Three-Year Retreat, Meditation and Tibetan Buddhism in America with Earle Birney

Earle Birney shares his journey into meditation and yoga, and his experiences leading up to a three-year retreat. He delves into the structure of Tibetan Buddhism, the importance of debate in understanding Buddhist teachings, and the significance of establishing a consistent meditation practice. Earle emphasizes the need for community and compassion in today's world, advocating for practices that help individuals unplug and connect with themselves. He also highlights the evolving nature of meditation and retreats in Western culture, encouraging listeners to find their own paths in spiritual practice.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Earle Birney and His Journey

02:41 Exploring the Path to a Three-Year Retreat

05:23 The Structure and Experience of the Retreat

08:17 Tibetan Lineages and Practices

10:57 Cultural Relevance of Tibetan Buddhism

13:29 The Evolution of Buddhism in the West

22:57 Monastic Life and Alms Rounds

23:53 Debate in Buddhism: Seeking Truth

25:48 Understanding Abhidharma and Its Practicality

27:42 The Role of Logic and Faith in Buddhism

30:31 Karma: Faith and Understanding

33:41 Diamond Mountain Retreat Center: A Place for Reflection

36:23 Meditation Practices: Building a Consistent Routine

43:58 The Importance of Kindness and Community

Takeaways

He works with the Yoga Studies Institute, focusing on retreats and meditation.

Earle's journey into meditation began during a trip around the world.

He emphasizes the importance of finding meaning beyond traditional career paths.

The three-year retreat involved a structured program with deep study and practice.

Tibetan Buddhism's Galuk lineage focuses on intellectual study and memorization.

Debate in Buddhism aims to uncover truth through formal logic and discussion.

Establishing a consistent meditation practice is crucial for personal growth.

Retreats are becoming more popular as a way to unplug from daily life.

Kindness and compassion are essential qualities to cultivate in our lives.

https://www.yogastudiesinstitute.org

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Roach

http://diamondmountainretreatcenter.com

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