This conversation, "The Game of Zen," covers four key "self-evident truths" from Paul's "Zen Shift" newsletter and the essential practice of mindful living when navigating difficult, tumultuous times.

This thought-provoking episode of The Game of Zen centers on the "Zen Shift"—the profound change in perspective needed to counter the psychological danger of holding false or distorted views about life. The hosts meticulously examine deep-seated societal distortions, such as the overwhelming tendency to link self-worth exclusively to tireless hard work and the perilous trap of the "problem seeking mind" that remains hyper-vigilant and obsessively focused on non-existential threats. The remedy, as discussed by Sensei Paul, involves consciously moving past the pervasive cultural belief in the scarcity of resources (the Buddhist concept of dukkha or insufficiency) and the ultimate delusion that one is in absolute control of external events. Instead, a dedicated daily practice is required to "zoom in" on one's present quality of mind and body, ultimately allowing one to live a more secure, grounded, and genuinely happy life.

00:00Podcast Introduction The hosts, Scott and Sensei Paul, introduce the Game of Zen podcast, focusing on the interrelation of professional, personal, and spiritual growth through Zen and mindfulness.

01:21 Hosts' Check-in & News Scott checks in from Philadelphia, mentioning his upcoming trip to Abu Dhabi to work the Sixers' preseason games. Paul shares his experience starting a 90-day intensive period with his Zen community in Boulder.

02:00 Introduction to "Zen Shift" Scott introduces the main topic, Paul's latest newsletter, "Zen Shift," which addresses living in "dangerous times" and managing world division, angst, and violence with Zen tools.

03:22 Truth 1: Life is Hard Discussion on the first "self-evident truth": "Life is hard and we must earn our keep." They discuss cultural programming, the overemphasis on work to prove self-worth, and the challenge of balancing this with a more thriving, less individualistic life.

07:44 Truth 2: Anxiety is Necessary Discussion on the second truth: "A constant state of busyness and anxiety is not only natural but necessary." Paul explains the "problem-seeking mind," hypervigilance, and the need to reframe the idea of a "problem" by starting with what one wants to manifest instead of what needs to be solved.

12:56 The News and Hypervigilance Scott discusses his struggle with local news and the constant exposure to negative events. Paul shares his recent success with a "news diet," noting the immediate positive impact on his base level of anxiety and sleep.

15:47 Truth 3: Resources are Scarce Discussion on the third truth: "Time, money, and other resources are constantly in scarce supply." They relate this to the Buddhist concept of Dukka (insufficiency) and the "sense of not enoughness." Paul reframes currency as a "flow" and encourages entering into the current of what one does have.

26:17 Truth 4: Make It On Your Own Discussion on the fourth truth: "We must make it on our own. Relying on society is naive." They discuss the anxiety produced by the cultural emphasis on individualism and the healing power of recognizing our fundamental place in an interdependent web.

31:49 The Danger of Control Discussion of the...

Hosts Scott Berman and Sensei Paul explore a global paradigm shift from a materialist to an animist understanding of reality, emphasizing the primacy of consciousness. They examine the accelerating pace of change, particularly with technological advancements like AI, and advocate for an inner shift towards presence, non-control, and a mind of not knowing to navigate this rapid transformation. The conversation highlights the importance of human connection, compassion, and self-awareness as essential tools for flourishing in an ever-evolving world, recommending resources like Paul's "The Zen Shift" newsletter.

0:00 - 5:20 | Introduction and The Outer Shift

Hosts Scott Berman and Sensei Paul introduce the episode, focusing on the interconnectedness of professional, personal, and spiritual growth. Paul discusses the evolution of his newsletter from "Zen at Work Today" to "The Zen Shift," which reflects a broader global paradigm shift that is impossible to compartmentalize. This "outer shift" moves society from a materialist worldview, which struggles to explain consciousness, to a new animist paradigm where consciousness is understood as primary.

5:20 - 15:15 | The Acceleration of Change

The hosts explore the unprecedented acceleration of change in modern times. Scott highlights rapid technological advancements like AI and neuroplasticity. Paul quantifies this, noting a "20x acceleration factor" over millennia, which means shifts that once took generations now happen in years. They discuss the challenges this poses, as traditional worldviews cannot adapt quickly enough, leading to an "uncontrolled way" of change.

15:15 - 25:00 | The Inner Shift: Navigating Change

The conversation shifts to managing the destabilizing external changes through an "inner shift." Paul emphasizes using the "mind of meditation" to cultivate presence and an intimate relationship with one's being. This involves cultivating clarity (wisdom) and capacity (compassion) to stay grounded amid challenges, rather than being subject to the "whims of the world." The key is to be the "eye of the hurricane."

25:00 - 32:40 | Interconnectedness and Engaged Buddhism

The hosts discuss the transition from a view of isolated individuals to one of profound interconnectedness. Paul and Scott highlight that the new paradigm recognizes that all beings arise from the same fundamental element. This aligns with Thich Nhat Hanh's concept of "interbeing" and "engaged Buddhism," which emphasizes that simple acts of kindness affect everyone. They stress that compassion is essential to counteract the egoic nature of the old materialist paradigm.

32:40 - 38:00 | Personal Practices and Meaning-Making

Scott and Paul share their personal strategies for navigating these shifts. Scott’s practices include meditation, getting out in nature, and seeking support from mentors and friends. He highlights the importance of surrender and acknowledging you can't "figure everything out." Paul discusses the opportunity to become the center of your own sense-making by relying on personal sensory experience and creating meaning through one’s own intentions and commitments.

38:00 - End | Conclusion

The conversation concludes by reiterating that navigating the shift is a "daily thing" and a "work in progress." They encourage listeners to use the "Game of Zen" principles as a foundational rock to help handle daily life. Paul's newsletter, "The Zen Shift," and other resources are recommended for continued learning and support.

Apple:

This podcast episode from "The Game of Zen" features hosts Scott Berman and Sensei Paul discussing the interrelatedness of professional, personal, and spiritual growth. They explore life teachings from the Buddha and Zen mindfulness practices to enhance "wholehearted work, life, and play." A core theme is the evolution of an individual's moral sense, moving from confusion and loyalty through fairness and justice, eventually reaching higher levels of benevolence and goodness. Drawing on a Daoist quote, they also examine how the "Dao"—being organically integrated with the world's wisdom—can be lost through attachment to external conditions and attempts to control the future, emphasizing the importance of a "mind of not knowing" and embracing life's challenges wholeheartedly rather than avoiding them.

• [02:45] Scott introduces the main topic of the episode, a quote from Paul's newsletter titled, "The End of Folly, Beyond Performative Loyalty, Goodness, and Wisdom." He reads a quote about the evolution of individual moral senses, from confusion to goodness.
• [04:00] Paul expands on the concept of consciousness evolution, explaining the different levels from folly (confusion) to benevolence (well-meaning) and goodness (well-doing).
• [07:15] Scott asks how aging and natural maturity combine with intentional practice to accelerate personal growth. Paul responds by explaining that this progression involves opening oneself up to more responsibility and capacity.
• [11:00] The discussion shifts to the application of these principles in different aspects of life, including career. Paul introduces the levels of "job," "career," and "vocation."
• [13:00] Scott shares a personal story about his daughter's recent promotion, using it as an example of reaching a new "level" of growth.
• [14:40] Scott reads another quote from the newsletter, this one from Laozi about the Dao. The quote outlines a degradation from Dao (wisdom) to goodness, kindness, justice, and ultimately, folly.
• [16:40] Paul provides a deeper explanation of the Daoist quote, noting that it works backward from the highest state of being organically integrated with the universe's unfolding wisdom.
• [19:00] Scott asks how one loses and regains the Dao. Paul explains that it is lost by attaching to stimulation, trying to control the world, or being self-centered. He also introduces the concept of "life living life as life."
• [22:00] The hosts discuss the mind of "not knowing" and how a sense of certainty can be the "beginning of folly." Scott uses the example of his knowledge of the Sixers basketball team, admitting he still can't predict the outcome.
• [26:30] They talk about how a higher level of internal defense helps handle external strangeness. Paul introduces the Zen perspective on overcoming challenges by "going into them," using the quote, "When hot be hot, when cold be cold."
• [30:00] Scott shares his personal practices for overcoming obstacles, including seeking good doctors, maintaining healthy habits, being vulnerable, and being honest with friends and family.
• [34:00] The conversation turns to the comparison between the Buddha's eight-fold path and reaching the Dao. Paul explains the parallel relationship, stating that Zen is considered a combination of Daoism and Buddhism.
• [36:00] The hosts wrap up the episode. Paul teases the new title of his newsletter, "The Zen Shift," and encourages listeners to check it out.
• [37:00] The episode concludes with a final message to the listeners, encouraging them to subscribe and continue their journey of mindful...

In this episode of The Game of Zen, Scott and Paul discuss death and impermanence, drawing from Paul's newsletter, "The Mortal Coil."

Contemplating Death for a Happier Life (1:00 - 4:00)

Paul shares his belief that contemplating your own death leads to a happier life and helps relieve existential anxiety. He explains that suppressing the fear of death also suppresses a lot of the "juice" in life and is at the root of many neuroses.

Wisdom and Impermanence (4:00 - 6:30)

The discussion turns to the Buddhist idea that "All conditioned things are impermanent." Paul explains that seeing this with wisdom, rather than fear, allows one to turn away from suffering.

Grief as Wisdom (6:30 - 9:00)

Paul discusses how wisdom arises with age and through grief. He highlights grief as a "wisdom emotion," emphasizing the importance of surrendering to feelings that arise from loss. Scott shares how he learned from his mother's graceful acceptance of her own death.

Meditative Practices and Quality of Life (9:00 - 13:00)

Paul mentions the Buddhist practice of contemplating death to "bring us more alive and appreciative." Scott shifts the conversation to life extension, and Paul offers the Zen perspective that a deep, meaningful life is more valuable than a long one.

No Birth and No Death (13:00 - 16:00)

Scott asks about the Buddhist concept of "no birth and no death." Paul explains that life and death are not separate but are "interpenetrating with each other."

Mortality for Presence and Happiness (16:00 - 21:00)

Scott shares how contemplating mortality brings him joy and happiness by bringing him back to the present moment. Paul agrees and offers an exercise: to combat anxiety, envision yourself dying rather than living forever.

Leaving a Legacy (21:00 - 24:00)

Paul warns against obsessing over death and encourages listeners to "contemplate death, but not to dwell in terror." Scott reflects on his late uncle, whose teachings continue to live on in those he affected.

Embracing the Whole Ride (24:00 - 29:00)

Paul discusses the power of karma, stating that life extension activities pursued with compassion create positive karma. Scott quotes from Paul's newsletter, which emphasizes that sincerely coming to terms with mortality means fully appreciating the "whole ride" of life, with all its pleasures and pains.

Contemplating Your Own Funeral (29:00 - 32:00)

Scott shares his habit of contemplating his own funeral to appreciate life, and Paul reinforces this as a practice that fosters humility and encourages people to live for their own enjoyment.

Closing Remarks (32:00 - 34:00)

Scott encourages listeners to explore Paul's Substack newsletter, "Zen at Work," and his online community, "One Body Sangha." The hosts conclude, thanking listeners and wishing them "peace and prosperity on your path ahead."

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

One Body Sangha --...

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

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