Buddha at the Gas Pump

Latest Episodes:

713. Tree Wiseblood 2nd Interview Aug 22, 2024

Show notes

Tree works as a Spiritual Mentor, Kundalini Support, Certified Global TRE® Instructor, Transformational Bodyworker and a Healer from the Shamanic tradition. Tree believes healing trauma can precipitate spiritual awakening and it is from this precept she works. She works with the body releasing contraction and with the nervous system establishing balance - with the understanding that a disregulated nervous system can hold the beingness hostage. She believes enlightenment is achieved not by bypassing the body, but by going into the body. By addressing and releasing trauma bound in the flesh and stored in the nervous system. This is true freedom and the result is presence - embodied. Tree has been a devotee of Meher Baba since she was 21. She and her husband are establishing a Retreat Centre on the Far South Coast of New South Wales, Australia called Meher Farm Healing and Awakening Centre. Tree is the author of Hot Flush Dark Cave describing her healing and awakening journey through the portal of menopause. She is a devoted mother, grandmother and healer - her favourite past time is swimming in the river and the ocean and chanting to God. Website: awakeningthroughthebody.com.au Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group Summary and transcript of this interview Interview recorded August 3, 2024 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Buddha at the Gas Pump 00:03:53 - The Correlation Between Consciousness and Neurophysiology 00:07:53 - The Loop of an Agitated Nervous System 00:11:35 - The Nervous System and the Flow State 00:15:38 - The Impact of Early Trauma in Human Beings 00:19:39 - The Importance of Healing the Nervous System 00:23:22 - Trauma and its manifestations 00:27:11 - “Koyaanisqatsi: Life Out of Balance” 00:31:06 - Body Work and Spiritual Awakening 00:35:21 - Kundalini Awakening and Working with the Body 00:39:05 - Working through Impressions 00:43:00 - The Beginning of the Involution 00:47:13 - Understanding vs Realization 00:51:05 - Avatars and Spiritual Teachers 00:54:55 - Astral Exorcism and Healing Dance 00:58:44 - The Kundalini Awakening Process 01:02:31 - Kundalini Awakening and Spontaneous Movements 01:06:19 - Purging Negativity 01:09:54 - The Annihilation of the Apparent World 01:13:37 - The Final Destination and Different Planes of Existence 01:17:35 - The Journey of Awakening 01:21:44 - The Existence of Ego in Different States 01:25:51 - Kundalini Awakening and the Sacred Fluids 01:29:42 - The Value of a Life 01:33:33 - Different Types of Meditation 01:37:30 - Releasing Emotions 01:41:18 - The Presence of Benign and Caring Intelligences 01:45:17 - Healing Ceremonies and Nature Retreats 01:49:19 - Following Intuition and Divine Orchestration at 61 01:53:24 - Following the Synchronicities 01:56:55 - In Touch for the Next 15 Years

697. David Doyle Jan 11, 2024

Show notes

David Doyle lives on the water in the island city of Alameda in the San Francisco Bay Area with his wife, their teenage son, and Merlin, a rambunctious Rat Terrier. At an early age he set upon a spiritual path and soon put down the books and turned inward. David’s path has been by most standards a very traditional inner practice, starting with Hatha Yoga and quickly moving to Raja Yoga. Meditation was his main practice, with asanas as an adjunct to meditation. Early on in his spiritual practice a teacher said that if you master the basics of yoga, and if you practice in earnest, all will unfold – everything you need will come to you. David took this to heart, beginning a life-long practice that for the most part was a solitary journey. At 20 years old his third eye opened in a dramatic unfolding, and from there came the never-ending gift of insight and abilities including: clairvoyance, clairsentience, clairaudience, precognition, telepathy and more. Some years later David joined the Berkeley Psychic Institute during its heyday and befriended the founder, Dr. Lewis S Bostwick, whom he considers to be his first great spiritual teacher, and friend. He spent over a decade with this group and at its many (at the time) institutes and thousands of students and teachers. In 2012, David came to an abiding awakening, and since that time, many changes have taken place in an ongoing process of daily and weekly energetic and auspicious unfoldings, many of which have left him nearly incapacitated. Since awakening, David has also become an adept Qi Gong Master under the guidance of Grand Master Shi Yong Yao, formerly an elite teacher-monk at the Northern Shaolin Temple in China. Additionally, many siddhis have developed as byproducts along The Way as well as a massive kundalini awakening and other extraordinary happenings. Now, with ten years having passed since awakening, David is ready to share experiences from his fifty+ year journey with a wider audience. He created Monk with Family, a 501c3 non-profit dedicated to the householder, but inclusive of anyone for whom The Way is their life’s focus. David leads a weekly Satsang open to all those interested, and is available for speaking engagements and other spiritual events. David A. Doyle: Inventor, entrepreneur, manufacturer, publisher, sailor, skier, burning man (burner), householder. Founder: Monk with Family Website Founding member of Shaolin Master Qi Gong, a 501c3 nonprofit dedicated to sharing the teachings of Master Yao. David is registered in China as the: Deputy Director of the U.S. Regional Department of Shaolin Fohanmen. Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group Interview recorded December 30, 2023 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction and Background 00:04:34 - Introduction to Monk with Family and David's Spiritual Journey 00:09:27 - The Serious Effects of Kundalini 00:14:08 - The Wall in Meditation 00:17:38 - Types of Meditation and Overcoming Resistance 00:22:14 - Meditation Tips: Finding the Center of the Head 00:26:49 - Proper Posture and Alignment in Meditation 00:30:03 - Energy Flying in Meditation Space 00:34:49 - Skiing in Cold Weather with a Surprising Warmth 00:38:48 - Tummo Practice and Yogis in Nepal 00:42:58 - The Bizarre Experience 00:47:01 - Telepathic Communication and Kundalini Experiences 00:51:01 - The Kundalini Experience 00:55:00 - Profound Spiritual Experiences 01:00:22 - The Unawareness of Our Own Abilities 01:03:35 - Energetic Phenomena and Thought Forms 01:06:45 - A Fortunate Tire Blowout and Unexpected Help 01:11:27 - The Spiritual Warrior and Negative Entities 01:16:56 - Dealing with the Demonic 01:20:42 - Unleashing Unnatural Abilities 01:25:54 - The Faint Remains of Ignorance 01:30:37 - The Changing Landscape of Work and Invention 01:34:27 - Women's Liberation Movement 01:38:50 - Raising Vibration and Letting go of Fears 01:43:42 - Reaching Certain Points and Scary Energies 01:48:47 - A Surprising Encounter with an Astral Being 01:53:57 - The Nature of Channeling and Lower Beings. 01:58:52 - The Dangers of Clearing Chakras without Proper Knowledge 02:01:36 - Setting Ground Rules for Beings in Your Space 02:05:28 - Wrapping Up and Future Online Satsangs 02:08:35 - Funny little story from the life of Rick Archer.

509. Georgi Y. Johnson Jul 13, 2019

Show notes

Born in Sheffield, England, Georgi has led a life of charm, intoxication, collision and perpetual re-awakening. Having experienced her parent’s divorce and later her father’s death to alcoholism, Georgi was a born seeker for a stable home that was somehow prior to the broken home that she knew. As a teenager, she attended evening classes at the School of Philosophy in Belgium, that offered a ‘sanitized’ version of Vedanta. While it gave a lot, the experience became oppressive, and when she left to Oxford University, she instead delved into Jungian psychology and the application of psychoanalytic and feminist literary theory. When she was 20, Georgi arrived in Jerusalem, in search of a midway point between the mysticism of the east and the decay of the west. She experienced a part of the earth that is charged with bliss. Yet it was also a country where it seemed that nobody belonged. In this, she found a sense of belonging (in the field of not belonging). Georgi’s life in Israel would include a compulsion for conflict. She worked as an investigative journalist exposing lies told about terrorism and weapons of mass destruction. Later, she would undergo a high-conflict divorce in which she was condemned by rabbinical courts as a fake convert, a home-breaker and a naughty woman. All this served to re-awaken her deeper purpose: the exploration of the mysteries of consciousness. After she met the love her life - spiritual teacher Bart ten Berge - this passion would express through escalating processes of liberation.Today, she is deeply fulfilled in sharing this journey with others through workshops, and one-on-one mentorship. A free spirit, citizen of the world and a poet, Georgi is presently pioneering Nondual Therapy, which she sees as part of a paradigm shift in the evolution of psychology. Books: Nondual Therapy: The Psychology of Awakening Stillness of the Wind: A Collection of Nondual Poetry I Am Here: Opening the Windows to Life and Beauty Website: perception.inner-growth.org Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group. Summary and transcript of this interview. Interview recorded July 6, 2019 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction and Importance of Donations in Supporting BATGAP 00:04:47 - The Value of Individual Responsibility and Volunteer Work 00:08:37 - A Jacob's Ladder of Light 00:12:30 - The Connection Through Meditation and Mantras 00:17:09 - Forbidden Mantras and Spiritual Contemplation 00:21:19 - Surrendering to Genius 00:26:10 - Mystical experiences and the power of sound 00:30:11 - The Death of the Author and the Fluidity of Texts 00:34:28 - The Negative Effects of Trusting Outer Authority 00:38:58 - Cannabis and Coffee-induced Psychosis 00:42:16 - From Anxiety to Apocalyptic Depression 00:46:42 - Finding Healing and Service 00:50:53 - Overcoming Anxiety and Finding Joy 00:55:05 - Closing of the Heart 01:00:00 - Visitations from Enlightened Beings 01:03:01 - The Cone of Non-Duality 01:07:34 - The Paradox of Existence and Nonexistence 01:12:37 - Qualities of Awakening: Love, Peace, Joy 01:17:21 - The Peace Within Conflict 01:22:26 - The Spoiled Nature of Humanity 01:26:14 - The Impulse to Incarnate in a State of Nondual Quality 01:31:16 - The Innocence and Guilt of Humanity 01:35:35 - The Non-Dual Nature of Inheritance and Purpose 01:39:53 - Embracing Natural Empathy and Unity with Others 01:44:16 - Different Experiences of Enlightenment Based on Nervous System 01:49:14 - The Sensitivity of the Nervous System 01:53:17 - The Vision of Two Figures 01:58:06 - The Tragic Effects of Psychiatric Drugs 02:02:49 - The Mind as a Receiver 02:07:57 - Embracing Diversity and Non-Conformity 02:11:43 - Conclusion and Donation Reminder

508. Beth Miller Jul 05, 2019

Show notes

My deepest devotion, throughout my life has been to the discovery and embodiment of our truest nature. I studied organized and mystical religions, I traveled to many countries in our world, getting a taste of different cultures and people, I lived a conventional suburban life as a wife and mother, I lived in chronic confusion, and I studied psychology, all with the gnawing question of ‘what is all this really about?’ tugging at my sleeve. I was born in Brooklyn New York, into a world where appearances were everything, but I tended an inner world that I kept to myself. When I look back on how I was “companioned” throughout my childhood by my inner world that was full of comfort and promise I marvel at the wisdom and strength of this stream of consciousness. After raising my two sons, I went to graduate school to study psychology and find professional legitimacy, and to focus on my interior. I had, for a long time, known I needed to heal from childhood trauma and I also felt a calling to help others. But, like so many of us, I had looked to the external world for this elusive happiness and healing I felt was missing. After completing my degree, I built a satisfyingly delicious career – with the same gnawing question in my heart – how do I reconcile pain and confusion with a life-long intuited knowing of a greater consciousness or awareness? In addition to a private practice of psychotherapy, I taught at California Institute of Integral Studies and the University of California at San Francisco. I was the therapist for a pilot study at Stanford and led workshops and presentations for cultivating resilience. (My first book is The Woman’s Book of Resilience – twelve qualities to cultivate). I began to follow and study spiritual teachers: Adyashanti, David Hawkins, Mooji and Jan Frazier. After decades of devoted searching, I was guided by Jan Frazier and experienced a profound shift in consciousness at the age of 70. (Poster child for it never being too late) This realization allowed the inner and the outer world to melt into each other. After decades of healing and opening to larger and larger states of consciousness, the search ended. This shift set my course, in a humbling and wondrous way, to deeper and further understanding, to embodying and, most importantly, living what had been revealed. In the sweet presence of now, I am along for the ride of intimate contact with whatever life has in store from moment to moment and day to day. In my bones, I understand what it means to be intimate with 10,000 things. Website: bethmillerphd.com Book: Waking Up on the Couch Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group. Summary and transcript of this interview. Interview recorded June 29, 2019 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Buddha at the Gas Pump 00:05:24 - Childhood in the Atmosphere of War and Powerlessness 00:11:17 - The Dream of Unbounded Presence 00:15:05 - Dreams as Messages from God 00:19:25 - The First and Biggest Disillusionment 00:24:15 - The Metaphor of the Movie 00:27:47 - Becoming Radically Honest with Ourselves 00:33:40 - The Play of God 00:38:29 - The Wisdom in Life's Buffeting 00:42:11 - The Transformative Power of Psychotherapy 00:47:18 - Becoming a Better Human Being 00:51:59 - A Familiar Presence 00:56:52 - The Contagiousness of Intimacy and Awakening 01:00:06 - Losing Sense of Boundaries 01:04:29 - The Love That Showed Up 01:08:53 - The Shift on the Last Day of the Retreat 01:11:59 - The Value of Presence in Integration 01:15:29 - Awakening and the Body 01:19:36 - The Power of Pure Consciousness 01:23:16 - Trusting Life and Comprehending Something 01:26:59 - Being Grounded in Being 01:31:28 - The Importance of Facing and Feeling Human Pain 01:35:20 - Becoming Transparent and Clear with Ourselves 01:40:16 - A Shift in Perspective 01:43:51 - A Deepening Sense of Being Gone 01:47:50 - The Depth of Being in Direct Contact 01:52:10 - Understanding Awareness and Self-Referral 01:56:17 - The Realization and the Pinch Me Moment 01:59:42 - The Hope for Societal Shift 02:02:05 - The Pleasure of Interviewing 02:04:07 - Conclusion and Next Interview Announcement

410. Sri M, Second Interview Jul 29, 2017

Show notes

Sri M - spiritual guide, social reformer and educationist – was born into a Muslim family on November 6, 1949 in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. His transformational journey, from a young boy to a living yogi, is a fascinating story symbolized by single-minded discipline and dedication. Entranced by mystical stories of Sufi saints and a brief encounter with a numinous Swami at a relatively young age, he was not only drawn to the ‘truth’ but also the compelling landscape of the snow-clad Himalayas. At the age of nine, his spiritual transformation was initiated by his future Master, Babaji (also known as Maheshwarnath Babaji), who miraculously appeared under a jackfruit tree in the compound of his house in Thiruvananthapuram. Though only fleeting, this meeting definitively set the stage for their future reunion in the Himalayas at Sri M’s age of nineteen. The next three and half years, he lived and travelled extensively through the Himalayas with his Master. Maheshwarnath Babaji guided him right through his initiation, his Kundalini awakening, the grueling journey to Tholingmutt and, the eventual meeting with the Grand Master, Sri Guru Babaji also known as Sri Mahavatar Babaji. A few years after his Master passed away, he received the spiritual go-ahead to commence his mission. In 1998, he started his teachings, eventually leading to formation of the Satsang Foundation. In response to a query on the spiritual progress of a person and the path to that evolution, he responds, “Though, my parampara is kriya yoga, I don’t think it suits all aspirants. I propound satsang even between two people. It cuts across barriers of caste and creed. Spiritual evolution is not diverse from regular living. Intervals of solitude are necessary but you cannot shut yourself totally. The world around you is your touchstone to spiritual practice.” Conversant with teachings of most major religions, Sri M says: “Go to the core. Theories are of no use.” His message seeks to transcend the outer-shell of all religions, by exploring their mystical core to nurture the innate goodness in every human being. Website: satsang-foundation.org Books: Journey Continues: A Sequel To Apprenticed To A Himalayan Master Apprenticed to a Himalayan Master: A Yogi's Autobiography Wisdom of the Rishis: The Three Upanishads: Ishavasya, Kena & Mandukya Jewel in the Lotus: Deeper Aspects of Hinduism The Little Guide To Greater Glory And A Happier Life First Batgap interview with Sri M. Discussion of this in interview in the BatGap Community Facebook group. Transcript of this interview Interview recorded 7/30/2017 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction and Welcome 00:04:47 - The Beginning of the Journey with Babaji 00:09:25 - Continual Growth and Evolution 00:13:22 - Possibility of Evolved Beings on Other Planets 00:17:44 - The Importance of Having a Guru 00:21:31 - The Significance of Initiation 00:26:21 - Recalling Past Lives 00:30:48 - From Krishna to the Life of a Prostitute 00:35:05 - A Touching Experience with Nisargadatta Maharaj 00:39:39 - Spiritual Integrity in a World of Lies and Deceit 00:43:43 - Meditating in College 00:48:16 - The Importance of Siddhis in Spiritual Growth 00:53:10 - Mind over Physical Phenomenon 00:56:59 - The Slap from Nityananda of Ganeshpuri 01:01:45 - Extraordinary Capacities and Divine Association 01:06:00 - Free will and the capacity for change 01:10:00 - Exploring Deeper Consciousness 01:14:37 - The Shadow of the Bodhisattva 01:18:57 - The Power of Spiritual Armor 01:23:12 - Grounding and balancing spiritual experiences 01:27:15 - The Possibility of Astral Projection 01:31:25 - Spiritual Experiences and Extraterrestrial Encounters 01:35:28 - The Hidden Secrets of the Natural Rock Formation 01:39:37 - The Importance of Physical Health in Spiritual Practice 01:44:11 - The Power of Chanting Aum 01:48:25 - Effortless Absorption in Music 01:53:02 - Avadhootas and the Spiritual State of Mind 01:57:34 - The Textbooks of Gorakhnath and the Nath Sampradaya 02:01:53 - The Importance of Ego and Understanding in Leading a Householder's Life 02:06:15 - Humility and Compromise in Spiritual Development 02:10:00 - Farewell and GratitudeSaveSaveSave

401. Pernilla Lillarose May 21, 2017

Show notes

After connecting with Joel Goldsmiths' teachings in 1987, Pernilla had a life-changing awakening, realizing Love is All there is. After the initial three months' free Bliss ride, she went straight from heaven to hell for the next many months. This started her journey back Home, learning step-by-step how to arrive with all parts intact - none left behind - with her Heart as her Teacher. This journey Home includes teachers like Joel S. Goldsmith, Barry Long, the Ayahuasca plant, Gangaji, Adyashanti, The Hakomi training, Deeksha, and Dr. Joe Dispenza. All these wonderful teachers helped her get more stabilized as Presence and realize the healing and transforming power of Self Love, dissolving the misperceived duality into embodied Oneness. Out of this journey emerged the simple 'how-to' steps, which are incorporated in her life and work. Pernilla is a certified Hakomi Practitioner with a private practice in the Santa Cruz mountains. She is a meditation teacher at UCSC and founder of 'Women Standing For Love/Young Women Empowerment Circle.' She calls herself a Self Love Mystic & Mentor and loves to support her clients bridging the gap between who they truly are and who they think they are or - should be. Website: divinefeminineflow.com Books: Imagine Being Kind to Yourself -- Inner Peace at Last 5 Steps To Dive Into The Divine Feminine Flow (free) Women Standing For Love (free) Summary and transcript of this interview Interview recorded 5/20/2017 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Buddha at the Gas Pump 00:04:58 - The Journey to Find a Book 00:09:17 - Confusion and Control 00:12:48 - Regaining My Spine and Finding My Bearings 00:16:17 - Trusting Our Inner Wisdom 00:19:23 - The Importance of the Company You Keep 00:22:44 - Embracing Your True Self 00:26:10 - Living in Oneness with Myself 00:29:26 - The Journey of Self-Discovery and Healing 00:32:51 - Embodying the True Nature 00:36:28 - Finding Balance and Integration 00:39:49 - The Energy of Resistance 00:43:10 - Kindness and Non-Dual Teachings 00:46:30 - Finding the Ground of our Being 00:49:34 - Awakening to a New Perspective 00:53:00 - Exploring Different Awakenings and Satsang Teachers 00:56:16 - Bees in the Garden 00:59:32 - Following the Divine Path 01:02:37 - Surfing the Waves of Self-Love 01:06:14 - The Power of Allowing and Resisting 01:09:39 - Troubling Issues with Spiritual Teachers 01:12:55 - What Enlightenment Should Look Like 01:16:22 - Finding Enlightenment in Everyday Interactions 01:19:27 - Dealing with Anger 01:22:56 - Making Space for Anxiety 01:26:07 - Unresolved Trauma and Personal Growth 01:29:13 - Creating Community and Self-Love in the New Energy 01:32:34 - Embracing Our Weirdness 01:35:43 - The Power of Authenticity 01:39:04 - Embracing Higher Consciousness 01:42:28 - Upcoming Guests and Support Options Save

397. David Loy Apr 22, 2017

Show notes

David Robert Loy is a professor, writer, and Zen teacher in the Sanbo Kyodan tradition of Japanese Zen Buddhism. He is a prolific author, whose essays and books have been translated into many languages. His articles appear regularly in the pages of major journals and Buddhist magazines. He is on the editorial or advisory boards of the journals Cultural Dynamics, Worldviews, Contemporary Buddhism, Journal of Transpersonal Psychology, and World Fellowship of Buddhists Review. He is also on the advisory boards of Buddhist Global Relief, the Clear View Project, Zen Peacemakers, and the Ernest Becker Foundation.” For more details about his teachings, visit his website or his YouTube channel. He also has an extensive audio/video library on his website. Books: A New Buddhist Path: Enlightenment, Evolution, and Ethics in the Modern World The World Is Made of Stories Lack and Transcendence: The Problem of Death and Life in Psychotherapy, Existentialism, and Buddhism Money, Sex, War, Karma: Notes for a Buddhist Revolution Nonduality: A Study in Comparative Philosophy The Great Awakening: A Buddhist Social Theory Awareness Bound and Unbound: Buddhist Essays A Buddhist History of the West (Suny Series in Religious Studies) A Buddhist Response to the Climate Emergency Transcript of this interview Previous Batgap discussion involving David. YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Buddha at the Gas Pump 00:03:58 - A Spiritual Journey from Zen Monasteries to the US 00:07:55 - Integration and Embodiment in Spiritual Practice 00:11:22 - The Buddhist Concept of Not-Self and Indra's Net 00:15:03 - Evolution and Understanding God from a Buddhist Perspective 00:19:00 - The Deeper Meaning of Myth and the Cosmos as an Organism 00:22:59 - The Cosmos as a Self-Organizing Organism 00:26:51 - The Mystery of the Universe 00:30:29 - The Devaluation of the Material World 00:34:35 - The Tension Between Cosmological Dualism and Non-dualism 00:38:16 - Letting go and Opening up 00:42:05 - The stages of awakening and glimpses 00:45:51 - Glimpsing the Tree in the Fog 00:49:37 - The Feedback Loop of Karma 00:53:23 - Structural and Institutional Forces 00:57:16 - The Environmental Crisis and Self-Destruction 01:01:11 - Integration of Spiritual Practice with Engagement in the World 01:04:46 - Tapping into Intelligence and Creativity 01:08:28 - A Turning Point in Human History 01:12:05 - Galvanizing the Buddhist Community 01:15:47 - The Three Poisons and Institutionalized Greed 01:19:35 - The Need for Wars and Bombing 01:23:44 - A Turning, an Awakening, a Shift 01:27:26 - The Thinning Membrane and the Connection Between Activism and Spirituality 01:31:20 - The Tension Between Cosmological Dualism and Non-Dualism in Buddhism and the Need for Clarification 01:35:07 - Transcendence and Motivational Shifts 01:38:59 - Experiencing the World as a Manifestation 01:42:53 - Relating to the Biosphere 01:46:21 - The Spiritual Crisis and Its Solutions 01:49:57 - Radical Transformation in Buddhism 01:53:41 - Website and YouTube Notifications Save

132. The Signposter and Troy of Is Aug 01, 2012

Show notes

In this interview, Troy of Is (student) and the Signposter (Teacher) engage in an intense dialogical-inquiry with Rick Archer that reveals some essential understandings which construct a foundation for awakening from the hypnotic trance, programmed into the human organism by the cultural-social enterprise. Such an inquiry is related to radical-deconstruction whereby Truth and Reality are revealed when all obstructions and encumbrances (sensory-perceptual, conceptual-linguistic constructions) are extinguished or completely seen-through by means of a total expenditure of energy in sincere dialogue. Any cultural-social enterprise consists of a population of people who have taken on many of the overlapping conceptual-linguistic models or maps of 'reality' of which any cultural-social enterprise consists. The Signposter refers to such people as cultural-social agents since they have identified themselves with the assumptions, belief systems, value systems, conclusions, etc., from which a cultural-social enterprise has been constructed and organized as an interrelated system of concepts which make up the content of consciousness. Some examples of a cultural-social enterprise are the various countries, nations, states, cities, particular organizations (corporations, institutions, etc.), tribal communities, and so on which presently exist in the world. When 'the Only' is referred to in this interview, such a term represents God, the Tao, Brahman, Buddha-Nature, or any other name that traditionally has been used to represent the One and Only, undivided, unbounded, unfathomable, and unlimited Great Mystery which is the only Reality there is. If anyone has any questions for Troy of Is or the Signposter and would like to engage in this never-ending process of inquiry and awakening they have various options: They can e-mail questions to troyofis@gmail.com. Visit Troy of-Is' Facebook page. Add Troy of Is to Skype (username: troy.ofis) and engage in free Skype video/audio calls. Comment on You-tube video's containing other interviews with the Signposter and Troy of Is at: https://www.youtube.com/user/TroyofIs. The Signposter's book: The Delusion of Being Human Interview recorded 7/28/2012 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Buddha at the Gas Pump 00:04:14 - The Spectrum of Gurus 00:07:28 - Experiencing Understanding from the Root 00:10:18 - The Ripening of the Experience 00:12:23 - The Nuanced Approach to Teachers and Charging Fees 00:15:03 - The Extremes of Adi Da's Influence 00:17:34 - The Value of Adi Da's Teachings 00:20:32 - The Limitations of Spiritual Slogans and Conditioning 00:22:46 - The Controversy surrounding Eckhart Tolle's "New Heaven, New Earth" 00:24:37 - The Application of the Pain Body Idea to Children 00:27:02 - The Effectiveness of Teaching Through Example 00:29:34 - Assessing the Compassion of Spiritual Teachers 00:33:03 - The Manifestation of the Tao 00:36:26 - The Path of Suffering and Seeking 00:39:16 - Exploration of Different Spiritual Practices 00:42:18 - Different Spiritual Practices 00:45:34 - The Purpose of Life: Changing the Way You See the World 00:48:17 - Observing and Testing 00:52:22 - The Danger of Projecting Ultimate Enlightenment 00:56:10 - All knowledge and thought is off 01:01:21 - Transcending Consciousness and the Dream World 01:04:20 - Meeting Mr. - A Life-Changing Encounter 01:07:22 - Suffering and Finding the Soulmate 01:11:08 - The Evolution of the Universe to Life 01:15:26 - Creating a Soulmate 01:21:08 - God and Omnipresence 01:25:06 - Insights on Belief Systems and Surrender 01:29:29 - The Binding Influence of Conditioning and The Map is Not the Territory 01:34:56 - Mapping the Reality 01:40:47 - The Illusion of Being Human 01:45:36 - Respecting our Elders and First Nations

103. Greg Goode Jan 04, 2012

Show notes

Greg is a teacher of nondualism well known for a breadth of expression and a sense of humor. Inspired by Sri Atmananda Krishna Menon, Greg is one of the pioneers, along with Jean Klein and Francis Lucille, of "direct path" style nondualism, a very intuitive, holistic and immediate form of Advaita. It was through contemplation on the teachings of Sri Atmananda that Greg's own search came to its peaceful conclusion. Having studied Western philosophy at the Universität zu Köln in Cologne, Germany, Greg received his M.A. and Ph.D. in Philosophy from the University of Rochester. He studied Advaita Vedanta through the Chinmaya Mission, the Mahayana teachings of Pure Land Buddhism through Jodo-Shinshu, and studied Madhyamika Buddhism through the lineage of the pre-eminent scholar of Chinese Buddhism, Master Yin-Shun of Taiwan, P.R.C., author of The Way to Buddhahood: Instructions from a Modern Chinese Master. Greg is the technical consultant for Philosophical Practice, the Journal of the American Philosophical Practitioners Association. He is also the author of Nondualism in Western Philosophy, Standing as Awareness, the forthcoming The Direct Path: a User Guide, and the forthcoming Emptiness and Joyful Freedom. From the "About" page: "Emptiness teachings are widely held to be liberating. The purpose of this site is to present the wide variety of these teachings in a way that will help make them accessible and relevant. We will feature scholarly, experiential and popular approaches to the emptiness teachings, and we will honor the diversity of traditions from which they flow. Our goal is to highlight the power and appeal of these teachings so that they may do their work." Summary and Transcript of this interview Interview recorded 12/24/2011 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction and Technical Difficulties 00:03:04 - Ethical Dilemmas and Non-dualism 00:06:13 - Exploring Non-Doership & Personal Spiritual Journey 00:10:31 - Transitioning from Pentecostal Christianity to Mystical Traditions 00:14:48 - The Exploration of Spiritual Texts 00:19:28 - The Search for Identity and Purpose 00:22:52 - The Vanishing of Identity 00:25:46 - The Distinction between Concepts and Experience 00:28:22 - The Different Paths of Yoga 00:31:38 - No Personal Identity 00:35:34 - Riding Fixed Gear Track Bikes in the City 00:38:46 - The Arising of Thought and Memory 00:41:20 - The Illusion of Access and Oneness 00:44:32 - The Non-Existence of Arisings 00:46:45 - Grounded in Understanding Experience 00:49:46 - The Influence of Teachings on Language 00:53:34 - Stagnation in Non-Dual Discussion Groups 00:57:37 - The Power of Presence for Spiritual Transformation 01:00:24 - Embracing Feminine Integration and Relationships 01:02:44 - Non-Duality and Devotion 01:06:02 - The Phenomenon of Devotion 01:07:50 - The Power of Devotion 01:10:06 - The Visual Presence of the Holy Ghost 01:12:19 - The Diversity of Spiritual Perspectives 01:15:12 - Exploring Continuous Growth and Finality in Experience 01:18:57 - The Rigidity of Language and Alternative Teachings 01:22:08 - Ramana Maharshi's Visits and the Afterlife of Greg Good 01:25:14 - Exploring Continuity of Individuality 01:30:04 - A Conversation with an Open Mind 01:32:45 - The Shift from Awareness to Clarity 01:35:11 - Farewell and Music

1. George & Mary Foster Feb 22, 2010

Show notes

When I recorded this first interview, my intention was to produce a radio show, so this is the pilot for that. I started this interview by reading a prepared introduction to the series, which at the time I was calling "Awakenings". George Foster: George Foster is a retired book cover designer who spent much of his life in Fairfield, Iowa, both immersed in the local spiritual community and professionally designing covers for authors. Deeply committed to spiritual practice, George experienced a lasting shift in consciousness—what he describes as the realization of infinite, unchanging silence as his fundamental identity. Alongside his involvement in the Transcendental Meditation movement (including belonging to an informal support group, the "Dome Dogs"), George has also played in local bands for many years. Now retired from design work, George enjoys a vibrant second career as a musician, performing bass in "Commotion", a popular Creedence Clearwater Revival cover band. Mary Foster: Mary Foster began her spiritual journey in 1969, learning to meditate at age seventeen in Wisconsin. Her lifelong path included training as a Transcendental Meditation teacher and helping bring meditation courses to Midwestern communities. After moving to Fairfield, Mary’s spiritual aspirations were rekindled upon meeting George. She experienced a profound awakening—a transformative shift in perception—leading to a lasting sense of infinite silence and fulfillment that pervades her daily life. Mary enjoys sharing her wisdom and calm presence, and she is both a mother and grandmother, known for her warmth, clarity, and unwavering spiritual commitment. Summary and Transcript of this interview Interview recorded 10/7/2009. Interview with Mary Foster YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - The Special Community of Fairfield, Iowa and Beyond 00:02:26 - Overcoming Skepticism and Misconceptions of Spiritual Awakening 00:04:23 - Introduction to the Show 00:06:24 - Meeting George and a Spiritual Awakening 00:08:41 - The Dome Dogs and Group Commitment 00:10:28 - Childhood Fascination and Spiritual Awakening 00:12:50 - Attracted to Meditation and the Pursuit of Reality 00:14:28 - The Brightness and Clarity with TM Meditation 00:15:57 - Introduction to "Awakenings" radio show 00:18:15 - Teaching Transcendental Meditation 00:20:27 - Remarkable Experiences along the Way 00:22:05 - Unity Consciousness and the Shift 00:24:15 - The Shift to Silence as Identity 00:25:54 - An Amazing Experience 00:27:30 - The self-defining concept 00:28:25 - The Infinite Consciousness and Labels 00:29:48 - The Moment of Realization 00:31:52 - Accepting All Parts of Myself 00:33:59 - Revealing the Silence Within 00:35:39 - Mary's Awakening Experience 00:38:10 - The Revelation of Ultimate Truth 00:40:12 - The Beautiful Void 00:41:42 - Recognizing the Infinite Silence 00:43:52 - Fulfillment Beyond Accomplishments 00:45:38 - The Quality of Stillness 00:47:16 - The Unshakeable Happiness 00:49:11 - Experiencing Infinite Silence 00:51:11 - The Fourth State of Consciousness 00:53:20 - The Role of Spiritual Practice 00:55:16 - Identifying with the Boat 00:56:47 - Discovering Your True Self

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected