Here is a timeline summary of the conversation:

Scott Berman and Sensei Paul's "The Game of Zen" podcast explores the connection between professional, personal, and spiritual growth, drawing on Buddhist and Zen teachings. This episode focuses on independence and self-empowerment, especially relevant with the upcoming 250th anniversary of the USA.

True Emancipation and Intrinsic Power:

Paul introduces the idea that "there's no way to gain emancipation through another person." He explains that we often cede power to external factors. True power and independence come from discovering our innate ability to influence ourselves and others, residing within our consciousness.

Navigating External Influences and the Perils of Success:

While age often brings wisdom in discerning what we can control, Paul warns that increased external power can breed arrogance. The conversation then shifts to social media, highlighting how seeking external validation (like "dopamine spikes" from likes) can be a surrender of personal power. Scott shares an anecdote illustrating the mind's tendency to focus on negative validation.

Sovereignty, Interdependence, and Qualities to Avoid:

Drawing parallels between America's break from British rule and personal liberation, Scott emphasizes shedding negative influences. Paul introduces sovereignty—the ability to be "agentic" within oneself—and clarifies it doesn't mean isolation. He discusses the Buddhist progression from dependence to independence to interdependence, seeing the latter as the "most in accord with reality."

From Zen Master Kosho Roshi, six qualities to avoid are presented:

• Opportunism: Being a "slave to the world presenting you with opportunities."
• Passivity: Relying on external motivation.
• Dependence upon others: Giving up sovereignty.
• Arrogance: Insecurity disguised as superiority.
• Lack of concentration: Draining energy.
• Accepting what others say uncritically: Giving up discernment.

Cultivating Independence of Mind:

Paul's newsletter highlights positive characteristics arising from inner confidence: service, joyful action, independence of mind, humility, concentration, and critical thinking. Cultivating independence of mind, especially in today's "poly-crisis" world, involves maintaining an "open mind" and a multi-perspectival view, embracing dynamic critical thinking ("the 'no'") and open-mindedness ("the 'yes'").

Humility, Confidence, and Mindfulness:

Scott explores balancing outward humility with inner confidence. Paul clarifies that true humility acknowledges what's beyond our control, while false humility is "virtue signaling." True humility and confidence are mutually reinforcing. Scott stresses mindfulness and staying in the present to maintain perspective.

The episode concludes with an optimistic outlook on the USA as a work in progress, with individual and community effort driving continuous improvement.

Game of Zen links:

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-game-of-zen/id1700988890

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2bjnPE66RC1bCL6h7i68jt?si=184f256fd76342e3&nd=1

Podcast Landing Page:

• Embracing Mindfulness Amidst Chaos: Paul notes the "crazy" world, and Scott highlights how chaos increases his desire for internal calm through Zen, meditation, and mindfulness.
• Podcast Format Changes & Paul's Business: Scott announces shorter episodes and a new focus on Paul's business, Zen at Work (zenetwork.org), praising Paul's ability to make Zen and Buddhism relatable and applicable to modern life through his newsletters. Paul announces an expanded platform for his programs and content rolling out in the next few weeks.
• Introduction to "One Body Sangha": The conversation shifts to "One Body Sangha" (onebodysangha.org), a new online initiative from Paul, highlighted in his recent newsletter.
• The Importance of Community (Sangha): Paul explains that Buddhist and Zen practices must be done in community (Sangha), which is considered the most precious of the "three treasures" (Buddha, Dharma, Sangha). He notes Zen's emphasis on sitting together and that solitary meditation is not highly valued for its own sake; the purpose is to live fully in the world with others.
• Addressing Client Needs: Paul created One Body Sangha to serve Zen at Work clients and others who seek applied Buddhism and a supportive community but not necessarily formal Zen study. Scott, as an exception, sought formal dharma study through Paul's coaching.
• Concept & Structure of One Body Sangha: This online-first community supports home practice and online connection, unlike place-based centers. It's an experiment launched a few weeks prior to the recording, offering basic meditation and Zen/Buddhist teachings, and numerous daily practice opportunities. Everything on the platform is free or for donation.
• Evolution of Sangha & Thich Nhat Hanh's Vision: Paul discusses how Sangha structures have evolved since the Buddha's time. He quotes Thich Nhat Hanh: "the Buddha of the future...is not going to be a person, it's going to be a community".
• Zen's Golden Age Amidst Chaos: Paul connects the current global chaos to Zen's "golden age" (600-900 AD in China), which was also a period of extreme volatility, emphasizing the need for communities of care, practice, wisdom, and compassion
• One Body Sangha Offerings: The platform offers daily meditation retreats, practice discussions, dharma dialogues, classes, workshops, self-paced courses, Sangha gatherings, practice groups, and a resource library. Offerings are simple, non-overwhelming, and available in short sessions throughout the day for different time zones. It includes two monthly online interactive sessions (one with practice leaders, one with Paul for Q&A).
• Concluding Thoughts & Call to Action: Paul expresses excitement about the potential in current times to discard old scripts and connect based on shared interests. Scott notes how practice helps deal with impermanence and leads to happiness. They encourage listeners to visit Paul's newsletter at zenatwork.substack.com.

https://www.onebodysangha.org/

Game of Zen links:

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-game-of-zen/id1700988890

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2bjnPE66RC1bCL6h7i68jt?si=184f256fd76342e3&nd=1

Podcast Landing Page:...

• Introduction & Episode Theme (Excerpts 1-4)
• Scott Berman welcomes listeners to "The Game of Zen" podcast from Philadelphia, PA, with Sensei Paul checking in from Boulder, Colorado.
• They briefly discuss the Philadelphia Eagles' Super Bowl win and the town's excitement.
• Scott introduces the episode's theme: "staying calm in the storm", relating it to athletes like Jalen Hurts who perform well under pressure. He notes that this calmness is also vital in daily professional and personal lives
• Defining & Understanding Equanimity (Excerpts 4-8)
• Scott asks Sensei Paul to define equanimity, a key concept in early Buddhist teachings.
• Sensei Paul explains it as one of the "four brahma vaharas" – a profound "quality of heart mind" that is "more than just calmness".
• He emphasizes that equanimity is about "not letting externals throw you off your center and finding your center within your internal environment".
• "Centeredness" is offered as a more descriptive term for equanimity, cited as the number one most desired quality in leaders in a Booth School of Business study.
• Centeredness is visualized as the "calm still part at the center of the swirl of activity" within a hurricane, an inner place accessible through meditation.

• Cultivating Equanimity & Inner Stillness (Excerpts 8-18)
• Meditation helps individuals access intrinsic "stillness, silence, peace, and calmness" within themselves, making it continuously available for handling crises.
• Scott shares how morning meditation prepares him for daily challenges like meetings or traffic.
• Equanimity is recognized as a "steady" state applied to both "highs and lows," preventing over-celebration or over-catastrophizing.
• Sensei Paul clarifies that equanimity is not passivity but a "very vigilant" and "responsive" state, enabling action at "just the time" rather than constant overreacting.
• Cultivating "meditative mind" and "welcoming challenge and adversity" are key practices. Wisdom traditions provide a "map" to find the "center of our own minds".
• Mindfulness practice, which involves giving "full attention", cultivates samadhi – a concentration energy that is "both relaxed and energized".

• Personal Experiences & Deeper Understanding (Excerpts 19-37)
• Sensei Paul shares a recent family medical and financial crisis, highlighting how his and his wife's equanimity allowed them to clearly focus on what was needed. He notes that "maternal mind" is akin to a "master meditator" due to its inherent responsiveness.
• Scott recounts his open-heart surgery diagnosis, finding a "calm washed over" him and how his calm demeanor helped his family cope.
• Sensei Paul discusses the Buddha's journey to equanimity through a "middle path" after years of asceticism, leading to the Eightfold Path which provides a "matrix of living".
• Scott notes that applying the Eightfold Path, such as "right speech," increased his own calm nature.
• A "bigger perspective" on life, where "everything is included," produces equanimity, countering the "fundamental agitation or unease" of an individualistic mindset.

• Applying & Spreading Equanimity to Others (Excerpts 38-52)
• Sensei Paul shares how decades of meditation prepared...

A new episode of the Game of Zen podcast is now available: We dive deep into Zen Buddhism and aging, discussing how mindfulness and acceptance play vital roles in coping with loss, planning for the future, and learning from life’s unpredictable nature. We also touch on the importance of being present with loved ones in their final moments and how appreciating life's impermanence can transform our approach to aging and death. Don't miss this enlightening conversation for invaluable insights on living more meaningfully. Listen now!

00:00 Buddhism teaches impermanence through aging's challenges.

06:20 Parents declining; family experiences love, connection.

07:49 They respect my Buddhist teachings informally shared.

11:11 Stroke was his greatest life lesson.

13:54 Mom's acceptance and preparation taught lessons.

18:44 Appreciate the moment, especially with aging.

23:16 Health and presence matter; focus on impermanence.

24:14 Improving death perception with Buddhist principles.

30:08 Life continues through relationships and teachings.

31:01 Practice aids acceptance of death, fostering peace.

35:47 Mindfulness meditation offers potential physical health benefits.

38:26 Reflecting on past year’s wisdom and intentions.

41:41 "Getting old is not for sissies."

43:37 Exploring Zen's impact: subscribe, share, prosper.

Game of Zen links:

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-game-of-zen/id1700988890

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2bjnPE66RC1bCL6h7i68jt?si=184f256fd76342e3&nd=1

Podcast Landing Page: https://game-of-zen.captivate.fm/

You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMJ2A-vZkd5ba7bW_8KNFgdkXiSfQh_xv

Paul Agostinelli

Zen@Work: https://www.zenatwork.org/

Zen@Work Today: https://zenatwork.substack.com/

Email: GameofZenpodcast@gmail.com

#GameOfZen #NobleTruths #entrepreneurship

#Buddhism #Mindfulness #Zen #Concentration #Buddha #Attachment #Impermenance

Welcome back to another enriching episode of "Game of Zen," where we explore the synergy between professional, personal, and spiritual growth through the lens of Buddhism and Zen mindfulness. In this episode, hosts Scott Berman and Paul Gyodo Agostinelli dive into the profound influence of spirituality on relationships, drawing from their personal journeys and Buddhist teachings.

Join us as Paul unpacks the concept of "karmic atonement" and its impact on future relationships, while Scott reflects on his past experiences with gratitude and the evolving qualities he seeks in a partner. The hosts emphasize the importance of mutual spiritual growth and maintaining a conscious relationship, especially during the holiday season—a time ripe for reflection and gratitude.

As always, we encourage our listeners to integrate spirituality into everyday life consciously, balancing responsibilities while fostering personal growth. Don’t miss out on their insightful discussion about the evolution of Zen practice, the challenges of attachment, and how to recognize relationships that match your personal vibration.

Stay tuned and subscribe to the Zen@Work newsletter for more wisdom and peace on your journey. Let's embark on this path of mindfulness and conscious connections together!

00:00 Spiritual focus; women allowed in Sangha, unequal.

03:56 Zen practice evolved from monastic to inclusive.

07:06 Serial monogamy, later marriage, family commitment achieved.

13:11 Mindfulness enhances empathy and spiritual awareness.

16:23 Relationships test personal growth and consciousness.

19:48 Strives for mindfulness in daily life activities.

23:25 Discussing Buddhist concepts of change with daughters.

25:45 Commitment to self-awareness and nonviolent communication.

28:03 Experiential vs. fundamentalist spirituality challenges relationships.

32:34 Spirituality used superficially as personal enhancement.

36:18 Spirituality found among like-minded people, everywhere.

38:19 Quarterly Fusatsu ceremony reviews core Buddhist precepts.

42:55 Holidays are a good time for reflection.

43:42 Game of Zen podcast: Mindful living insights.

Game of Zen links:

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-game-of-zen/id1700988890

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2bjnPE66RC1bCL6h7i68jt?si=184f256fd76342e3&nd=1

Podcast Landing Page: https://game-of-zen.captivate.fm/

You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMJ2A-vZkd5ba7bW_8KNFgdkXiSfQh_xv

Paul Agostinelli

Zen@Work: https://www.zenatwork.org/

Zen@Work Today: https://zenatwork.substack.com/

Email: GameofZenpodcast@gmail.com

#GameOfZen #NobleTruths

In this new episode, we're diving deep into the fascinating world of psychedelics, focusing on their integration with mindfulness and Zen Buddhism. This is part two of our exploration into how substances like MDMA and psilocybin can revolutionize our approach to mental health and spiritual growth.

Paul shares his profound insights on how safe and regulated use of psychedelics can enhance personal and societal well-being. He will discuss the subtle yet transformative effects of micro dosing, and liken the benefits to those of a consistent meditation practice."

This episode is packed with valuable information for anyone curious about the intersection of psychedelics, mindfulness, and personal growth. So, stay tuned, and don't forget to like, subscribe, and engage with us on 'Game of Zen'. Let's get started!"

00:00 Psychedelics offer clear, simple value insights.

04:58 Meditation and micro dosing aid mental awareness.

09:18 Consistency and time improve understanding and results.

10:50 Maintain spiritual sadhana with personalized protocol.

13:22 Plant medicine could slow neurological disease progression.

19:31 Psilocybin focus, but MDMA, ketamine gaining acceptance.

22:21 Develop a personal relationship with plant medicine.

26:15 Self-improvement requires mindfulness, meditation, and guidance.

27:10 Intentional life framework enhances safe psychoactive use.

31:33 Macro dosing: Potential breakthroughs, risks, needs safe framework.

34:58 Concern over commercialization of clinical medicines.

37:22 Regulators struggle safely legalizing substances, past mistakes.

42:11 Normalizing plant medicine is becoming increasingly common.

43:57 Open conversations help share experiences and guidance.

47:36 Explore Zen's influence; subscribe, share, comment.

Game of Zen links:

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-game-of-zen/id1700988890

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2bjnPE66RC1bCL6h7i68jt?si=184f256fd76342e3&nd=1

Podcast Landing Page: https://game-of-zen.captivate.fm/

You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMJ2A-vZkd5ba7bW_8KNFgdkXiSfQh_xv

Paul Agostinelli

Zen@Work: https://www.zenatwork.org/

Zen@Work Today: https://zenatwork.substack.com/

Email: GameofZenpodcast@gmail.com

#GameOfZen #NobleTruths #entrepreneurship

#Buddhism

In today's episode, we have a very special guest joining us - Courtney Schulnick, an accomplished litigator and dedicated mindfulness teacher. Courtney shares her inspiring journey of discovering mindfulness amidst the challenges of balancing a demanding legal career with being a wife and mother to three boys.

Driven by experiences of stress, anxiety, and a longing for better work-life balance, Courtney initially resisted the idea of committing to a mindfulness-based stress reduction program. However, a series of personal losses and overwhelming demands led her to an orientation session at Jefferson Hospital in Philadelphia, where she realized the transformative potential of mindfulness practice.

Join us as we delve into Courtney's story of healing and growth, learning how her deep engagement with mindfulness not only brought more balance and presence into her personal life but also enhanced her ability to serve clients as a lawyer. We discuss the challenges and rewards of maintaining a mindfulness practice, the impact it can have on the legal profession, and the unexpected paths that open up when we commit to being present and compassionate with ourselves.

So sit back, relax, and enjoy this heartfelt and insightful conversation with Courtney Schulnick on Game of Zen!

Links for Courtney:

Courtney Schulnick Mindfulness

Courtney Schulnick LinkedIn

Jefferson Health Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction

00:00 Striving for perfection creates anxiety and stress.

04:15 Juggling work and family during fertility challenges.

07:56 Grieving the loss of beloved pet intensely.

13:21 Late nights, imbalanced life, heightened self-awareness.

15:04 Mindfulness practice brings balance and significant benefits.

18:19 Recognizing mental patterns for personal and professional freedom.

24:20 Attorneys find ease through body-mind connection.

26:01 Mindfulness improves communication, feelings, and decision-making.

29:45 Deepened mindfulness practice, teaching practicum, program creation.

33:22 Lawyer finds fulfillment in guiding anxious clients.

37:37 Choosing to be present and engage fully.

40:42 MBSR course participants share stress and growth.

44:49 Strive for clarity, not stress, in work.

47:47 Staying present leads to optimal outcomes.

49:03 Choose wise responses, mindfulness, neuroscience's impact.

53:14 Explore Zen Buddhism's transformative influence for growth.

Game of Zen links:

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-game-of-zen/id1700988890

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2bjnPE66RC1bCL6h7i68jt?si=184f256fd76342e3&nd=1

Podcast Landing Page: https://game-of-zen.captivate.fm/

You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMJ2A-vZkd5ba7bW_8KNFgdkXiSfQh_xv

Paul Agostinelli

Zen@Work:

In our latest episode, Paul and I dove deep into the topic of teachers and their impact on our personal and professional lives. We discussed the three levels of Buddha treasure, the importance of engaging with formal teachings, and how business coaching can provide practical guidance for growth and awakening in the work world. Paul shared his journey as a Zen teacher and how he now helps entrepreneurs and coaches find their true potential. We also reflected on the teachers who have shaped our own lives, from family members to mentors in sports and business. The key takeaway? Finding a trustworthy and collaborative relationship with a teacher is essential for effective learning and development. So, whether you're seeking spiritual guidance or professional growth, remember the power of teachers in your life. Thanks for tuning in to the Game of Zen!

00:00 Chaotic summer, reliance on teachings, gratitude for teachers.

03:56 Recognized need for guidance in Zen teachings.

07:23 Formal study with Zumi Hiroshi, moved to Colorado.

12:13 Adapting Zen teachings for modern work environment.

16:39 Grateful for learning from many different people.

19:38 Zen teacher with extensive meditation experience offers guidance.

22:53 Strangers projecting onto us, mirroring back truly.

26:08 Three levels of Buddha treasure, historical, formal, inner.

29:21 Seeking practical guidance for spiritual and work growth.

31:02 Coaches guide, role model, catalyze growth in work.

37:21 Learned NBA stats from guru, uncle was Buddhist.

38:23 Influential deaths led to personal growth.

41:29 Importance of trusting relationship in Zen teaching.

Game of Zen links:

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-game-of-zen/id1700988890

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2bjnPE66RC1bCL6h7i68jt?si=184f256fd76342e3&nd=1

Podcast Landing Page: https://game-of-zen.captivate.fm/

You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMJ2A-vZkd5ba7bW_8KNFgdkXiSfQh_xv

Paul Agostinelli

Zen@Work: https://www.zenatwork.org/

Zen@Work Today: https://zenatwork.substack.com/

Email: GameofZenpodcast@gmail.com

#GameOfZen #NobleTruths #entrepreneurship

#Buddhism #Mindfulness