E2: Getting Back in Joint - How the Four Noble Truths Can Transform Your Life and Business

Pause for a moment, take a deep breath, and prepare to delve deeper into the wisdom of Buddhism with the latest installment of the Game of Zen podcast. Our hosts, Paul and Scott provide enlightening discussion designed to guide you on a journey toward inner peace and liberation from suffering.

Paul and Scott unveil the realities of the relentless quest for approval and success that so many of us encounter in our daily grind. They draw on personal trials and triumphs to shed light on the "never enough" mentality and how the concept of sufficiency can revolutionize our perception of happiness and meaning.

Intro to the Four Noble Truths of Buddhism - (00:28) - The podcast hosts Scott Berman & Sensei Paul Gyodo Agostinelli outline the meaning of the Noble Truths. They reveal the symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and “cure” for our suffering. 

How do the Noble Truths apply to daily life - (05:00) - These truths are always working, in every moment we feel is “not enough”. How do we identify each situation and understand how relevant it is in our own experiences?

Focus on business issues - (08:35) - Scott talks about challenges with being an entrepreneur and how we are always searching for “more”. Paul talks about “need” vs “want”.

What is the definition of success & happiness? - (10:50) - What is our current understanding of success? Work against external views and turn inward to see what makes us be “ok with ourselves”. 

The importance of internal work - (13:35) - Goals change over time. How do the Four Noble truths put our goals into perspective? Paul outlines the Noble Eightfold Path. How do we cultivate happiness? 

Everyday applications of the Eightfold Path - (16:28) - Paul discusses the meaning of the Buddha’s teaching on the second arrow. How do we apply deep listening to our interaction with work colleagues? 

Importance of Meditation - (20:00) - Scott talks about how to use Meditation to understand more about his thoughts and how it helps give insight into the other person’s suffering. Paul illustrates how listening and being honest with yourself leads to giving your capacity to others. 

Learning from failures and setbacks - (23:51) - Everything is impermanent. Things are constantly changing and the path can help us through tough times. Be comfortable and accepting of the impermanence of life. Nothing lasts forever in business. 

Heart of the entrepreneurial spirit - (26:14) - Ride the waves up and down. How to enjoy the process. These skill sets help us enjoy the journey. 

Book & Meditation - (28:00) - Scott recommends reading “The Heart of the Buddha’s” Teaching by Thich Nhat Hanh. Paul ends the episode with a meditation on “What is lacking”.

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

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