Awake in the World Podcast

In this “Best Of” episode, we revisit a powerful conversation where Michael breaks down the fundamentals of Jhana practice (the 4 stages of deep concentration). He explores the inner “maps” that guide absorption and offers insight into how practitioners can move into increasingly profound states. As stillness deepens, the familiar reference points we use to understand our lives begin to fall away, opening the door to a very different kind of awareness.

Recorded on May 18, 2014 at the Kayagatasati Sutta during a workshop in Madison, Wisconsin.

The Awake in the World podcast is brought to you by the generosity of our amazing Patreon supporters, making it possible for us to keep Michael's archive of teachings available to the public. To become a patron, visit: patreon.com/michaelstone.

In this Best of episode Michael explores the magic mantra that concludes the Heart Sutra, one of the most famous teachings in the Buddhist tradition. In this one-hour talk, he reflects on how this ancient mantra points to a profound shift in the way we meet our lives.

Through stories, reflections, and practical insights, Michael discusses how the teachings of the Heart Sutra help us transform fear into openness, and how the practice of cultivating compassion can change the way we relate to ourselves and others. He also looks at the often overlooked power of not-knowing, the willingness to step beyond fixed ideas and meet experience with curiosity and humility.

Along the way, Michael explains how mantras work, why they have been used for centuries as tools for awakening, and how the closing mantra of the Heart Sutra can serve as a reminder to keep moving beyond our limitations and into greater freedom.

Recorded in London, England.

The Awake in the World podcast is brought to you by the generosity of our amazing Patreon supporters, making it possible for us to keep Michael's archive of teachings available to the public. To become a patron, visit: patreon.com/michaelstone.

On Silent Retreat Michael Stone explores the Zen koan “Why Can’t the Tail Pass Through” along with thoughts on hope, optimism, and despair. He describes “mindfulness as a political tool” and how we don't need a revolution, we need “embodied, moment-to-moment rebellion.” True North Insight, 45 min.

The Awake in the World podcast is brought to you by the generosity of our amazing Patreon supporters, making it possible for us to keep Michael's archive of teachings available to the public. To become a patron, visit: patreon.com/michaelstone.

One of the last days of the 6 month Precepts course. Following chanting the Heart Sutra, five students present on the five ethical values of the course, and then Michael discusses three ways of thinking about ethics. And how to look at a flower and smile. Recorded on April 7, 2011.

This episode is an excerpt from Michael’s online course, "Embodying Ethics & Vows in Modern Life," which transforms Buddhist and yogic ethics into practical guidelines for aligning your actions with your values.

If you’re interested in taking the full course, visit: https://edu-michaelstone.com/product/embodying-ethics-vows-in-modern-life/

In this episode, Michael explores the intersection of mindfulness and situational ethics, unpacking how awareness can guide us through the complex moral landscapes of everyday life. Drawing from a 2015 lecture in an earlier version of his online course, Embodying Ethics & Vows in Modern Life, exploring in practical detail the two wings of the practice: calming (samatha) and insight (vipassana)

With practical examples and grounded insight, he shows how these complementary practices support wise, responsive action—not as abstract ideals, but as lived ethics in real time. Whether you’re deepening your meditation practice or navigating difficult choices in modern life, this episode offers thoughtful guidance on embodying awareness where it matters most.

This episode is an excerpt from Michael’s online course, "Embodying Ethics & Vows in Modern Life," which transforms Buddhist and yogic ethics into practical guidelines for aligning your actions with your values.à

If you’re interested in taking the full course, visit: https://edu-michaelstone.com/product/embodying-ethics-vows-in-modern-life/