Episode 8

E8: The Journey Continues - Interview with Pat Croce - Part Two

We are excited to share with you the latest episode of our podcast, Game of Zen. In this episode, we continue our deep dive into the wisdom and insights of our special guest, Pat Croce.

In this episode, we explore the concept of suffering as an inherent part of the human experience in Buddhist dharma. We delve into the "second arrow", the additional suffering we create through reactive patterns around pain. Pat shares his personal journey within the game of Zen and the role of vision and vows in this inner game of awareness and self-development.

00:50 Thoughts, sensations, and beliefs affect emotions. Meditate to let them go.

5:09 Build confidence, use role models & teachers, manifest goals

9:08 Zen game amid illness and fear, self-realization.

11:40 Human existence, monkey mind, divine consciousness. One foot in the center of the wheel.

13:30 Every action is an end in itself. Goals & Strategies. Action steps on your To-Do list. The How in the Now creates the Wow.

18:34 Zen masters - Encouragement. Books: Dosho Port, Shunryu Suzuki, Alan Watts, Charlotte Joko Beck.

21:50 Peace and Happiness are our true nature.

26:06 Pat started a Sangha at his house. Moving along the path.

Post Game Wrap Up with Paul & Scott

29:37 Pat, a fantastic individual, shares his awakening in Zen Buddhism.

32:49 Essence of spiritual and wisdom traditions.

34:55 Optional pains cause more suffering than initial.

37:21 Inner game: be true to yourself, have fun.

43:09 He excelled at listening to others.

46:34 Zen's three pillars: faith, doubt, determination. Complementary: confidence, curiosity.

47:39 Core belief, questioning, improve, complement, grit, just do it.

52:05 Deep gratitude for his generous spirit.

54:04 Explore Zen Buddhism's transformative influence on work and life. Subscribe, share, comment, and experience growth. Wishing you peace and prosperity ahead.

Email us: GameofZenpodcast@gmail.com 

YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMJ2A-vZkd5ba7bW_8KNFgdkXiSfQh_xv

Zen@Work (Paul's Site): https://www.zenatwork.org/

Zen@Work Today (Paul's newsletter) https://zenatwork.substack.com/

Scott's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-berman-3901022/

Paul's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-agostinelli/

About the Podcast

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The Game of Zen
Master the game of work + life with wisdom and practical skills

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About your hosts

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Paul Agostinelli

Paul is a transmitted Zen teacher, Executive + Life Coach working at the intersection of professional, personal and spiritual development. He is Founder and Spiritual Leader of Eon Zen Center and offers Zen-informed Executive Coaching and Consultancy services through his Zen@Work program (www.zenatwork.org).

Paul received a Bachelor’s Degree in Physics from Dartmouth College and a Master’s Degree in English Literature from the University of Chicago, and has had a long career as an Internet Technology entrepreneur, co-founding and running multiple companies. He is on the Faculty of Willow Farm Contemplative Caregiving Center, and taught Zen for seven years as Adjunct Faculty at Naropa University.
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Scott Berman

Scott is a serial entrepreneur with a long career in Venture Capital, Digital Marketing & Jewelry Manufacturing. He is a devoted student of Zen Buddhism and has been studying with Sensei Paul for the last 3 years. Scott is an avid reader of spiritual books. In addition to the various business ventures, he has been keeping official NBA Basketball Stats for the Philadelphia 76ers since 1988.