Tales for the Journey

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Podcast by Chuck Nuckles

Tales for the Journey

Buddhist fiction is rare, yet stories have always carried wisdom across generations. Tales for the Journey shares short original tales inspired by Buddhist thought and practice. I’ve been a Buddhist practitioner for nearly 30 years, and I began writing these stories for my family—now I share them with you. Find the Series Glossary at bit.ly/BuddhistFiction.

Latest episodes

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06 November 2025

Auntie Flora the Healer & What Does Compassion Look Like?

There are two short stories in this Episode: Auntie Flora the Healer and What Does Compassion Look Like? In story one I explore the health of the Buddha and the role of a healer called Auntie Flora. In the second story, a young monk wants to learn how to identify compassion. Is the pre-eminent goal of Mayahana Buddhism something that can be seen or is it something else?

Find the Glossary at bit.ly/BuddhistFiction

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09:58

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02 November 2025

Episode 7 The Umdze (Chant Master)

This week's episode is called The Umdze. Umdze is the Tibetan term for the Chant Master in Buddhist Monasteries. I have invented this story to make up for not being able to find out when prayer wheels were first used in Tibet or who invented them. Consequently the period for this story is somewhat vague but the first hand-held prayer wheels were most likely created between the 7th and 9th centuries. But in the end, this is a story about compassion.

Find the Glossary at bit.ly/BuddhistFiction

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26 October 2025

Episode 6 Archira's Doubts

Archira's mind becomes clouded with doubt. A young man determined to become a monk is rudely sidetracked when his dream is threatened by unresolved doubts. Some sage advice is provided by a caring grandfather.

Find the Glossary at bit.ly/BuddhistFiction

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09:59

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20 October 2025

Episode 5 Echos and Commentaries

Echoes and Commentaries is a companion to the stories — a place to pause, look deeper, and trace the ideas that echo through them. Here I share context, history, and personal insights that may help the stories connect more closely with your own experience. Each of these reflections is just one way of hearing the story’s echo. I hope they resonate with you — or raise new questions.

Find the Glossary at bit.ly/BuddhistFiction

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09:17

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20 October 2025

Episode 4 Angulimala

The story of Angulimala is one of the best-known narratives in the Buddhist tradition. Here, I've tried to reframe it with compassion. Buddhist fiction is rare, but stories have always carried wisdom across generations. Tales for the Journey is my way of giving voice to that tradition—short fictional tales inspired by Buddhist thought and practice.

Find the Glossary at bit.ly/BuddhistFiction

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09:08

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12 October 2025

Episode 3 Little Buddhas

In this episode of Tales for the Journey, I share the story called the "Little Buddhas" inspired by Buddha’s many followers and drawn from my imagination. It asks the question "Can four men from widely different backgrounds work together in harmony?" May this tale spark reflection and accompany you on your own path. New stories arrive each week — be sure to follow the podcast and join me on the journey.

Find the Glossary at bit.ly/BuddhistFiction

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22:58

Copyright © Tales for the Journey. Contact me at threefow@gmail.com with comments and suggestions..

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