Lama Taboot

Seeing the Dharma Through the Buddhism (or The Principle of Unknowing)

Sat, 05 Jul 2025 15:00:00 -0400

We dive into how to connect directly with the Dharma, how to avoid turning Buddhism into an obstacle to it's practice, and the principle of unknowing, or beginner's mind, as a path of awakening in every moment.

Support the show

Our website is lamataboot.com, Instagram: @lamataboot, and YouTube: @lamataboot

Find Lama Adam at lamaadam.com. His nonprofit is Mindfulness For Life at mindfulness-for-life.org and on Instagram @mindfulnessforlifeorg. One-on-one coaching and consulting with Lama Adam is available, and helps to support MFL's mission of bringing free, trauma-informed mindfulness and mediation to underserved communities.

Find Lama Mitchell on Instagram @lamamitchellsingletary. His band Humid Subtropic is on Instagram @humidsubtropic, and listen to their new live album wherever you stream your music.

The Cheetah House is an organization that offers help for meditators in distress. If you've experienced adverse effects from meditation, we recommend connecting with the Cheetah House community.

A Culture of Awakening, Part 2 (AB Book Study 18)

Fri, 03 Jan 2025 17:00:00 -0500

Support the show

A Culture of Awakening, Part 1 (AB Book Study 17)

Fri, 27 Dec 2024 16:00:00 -0500

Support the show

Informed Consent and Modern Buddhism (AB Book Study Bonus)

Mon, 23 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0500

In this bonus episode, we consider ways to more effectively translate Dharma into the modern age, including a greater focus on culturally-informed care and informed consent.

Support the show

Ananda: The Attendant (AB Book Study 16)

Fri, 20 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Support the show

The Everyday Sublime, Pt. 2 (AB Book Study 15)

Fri, 13 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Support the show

The Everyday Sublime, Pt. 1 (AB Book Study 14)

Fri, 06 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Support the show

Jivaka: The Doctor, Pt. 2 (AB Book Study 13)

Fri, 29 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Support the show

Jivaka: The Doctor, Pt. 1 (AB Book Study 12)

Fri, 22 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Support the show

Experience, Pt. 2 (AB Book Study 11)

Fri, 15 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Support the show

Experience, Pt. 1 (AB Book Study 10)

Fri, 08 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Support the show

Sunakkhatta: The Traitor (AB Book Study 9)

Fri, 01 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Support the show

Letting Go of Truth, Pt. 2 (AB Book Study 8)

Fri, 25 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Support the show

Letting Go of Truth, Pt. 1 (AB Book Study 7)

Fri, 18 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Support the show

Pasenadi: The King (AB Book Study, Pt. 6)

Fri, 11 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Support the show

The Four Tasks, Pt. 2 (AB Book Study 5)

Fri, 04 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Support the show

The Four Tasks, Pt. 1 (AB Book Study 4)

Fri, 27 Sep 2024 20:00:00 -0400

Support the show

Mahānāma: The Convert (AB Book Study 3)

Fri, 20 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -0400

We dive into a season-long discussion of Stephen Batchelor's "After Buddhism: Rethinking the Dharma for a Secular Age". Feel free to listen even if you don't have the book, but you may get the most out of reading along with us.

We wanted to let you know that due to some unexpected technical difficulties, there are some audio issues in this episode that affect the quality of the recording. While it’s not ideal, we believe the conversation is still rich and worth a listen. We appreciate your understanding and patience, and we’re working to ensure this doesn’t happen in future episodes. Thank you for your continued support!

Support the show

After Buddhism, Pt 2 (AB Book Study 2)

Fri, 13 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Support the show

After Buddhism, Pt. 1 (AB Book Study 1)

Fri, 06 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Support the show

Love, Commitment, and Non-attachment, Pt. 2

Mon, 22 Jan 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Your lamas taboot discuss how impermanence and awareness can impact loving relationships, commitment, and fear.

Support the show

Love, Commitment, and Non-attachment, Pt. 1

Mon, 15 Jan 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Your lamas taboot discuss how impermanence and awareness can impact loving relationships, commitment, and fear.

Support the show

Balance Pt. 2

Mon, 25 Dec 2023 00:00:00 -0500

In many ways, a practice of meditation is a balancing act between seeming opposites. But balancing can be fun! We'll talk about some of those apparent opposites and the active quality of resting in meditation.

Support the show

Balance Pt. 1

Mon, 18 Dec 2023 00:00:00 -0500

Support the show

Music, Meditation, and Dharma Pt. 3

Mon, 11 Dec 2023 00:00:00 -0500

We got our friend Steve to join us with some great questions about music in general, in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, and how it all applies to the great musical temple that is a Phish show.

Support the show

Music, Meditation, and Dharma Pt 2

Mon, 04 Dec 2023 00:00:00 -0500

We got our friend Steve to join us with some great questions about music in general, in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, and how it all applies to the great musical temple that is a Phish show.

Support the show

Music, Meditation, and Dharma Pt. 1

Mon, 27 Nov 2023 00:00:00 -0500

We got our friend Steve to join us with some great questions about music in general, in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, and how it all applies to the great musical temple that is a Phish show.

Support the show

Holding Everything...And Seeing What Happens, Pt. 3

Mon, 20 Nov 2023 00:00:00 -0500

What's been happening with your Lamas Taboot? And what might be next for the pod? Get a glimpse of what we're thinking about in this wide-ranging and personal conversation.

Here is the Huberman podcast I referenced in this episode.

Support the show

Holding Everything...And Seeing What Happens, Pt. 2

Mon, 13 Nov 2023 00:00:00 -0500

What's been happening with your Lamas Taboot? And what might be next for the pod? Get a glimpse of what we're thinking about in this wide-ranging and personal conversation.

Support the show

Holding Everything...And Seeing What Happens, Pt. 1

Tue, 07 Nov 2023 19:00:00 -0500

What's been happening with your Lamas Taboot? And what might be next for the pod? Get a glimpse of what we're thinking about in this wide-ranging and personal conversation.

Support the show

Summer Tour Update

Sun, 30 Jul 2023 18:00:00 -0400

Mitchell and Adam talk about their respective trips to see Phish in Alpharetta and Starlake. (heads up: this episode is exclusively Phish content.)

Support the show

Big Blue Tarps

Wed, 05 Jul 2023 13:00:00 -0400

Ever seen three people standing on a huge 12’ x 18’ blue tarp in the GA section right in front of the stage? Ever been one of those three people? We examine attachment and our self-created, illusory zones of “control” via this phenomena.

Support the show

Dorje Trolö and the Three Styles of Transmission (CW Book Study 2.7)

Tue, 13 Jun 2023 00:00:00 -0400

This season is a book study of Crazy Wisdom by Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche, a book that continues to have a tremendous impact on your hosts Mitchell and Adam. Each episode of the podcast is intended to compliment your own reading of the corresponding chapters of the book.

You are encouraged to put into use the Three Stages of Practice: listening, contemplation, and meditation. Listen by reading the book and hearing our dialogue on the podcast; contemplate what you've received by testing it in your own life experience, and meditate by doing your daily practice of meditation.

Support the show

Intellect and Working With Negativity (CW Book Study 2.6)

Tue, 06 Jun 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Support the show

The Lion's Roar (CW Book Study 2.5)

Tue, 30 May 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Support the show

You Enlighten Myself

Sat, 27 May 2023 16:00:00 -0400

Inspired by a question about the potential results of a three-year retreat, we discuss our relationship with enlightenment.

Support the show

Death and the Sense of Experience (CW Book Study 2.4)

Tue, 23 May 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Support the show

Communicate Compassion, Not Details

Thu, 18 May 2023 00:00:00 -0400

At Deer Creek 2022, Adam wrote himself a little note mid-show: communicate compassion, not details. Today we unpack it, and talk about how it relates to Phish and Dharma.

Here's the 2022 Deer Creek “Sand” we reference in this episode, and the Hollywood Bowl “Disease”.

Support the show

Fearlessness (CW Book Study 2.3)

Tue, 16 May 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Support the show

Hopelessness and the Trikaya (CW Book Study 2.2)

Tue, 09 May 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Support the show

Padmasambhava and the Energy of Tantra (CW Book Study 2.1)

Tue, 02 May 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Support the show

Phish Teachers and Dharma Teachers

Sat, 29 Apr 2023 22:00:00 -0400

Guides can be helpful in so many areas, especially Phish and the Dharma. That’s our jumping off point for today’s bonus episode.

Here's the Greek Tweezer>Simple we reference in this episode.

Must watch --> A fascinating interview with John Zorn about his improvisational game piece "Cobra".

And here are some examples of Cobra:
1) The original album, Cobra
2) New England Conservatory of Music
3) Israel, with Mike Patton, Cyro Baptista, and Mark Ribot
4) A vocal-only Cobra

Support the show

Cynicism and Devotion (CW Book Study 1.6)

Tue, 25 Apr 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Support the show

Let the Phenomena Play (CW Book Study 1.5)

Tue, 18 Apr 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Support the show

Eternity and the Charnel Ground (CW Book Study 1.4)

Tue, 11 Apr 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Support the show

Our Grateful Dead Awakening (and Asleepening)

Wed, 05 Apr 2023 12:00:00 -0400

Music-wise, Mitchell and I are Phishheads, first and foremost. For many phans, that means some kind of natural connection to the music of the Grateful Dead. But, it hasn't been a simple story for us, and we've been wanting to talk about it for awhile.

Support the show

Primordial Innocence (CW Book Study 1.3)

Tue, 04 Apr 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Support the show

The Trikaya (CW Book Study 1.2)

Tue, 28 Mar 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Support the show

"Pest" Control and The Beatles

Tue, 21 Mar 2023 22:00:00 -0400

We’ve got a listener question about how one might handle “pest” control, antibiotics, and germ-killing cleaners while also honoring the Buddhist precept not to kill.

Also, we check back with Mitchell after he’s had some time with the Beatles playlist Adam made for him.

Support the show

Padmasambhava and Spiritual Materialism (CW Book Study 1.1)

Tue, 21 Mar 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Support the show

Beginning Meditation

Mon, 09 Jan 2023 00:00:00 -0500

We give you instruction in the foundational practice of shamata, or calm-abiding meditation. This is THE trailhead to the path of meditation according to the Buddhist tradition.

But, as you’ll hear, one needn’t be a Buddhist to enjoy the benefits of this profound and life-changing practice. The only prerequisites are the belief that we can be better than we are today, and the diligence of keeping up a consistent, daily practice.

With this episode, you’ll have everything you need to get started.

Support the show

Three-Year Retreat, Pt. 2

Sat, 26 Nov 2022 00:00:00 -0500

We revisit the topic of three-year retreat as we continue to process such a unique period in our lives.

Here is the Beatles playlist Adam made for Mitchell. Did it work? Stay tuned…

And please consider supporting Mindfulness For Life, a 501(c)3 charitable organization.

Support the show

Compassion Meditation, or Get More Down with Disease

Wed, 09 Nov 2022 12:00:00 -0500

As the culmination of this season’s content, we provide instruction in compassion meditation, known as tong-len. It’s the practical means to the realization of all the enlightened qualities we’ve discussed, and we’ve paired it with Down With Disease from Hershey, PA on 12/1/95 and Madison Square Garden on 12/29/97.

Support the show

Introducing Teens to Meditation (Advice From Two Non-Parents)

Mon, 07 Nov 2022 00:00:00 -0500

We do our best to answer the question, "How can you introduce teens to the concept of mindfulness, especially in this age of technology?"

Support the show

Discomfort and Reality

Wed, 02 Nov 2022 00:00:00 -0400

We answer the listener questions:

”Do you ever feel uncomfortable around people who seem unaware of their reality?”

“Ever been to the ER since you embarked on this journey? I have, and bearing witness to those who are in acute mental or physical distress makes me uncomfortable.”

Support the show

Harry Hood and Six Perfections

Mon, 31 Oct 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Discussion of the Great Went Hood from 8/17/97 and the Charlotte Hood from 7/25/03 is woven throughout our presentation of the Six Transcendent Virtues.

Support the show

Is Buddhism a Religion?

Wed, 26 Oct 2022 00:00:00 -0400

We all know Buddhism is referred to as one of the major world religions. Yet it’s also common to hear people describe Buddhism as a “science of mind”. So, this listener asks, “Is Buddhism a religion?”

Support the show

Practice and "Toxic" People

Mon, 24 Oct 2022 00:00:00 -0400

This listener question asks how our practice of meditation informs our interaction with people we perceive as “toxic.”

Support the show

Ruby Waves and Four Immeasurables

Wed, 19 Oct 2022 11:00:00 -0400

Two versions of Ruby Waves — 9/5/21 from Dick’s and 7/14/19 from Alpine Valley — give us some context for a discussion of the Four Immeasurables.

Support the show

Meeting Stress and Anxiety

Wed, 12 Oct 2022 00:00:00 -0400

We’re all going to meet stress and anxiety, so how do we work with that? What are some strategies we can implement in the moment and, more importantly, in preparation for this inevitability?

Click here for some “first-aid” style practices that may help to calm the mind in moments of acute anxiety. But be aware: these are NO substitute for the armor of pervasive tranquility which can be established through one’s daily practice of meditation.

Support the show

Thoughts on the Power of Retreat

Mon, 10 Oct 2022 00:00:00 -0400

We start out talking about our three-year retreat, but end up discussing the potential impact of quality retreats, of any length, for everyone. Then we plug Joe Russo’s Almost Dead, 8/25/16.

Support the show

Piper and the Two Accumulations

Wed, 05 Oct 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Now that we’ve been slightly ungrounded by relative AND ultimate truth, what are we supposed to do? (or not do…if that’s possible). We use “Piper” from Madison Square Garden, 12/31/02, and the “Piper” from SPAC on 6/19/04 to talk about the accumulations of merit and wisdom.

Support the show

What is the Unchanging Element?

Sun, 02 Oct 2022 14:00:00 -0400

While our bodies constantly change as we age, there seems to be something inside that is unchanging. Some call it a spirit, some call it a soul, some call it consciousness. How do we perceive or address this from the Buddhist view?

Support the show

Finding Space to Be Mindful

Wed, 14 Sep 2022 15:00:00 -0400

We answer the question, "Are there times when you've found space to be mindful when working on something that requires intense focus?" And, in the second half, we discuss Trey Anastasio Band and Cressman/Faquini.

Support the show

Reba and the Two Truths

Thu, 08 Sep 2022 20:00:00 -0400

Perhaps the most paradoxical paradigm-shifter present in the teachings, we’ll examine the Two Truths paired with two versions of Reba: 7/1/97 at the Paradiso in Amsterdam, and 10/29/98 at the Greek Theater in Los Angeles, CA.

***Correction: Adam incorrectly

Support the show

Adam's First Phish Show

Mon, 05 Sep 2022 00:00:00 -0400

All about Adam's first Phish show at the CSU Convocation Center on December 8, 1995.

Support the show

Handling Financial Stress

Tue, 30 Aug 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Our first Listener Questions bonus episode is about how to handle financial stress.

Support the show

Intention and the Mango Song

Sat, 27 Aug 2022 00:00:00 -0400

We are kicking off season 2 with intention…and TWO versions of the Mango Song: 11/21/98 at Hampton Coliseum and 9/17/2000 at Merriweather Post Pavillion.

Support the show

Karma Pt 3: The Dos and Don'ts (SITMS)

Wed, 06 Apr 2022 16:00:00 -0400

With "Say It To Me S.A.N.T.O.S." from the Gorge, 8/28/21, as our musical pairing, we dig into the dos and don'ts of a karmically-sound approach to life.

Support the show

Emotions and Meditation: The Light Between

Wed, 30 Mar 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Can emotions be an object of meditation? Absolutely. We use the “Light” from Dick’s, 9/1/2021 to explore the idea that, as Pema Chödrön says, “emotions are just simple energy that we attach our thoughts and stories to.” Attach…hmmm, sounds familiar…

Support the show

Keeping It Simple

Wed, 23 Mar 2022 00:00:00 -0400

We can simplify everything, making our entire experience more workable, by reducing unnecessary complications in our thinking. The “Simple” from 11/18/96 is our pairing for this especially important lesson.

Support the show

Watch-along: Bittersweet Motel

Fri, 18 Mar 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Sync up with us for the classic Phish movie Bittersweet Motel, directed by Todd Philips, documenting their pivotal '97-98 era. We'll yap and yuckle our way through it just like your real life houseguests!

Pro-tip: This is easiest on our website, where the movie and a player for this podcast are right on the episode page.

Support the show

My Mind's Got a Mind of It's Own

Wed, 16 Mar 2022 00:00:00 -0400

We’ve got two musical pairings to explore this appearance of two minds: “My Mind’s Got a Mind of It’s Own” from 4/2/98 and “What’s the Use” from 7/12/99.

Support the show

Interdependence (Ghost)

Wed, 09 Mar 2022 00:00:00 -0500

With “Ghost” from Lemonwheel, 8/16/98 as our musical pairing, we discuss the interdependent arising of all phenomena. Ya know, no big deal…

Support the show

Me in a Maze: Realms of Existence

Wed, 02 Mar 2022 00:00:00 -0500

We discuss our experience of emotional states as realms of samsara with the musical pairing of the unique “Maze” from Phish’s 20th Anniversary show in Boston on 12/2/2003.

Support the show

Mitchell's First Phish Show

Sun, 27 Feb 2022 16:00:00 -0500

We go in-depth on Mitchell’s first Phish show, 3/8/2009 at the Hampton Coliseum, in this Phish-centric bonus episode.

Support the show

Karma Pt 2: Strong Positive Habits (Sand)

Wed, 23 Feb 2022 00:00:00 -0500

With "Sand>Quadraphonic Toppling" from Big Cypress, 12/31/99 we dig into karma, and how we can utilize this basic mechanism of our experience to build the strong, positive habits we (and our world) are in need of.

Support the show

Character Zero, Sufferings Three

Wed, 16 Feb 2022 00:00:00 -0500

The Buddha’s fundamental teaching that we can reduce and ultimately transcend suffering is good news. (Maybe the BEST news!) The first step is cultivating understanding what suffering really is, and how it arises in our own experience. With the lyrics to “Character Zero” (as performed on 4/4/98), we examine The Three Kinds of Suffering.

Support the show

What's Hiding Innate Wisdom? (Slave to the Traffic Light)

Wed, 09 Feb 2022 00:00:00 -0500

We use Slave to the Traffic Light from 12/7/97 as a means of exploring the question: If we all have this unlimited potential for wisdom and compassion, why can’t we see it? The Four Veils teach us a lot about what’s hidden, what seems to be hiding it, and the choice that actually rests at the heart of the matter.

Support the show

Bonus: Entryways and the Middle Way

Wed, 02 Feb 2022 00:00:00 -0500

No new episode this week, but instead some unreleased stuff from our first recording session with Ali, where she asks about entryways to Phish and entryways to Dharma, and we end up discussing the Middle Way.

12/31/95 “You Enjoy Myself “ Pt 1

12/31/95 “You Enjoy Myself” Pt. 2

Support the show

Studio vs Live (Caspian On and Off the Cushion)

Wed, 26 Jan 2022 00:00:00 -0500

Will there ever be a more natural convergence of Dharma and Phish? Possibly not, but we'll keep looking.

Topics include a comparison of the controlled environment of the recording studio with our formal meditation practice; how postmeditation practice supports our time on the cushion; the skill of finding a balance between technique and openness; and how Phish fans find themselves uniquely acclimated to the thrill of spontaneity and exploration.

Pro-shot video of the 7/31/99 "Prince Caspian".

The amazing Phish Dance Party Instagram.

Support the show

Antidotes and Obstacles (AC/DC Bag->Ghost)

Wed, 19 Jan 2022 00:00:00 -0500

With the pairing of the 11/7/98 AC/DC Bag>Ghost, we discuss antidotes to the primary obstacles to meditation: dullness and agitation; the importance of raising our self-awareness of those states; how technique can sometimes get in the way of just being; and how we can identify and maximize our time in the “learning zone”.

AC/DC Bag>
Ghost

Audience video of the 11/7/98 show.

Support the show

Impermanence (Went Gin)

Wed, 12 Jan 2022 00:00:00 -0500

We talk impermanence with a pairing of the Went Gin from 8/17/97, and the burning of the massive tower of communal band/audience art that concluded the 97 summer tour.

Support the show

Karma Pt. 1 (Ghost, Bathtub Gin)

Wed, 05 Jan 2022 00:00:00 -0500

We talk about Mitchell’s trip to see Phish’s Halloween shows, then use the Denver Ghost and Riverport Gin to talk about karma as habit energy and working with our patterns.

Musical pairings:

“Ghost” - 11/17/97 Denver

“Bathtub Gin” - 7/29/98

Support the show

Three Stages of Practice (Tweezer->Izabella)

Wed, 29 Dec 2021 00:00:00 -0500

With the musical pairing of 12/6/97’s legendary Tweezer>Izabella, we’ll discuss how to utilize the Three Stages of Practice—listening, contemplation, and meditation—to fully integrate the teachings.

Support the show

Three-Year Retreat, Pt. 1

Wed, 22 Dec 2021 00:00:00 -0500

In the spirit of the holidays, we’re sharing an intimate discussion Lama Mitchell and I recently had about the Three-Year Retreat we completed in March of 2020.

You’ll hear an overview of the traditional three-year retreat and specifics about ours; how Phish always had a sacred thread of practice to us, even before we knew a Buddhist framework for it; why a sense of spaciousness makes everything more beautiful; what it’s been like re-entering the world; and a remembrance of our unique and truly special retreat brother, Gelek Namgyal, one of two retreatants who passed away during our retreat.

Join us at 4pm EST on New Year's Day for our "New Year, Know Mind" intro to meditation class online. Register here: https://tinyurl.com/lamatabootnewyear

Support the show

Mindfulness and Awareness (Gumbo)

Wed, 15 Dec 2021 00:00:00 -0500

With Phish's spectacular Starlake '97 Gumbo in mind, we delve into the relationship between mindfulness and awareness; how cultivating our ability to place our attention brings about volition; what "monkey mind" is, and how our mindfulness can counteract it; and how we each possess the potential for transcendence in every moment.

Musical pairing: 8/13/97 Starlake "Gumbo"

Support the show

Happiness and Non-Attachment

Wed, 08 Dec 2021 00:00:00 -0500

We continue our discussion of non-attachment by talking about Phish's 13-night stand at MSG and how humor can benefit our practice; how the example of the Buddha's life demonstrates the Middle Way; how we are all equal in our wish to be happy; what it means to be truly happy and surrender to the flow; why we would still do things in an unchanging state of happiness; and how all experiences, both inner and outer, are experiences of the mind.

Support the show

Dharma and Phish

Wed, 08 Dec 2021 00:00:00 -0500

It all starts here! We discuss our first Phish shows since three-year retreat and COVID; address the discomfort of starting a meditation practice, and how that’s the same discomfort we are usually trying to distract ourselves from (hint: the distraction doesn’t actually help); and introduce the Buddha’s first teaching, The Four Noble Truths, and some ways we can apply it in life and at a concert.

Support the show

Season One Preview

Thu, 02 Dec 2021 01:00:00 -0500

Here's a short teaser of where we will begin Season One of Lama Taboot, the podcast about Buddhism and Phish. Upcoming episodes include topics such as non-attachment and setlist construction, happiness and surrendering to the flow, mindfulness and active listening, and karma and the methodical late-90s jams.

Support the show