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In this episode we look at the political, environmental, and societal upheaval that took place in the United States and around the world in relationship to the Buddha’s invitation to use the stress in our lives as a gateway to freedom. In this talk we clarify what the Buddha really meant by the ‘acceptance’ of suffering and how the universality of the fickleness and unpredictable nature of our world must first be honored before it can be used as a vehicle for transcendence.    Gregory Maloof is a western Dharma teacher from the Ruth Denison lineage. If you have been receiving benefit and want to support Gregory Maloof as a teacher directly, please donate HERE Follow Gregory on Instagram @gregorymaloofdharma To learn about retreats, news, and classes first, CLICK HERE to keep in touch and get on the Wednesday Wake-Up mailing list.   Join Wednesday Wake-Up Recording Live!  Register HERE Intro and Outro Music by Lenny Dinardo, Wave Em' In.

In this week's episode we explore the various ways the heart and mind can hide and flee from facing the stress and struggles of human existence. We talk about how adept the mind is at protecting itself using the habits of suppression, denial, and repression. Conversely, we discuss how Buddhist psycho-spiritual practices are designed to give us the tools and mindset for overcoming our deepest wounds and greatest fears.    Gregory Maloof is a western Dharma teacher from the Ruth Denison lineage. If you have been receiving benefit and want to support Gregory Maloof as a teacher directly, please donate HERE Follow Gregory on Instagram @gregorymaloofdharma To learn about retreats, news, and classes first, CLICK HERE to keep in touch and get on the Wednesday Wake-Up mailing list.   Join Wednesday Wake-Up Recording Live!  Register HERE Intro and Outro Music by Lenny Dinardo, Wave Em' In.

This week we concluded our 3-part journey exploring the history, psychology and practical application of the ancient practice of taking refuge in the triple gem. In this episode we explore the need for skilled mentors and supportive community on the path and the importance of establishing balance in our practice. We also discussed some of the shadow elements in spiritual community and the risk of our practice stagnating as a result of getting lost on the path.  Gregory Maloof is a western Dharma teacher from the Ruth Denison lineage. He follows the traditional Buddhist practice of not charging for teachings.  If you have been receiving benefit and want to support Gregory Maloof as a teacher directly, please donate Dana HERE Follow Gregory on Instagram @gregorymaloofdharma To learn about retreats, news, and classes first, CLICK HERE to keep in touch and get on the Wednesday Wake-Up mailing list.   Join Wednesday Wake-Up Recording Live!  Register HERE Intro and Outro Music by Lenny Dinardo, Wave Em' In.

This week we explore the traditional instructions related to taking refuge while clarifying some common misunderstandings. We also discussed how taking refuge in Dhamma can lessen doubt, and the historical importance of having awakened beings in 'Ideal' Sangha.  Gregory Maloof is a western Dharma teacher from the Ruth Denison lineage. He follows the traditional Buddhist practice of not charging for teachings.  If you have been receiving benefit and want to support Gregory Maloof as a teacher directly, please donate Dana HERE Follow Gregory on Instagram @gregorymaloofdharma To learn about retreats, news, and classes first, CLICK HERE to keep in touch and get on the Wednesday Wake-Up mailing list.   Join Wednesday Wake-Up Recording Live!  Register HERE Intro and Outro Music by Lenny Dinardo, Wave Em' In.

In this week’s episode we explore both the history and practical aspects of the ancient ritual of taking refuge in Buddha, Dharma and Sangha. We discuss how this ritual evolved out of pre-Buddhist culture and then supported meditators for several thousand years. We also consider how this practice shows up in present day American Buddhism and continues to offer us encouragement, protection and sustenance on our path towards awakening.  Gregory Maloof is a western Dharma teacher from the Ruth Denison lineage. He follows the traditional Buddhist practice of not charging for teachings.  If you have been receiving benefit and want to support Gregory Maloof as a teacher directly, please donate Dana HERE Join Gregory for The Triple Gem Mindset - January 30th, 2021 9 am - 3 pm PST .  This is a brand new online meditation retreat and the first in a year long series.  Come to the brand new Wednesday Wake-Up podcast website and register today! Follow Gregory on Instagram @gregorymaloofdharma To learn about retreats, news, and classes first, CLICK HERE to keep in touch and get on the Wednesday Wake-Up mailing list.   Join Wednesday Wake-Up Recording Live!  Register HERE Intro and Outro Music by Lenny Dinardo, Wave Em' In.

This was a unique week for our podcast as our live meeting occurred on the day the United States Capitol was besieged during the voting confirmation for our president-elect. Several people were killed and representatives had to be evacuated. We spent the evening sharing our present moment experience and talked about how we can reduce struggle and stress by transforming the way we relate to it through anticipation and adaptation. This talk deals with Buddhist themes related to the 2nd Arrow Parable, the First Noble Truth.  Gregory Maloof is a western Dharma teacher from the Ruth Denison lineage. He follows the traditional Buddhist practice of not charging for teachings.  If you have been receiving benefit and want to support Gregory Maloof as a teacher directly, please donate Dana HERE Join Gregory for his 2021 Retreat Series, Foundations of the Spiritual Journey.  January 30th, 2021 9 am - 3 pm PST there will be an amazing online meditation retreat (first in the series!).  Come to the brand new Wednesday Wake-Up podcast website and register today! To learn about retreats, news, and classes first, CLICK HERE to keep in touch and get on the Wednesday Wake-Up mailing list.   Join Wednesday Wake-Up Recording Live!  Register HERE Intro and Outro Music by Lenny Dinardo, Wave Em' In.

This week we continue our exploration of generosity and gratitude by directing our attention to the shadow side of opening our hearts to others. This often-ignored topic is extremely important for a skillfully engaged Dharma. Whether you are caring for a family member, supporting a social cause or just lending a kind compassionate ear, using mindfulness to attune to the very process of generosity can decrease or prevent the very real conditions of compassion-stress and compassion-fatigue.  Gregory Maloof is a western Dharma teacher from the Ruth Denison lineage. He follows the traditional Buddhist practice of not charging for teachings.  If you have been receiving benefit and want to support Gregory Maloof as a teacher directly, please donate Dana here To learn about retreats, news, and classes first, CLICK HERE to keep in touch and get on the Wednesday Wake-Up mailing list.   Join Wednesday Wake-Up Recording Live!  Register HERE

In this week’s talk we explore why the Buddha declared generosity to be the cornerstone of spiritual practice. We discuss some of the inherited bias we have concerning generosity and how recalling the goodness in the world that lives alongside the suffering in our lives can lead to greater well-being, deep personal growth and profound awakening.  Gregory Maloof is a western Dharma teacher from the Ruth Denison lineage. He follows the traditional Buddhist practice of not charging for teachings.  If you have been receiving benefit and want to support Gregory Maloof as a teacher directly, please donate Dana here To learn about retreats, news, and classes first, CLICK HERE to keep in touch and get on the Wednesday Wake-Up mailing list.   Join Wednesday Wake-Up Recording Live!  Register HERE  

This week we use the celebration of Bodhi Day as an opportunity to explore the significance of the Buddha’s enlightenment from a historical, psychological, and personal perspective. What do you imagine when you think of the word ‘enlightenment?’ What does spiritual awakening mean to you and do you consider it to be a worthy pursuit? What would it mean for you to show up each day with an unwavering commitment to fulfill your highest potential as a human being? We explore these questions and more on this week’s episode.  Gregory Maloof is a western Dharma teacher from the Ruth Denison lineage. He follows the traditional Buddhist practice of not charging for teachings.  If you have been receiving benefit and want to support Gregory Maloof as a teacher directly, please donate Dana here To learn about retreats, news, and classes first, CLICK HERE to keep in touch and get on the Wednesday Wake-Up mailing list.   Join Wednesday Wake-Up Recording Live!  Register HERE

In this week’s episode we explore why learning to celebrate the goodness in ourselves and the world is important in facilitating personal growth and awakening. We discuss the relationship between celebration and the cultivation of gratitude and look at the similarities between how both Buddhism and Western Psychology encourage celebration as a form of psychological integration, skillful means and even an act of reverence for life itself.   Gregory Maloof is a western Dharma teacher from the Ruth Denison lineage. He follows the traditional Buddhist practice of not charging for teachings.  If you have been receiving benefit and want to support Gregory Maloof as a teacher directly, please donate Dana here To learn about retreats, news, and classes first, CLICK HERE to keep in touch and get on the Wednesday Wake-Up mailing list.   Join Wednesday Wake-Up Recording Live!  Register HERE

In this week's talk we explore some basic differences between Buddhist frameworks and Western psychology when it comes to understanding the nature of thoughts and emotions. In particular, we draw attention to how Buddhist frameworks emphasize process and causality and invite us to consider our inner world as a dynamic heart-mind dance rich in wisdom for our awakening.  Gregory Maloof is a western Dharma teacher from the Ruth Denison lineage. He follows the traditional Buddhist practice of not charging for teachings.  If you have been receiving benefit and want to support Gregory Maloof as a teacher directly, please donate Dana here To learn about retreats, news, and classes first, CLICK HERE to keep in touch and get on the Wednesday Wake-Up mailing list.   Join Wednesday Wake-Up Recording Live!  Register HERE

What does it really mean to let go? What exactly are we letting go of and what do we get in return? This week we complete our series by exploring how the activities of mindfulness, loving kindness, and a commitment to precepts are actually practices of renunciation. We take a detailed look into how these tools clear out stress, remove discontentment and open the heart and mind to make room for generosity, resilience, community, gratitude and authentic healing.  Gregory Maloof follows the traditional Buddhist practice of not charging for teachings.  If you have been receiving benefit and want to support Gregory Maloof as a teacher directly, please donate Dana here Gregory is a western Dharma teacher from the Ruth Denison lineage. To learn about retreats, news, and classes first, CLICK HERE to keep in touch and get on the Wednesday Wake-Up mailing list.   Join Wednesday Wake-Up Recording Live!  Register HERE

This week we had a unique meeting due to the United States national election. Instead of a formal Dharma talk, as a group we shared our experiences about using mindfulness during this time. For the sake of privacy this episode only contains the guided meditation.  Gregory Maloof follows the traditional Buddhist practice of not charging for teachings.  If you have been receiving benefit and want to support Gregory Maloof as a teacher directly, please donate Dana here Gregory is a western Dharma teacher from the Ruth Denison lineage. To learn about retreats, news, and classes first, CLICK HERE to keep in touch and get on the Wednesday Wake-Up mailing list.    

On this week’s podcast we explore the cultural and spiritual inheritance of views that often discourage us from fully participating in the practice of renunciation. We discuss the misunderstandings and myths about the nature of freedom in hopes of letting go of the unconscious fears and prejudice that prevent us from receiving the incredible treasures of the spiritual life. Gregory Maloof follows the traditional Buddhist practice of not charging for teachings.  If you have been receiving benefit and want to support Gregory Maloof as a teacher directly, please donate Dana here Gregory is a western Dharma teacher from the Ruth Denison lineage. To learn about retreats, news, and classes first, CLICK HERE to keep in touch and get on the Wednesday Wake-Up mailing list.    

In this week’s talk we explore the aspiration to cultivate pleasure that is not dependent on sensual experience and discuss the transformative power of the deeper nourishing pleasures that are the rewards of wisdom, generosity, loving kindness, concentration and letting go.  Gregory Maloof follows the traditional Buddhist practice of not charging for teachings.  If you have been receiving benefit and want to support Gregory Maloof as a teacher directly, please donate Dana here Gregory is a western Dharma teacher from the Ruth Denison lineage. To learn about retreats, news, and classes first, CLICK HERE to keep in touch and get on the Wednesday Wake-Up mailing list.  

This week we talk about the powerful distinction the Buddha makes between feelings that arise from sense door contact that keep us bound in stress, discontent and suffering and feelings that arise directly from our spiritual practice. This topic is important because it speaks to the source of the Buddha’s insight about the nature of his awakening and helps us to conceptualize the experience of enlightenment.  Gregory Maloof follows the traditional Buddhist practice of not charging for teachings.  If you have been receiving benefit and want to support Gregory Maloof as a teacher directly, please donate Dana here Gregory is a western Dharma teacher from the Ruth Denison lineage. To learn about retreats, news, and classes first, CLICK HERE to keep in touch and get on the Wednesday Wake-Up mailing list.  

In this talk we explore how the Buddha saw pleasant, unpleasant and neutral  emotion and body sensations as the ground of all thoughts, views and complex mental states. We consider ways that these sensations can be turned against us to cause unconscious harm to ourselves and others and we explore the importance of being able to make direct contact with these sensations with mindfulness in order to decrease suffering.   Gregory Maloof follows the traditional Buddhist practice of not charging for teachings.  If you have been receiving benefit and want to support Gregory Maloof as a teacher directly, please donate Dana here Gregory is a western Dharma teacher from the Ruth Denison lineage. To learn about retreats, news, and classes first, CLICK HERE to keep in touch and get on the Wednesday Wake-Up mailing list.  

This recording is from the Wednesday Wake-Up group meeting on Zoom.  It has been edited for clarity and time. Guided Meditation is at the beginning, to skip to talk, start at 37 min 12 sec. In this talk we explore how the Buddha uses the fact of aging and dying as a path to bringing deeper honesty, authenticity and freedom to our day to day lived experience. We also discuss how to frame the context of death so it becomes an inspiring and welcoming topic of spiritual reflection rather than the taboo subject we are accustomed to. Talk includes suggestions on how to successfully incorporate elements of death contemplation into meditation practice.   Gregory Maloof follows the traditional Buddhist practice of not charging for teachings.  If you have been receiving benefit and want to support Gregory Maloof as a teacher directly, please donate Dana here Gregory is a western Dharma teacher from the Ruth Denison lineage. To learn about retreats, news, and classes first, CLICK HERE to keep in touch and get on the Wednesday Wake-Up mailing list.  

This week's talk provides a highly detailed explanation of how to successfully engage in this famous but often undervalued meditation practice. We explore how to use this practice to explore the wisdom of impermanence, suffering and not-self. The instructions include how to combine both verbal and mental fabrication to create a concentrated balance between visualization and contemplation work to gain deeper experience in your sits.  Gregory Maloof follows the traditional Buddhist practice of not charging for teachings.  If you have been receiving benefit and want to support Gregory Maloof as a teacher directly, please donate Dana here Gregory is a western Dharma teacher from the Ruth Denison lineage. To learn about retreats, news, and classes first, CLICK HERE to keep in touch and get on the Wednesday Wake-Up mailing list.  

This recording includes the opening guided meditation.  If you would like to skip it and head direct to the Dharma talk, skip to 36 min, 23 sec in.   In this talk, we explore how to use the wisdom of wise view, not-self and Sangha as tools to manage and liberate ourselves from the suffering caused by worry.   Gregory Maloof follows the traditional Buddhist practice of not charging for teachings.  If you have been receiving benefit and want to support Gregory Maloof as a teacher directly, please donate Dana here Gregory is a western Dharma teacher from the Ruth Denison lineage. To learn about retreats, news, and classes first, CLICK HERE to keep in touch and get on the Wednesday Wake-Up mailing list.