The Stream-entry Buddhist Blog
Long-format Pāḷi Canon-based Teachings and Essays
by Upāsaka Michael Turner
(f.k.a. Anagārika Pasannacitta)
Buddhist Therapist, Life Coach, and Dharma Trainer
— One-on-One Training and Coaching by Request —
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Understand Meditation Dukkha Ñāṇa & The Dark Night of the Soul
This article is about stream-entry, also known as awakening. However, to effectively address this topic, I will first introduce a concept that inspired this teaching, referred to as the "dark night of the soul," an idea that the meditation industry has adopted to describe the emotional or psychological distress practitioners experience after a period of intensive meditation or following a profound spiritual awakening attainment (stream-entry) and the potential pitfalls and dangers of attending extended vipassana meditation retreats. We will explore the Buddha's approach to teaching enlightenment found in the suttas to understand the roles of meditation and the jhānas, along with their connection to rebirth, stream-entry, the "dark night of the soul," and the "dukkha ñāṇa" phenomena. If you are sincerely interested in attaining stream-entry and ending saṃsāra, this article will be of value to you on your journey.
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Vedanās: A Complete Guide to Feelings in Buddhism (and How to Actually Use This Teaching To Be Happy)
by Anagārika Michael Turner (Anagārika Pasannacitta) 
What are vedanās (feelings) in Buddhism? Definitively clearing up this oft-misunderstood subject and understanding how to apply this teaching in everyday life to practically lay the foundation for contentment, peace of mind, and actual progress toward nibbāna.
Vedanā Series Overview — PART 1 —
Use Tonglen meditation to ease suffering and attain stream-entryIn this dharma talk I dive into the details of a somewhat-lesser-known meditation technique that anyone can use to overcome mental suffering, physical pain, and generate deep and transformative states of compassion and gratitude. I also cover the importance of Right Effort, determination, and good teachers, and how these are critical to cultivating resilient states of contentment and to making spiritual progress. 
How to use Right Speech to Give Constructive FeedbackIn this teaching, I share how Buddhists can use the teachings of Buddhist Right Speech and Mindfulness to offer unsolicited advice to others, skilfully and kindly, and in ways that promote harmony, mutual respect, and appreciation from and for the people whom we have around us. 
Stress and anxiety are signs that you're doing something wrong.In this article, we will cover what the Eight Worldly Concerns are and how they relate to your pursuit of happiness and your freedom from worry, stress, and anxiety. 
You don't have to be a Buddhist to use these techniques to overcome your anger and move forward gracefully, skilfully, and peacefully.In this short "dharma bite," I provide five concise techniques that come from Buddhism that anyone (Buddhist or not) can use in-the-moment or after-the-fact to help reduce the heat of discontentment and cool the flames of anger. This article includes a short guided meditation. 
Embracing Life by letting go of DeathWhat is the point of thinking about death? Is it morbid or is it useful? And how can it be used by non-Buddhists to cope with dying, death, or loss? |
The Teacher
Michael Turner, teacher and former Buddhist anagārika.
"The only thing that prevents people from awakening, stream-entry, and directly experiencing the stages of enlightenment is incorrect instruction and/or insufficient practice."
– Michael Turner Hello! My name is Michael Turner (my Dhamma name is Upāsaka Pasannacitta).
I am an Early Buddhism mentor, ariya-puggala (sakadāgāmi), therapist, coach, Buddhist precept holder, and I spent eight years living and working as a Buddhist anagārika, a pre-monastic renunciant. I work with dedicated Buddhist practitioners of all levels, from beginners to advanced, to help them attain measurable progress toward happiness and nibbāna. This kind of one-on-one training is uncommon for most lay practitioners. If you are interested, please visit my coaching page or training page to learn more, or contact me to discuss becoming a Buddhist trainee today. Categories
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If you are currently experiencing suicidal thoughts or feelings, it is crucial that you receive immediate support from professionals who specialises in crisis intervention. For those in the United States who are in urgent need, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by dialing 988. This service is available 24/7 and provides free and confidential support for individuals in distress. Your safety and well-being are of utmost importance. The services provided by Michael Turner are educational, spiritual, and coaching in nature, drawing on principles of Early Buddhist teachings and contemplative psychology. These services are not psychotherapy, counselling, or medical treatment, and are not a substitute for the care of licensed healthcare professionals such as physicians, psychiatrists, psychologists, psychotherapists, or counsellors. No medical or psychological diagnoses will be made, and no promises of cure or specific outcomes are offered. If you are currently under the care of a licensed professional, you should continue that relationship and follow their guidance. Once you are in a stable and safe place, we can explore how working together may support your ongoing personal development, insight, and well-being journey.
most of my buddhist students are donation-funded - you can fund a pro bono student by making a small donation
Zelle is the preferred method for unsolicited donations, as no fees are deducted from your donation. However, PayPal, Wise, and Bitcoin are also gratefully accepted. Those for able to use Zelle® I can be found via the email address in the image below:
Preferred Method
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Wise (formerly Transferwise)
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bitcoin address
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Alternatively, you may help me become a better teacher, practitioner, and person:
If you would like to assist me in my studies or support my life as a devoted Buddhist please consider donating a dhamma e-book from my Amazon wishlist, found here:
If you would like to assist me in my studies or support my life as a devoted Buddhist please consider donating a dhamma e-book from my Amazon wishlist, found here:
my amazon.com wishlist
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Michael Turner is a sakadāgāmi and a former Buddhist anagārika. He is also a deeply accomplished stream-entry mentor, applied-dharma coach, and Buddhist therapist. He emphasises and teaches the practical application of the Buddha's teachings in our everyday lives to overcome the problems that stand in the way of making measurable progress toward Buddhist enlightenment and he is particularly adept at explaining them in ways that can be easily understood and practiced by Western Buddhists. He has been meditating and cultivating the views and techniques that generate indestructible resilience, inner-strength, and direct experience for almost 30 years and has helped countless numbers of students and peers enhance and course-correct their practice to make veritable progress along the path toward Nibbāna.
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website by michael turner — beingpeacefully sp © 2013, 2025 — all rights reserved.