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What prevents us from accessing the stillness that already resides within us? MyongAhn Sunim tackles this profound question in our continuing exploration of the Five Roots, focusing today on Jong Kun—the root of meditation, stillness, and quietude.

This episode unpacks a revolutionary perspective: we already possess everything needed for transformation. The root of meditation isn't something external to acquire but an innate quality waiting to be consciously activated. When we recognize and intentionally direct this inherent capacity for stillness, it transforms from a passive root into an active power (Orlyok)—specifically, the power of meditative absorption (samme).

MyongAhn Sunim illuminates a fascinating paradox of human experience: our minds can effortlessly leap between thoughts in ordinary circumstances, yet become paralyzed when gripped by strong emotions or rigid viewpoints. "I stand in my own way," he explains, pointing to the ego as the primary obstacle to accessing our innate qualities. This insight offers a liberating truth—we're not fundamentally blocked from our inner resources by external barriers, but by our own unconscious patterns of thinking.

The teaching extends beyond meditation to challenge how we approach spiritual growth itself. "You cannot read yourself into enlightenment," Myung An Sunim emphasizes, cautioning against mistaking intellectual understanding for embodied wisdom. True transformation requires practice, not just consumption of information—a timely reminder in our knowledge-hoarding culture.

Perhaps most practical is the discussion of noticing the subtle gaps of silence between thoughts, those hairline fractures in our mental chatter where stillness already exists. Meditation practice trains us to recognize these momentary spaces of quietude that have always been present but typically go unnoticed in our busy mental landscape.

Share your experiences or questions with us by submitting a recording for future episodes. How has this perspective on meditation as an innate quality changed your approach to practice? We'd love to hear from you as we continue exploring the transformation of roots into powers.

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Dr. Ruben Lambert can be found at wisdomspring.com

Ven. MyongAhn Sunim can be found at soshimsa.org

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What if the determination you're seeking isn't something you need to find but something you already possess? In this third installment of their mini-series on the five roots, Jörgen Sonnen and Dr. Ruben Lambert explore the fascinating concept of perseverance (jongjin) and how we can transform this innate quality into a conscious power.

The conversation reveals a profound truth: determination isn't something we lack but something we direct. Think about it—the teenager seemingly unmotivated to study might wait all night outside a store for limited-edition sneakers. The apparent absence of perseverance in one area often masks its powerful presence in another. This insight transforms how we understand motivation, both in ourselves and others.

Using rich metaphors of electricity, fire-building, and leaning, the hosts illuminate the delicate art of nurturing determination. Like building a fire, motivation requires progressive kindling—add too much too quickly and you smother the flame; neglect it and it dies out. This wisdom applies powerfully to parenting, self-development, and spiritual practice alike. The hosts contrast this human process with the algorithmic precision of digital systems designed to capture our attention, highlighting the challenges of nurturing authentic motivation in the modern world.

Perhaps most valuable is their perspective on self-care and practice. "Don't pencil yourself in—sharpie yourself in," they advise, encouraging listeners to prioritize meditation and personal growth with the same commitment we give to professional obligations. By recognizing that we and others are "under construction" and working with the same fundamental building blocks, we can approach growth with both determination and compassion.

Want to be part of our community? Share your thoughts by sending a voice message to 908-591-1754. Your insights might inspire others on their journey. And if you've found value in these teachings, consider making a small donation to help keep this program going. The transformation of roots into powers awaits—will you lean into the practice?

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Dr. Ruben Lambert can be found at wisdomspring.com

Ven. MyongAhn Sunim can be found at soshimsa.org

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Have you ever caught yourself in a full-blown adult tantrum over something as trivial as a parking space? That moment of sudden awareness—when you realize you're behaving exactly like the child you just scolded for crying over where to place their shoes—might be your first encounter with the transformative power of Yom Gun, the Buddhist root of mindfulness.

In this fascinating exploration of wakefulness, Jan Ansonian and Dr. Ruben Lambert unpack how our innate capacity for awareness operates beneath our conscious mind like tree roots hidden in soil. While many spiritual seekers chase knowledge and philosophy, true transformation comes not from consuming concepts but from holding onto a single practice with unwavering attention—like a hen sitting on eggs or a person with hair aflame seeking water.

The conversation reveals how our modern lives leave us vulnerable to operating on autopilot, rendering us "cyborgs" who are biologically alive but mechanically programmed by habit. This automation creates suffering as we react unconsciously to triggers, falling into patterns that contradict our deeper values and intentions. Yom Gun interrupts this process, creating space between stimulus and response where new possibilities emerge.

What makes this episode particularly compelling is the practical approach to cultivating this awareness. Rather than presenting mindfulness as an abstract concept, Jan and Ruben offer vivid examples of how wakefulness functions in daily situations—from MRI machines to traffic conflicts—showing how consistent practice gradually seeps into our being like raindrops absorbed by roots. Just as first responders train extensively to remain clear-headed during emergencies, we must practice wakefulness until it becomes our automatic response even in chaos.

Ready to transform your roots into power? Subscribe now and join us for part three of this enlightening mini-series where we'll continue exploring the five roots that govern our lives and how to cultivate them for lasting transformation.

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Dr. Ruben Lambert can be found at wisdomspring.com

Ven. MyongAhn Sunim can be found at soshimsa.org

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What if the beliefs running your life right now are operating completely outside your awareness, pulling your strings like an invisible puppet master? We dive deep into the ancient Buddhist concept of Ogun - the five hidden roots that shape every decision you make, every fear you feel, and every dream you pursue or abandon.

Far from abstract philosophy, these roots represent measurable psychological forces that science is finally catching up to understand. When researchers gave patients sugar pills but warned them about side effects, some ended up in emergency rooms experiencing heart palpitations and nervous system reactions - with no active medication in their system. Their beliefs literally rewrote their biology in real time.

The fascinating part isn't just that beliefs have power - it's that most of us have never learned to consciously direct that power. Instead, we become prisoners of whatever belief happens to capture our attention, whether it's a social media comment, a childhood criticism, or an irrational fear that makes perfect logical sense yet paralyzes us completely. The person who won't cross a perfectly safe bridge possesses tremendous belief power, but it's aimed in the wrong direction.

We explore how to transform these unconscious roots into conscious tools - what the tradition calls moving from Ogun to Oryok, from hidden influence to deliberate power. This isn't about positive thinking or wishful dreaming, but about understanding the actual mechanics of how belief operates in your nervous system, your decision-making, and your daily experience. When you learn to direct your belief like a flashlight, choosing what to illuminate and what to leave in darkness, you discover an extraordinary capacity for navigating life's uncertainties with intention rather than being swept along by invisible forces.

Ready to find out what beliefs are currently running your life? Subscribe and discover the remaining four roots that complete this ancient map of human consciousness.

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Dr. Ruben Lambert can be found at wisdomspring.com

Ven. MyongAhn Sunim can be found at soshimsa.org

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What happens when we stop viewing Buddhism's focus on suffering as pessimism and instead see it as the path to profound joy? In this illuminating conversation, Milan Sinim and Dr. Ruben Lambert respond to listener feedback questioning Buddhism's seemingly negative outlook, revealing how understanding suffering ultimately creates the conditions for genuine happiness.

"What is joy if not absence of suffering?" This simple yet profound question anchors a journey through Zen's nuanced approach to human experience. Rather than denying life's difficulties or promoting toxic positivity, Zen Buddhism offers practical wisdom for navigating our challenges with skill and compassion.

The hosts explore how "knowledge is power" takes on new meaning in Buddhist practice. Like preparing thoroughly for a challenging mountain climb, understanding our suffering equips us to face life's obstacles with greater ease. This perspective transforms our relationship with difficulty, allowing us to see how even the muddiest circumstances can give rise to the lotus flower of awakening.

Perhaps most joyful is Zen's revelation about Buddha nature—our inherent capacity for peace that exists beyond the seesaw of happiness and sadness. While conventional happiness depends on external conditions and inevitably passes, true peace remains available at the center of experience, like the still fulcrum of a seesaw while its ends move up and down.

Through memorable metaphors, including surfing life's waves with equanimity and understanding the difference between peace and mere boredom, this episode offers a refreshing counterpoint to common misconceptions about Zen Buddhism. You'll discover how facing suffering directly—rather than avoiding it—unlocks the capacity for the deepest joy imaginable.

Have you experienced moments of peace beyond conventional happiness and sadness? Share your story or suggest topics for future episodes as we continue exploring the world through Zen eyes.

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Dr. Ruben Lambert can be found at wisdomspring.com

Ven. MyongAhn Sunim can be found at soshimsa.org

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"All Buddhism does is talk about suffering. What a drag." This common misconception reveals a profound misunderstanding of the Buddha's teachings and prevents many from discovering the transformative wisdom at the heart of Buddhist practice.

The Buddha wasn't a pessimist fixated on suffering—he was more like a physician diagnosing an illness to provide a cure. Just as doctors don't focus on disease because they're negative people but because understanding the ailment is essential for healing, the Buddha's examination of suffering was the first step toward transcending it. Stopping your exploration of Buddhism after learning about suffering is like walking out of a movie halfway through or quitting a sports match when your team is behind.

What critics miss is the complete framework of the Four Noble Truths. Yes, the first truth acknowledges suffering exists, but the Buddha immediately follows with an explanation of its causes (primarily our attachments and misunderstandings), declares confidently that liberation is possible, and outlines a practical path to freedom. Far from promoting gloom, Buddhism offers tools for profound peace and happiness through clear seeing and balanced living.

Through meditation practice, we train ourselves to develop cognitive flexibility—the ability to navigate life's challenges without becoming trapped in extreme reactions. We learn to set aside both discomfort and pleasure when they become obstacles to clear perception. The goal isn't emotional numbness but the freedom to respond wisely rather than react blindly to life's ever-changing conditions. As the hosts explain through their ocean metaphor, we can't avoid being wet when immersed in water, but we can learn to swim.

Have questions about Zen practice, meditation, or Buddhist teachings? Send them our way—your questions help create a modern-day sutra through the living tradition of question and answer that has always been at the heart of Zen.

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Dr. Ruben Lambert can be found at wisdomspring.com

Ven. MyongAhn Sunim can be found at soshimsa.org

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Words fail us at the mountain's peak. That deafening silence—somehow both empty and filled with something profound—defies language yet demands our attention. This paradox sits at the heart of our exploration into Zen's complex relationship with language.

Many seekers stumble when they encounter Buddhism's warnings about the limitations of words. They mistake this caution for a wholesale rejection of language rather than understanding its specific context. The problem isn't ordinary conversation—it's what happens when words attempt to capture transcendent experiences or when we mistake the menu for the meal.

Through vivid metaphors and personal experiences, we unpack how language functions like rocket boosters—essential for achieving escape velocity from ordinary thinking but ultimately discarded when entering the vastness of direct experience. We examine the Buddha's famous raft metaphor: after expending tremendous effort building a raft to cross the river, would you then carry it on your back once you've reached the other shore?

We also explore the psychological dimension of fixed ideas—how past experiences can hijack our perception, like a child unable to cross a rug where he once saw a beetle. These mental patterns don't just color our world; they can freeze us in place, unable to absorb new information or move forward.

The path of Zen isn't about endless philosophical debate. Two people can argue forever about whether water in a cup is hot or cold without ever taking a sip. Direct experience trumps conceptual understanding every time.

Is Buddhism pessimistic because it acknowledges suffering? No more than windshield wipers are pessimistic for clearing rain from your view. We don't leave the wipers on constantly—we use them when conditions require better vision.

Join our conversation and share your thoughts. This podcast isn't meant to be a one-way broadcast but a living dialogue across time and space. What experiences have taken your words away?

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Dr. Ruben Lambert can be found at wisdomspring.com

Ven. MyongAhn Sunim can be found at soshimsa.org

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What does true freedom really mean? In our milestone 20th episode, we unpack this deceptively complex question, revealing how our understanding of freedom often remains superficial until we achieve liberation from our own mental habits and patterns.

Freedom isn't simply doing whatever we want. From a Zen perspective, genuine freedom only emerges when we break free from the prison of our own thoughts—the rigid mental frameworks that filter every experience through our preexisting beliefs. As we demonstrate through candid conversation, most of us live in a state of mental captivity without even realizing it, mistaking our conditioned responses for independent thought.

We explore the fascinating concept of "Mupung Pado" (no wind but waves)—how our minds generate turbulence even in the absence of external stimuli. During meditation, when external inputs are minimized, unwelcome thoughts still intrude, proving we're not as free as we believe. Our reactions to life's circumstances often happen automatically, with little awareness of the complex causes and conditions that led to them.

Through relatable examples like household conflicts over cup placement and personal stories of monastic training, we illuminate a profound truth: freedom comes from acknowledging multiple perspectives beyond our own. When we cling to a single truth—our truth—we remain imprisoned by our expectations, disappointments, and emotional reactions. True liberation emerges when we develop the wisdom to move fluidly between different dimensions of understanding.

As we celebrate our 20th episode and over 1,000 downloads, we invite you to join us in this exploration of what it means to be truly free. Listen closely, and you might discover the subtle ways your mind has been creating its own captivity—and how the path to liberation begins with awareness itself. Share this episode with someone who might benefit from seeing their mental prisons in a new light.

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Dr. Ruben Lambert can be found at wisdomspring.com

Ven. MyongAhn Sunim can be found at soshimsa.org