Buddha at the Gas Pump

Latest Episodes:

711. John Audette Jul 25, 2024

Show notes

John R. Audette is the author of “Loved by the Light: True Stories of Divine Intervention and Providence”. He earned a Master of Science degree from Virginia Tech. A native of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, his professional career spans over three decades of senior executive positions in hospital and hospice administration and physician practice management, as well as the performing arts and public broadcasting. He contributed several scholarly chapters to various books by other authors about spiritually transformative experiences and non-local consciousness including works by Dr. Ervin Laszlo. He is also gratefully acknowledged in many other books on these subjects by various well-known authors whom he assisted dating back to 1974. His first work of fiction, a novel trilogy, will be published in 2025. John is the primary founder of the International Association for Near-Death Studies, Inc., (IANDS.org), with co-founders Raymond Moody, MD; Bruce Greyson, MD; Michael Sabom, MD; and Kenneth Ring, PhD. John now serves as CEO of Eternea, (eternea.org), which he co-founded with Eben Alexander, MD and Edgar Mitchell, Sc.D. He is also an honorably discharged veteran with over six years of voluntary service (both active and inactive duty) in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam era. Website: AffirmingGod.com Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group Summary and transcript of this interview Interview recorded July 7, 2024 YouTube Video Chapters:  00:00:00 - Introduction to Buddha at the Gas Pump  00:04:46 - Edgar Mitchell and the Institute of Noetic Sciences  00:09:08 - Raymond's Integrity and a Missed Opportunity  00:12:45 - Validating Observations about the Nature of Reality  00:17:45 - The Ring of Destiny  00:20:22 - A Beautiful Near-Death Experience  00:24:02 - The Power of Nonsense  00:29:19 - The Meaning of Cigarettes and Traumatic Incidents  00:34:14 - The Lizard Beings  00:37:56 - Spiritualization of Material Life  00:41:58 - The Realization of True Divine Inspiration  00:46:14 - A Journey of Karma and Forgiveness  00:49:17 - The Realization of God's Existence and Transformation  00:54:14 - The Power of Experience and Spiritual Awakenings  00:57:45 - Wrestling with Chaos, Fear, and Confusion  01:01:31 - The God Void and Escaping Addiction to Heroin  01:05:51 - Moving Beyond Materialism  01:09:42 - The Eternea Concept  01:15:03 - The Purpose of All Religions  01:18:41 - Synerge with a GE and the Power of Cooperation  01:23:24 - Catalyzing a Global Spiritual Revolution  01:28:10 - Advancing Love and Light  01:31:54 - Emulating Saintliness  01:36:47 - The Continuum of Evil  01:41:27 - God's Reaction to Evil  01:44:32 - The Nature of Consciousness and Diversity  01:48:01 - Connectedness and Awareness  01:50:39 - The Role of Paradise and the Potential for a Perfect World  01:54:22 - The Power of Personal Epiphany and Transformation  01:57:15 - The Possibility of Publishing and Filming the Work

666. Ann Mathie Oct 12, 2022

Show notes

Ann has been practising yoga and meditation for nearly 20 years and has since completed her Masters in the Traditions of Yoga and Meditation from SOAS University with ongoing Sanskrit training. Ann was inspired from an early age by her father’s anecdotal experiences with Kuṇḍalinī and his involvement in experiments with Zen priest and transpersonal scientist, Dr Motoyama. Her own experiences have pointed her towards a phenomenological investigation of the parallels between spontaneous Kuṇḍalinī awakenings and Buddhist paths to enlightenment. Her previous research focuses on the phenomenology of Buddhist and Yogic experiences through practice. Ann is currently researching spontaneous Kuṇḍalinī arousals and how these experiences map onto the path of realisation within Indian Buddhist and Yogic traditions as well as cutting-edge consciousness theory. Her mission is to gain a deeper understanding of the psychological processes that can arise from spontaneous transpersonal experiences or deep meditation practice and how we can safely support others walking this path towards greater wholeness. Website: annmathie.com Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group. Transcript of this interview Interview recorded October 8, 2022 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction and Background 00:04:25 - Kundalini and Theosophy 00:08:29 - Questioning Mainstream Sanity 00:11:53 - Exploring Different Religious Practices 00:16:02 - The Complexity of Traditions and Spiritual Paths 00:19:48 - The Path of Compassion and Moral Behavior 00:23:46 - The Three Components: Rajasic, Sattvic, Tamasic 00:27:39 - Breakthroughs and Trauma in Spiritual Experiences 00:31:07 - The Arhat and Enlightenment in Buddhism 00:34:34 - The Four Stages to Arhant-hood 00:38:12 - The Power of Insight in Teaching and Evaluation of Teachers 00:41:58 - The Importance of a Healthy Guru-Student Relationship 00:45:47 - Spiritual Integrity and Money in Modern Society 00:49:19 - Contrasting skillful means and direct realization 00:53:05 - The Benefits of Meditation Practice 00:56:57 - Dissolving the Illusion of Self-Personality 01:00:27 - Awakening Without Practice 01:04:25 - The Manifestation of Kundalini Energy 01:08:35 - Spontaneous Body Movements and Kriyas 01:12:06 - Letting Go of Stored Emotions 01:15:40 - The Relationship Between Shaking and Psychological Processes 01:19:28 - Managing Kundalini Energy for Individuals with Weak Neural Networks or Trauma 01:23:07 - The Consequences of Mind-Shattering Experiences 01:27:04 - The Challenges of Running a Marathon 01:30:51 - The Path to Enlightenment and Psychological Health 01:34:49 - The 10 Impurities of Insight 01:38:41 - The Importance of the Whole Path 01:42:18 - Finding Balance on the Spiritual Path 01:46:27 - Importance of Cultivating Right Intention 01:50:29 - The Importance of Compassion and Kindness 01:54:14 - A Conversation with Ann Mathie

526. Julie Brown Yau Dec 02, 2019

Show notes

Julie Brown Yau, Ph.D., has a 30-year background in psychological, somatic and spiritual traditions providing her with a unique depth of knowledge and direct experience. Julie’s unified approach for addressing developmental and complex trauma, includes the latest neuroscientific & psychosomatic findings, depth psychology, & Eastern wisdom. Julie is an author, speaker, and has a private practice in Laguna Beach CA. She works on Skype worldwide. Julie supports those on a spiritual path to embody realizations and assists those going through spiritual emergence. She is also the Director of Education and Program Development at Compassionate Care ALS, helping families and individuals through trauma and the dying process. Julie's latest book: The Body Awareness Workbook for Trauma: Release Trauma from Your Body, Find Emotional Balance, and Connect with Your Inner Wisdom. Website: juliebrownyau.com Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group. Summary and transcript of this interview. Interview recorded October 24, 2019. YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Buddha at the Gas Pump Interview+ Introduction to Julie Brown Yao 00:04:05 - Connecting to Subtle Energies 00:08:02 - Exploring the Spaciousness of Experience 00:11:51 - Early Trauma and Boundaries 00:16:37 - Creating a Sense of Safety in Trauma Healing 00:21:19 - Experiencing the Extraordinary and Ordinary 00:27:01 - The Impact of Incoherence on Society 00:30:39 - The Importance of Love and Nurture in Early Development 00:33:59 - Building Resilience and Connection in Childhood 00:36:57 - The Detrimental Effects of Distraction on Infants 00:40:22 - The Biochemistry of Trauma and Samskaras 00:44:14 - The Trauma of Hellfire and Intergenerational Healing 00:48:57 - Building Resilience and Post-Traumatic Growth 00:52:57 - Finding Meaning in Trauma Healing 00:57:01 - Trauma and Disconnection 01:00:35 - The False Sense of Pride and Shame 01:03:24 - Descending into the Underworld 01:06:32 - Healing Trauma in Spirituality 01:09:49 - Suffering from Squashed Authentic Expression 01:13:05 - The Cycle of Expansion and Abiding States 01:16:28 - Disturbing Stories and Trauma in Spiritual Communities 01:20:53 - Healing Trauma and Self-Love 01:28:31 - Exploring Trauma and Body Awareness 01:32:12 - Exploring Early Trauma 01:35:28 - The Impact of Early Trauma on Identity Development 01:38:49 - Connecting with Your Inner Child 01:41:49 - Transforming Tension with Compassion 01:44:44 - Soothing Trauma with Eye Contact 01:47:24 - Writing the Body Awareness Workbook for Trauma 01:50:25 - Closing Remarks and Appreciation

499. Giovanni Dienstmann Apr 25, 2019

Show notes

Giovanni Dienstmann is a spiritual practitioner and teacher, and the creator of Live and Dare, one of the top five most visited meditation blogs on the planet. As an author, meditation coach and speaker, Giovanni helps people overcome anxiety and stress to live a more calm and centered life, through spiritually-inspired personal development work. Since the age of 14, spirituality has been the center of his life. In his journey, he practiced over 9,000 hours of meditation, tried 70 different techniques, and nearly became a monk twice. His spiritual thirst and eclectic approach led him to be formally initiated into the traditions of Zen Buddhism, Advaita Vedanta, Raja Yoga, and Mantra Yoga—by the masters Moriyama Roshi, Lakshamana Swami, Shivarudra Balayogi, and Nikhileshwarananda (respectively). In February 2010 he experienced a powerful awakening in the presence of Mooji in South India, and that has been a point of no return in his path. Giovanni is the author of the best-selling book Practical Meditation: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide, which has been translated to 5 different languages and has popularly been called “The Meditation Bible”. As a coach, Giovanni’s clients range from stay at home parents to entrepreneurs, C-level executives and pro athletes. In the field of meditation, he brings a contemporary and pragmatic approach to help both meditation novices and spiritual seekers alike. In his role as a spiritual writer, he balances deep reverence for traditional teachings with critical thinking and a comparative study of spiritual traditions. To learn more about Giovanni and his work, visit LiveAndDare.com. Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group. Summary and transcript of this interview. Interview recorded April 20, 2019. YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introducing Buddha at the Gas Pump 00:04:43 - Different Meditation Techniques 00:09:24 - Discovering Zen and Meeting the Roshi 00:14:05 - The Zen Tradition and Lineage 00:18:51 - Disappointment and Closure in Zen Practice 00:23:24 - Doubts on Enlightenment and the Value of Knowledge 00:27:25 - The Value of Reading and Studying in Spiritual Paths 00:31:38 - Integrating aspects of the human experience 00:35:45 - The Path of Advaita and Integration 00:40:32 - Surrender to the Lord within 00:45:15 - Neo Advaita: Mistaking Temporary Realization 00:49:57 - Different Categories of Spiritual Practitioners 00:54:45 - The Role of Practice and Spiritual Bypassing 00:59:01 - Tuning in to Spiritual Books 01:03:33 - The Enjoyment of Spiritual Practice 01:07:48 - Benefits of Lowering Stress and Relieving Depression 01:12:10 - The Silence and Self-awareness 01:17:13 - A Powerful Milestone in my Spiritual Journey 01:22:02 - Maintaining Discernment in Spiritual Teachings 01:26:34 - The Importance of Purification and Discernment in Self-Realization 01:30:45 - The Dangers of Following Gurus 01:35:11 - Concentrating the Mind with Objects 01:39:26 - The Importance of Having Different Levels of Teachers 01:43:31 - Exploring Different Spiritual Paths 01:47:43 - The Bodhisattva and Continuing Existence 01:52:02 - The Concept of Leela in Tantra 01:56:35 - The Importance of Choosing the Right Meditation Practice 02:00:39 - The role of charging for meditation and spirituality 02:04:46 - The Role of Dakshina in Spiritual Exchange 02:09:09 - The Responsibility of Siddhis and their Role in Science and Society 02:13:26 - Demonstrating Siddhis through Scientific Means

494. Damien Echols Mar 23, 2019

Show notes

Damien Echols is an artist and New York Times bestselling author of "Life After Death". In 2018, he published his first book on ceremonial magick: "High Magick: A Guide to the Spiritual Practices That Saved My Life on Death Row". He has been a practitioner of ceremonial Magick for over 20 years and leads classes on Magick across the country. He spent over 18 years on death row in Arkansas for a crime he didn't commit before gaining his freedom in 2011. Upon release, he, along with Peter Jackson produced the documentary film "West Of Memphis" which chronicled his legal battle. During his time in prison, he was ordained into the Rinzai Zen tradition of Japanese Buddhism. He lives in New York with his wife and three cats. Other offerings: Audio CD of "High Magick: A Guide to the Spiritual Practices That Saved My Life on Death Row" Angels and Archangels Royal Science of Angels Life After Death Yours for Eternity: A Love Story on Death Row Almost Home Damien's site: damienechols.com Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group. Summary and transcript of this interview. Interview recorded March 16, 2019 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Buddha at the Gas Pump 00:05:30 - Growing Up in Poverty and Neglect 00:10:30 - False Confessions and Wrongful Convictions 00:15:20 - Satanism and Magick 00:20:03 - Life Inside Prison 00:24:50 - Morphic Fields and Collective Consciousness 00:29:25 - The Power of Meditation and Consciousness Alteration 00:34:04 - Alignment of Brain and Heart Electromagnetic Fields 00:38:27 - Ego and Karma in Enlightenment Practice 00:43:19 - Discovering Magick in Prison 00:48:06 - The Brutality in Prison 00:52:47 - The Power of Resilience and Endurance 00:57:49 - Balancing Polarities in Magick 01:03:01 - Balancing the energy centers 01:08:01 - The Disintegration of Self and the Trinity of Divinity 01:13:16 - Explaining the Concept of Archangels and Deities 01:18:00 - Magick as a Personal Journey 01:22:39 - Purifying Your Energetic Anatomy and Environment 01:27:29 - The Journey to Magick 01:32:31 - Adjusting to Life After Prison 01:37:02 - Magick and the Healing Power of Words 01:41:58 - The Misuse of Magick 01:46:28 - Working with Archangels and Negative Tendencies 01:50:55 - Talismans and Amulets: Harnessing the Power of Symbols 01:55:37 - Charging of Magick Items 02:00:14 - Surrendering and Relaxing 02:05:08 - The Importance of Relationships in the Awakening Process 02:09:39 - Unlocking the Collective Unconscious and Remembering Past Lives 02:14:31 - Expanding Psychic Perception, Overcoming Addiction, and Restructuring the Prison System 02:19:16 - The Problem with the US Prison System 02:23:40 - Check out the Impressive Documentaries

456. Dean Sluyter May 28, 2018

Show notes

Dean Sluyter (pronounced "slighter") has taught natural methods of meditation and awakening since 1970. His five highly acclaimed books include Natural Meditation: A Guide to Effortless Meditative Practice (Amazon #1 stress management bestseller, and Nautilus Gold Medal winner for best mind-body-spirit book) and Fear Less: Living Beyond Fear, Anxiety, Anger, and Addiction. Dean gives talks, workshops, and retreats throughout the United States and beyond, from Ivy League colleges to maximum-security prisons. His media appearances have included National Public Radio, The New York Times, New York Magazine, Coast to Coast AM, The Dr. Oz Show, and O, The Oprah Magazine. A grateful student of Eastern and Western sages in several traditions, Dean has completed numerous pilgrimages and retreats in India, Tibet, Nepal, and the West. He is known for conveying authentic teachings in forms that are relaxed, accessible, and down-to-earth. When not writing or teaching, he plays the ukulele and happily rides his Vespa through the streets of Santa Monica. Other books: The Zen Commandments: Ten Suggestions for a Life of Inner Freedom. Cinema Nirvana: Enlightenment Lessons from the Movies Why the Chicken Crossed the Road: & Other Hidden Enlightenment Teachings from the Buddha to Bebop to Mother Goose Website: deansluyter.com Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group. Transcript of this interview Interview recorded May 26, 2018. YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Buddha at the Gas Pump 00:06:06 - The Principle of Effortlessness 00:11:15 - The Effortlessness of Meditation 00:16:26 - Resting as Awareness and Mindfulness 00:21:18 - Finding Fulfillment within Ourselves 00:26:29 - Happiness and the Nature of Awareness 00:31:54 - The Illusion of an External Universe 00:37:26 - The Existence of the Moon and Reality 00:42:25 - Shifting Perspectives and the Materialistic Worldview 00:47:12 - The Paper Tiger 00:51:05 - The Stories We Read 00:55:00 - Finding the Divine in Unexpected Places 00:58:59 - Functioning from the Zone 01:02:52 - Support of Nature and Synchronicity 01:06:27 - The Intersection of Spirituality and Science 01:10:18 - The Misconception of Alpha Waves 01:13:57 - Relaxing at the Moment of Contact 01:17:29 - Sharing with the Sweetest Dog in the World 01:21:30 - Breaking the Habit of Worry 01:25:28 - Cessation of Suffering through Mind Control 01:29:20 - Arrival at the Villa of the Hippie Artist Commune 01:33:34 - Cultivating Devotion and Appreciation 01:37:30 - The Shaky Ground of Devotion 01:41:37 - Movies as Conduits of Higher Wisdom 01:45:28 - Einstein's Classroom in Princeton 01:49:03 - The Healing Power of Meditation and Conscious Contact 01:53:06 - Bill Wilson's Meditation Experience 01:57:04 - The Lord of Destruction 02:01:25 - Finding Liberation in Loss 02:05:48 - Cooperating with the Cosmic Purpose 02:09:24 - Ways to Support the Channel

372. Harri Aalto - 3rd Interview Nov 25, 2016

Show notes

Harri’s descriptions soar from the mundane to the sublime and explain the intimate details, understanding, and experience of the awakened state in an entirely fresh way. He shows us how this life of ours can be naturally transformed into the delightful liveliness of expanded consciousness even within the activity of daily life. Harri has worked as a fine artist/designer, a businessman, and a meditation teacher for his whole life. Throughout these very busy years, his experiences of refined states of consciousness and perception have expanded greatly. He shares his insights in his book, The Landscape of Enlightenment: With Doors and Windows to Our World, which includes his amazing life story from early childhood to the present with very personal, simple stories, works of art and inspired understanding that will uplift your awareness and stir the onset awakening. Websites: http://harriaalto.com http://aaltodesign.com Other interviews: 1st BatGap interview with Harri 2nd BatGap interview with Harri Harri Aalto, in Panel Discussion on Refined Perception Transcript of this interview. Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group. Interview recorded 11/12/2016. Recent note from Harri: Discussion Group Invitation I've been hosting consciousness discussion groups for several years and invite you to join. Learn more on my Facebook or website. These groups uniquely blend people experiencing realized states with seekers at various stages, accelerating everyone's growth. I've observed that simply discussing these experiences creates immediate positive shifts in participants' awareness. What makes our groups effective is the multi-perspective discussions that foster rich exchanges between participants. Participant Feedback: "The discussions have gradually opened me into both a felt sense and ever-deepening understanding of the eternal oneness." —RL "I feel more awake, alive and curious... increased power and stability in my Presence." —JB "I now appreciate that self-realization is not only natural and simple, but I have had this experience for quite some time and just didn't know it." —WH "I have recognized that I am in this surrounding love all the time in various degrees of clarity." —LVT "My primary insight was that I, and many seekers, have already realized the experience of the Self without being aware of it." —ATL For more content, visit my YouTube channel. YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - BATGAP Interview # 372 Harri Aalto 00:05:09 - Major Shifts in Consciousness 00:09:21 - A Finnish Joke and Being Outgoing 00:13:00 - The Experience of Being Always Awake 00:17:12 - Experiencing Pure Consciousness 00:21:25 - The Illusion of Going Away 00:25:54 - The Different Experiences of Awakening 00:30:31 - The Experience of Contentment and Equanimity 00:35:20 - Enlightenment as a Walking, Talking, Everyday Living 00:40:24 - The Challenges and Transformation in Artistic Process 00:45:05 - The Artistic Process and Poetry 00:50:31 - Explaining the State of Consciousness 00:55:41 - The Forms of Intelligence Beyond the Physical 01:00:28 - Opening to Subtle Dimensions 01:05:13 - The Feeling of Wanting to Meet Others with Similar Experiences 01:09:09 - Swimming in Pure Consciousness 01:14:49 - Wholeness and Divine Consciousness 01:19:45 - The Relationship Between Human Consciousness and Universal Consciousness 01:23:30 - Experiencing the Beauty of Venice and the Panorama of Enlightenment 01:27:27 - The Unified Experience of God and Self-Realization in Everyday Life 01:32:29 - The Obstacle of a Job 01:36:45 - The Illusion of Reality 01:41:44 - Enlivening Facets of Enrichment 01:46:14 - Life Beyond Death 01:50:00 - The Vibration of Consciousness 01:54:25 - Perceiving Existence 01:59:13 - Experiencing the Landscape of the Absolute 02:04:18 - The Log Toboggan Incident 02:08:38 - Life is a Precious Gift 02:14:02 - The Impact of Spiritual Unfoldment 02:18:08 - Rick and Harri Conversation Save

299. Joan Shivarpita Harrigan - Kundalini Vidya Jul 18, 2015

Show notes

Bri. Joan Shivarpita Harrigan, Ph.D. is the spiritual director of Patanjali Kundalini Yoga-Care (PKYC-USA). Shiva has practiced, studied, and taught Raja yoga and Advaita Vedanta for more than thirty years. She has been tutored as the designated successor for America in the Kundalini Vidya lineage founded by Gomatagiri Maharaj, learning the oral commentary teachings of Traditional Kundalini Science from her spiritual mentor, Swami Chandrasekharanand Saraswati. A retired psychologist, she has been a brahmacharini (novice) in the Shankaracharya Vedic monastic order since 1987. She is the author of Kundalini Vidya The Science of Spiritual Transformation: A comprehensive system for understanding and guiding spiritual development and Stories of Spiritual Transformation: The Fulfillment of Kundalini Process - Modern Seekers, Ancient Teachings. Patanjali Kundalini Yoga Care is a spiritual guidance service for qualified spiritual seekers. Based on Traditional Kundalini Science (Kundalini Vidya), it supports serious aspirants in advancing their spiritual progress by providing individualized spiritual practices designed for their particular needs. The specialty of PKYC is to assess the kind of spiritual process that seekers have, to assist them in reaching a stable higher level, and to support them in their continued spiritual advancement by providing ongoing spiritual education, consultations, recommendations, and guidance so they can progress more skillfully and dedicatedly. This helps the divine within make efficient, untroubled, and speedy progress toward Liberation, awareness of oneness with the One. Transcript of this interview. Interview recorded 7/12/2015 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to interview with Joana Harrigan 00:04:31 - Kundalini-vidya and Stories of spiritual transformation 00:09:55 - The mystery of intelligence and its role in the universe 00:15:54 - The only source and pitfalls of spiritual materialism 00:21:24 - Views of the Kundalini: An Esoteric View 00:26:16 - Removal of desire and imprints 00:31:07 - Sattvic Mind Development 00:36:34 - Kundalini process and awakening 00:42:09 - Magical ways and Kundalini awakening 00:46:33 - Kundalini-vidya and acceleration of spiritual development 00:51:52 - Interventions for minds 00:56:51 - Cultural relativity and subtle states of consciousness 01:01:47 - Kundalini - Name and meaning 01:06:44 - Life calling and responsibility 01:11:32 - Your genetic strain and vegetarianism 01:17:13 - Emptying and uniting with the One 01:21:46 - Macros: Full Moon Experience 01:27:06 - A thoughtful person and a pious person 01:31:46 - The path of development 01:36:45 - Discovery of yoga and spiritual life 01:41:45 - Spiritual intervention and Kundalini process 01:47:09 - Contexts, trajectories and bringing spiritual practice to people 01:51:40 - The relationship between higher states of consciousness and moral behavior 01:57:11 - Karmic path and levels of awareness 02:01:34 - States of consciousness: waking state, dreaming state and deep sleep state 02:06:02 - Karma purification process 02:11:01 - Seeing angels and other beings 02:16:05 - Low Tamasic Vibration 02:20:37 - Pressure on the top of the head and spiritual obstacles 02:24:52 - Spiritual motivation and living in harmony 02:28:57 - Apple fix and donation button

92. Gangaji Oct 19, 2011

Show notes

Gangaji shares a simple message-This is an invitation to shift your allegiance from the activities of your mind to the eternal presence of your being. Born in Texas in 1942, Gangaji grew up in Mississippi. After graduating from the University of Mississippi in 1964, she married and had a daughter. In 1972, she moved to San Francisco where she began exploring deeper levels of her being. She took Bodhisattva vows, practiced Zen and Vipassana meditation, helped run a Tibetan Buddhist Meditation Center, and had a career as an acupuncturist in the San Francisco Bay area. Despite her successes, Gangaji continued to experience a deep and persistent longing for fulfillment. She pursued many paths to change her life including relationship, motherhood, political activism, career, and spiritual practice, but even the greatest of her successes ultimately came up short. In the wake of her disillusionment, she made a final prayer for true help. In 1990, the answer to her prayer came unexpectedly, taking her to India and to the meeting that would change everything. There on the banks of the river Ganga, she met Sri H.W.L. Poonja, also known as Papaji, who opened the floodgates of self-recognition. In this meeting, Gangaji’s personal story of suffering ended and the promise of a true life began to flower and unfold. Today, Gangaji travels the world speaking to seekers from all walks of life. A teacher and author, she shares her direct experience of the essential message she received from Papaji and offers it to all who want to discover a true and lasting fulfillment. Through her life and words, she powerfully articulates how it is really possible to discover the truth of who you are and to be true to that discovery. She is the author of The Diamond in Your Pocket: Discovering Your True Radiance and Hidden Treasure: Uncovering the Truth in Your Life Story. Learn more about Gangaji at www.gangaji.org. Summary and Transcript of this interview. Interview recorded 10/18/2011 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Buddha at the Gas Pump with Gangaji 00:02:14 - The Lottery of Enlightenment 00:03:53 - Meeting people as regular individuals 00:05:51 - Reverence for the Teacher 00:07:44 - Teaching from Fulfillment 00:09:20 - The Thunderclap Moment and the Removal of Self-Doubt 00:11:40 - The Global Shift 00:16:06 - The Power of Words and Transmission 00:18:12 - Different types of people and their spiritual awakening 00:20:16 - The Importance of the Sangha 00:21:43 - The Meaning of "Stop" and its Effect 00:23:54 - The Search for Identity 00:26:25 - Surrendering to the Overshadowing Nature of Thought 00:28:08 - The Invitation to Recognize Who You Are 00:30:15 - Recognizing the Role of Thought 00:32:23 - The Function of Storytelling and Overcoming Obstacles 00:34:48 - Discovering the Hidden Treasure 00:37:13 - Discovering Joy in Being 00:39:41 - The Fear of Nonexistence 00:42:22 - Fear as the Ultimate Gatekeeper 00:44:17 - Overcoming Fear and Distraction in Meditation 00:46:38 - Exploring Discomfort in Meditation 00:48:22 - Turning the Mind Back to Its Source 00:50:39 - The Beauty of Meeting Him 00:52:12 - The Beginning of the Journey 00:53:47 - The Growth Through Relationship Challenges 00:55:31 - Finding Love Amidst Chaos 00:57:44 - Love, Fulfillment, and Relationships 00:59:54 - Trusting Yourself 01:01:30 - Concluding remarks and future content

45. Janet Sussman Nov 22, 2010

Show notes

Janet Sussman is a transformational musician, seminar leader, intuitive counselor, and published author. She has given concerts throughout the United States and has created two albums, Bridges and Subtle Bodies. She is known for her ability to use music to create a powerful process of spiritual journeying and awakening. She is also the author of Timeshift: The Experience of Dimensional Change and The Reality of Time, which has been praised by spiritual luminary Dr. Jean Houston as “in the nature of a revelation.” Janet is a specialist in the architecture of the subtle bodies. In her written and musical works, as well as her intuitive counseling, she transmits a consciousness awakening and an opening into celestial light. Students report experiences of unity, of merging with the other while maintaining the core value of the Self. Janet has developed a system of subtle energy balancing called Sunpoint™ which works to enhance the core identity of the individual and bring an experience of transcendent wholeness. Sunpoint can be practiced hands-on or as a long-distance healing methodology. This method can be transferred to individual practitioners for their own use and in the support of others. Janet also utilizes music as a means of relaxation and as a point of departure into a journeying process of the spirit. Her original keyboard improvisations and highly developed vocal skills bring the listener into direct, primary knowledge of the chakras (human energy centers), acting as a core indicator of blockages and anomalies stored in the field. Janet's loving, clear translation of subtle imagery opens the participant to a clear, insightful examination of their inner state. She specializes in researching the movement of energy through the heart chakra. She views this model in terms of "stations" through which primary energetic conduits transfer knowledge from one spiritual chamber of the heart to another. The emphasis is on opening the individual to a deeper experience of receiving from both personal and Divine sources of love. This can then be transferred to the "giving chamber" of the heart which governs the flow of energy to the environment. Website: http://www.timeportalpubs.com/ Interview recorded 11/12/2010 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction and Background 00:05:13 - Early Comprehension and Cognition 00:08:13 - Childhood and Giftedness 00:11:45 - Unusual Languages and Codes 00:15:12 - Challenging Childhood Experiences 00:17:58 - The Impact of a Wise Teacher 00:20:56 - Pouring Myself into Music and Creative Writing 00:24:02 - Early Inner Wisdom Experiences 00:27:26 - The Human Condition and Multiple Dimensions 00:31:01 - The Importance of Dimensionality 00:35:00 - The Interconnected Collective Consciousness 00:38:13 - Overcoming Skepticism and Proving Abilities 00:43:27 - The Paradox of Consciousness 00:48:19 - The Beauty and Impairment of Religious Notions 00:51:56 - The Presence of Advanced Beings in the Multiverse 00:56:18 - The Limitations of Suffering and the Pursuit of Happiness 00:59:16 - The Awakening of Different Shaktis 01:01:51 - The Importance of Getting Along and Letting Go of Judgments 01:05:26 - Cultural Imprinting and Personal Characteristics 01:10:06 - Characteristics of Enlightenment tribes 01:14:41 - The Beauty of Evolved Humans and Interdimensional Beings 01:18:34 - Interwovenness with Beings from Other Places 01:22:37 - The Universal Essence in Sentient Beings 01:27:01 - The Profoundness of Silence and Intelligence 01:31:01 - The Impact of Skeptics and Ignorance 01:34:20 - Being Fathomed by Love 01:38:33 - Living a Meaningful Life 01:43:54 - The Potentiality of Love 01:49:49 - The Challenge of Allowing Ourselves to Be Cared For 01:55:21 - The Heart Chakra and Multidimensional Consciousness 01:59:43 - A Lifetime of Original Development Save

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected