On today's episode of Vital Metabolic, hosts James Wheeler and John Parker speak with Zen Master Bon JPC, an ordained Buddhist monk, who believes in humanity and the power of human happiness. Zen Master Bon JPC speaks about mentorship and his path to becoming a monk, the power of mindfulness and meditation, and the value of compassion and love in the human experience.
Episode Highlights:
- 3:40 - John reads a short bio for Zen Master Bon JPC.
- 6:30 - What is your motivation for drawing mandalas on the sand, knowing that the tide will come wash them away?
- 9:00 - You first studied to be a Baptist minister, you were a policeman, you were in the Navy and National Guard, how did you become a Buddhist monk?
- 10:50 - He was tired of catching people at the end, he wanted to help people at the beginning.
- 12:50 - Zen Master Bon JPC's mentor was the one who originally recommended he become a monk.
- 13:20 - What does it look like for a layperson to become ordained? What is the process?
- 15:00 - Zen Master Bon JPC prefers the path with a mentor and guidance, even though it takes longer.
- 17:50 - Zen Master Bon JPC talks about finding his mentor in an airport and learning about the Bon lineage.
- 20:00 - Can you talk more about the sects of Buddhism and how Zen actually started?
- 21:29 - The Zen was more of the Japanese style of meditation.
- 24:15 - Are there certain rules you have to follow in regards to nutrition?
- 24:25 - Other than Tibetan monks, most Buddhists work with "suggestions" instead of "rules."
- 27:10 - What is your nutrition and lifestyle like?
- 27:20 - Zen Master Bon JPC discusses his dietary preferences and the types of food he typically eats.
- 32:00 - What did your meditation practice look like when you were being ordained, and what does it look like now?
- 34:30 - Zen Master Bon JPC has found that it is best to incorporate his meditation into the things he does in his daily life.
- 36:44 - He also has dedicated meditation times.
- 38:27 - What are some core principles you are trying to instill in the community right now? How can we get better together and individually?
- 40:40 - Become the best version of yourself by sharing compassion and patience.
- 45:45 - Zen Master Bon JPC talks about ways he can find peace with all that has happened recently.
- 47:30 - John comments on how just speaking with Zen Master Bon JPC has calmed his mind and body.
- 49:30 - What are some actionable tips that may help the average person searching for inner peace?
- 51:40 - Look at your space and environment and see what you can let go to simplify your life.
- 57:00 - Zen Master Bon JPC explains where listeners can find him online.
3 Key Points:
- Most Buddhists work with "suggestions" and not hard-set rules.
- Meditation can be incorporated into your daily routine, in the shower, making coffee, etc.
- The power of meditation and mindfulness is what helps us through uncertainty.
Tweetable Quotes:
- "Good or bad, whatever we're feeling, it will pass." -Zen Master Bon JPC
- "I didn't go into Buddhism to be a monk, I went into it to discover me." -Zen Master Bon JPC
- "I was diagnosed with bipolar depression, and I haven't taken medication in 15 years." -Zen Master Bon JPC
- "This is all about the human experience." -Zen Master Bon JPC
- "At the end of the day, I have to believe that within us is truly a place of love." -Zen Master Bon JPC
- "Buddhists believe everyone is Buddhist, they just haven't discovered it yet." -Zen Master Bon JPC
Resources Mentioned:
