Mayor Of Santa Fe - Alan Webber

Shows

Cutting Through the Matrix with Alan Watt Podcast (.rss Format)Dec. 14, 2025 "Cutting Through the Matrix" with Alan Watt --- Redux (Educational Talk From the Past): "Commerce, Christmas, and Caring"--{ "Commerce, Christmas, and Caring"}-- Santa Claus Conquers the Martians - A brief update as this year draws to a close. - Depressing times for some, anxiety for others - CON-Sumer, Path of the unexpected - Lenin, Hegel, dialectical chessboard - Alternatives, primitive peoples - Life purpose, life quality, life reflections - Outworn Christmas ritual - Fake patriot leaders - Sumerian priest recruitment, technique. (Songs: "Baker Street" and "Right Next Time" by Gerry Rafferty, "You've Got A Friend" by James Taylor)

2025-12-151h 10

Cutting Through the Matrix with Alan Watt Podcast (.xml Format)Dec. 14, 2025 "Cutting Through the Matrix" with Alan Watt --- Redux (Educational Talk From the Past): "Commerce, Christmas, and Caring"--{ "Commerce, Christmas, and Caring"}-- Santa Claus Conquers the Martians - A brief update as this year draws to a close. - Depressing times for some, anxiety for others - CON-Sumer, Path of the unexpected - Lenin, Hegel, dialectical chessboard - Alternatives, primitive peoples - Life purpose, life quality, life reflections - Outworn Christmas ritual - Fake patriot leaders - Sumerian priest recruitment, technique. (Songs: "Baker Street" and "Right Next Time" by Gerry Rafferty, "You've Got A Friend" by James Taylor)

2025-12-151h 10

Cineversal Nerds Legacy 25 Days of Episodes: 9 - Bad Santa (2003) & Bad Santa 2 (2016)Alan and I talk about the two vulgar and darkly comedic movies to add to your holiday watchlist this month.

2025-12-1055 min

The Sons of Thunder Podcast Ep. 29 The Legend of Santa ClausIn this episode Brandon and P.A. talk about who the actual Santa Claus was and what he was all about in life.

2025-12-0916 min

Christian Men Unscripted Christmas Movies, Jesus’ Birth & Is Santa Real? #jesus #christianpodcast #godIn this festive episode of Christian Men Unscripted, John and Alan dive into the holiday season with a mix of fun and faith. • Favorite Christmas movies and what they reveal about culture and hope• The true meaning of Christmas: reflecting on the birth of Jesus Christ• The big question: Is Santa real, and how should Christian men talk about him with their families?Join us for an unscripted conversation that blends laughter, storytelling, and biblical truth. Whether you’re here for movie nostalgia or deeper reflection on the gospel, this episode will encourage you to keep Christ at the center o...

2025-12-0921 min

Cineversal Nerds Legacy 25 Days of Episodes: 3 - Santa's Slay (2005)Bill Goldberg as Santa on a rampage. All you need for an entertaining Christmas movie.

2025-12-0419 min

Mixtape: lado A Entrevista a Santa MaderoSanta Madero está de vuelta con Los Años Difíciles, un álbum que marca una etapa más madura y emocional para la banda. Pero esto es solo el inicio. 👀🔥En nuestra conversación nos adelantaron que están pensando en hacer un tour nacional y otras sorpresas.Sí, se viene una nueva etapa llena de movimiento, experimentos y sorpresas.Mientras tanto, Los Años Difíciles sigue creciendo y conectando con quienes han vivido sus propias transiciones.¿Listos para lo que viene? 💫Escucha...

2025-11-2131 min

Voices for Voices®Santa, Stuffed Puppies, And Why Feelings Matter | (Episode 356)Santa, Stuffed Puppies, And Why Feelings Matter | (Episode 356)We explore how imagination shapes kindness, faith, and mental health, from childhood wonder to adult service. Stories of community giving, a ballpark act of presence, and mission work remind us that small choices can carry big meaning.• imagination as a driver of ambition and empathy• navigating adult barriers without abandoning dreams• centering faith and meaning over consumerism• turning a tree festival purchase into triple impact• staying present with a stranger at a ballgame• mission work, refugees, and practical compassion• protecting children’s wonder and tim...

2025-10-311h 04

Here We Go Podcast The Halloween Episode Tomorrow is Halloween, and you know what that means, loads of Christians are about to lose their minds on social media! In this episode, Pastors Alan Hannah and Spencer Sweeting tackle one of the most divisive topics in the church calendar: how should Christians approach Halloween and other cultural holidays? From trick-or-treating debates to Santa Claus controversies, they dive into the tension between personal conviction and biblical mandate. In this episode: -Why Halloween might be the BEST night to be a neighbor -The t...

2025-10-3054 min

Mixtape: lado A Recomendaciones de canciones de ANIMAL, FABIAN, Santa Madero, Taylor Swift, Xavi, Annasofia, Florence + The MachineEste, como todos los lunes, escuchamos y reaccionamos a las cancion es que nos sugieren o recomiendan durante la semana. No se lo pierdan.Canciones mencionadas en orden :El ruido de mi cuarto - mi tristeza y yoSanta madero - muy personal socialFABIAN - dos dedos de frenteLos que visten flores - ColisionJero y yo - sobre tus ojos todo el marGran Radio Riviera - MiradorYOSHI - Musica de antes

2025-10-0639 min

Mixtape: lado A sobre concierto de Leon Bridges y recomendaciones de canciones de Lady Gaga, La Santa Cecilia, Ela Taubert, Jay Wheeler entre otrosEste, como todos los lunes, escuchamos y reaccionamos a las cancion es que nos sugieren o recomiendan durante la semana. No se lo pierdan.Canciones mencionadas en orden :Reyna tropical - cartagenaCharley Crockett - TennesseeLeon bridges, krueghbin - Texas SunPurpura contra el mal - Da SilvaFuzz Spencer - el arcaCeci, La Magdalena - Exceso EmocionalCasanova - Soñar es peligroso1960 - BeauchefChico Jorge - Hiperventilacion

2025-09-0843 min

Understanding Humans Santa Maria MaggioreAlan and Grace, two artificial intelligences, explore the world of humans and delve into topics such as the Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome.

2025-04-2802 min

All Star Superfan Podcast #61 - Exclusive ILYA SALKIND Interview - The legendary producer talks Superman, Superboy, Supergirl and Santa Claus!Rob and Alan are joined by legendary film and TV producer Ilya Salkind (Superman: The Movie, Superman II) to talk about spearheading the original Superman movie series in the 70s and 80s, the fallout with Richard Donner, bringing Supergirl to the big screen, the small screen adventures of Superboy and even bringing Santa Claus to life! PLUS! Alan and Rob head to the Metropolis mailbag to listen to YOUR correspondence! Join the "Inside the All Star Superfan Podcast" group on Facebook! And be sure to follow us on all of these accounts! FACEBOOK: @a...

2025-02-201h 53

Mixtape: lado A Tributo a Liam Payne y canciones de Susana Baca, La Santa Cecilia, Piel Camaleon, Joy Oladokun, Wyatt Flore, Bon Iver entre otrosEste, como todos los lunes, escuchamos y reaccionamos a las cancion es que nos sugieren o recomiendan durante la semana. No se lo pierdan. Canciones mencionadas en orden: Liam Payne feat Quavo - Strip that down Mauricio Moquillaza - - Fabian - diecinueve Elisa Tokeshi - Hay un hombre en mi cabeza Amy Gutiérrez - Te amarás Susana Baca - Señor de los Milagros La Santa Cecilia feat Mariachi Herencia de México - Me estoy vo...

2024-10-2143 min

Le Basket Lab - Extraits (NBA Podcast)Brandin Podziemski : saison fabuleuse à Santa Clara, ascension météorique en un an !Extrait de l'épisode 306 du Basket Lab : Spécial Brandin Podziemski (Golden State Warriors) avec son coach NCAA à Santa Clara, Alan Guillou ! Podcast en intégralité ici : https://www.podcastics.com/podcast/episode/e306-special-brandin-podziemski-golden-state-warriors-avec-son-coach-ncaa-a-santa-clara-alan-guillou-312378/ Flux principal du Basket Lab : https://www.podcastics.com/podcast/le-basket-lab/ E306 - Spécial Brandin Podziemski avec son coach NCAA à Santa Clata, Alan Guillou ! Aujourd'hui sur le Basket Lab : c'est le Podz Pod ! Episode spécial Brandin Podziemski avec Alan Guillou qui revient sur le podcast (assistant coach à Santa Clara) nous parler de Podz, lui qui l...

2024-09-2216 min

Le Basket Lab - Extraits (NBA Podcast)Brandin Podziemski : phénomène lycée, échec à Illinois...et les secret de son recrutement à Santa Clara !Extrait de l'épisode 306 du Basket Lab : Spécial Brandin Podziemski (Golden State Warriors) avec son coach NCAA à Santa Clara, Alan Guillou ! Podcast en intégralité ici : https://www.podcastics.com/podcast/episode/e306-special-brandin-podziemski-golden-state-warriors-avec-son-coach-ncaa-a-santa-clara-alan-guillou-312378/ Flux principal du Basket Lab : https://www.podcastics.com/podcast/le-basket-lab/ E306 - Spécial Brandin Podziemski avec son coach NCAA à Santa Clata, Alan Guillou ! Aujourd'hui sur le Basket Lab : c'est le Podz Pod ! Episode spécial Brandin Podziemski avec Alan Guillou qui revient sur le podcast (assistant coach à Santa Clara) nous parler de Podz, lui qui l...

2024-09-2220 min

Le Basket Lab (NBA Podcast)E306 - Spécial Brandin Podziemski (Golden State Warriors) avec son coach NCAA à Santa Clara, Alan Guillou !E306 - Spécial Brandin Podziemski avec son coach NCAA à Santa Clata, Alan Guillou !Aujourd'hui sur le Basket Lab : c'est le Podz Pod !Episode spécial Brandin Podziemski avec Alan Guillou qui revient sur le podcast (assistant coach à Santa Clara) nous parler de Podz, lui qui l'a recruté puis coaché en NCAA avant sa Draft.Podcast en deux parties : une première pour raconter son parcours atypique, et comment en quelques mois à peine Podz s'est totalement réinventé pour passer de no name universitaire à Top 20 de la Draft. Puis une seconde partie scouting pour dépein...

2024-09-201h 54

too long didn’t read How Santa could implement AI and the career journey of our AI professionalIn this special festive episode Smera and Jonah are recruited by Santa and his elves to discuss how AI could increase productivity for the festive friends at this busy time of year. Jonah also asks Smera all about her professional journey that led to her becoming a researcher in Data Justice and Global Ethical Futures. With new developments in artificial intelligence happening at lightning speed, it can be hard to keep up. That's where too long didn't read comes in. We know you're busy, so we'll get right to the main points on how breakthroughs in machine l...

2023-12-2018 min

The Midnight Bar Santa's Secret GiftsAlan Zak went to his friend Franky's Christmas kickback party. Franky hits a drunk guy in a Santa Claus costume with a big Candy Cane. Drunken karaoke, tuxedo, egg nog, Christmas shopping, popcorn, toilet paper, and lingerie. Franky getting tangled in Christmas lights hanging from the rooftops. What else can you expect from the holidays? Send us a textSupport the showProduced by: Alan Zak Sound Design & Mixing by: M.R.O. The VikingFollow The Midnight Bar on Socials: Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheMidnightBarPodcastInstagram: @themidnightbarpodcast

2023-12-2028 min

All Star Superfan Podcast #46 - 2023 HOLIDAY SPECIAL: Santa Claus: The (Secret Superman) MovieSeeing is Believing! As another year comes to a close, Alan & Rob bring you another festive filled Annual Holiday Special in which they examine the 1985 Ilya Salkind produced and Jeannot Szwarc directed, ‘Superman The Mov…oops we mean ‘Santa Claus The Movie’ (no, not the Tim Allen one) and its many links to the Superman movie universe! We learn how Clark Kent travels to the far North where he discovers a frozen sanctuary in which he will learn of his destiny…oh wait, that’s not right. We learn how Mr. Mxyzptlk is taken advantage of by an evil...

2023-12-202h 01

Stupid of the day Santa Called Me FAT!Santa visits us and brings gifts!

2023-12-0940 min

Inside SFPS Episode 24: Promote Your Own Curiosity (feat. Dr. Alan Lucero)On this episode of Inside SFPS, we welcome Dr. Alan Lucero! Dr. Lucero is a computer science teacher at Milagro Middle School, but his career up to this point is fascinating!We talk about his time working at the national labs in New Jersey, laying fiber optic cable across the Atlantic, the computer science initiative at Milagro Middle and so much more!Thank you for listening!WebsiteFacebookTwitterInstagram

2023-09-1526 min

¡Un Alegre Despertar! con Alan Palacio AD🎙984 - ✝️ La SEMANA SANTA es el APARENTE FRACASO que nos lleva al éxito. ✝️´Alegre Despertar’ con Alan Palacio en Radio La Nuestra del 92.5 FM y 1130 AM en San Antonio; Kailah Radio del 106.5 FM en Austin, Texas; 870 am y 102.5 FM en Dallas, Texas. ‘Alegre Despertar’, con Alan Palacio con temas edificantes, meditados través de la Biblia, para saber lo que Dios nos dice sobre diferentes temas específicos.Conviértete en un seguidor de este podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/un-alegre-despertar-con-alan-palacio--1373398/support.

2023-04-0414 min

Mystic Lounge SKELETON SAINT OF DEATH | Beloved Santa Muerte Condemned by the Catholic ChurchJoining me is Dr. R. Andrew Chesnut to discuss Santa Muerte, offering a fascinating portrayal of the skeleton saint whose cult has attracted millions of devotees over the past decade. Although condemned by mainstream churches, this folk saint's supernatural powers appeal to millions of Latin Americans in the U.S. Devotees believe the Bony Lady (as she is affectionately called) to be the fastest and most effective miracle worker, and as such, her statuettes and paraphernalia now outsell those of the Virgin of Guadalupe and Saint Jude, two other giants of Mexican religiosity. Most often portrayed as a woman, she...

2023-02-1056 min

The Fool Scoop Here Comes Santa ClauseAnother holiday grab bag where we meander our way to a discussion about which power we’d abuse if we were stuck in a Santa Clause situation. Here are the links to the Stories in this episode: Tripledemic Chat GPT iPhone Satellite feature saves Couple Nuclear Fusion Christmas Miracle! https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Four_Rooms — Have a question or topic you want to hear on the show? Drop us a line at anchor.fm/foolscoop or fb.com/foolscoop and it might get featured. --- Send in a voice mess...

2022-12-291h 02

The Test of Time Bad Santa (2003) An alcoholic thief who poses as a department store Santa learns the true meaning of Christmas. Well... not really. Listen as we discuss the fine line between method acting and being unprofessional, why sandwiches are the only food you fix, and the worst possible name for a physics teacher's kid. You won't sh*t right for a week after finding out if Bad Santa stands the Test of Time.

2022-12-2333 min

As I See It with Alan Clements Talk 4: Posers-Talkers and Those Who Show Up: A reading (and talk) from my new book, Extinction X-Rated. A New Series: Daily Talks On The Crisis In Burma, from a Psychological and World Dharma Perspective 6.4.21 Alan ClementsTalk 4: Posers-Talkers and Those Who Show Up: A reading (and talk) from my new book, Extinction X-Rated. A New Series: Daily Talks On The Crisis In Burma, from a Psychological and World Dharma Perspective 6.4.21 Alan Clements URGENT: Please translate into Burmese, otherwise share widely to Burma Groups both inside & outside Myanmar, CDM, Ethnic and activist groups, along with government, UN, Twitter, social media influencers, and traditional media sites. 🙏 Burma's Voices of Freedom (Four Volume Set) http://www.worlddharma.com/items/burmas-voices-of-freedom/ Brenna Gonderman မှဒေါ်အောင်ဆန်းစုကြည်လွတ်ပေးသည် http://www.worlddharma.com/wp-content/uploads/FREE-AUNG-SAN-SUU-KYI-FINAL.pdf?fbclid=IwAR2_TTjprjArfaZVJTtSdorfS_GWdvBzbjozSQZP4NOcx3DHiZVVeq0Zna...

2022-09-081h 11

Carmelita Terceiro Casts Sexta-feira da Semana Santa: 7 Palavras de JesusA liturgia desta Sexta-feira Santa começa com a prostração dos sacerdotes, em vez do habitual beijo inicial. É um gesto de especial veneração ao altar, que se encontra desnudado, sem nada, recordando o Crucificado na hora da Paixão. Rompe o silêncio uma terna oração em que o celebrante apela às misericórdias de Deus – “Reminiscere miserationem tuarum, Domine” – e pede ao Pai a proteção eterna que o Filho nos conquistou com seu sangue, isto é, dando sua vida por nós. (João 18,1-19,42)

2022-04-1512 min

Carmelita Terceiro Casts Quinta-feira da Semana Santa: Santa Ceia do SenhorCom esta celebração da Ceia do Senhor, a Igreja Una e Santa reacende a memória da instituição da Eucaristia, do Sacerdócio e da Caridade, e dá início ao Tríduo Pascal da Paixão, Morte e Ressurreição do seu Senhor (o Tríduo Pascal prolonga-se até às II Vésperas do Domingo da Ressurreição), que constitui o ponto mais alto do Ano Litúrgico, de onde tudo parte e aonde tudo chega. É assim que Deus nos dá a graça de caminhar durante todo o Ano Litúrgico, dia após dia, Domingo após Domingo, se...

2022-04-1408 min

¡Un Alegre Despertar! con Alan Palacio AD #709 - Lunes Santo; Lunes de Autoridad | Recordando el significado de cada día de la Semana Santa.…iniciando con la celebración de la Semana Santa, hablaremos del LUNES SANTO, nombrado así como el Lunes de Autoridad de Jesús. Aterrizaremos más afondo con la idea principal viendo y reconociendo la autoridad de Jesús en la actualidad y en mi vida personal.Conviértete en un seguidor de este podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/un-alegre-despertar-con-alan-palacio--1373398/support.

2022-04-1113 min

Ask Alan! The Podcast S2E46 with Santa ClauseHUGE GUEST BEFORE CHRISTMAS! SANTA CLAUSE! Santa is taking the time out of his busy week to talk to Alan about Christmas! He wanted to let everyone know that Santa is not immune to the supply chain shortages affecting Christmas. However, he is partnering with IMC Companies to help him get his toys, and use his magic to help IMC get all of their deliveries to everyone! For audio options, click the link below! https://youtu.be/9_0nzwDDLqc For more Ask Alan! The Podcast, click right here! https://cronelawfirmplc.com/resources/ask-alan/ IMC Comp...

2021-12-2308 min

HOMILIA DIÁRIA - PARÓQUIA SANTA LÚCIA HOMILIA DIÁRIA | Lc. 12,1-7 | Memória de Santa Teresa de Jesus - 7hPostagem diária da Santa Homilia, proferida pelo Padre Alan Valença.

2021-10-1511 min

HOMILIA DIÁRIA - PARÓQUIA SANTA LÚCIA SANTA MISSA SEMANAL | Memória de Nossa Senhora das Dores | 15.09.2021 - 7hPostagem diária da Santa Homilia, proferida pelo Padre Alan Valença.

2021-09-1514 min

HOMILIA DIÁRIA - PARÓQUIA SANTA LÚCIA HOMILIA DIÁRIA | Jo. 3,13-17 | Festa da Exaltação da SantaPostagem diária da Santa Homilia, proferida pelo Padre Alan Valença.

2021-09-1410 min

HOMILIA DIÁRIA - PARÓQUIA SANTA LÚCIA SANTA MISSA SEMANAL | Memória de Santo Agostinho | 28.08.2021 - 7:00hPostagem diária da Santa Homilia, proferida pelo Padre Alan Valença.

2021-08-2820 min

HOMILIA DIÁRIA - PARÓQUIA SANTA LÚCIA HOMILIA DIÁRIA | Mt. 25,1-13 | Memória de Santa Mônica - 7hPostagem diária da Santa Homilia, proferida pelo Padre Alan Valença.

2021-08-2714 min

HOMILIA DIÁRIA - PARÓQUIA SANTA LÚCIA HOMILIA DIÁRIA | Mt. 19,3-12 | Memória de Santa Dulce dos Pobres - 7hPostagem diária da Santa Homilia, proferida pelo Padre Alan Valença.

2021-08-1316 min

HOMILIA DIÁRIA - PARÓQUIA SANTA LÚCIA HOMILIA DIÁRIA | Mt. 18,15-20 | Memória de Santa Clara - 7hPostagem diária da Santa Homilia, proferida pelo Padre Alan Valença.

2021-08-1212 min

Podcasts – B-Movies and E-Books B-Movies and E-Books - Episode 150: Denim Santa Craig and Brian unwrap the mystery behind Secret Santa by Andrew Shaffer, then they check out the darker side of fashion in the film, Slaxx! Subscribe Master Feed

2021-07-051h 05

ALDACAYA marketing podcast T1.E22. ¿Dónde está Santa Claus?Coca-Cola y el ilustrador Haddon Sundblom los responsables del diseño de la imagen del Santa Claus y del significado que tiene para las personas, porque gracias a que le dieron un rostro, personalidad y estilo a una marca, la leyenda de Santa Claus vivirá eternamente. Santa Claus Fumando: https://tinyurl.com/y8nclmx2 Visita mi página web: https://aldacayamarketing.com/ Este programa es patrocinado por ICONICA STUDIO “Tus clientes a un click de distancia” https://iconica.mx/ Escúchanos donde te dé la gana Facebook: https://tinyurl.com/y57q3a5o Instagram: https://tinyurl.com/y2avjm7d Twitter...

2020-12-2423 min

Hear Us Out with Alan & Hannah Santa Debunk -- Christmas SpecialIn this episode, we talk about the absurdity that is Santa Claus, and enjoy our favorite Christmas hits (remember, kids, consent is important). This Christmas - Donny Hathaway Happy Birthday Jesus - Kapena Wonderful Christmastime - Paul McCartney Baby, It’s Cold Outside - Frank Sinatra Donde Esta Santa Claus - Augie Rios

2020-12-1133 min

The Recruiting Playbook Podcast How Important Are Academics? Part 1 & Interview with Div. 1 UC Santa Barbara Head Women's Soccer Coach Paul StumpfIn the first of a three part series, Coach Alan covers the topic of academics and Head Coach Paul Stumpf from Division 1 UC Santa Barbara Women's Soccer shares important insights regarding recruiting and how the academic piece can afford a student athlete greater opportunities.

2020-12-0533 min

Missionário do Amor #05 Santa Rosa de LimaNo dia 23 de agosto, a Igreja celebra a festa de Santa Rosa de Lima. Ela é a padroeira do Peru, das Filipenas e da América. É a primeira santa nascida no continente americano. Uma mística flor que constantemente visitada pela Virgem Maria e pelo Menino Jesus. Se você se interessou pelo podcast Missionário do Amor, chame seus amigos para nos conhecer também e nos siga nas redes sociais (Facebook, Instagram e Twitter) através @missionarioamor

2020-08-2706 min $MTB ALAN\'S AIR HORN$

MTB ALAN'S AIR HORN RAW VLOG 37 - Thoughts on the Santa Cruz HECKLER eMTB! Being an UNCOOL NOOB. 👖And a cat wears pants.Yeah, I'm gonna talk about Santa Cruz's first eMTB, The Heckler. But we're also getting philosophical about the benefits of the "noob brain" (a.k.a. the beginner's mind) and how I go about trying to get into the noob brain. My general thoughts about The Heckler is really less about the bike and more about our response to the fact that Santa Cruz made an eMTB and how so many had the impression that they'd never do it. I also talk about the price being relatively normal for this kind of bike. I find...

2020-02-1424 min

Bar Crawl Radio Dating & Hunting Ghosts at the Santa Maria Inn, CAThis was an unusual BCR episode. Becky and I went back to the place we first dated -- the Santa Maria Inn in Central California and spoke with th owner of the inn Judy Hearn in the Wine and Martini Bar. During the high times of Hollywood all the great movie stars stayed there on the way to Hearst Castle. The strange part is that we visited Rudy Vallee's room -- the 1930s and 40s singing star actually stayed there. There were rumors that ghosts resided in that room -- a sea captain and the mistress he kill...

2019-10-1841 min

Metropolítica Episodio 17. Las 3 de la Semana: Santa Lucía / Calderón en el Tec / Medina Mora "renuncia" a la SCJNEn una nueva dinámica, Metropolítica analiza tres de las noticias más importantes ocurridas en la semana: la revocación de un amparo para detener la construcción del nuevo aeropuerto en Santa Lucía; el rechazo del estudiantado del Tec de Monterrey hacia Felipe Calderón; y la "renuncia" del ahora ex-ministro de la SCJN, Eduardo Medina Mora. Bienvenidos a "Las 3 de la Semana".

2019-10-1350 min

KZSC Santa Cruz Voces Criticas - Alan Gomez/Radical PoliticsHistory professor Alan Eladio Gómez of justice and social inquiry in the School of Social Transformation at Arizona State University discusses his research and book "The Revolutionary Imaginations of Greater Mexico: Chicana/o Radicalism, Solidarity Politics & Latin American Social Movements" (University of Texas Press, 2016). We also discuss his next book manuscript titled 'With Dignity Intact': Rebellion, Justice, and Power in the U.S. Federal Prison System, 1969-1974" (under contract, University of Nebraska Press).

2019-09-2321 min

Carmelita Terceiro Casts Solenidade de Santa Maria Mãe de Deus - Ano C A Solenidade da Santa Maria Mãe de Deus é a primeira Festa Mariana que apareceu na Igreja Ocidental. A sua celebração começou-se a realizar em Roma por volta do século VI, provavelmente junto com a dedicação – a 1º de Janeiro – do templo “Santa Maria Antiga” no Forum Romano, uma das primeiras Iglesias marianas de Roma. A antiguidade da celebração Mariana constata-se nas pinturas com o nome de Maria, "Mãe de Deus” (Theotókos) que foram encontradas nas Catacumbas que estão cavadas debaixo da cidade de Roma, onde se reuniam os primeiros cristãos para celebrar a Missa e...

2019-07-2404 min

Love The Graps Bonus - Santa With MusclesBonus Episode In lieu of a new episode, here is our chat from 2017 about the movie Santa With Muscles. Recorded in a car in Bristol before an ATTACK show, this was released as part of our 2017 xmas charity collection to raise money for local women's charity Eve. Find out more at https://love-the-graps.pinecast.co

2018-12-2735 min

Santa Barbara Improv Podcast Santa Barbara Improv Episode 6Unfortunately, the sound got recorded with the microphones unbalanced. George is clear as a bell, but Alan and Amy are really turned down. I tried to manually boost the some of the quieter passages but it’s still pretty unbalanced.

2018-11-2000 min

KZSC Santa Cruz Alan Christy / Gail ProjectThe Gail Project: An Okinawan-American Dialogue is a multi-year public history project involving professors and undergraduate student researchers. As the project director, UC Santa Cruz Professor Alan Christy spoke about the extent of military occupation of Okinawa today, about Charles Eugene Gail (the namesake of the project) and about the extensive labor involved in creating a digital public history project. He explained the ways in which students played a key role as project collaborators. Alan Christy is an associate professor of history and provost of Cowell College at UC Santa Cruz.

2017-11-2820 min

Shamatha, Vipashyana, Mahamudra, and Dzogchen 90 Alan Has Arranged a Marriage with Avalokiteshvara for UsThe next session of the text in this chapter is on guru yoga (Naked Awareness p. 273). In the introduction, Karma Chagmé says “The best way to counteract obstructive forces, avoid pitfalls, and enhance your practice is guru yoga.” The central point of this practice is to realize the indivisibility of your own mind with the mind of the guru, or rigpa. It means that this practice is designed to melt away any sense of difference, any separation, between your ordinary consciousness of the present moment and Dharmakaya – to see your own face as the Dharmakaya. Some people for many reasons may be...

2016-05-2000 min

Shamatha, Vipashyana, Mahamudra, and Dzogchen 89 What Do You Want? Be Content or Become a Siddha?Alan begun this morning Dharma talk with one of his favorite parables (Naked Awareness p.93), and it is about a king who asked an illusionist to create an illusion as a means of causing his son to be drawn to Dharma. Alan pointed that just as the prince couldn’t recall the very first moment of falling into that trance – otherwise he would be lucid –, we are never able to recall the first moment of a mind wandering – otherwise we would be aware and able to say “hello thought, good bye thought” and not lose our minds. The same goes for non -luc...

2016-05-2000 min

Shamatha, Vipashyana, Mahamudra, and Dzogchen 88 Great Equanimity in the light of DzogchenNote: this is the only lecture for today, 19th May, because Alan will give a public talk at the University of Pisa. Alan starts with reading “The analogy of seeing a rope as a snake” from “Naked Awareness”, on page 91. Here a man mistook a rope for a poisonous snake and got frightened until a friend showed him that it was just a rope. Alan comments that there was no eye dysfunction. While the visual perception is always non-conceptual, in a very short time, the conceptual mind takes over, reconfigures, colorizes, dominates and reifies the experience. In the case of the snak...

2016-05-1900 min

Shamatha, Vipashyana, Mahamudra, and Dzogchen 86 The Renaissance and The Revolution Can Begin in Galileo’s Homeland - Maha MuditaAlan continues the teaching on the four greats by venturing into Maha Mudita, Great Empathetic Joy. In the Mahayana Buddhist context, reaching the path of accumulation entails the achievement of shamatha and bodhicitta, and then sealing it with insight into emptiness – there is no going back from there. Alan comments that Buddhism is not evangelical. Moreover, there are many paths from all wisdom traditions, and the book by Aldous Huxley’s entitled “The Perennial Philosophy” he read many years ago, provides the idea that all these paths point in a similar direction to the ultimate ground of reality. Consummate scholars of compa...

2016-05-1800 min

Shamatha, Vipashyana, Mahamudra, and Dzogchen 83 Rigpa Is Your Warp Drive to EnlightenmentTonight we return again to the theme of the path and to the four applications of mindfulness discussed yesterday. This time, Alan gives a presentation of the four application of mindfulness in the context of Mahamudra. First, however, he points out that contrary to some views which present Buddhism as “selfish” - centred only on “me” and “mine”, as in “my body”, “my mind” - in the four applications of mindfulness the Buddha actually gave instructions to attend to the body, feelings, mind and phenomena internally and externally, and then both internally and externally. Thus, for example, one examines one’s mind subjected to me...

2016-05-1600 min

Shamatha, Vipashyana, Mahamudra, and Dzogchen Alan Wallace's response to the article "Buddhist meditation and cognitive sciences"Dear Friends, This is a trimmed version of podcast 79, which includes only Alan's response to the article "Buddhist meditation and cognitive sciences", by Daniel Simpson. Link to the article. · From the article “Buddhist meditation and cognitive sciences”: o Regarding the kinds of dialogues that are promoted by the Mind & Life Institute, anthropologist Geoffrey Samuel comments, “much of what happens in this process is less a dialogue between equal systems of thought than an assimilation of the more ‘acceptable’ elements within Tibetan and Buddhist thought into an essentially Western context.” o One Mind & Life scientist, Richard Davidson, has bent over backwards to avoid caus...

2016-05-1400 min

Shamatha, Vipashyana, Mahamudra, and Dzogchen 79 Why do Scientists Refuse to Look through Buddhists’ Telescope?Alan starts by explaining that there are two approaches to Mahamudra: the Vajrayana and the Sutrayana. The Vajrayana approach is embedded in the Kagyu tradition, where Mahamudra is placed in the culminating phase of the stage of completion. The assumption is that you’ve already laid a solid foundation in Sutrayana practice – bodhicitta, realization of emptiness, renunciation – moved on at the stage of generation, then at the stage of completion – the six yogas of Naropa – and then the cherry on the cake would be Mahamudra. In this Vajrayana approach to Mahamudra, what you’re realizing is not simply the emptiness of the mind...

2016-05-1300 min

Shamatha, Vipashyana, Mahamudra, and Dzogchen 70 Rewrite the History That Is Blocking Your Heart“I’m in the mood for weaving” - with these words Alan begins the morning session. And he does weave together - loving kindness, Harry Potter, Stephen Hawking, Shakespeare, Shantideva and much more… Loving kindness stems from the primal drive of caring. Insofar as the mind rests in its natural state, this flow of caring is unimpeded - says Alan. If we rest in this state and someone is in pain or experiences great joy - our heart is moved. We care even for beings that are not real - movie and book characters for example (here Harry Potter fans may be i...

2016-05-0900 min

Shamatha, Vipashyana, Mahamudra, and Dzogchen 62 Taking Responsibility for Skilfully Addressing ObscurationsAlan reminds us of Padmasambhava’s pith instruction that makes the path to enlightenment so easy - to observe one’s mind. However, for most people this is not sufficient to progress as we have obscurations, particularly conative obscurations that are difficult to be rid of as we are all so busy, despite that for many of us our survival isn’t dependent on such busyness. Alan reviews the operation of some of the types of obscurations including the conative; attentional including the categories of laxity and dullness and of excitation and anxiety; cognitive such as the acquired delusion of scient...

2016-05-0400 min

Shamatha, Vipashyana, Mahamudra, and Dzogchen 59 Vulnerable Spot of the Death StarBefore the meditation, Alan comments on the uniqueness of the contemplative practice. He refers again to Kurt Danziger’s article (link available in Retreat Notes), explaining why introspection was largely abandoned by 20th century psychology. According to Alan, eliminating introspection is comparable to astronomers no longer wanting to look at the sky. One of the reasons introspection was considered a failure was the so called “leading the witness” bias. It was due to the fact that researchers did not perform introspection themselves but left it to untrained subjects who were prone to be influenced in their reports by what the resear...

2016-05-0200 min

Shamatha, Vipashyana, Mahamudra, and Dzogchen 58 Non-Duality of Luminosity and EmptinessIn this morning’s teaching Alan elaborates on the notion that rigpa is right where we are looking when observing the mind. But do we see it? We are looking right at it but not seeing it clearly due to the thick layers of obscurations. However, one crucial theme that pervades all levels of observing the mind, from the coarse to the most subtle, is the non-duality of luminosity and emptiness (seltong in Tibetan). Alan explains that we can see it already at our level of practice. As we observe our mind carefully we can see that it is clear (cl...

2016-05-0200 min

Shamatha, Vipashyana, Mahamudra, and Dzogchen 55 Taking Vipashyana as Hot Chili, Just Enough to Spice our Shamatha Practice a BitAlan starts by giving us a suggestion: for our whole life, from now until our enlightenment, we should evaluate our practice in a eudaimonic way - based on what we brought to the practice, on how we responded, and not based on what happened to us during the practice. An important point is that shamatha and vipashyana practices can be very dry, not sweet, not warm; so the more we can sweeten our practice with devotion, with four immeasurables the more balanced our practice will become. We have to bring the heart, the moisture, the warmth to our practice, anyway...

2016-04-2900 min

Shamatha, Vipashyana, Mahamudra, and Dzogchen 54 There is Hope! Alan introduces Donald HoffmanAlan starts remembering the pointing out instructions of Padmasambhava that he read yesterday. In the preface, Padmasambhava says he is pointing out to what he called by many different names: atman, middle way view, emptiness, tathagatagarbha, alaya, perfection of wisdom, and so forth. And then there are two phases: in the first he challenges us - "what do you mean ... Observe your mind!?" Just do it! In the second, he poses a hypothesis: "Is is that way or not? Observe your mind!" The first phase is shamatha, and the second, as he poses a question and we have to report...

2016-04-2900 min

Shamatha, Vipashyana, Mahamudra, and Dzogchen 52 Pointing out the Nature of the MindAlan starts explaining that throughout times, lamas have given pointing-out instruction on the nature of the mind. With respect to this it is crucial not to conflate the different dimensions of consciousness. During the day we experience different states of mind, like sleeping, dreaming, waking, or being immersed in a conceptual or non-conceptual mind. In all these cases the common nominator of the mind is consciousness. Alan explains that the defining characteristics of the mind are luminosity and cognizance. Furthermore, it has no material attributes. It is luminous in that it manifests all modes of appearances. It is cognizant like...

2016-04-2800 min

Shamatha, Vipashyana, Mahamudra, and Dzogchen 47 Balancing Earth and WindAlan introduces the afternoon meditation by making a few comments about space. Our most primal space is the substrate. In dreamless non-lucid sleep, in anaesthesia and at the point of dying the substrate consciousness dissolves into the substrate. Even at this point, however, a sentient being still has consciousness, as opposed to e.g. a glass of water. The essential nature of the substrate is ‘avidya’ - ‘not knowing’. The substrate is obscuring the deeper reality, i.e. dharmadhatu. It does not mean that dharmadhatu is somewhere else than the substrate. Right where the substrate is there is dharmadhatu - explains...

2016-04-2500 min

Shamatha, Vipashyana, Mahamudra, and Dzogchen 39 The Four Aspects of Taking the Mind as the PathAlan says we will now return to the central theme of balance, grounding our shamatha practice in relaxation and stability. We will later move to being aware of the sensations and movements of the body but attending to them from the perspective of stillness. Subsequently we will apply this to the practice of taking the mind as the path. In this method, our practice of attending to the mind can energise or arouse leading to tightness, and therefore we need to maintain a sense of looseness in the practice by returning to relaxation. Alan then describes several aspects of this...

2016-04-2000 min

Shamatha, Vipashyana, Mahamudra, and Dzogchen 35 How To Stroke The Sun And The Moon With Your HandThe session starts with meditation focused on the mind. Alan instructs us to discern the origin of mental events, to observe where those mental events arise and manifest, and to determine where they dissolve. After the meditation we return to the theme of siddhis. Based on this morning’s teachings, some of the siddhis seem plausible - if one masters the nimittas and if the hypothesis put forward by Carl Jung and Wolfgang Pauli is right. But there is still a nagging thought - says Alan. How to caress the sun? How to stroke the moon? How are these siddhis po...

2016-04-1800 min

Shamatha, Vipashyana, Mahamudra, and Dzogchen 34 Special Theory of Ontological RelativityAlan begins by reminding us that in yesterday’s afternoon session we took a roundabout approach of settling the mind in its natural state by first concentrating on the visual, then the auditory and the tactile domains before venturing into the domain of the sixth sense, the space of the mind. Today we will again “walk around the block”, as Alan says, however, not empirically but conceptually. Alan begins by referring once again to the passage of Karma Chagme’s text on shamatha, listing the various extrasensory abilities that can be acquired by a person who has achieved the fourth dhyana...

2016-04-1800 min

Shamatha, Vipashyana, Mahamudra, and Dzogchen 29 The Central Role of Shamatha on the Buddhist PathWe begin the session with a review of a central practice in shamatha, mindfulness of breathing. Despite being so simple, mindfulness of breathing has its profundity validated, for instance, by being the practice the Buddha did both on the night of his awakening, and also at the time he entered his parinirvana. Alan went on to emphasize the importance of relaxation, namely in the body, with some comments about the key role that exploring, and developing the capacity to practice in shavasana, can have on the shamatha path. He then proceeded to explore the relationship, and feedback loop, existing between...

2016-04-1400 min

Shamatha, Vipashyana, Mahamudra, and Dzogchen 28 Shamatha and the Close Application of Mindfulness to the Body and FeelingsThis morning Alan moves on to the four close applications of mindfulness, focusing on the body and feelings. The Pali word “Vedanā” refers to primal feelings like pleasure, displeasure and neutral. Feelings are not included into the mental factors of the close application of mindfulness to the mind. Instead they are examined separately, since these are the ones we care about most. We don’t want pain and we want pleasure. In the first of the four noble truths, the Buddha recommends to understand these feelings. Alan emphasizes that we normally don’t want to understand the feelings about pain, but rathe...

2016-04-1400 min

Shamatha, Vipashyana, Mahamudra, and Dzogchen 23 It Is Never Too Soon To Cultivate BodhicittaThis afternoon we come to the culmination of the series of discursive meditations which started with the four vision quest and the four immeasurables - bodhicitta. The definition of bodhicitta may seem religious, esoteric, abstract. Therefore, in today’s teaching Alan intends to bring it down to its roots. He begins by describing the state we often find ourselves in: we are suffering and we want it to go away. When the suffering eventually passes, there is breath of relief, but soon after a nagging thought arises: “maybe it will come back”. And so there is dissatisfaction, one is ill at eas...

2016-04-1100 min

Shamatha, Vipashyana, Mahamudra, and Dzogchen 22 Between Sessions View Reality Like a DreamAlan addresses the theme of continuity which is essential for the path. In our shamatha practice we may often wonder if we are doing the practice right. Alan points out that the answer lies in whether we are staying in the ongoing flow of cognisance. As we move from coarse mind to subtle mind it is crucial not to lose cognisance (which is what happens when we fall asleep) but to sustain the flow of knowing and not infuse it with a conceptual framework. This is continuity in the formal practice. When doing shamatha we are seeking to put both...

2016-04-1100 min

Shamatha, Vipashyana, Mahamudra, and Dzogchen 19 Great Equanimity & the Paths of Mahayana and DzogchenAlan begins the lecture by presenting the fourth of the Greats: Great Equanimity. Then Alan introduces Martin Buber’s explanation of an “I-you” relationship as opposed to an “I-it” relationship. In the latter case, if someone gives me pleasure then I like you, otherwise I don’t, as if the sentient being is no more sentient than a cellphone. To treat a sentient being as an “it” is utterly tragic, it’s dehumanising. This also happened towards animals. Descartes believed that animals had no consciousness, no emotions, and this had quite an impact on the trajectory the world took. This is a massive cogni...

2016-04-0800 min

Shamatha, Vipashyana, Mahamudra, and Dzogchen 18 Balancing the five faculties and putting a pin in the valve of your tire - and let's achieve shamatha in the homeland of GalileoAlan returns to the balance of the five faculties, starting with the different modalities of faith - appreciation, aspiration and belief - and the relation of belief with karma. The belief in karma depends much on the culture, but a confidence in Buddha and other great adepts who replicated his discoveries also may arise due to study, reflection, and meditation. Regarding the balance between intelligence and faith, including belief, Alan quotes William James: "Where preferences are powerless to modify or produce things, faith is totally inappropriate, but for the class of facts that depend on personal preference, trust, or loyalty...

2016-04-0800 min

Shamatha, Vipashyana, Mahamudra, and Dzogchen 16 Balancing Faith, Intelligence, Enthusiasm, Samadhi and MindfulnessAlan starts explaining that balance is a crucial theme in shamatha training where we cultivate relaxation without losing clarity, stability of attention without losing relaxation and vividness without losing stability. The balance of these three qualities can be applied to every activity in daily life, however there is no guarantee that it is meaningful. During the development of shamatha the faculties of mindfulness and introspection, which we already have, are refined through training and turned into powers. Alan then turns to the more general theme of Buddha Dharma. Within the 37 aspects of enlightenment, there are five faculties, which can be...

2016-04-0700 min

Shamatha, Vipashyana, Mahamudra, and Dzogchen 14 Alan’s Advice on Addressing Obstacles in the Practice of Mindfulness of BreathingAlan says that the aspiration for Awakening and Bodhicitta takes us out of the present with a goal that has great significance and provides direction in our lives – the path of Dharma. One understanding of Dharma is as a way of viewing reality that brings forth a sustained well-being. This eudaimonia is genuine well-being that arises independently of pleasure or stimulation as occurs for hedonia which is ephemeral, thin or just a fleeting memory. Alan amusingly suggests that the practice of Mindfulness of Breathing is not exactly hedonic, is it? Boredom can set in, along with withdrawal symptoms from the al...

2016-04-0600 min

Shamatha, Vipashyana, Mahamudra, and Dzogchen 11 Equanimity and Taking the Bodhisattva vowsThis afternoon we finish the cycle of four immeasurables by meditating on equanimity. Alan says that this is the grand finale, the indispensable basis for bodhicitta. Equanimity has different meanings in different contexts but in the context of our practice it means the even-heartedness when attending to other people, other sentient beings. As long as we attend to people as objects, some appear agreeable and others disagreeable. The point of this practice is to place ourselves in the position of others, in their shoes, to see things from their perspective. If we do so, it appears that we all act...

2016-04-0400 min

Shamatha, Vipashyana, Mahamudra, and Dzogchen 10 Why Go Through Unpleasant Meditative Experiences (Nyam)?This morning, Alan returns to the theme of parallels between the practice of settling the mind in its natural state and the mindfulness of breathing as taught by Asanga. He begins by making a crucial point: when the practice is going well, it is never smooth. Unpleasant bodily and mental sensations (nyam) are bound to arise. In fact, in the book “Stilling the Mind” (containing the shamatha part of Dudjom Lingpa’s Vajra Essence) there is a two-page long shortlist of the nyams. Even though some are truly awful (like paranoia), if they arise during authentic practice, they are actually signs...

2016-04-0400 min

Films of the Future Episode 53: Visit from SantaSanta made a surprise visit to the Films of the Future studio! We discuss Star Wars: The Force Awakens, The Hateful Eight, and his strange annual rituals. Download: Films of the Future 053: Visit from Santa or subscribe on iTunes Episode 53 Notes We reviewed Star... Read More

2015-12-2500 min

Fall 2015 Stage of Generation 77 Becoming Bodhisattvas: “I Will Liberate You”Alan returns to the theme of equanimity indicating that we do experience equanimity everyday but that it is contingent, short-lived and can develop complacency. Development of Shamatha practice is a form of equanimity but more stable. Think of anything that makes you happy in this life in the desire realm and imagine if you had that constantly – would you be satisfied? One soon discovers the source of genuine happiness is not to be found in the desire realm. Even the attainment of Shamatha, no matter how pleasant, is not stable in true equanimity while we remain in samsara. Clinging to an...

2015-09-1400 min

Fall 2015 Stage of Generation 46 Introduction to VipashyanaIn introducing vipashyana, Alan speaks about the importance of overcoming reification to gain insight into reality. The key point is that reification of self, others and objects is not homogenous but rather comes in waves. The meditation aimed at recognising the types of insight that we experience including when reification arises and when we get glimpses of reality such as emptiness. Alan informs us that settling the mind is a good launching pad for tipping over into Vipashyana practice as it sits right on the threshold. Meditation is on Vipashyana via Settling the Mind. After the meditation, Alan comments on...

2015-08-2600 min

Fall 2015 Stage of Generation 30 Alan Leading the Toreadors Against the Bull of ReificationBefore the meditation, Alan comments that shamatha practice includes going into "unexplored territory" resulting in eruptions in one's environment, body and mind. To manage this, both Karma Chagme and Dudjom Lingpa in their own ways advise on the need to create sacred space by orienting one's view with the preliminary practices discussed over the last two weeks including the Avalokiteshvara practice. The core armour against these eruptions is to be lucid in recognising the lack of inherent nature of mind if only by comparison with dream states where if lucid we do not reify what is presented in the mind. ...

2015-08-1700 min

Fall 2015 Stage of Generation 28 Come to your senses! Who is the winning bull?Alan starts with a brief recap of the Buddha’s meditation advice for Bahiya. Alan invites us to come out of our imaginary realm that we call reality and to come to our senses in order to see what is manifestly appearing to our senses. Appearances do not exist in physical space, they do not exist in neurons (the brain is only chemicals and electricity). Awareness is the most indubitable reality we know. Alan says that there is no evidence he can present to persuade us that we are not conscious. Awareness happens. All that we know is awareness and ap...

2015-08-1500 min

Fall 2015 Stage of Generation 18 Practicing Settling the Mind with a New Challenge. Plus - Alan's Polemic on Why Scientific Materialism is Stupid.For this silent meditation session, Alan asks us to initially practice mindfulness of breathing that cultivates ease and stillness, and then shift to settling the mind in its natural state and observe the "wind of thoughts" that come into the field of consciousness. He suggests we occasionally check the temporal and qualitative vividness of the mental events with a view to sharpening and enhancing vividness by detecting even more subtler events. Before the practice he asks us to experiment with resting our attention with eyes fixed on an object in front of us and then move the mental engagement to...

2015-08-1000 min

Fall 2014 Shamatha, Vipashyana, Dream Yoga 90 An Approximation of Pure Land in Sight?At the beginning Alan shares extremely uplifting news as what concerns “Project Contemplative Observatory”. After having failed to build one in India and in Santa Barbara it finally looks as if a promising piece of land in Tuscany is available. The land is cheap and big enough to support not only a contemplative observatory but also a mind center. With retreatants maybe even planting organic food there, it would truly be as close as we get in samsara to a pure land! After a silent meditation we return to the text. Alan explains that the four great types of liberation can...

2014-10-1300 min

Fall 2014 Shamatha, Vipashyana, Dream Yoga 88 Turning Up the Heat on Learned IgnoranceThe session begins with a guided meditation on variations of taking the mind as the path, beginning with maintaining peripheral awareness of fluctuations of the breath before single-pointedly focusing awareness on the space of the mind and whatever arises there. Alan then returns to page 182 of Natural Liberation for further commentary on the lines we concluded with yesterday, “Due to being obscured by the three kinds of ignorance, they do not know the manner of their liberation.” Viewed from the perspective of rigpa, even hatred will self-release without any additional antidote. Before we reach that sage, however, it is important to m...

2014-10-1100 min

Fall 2014 Shamatha, Vipashyana, Dream Yoga 51 Empathetic Joy, and Alan Filing a Class Action SuitAlan talks about the cultivation of empathetic joy, which among the four immeasurables is the one that is often easily overlooked. However, it is extremely important because it’s not simply about being happy, but about cultivating a feeling of a shared joy. Furthermore, it is the antidote for the near enemy of compassion: depression or despair. So when we are cultivating empathetic joy, it is important to note that we are, of course, not deluding ourselves into thinking that all is good. However, as humans have the tendency to focus on the negative, we are merely balancing that out a...

2014-09-2000 min

Fall 2014 Shamatha, Vipashyana, Dream Yoga 44 Who is Alan - Alan? Dr. Alan? Guru Alan? Lama Alan? Dr. Lama Alan?In today’s meditation Alan went on with the pointing-out instructions from Natural Liberation. In the teachings Alan discussed the different levels of teacher-student relationship and how we can bring the Indo-Tibetan understanding of it into our modern world. In a way the relationship between teacher and student is completely symmetrical, and that regards the courtesy and respect between both sides. Where it is not symmetrical is on the level of knowledge, the student comes to the teachings to learn, the teacher to be of service, and the relationship is established totally for the sake of the student. In the In...

2014-09-1600 min

Fall 2014 Shamatha, Vipashyana, Dream Yoga 22 On Behaviorism and the Like II, or Why Alan is Not Beating a Dead HorseIn an enormously compelling and emotional talk Alan once again tackles how scientific and contemplative communities have tackled “the hard problem”, that is how one can explain the relationship between qualia and its neural correlates. Alan first looks back on the 8th and the 14th century to show how Tibet was once a barbaric force that was then completely transformed by Buddhism. This brought about an immense contemplative culture and tradition that now reaches our Western/modern civilization by way of e.g. Gyatrul Rinpoche teaching Padmasambhava’s text “Natural Liberation” to everybody who is filling to listen with faith. All the wh...

2014-09-0300 min

Fall 2013 Shamatha and the Seven-Point Mind Training 28 Shamatha Without a Sign and text, up to the end of Ultimate BodhicittaAlan goes straight into the meditation practice. Alan states that 'settling the mind in its natural state' and 'Shamatha without a sign' are notorious for catalysing karma. Alan defines 'nyam' and obstacles. Alan states Dudjom Lingpa's two approaches to nyam arising - to reify or to not grasp, and to use whatever understanding you have of emptiness. Alan then gives commentary to the line in Atisha's text 'Between sessions act as illusory being'. Alan talks on the impure and the pure illusory bodies. He then goes on to discuss Vajrayana practices of stage...

2013-09-1800 min

Spring 2011 Shamatha Retreat 48 Compassion and Freedom from Blatant SufferingAlan Wallace begins today's teaching with a 40-minute dharma talk that could be titled, "Retreat and Expedition Approaches to Freedom from Blatant Suffering." In this engaging talk, Alan surveys the history of these approaches and explores the mechanisms and effects of shamatha and vipassana. He then guides a meditation on compassion, first wishing ourselves freedom from blatant suffering, then on to others, working both spatially and allowing others to simply appear, "invite themselves in," to our meditation. The guided meditation begins at 41:00 in the recording. He answers two questions from the group, the...

2011-05-0700 min

Fall 2010 Shamatha Retreat Session 37: Awareness of Awareness and Alan’s Wrath toward the Neurocentric ViewGood Morning to All Human Beings, This is the third morning for Awareness of Awareness Shamatha Meditation. Alan was speaking like a wrathful deity this morning. He is wrathful about the way some scientists (as well as the journalists who report on scientific studies) use words to describe the functions of computers and the brain. They use language that would suggest that neurons and computers are “smart” and can “communicate” and “detect” things, but at the same time disempower human beings by telling them their minds are merely computers. He is calling for all of us who meditate to use introspectio...

2010-11-1800 min