Death Dhamma Podcast

Feb 03 2025 100 ep. 20 mins 41
Death Dhamma Podcast artwork

Open and honest discussions with wise and skillful teachers about their experiences with life, death, and Buddhism. If you wonder how others on the path have dealt with death and dying and grief, be sure to listen in. Everyone has a story, a perspective, and a valuable lesson to share. Embrace death, live a full life, and learn to love impermanence because nobody gets out of this alive.

  Religion & Spirituality
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Contemplating Caterpillars and Metamorphosis

Feb 03 2025 7 mins  
As we stand on the precipice of a shifting political landscape in the United States, feelings range from jubilation to despair, reflecting the diverse tapestry of human emotion and expectation. But beyond the immediate reactions to change, lies a profound philosophical question: How do we respond to the transformations that life imposes upon us? Drawing on the poignant metaphor of

Season 5: Equanimity in Chaos

Jan 27 2025 4 mins  
Welcome back to the Death Dhamma Podcast! This season promises to delve into the crucial theme of finding equanimity and balance during the turbulent times we live in, marked by societal turmoil, climate change, and personal challenges. After exploring the profound themes of death, grief, impermanence, clinging, and aversion in previous seasons, your host Margaret Meloni, now invi

Rituals and Reflections: Finding Meaning Beyond Attachment

Dec 16 2024 13 mins  
Host Margaret Meloni explores the significance of cultural and familial rituals, questioning why certain traditions hold such power over you. She challenges you to examine your beliefs and preferences and to assess the outcomes produced by these attachments. Using relatable anecdotes from her life, including her journey with family Christmas traditions, Margaret shares her insights

Getting Your Death Ducks in a Row with Reverend Jessica Sharp

Nov 25 2024 43 mins  
Today, we delve into the sensitive yet essential topic of discussing death, especially during the holiday season. Our guest, Reverend Jessica Sharp, founder of the Joyful Death Institute, shares their expertise on how to approach conversations about death with family and friends, guiding us through the complexities of these discussions. **Key Highlights:** 1. **The Gift of Prepare

Stephen Schettini: Rediscovering the Buddha’s Personality in the Pali Canon

Oct 21 2024 30 mins  
Margaret welcomes returning guest Stephen Schettini, a mindfulness teacher and author of acclaimed works such as "The Novice" and "The Art of Letting Go". Stephen shares his journey of exploring the historical Buddha, challenging traditional narratives, and diving deep into the early Buddhist texts of the Pali Canon. Stephen uncovers intriguing historical contexts that shaped the B

Prisoners of Our Own Device: Understanding and Alleviating Suffering

Sep 30 2024 7 mins  
Recalling her experiences visiting a California state prison alongside regular guest Venerable De Hong, Margaret Meloni uncovers the raw and profound manifestations of suffering within the correctional environment. Through the stories shared by incarcerated individuals, she highlights the common threads of abuse, abandonment, and addiction that contribute to their circumstances—a

Disenchantment and Dispassion: Finding Freedom in Impermanence

Sep 23 2024 12 mins  
Journey through a powerful sutta from the Samyutta Nikaya, where we witness a profound exchange between the Buddha and a newly ordained monk grappling with a severe illness. As the monk confronts his increasing pain and anxiety, the Buddha's compassionate visit becomes a pivotal moment for transformation. Rather than simply seeking to alleviate the monk's physical suffering, the Bu

Revisiting Connections: Keeping Loved Ones Close in a Mindful Way

Sep 16 2024 7 mins  
Consider these thought-provoking questions about the most important individuals in your life. Are you clinging to them out of fear? Or are you nurturing your relationships with love and mindfulness? Know the difference between unhealthy attachment and genuine care, it's natural to love your family and friends, but you must also be prepared to release them if needed. Listeners are i

Why Suffer? Let Old Ideas Go!

Sep 09 2024 11 mins  
Clinging to outdated ideas and plans is like trying to control the waves of the ocean - the more we resist, the more frustrated we become. By letting go and accepting impermanence, we can become more resilient and open ourselves up to new possibilities. Shedding our old beliefs and plans, like a snake shedding its skin, allows for personal growth and self-exploration. This proces

The Buddha's Teachings on Pain: Finding Freedom from the Second Arrow

Sep 02 2024 11 mins  
Reading from the Sallatha Sutta, or "The Arrow," from the Pali Canon, Margaret Meloni explores the intricate nature of suffering and how our responses to pain can significantly impact our mental well-being. By reviewing this essential Buddhist text, we unpack the distinction between the uninstructed ordinary person and the well-instructed disciple of the noble ones, revealing how e