Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Secular Buddhist Podcast Episode 125: Gregory Kramer: Insight Dialogue

 
In this episode of the Secular Buddhist Podcast, your host, Ted Meissner, speaks with Gregory Kramer about his book Insight Dialogue: The Interpersonal Path to Freedom, and about his website, Metta.org. I read his book a while back and it was a powerful impetus for my views on relational spirituality.

Episode 125 :: Gregory Kramer :: Insight Dialogue

Gregory Kramer

Gregory Kramer speaks with us about his book Insight Dialogue: The Interpersonal Path to Freedom, and his work at Metta.org.

The wonderful thing about our practice is that it isn’t dependent on a particular ideological point of view. One can do the practice within or without the context of a religious setting. We’re seeing more and more that traditional ways of describing the overall engagement with the present moment, and its implications for social engagement, are being put into language that may be more approachable to a contemporary Western audience.

Take for example the high level view of Insight Dialogue: there are a few basic steps to the practice. (1) pause, (2) relax, (3) open, (4) trust emergence, (5) listen deeply, and (6) speak the truth. Simple to say, filled with a fascinating depth of ongoing examination of our interpersonal experiences. It’s how we use this not just in our own minds, but in our outward interactions, that really impacts our lives and the lives of others.

Gregory Kramer has taught Vipassana and Metta practice since 1980. He has studied with esteemed teachers, including Anagarika Dhammadina, Ven. Ananda Maitreya, Achan Sobin Namto, and Ven. Punnaji Maha Thero. Gregory is the author of Insight Dialogue: the Interpersonal Path to Freedom; Seeding the Heart: Practicing Lovingkindness with Children; and Meditating Together, Speaking from Silence: the Practice of Insight Dialogue. He is also the founder and director of the non-profit Metta Foundation. Gregory travels extensively sharing Insight Dialogue and Dharma Contemplation, he holds a Ph.D. in Learning and Change in Human Systems, and is a visiting teacher at the Barre Center for Buddhist Studies. I would also like to thank Lenore Lambert of the Secular Buddhism Australia website for her introductions, which made today’s episode possible.

So, sit back, relax, and have a nice Earl Green tea.


Quotes

“I’ve never been troubled by having integrity to my culture.” — Gregory Kramer

Web Links


Music for This Episode Courtesy of Rodrigo Rodriguez

The music heard in the middle of the podcast is from Rodrigo Rodriguez. The track used in this episode is “Eleven Waterfalls” from his CD, The Shakuhachi.



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