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  • E40 -The Game of Free Will: Merging Behavior Science and Zen with Eric Zimmer

    E40 -The Game of Free Will: Merging Behavior Science and Zen with Eric Zimmer
    2026/06/05
    In this special episode of The Game of Zen, Host Paul Gyodo Agostinelli takes a deep dive into the intersection of modern behavior science and spiritual transformation with author, behavioral coach, and podcast host Eric Zimmer. Drawing from his personal journey overcoming severe addiction, Eric shares the foundational philosophy behind his award-winning, 50-million-download podcast, The One You Feed, which explores how we can intentionally feed our "good wolf" to cultivate mindfulness and resilience. The heart of the episode features a recording from a live event at the Shambala Center in Boulder, Colorado, celebrating the release of Eric’s book, How a Little Becomes a Lot: The Art of Small Changes for a More Meaningful Life. Together, Paul and Eric unpack how micro-habits, internal value conflicts, and intentional "still points" can slowly rebuild self-trust and naturally align our daily actions with the person we truly want to become.00:00 – Podcast Intro & Studio Discussion00:00 – 02:15 | Show Concept & Weekly Check-in: Host Scott Berman welcomes listeners to The Game of Zen from Philadelphia and syncs with Paul Yodo Gaselli Sensei in Boulder, Colorado. They discuss the post-Memorial Day transition into summer and frame the theme of the episode: connecting real-world habit changes with deep spiritual work.02:15 – 05:30 | Guest Introduction & Context: Paul introduces his close friend and former Zen student, Eric Zimmer (host of The One You Feed). He sets up Eric’s background, his book How a Little Becomes a Lot, and details the live book-signing event they held for about 50 people at the Shambala Center in downtown Boulder a month and a half prior.05:30 – Live Event Begins: Meet Eric Zimmer05:30 – 09:45 | Opening Remarks & History: The live audio cuts in. Paul introduces himself as a Zen teacher and leader of the Eon Zen Center. He details his 7-to-8-year relationship with Eric, charting Eric's trajectory from a long-distance student in Columbus, Ohio, to a prominent voice in behavioral and spiritual health. Paul maps out the format: a 35–40 minute deep-dive dialogue followed by an open audience Q&A.09:45 – The Core of Change & The Crisis of Meaning09:45 – 15:20 | Personal Survival as Inspiration: Paul asks Eric what drove him to transition his years of audio interviews into a structured narrative book. Eric traces his deep curiosity about behavior back to his own survival cliff—recounting his historical battle with life-threatening drug addiction and observing why some peers got clean while others died. He reflects on his 12 years of podcasting and coaching hundreds of people, noting that while human transformation retains an element of core mystery, the actionable science of change is highly repeatable.15:20 – 21:10 | The Modern Crisis of Meaning: Paul asks about the cultural timing of the book. Eric diagnoses a widespread cultural "crisis of meaning." He highlights that while popular secular habit books (like Atomic Habits) are massive successes because they help people maximize daily productivity, fitness, or diet, his book is an intentional effort to hijack those exact behavioral frameworks to make people wiser, happier, and more spiritually fulfilled.21:10 – Identity, Action, and Small Stakes21:10 – 26:45 | Behavior Drives Identity (and Vice Versa): Paul digs into a quote from the book focusing on two vital questions: "What do I want to do?" and "Who do I want to be?" Eric defines these as two parallel lanes on a single road. He argues that positive thinking or isolated meditation falls short if your actual conduct causes inner friction. He shares how his early recovery required strict behavior containment to allow his internal alignment and identity to heal.26:45 – 32:30 | Rebuilding Faith Through Micro-Actions: Paul notes that standard habit guides give great advice on identifying as a "non-smoker" but offer no spiritual roadmap to achieve it. Eric explains his "little by little" philosophy: when people repeatedly break promises to themselves, it destroys their internal sense of agency. By scaling actions down to tiny, un-fail-able milestones, you slowly repair that self-trust and change your identity organically.32:30 – Motivational Complexity & Values in Conflict32:30 – 38:15 | Values vs. Desires: Paul highlights Eric's breakdown of internal motivations, moving completely away from Maslow’s traditional hierarchy of needs. He quotes Eric: "Values are what we want most; desires are what we want now." Eric explains that while value-vs-desire struggles are easy to spot (choosing a healthy meal over chocolate cake), the true silent killer of personal growth is value-vs-value competition.38:15 – 43:50 | Navigating Competing Core Values: Eric asserts that value-to-value conflicts are a permanent fixture of a rich life. He references his own internal friction between his craving for adventure and his Zen training in contentment. He maps this to the classic, ...
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    59 分
  • E39 - The Hustle Game - Slaying the Dragon with Aaron Hendon, the Mindful CEO

    E39 - The Hustle Game - Slaying the Dragon with Aaron Hendon, the Mindful CEO
    2026/05/15
    In this episode, we dive deep into the "distinct competitive performance advantage of slowing down" with Aaron Hendon, a best-selling author, leadership trainer, and the Chief of the Mindful CEO. With over 30 years of experience in ontological leadership and a successful career in real estate, Aaron joins us to deconstruct the "hustle culture" trap that keeps many high-performing leaders in a constant state of reactive "temporary insanity."We explore the neurological benefits of mindfulness, the critical importance of recovery in professional performance, and how training the brain—much like training a puppy—allows leaders to circumvent cognitive biases and access a "beginner's mind." Aaron also shares the impressive data from his nine-week training program, demonstrating how presence directly correlates to massive increases in sales and organizational retention.To learn more about Aaron’s work and his upcoming book, visit his website and explore his nine-week practice for clarity and peace:Official Website: https://www.aaronhendon.com/The Grateful Life Practice: https://www.thegratefulbreath.com/00:00IntroductionScott and Paul welcome Aaron Hendon to the show. They set the stage for a deep dive into how mindfulness practices can be integrated into high-stakes professional environments.03:45The "Hustle Culture" TrapAaron explains why the "grind" is often a distraction from true performance. He addresses the common fear that finding satisfaction in the present moment will destroy a leader's drive to succeed.07:20Mindfulness Data & ResultsDiscussion on why 80% of top performers utilize meditation to maintain their edge. Aaron shares a case study of a real estate team that saw a 160% sales increase simply by prioritizing mental clarity over new sales scripts.12:10The Business Logic of PresenceThe core principle that action produces results, but you can only act on what you are aware of. By "seeing things newly," leaders can identify opportunities that were previously hidden by mental shortcuts.16:30Mindful Culture & LeadershipExploring how a CEO’s personal presence dictates the entire organization's health. Using legendary coaches like Phil Jackson as models, Aaron shows how mindfulness uncovers the inherent brilliance of a team.20:50Centeredness vs. CalmnessClarifying that meditation isn't about "emptying the mind," but about becoming an observer of thoughts. This practice neurologically strengthens the prefrontal cortex while shrinking the brain's stress center.25:15Navigating the "Dip"Why most people quit meditation right when it starts to work. Aaron highlights the "valley of despair" and emphasizes why having a teacher is crucial for navigating the ego’s judgment of progress.29:40Recovery as a Competitive EdgeA reminder that the brain is a muscle that grows during rest, not during the workout. Aaron contrasts the unsustainable "18-hour workday" badge of honor with the recovery-focused training of elite athletes like Tom Brady.34:10Cognitive Biases & System 2Moving away from "reptilian" System 1 impulses—like risk aversion and confirmation bias—through intentional slowing down. This shift allows for more analytical and less reactive decision-making.39:00The "Puppy" MetaphorA practical guide to developing "agency of attention." Aaron likens the mind to a puppy that naturally wanders; the goal is to gently return it to the breath without frustration or self-criticism.43:45Grateful Life & ClosingA look at the framework of Aaron’s upcoming book, which moves from awareness and acceptance to natural gratitude. The episode ends with a final reminder to align attention, intention, and action.Aaron Hendon Links:https://www.aaronhendon.com/https://www.thegratefulbreath.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronhendonApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-game-of-zen/id1700988890Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2bjnPE66RC1bCL6h7i68jt?si=184f256fd76342e3&nd=1Podcast Landing Page: https://game-of-zen.captivate.fm/You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMJ2A-vZkd5ba7bW_8KNFgdkXiSfQh_xvPaul AgostinelliOne Body Sangha -- https://www.onebodysangha.org/The Zen Shift Newsletter - https://thezenshift.substack.com/Email: GameofZenpodcast@gmail.com#GameOfZen #NobleTruths #entrepreneurship#Buddhism #Mindfulness #Zen #Concentration #Buddha #Attachment #Impermenance
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    48 分
  • E38 - Zen, Identity & The Game of Childhood

    E38 - Zen, Identity & The Game of Childhood
    2026/04/03
    In this episode, Scott and Paul pivot to a new series: The Games of Life. They explore why Zen is the 'Master Game' that prevents us from taking social rules too seriously. By deconstructing the Game of Childhood and the Game of Education, they reveal how our earliest 'characters' are built and how Zen practice helps us question the identities we've carried since the playground."Detailed Episode Timestamps00:00 – Introduction & The Philly-Boulder ConnectionScott and Paul check in from their respective coasts, discussing the seasonal shift as Paul prepares for the Spring Equinox retreat in Boulder’s uncharacteristically warm 80-degree weather.01:15 – March Madness & Rooting InterestsA brief detour into college hoops where Paul puts his money on Rick Pitino and St. John’s, while Scott sticks to his roots with the UConn men’s and women’s powerhouse programs.02:10 – Defining the "Master Game" of ZenThe hosts introduce a new series structure: viewing life as a collection of "games" (business, success, romance) and using Zen as the Master Game that makes all other social games more fluid and less "brutal."03:45 – The Game of Childhood: Initial Rule SetsThe conversation begins at birth, exploring how we don't choose our "starting map." They discuss how parents and environments dictate our early rules—like learning to eat, walk, and seek approval.06:20 – Choosing Your "Game Piece" (Identity)Using a Dungeons & Dragons metaphor, Paul explains how childhood is the first step in creating our "character" or avatar based on the messages we receive from family and society.07:40 – Belongingness & Tribal AffiliationScott reflects on his own childhood friend groups and the "game of peerhood," while Paul highlights the deep relational dynamics of negotiating who "our people" are and how we handle being "kicked out" of a group.10:15 – From Insecurity to AwarenessScott shares his personal journey from being a shy, "average" student to finding confidence later in life, illustrating how a good player of the game learns to grow and change their internal narrative.11:55 – Why Mindfulness is Hard for KidsPaul explains why he rarely teaches formal Zen to pre-teens, noting that their developmental stage makes it difficult to "quiet down," and that a "little taste" of mindfulness is usually more effective than a full practice.13:30 – The Three Components of Sincere PracticePaul outlines the "perfect storm" that leads to a spiritual path: experiencing the distress of an overactive mind, a glimpse that you are causing your own problems, and exposure to a practice that offers a solution.15:10 – The Game of Education & The "Book of Knowledge"A deep dive into how school feeds our ego. Zen challenges the "expert identity" by encouraging us to question everything we’ve learned—including scientific truths—and to detach our self-worth from test scores or credentials.18:50 – Sangha: Intentional BelongingThe hosts contrast "going along to get along" with the Zen concept of Sangha—a community built on shared values, vows, and conscious intention rather than just social convenience.20:15 – Family Karma & Conditioned IdentityA look at how siblings can have wildly different "games" based on where their parents were in life at the time, reinforcing the idea that our childhood identities are conditioned qualities rather than our true nature.23:20 – The Toddler Analogy: Learning to WalkPaul shares a powerful teaching from his master: spiritual practice is like a toddler learning to walk. They fall "over and over and over," but they never decide to give up—they just keep getting back up.25:00 – Closing: Transitioning to the Game of ParentingScott wraps up the session with a teaser for the next episode, where they will shift from being the "child player" to the "parent coach," exploring how our own upbringings influence how we raise the next generation.Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-game-of-zen/id1700988890Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2bjnPE66RC1bCL6h7i68jt?si=184f256fd76342e3&nd=1Podcast Landing Page: https://game-of-zen.captivate.fm/You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMJ2A-vZkd5ba7bW_8KNFgdkXiSfQh_xvPaul AgostinelliOne Body Sangha -- https://www.onebodysangha.org/The Zen Shift Newsletter - https://thezenshift.substack.com/Email: GameofZenpodcast@gmail.com#GameOfZen #NobleTruths #entrepreneurship#Buddhism #Mindfulness #Zen #Concentration #Buddha #Attachment #Impermenance
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    37 分
  • E37 - The Year in Review - Navigating the Paradigm Shifts Ahead

    E37 - The Year in Review - Navigating the Paradigm Shifts Ahead
    2026/03/13
    In this episode of the Game of Zen podcast, hosts Scott Berman and Paul Gyodo reflect on their conversations from 2025 to synthesize their core teachings and look ahead toward 2026. Utilizing NotebookLM to map out their previous content, the hosts introduce an AI-generated infographic shaped like a tree to represent the four primary "branches" of their practice: Navigating Paradigm Shifts, Cultivating Wisdom and Independence, Managing Mindset and Anxiety, and Community and Connection.Episode Show Notes00:00 – Introduction and 2025 Reflections Scott and Paul open the show by discussing the transition into February and their process of reflecting on the conversations and lessons from 2025.01:21 – Leveraging AI for Conceptual Modeling Paul discusses the "brilliant" utility of NotebookLM in creating visual infographics and slide decks to map out complex content pillars, such as "The Six Realms of LinkedIn".02:40 – The Four Branches of the "Game of Zen" Tree The hosts introduce an AI-generated infographic shaped like a tree with the Buddha at the center. The four primary branches represent the core themes of the podcast: Navigating Paradigm Shifts, Cultivating Wisdom and Independence, Managing Mindset and Anxiety, and Community and Connection.04:45 – Branch 1: Navigating Paradigm Shifts (Inner and Outer Games) A deep dive into the shift from a behavioral, "outer-focused" game space to an inner-focused space informed by Zen rules. Scott and Paul discuss the "Bodhicattva shift"—turning your personal history into purpose by transforming Karma (conditioned existence) into Dharma (wisdom/compassion).08:34 – Branch 2: Cultivating Wisdom, Independence, and Sovereignty The hosts define the "goal" of the Game of Zen. Unlike the "karmic game" of material success, this path focuses on Prajna (wisdom), Karuna (compassion), and true sovereignty. They emphasize that while everyone forges their own unique path, the effort put into the journey is what cultivates goodness.11:35 – "Rolling Experience into Practice" Paul explains a key vow from the Fusatsu ceremony: the commitment to roll every experience—regardless of whether it is "good" or "bad"—into one’s practice.12:51 – Branch 3: Managing Mindset and Anxiety (The Skills of the Game) Discussion on the internal skills required to play the game, including managing reactivity and embracing impermanence. The hosts use a sports training analogy to explain how mindful mastery helps one handle high-pressure moments in business and personal life.17:53 – Branch 4: Community and Connection Exploring why you can't play the "Game of Zen" alone. They discuss the importance of the Sangha, the roles of coaches and mentors, and how to maintain Zen practice when interacting with people who are playing different "social games".21:05 – Aging and the Evolution of Practice Scott and Paul reflect on how the "game" changes as you age. They emphasize that while smarts may come with age, wisdom is earned through consistent meditation and updating one's practice to fit shifting life circumstances.22:56 – Looking Ahead to 2026: Navigating Global Breakdown Paul shares his perspective on the coming year, anticipating a dramatic breakdown and dissolution of traditional international, political, and economic orders. They argue that the millennia-old rules of Zen are the most reliable tools for empowering your life during these challenging times.25:52 – Why You Can’t Play the "Game of Zen" Alone The hosts transition into the fourth branch of their "Game of Zen" tree: Community and Connection. Paul explains that while you can play a game like golf alone, you lack a real assessment of your progress without others. He emphasizes that this stage is about harmonizing your wisdom and "awakeness" with other beings.27:15 – Shifting from Social Games to the "Main Game" Paul shares a personal reflection on the gift of shifting focus away from karmic or social games. He describes a "role-playing" approach to life, where he may pretend to play conventional social games while his "main game" remains the internal practice of Zen. This shift allows for collaboration rather than competition when engaging with others on the same path.29:20 – Navigating a World That "Isn't Playing the Game" A discussion on the "trickiness" of maintaining Zen practice when interacting with people who are not on a Buddhist path. Paul notes that because most people are playing different "games," it is essential to have a community of other players to provide support and guidance.30:30 – From "Rookie" to the Big Leagues: The Role of Coaches Scott shares his experience moving from a "rookie Buddhist" to higher levels of practice. He compares the Zen community to a sports team, where players need teammates, opponents, and coaches to help them "raise their level". Paul agrees, noting that while one must forge their own path, guides and veteran players are essential to the journey.32:15 – Aging, ...
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    36 分
  • E36 - The Boardroom Bodhisattva: Mark Thornton on Spirituality and Investment Banking

    E36 - The Boardroom Bodhisattva: Mark Thornton on Spirituality and Investment Banking
    2026/03/06
    Can you find enlightenment on a London Underground platform or in the middle of a £25 million corporate crisis? In this episode of Game of Zen, hosts Scott Berman and Paul Gyodo Agostinelli sit down with Mark Thornton, former COO of JPMorgan Private Bank and author of Meditation in a New York Minute. Mark shares his radical journey from a "caffeine-addicted stress junkie" in the high-stakes world of global finance to a renowned Zen teacher and leadership consultant for Wharton and Harvard Law.Mark demystifies the idea that spiritual practice requires a mountaintop, offering instead a "micro-dosing" approach to mindfulness designed for the world’s busiest professionals. This conversation explores how to break the false correlation between stress and results, and why 5% of Wall Street is quietly fueling a spiritual revolution.Show Notes & Timestamps[0:00] – Introduction to Game of Zen Hosts Scott Berman and Paul Guyoto Augustineelli introduce the podcast's mission: exploring the intersection of professional, personal, and spiritual growth through the lens of Zen.[1:25] – Meet Mark Thornton An overview of Mark’s background as the former COO of JPMorgan Private Bank in London, a best-selling author, and an instructor for leadership programs at Wharton Business School and Harvard Law School.[3:45] – The Catalyst: A Father’s Miracle and a Childhood Awakening Mark shares the story of his father’s terminal cancer diagnosis and subsequent 25-year survival, which led to Mark's first profound awakening experience at age 13.[6:15] – Banking: "Where Awakening Goes to Die" Mark describes his life as a "caffeine-addicted stress junkie" in London's high-finance world, struggling to find the 20 minutes for traditional meditation while his physical health suffered.[10:30] – The £25 Million Crisis and the Tube Station Epiphany How spiritual practice Bore fruit during a corporate merger crisis and a transformative experience of "divine light" while standing on a London Underground platform.[14:10] – "I'm Pregnant with a Book": Leaving JP Morgan The story of Mark asking for a year off to write, being told no by his boss, and ultimately leaving the bank to meet 32 spiritual teachers across 13 countries.[19:45] – The "New York Minute" Method Explaining the breakthrough concept of "micro-dosing" mindfulness: practicing in small, cumulative moments throughout the day rather than one long consecutive session.[24:00] – Corporate Spirituality: Wall Street’s Thirst for Wisdom Mark discusses bringing "Corporate Spirituality" to Goldman Sachs and finding that, while 85% of Wall Street may not be interested, 5% are "thirsty" for deep spiritual tools.[30:20] – Relanguaging Spirituality for the "Untouched" The challenge of translating ancient wisdom for people who feel "too busy" for meditation and avoiding jargon like Sanskrit to reach a broader audience.[36:15] – Rapid Cycling and Global Consciousness A discussion on how the modern "chaos" of the world (AI, geopolitics) acts as fuel for awakening, forcing individuals to bump up against their limitations and seek healing.[43:40] – The Three Sacred Marriages Integrating the three areas of life: Self, Work, and Others. Mark and Paul discuss the importance of not bypassing professional or relational paths in favor of a monastic life.[48:10] – Leading with Love: Transforming the Boardroom Practical advice on seeing work as a platform for love and wisdom, including how to transform annual appraisals into sacred exchanges.[52:30] – Final Zen Wisdom and Closing Quotes Mark shares his favorite Zen quotes: "In meditation there are only ever beginners" and "To disturb something is to be attached to it".Meditation in a New York Minute - https://www.amazon.com/Meditation-New-York-Minute-Super/dp/1591794293Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-game-of-zen/id1700988890Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2bjnPE66RC1bCL6h7i68jt?si=184f256fd76342e3&nd=1Podcast Landing Page: https://game-of-zen.captivate.fm/You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMJ2A-vZkd5ba7bW_8KNFgdkXiSfQh_xvPaul AgostinelliOne Body Sangha -- https://www.onebodysangha.org/The Zen Shift Newsletter - https://thezenshift.substack.com/One Body Sangha - https://www.onebodysangha.org/Email: GameofZenpodcast@gmail.com#GameOfZen #NobleTruths #entrepreneurship#Buddhism #Mindfulness #Zen #Concentration #Buddha #Attachment #Impermenance
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    48 分
  • E35 - The Bodhisattva Shift: Turning Your Karma into Your Dharma

    E35 - The Bodhisattva Shift: Turning Your Karma into Your Dharma
    2025/11/28

    This podcast episode, "From Karma to Dharma," Hosts Scott & Paul explore the concept of the Bodhisattva—an archetypal energy in Mahayana Buddhism focused on personal awakening and helping others do the same. The discussion centers on making a fundamental shift in perspective: moving away from an obsessive focus on karma (personal, conditioned circumstances and plans) to embracing dharma (one's wisdom, teachings, and participation in the bigger, interdependent mystery of life). The hosts discuss how this shift lessens personal suffering, combats "monkey mind" habits (like analysis paralysis and catastrophizing), and brings greater meaning and spiritual growth by allowing one to turn life's conditions into wisdom that can help others.

    ⏱️ Timestamped Summary

    0:00 Introduction & Host Catch-up: Scott Berman welcomes Sensei Paul Gyodo. They briefly discuss Paul's recent trip to the East Coast, noting the cultural differences.

    2:30 Introducing the Topic: From Karma to Dharma: The episode's focus is introduced: Paul's latest newsletter on Bodhisattvas—how to recognize them and become one.

    3:10Norman Fischer Quote & Defining Bodhisattva: Paul shares the quote: "Bodhicattvas don't mind much what happens to them. Their lives are larger than the plans they may have had for them." Paul defines the Bodhicattva as the Mahayana Buddhist ideal—a being that seeks awakening not just for themselves but to help others.

    5:35 The Shift from Personal Gravity: Discussion on how the Bodhicattva mindset moves beyond obsession with one's own plans, problems, and personal gravity, recognizing a larger context and interdependent reality.

    7:00 The Value of Helping Others: Scott shares his experience that helping others (using his gained knowledge) makes him feel better about his own internal problems, aligning with the Bodhisattva ethos.

    8:45 Plans and the Monkey Mind: Discussing the humor in making plans ("How do you make God laugh? Tell her your plans.") and how getting caught up in the perception of what should happen fuels the "monkey mind" when things inevitably change.

    10:45 Ignorance as the Root Poison: Referencing the Buddha's three poisons (greed, hatred, and ignorance). Paul emphasizes that ignorance is the most difficult, particularly the self-limiting view of ourselves as isolated and smaller than we truly are.

    12:50 Internal Ignorance & Limited Identity: Further discussion on the internal layer of ignorance—believing that our ideas about reality are reality, and limiting our identity to our conditioned life (education, biology, etc.).

    14:00 Bodhisattva Ethos: The Parental Mind: Scott connects the Bodhicattva's desire to help to the realization of one's ability to help people, especially seeing it through parenting—the parental mind is an animating spirit of the Bodhicattva.

    15:40 Minimizing Maladaptive Habits ("Weather System"): Using the analogy of a weather system to deal with overwhelming internal conditions (like workaholism, catastrophizing). You take refuge and wait for them to pass, rather than trying to stop the storm.

    18:50 Turning Karma into Dharma (The Core Reframe): Paul explains his expression: "Bodhisattva turns their karma... into their dharma." Karma is the conditioned life resulting from choices; Dharma is one's wisdom, teachings, and path. The shift is viewing life's circumstances not as limitations but as material for wisdom.

    21:20 The Eightfold Path as a Skill Set: Scott connects this reframe to the Eightfold...
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    34 分
  • E34 - Mindful Mastery: Dukkha, Deficiency, and the Discipline of Attention

    E34 - Mindful Mastery: Dukkha, Deficiency, and the Discipline of Attention
    2025/11/21
    Hosts Scott and Paul discuss the interplay between Zen Buddhist principles and everyday life, focusing on the concept of insufficiency or "not enoughness," which the first truth of Buddhism identifies as the root of suffering. The hosts explore how this sense of lack manifests across six key categories—time, money, people, information, energy, and attention—while sharing personal anecdotes and philosophical insights. A central theme is the importance of attention as the one resource individuals have the most control over, with the hosts ultimately advising listeners to focus on the resources they possess rather than those they lack. The discussion also touches on achieving happiness by embracing the idea that "every day is a good day," including those marked by setbacks or illness, and by shifting one’s focus toward inspired vows rather than solely personal satisfaction.0:00 - 1:04 Introduction: Welcome, hosts, location, and the episode's central theme: the interrelation of professional, personal, and spiritual growth, and the application of Zen principles to address the "not enoughness" that causes suffering. 1:04 - 2:07 Setting the Stage & Current Events: Scott checks in; Paul discusses being sick and recovering; brief mention of Halloween and the hosts' activities (Scott's Sixers costume).2:07 - 4:47 The Six Resources of Insufficiency: Introduction of the episode's main topic: Paul's newsletter on "not enoughness" and the six categories of resources: Time, Money, People, Information, Energy, and Attention. Discussion of Dukkha (suffering) as insufficiency and the cultural obsession with Time and Money.4:47 - 12:44 Deep Dive: Time: The "adversarial relationship" with time; the limitations of linear/chronological time; introducing the qualitative dimension of time (depth, focus, attention); Oliver Burkeman's 4,000 Weeks. Discussion on maximizing precious time, the futility of worrying about the past/future, and the Zen koan: "Every day is a good day."12:44 - 17:34 The Role of Attention (Master Ikyu's Story): How the idea of a "bad day" creates suffering; the cause of insufficiency as the gap between ideas and reality; Attention as the most controllable resource. Master Ikyu's teaching on attention; putting attention on what you have versus what you're lacking.17:34 - 22:58 Information and Energy: Scott's struggle with information intake; the balance between information/energy/time; tuning into intuitive sources of information and the body's energy (qi); how meditation helps manage time and energy; the wastefulness of worrying and stress.22:58 - 30:57 Deep Dive: People: Scott's struggle with not having enough time for everyone; making the most of contact; holding people in a "circle of awareness" even when not physically present; the energy drawn from quality relationships; the importance of maintaining networks. The vital step of feeling the deficiency/lack (loneliness, lack of money) and letting it motivate positive action, rather than denying it.30:57 - 35:05 The Achievement Treadmill and Vows: The sadness of successful people driven only by making more money; the hook of achievement and how it relates to self-worth; the quote on being disconnected from "inspired vows" and being caught in the "sticky web of too much and not enough." The solution: opening up to a bigger world/aspiration to embrace suffering.35:05 - 35:56 Conclusion: Final thoughts, the "Game of Zen" being about attention, and sign-off.Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-game-of-zen/id1700988890Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2bjnPE66RC1bCL6h7i68jt?si=184f256fd76342e3&nd=1Podcast Landing Page: https://game-of-zen.captivate.fm/You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMJ2A-vZkd5ba7bW_8KNFgdkXiSfQh_xvPaul AgostinelliOne Body Sangha -- https://www.onebodysangha.org/The Zen Shift Newsletter - https://thezenshift.substack.com/One Body Sangha - https://www.onebodysangha.org/Email: GameofZenpodcast@gmail.com#GameOfZen #NobleTruths #entrepreneurship#Buddhism #Mindfulness #Zen #Concentration #Buddha #Attachment #Impermenance
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    33 分
  • E33 - Problem Seeking Mind - Zen Tools for finding peace in dangerous times

    E33 - Problem Seeking Mind - Zen Tools for finding peace in dangerous times
    2025/10/10

    This conversation, "The Game of Zen," covers four key "self-evident truths" from Paul's "Zen Shift" newsletter and the essential practice of mindful living when navigating difficult, tumultuous times.

    The Zen Shift in Focus

    This thought-provoking episode of The Game of Zen centers on the "Zen Shift"—the profound change in perspective needed to counter the psychological danger of holding false or distorted views about life. The hosts meticulously examine deep-seated societal distortions, such as the overwhelming tendency to link self-worth exclusively to tireless hard work and the perilous trap of the "problem seeking mind" that remains hyper-vigilant and obsessively focused on non-existential threats. The remedy, as discussed by Sensei Paul, involves consciously moving past the pervasive cultural belief in the scarcity of resources (the Buddhist concept of dukkha or insufficiency) and the ultimate delusion that one is in absolute control of external events. Instead, a dedicated daily practice is required to "zoom in" on one's present quality of mind and body, ultimately allowing one to live a more secure, grounded, and genuinely happy life.


    00:00Podcast Introduction The hosts, Scott and Sensei Paul, introduce the Game of Zen podcast, focusing on the interrelation of professional, personal, and spiritual growth through Zen and mindfulness.

    01:21 Hosts' Check-in & News Scott checks in from Philadelphia, mentioning his upcoming trip to Abu Dhabi to work the Sixers' preseason games. Paul shares his experience starting a 90-day intensive period with his Zen community in Boulder.

    02:00 Introduction to "Zen Shift" Scott introduces the main topic, Paul's latest newsletter, "Zen Shift," which addresses living in "dangerous times" and managing world division, angst, and violence with Zen tools.

    03:22 Truth 1: Life is Hard Discussion on the first "self-evident truth": "Life is hard and we must earn our keep." They discuss cultural programming, the overemphasis on work to prove self-worth, and the challenge of balancing this with a more thriving, less individualistic life.

    07:44 Truth 2: Anxiety is Necessary Discussion on the second truth: "A constant state of busyness and anxiety is not only natural but necessary." Paul explains the "problem-seeking mind," hypervigilance, and the need to reframe the idea of a "problem" by starting with what one wants to manifest instead of what needs to be solved.

    12:56 The News and Hypervigilance Scott discusses his struggle with local news and the constant exposure to negative events. Paul shares his recent success with a "news diet," noting the immediate positive impact on his base level of anxiety and sleep.

    15:47 Truth 3: Resources are Scarce Discussion on the third truth: "Time, money, and other resources are constantly in scarce supply." They relate this to the Buddhist concept of Dukka (insufficiency) and the "sense of not enoughness." Paul reframes currency as a "flow" and encourages entering into the current of what one does have.

    26:17 Truth 4: Make It On Your Own Discussion on the fourth truth: "We must make it on our own. Relying on society is naive." They discuss the anxiety produced by the cultural emphasis on individualism and the healing power of recognizing our fundamental place in an interdependent web.

    31:49 The Danger of Control Discussion of the...
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