Podcast

In this very personal episode, I am joined by Perdita Finn. Perdita and her husband Clark’s work with their organization The Way of the Rose has had an enormous impact on my own practice. Perdita and I both felt we were joined by the presence of my niece, Adelia (8) who left this earth all […]

Summary In this conversation, Josh Summers and Miles Sherts delve into the intricate relationship between spirituality and democracy, exploring how practices like meditation can inform our understanding of democratic engagement. They discuss the role of ego in personal relationships and political dynamics, the historical context of Buddhism in political landscapes like Burma, and the importance […]

In this episode of Miles On The Path, we tackle the vital theme of how to love thy neighbor amid today’s political polarization and social tension. Join Josh Summers and guest Miles Sherts as they explore how pragmatic skills from Insight meditation Conscious Communication help us step out of egoic conflict. Together, they address how […]

In this special episode, I speak with Joseph Goldstein, meditation teacher and co-founder of the Insight Meditation Society. We reminisce about our relationships with Michael Brooks and Jack Engler, two very influential individuals in the dharma world. Joseph shares his experiences working with Michael as a mentor and discusses the integration of spirituality and activism […]

In this conversation, Miles Sherts and I discuss the relationship between insight meditation and intuition. We explore the distinction between insight meditation's focus on impermanence, unsatisfactoriness, and emptiness, and the idea of intuition and clairvoyance. Miles emphasizes the importance of being present and aware of the prompts and intuitions that arise in daily life. We […]

Originally recorded on July 8, 2024, Josh offers reflections about how to apply meditation and retreat practice to the fire of everyday life activity. All too often we are told to “be as mindful as possible,” and the Buddha has some better advice for us – advice that he gave to his son Rahula.

Originally recorded on June 24, 2024, Josh reflects on his niece’s memorial and ways of honoring and remembering the gifts of noble friends.

Originally recorded on June 17, 2024, Josh reflects on a few of Death’s lessons, nihilism, quitting caffeine, moods of depression and the rainbow nature of self.  

Originally recorded on June 10, 2024, Josh returns to the podcast, reflecting on personal updates: the death of his niece and the relationship that formed with his neighbors while building a chicken coop together.

Originally recorded on May 6, 2024, Josh offers reflections on the confusing relationship between renunciation and practicing one’s heart’s desire. Often seen in conflict, the practice of renouncing unfulfilling activity for the pursuit of one’s deepest desires is an ongoing evolution itself.  

Originally recorded on April 22, 2024, Josh reflects on the parallels between artistic and spiritual development. He explores a maturing relationship to tradition. How do we draw from the world’s wisdom traditions and channel their pathways of heart in our own lives? And how might we consider cultivating a devotional practice to a personalized expression […]

Originally recorded on April 15, 2024, in this dharma talk, Josh offers a fresh perspective on how to cultivate an ethical commitment within your meditation practice. Instead of referencing an orthodox list of do’s and don’ts, Josh uses each of the five training precepts in Buddhism as a way to open to a deeper exploration […]

I am delighted to welcome Insight Meditation teacher Chas DiCapua on the podcast to discuss a wide-range of topics, exploring how the dharma can help us meet the tragedies of our “now” – an interrelated group of crises of ecology, nationalism, racialization, and, in some ways, masculinity. Chas has been practicing Buddhist meditation for almost […]

Originally recorded on April 8, 2024, in this dharma talk, Josh offers ways for you to create your own mantra to use with any bead-based form of meditation practice. A mala, rosary or bead-based garland by any other name is a wonderful way to strengthen your capacities for concentration, kindness and peace. Grab your beads, […]

Originally recorded on April 1, 2024, in this talk, Josh reflects on his history with bead-based practices, ie. mala mantra, and suggests ways of beginning to integrate this practice into your own.

Originally recorded on March 4, 2023, I share Herbie Hancock’s story of playing a “wrong chord” during a Miles Davis solo, and what Hancock learned about music and life from that experience. For me, Davis’s response is the very essence of creative generosity, and it says something about what it means to bring a spirit […]

Originally recorded on February 26, 2024, I offer ways of tending to your external and internal environment for establishing conditions conducive to simplicity, contentment and calm. Practice is life, without any separation. Vacuuming, laundry, bills and email are all part of a comprehensive practice. And when approached in this spirit, every moment of the day […]

Until I spoke with Amiel Handelsman, I had mistakenly thought that the term “meta-crisis” referred to the overarching sense that the world is in a massive crisis of overlapping calamities, all threatening our survival. But after speaking with Amiel, I realized that I was thinking of the poly-crisis. Amiel explained to me that the meta-crisis […]

On the phone recently, a friend shared a comment from their therapist: “Until you stay in the same place for three years, you’re never going to address and heal your shtuff.” The therapist didn’t say “shtuff,” but the comment is relevant to anyone interested in the fruits of contemplative practice. But, as a sangha member […]

Originally recorded on February 12, 2024, Josh shares a dharma talk that weaves reflections on cancer, the psychology of tribalism, cognitive bias and the invaluable role of practicing pauses to bring an unbiased attention to the immediacy of experience.

Greg Burdulis, a former Buddhist monk, leads you to be calmer, happier, and kinder. He listens, questions, teaches, and trains. He works with individuals and couples using somatics, Buddhism, and humor. Greg leads a meditation+discussion session for 60-90 minutes each Monday at noon EST.  As his guest, you can attend the first month for free. […]