The Zen Gateway's Podcast

Welcome to Zen Bites, a series of discussions on Zen Buddhism, mindfulness, comparative spirituality and psychology. Zen Bites features Zen Buddhist teacher Martin Goodson and mindfulness-based psychotherapist Jamie Shavdia. www.zengateway.com & www.jamieshavdia.co.uk

Zen Bites No.20 - Mapping the Mind 11/16/2016

Zen Bites No.20 - Mapping the Mind In this final episode Jamie & Martin discuss how the infinitely complex nature of the mind is often modelled in both Buddhism and psychology. The models offer us a map in order to give structure to an otherwise chaotic terrain however in the end this map must be laid down after the arising of the awakened mind. /episode/index/show/thezengateway/id/4834684

Zen Bites x19 - Change & Impermanence - Living with Uncertainty 10/04/2016

Zen Bites x19 - Change & Impermanence - Living with Uncertainty In this episode Jamie and Martin discuss the inevitability of change and impermanence, both core concepts in Buddhism and Mindfulness practice. Topics range from the Buddha's life story to Brexit, the end of cycles to intrapsychic momentary change. /episode/index/show/thezengateway/id/4718257

Zen Bites 18 - The Shadow, Repression and Acceptance 08/16/2016

Zen Bites 18 - The Shadow, Repression and Acceptance In this episode Jamie and Martin discuss the unconditional acceptance of the shadow self, those unfavourable parts of "I' the ego that are often repressed and not allowed in. The case is made for the acknowledging, allowing and accepting of these aspects of the fallible self, before one can truly find peace of heart. /episode/index/show/thezengateway/id/4595957

Zen Bites 17 - Gratitude 06/21/2016

Zen Bites 17 - Gratitude In this episode Jamie & Martin discuss the role of 'gratitude' as an attitude that can help condition and humble our small selves, expand consciousness, with recognition of our interdependent reality. Discussion includes looking at what gratitude is, and why it is so important within the context of mindful daily life practice. What does it mean for the egoic state condition and how should one practice it? /episode/index/show/thezengateway/id/4458997

Zen Bites 16 - Body Wisdom 05/03/2016

Zen Bites 16 - Body Wisdom In this episode Jamie and Martin discuss the body's innate wisdom arising from a bottom-up rather than a top-down more cognitive approach to spiritual practice. They discuss the difference between knowledge and wisdom, insight experiences and a gradual training approach. They also look at practices that can be used to access this wisdom of the body. /episode/index/show/thezengateway/id/4340801

Zen Bites 15 - Bereavement, Loss & Dying 02/12/2016

Zen Bites 15 - Bereavement, Loss & Dying In this episode Jamie & Martin discuss the difficult topic of bereavement, loss and dying. Discussion ranges from how loss is worked with and experienced in the therapy room as well as the role of death as providing a sense of mystery within religion. /episode/index/show/thezengateway/id/4143903

Zen Bites 14 10/21/2015

Zen Bites 14 In this episode Jamie & Martin discuss the spiritual potential of transcending the individual ego and therefore the limited confines of our own cognitive prisons which limit our potential as human beings. Topics range from relative/absolute truth, group dynamics, crowd psychology and the Buddhist doctrine of emptiness. /episode/index/show/thezengateway/id/3878097

Zen Bites #13 - Use of Sound, Chanting and Mantra 07/14/2015

Zen Bites #13 - Use of Sound, Chanting and Mantra In this episode Martin and Jamie take a different stance by looking at the use of sound, mantras and chanting. How do mantras work? How does sound affect conciousness? Why has chanting always been integral in religious practice? All shall be explored! /episode/index/show/thezengateway/id/3673480

Zen Bites No.12 06/13/2015

Zen Bites No.12 In this episode Jamie and Martin discuss the importance of mindfulness within relationships. The changes that mindfulness can bring about in the individual in both the spiritual and psychotherapeutic sense are discussed, specifically in relation to the interpersonal dynamic between people/partners. Later the conversation broadens to the relationship consciousness itself has to the environment and objects. /episode/index/show/thezengateway/id/3612900

Zen BItes 11 - Sitting Meditation 04/15/2015

Zen BItes 11 - Sitting Meditation In this episode Jamie and Martin discuss sitting meditation, otherwise known as 'Zazen' in the Zen Buddhist tradition. They take in the history of meditation, why it is used as a central practice, the effect on the mind and tips to setting up a Zen practice. This includes the environment, posture and the breath. /episode/index/show/thezengateway/id/3494196

Zen Bites #10 : Body & Breath (March 2015) 03/19/2015

Zen Bites #10 : Body & Breath (March 2015) In this episode Jamie Shavdia & Martin Goodson discuss the importance of the body in the practice of mindfulness and Buddhist practice, as well as the pivotal role of following the breath. /episode/index/show/thezengateway/id/3436734

Zen Bites 9 - Mindfulness of Eating and Drinking 02/16/2015

Zen Bites 9 - Mindfulness of Eating and Drinking In this podcast Jamie and Martin discuss the mindfulness of eating and drinking, and how a meditational way of being in this inevitable act, helps us to connect with the present moment. Eating and drinking is discussed as an important part of meditational daily life practice in both the secular world but also in a temple environment. /episode/index/show/thezengateway/id/3367998

Zen Bites No.8 12/10/2014

Zen Bites No.8 In this podcast Jamie and Martin discuss the importance of working with the emotions, not only as a way to better emotional health but also as a training vehicle to a greater transformation beyond the confines of a limited version of the self. /episode/index/show/thezengateway/id/3232805

Zen Bites No.7 10/22/2014

Zen Bites No.7 In this episode Jamie and Martin discuss the act of walking in meditation, and how movement helps us to connect with the body and in turn the present moment. Walking is discussed as a practice in several of the Buddhost schools, as well as other religions and spiritual ways of life. Other aspects of the discussion include Wu-wei (non-intentional action), and walking as part of the pilgrims journey. /episode/index/show/thezengateway/id/3133941

Zen Bites - Episode 6 - Mindfulness in Daily Living 09/09/2014

Zen Bites - Episode 6 - Mindfulness in Daily Living In this episode Jamie and Martin discuss the important topic of practicing mindfulness in everyday life. Topics range from using mindfulness in everyday tasks, to interpersonal mindfulness and working with the emotions. /episode/index/show/thezengateway/id/3056272

Zen Bites - No.5 07/25/2014

Zen Bites - No.5 In this episode Jamie and Martin discuss the emergence of the compassionate heart in Buddhist training, uncovering what is intrinsic to every sentient being and fundamental our Buddhanature. Discussion also covers the recent adoption of compassion training in western psychotherapy. /episode/index/show/thezengateway/id/2949477

Zen Bites #4 06/27/2014

Zen Bites #4 In this episode Jamie and Martin discuss the construct of a meditational retreat, both in general terms as well as from their own personal experience. /episode/index/show/thezengateway/id/2884528

Zen Bites x3 04/25/2014

Zen Bites x3 In this episode Jamie Shavdia and Martin Goodson discuss what mindfulness is actually for, and how the context for Mindfulness varies considerably depending on whether it is cultivated towards religious or therapeutic ends. They also discuss the effects on perception which can result when glimpses of no-mind arise. /episode/index/show/thezengateway/id/2765661

Zen Bites #2: What is Mindfulness... really? 03/26/2014

Zen Bites #2: What is Mindfulness... really? This time Jamie and Martin discuss whether Mindfulness is a technique or a way of life? What defines the state of mindful awareness? How is this state attained? /episode/index/show/thezengateway/id/2749672

Zen Bites #1 02/20/2014

Zen Bites #1 In this wide ranging discussion therapist Jamie Shavdia & Zen Gateway co-founder Martin Goodson discuss the nature of consciousness, realisation of one's own mortality, compassion, Zen Buddhism, therapy and Alan Partridge. /episode/index/show/thezengateway/id/2692167

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