Ep 13 - Callsign: Monk - Fighter Pilot, Zen Monk, Rōshi, Author

Barry McMahon shares his background in military aviation and Zen Buddhism. He developed an interest in Zen at a young age and pursued it further during his time in college. He then went to Japan to study Zen and lived there for five years, immersing himself in the culture and language. After returning to the United States, he joined the Navy and became a pilot, flying F-14s. Barry discusses the intersection of Zen and military life, as well as the importance of compassion and wisdom in Zen practice. He also touches on the balance between personal practice and social action. Barry McMahon shares his experience as a Navy pilot and Zen teacher, discussing the intersection of military life and Zen philosophy. He talks about the thrill of flying as an adversary and the challenges of being away from family during deployments. McMahon reflects on his leadership style and the realization that he preferred being an operator rather than a leader. He shares a close call he had during a night landing on an aircraft carrier and how his Zen training helped him stay focused in high-pressure situations. McMahon also discusses the non-dual nature of reality and the importance of turning the light inward. Takeaways Barry McMahon developed an interest in Zen at a young age and pursued it further during his time in college. He lived in Japan for five years, studying Zen and immersing himself in the culture and language. Barry joined the Navy and became a pilot, flying F-14s. He discusses the intersection of Zen and military life, as well as the importance of compassion and wisdom in Zen practice. Barry emphasizes the balance between personal practice and social action. The thrill of flying as an adversary in the Navy was the most fun for Barry McMahon. McMahon preferred being an operator rather than a leader in the military. His Zen training helped him stay focused and calm in high-pressure situations. McMahon reflects on the non-dual nature of reality and the importance of turning the light inward. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 09:17 Early Interest in Zen and Study in Japan 17:34 Soto and Rinzai Schools of Zen 20:21 Zen Monastic Life and Social Action 27:31 Military Aviation and Zen Practice 32:39 Flying as an Adversary 34:03 Choosing to Be an Operator 37:16 Close Call on a Night Landing 41:50 Zen Training and Staying Focused 45:30 The Non-Dual Nature of Reality