In this epiode I'm talking to Melanie Sinclair, ICU nurse, member of the Zenways sangha and trainee Zen teacher. Mel talks about her realisation that in many troublesome situations in her life, she’s realised she’s the common denominator - that she’s the troublesome influence! She very honestly discusses dealing with difficulties that arise within her marital relationship, and how her husband so patiently gives her the time and space to regulate her emotions, reflect, and figure out how to...

In this episode I speak to April Mannino, member of the Zenways sangha and trainee Zen teacher, about her troublesome buddhas. April talks very honestly and candidly about an old work colleague who she found particularly difficult, and who, over years of reflection and contemplation has taught her a great deal about herself and her relationship with her mother. She also talks about a few other more recent troublesome examples, including when people don’t show up to meetings and how her young...

In this episode I speak to Jon Murphy, member of the Zenways sangha, yoga, qigong and meditation teacher and brand consultant. Jon speaks openly, honestly and very lucidly about his troublesome relationship with his family, and particularly his sister who's a drug addict. He discusses the family habit of trying to help and "fix" her. But as his Zen practice had developed, Jon has seen more clearly how she makes her own choices (even if she doesn't think she has a choice), and this has meant...

In this episode I spoke to Zenways sangha member, Sophie Barraclough. Sophie first trained as a mindfulness teacher in 2015, and since then has found herself being drawn more and more towards Zen. She talks about how her husband and children in particular have been wonderful troublesome buddhas for her, teaching her a great deal about how to loosen up, let go and compromise. She describes how, over time, she's become more aware of the difference between her and her reactions, and the...

In this episode I talk to Chris Owen, a Zen practitioner of over 10 yrs experience. He recalls the time we both went to see the Dalai Lama speak in London as a moment that precipitated a big change in how he related to the troublesome, "hate figures" in his life. These days, Chris jokingly talks about how he can smell a troublesome buddha coming in the distance! He goes on to talk about dealing with troublesome people in a the context of leadership and committee work, and how important it is...

In this episode I speak with Penny Seizan Clay - a fellow member of the Zenways sangha, trainee zen teacher, certified mountain leader and yoga teacher (and founder of Mountain Yoga Kinlochleven).  Penny talks about her evolving relationship with her mother and what she's learned from this particularly challenging troublesome buddha.  She also talks about getting caught up behind slow drivers and how these everyday encounters have taught her a great deal about her anger and frustration, and...

To kick off this podcast I talk a bit about when I first came across the phrase 'troublesome buddhas' and how my encounters with various difficult people over the years formed the inspiration for my book "Zen and the Art of Dealing with Difficult People'. Then I speak with my Zen teacher, Daizan Skinner Roshi. Daizan studied Zen for 15 years at a Soto Zen monastery in northern England before moving to Japan and studying for a further 6 years with the Rinzai Zen master Shinzan Miyamae. I met...