One of my earliest memories of childhood that has shaped my thinking as an adult: "There are three things I have learned never to discuss in public. Religion, Politics, And The Great Pumpkin" -- Linus Van Pelt

I loved this video. I love it that your wife doesn't sit, after a brief taste, mine either! I try not to tell people about my practice, but also not to hide it. Really, nothing to brag about or take credit for, only a fact of life. Looking back, I think NO one of my family, friends or acquaintances over 30+ years has EVER really taken an interest. The only exception was years ago when I invited some friends from my Aikido class to come sit with me in the mornings, once a week; I would have an open house, we would sit for half an hour and have tea and cookies after. It worked great for a few months. It was a lot of fun. At least they got something under their belt (tea and cookies!) and can sit on their own if they ever want to. Case in point: I come to Brad's videos for inspiration (to do my own sitting) purely because I want to. I like his low-key style. I read his books less often. I heard about many "Egyptian goddesses" or whatever in earlier incarnations, and never really bit. To me, listening to Suzuki Roshi's lectures mostly on Dogen (I am too undisciplined to read him) is endlessly always appropriate commentary on my own life. Today he was saying to paraphrase that waking up always happens exactly in this very moment, with this exact frustration and fear and stupidity and selfishness. Buddha mind is only in this moment, and that's why we take a vow, and it's lucky that it's endless and impossible because that inspires us at this moment and means that we can take that vow endlessly. And that any previous or future insight is of no value. God I wish I could keep that point of view always present! That's why I sit, in short. To try to experience that over, and over, because it is true, and necessary, and true.... Oh, and feedback from friends is sometimes, "well if zen is so great, why are you ALWAYS (!!!) late with this or that?" Valid criticism I must say!!!! I have too much to work on here to give anyone any advice except to say, which I do when asked, "sitting is the one thing that kinda keeps me sane" and "I have found, I have to sit otherwise I am MUCH worse!" which is 100% true! The other point is that I KNOW, that when I sit 40 minutes then even if it's painful, and difficult, in my later interactions with folks, they always smile more and are kinder and make me feel at home. And they are happier, all of a sudden. So something does work. and does ripple out into the world, I am sure....and, sometimes, I can even get something done on time....

I find it amusingly frustrating to see the strong similarities between Buddhism & Mystical Christianity, but pointing it out is not generally well received by most non-mystic Christians. The only line of Christianity that maintained a mystical lineage is the Greek Orthodox Church (aka Eastern Orthodox Church, Orthodox Catholic Church, or simply the Orthodox Church). All the other modern Christian denominations tend to be skeptical of mysticism, albeit there is a small minority of Christian Mystics within every denomination. Another irony is that the Roman Catholic Church (sometimes) took a more enlightened view of Mystic Christianity during the Middle Ages than today. (I’m thinking of “The Cloud of Unknowing” & Meister Eckhart rather than the persecution of the Cathars.)

Ah, a song about kinhin. How about a cover of Every Buddha Wants to Rule the World by Tears for Fears?

This question is good, I am new to your channel and I really like your take on this video. You are right about everything in it. There is a saying I heard recently which is relevant to this discussion: "If I give it to you it is coal to you, if you find it on your own it is diamonds for you."

LOL. You're so precious.

Good video Brad, I like where you went with this one. To take the question in a bit of a different direction, I'd say it isn't necessary to steer already spiritual or religious people towards Buddhism. I think Buddhism is pretty great but it isn't the one and only source of ultimate truth, most mainstream religions contain mystical strains that might serve as useful practices for people who's karma hasn't brought them to hear the Buddhadharma. If the person in question is Muslim, talk to them about the Sufis. If they're Catholic, ask about Meister Eckhart. Even within Protestantism I'd argue there's something to be said about the practice of entire sanctification. Anyways, looking forward to the next one.

Brad "You Do You" Warner

I have been interested in eastern philosophy since the 60s Alan Watts was a big influence but it wasn’t until I read your book hard-core in 2007 that I started to sit and I have not missed a day

Very good advice and thoughts about this. I’ve hurt others and myself with enthusiasm i should have just kept to myself. - MM

Thank you. Well said.

I've been into Taoism and I would say that when it comes to the point of view of most Taoists, The Tao/The Way is not something which cannot be sold or promoted like a product and if you are trying to sell and promote it like a product then what you are selling,giving people or promoting is most likely not The Way/the Tao and if you are somebody who is into or infatuated with flashy sales pitches,promotions or the use silver tongued manipulative langauge which makes somebody sound smart,brilliant or enlightened then you're not likely going to embrace the Tao.

Great stuff! 👏🏿😊

9:10: To stop unsolicited visitations from churches/cults/groups try the following: Politely ask the visitor 1) the location and contact information to their church and its’ leader/boss/preacher. Sometimes it will be on the literature they are passing out. 2) Ask if they have a “Do Not Call/Knock” list. Most do. 3) If so, ask them to please put your address on their “Do Not Call/knock” list. Inform them, politely, if they come again you will complain to their “boss.” If they return, remind them of your past request, and then make the call to their boss. It may take a couple of complaint calls, because they often don’t review their list. But after a couple of times it finally worked for me. I notice now they will go to my neighbor’s houses, but will bypass mine. Might be worth a try. Good luck.

Master brad 😅 🙏🙏🙏

Music intro... Thumbs 👍

It is a kind of paradox situation, when faced with the widespread form of ignorance the Buddha was talking of. You see the need of helping to reduce this ignorance and the suffering it causes. But I am with Brad when he says that it is a matter of karma which is not in your hands and the only thing you can do is to understand what is needed and possible to do in the situation you’re faced with. I think that is the wise way to act in the world. Forcing people into any kind of spiritual path wasn’t any good any time.

Shunyata❤

How about: 'This Buddha's made for Walkman' for less aggressive version.

LOL...! 🙏🏻🌎❤️

I talked to AI Gemini about it the other day. One of the first imaginary AIs was called Zen on the TV series Blake 7. Anyway I was going on about a field of feeling energy that you can feel arise in others yet it maintained it was Mirror Neurons. I don't think it is though because it can be felt with orhers feelings behind your back. Interesting exercise, look at people from behind at at distance so they can't see your observing and usually they turn aroud and can sense their being watched even from long distance.

I’d never try to get my husband to sit- I’m happy he’s patient with my forever regurgitating whatever tidbit of knowledge I’m on about any given day lol

Ok Bradley Sinatra LOL

Confession: I watched the Ziggy bit at the end three times! And I plan to watch it again! He is just so insanely cute! 🥲

[[though not an explicit buddhist..the writings of daniil kharms..comes a close second..🤔..]]

Does it mean the wives are just more practical persons? Having not found anything useful in just-sitting right away, they just quit it.

Zazen is like homework

when the teacher is ready, the students appear...

You used to drop F-bombs in your older videos from 6 or 7 years back. Now, you don't. Just an observation. An astute observation.

I just do not understand how an experiential approach/philosophy such as Buddhism can in any way be compared to a confessional religion / belief system (like Islam)? These are two wildly different things and should attract wildly different kinds of people. No?

Maybe you have been so discreet your wife doesn't even know you continued your practice beyond that retreat you ran? 😂

who tf cares. buy bitcoin.

[[[Daniel Bell The button down mind strikes back!]]] ..i know its not your choice of musical-style..but you mlte enjoy that set of sounds..]]]