Audio

Adam Phillips (see his bio here) continues his series of interviews with NYI teachers.  In February of 2010, he met with Allan Lokos and talked about his new book, Pocket Peace: Effective Practices for Enlightened Living, and his life story.  Here we present that interview in three parts. The first part is Allan’s short synopsis of his book.

Here Allan talks about his background and his early life.

This is 20 minute documentary was written and produced by me for the Voice of America.  Among its many purposes were to serve as a general introduction to Buddhist philosophy and practices, particularly in their American incarnations, and to explore ways in which Buddhist ideals dovetail with American democratic and cultural ideal intertwine, as well as ways that classical Buddhist may serve as an antidote to America’s cultural excesses and blind spots. Includes comments by Allan Ginsberg, Helen Tworkov, Gary Snyder, Rick Fields, Joseph Goldstein and others. (Narrated by Jessica Berman and first broadcast on VOA)

In this first portion of the interview, Sharon goodnaturedly sloughs off the notion that she has a “title,” and talks with Adam about the similarities and differences between kindness and compassion. She also responds to his suggestion that the concept of “brokenness” is a universal in the spiritual life.

In this portion, Sharon talks about the role of community and sangha in helping caregivers deal with their own emotional pain, and avoiding burnout. This leads to a discussion of the “web” of which we are a part—with our families, our communities, and ultimately, with all living things. This is followed by a discussion of labor, livelihood and work as expressive and supportive of that web in our own personal life situations.