A Powerful New Take on the Enneagram (from my new book)

Send us Fan MailThis episode, we pause our exploration of the Noble Eightfold Path before returning next week with Right Effort.This week, Shambhala Publications (my favorite publisher) is reissuing my book, The Buddhist Enneagram. I’m so proud this is happening and I wanted to take this chance to share thoughts on the two wisdom streams that have shaped my life for more than three decades: the Buddhadharma and the Enneagram.Highlights:Why compassion is central to Buddhist teaching and why it can be most difficult in our intimate relationshipsNine patterns of attention through which we experience the same worldHow understanding these patterns can transform conflict with partners, family, and colleaguesA personal example of how different Enneagram types notice different things in the same situationThe three centers of intelligence in the Enneagram: instinctual, emotional, and mentalHow each center responds differently when life does not go our wayThe three instinctual drives that shape each type: self-preservation, social, and intimate connectionWhy these combinations create 27 nuanced ways of beingHow each type carries both an idealization and an avoidanceUsing the Enneagram not to label people but to understand them and remain connectedHow the system can support genuine compassion in everyday lifeMusic selection:I share a recording of “Black Night,” most famously associated with musician Charles Brown. The version we listen to features Willie Nelson and Dr. John from the album Milk Cow Blues. I talk about the extraordinary musicians on the track, including producer and guitarist Derek O’Brien, who created the theme music for this podcast. You can also listen to it here.Get your copy of The Buddhist Enneagram From March 10 – April 10, you can receive 30% off the new physical edition of The Buddhist Enneagram when you order directly from Shambhala Publications. Use code ENNEAGRAM30 at checkout. If this book has been on your reading list, or if you know someone who might benefit from this perspective on the Enneagram, this is a great time to pick up a copy. Buy yours here.If you’d like a free chapter, sign up for my weekly meditation newsletter here.Watch this episode on videoIf you’d like to watch the podcast, the video version is here.Thoughts?You can send your questions or reflections via Instagram DM or through our form — I’d love to include them in future episodes.Fearless Creativity: A Meditation and Writing Retreat Join me at Drala Mountain Center in the Colorado Rockies for Fearless Creativity, a meditation and writing retreat offering dedicated time for creative work alongside guided meditation and conversation. Writers of all genres and levels are welcome, with no prior meditation experience required. Learn more aIf you enjoyed this episode:Please rate, review, and share it with a friend who’s curious about mindfulness, spiritual commitment, or the Buddhist path.For more on Buddhist teachings and how our humanity isn’t necessarily in our way, sign up for my free weekly newsletter or join the Open Heart Project sangha for more connection with community and with me.If this podcast has been meaningful to you, it would be great if you would subscribe, give it a five star rating and share it with a friend. To join or learn more about The Open Heart Project please visit openheartproject.com.Thoughts? Email us at [email protected] by Citizens of SoundMusic by: Derek O'Brien©Open Heart Project