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PODCAST

Death Dhamma Podcast

Margaret Meloni

Open and honest discussions with wise and skillful teachers about their experiences with life, death, and Buddhism. If you wonder how others on the path have dealt with death and dying and grief, be sure to listen in. Everyone has a story, a perspective, and a valuable lesson to share. Embrace death, live a full life, and learn to love impermanence because nobody gets out of this alive.

religion & spirituality buddhism

All Episodes

13:53

Equanimity in Action: Season 5 Wrap Up

Death Dhamma Podcast ·

2025/10/06

This episode weaves together the major threads from Season 5: Equanimity vs. Apathy Emotional resilience and spiritual courage Practical tools for chaos and anxiety The path from anger to compassion Mindful restraint in an overstimulated world The Bodhisattva's quiet strength Whether you're meditating in stillness or navigating modern life’s storms, equanimity becomes the thread that holds it all together—a stillness that doesn't withdraw, but wisely engages.

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08:45

Stillness Beyond Bliss: The Equanimity of Jhāna and...

Death Dhamma Podcast ·

2025/09/29

Together, let’s explore the profound terrain of jhāna—a Pali term meaning “meditative absorption”—and how equanimity emerges as a central force in its deepest stages. These states of deep concentration are not just about peace or bliss, but about arriving at a radical stillness where distractions dissolve and the mind becomes clear, unwavering, and impartial. We delve into: · The progression through the jhānas, especially the third and fourth, where equanimity becomes dominant. · The

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14:48

Staying Middle Path: The Role of Equanimity in...

Death Dhamma Podcast ·

2025/09/22

Delve into the concept of equanimity as articulated by the ancient Buddhist scholar Buddhaghosa in his seminal work, the Visuddhimagga. Explore three distinct types of equanimity: equanimity as a feeling, equanimity about insight, and equanimity as specific neutrality. Through this exploration, Margaret discusses practical meditation techniques and mental exercises that cultivate a balanced and neutral approach to our thoughts, feelings, and sensations. Ultimately, the aim is to reduce suffering by

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13:52

From Suffering to Serenity: Developing a Wise Mind...

Death Dhamma Podcast ·

2025/09/15

Join us as we unpack three distinct types of equanimity: equanimity as an enlightenment factor, equanimity of energy, and equanimity about formations. Margaret's insights into these essential aspects of Buddhist philosophy provide listeners with practical tools for maintaining emotional balance in the face of life's ups and downs. Key Highlights: · Equanimity as an Enlightenment Factor: This episode begins with the exploration of equanimity as one of the seven factors essential for

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14:42

Equanimity, Monks, Lay People, and More

Death Dhamma Podcast ·

2025/09/08

Margaret takes a closer look at the work of the renowned 5th-century monk, Buddhaghosa, and his influential text, the Visuddhimagga, or "Path of Purification." With a focus on two specific types of equanimity—the "six factored equanimity" and equanimity as a Brahmavihara—listeners will gain insight into how these concepts can help us develop mindfulness and clear comprehension in our daily lives. Discover how equanimity can foster a sense of neutrality towards experiences and emotions, allowing us

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10:25

Unraveling Equanimity: An Introduction to Ten...

Death Dhamma Podcast ·

2025/09/01

As we approach the end of the season, Margaret shifts the focus of her discussions on equanimity from a largely pragmatic perspective to a deeper exploration of its role in Buddhist practice. Drawing on the work of Anne Murphy from the Department of Buddhist Studies in Colombo, Sri Lanka, she introduces us to the concept of the "Ten Kinds of Equanimity" as outlined in the Visuddhimagga by Bhikkhu Buddhaghosa. Each kind offers unique insights into how equanimity can enrich our spiritual journey,

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07:31

Cultivating Calm: The Bodhisattva's Journey to...

Death Dhamma Podcast ·

2025/08/25

In this episode, you'll journey through the trials and tribulations faced by the Bodhisattva, who was born into wealth yet felt increasingly disconnected from the material world. As he sought to embody the perfection of equanimity, he chose to leave behind his riches and venture into a life of simplicity and self-discovery. Through his interactions with disrespectful children and wise villagers, we witness how he navigated the spectrum of human behavior, responding with a remarkable neutrality that

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05:57

Frozen in Time: Remembering Loved Ones Beyond the Grave

Death Dhamma Podcast ·

2025/08/20

Margaret reflects on the common human tendency to imagine how deceased loved ones would respond to current events. Through poignant examples, such as wishing a parent could witness significant life milestones or expressing relief that they are not around to witness troubling times, Margaret explores the emotional complexities associated with these thoughts. These reflections are not merely nostalgic but reveal a deeper understanding of how our memories can create a static image of our loved ones,

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06:31

The Tortoise's Guide: How to Guard Your Senses for...

Death Dhamma Podcast ·

2025/08/11

The Kumma sutta, a Buddhist parable about a tortoise and a jackal, can help remind you how guarding your sensory experiences can help you maintain inner peace and protect yourself from negative influences (symbolized by Mara) during challenging or "interesting" times. Key Points 🐢 Sensory Protection: The tortoise's strategy of withdrawing into its shell serves as a metaphor for protecting yourself from external distractions and potential harm by carefully monitoring sensory inputs. 🧘

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07:27

Digging Deep: Uncovering Resilience in Difficult Times

Death Dhamma Podcast ·

2025/08/04

Margaret Meloni shares a Buddhist tale about perseverance and resilience in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges. The story follows a caravan traveling through a scorching desert, where the guide falls asleep and leads the group in a circle, leaving them stranded without water. The caravan leader demonstrates extraordinary leadership and determination by encouraging his team to dig for water, ultimately discovering a hidden spring that saves the entire group. The story illustrates the

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06:21

One by One: A Mindful Approach to Life's Uncertainties

Death Dhamma Podcast ·

2025/07/28

Host Margaret Meloni shares personal travel experiences as a metaphor for understanding equanimity and finding calm amid chaos. Through her journey of a challenging red-eye flight and navigating unfamiliar traffic patterns, she explores the concept of "one by one" - a mindful approach to accepting life's unpredictability and maintaining inner peace despite external uncertainties. Key Points 🛫 Travel Challenges: Experienced a difficult red-eye flight with no sleep, demonstrating the

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11:34

Everyday Equanimity: Balance in the Small Moments

Death Dhamma Podcast ·

2025/07/21

In this episode of the Death Dhamma Podcast, we turn our attention to equanimity—not as an abstract ideal, but as a living, breathing practice woven into the fabric of daily life. From missed buses to difficult conversations, we explore how small, often unnoticed moments offer profound opportunities to cultivate balance and composure. Drawing on both personal experiences and Buddhist teachings, this conversation examines why equanimity is more than just emotional calm—it's a form of wisdom that

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08:16

Finding Calm in the Chaos: Buddhist Tools for Anxiety...

Death Dhamma Podcast ·

2025/07/14

In this heartfelt solo episode, Margaret Meloni explores the messy, anxious moments that chaos can bring—and how Buddhist practice offers real, grounding tools to meet them with equanimity. From reconnecting with the Dharma and chanting mantras to movement, meaningful conversation, and walking meditation, this reflection is packed with gentle, practical guidance. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, angsty, or just out of sync, this episode is a compassionate invitation to slow down, breathe deeply,

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17:52

In Difficult Times, Choose Letting Go Over Giving Up

Death Dhamma Podcast ·

2025/07/07

Together, we will explore the critical distinction between "letting go" and "giving up" through a Buddhist philosophical lens. Margaret discusses how letting go is a conscious, compassionate practice of releasing attachment without losing hope or effort, while giving up represents a collapse into despair, apathy, and complete surrender. Using personal anecdotes and insights from Buddhist teachings, she encourages listeners to navigate challenging times with wisdom, equanimity, and continued

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17:12

Ancient Wisdom for Modern Challenges: Anger in...

Death Dhamma Podcast ·

2025/06/30

With a unique blend of ancient Buddhist wisdom and contemporary insights, Margaret explores how anger not only affects our personal lives but also ripples through our relationships and society at large. Throughout the episode, we uncover the many facets of anger and its consequences, from the profound impact it has on our physical appearance—turning us "ugly" both inside and out—to the emotional toll it takes on our ability to rest peacefully. Margaret emphasizes that anger can disrupt our sleep

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16:55

Beyond Good and Bad: Asking "May I Perceive This...

Death Dhamma Podcast ·

2025/06/23

Margaret explores equanimity as the ability to perceive experiences without being dominated by visceral reactions. By embracing both the agreeable and disagreeable aspects of any situation, listeners can begin to foster a more balanced approach to life's challenges. The podcast also highlights a fascinating encounter between the Buddha and a Brahmin teacher, where the limitations of sensory perception are unveiled. Here, the Buddha demonstrates that simply avoiding sensory experiences does not

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09:12

The Fast Food Mentality: Why Complaining Isn’t the...

Death Dhamma Podcast ·

2025/06/16

Complaining is Like Junk Food: Just as fast food offers fleeting satisfaction but lacks nourishment, complaining provides only temporary emotional relief. This episode invites listeners to reconsider the impact of their words and thoughts on their well-being. Drawing an insightful analogy between complaining and consuming fast food, Margaret highlights how we often seek quick emotional relief through negative expressions that ultimately leave us feeling unsatisfied and burdened. This discussion

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04:54

Maybe: The Power of Withholding Judgment

Death Dhamma Podcast ·

2025/06/09

The central narrative of The Story of the Chinese Farmer powerfully reminds us that what may initially seem like fortune or misfortune can lead to unforeseen consequences. The farmer's unique response of "maybe" to various events illustrates the wisdom in suspending immediate judgment. By refraining from labeling experiences too quickly, we can embrace the impermanence and uncertainty of life. This episode emphasizes mindful acceptance, urging listeners to observe events with detachment from

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07:13

The Art of Letting Go: Insights from a Stuffed Frog

Death Dhamma Podcast ·

2025/06/02

When Willy, her playful cat, tears a stuffed frog apart, Margaret Meloni is thrust into an emotional journey that prompts deep introspection Throughout the episode, Margaret skillfully navigates her feelings of sorrow and frustration as she grapples with the loss of the stuffed animal. This emotional response serves as a springboard for a wider discussion on the nature of attachment, exploring how we imbue objects with meaning based on our relationships and memories. Listeners will resonate with

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07:44

Equanimity Unveiled: How the Eight Winds Shape Our...

Death Dhamma Podcast ·

2025/05/26

Focus on the eight worldly conditions—gain and loss, status and disgrace, censure and praise, pleasure and pain. These "winds", as host Margaret Meloni refers to them, are familiar to all of us. By exploring these vicissitudes, Margaret encourages us to reflect on how our attachment to gain and our aversion to loss can lead to suffering. She reminds us that embracing loss can be a profound teacher, guiding us to a deeper understanding of impermanence and the realities of life. Margaret's insights

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