uses this tool of teaching with great effect. Listen to this gongan. (a.k.a koan in Japanese Buddhism) Then, incorporate its wisdom into your contemplative exercises to support your spiritual eating practices.
Jan 25, 202321:29
Why You Remain Trapped In A Dualistic Existence Part 2
Having detailed the moment-to-moment reason you remain trapped in a dualistic existence in Part 1, here you will learn about the concept that cements the entrapment generated by the first reason. Transcending the first reason is no easy feat. But, as you learned, it's completely possible with consistency and intention. This second reason is undoubtedly even more challenging to overcome than the first. The good news is that transcendence of this challenge will totally eliminate the first. It all boils down to an essential question about human nature. Press play to get the best "2 for 1 solution" ever...
Jan 24, 202345:10
Why You Remain Trapped In A Dualistic Existence Part 1
If you are like most people you experience existence as one of multiplicity. Though you may even believe, wish, hope or think that dualism is not true, unfortunately it's still how you live and make most decisions. There are 2 main reasons why this true. In this first of a 2 part series, Sensei explains the first reason you are trapped in dualism. It will prove to be eye-opening. He also gives you a self-verifiable way to disprove duality AND a practice to make this truth "stick." Press play to take a firm step onto a new path of harmony...
Jan 19, 202334:19
Awakening Of The Baker
Here Sensei retells with commentary a gongan that involves a poor baker and his life changing exchange with a Chan master. Gongans are powerful exchanges between individuals that often result in a major awakening of one of the participants. The Chan tradition uses this tool of teaching with great effect. Listen to this gongan (a.k.a koan in Japanese Buddhism) and incorporate its wisdom into your contemplative exercises to enhance and support your spiritual eating practices.
Jan 18, 202323:24
Are You A Taste Master or Slave?
In this episode, you will go through a contemplative exercise with Sensei on one of the 6 senses. In the Chan tradition, there are 6 senses: touch, sound, sight, feeling, taste and thought. The focus here is on taste. This particular exercise gives you direct experience into the unfolding of awakening in real time. Rarely does one get direct access to sudden awakening which can be replicated at will if done authentically.
Jan 17, 202331:41
Mind Mastery Over Food
Mind Mastery is often viewed by many to be beyond their personal reach. In a world that tells you that you need an app, or some form of tech, to do anything perhaps this may seem true. It is not true. In this episode, Sensei introduces you to contemplative practice which is an essential technique in the Chan tradition. Using food as the focus you'll be sure to intuitively connect with the process. Then you can begin to apply it to transcend many of your biggest life challenges.
Jan 10, 202337:55
The Three Universal Teachings Of All Buddhas
Here Sensei introduces the 3 Universal Teachings Of All Buddhas. These guidelines were taught by every Buddha in addition to whatever else they may have taught. In this episode, you'll learn what they are, and more importantly, how to tangibly apply them to your practice. Whether you've heard of the 3 Universals or not this application of them will prove to be unique and super beneficial. All you need to do now is press play...
Jan 03, 202338:16
Cultural Allegiance and Spiritual Growth
Culture can play a significant role in one's spiritual development. Cultural allegiance is a phenomenon that often leads to contradictory and harmful outcomes. How might your cultural allegiance be impacting your spiritual growth and journey? Press play to find out...
Dec 27, 202228:51
Do This The Next Time You Eat
Consistent with the goal of transforming your life through spiritualizing your eating experience, Sensei offers another powerful exercise that has far reaching and life changing possibilities. You'll be able to test your results in a very short period of time. Press play to find out what it is and then give it a try...
Dec 20, 202220:37
Herbs Are Not Medicine
The use of herbs as medicine has been done since the beginning of human existence. Cultures found, studied, tested and used herbs that were available in their immediate environments to help heal the body. If you are interested in maximizing your personal health with the use of herbs it's time for you to go beyond the limited understanding you may presently have about herbs as medicine. How do you do that? Why should you do that? Press play to find out... (you may also watch this episode live on YouTube @PlantPoweredBuddhist)
Dec 13, 202222:25
Sometimes I Feel Like A Fraud
I often receive wonderful compliments from people about how disciplined I am with my practice. I appreciate the kind sentiments. However, I think it's time to share a little secret about my discipline and practice...
Sep 13, 202224:18
How NOT To Be A Slave To Counting Calories
The not so great calorie debate has many people confused about how many calories they should be consuming. In this episode, learn an organic approach that can free you from wasting time and energy counting calories or debating about them!
Sep 06, 202222:19
Introduction To Pre-Meal Rituals
Pre-meal rituals have waned in contemporary times. But, they are not dead. In this episode, you'll learn about their value, key components and purpose. Likewise, you'll get an understanding about the wide customization available to you in forming your own and why you need to start incorporating them into your practice right now!
Aug 16, 202223:05
How Your Eating Habits Reflect Your Values
Most people probably draw no correlations between what they eat and the values they claim to hold. Is this you? You are not alone. Learn an exercise in this episode that will result in a self-verifiable truth that will change your life in a wonderfully meaningful way...
Aug 04, 202211:14
Introduction To Spiritual Calories
People often quarrel about calories in relation to the types of foods one "should" consume. It's often an ego-centric exchange focused on the level of body. In this episode, Sensei raises the level of conversation to introduce spiritual calories. What are spiritual calories? Where do they come from? How do we consume them? All of this is addressed this first episode on the subject...
Jul 31, 202219:20
Reset With My 5 Minute Singing Bowl Meditation
Sometimes words just get in the way. Sometimes we just need to sit. Please accept this singing bowl offering from my heart to yours. No guidance. No words. Just you, me, my bowl and good vibes. Adjust your volume accordingly...tones intentionally become more feint towards the end. If you like this and want more please join Pink Lotus Sangha at PlantPoweredBuddhist.com
Jul 28, 202206:51
Eat Your Way To Enlightenment
Many people are interested in cultivating compassion, connecting with others and full self-realization. But, many of these same people are not interested in established religions and spiritual traditions. If this sounds like you, or someone you know, listen to Sensei explain how he came to the realization of literally eating yourself into Enlightenment.
Jul 24, 202225:06
Spiritual Psychology of Eating
When you decide to eat consciously there is more involved than physical considerations. Your genes do not determine your your destiny. There is a spiritual component beyond the biology that needs conscious attention. Why this is so and what results if this is ignored is the subject of this powerful episode...
Jul 21, 202217:43
When Deeper Awareness Causes Challenges In Your Relationship
This is a serious challenge that will likely arise in your life the more you commit to your practice. How does one handle this problem? Sensei opens up a clear path to work through this issue. This challenge is a rite of passage moment for those who experience it. Press play and learn how to navigate it...
Jul 17, 202219:20
Interdependence of Spiritual Practice
The world's religious and spiritual traditions often call us to be mindful of our relationship with various deities or an omnipotent god. This can have the effect of allowing people to see beyond their own self-centeredness. In this episode, Sensei directs our attention to a more worldly consideration for our spiritual practice which has the potential to lead to full Realization...
Jul 14, 202224:27
4 Signs Your Taste Buds Are Polluted
It may sound crazy but it's highly likely that though you have been eating food your whole life you may not have ever really tasted it. How could this be possible? Here, Sensei introduces his "taste buds pollution test." He developed this test after discovering similar taste bud traits he found in himself to be common in those he assists. Listen now to learn something new about yourself that will improve your spiritual eating practice.
Jul 10, 202216:00
Yoga Of Mother Earth
Every "thing" that is alive expresses its liveliness. This also applies to Mother Earth. However, when forces and beings get out of sync with her yoga a significant imbalance is created. We're all in Mother Earth's yoga class. When imbalance ensues only one party is truly harmed. It may not be the one you think. Tune in now to find out why this really matters..
Jul 07, 202215:58
Four Foundations Of Spiritual Power
Whenever one is invited to go beyond sole reliance on the body it can spark feelings and thoughts of inadequacy. Conscious eating requires this of you. Some may feel outright incapable of tapping into spiritual power. It's seems too mysterious. How does one actually do it? What are its constituent parts? Here, Sensei explains the four foundations of spiritual power so that you can enhance your own eating practice and move along the path of self-mastery...
Jul 03, 202223:30
Eating In Silence
It is true that enjoying a delicious meal with friends, a partner, family or colleagues can be fun. It's a social affair. However, there are some real gems to be discovered when incorporating silent eating as part of your spiritual eating practice. In this episode, Sensei shares what benefits you are missing out on that a silent eating practice can produce. He also gives you some tips on how to make your silent eating a truly Chan moment. Pour a cup of tea, relax and press play...
Jun 30, 202220:38
Thought Experiment On Mind And Taste
One of the most impactful tools Sensei used on his personal spiritual journey was borrowed from his interest in physics...especially quantum physics. Albert Einstein used "thought experiments" to help formulate his Theory of Relativity and understanding of the universe. Here, Sensei modifies that same process to help you discover a deeper truth about your "inner-Universe" (i.e.mind), behavior and practice. You don't want to miss this one...
Jun 26, 202218:37
Old Lady Teaches A Monk About Truth
The Chan Buddhist tradition utilizes short stories in dialogue format that help listeners cultivate wisdom and improve their understanding. Here, Sensei uses one of those stories to help open up deeper insights for your spiritual eating practice. This is the first "story time with Sensei." Press play to learn from the wisdom of a wise old woman...
Jun 23, 202212:15
Intro To Japanese Buddhist Cuisine Shojin Ryori
Japan has a wonderful spiritual eating tradition that is more than 7 centuries old. It's called Shojin Ryori and Sensei introduces the basics in this episode. It is rooted in Buddhist teachings which were brought to Japan from China in 538. Learn about a wonderful tradition that even many Japanese people are unaware as well as pick up some ideas that will definitely enhance your own practice!
Jun 19, 202231:25
Become A Consumer of Light
How well do you understand the role of light in Universe? How about light's role in relation to energy? These may not be things you have considered when you think about your daily meal choices. In this episode, Sensei introduces some scientific facts and deep insights that will elevate your spiritual eating practice...forever.
Jun 16, 202228:40
How NOT To Sit
Consistent with the overall goal of transforming something you do everyday (eating) into a more conscious and spiritual experience we must address each component of that experience. In this episode, you'll learn about a practice that will surely bring more insight and deeper awareness into your eating practice. Take a deep breath, relax and push play...
Jun 12, 202219:30