Hardcore Zen

Buddhism is a Nerd Subculture

In which I discuss how some Buddhists are like Star Trek geeks.

The Buddhist Community

My personal reflections on the role of community (sangha) in Buddhist practice.

Buddha's Original Teachings

Does the ancient Pali Canon preserve the actual words of the historical Buddha?

Ghosts and Enlightenment Experiences with Ben Goldman

In this episode I talk with my nephew Ben Goldman about ghosts and enlightenment experiences. We also get into Scooby Doo.

Gods, Aliens, and Jabberjaw with Ben Goldman

My nephew Ben Goldman joins me for a wide-ranging discussion about gods and divinity in Buddhism, whether aliens could get enlightened, and how Jabberjaw is a rip-off of Scooby Doo.

In The Light - Dogen’s Divine Light Part Five

The roaring finale of my series on Dogen's essay Komyo (aka Divine Light)! In which everything is explained.. or is it?

In The Light: Dogen’s Divine Light Part Four

More commentary on Dogen's essay Komyo (aka Divine Light or Brightness). Also why just hearing this podcast means you've encountered the Buddha himself!

In The Light: Dogen’s Divine Light Part Three

Another deep dive into Dogen's essay KOMYO (aka Divine Light). This time with Ziggy the dog barking at birds! Plus more insights about the nature of reality!

In The Light- Dogen’s Divine Light Part Two

Episode Two of my commentary on Dogen's essay KOMYO (Brightness). In this episode I talk about Milk Medicine, the Gospel of John, how consciousness is like a move, and we hear Ziggy the dog bark!

In The Light: Dogen’s Divine Light Part One (Re-Upload)

Dogen's essay KOMYO is one of his most mystical pieces of writing. This series will examine this fascinating essay in detail.