The Buddhist Podcast for Stories to Inspire, Mindfulness, and Spirituality  #21 - Cookie Fight Host: Venerable Miao Guang Listen to the full story here. (Or on iTunes, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcast.) Once upon a time, a married couple received a gift from their neighbor. It was a box of home-made cookies. They were so fresh and smelled delicious. The couple just couldn't wait to open the box. One after another they enjoyed the crunchy cookies. Soon, they were down to the last one, and they both reached out to take the last cookie at the same time. However, ei ..read more

  The Buddhist Podcast for Stories to Inspire, Mindfulness, and Spirituality  #180 - Not Expounding the Teachings for Offerings Host: Venerable Miao Guang Listen to the full story here. (Or on iTunes, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcast.) Once, on a long journey to spread his teachings throughout the kingdom of Kosala, the Buddha encountered a Brahmin farmer named Bhāradvāja working hard in a field. Bhāradvāja saw the Buddha approaching from afar. Taking instant notice of the Buddha’s majestic demeanor, he stopped working, wiped the sweat from his forehead, and w ..read more

 The Buddhist Podcast for Stories to Inspire, Mindfulness, and Spirituality  #179 - A Life for a Pearl Host: Venerable Miao Guang Listen to the full story here. (Or on iTunes, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcast.) During the Buddha’s time, there lived a noble bhiksu named Yatin. Each day, he would go to the village or city nearby to beg for alms. One day, while begging for alms, Yatin found himself in front of a bead shop.  The shopkeeper did not notice him as he worked intently on stringing his pearl beads. Yatin waited quietly for a few minutes, not wanting to ..read more

 The Buddhist Podcast for Stories to Inspire, Mindfulness, and Spirituality  #178 - Katyayana Host: Venerable Miao Guang Listen to the full story here. (Or on iTunes, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcast.) Among the Buddha’s disciples, Katyayana was foremost in debating the Buddha’s teachings. He was skilled at answering difficult questions, easing people’s curiosity, and filling their hearts with admiration. Katyayana believed the Truth was to be explained in ways easily understood by all. Once, while Katyayana was begging for alms, a brahmin approached. After greeting ..read more

  The Buddhist Podcast for Stories to Inspire, Mindfulness, and Spirituality  #177 - Fighting Over Rotten Meat Host: Venerable Miao Guang Listen to the full story here. (Or on iTunes, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcast.)     The Buddha often traveled with his disciples to many villages, cities, and countries. During their travels, he would often teach his disciples along the way as events or conditions arose. One sunny day, while on their way to a nearby village to beg for alms, the Buddha suddenly stopped. Turning to Ananda, he asked, “Ananda, do ..read more

The Buddhist Podcast for Stories to Inspire, Mindfulness, and Spirituality  #175 - Actions Speak Louder Than Words Host: Venerable Miao Guang Listen to the full story here. (Or on iTunes, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcast.) Once, after the Sangha had lunch, one of the Buddha’s disciples rose from his seat and said with joined palms, “Buddha, I am honored to say that you are the greatest teacher in history.” When the Buddha heard this, he did not respond but simply sat in silence, without showing any sign of acknowledgment. Another disciple rose from his seat and continued ..read more

  The Buddhist Podcast for Stories to Inspire, Mindfulness, and Spirituality  #174 - The Foolish Fool Host: Venerable Miao Guang Listen to the full story here. (Or on iTunes, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcast.)     During the Buddha’s time, there lived a wealthy man named Anay who owned fertile lands and horses. Though extremely rich and full of potential merits, he also lacked wisdom. His ignorance and inability to distinguish right from wrong often led to much embarrassment and ridicule.     One day, Anay went into town to run erra ..read more

 The Buddhist Podcast for Stories to Inspire, Mindfulness, and Spirituality  #173 - Past Affinity Host: Venerable Miao Guang Listen to the full story here. (Or on iTunes, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcast.) Once, while traveling in the ancient country of Kausala, the Buddha met an old woman named Tarala. She was a maidservant, whose job was to carry buckets of water for her master each day. As part of her daily routine, she arrived at the community well to draw water. When he saw her, the Buddha told Ananda, “Please take your alms bowl and ask the old woman over there for ..read more

  The Buddhist Podcast for Stories to Inspire, Mindfulness, and Spirituality  #172 - The True Magician Host: Venerable Miao Guang Listen to the full story here. (Or on iTunes, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcast.) Once upon a time, there lived in Rajagrha a magician named Bhadra. He was clever, gifted at magic, and known as the city’s chief magician. Everyone in Magadha, except for the Buddha’s followers, was dazzled by his magic tricks and believed him. When Bhadra learned of the Buddha’s virtues and accomplishments, he became worried and thought, “Everyone in R ..read more

 The Buddhist Podcast for Stories to Inspire, Mindfulness, and Spirituality  #171 - Two Arrows Host: Venerable Miao Guang Listen to the full story here. (Or on iTunes, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcast.) The Buddha was honored as the Teacher of Heaven and all peoples. He was also the most skillful and exemplary Teacher of the Truth, skilled in using similes and metaphors, always willing to answer his disciples’ questions, and teaching them according to their aptitudes and skills. In this way, his disciples clearly understood his teachings and were inspired in their faith a ..read more