Real Zen for Real Life Season 1 Episode 11 Mind Is Buddha: If You Meet Him, Kill Him! - Meditation Checkup: Dealing with Unavoidable Pain

Real Zen for Real Life is a show that delves deeply into the teachings and practices of Zen Buddhism, providing viewers with practical advice and guidance on using Zen principles in their daily lives. In season 1 episode 11, entitled "Mind Is Buddha: If You Meet Him, Kill Him! - Meditation Checkup: Dealing with Unavoidable Pain," the focus is on the concept of "killing the Buddha" and how it relates to the practice of meditation.

The episode starts with an introduction to the concept of "killing the Buddha," which is a fundamental tenet of Zen Buddhism. In essence, the idea is that the Buddha is not an external figure to be worshipped or idolized, but rather a manifestation of our own true nature. Therefore, the goal of Zen practice is not to become like the Buddha, but to realize our own innate Buddha-nature.

The episode then moves on to the meditation checkup, where viewers are encouraged to check in with their own meditation practice and assess how they are dealing with unavoidable pain. The host explains that pain is an unavoidable part of life, but that Zen practice can help us to develop a different relationship to pain, one that is less reactive and more accepting.

Throughout the episode, viewers are offered practical guidance on how to work with pain in a meditative context. This includes techniques such as focusing on the breath, noticing physical sensations without judgment, and cultivating a sense of compassion and equanimity towards the pain.

The episode also explores the relationship between pain and emotional suffering, and how Zen practice can help us to work with difficult emotions in a more constructive way. The host explains that by cultivating awareness and acceptance of our own painful emotions, we can learn to transform them into insight and wisdom.

Overall, "Mind Is Buddha: If You Meet Him, Kill Him! - Meditation Checkup: Dealing with Unavoidable Pain" is a thoughtful and insightful episode that offers viewers practical guidance on using Zen principles to deal with pain and suffering in their daily lives. Whether you are a seasoned practitioner or just starting out on your Zen journey, this episode is sure to offer something of value.