Best of Awake in the World: The Three Levels of Ethics: Literal, Compassionate, Koan

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/

In this week's episode, we continue our deep dive into The Five Ethics with a modern exploration of brahmacharya, often translated as the wise use of energy. What does this ancient ethical guideline have to do with our sexuality, relationships and personal boundaries? We are joined by Jessy Wollen, a Certified Sexual Health Educator and founder of Shift Education, for a frank and compassionate conversation that moves this practice beyond simplistic notions of celibacy to explore: How consent is a foundational practice of brahmacharya, teaching us to encounter all beings with respect and dignity. Why exploring our own sexuality and values is vital for self-awareness and healthy relationships. Practical ways to approach conversations about bodies, boundaries, and respect with young people. 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/

Michael interviews Simone Moir, Registered Psychotherapist, on the precept of aparigraha (non-greed) and the practice of generosity. They discuss what comes up around possessiveness, addiction and obsession, embracing impermanence, the importance of relationship and knowing the importance of boundaries. From the 5th video in Michael’s online course, "Embodying Ethics & Vows in Modern Life," a nine-week program weaving Buddhist and yogic ethics into the fabric of daily life. For the next few weeks, we'll be posting more excerpts and "Best of" episodes focused on The Five Ethics: • Ahimsa (Non-Violence) • Satya (Honesty) • Asteya (Non-Stealing) • Brahmacharya (Wise Use of Energy) • Aparigraha (Non-Greed) Join us to learn how these ethical principles can ground you in modern life. If you’re interested in taking the full course, visit: https://edu-michaelstone.com/product/embodying-ethics-vows-in-modern-life/

In this week’s Best Of episode, Michael explores the ethic of not stealing, (asteya). The Zen master Dōgen offers a beautiful translation: “The self and the things of the world are just as they are. The gate of freedom is open.” At its heart, this teaching is about being content with what we have. Another way to say it is this: not taking anything that isn’t freely given. Recorded in 2011. From the 4th video in Michael’s online course, "Embodying Ethics & Vows in Modern Life," a nine-week program weaving Buddhist and yogic ethics into the fabric of daily life. For the next few weeks, we'll be posting more excerpts and "Best of" episodes focused on The Five Ethics: • Ahimsa (Non-Violence) • Asteya (Non-Stealing) • Satya (Honesty) • Brahmacharya (Wise Use of Energy) • Aparigraha (Non-Greed) Join us to learn how these ethical principles can ground you in modern life. If you’re interested in taking the full course, visit: https://edu-michaelstone.com/product/embodying-ethics-vows-in-modern-life/

In this week’s Best Of episode, Michael reflects on satya, the practice of honesty. Satya isn’t an abstract ideal, it’s a lived experience that arises in real time through our relationships and daily lives. At the core of all meaningful practice is a commitment to honesty; without it, principles like non-violence or non-greed can’t fully take root. Recorded in 2011. From the 3rd video in Michael’s online course, "Embodying Ethics & Vows in Modern Life," a nine-week program weaving Buddhist and yogic ethics into the fabric of daily life. For the next few weeks, we'll be posting excerpts and "Best of" episodes focused on The Five Ethics: • Ahimsa (Non-Violence): I will do no harm, recognizing that I am connected to all living beings. • Satya (Honesty): I will speak the truth as I perceive it and not deceive anyone. • Asteya (Non-Stealing): I will be satisfied with what I have and only take what is freely given. • Brahmacharya (Wise Use of Energy): I will encounter all beings with respect and dignity. • Aparigraha (Non-Greed): I will use all the ingredients of my life and practice generosity. Join us to learn how these ethical principles can ground you in modern life. If you’re interested in taking the full course, visit: edu-michaelstone.com/product/embody…n-modern-life/

Michael sits down with physician and abortion provider Pat Smith for a thoughtful conversation on the principle of non-harming. Together, they explore the space where ethics meet politics, how our beliefs and values shape the way we move through the world, and the role formal meditation can play in clarifying ethical life choices. This excerpt comes from the second video in Michael’s nine-week online course, Embodying Ethics & Vows in Modern Life, which weaves Buddhist and yogic ethical teachings into the rhythms of everyday living. Over the coming weeks, we’ll be sharing more excerpts and “Best of” episodes centered on the Five Ethics: • Satya (Truthfulness): Speaking honestly as we perceive it, without deception. • Asteya (Non-Stealing): Cultivating contentment and taking only what is freely given. • Brahmacharya (Wise Use of Energy): Meeting all beings with respect and dignity. • Aparigraha (Non-Greed): Living generously and working skillfully with all that life offers. Join us as we explore how these timeless principles can support and ground us in modern life. To learn more or enroll in the full course, visit: edu-michaelstone.com/product/embody…n-modern-life/

In this week’s episode, we explore a deceptively simple question: How do you be interconnectedness? It’s drawn from the first video in Michael’s online course, "Embodying Ethics & Vows in Modern Life," a nine-week program weaving Buddhist and yogic ethics into the fabric of daily life. We are living in a time when people are asking big questions. Exhausted by the news and often feeling fear, sadness, or anxiety, we wonder: What do we do? How do we stay plugged into our values, and how can we be of service? For the next few weeks, we'll be posting excerpts and "Best of" episodes focused on The Five Ethics: • Ahimsa (Non-Violence): I will do no harm, recognizing that I am connected to all living beings. • Satya (Honesty): I will speak the truth as I perceive it and not deceive anyone. • Asteya (Non-Stealing): I will be satisfied with what I have and only take what is freely given. • Brahmacharya (Wise Use of Energy): I will encounter all beings with respect and dignity. • Aparigraha (Non-Greed): I will use all the ingredients of my life and practice generosity. Join us to learn how these ethical principles can ground you in modern life. If you’re interested in taking the full course, visit: https://edu-michaelstone.com/product/embodying-ethics-vows-in-modern-life/

In this talk, Michael explores anatta (not-self) and emptiness as lived practices rather than abstract ideas. He shows how our thinking is often shaped by storytelling and emphasizes the role of sitting practice in moving beyond language to directly examine the mental habits that cloud understanding. 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.