Reflections on Buddhism
HOSTS
Patrick McGinn has worked as a civil rights attorney, also with animal rescue organizations in various roles, and for the last six years has been living and working at Buddhist retreat centers in the western United States. He moved to Land of Medicine Buddha in January 2018, first as a member of the Service Study residential program, then served as Spiritual Program Administrator, and is currently serving as Operations Manager. Patrick enjoys fostering homeless dogs, hiking, writing, listening to KSQD radio and has been hosting “Reflections on Buddhism” since early 2020.
Brigitte Reardon is a licensed Massage Therapist, Yoga instructor, musician and world traveler. She has a strong passion for holistic health, volunteerism, music and travel. Throughout her travels she’s learned about various philosophies and religions and found her deepest calling in Buddhist and Hindu practices. Brigitte is originally from Southern California and migrated up to the Bay Area in 2015. Brigitte piloted “Reflections on Buddhism,” which was picked up by KSQD and launched in February, 2019.
EPISODES
LATEST EPISODE: The Experience of Diversity in American Buddhism
Many Buddhist centers in the United States have a membership that is mostly white, middle-class and heteronormative. What are the experiences of Buddhist students who identify as BIPOC or LGBTQIA+...
Why Buddhism? Buddhist Practice on Western Ground
Buddhism is a rich philosophical tradition, but also survived for hundreds of years in Asian countries with cultures very different from those in the countries to which Buddhism has been introduced in the last 100 years, the so-called West. What are some of the challenges in this process of transplantation, and how do we separate the philosophy and practices from the cultural overlay that often accompanies them? We will discuss the evolution of Buddhism in modern times and cultures, and the benefits and the pitfalls of this transformation.
Environmental Activism through a Buddhist Lens
This episode was conceived and recorded in the wake of the devastating wildfires that were still burning in California and other parts of the West during the late summer of 2020. We discuss the climate crisis and the role of Buddhist practitioners and the relevance of Buddhist philosophy in meeting this challenge.
Myths about Happiness, and How Understanding Them Can Help Us Manage the Pandemic
This episode was recorded five months into the COVID pandemic. In it, we explore some of the myths of happiness, and how we might be able to find happiness, meaning and connection these days in some unexpected places.
Coping with the Stress of Turbulent Times, Perspectives from Buddhism and Psychology
his episode is an exploration of how to manage our stress during this time of uncertainty, and how meditation can help us transform grief, loneliness and anger. We discuss the roles of compassion (including self-compassion), gratitude, and enthusiasm in our happiness, and how we can access these qualities even in these difficult times.
The Changing Roles for Women in Buddhism, from Ancient Times to the Modern Day
Buddhism originated in India 2,500 years ago, and flourished for centuries in Asian countries with strictly patriarchal and hierarchical cultures. As Buddhism takes root in the modern world, how is the role of women, both monastic and lay, changing to stay relevant to our modern cultures, in which equal rights for all genders is valued? What are some of the challenges in terms of gender equality we still face as Buddhists, and how do we move forward? These important questions will be discussed in this episode.
NEXT SHOW
Sunday, December 20
6:00 p.m. (pst)
HOSTED BY
Patrick McGinn