Flowering Lotus Meditation
Our podcast is a way to share teachers and partnerships with the public so that the Buddhist teachings can be more accessible to all who are curious. The mission of Flowering Lotus Meditation is to create and promote a variety of accessible opportunities for meditation practice in a non-denominational setting. All retreats and other events are based on Buddhist teachings of mindfulness and compassion and welcome students from diverse backgrounds. In our podcast we plan to keep you connected to what we are doing. Visit our website to find out more: https://www.floweringlotusmeditation.org/
Episodes
Trigger Warning:This episode contains discussion of suicide, grief, and traumatic loss. Please listen with care.
In this powerful and unflinchingly honest episode, Buddhist teacher and punk rocker Mikey Livid shares his journey from bar fights and blackout nights to Buddhist practice, pastoral counseling, and teaching on death row. Mikey speaks with raw compassion about grief, addiction, and the punk scene that first gave him permis...
Keywords: mindfulness, meditation, anxiety, trauma, emotional wellness, nervous system, online workshops, mental health, grounding techniques, self-care
SUMMARY
In this episode of the Flowering Lotus Meditation Podcast, host Beth Herzig interviews Jennifer Sigrest, a Licensed Professional Counselor and mindfulness teacher, about her upcoming workshop 'Finding Firm Ground: Mindful Tools for Uncertain Times.' Jennifer shares he...
KEY WORDS: Right Intention, Wise Intention, Mindfulness, Compassion, Buddhism, Eightfold Path, Meditation, Personal Growth, Kindness, Non-harming
SUMMARY: In this episode of the Flowering Lotus Meditation Podcast, Beth Herzig explores the concept of Right Intention, a key aspect of the Eightfold Path in Buddhism. She discusses how our intentions shape our actions and the importance of aligning our thoughts with kindness, compass...
In this episode we share Caroline Durham's talk entitled: Refuge In the Storm: An Activist Perspective, this talk explores the four noble truths and the eightfold path, her relationship with these teachings and how we as practitioners can engage with the teachings in a meaningful way.
Caroline is the Founder of Mindful Justice, lives in New Orleans and a community activist herself committed to healed communities especially those...
For many years Flowering Lotus Meditation and Sama Studio have worked together to help teachers reach more students when visiting the New Orleans area. In this podcast episode Beth Herzig speaks with Laura Johanna, Co-Director of Sama Studio about the partnership, and more about what's happening at Sama and their non-profit model.Topics discussed include:
- The origin and mission of Sama Studio.
- The importance of commu...
A brief overview of the Eightfold Path. Often described as the "middle way," it offers a way of life that avoids the extremes of self-indulgence and self-denial. The path is a guide to ethical living, mental discipline, and wisdom, and it’s divided into three categories: wisdom (Right View and Right Intention), ethical conduct (Right Speech, Right Action, and Right Livelihood), and mental discipline (Right Effort, Rig...
Simplified Summary of the 3 Marks of Existence
The Three Marks of Existence: impermanence (anicca), suffering (dukkha), and non-self (anatta). These truths help us understand life as it is, and learning to see through their lens is essential for walking the Buddhist path.
Impermanence, or anicca. This is the idea that everything changes.
“We suffer when we cling to or resist what is, instead of opening to the flow of life.” -Tara...
Understanding the Four Noble Truths: A Path to Freedom and Peace
The First Noble Truth: Life Contains Suffering (Dukkha)
The first truth is simple: life contains suffering. The Buddha used the word *dukkha*, which is often translated as suffering, but it also means unease, dissatisfaction, or stress.
"The First Noble Truth is not meant to depress us but to awaken us to the reality of our lives so that we can start to live mor...
Today, we’ll explore the concept of Dharma—its meaning, its role in Buddhism, and how it connects to wise action in our daily lives. Let’s start by defining Dharma in a straightforward way.
In Buddhism, Dharma (or Dhamma in Pali) has several interconnected meanings:
- The Teachings of the Buddha
◦Dharma represents the guidance and wisdom shared by the Buddha. This includes key teachings like the Four Noble Truths and the Eight...
Beth and David discuss David's upcoming in-person retreat with Flowering Lotus on the topics of grief, joy, and awakening.
David explains the retreat theme, saying spiritual awakening involves embracing life's 10,000 joys and sorrows with wisdom and compassion. The retreat aims to deepen practice and reflection on skillfully relating to these experiences.
David details how experiencing loss from a young age and working in ...
Talking with Rev. Christie Bates about her upcoming dharma talk on February 11th online with Flowering Lotus Meditation. We will begin a series of exploring the 10 parami.
The concept of Adhiṭṭhāna and its significance in bringing resolution and determination to one's life. Christie discussed the importance of cultivating these qualities to their full strength and how Adhiṭṭhāna brings peace and resolve, allowing individuals t...
Rebecca Kronlage is a 70 year old cancer survivor who has found miraculous healing through her practice. Rebecca is our January 2024 retreat teacher. In this episode, Rebecca shares about her path into Buddhism and what she's learned along the way. Why is a retreat an important part of contemplative practice? What's her super power? Listen to find out.
Rebecca will be teaching an In-Person Retreat in Biloxi, Mississipp...
We're looking forward to hosting Dave Smith for a half day workshop/retreat on July 22. Get to know Dave and hear about what we can expect for this online offering.
Sign up for this retreat to attend on zoom or to receive the zoom recording, here: Flowering Lotus Meditation
You can sign up for this offering for the scholarship rate or you can offer $25, $50, $75 to support Flowering Lotus Meditation mission to keep offeri...
In this episode we talk to our next residential retreat teacher, Lisa Ernst of Nashville.
To find out more about and register for this retreat visit :
Lisa is the founder of One Dharma Nashville where they offer in person and online practice opportunities. Find out more at: One Dharma Nashville Home Page Meditation and Dharma Teachings
Visit Lisa's at her website to listen to her many recorded dhar...
Beth Herzig speaks with Rev. Mikey Noechel and Andrew Chapman, teachers at Wild Heart Meditation Center in Nashville, TN. Our next residential retreat will feature both Mikey and Andrew as teachers. Come to the Interdependence Day Compassion Meditation Retreat happening July 6-9, 2023 in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi.
What's a compassion meditation retreat? How do we face life's suffering and pain? What is the point in experi...
After a weekend together practicing with over 30 people in Bay St. Louis, MS. Beth sits down with the Venerable Pannavati to talk about Flowering Lotus Meditation's mobile sangha model.
To find out more about Venerable Pannavati please visit: https://heartwoodrefuge.org/
To stay up to date with what's happening at Flowering Lotus Meditation, go to our website and be sure to subscribe to our newsletter.
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