The Zen Gateway’s Podcast

In this episode Psychotherapist and musician, Jamie Shavdia and Zen teacher Martin Goodson review Jevan Pradas's book -

The Awakened Ape: A Biohacker's Guide To Evolutionary Fitness, Natural Ecstasy, and Stress-Free Living

Jevan Pradas is a 'brain trainer and 'bio-hacker' who specialises in utilising the latest in neuro science as well as traditional wisdom systems from around the world to help his readers discover well being and happiness in this life.

His approach is firmly science based somewhat eschewing alternative epistemologies which may appeal to some more than others.

Although this book covers nutrition and exercise with a strong emphasis on what is now termed 'paeleo-living' it also covers spiritual needs as a valid need for humanity and is clear that it is important not to ignore this essential area of life. 

Jamie and Martin discuss and explore the different facts and figures outlined in this book as well as giving their personal judgements on what they feel 'works' or doesn't when it comes to it's take on spiritual seeking.

Modern psychology talks about the importance of self-esteem and yet the Buddha talked taught about No-Self. 

Are these two approaches reconcilable?

Martin Goodson, co-founder of The Zen Gateway is joined by Jamie Shavdia, psychotherpist and musician (his latest album 'Truth Lamp' can be found now on Spotify). 

Together they explore what both these concepts mean and how they are used therapeutically and as part of a spiritual path.

Jamie Shavdia (www.jamieshavdia.co.uk) and Martin Goodson (www.thezengateway.com)   discuss the hugely popular book ‘The Power of Now’ by Eckhart Tolle. 

In this podcast they discuss where this book sits in the development of contemporary spirituality and psychotherapeutic treatments by introducing the present moment as a psychological medicine for many of our modern complaints.

Eckhart Tolle had what he described as an ‘enlightenment experience’ spontaneously following bouts of deep depression and suicidal ideation. Jamie and Martin discuss the fact that there are some people who, without any prior spiritual training, do have such genuine revelations and transformations of consciousness. In this wide ranging discussion Jamie and Martin investigate Tolle’s concepts of ‘Now’ and ‘Time’ as well as ‘the pain body’ and how anyone can enter into this transformative state of ‘Now’. 

What is emotional intelligence and how does it work in a therapeutic practice? Is there an overlap with Buddhist practice and understanding of the human condition? What are the factors that aid its development and what are the obstacles that prevent it arising?

Jamie and Martin return to discuss this hot topic in the series Transcending Mindfulness where we explore the depths of consciousness, human spirituality and therapeutic practice.

A podcast exploring the depths of consciousness ,spirituality and psychology. 

This episode explores how places affect consciousness and ranges from a discussions around psychogeograpy to holy and sacred sites and how these can have a transformative effect on experience and psychology.

Jamie Shavdia (www.jamieshavdia.com) and Martin Goodson (thezengateway.com) return in a new series following on from the success of the original Zen Bites series. 

This talk was given at the Kettering Buddhist Society on Monday 17th June 2024 to commemorate the memorial anniversary of Soko Morinaga Roshi.

In this final episode Jamie & Martin discuss how the infinitely complex nature of the mind is often modelled in both Buddhism and psychology.  The models offer us a map in order to give structure to an otherwise chaotic terrain however in the end this map must be laid down after the arising of the awakened mind.  

In this episode Jamie and Martin discuss the inevitability of change and impermanence, both core concepts in Buddhism and Mindfulness practice.  Topics range from the Buddha's life story to Brexit, the end of cycles to intrapsychic momentary change.  

In this episode Jamie and Martin discuss the unconditional acceptance of the shadow self, those unfavourable parts of "I' the ego that are often repressed and not allowed in. The case is made for the acknowledging, allowing and accepting of these aspects of the fallible self, before one can truly find peace of heart.   

In this episode Jamie & Martin discuss the role of 'gratitude' as an attitude that can help condition and humble our small selves, expand consciousness, with recognition of our interdependent reality.  Discussion includes looking at what gratitude is, and why it is so important within the context of mindful daily life practice.  What does it mean for the egoic state condition and how should one practice it?

In this episode Jamie and Martin discuss the body's innate wisdom arising from a bottom-up rather than a top-down more cognitive approach to spiritual practice.  They discuss the difference between knowledge and wisdom, insight experiences and a gradual training approach.  They also look at practices that can be used to access this wisdom of the body.

In this episode Jamie & Martin discuss the difficult topic of bereavement, loss and dying. Discussion ranges from how loss is worked with and experienced in the therapy room as well as the role of death as providing a sense of mystery within religion. 

In this episode Jamie & Martin discuss the spiritual potential of transcending the individual ego and therefore the limited confines of our own cognitive prisons which limit our potential as human beings.  Topics range from relative/absolute truth, group dynamics, crowd psychology and the Buddhist doctrine of emptiness.

In this episode Martin and Jamie take a different stance by looking at the use of sound, mantras and chanting. How do mantras work? How does sound affect conciousness? Why has chanting always been integral in religious practice? All shall be explored!

In this episode Jamie and Martin discuss the importance of mindfulness within relationships.  The changes that mindfulness can bring about in the individual in both the spiritual and psychotherapeutic sense are discussed, specifically in relation to the interpersonal dynamic between people/partners.  Later the conversation broadens to the relationship consciousness itself has to the environment and objects.

In this episode Jamie and Martin discuss sitting meditation, otherwise known as 'Zazen' in the Zen Buddhist tradition. They take in the history of meditation, why it is used as a central practice, the effect on the mind and tips to setting up a Zen practice. This includes the environment, posture and the breath.

In this episode Jamie Shavdia & Martin Goodson discuss the importance of the body in the practice of mindfulness and Buddhist practice, as well as the pivotal role of following the breath.  

Along the way they also discuss the feeling of an existing 'I' that develops through habitual patterns of thought and emotion, psychosomatic symptomology, Zen Master Hakuin and gumboils.

In this podcast Jamie and Martin discuss the mindfulness of eating and drinking, and how a meditational way of being in this inevitable act, helps us to connect with the present moment. Eating and drinking is discussed as an important part of meditational daily life practice in both the secular world but also in a temple environment.  

Other aspects of the discussion include an eating meditation exercise and the Buddhist view of relative and absiolute truth.

In this podcast Jamie and Martin discuss the importance of working with the emotions, not only as a way to better emotional health but also as a training vehicle to a greater transformation beyond the confines of a limited version of the self.

In this episode Jamie and Martin discuss the act of walking in meditation, and how movement helps us to connect with the body and in turn the present moment.  Walking is discussed as a practice in several of the Buddhost schools, as well as other religions and spiritual ways of life.  Other aspects of the discussion include Wu-wei (non-intentional action), and walking as part of the pilgrims journey.