Buddha at the Gas Pump

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243. Linda Clair Aug 04, 2014

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Linda was born in Sydney in 1958. She had virtually no interest in meditation or spiritual matters until at the age of 37 she was introduced to Peter Jones, an enlightened man who became her first teacher. This meeting was an intense experience for her. There was a depth to the communication she had not experienced before, and it triggered a search for freedom, which was soon the major focus of her life. At this time she had two teenage children and was running a small business, but she managed to make time for intensive meditation. In 1997 she had a profound awakening during a ten-day retreat in northern New South Wales with Peter Jones. She later described the experience as ‘deeper than bliss’. She meditated with Peter Jones whenever she could, and also regularly spent time with the enlightened teacher Barry Long. During this time she met the Japanese Zen Master, Hogen Yamahata, who also impressed her with his deeply enlightened presence and humility. Early in 2003 Peter told Linda that she would reach the depth of enlightenment with or without a teacher. She still had a strong desire for extended periods of meditation practice, and at that time Peter was not able to offer this, so she started attending retreats led by Hogen Yamahata. For the next two years she practised with Hogen-san and attended his Zen retreats as often as possible. She was also in close contact with Peter. In 2004 she travelled to Japan and spent six weeks at a Zen monastery with Hogen-san’s Master, Harada Tangen Roshi, known as Roshi Sama. Her time with him was intense. She sensed she was close to the culmination of her journey. She returned to Australia in a deeply detached, peaceful state. Roshi Sama gave her the name Dai’an Jishin, which translates as ‘deep peace, compassionate heart/mind’. Her search ended during a ten-day retreat with Hogen-san at Springbrook, in the mountains behind the Gold Coast in Queensland. Website: simplemeditation.net Summary and Transcript of this interview Interview conducted 8/2/2014 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Linda Clare 00:04:26 - The Fear of Becoming Enlightened 00:08:09 - Confronting Fear and Enlightenment 00:12:40 - Facing fear and discomfort during meditation 00:16:30 - The Journey to Enlightenment 00:19:22 - The Shock of Awakening and Adjusting to the Absolute State 00:23:33 - Anesthesia and Enlightenment 00:26:29 - The Desire for Enlightenment 00:30:26 - Expanded Awareness and Perception 00:34:15 - The Whirlwind of Amma's Activity 00:37:41 - The Necessity of Meditation and Relationship with a Teacher 00:41:40 - The Shock of Realization and the Need for Preparation 00:46:06 - Physiological Transformation During Enlightenment 00:49:59 - Tapas: Burning off the Dross 00:53:44 - Appreciating the Absolute and Relative 00:58:01 - Living in the Present Moment 01:01:13 - The Overratedness of Thinking 01:04:48 - The Intelligence of the Body and Nature 01:08:27 - Love and Freedom from Fear 01:11:58 - The Experience of Connection and Oneness 01:15:16 - Student Enlightenment and the Beauty of Transformation 01:19:07 - Staying Aware and Avoiding Pitfalls 01:23:33 - Discovering the Teacher and the Path 01:27:30 - Peter Jones and Studying in Japan 01:31:02 - Gradual Realization of the Shocking Experience 01:35:03 - Overcoming Fear and Realizing the Unknown 01:39:09 - The Connection between Determination and Enlightenment 01:42:28 - The Impact on Relationships 01:46:13 - Opportunities for Retreats and Sessions 01:48:43 - Conclusion and Wrap-up 01:51:36 - Interview with Dan Harris

240. Bernardo Kastrup Jul 15, 2014

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Bernardo Kastrup has a Ph.D. in Computer Engineering and has worked as a scientist in some of the world's foremost research laboratories, including the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) and the Philips Research Laboratories (where the "Casimir Effect" of Quantum Field Theory was discovered). He has authored many scientific papers and four philosophy books: Rationalist Spirituality, Dreamed up Reality, Meaning in Absurdity, and Why Materialism Is Baloney. This latter book is a grand synthesis of his metaphysical views. Bernardo has also been an entrepreneur and founder of two high-tech businesses. Today, he holds a managerial position in the high-tech industry. In parallel, he maintains a philosophy blog, an audio/video podcast, and continues to develop his ideas about the nature of reality. Bernardo has lived and worked in four different countries across continents. Books: Why Materialism Is Baloney: How True Skeptics Know There Is No Death and Fathom Answers to life, the Universe, and Everything Meaning in Absurdity: What bizarre phenomena can tell us about the nature of reality Dreamed Up Reality: Diving into the Mind to Uncover the Astonishing Hidden Tale of Nature Rationalist Spirituality: An exploration of the meaning of life and existence informed by logic and science More Than Allegory: On Religious Myth, Truth And Belief Website: bernardokastrup.com Youtube Channel Blog post written by Bernardo after our interview (and relevant to it). Important article: The Physicalist Worldview as Neurotic Ego-Defense Mechanism Transcript of this interview Interview recorded 7/12/2014 Second Batgap interview with Bernardo. YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction & Background 00:05:18 - The Path of Intellectual Discernment 00:10:39 - Defining Materialism and Consciousness 00:15:35 - Brain Function and Subjective Experience 00:20:22 - The Mistake of Materialists and the Localization of Mind 00:25:21 - Consciousness as the Ultimate Reality 00:30:37 - The Consciousness of a Glass of Water 00:35:26 - The Difference Between Water Flowing and Forming a Whirlpool 00:39:30 - The Glass of Water and Consciousness 00:43:46 - Materiality and Consciousness 00:47:56 - The Danger of Objectifying Consciousness 00:52:03 - The process of splitting off 00:56:06 - The Nature of Consciousness and Self-Recognition 01:00:07 - The Excitation of Mind and Self-Reflection 01:04:14 - The Dreamer and the Dream 01:08:13 - The Localization of Consciousness 01:12:10 - The Whirlpool and the Ripples 01:15:58 - The individuation of consciousness 01:20:18 - The Meaning of Reality and Consciousness 01:24:17 - A Hierarchy of Localization, a Hierarchy of Self-Reflection 01:28:23 - Mind as a Vibrating Membrane 01:32:40 - Existential Experience of Pure Unmanifest Existence 01:36:44 - The Illusion of Reality and the Nature of Mind 01:40:56 - The Truth in Illusions 01:45:04 - The Natural Unfolding Process 01:49:08 - The Battle between Intellect and Intuition 01:53:14 - The Crack in the Armor of the Ego 01:57:19 - Seeking Enlightenment through Different Paths 02:01:29 - Embracing the Unknown Journey 02:05:25 - Spiritual Awakening and Ordinary Perspective 02:09:27 - Harri Alto Returns by Popular Demand

199. Discussion with Jac O’Keeffe, Francis Bennett, and Igor Kufayev Nov 04, 2013

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At the 2013 Science and Non-Duality Conference in San Jose, I moderated a panel with Igor Kufayev, Jac O'Keeffe, and Francis Bennett as participants. We decided to videotape a discussion the night before in which we could develop and refine what we would discuss in the conference presentation. We had begun doing that in a hotel meeting room, when we were informed that due to contractual agreements between conference organizers and the hotel, the room had to be vacated and locked. So we took our discussion outside where it became a much more informal dialog. It was taped on an iPhone, with background music for the first several minutes, jets flying overhead, etc. So the audio quality isn't ideal, but many in the audience which gathered felt it was a very useful discussion which deserved a wider audience. So I'm posting it here, in audio only. Here's the published abstract of the panel discussion. This "pre-panel" discussion covers a lot more ground: Is Awakening, as it’s commonly understood, merely the realization of the Absolute, non-dual reality, or is it a stage or stepping stone to a much more mature development – a larger wholeness, inclusive of both absolute and relative? Francis Bennett, Jac O'Keeffe, and Igor Kufayev will posit that the latter is the case, and discuss the necessity of integrating absolute and relative after awakening, including practical methodologies to facilitate it. They will discuss how a more holistic path before awakening as found in Buddhist, Hindu, and Christian traditions, leads to smoother integration after awakening. These traditions include moral, meditative/contemplative, and wisdom strands designed to develop a "human vehicle" capable of skillfully and effortlessly containing the non-dual wisdom in a relative, human existence. The neglect of this insight has caused many to become stranded on the "island" of unhealthy "spiritual dissociative disorder". This integration does not pertain merely to being able to function in practical life. It is a critical foundation for a vast range of potential development that may unfold after the sort of awakening many mistake as final or ultimate. Perception, appreciation, emotions, and intellect can be refined far beyond what is generally regarded as “normal” or even optimal. Recorded 10/26/2013 Other BatGap interviews with these participants: Francis Francis Bennett Francis Bennett & Adyashanti on "Resurrecting Jesus" Francis Bennett, in Panel Discussion on Refined Perception Francis Bennett, with John Mark Stroud Francis Bennett in Batgap Panel at Sofia U. Part 1 | Part 2 Francis Bennett and Adyashanti on "The Embrace of Jesus and Buddha" Francis Bennett in panel discussion:: “Emptiness is also Form” Igor Igor Kufayev with David Loy Igor Kufayev, in Panel Discussion with John Hagelin and Mark McCooey Igor Kufayev, in Panel Discussion on Kashmir Shaivism A Touch of Grace – (Short Film) Wikipedia Page Jac Jac O’Keeffe Panel discussions on ethics and spiritual teaching SAND Panel Discussion on Sexual Misconduct, Money, Power, Trauma & Ethics in Spiritual Communities Audio below and as a Podcast. No video recording. Save

175. Panel Discussion – John Hagelin, Igor Kufayev, and Mark McCooey May 20, 2013

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PANEL: The Three Simultaneously True Levels of Nondual Reality; Don't Mistake Understanding for Realization, Don't Mistake Realization for Liberation. Reports of spiritual awakenings, once rare, have become commonplace. Modern seekers often find an intuitive understanding of the ultimate non-dual reality or the illusory nature of the world to be so liberating that they conclude they have reached the goal, and that seeking should be renounced. Ancient traditions caution that such an understanding may be merely a preliminary stage of development. Moreover, an experiential realization, beyond the merely conceptual, may feel so complete that one might conclude that "This is it". Some insist that once the non-dual nature of the Self is realized, one has arrived, and it is meaningless to speak of further degrees of growth or levels of realization. Others hold that Self-realization is an important milestone, but that spiritual development never ends. Can we reconcile the injunction to live in the present moment with the understanding that there is much development yet to undergo? Are there criteria by which Enlightenment can be measured or certified? John Hagelin, Ph.D., is a world-renowned quantum physicist, educator, public policy expert, and leading proponent of peace. Dr. Hagelin received his A.B. summa cum laude from Dartmouth College and his M.A. and Ph.D. from Harvard University and conducted pioneering research at CERN (the European Center for Particle Physics) and SLAC (the Stanford Linear Accelerator Center). His scientific contributions in the fields of electroweak unification, grand unification, super-symmetry, and cosmology include some of the most cited references in the physical sciences. He is also responsible for the development of a highly successful Grand Unified Field Theory based on the Superstring. But Dr. Hagelin is unique among scientists in being the first to apply this most advanced knowledge for the practical benefit of humankind. He has pioneered the use of Unified Field-based technologies proven to reduce crime, violence, terrorism, and war and to promote peace throughout society—technologies derived from the ancient Vedic science of consciousness. hagelin.org Maharishi International University David Lynch Foundation BatGap interview with Dr. Hagelin Igor Kufayev Website: igorkufayev.com Wikipedia page Other BatGap events with Igor Kufayev: Igor Kufayev with David Loy Igor Kufayev with Jac O’Keeffe, and Francis Bennett Igor Kufayev, in Panel Discussion on Kashmir Shaivism Mark McCooey is a businessman and has been a teacher of Transcendental Meditation for over 30 years. He and his family live in Vancouver, Canada. Recorded at the Science and Nonduality Conference, 10/28/2012, San Rafael, California. Video and audio below. Audio also available as a Podcast. Transcript of this discussion YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction and Purpose of the Presentation 00:02:10 - Dr. Hagelin's Background and Contributions 00:04:02 - Non-dual Being and Development 00:05:49 - The Physiology of Enlightenment 00:07:22 - The Three Components of Reality 00:10:09 - The Distinctive State of Experience 00:12:58 - The Paradox of Perfection and Addressing the World's Problems 00:14:31 - Mistaking Intellectual Understanding 00:16:40 - The Tricky Nature of Language and Knowledge 00:18:55 - The Gradual Transition to Expanded Awareness 00:20:56 - The Three States of Consciousness 00:22:58 - Realizing the Nature of the Self 00:24:46 - The Experience of Life and Universal Consciousness 00:26:25 - Resonating with the Universal Being 00:27:43 - The State of Consciousness in Sleep and Anesthesia 00:29:00 - The Adventure Begins 00:30:38 - The Ocean's Self-Sufficiency 00:31:57 - Reverence for the Fine Structure of Nature 00:33:26 - The Ocean Moving the Wave 00:35:23 - The Tricky State of Self-Realization 00:37:14 - The Limits of Describing Enlightenment 00:38:45 - The Melting of Higher States of Consciousness 00:40:42 - Awakening to Deeper Levels of Reality 00:42:35 - Expanding in Awakened Consciousness 00:44:46 - The Importance of Repeated Samadhi Experience 00:47:21 - The Essence of Pranayama and the Space between the Breath 00:49:11 - Dynamic Challenging Situations 00:51:08 - Finding the Simplest Way to Slip Into Samadhi 00:52:43 - The Fluctuations on the Surface of Consciousness 00:54:41 - Consciousness and Infinity 00:56:12 - Ramana Maharshi and the Power of Silence

173. Alice Grist May 11, 2013

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Alice Grist is the author of three books. Her first book was The High Heeled Guide to Enlightenment, which saw Alice explore alternative spirituality from her modern day, fun loving perspective. The second is Prediction Magazine Award Winning (Best Book 2012) The High Heeled Guide to Spiritual Living. Following Alice's dabbling with different faiths, she decided to forget all of them, and simply live spiritually. This book is a fiery and funny account of just what she learned! Alice's third book, Dear Poppyseed: A Soulful Momma's Pregnancy Journal, which is a personal, spiritual (and very human) account of her first pregnancy is to be published early 2013. All three books are published by Soul Rocks and have attracted much reader and reviewer acclaim. Alice is a frequent contributor to many magazines and online lifestyle sites including regular articles on Huffington Post, Natural Health (The Soul Diva), Hello Giggles and The Conversation writing about spirituality and soulful living in her own quirky, accessible and fierce style. Follow her on Twitter. Soul Rocks Publisher Alice Grist is the Publisher of new John Hunt Publishing Imprint - Soul Rocks Books. Soul Rocks publishes soulful and spiritual books for a new generation. Alice also gets down and dirty with the book details, involving herself in editing, proofreading and PR too. Personal Alice is a Northerner who now lives in the middle of the UK with her husband James, baby daughter Ivy and two cats Molly and Jimi. Alice's website Interview recorded 5/11/2013 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Alice Grist and her books 00:02:49 - Inner Awareness during Sleep and Wakefulness 00:05:27 - Childhood Influences and Spiritual Exploration 00:08:11 - Finding Spirituality in Everyday Life 00:10:45 - The Difficulty of Stepping Away from Society's Expectations 00:13:45 - Accessible Spirituality in a Difficult World 00:16:41 - Awakening to the Source 00:19:53 - Creating Change and Overcoming Powerful Forces 00:22:48 - Shaky Industries in an Enlightened World 00:25:41 - Understanding God and the Human Experience 00:29:02 - The High Heel Guide to Enlightenment 00:31:40 - The High Heel Guide to Spiritual Living 00:34:35 - Rearranging Surface Stuff 00:37:09 - Unexpected Journey to Motherhood 00:39:34 - Motherhood as a Spiritual Path and the Power of Love 00:41:44 - The Importance of Motherhood 00:43:52 - A New Perspective on Life and Career 00:46:20 - Being Itself and Human Experiences 00:49:23 - Trusting the Flow of Life 00:51:54 - Manifesting and Letting Go 00:54:26 - Surrendering to the Flow of Life 00:56:45 - The Shift in Priorities 00:58:44 - Changing Paths and the Power of Motherhood 01:00:56 - A Dream of Devotion 01:02:55 - A Conversation with the Soul 01:05:14 - Influencing Lives for a Difference 01:07:21 - Connecting with the Unborn Child's Spirit 01:09:35 - Knowing I Was Pregnant 01:11:46 - The Transformation of Pregnancy 01:13:42 - The Joys and Challenges of Motherhood 01:16:35 - Discussion and Notification Options

171. Francis Bennett and John Mark Stroud Apr 27, 2013

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Francis Bennett entered the Trappist Abbey of Gethsemane in 1981 and in the 90's subsequently lived at a "daughter house" of Gethsemane in Moncks Corner, South Carolina. Until recently, he was living in a small urban monastery in Montreal Quebec. He has been a "spiritual seeker" during all those years, practicing in the Christian mystical/contemplative Tradition and working deeply with teachers in both the Vipassana and Zen Traditions as well. In 2010 he experienced a profound perceptual "shift" in which he realized the ever-present presence of pure Awareness, which some would call, the Presence of God.He has worked in the field of Spiritual Care in Parish Communities and with the sick and dying in Hospice and Hospital settings. He has led retreats, offered spiritual talks and has accompanied many on their spiritual journey. He graduated from the Pontifical College Josephinum with a BA in Philosophy and completed a two year chaplaincy residency with Ohio Health Hospital system.Francis' forthcoming book, to be published by Non-Duality Press, is entitled "I Am That I Am - Discovering the love, peace, joy and stability of the True Self". Francis' book: I Am That I Am First BatGap interview with Francis. Adyashanti and Francis Bennett on “Resurrecting Jesus” Francis Bennett, in Panel Discussion on Refined Perception Francis Bennett, with Jac O’Keeffe and Igor Kufayev Francis Bennett in Panel at Sofia U. Part 1 | Part 2 Adyashanti and Francis Bennett on "The Embrace of Jesus and Buddha" Francis Bennett in panel discussion: “Emptiness is also Form” A single unexpected moment in John Mark Stroud's mid 20’s left him with a vast and dark sense of emptiness. He would spend the next 15 years immersed in feverish worldly activity, trying in vain to fill this emptiness. His “normal” life of businessman, husband, and father had all the hallmarks of great success. But finally, in 2007, he was compelled by some greater force to sell his business and begin the inward search for the peace and happiness that had always eluded him. Almost immediately he was swept up in a tidal wave of Grace. For a man used to control and responsibility, it was particularly unsettling that these miracles began to move and direct his life into uncharted waters. In 2009, he was guided to “A Course in Miracles”. Instinctively, he knew this was what he had been searching for. It was as though it had been written just for him. The Course in Miracles led him to the direct experience of God’s limitless Love and Peace. That experience of Awakening from the dream of separation to the ever present, perfect awareness of God finally brought the causeless Joy and eternal Happiness for which John Mark sought. With great Joy, he now shares that Limitless Love with all as One. John Mark's website Transcript of this conversation Interview recorded 4/21/2013 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Buddha at the Gas Pump 00:06:10 - Discerning the Voice of Love 00:14:45 - The Journey to Christ-likeness 00:21:02 - The Historical Jesus and Archetypal Symbols 00:26:15 - The Transformative Power of a Relationship with Jesus 00:30:52 - The I Am Within You 00:34:24 - Innocence on Every Floor 00:37:32 - The Infinite Expansion of Spiritual Growth 00:40:47 - The Insecurity of Chasing Others' Experiences 00:43:55 - The Truth Needs No Defense 00:47:39 - The Christ Awakening in Everyone 00:51:00 - Awakening to the Truth 00:53:59 - The Purpose of Practice and Awakening 00:57:34 - The Evolution of Consciousness 01:00:47 - The Wonder of Existence 01:04:19 - The Depth of Appreciation and Infinite Intimacy 01:08:21 - Direct Seeing and Knowing 01:11:33 - Exploring the Mystery of Experience 01:14:16 - A Vision of the World at the Tipping Point 01:18:00 - Playing Devil's Advocate 01:21:53 - The Shakers and the Second Coming of Christ 01:26:00 - The Speed of Technological Development 01:28:48 - The End of Time 01:31:28 - The Illusion of Reality 01:34:46 - The Power of Group Meditation and Presence 01:37:58 - Waking Up to the Movies 01:40:29 - Movies as Channels for Higher Intelligence 01:44:50 - Wake up and Find Grace at the Center 01:47:39 - Transitioning to Full-Time Work in the Industry 01:49:52 - Batman and Robin 01:52:45 - Conclusion and Farewell

169. Ramana Apr 13, 2013

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Yukio ‘Ramana,’ MA, CCHT, started his study of meditation and psychology in 1967 with Zen meditation and Gestalt Therapy. His studies continued through the 1970’s with a Taoist Master, Chu Fong Chu in Berkeley, California, where he continued his studies in Psychology and Taoist philosophy. In 1977, he was certified as a biofeedback therapist and maintained a private practice and lectured on biofeedback in Berkeley, California. He pioneered a Rolfing/Biofeedback study which confirmed in 1977 that the Rolfing work was stabilized with Biofeedback. In the early 1980’s, he co-founded the Fellowship of Awakening along with Shakti Gawain (author of 'Creative Visualization'), Tolly Burkan (firewalking teacher to Tony Robbins) and Mark Allen (publisher of Ekhart Tolle's, 'The Power of Now') , teaching creative visualization, affirmation, rebirthing, biofeedback and principles of clearing consciousness. He then obtained Master’s degree is in Psychology and Transpersonal Studies from Norwich University, New Hampshire. In 1990, Ramana co-founded and was the Education Director of the Transpersonal Hypnotherapy Institute. Here, he brought his skills as a Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist, an NLP Master Practitioner Trainer’s Trainer, an Ericksonian Hypnosis Master Practitioner, a Certified Biofeedback Therapist to help make the training institute one of (then) top three hypnosis and hypnotherapy professional training schools in the United States. In 1993, Ramana studied with a great Indian saint, Hari Lal Pooja (affectionately known as ‘Papaji’) in the Punjabi district of India. Papaji was a direct disciple of one of India’s greatest saints, Sri Ramana Maharshi. In turn, before Papaji passed, gave Yukio the name ‘Ramana’, after his own beloved master Ramana Maharshi, and encouraged him to carry the message of truth to groups and individuals. In 1997, Ramana combined his years as a Transpersonal psychotherapist, hypnosis, NLP, biofeedback, Taoist philosophy, creative visualization with his studies of ancient Indian teachings (from masters throughout India) to create “Radical Awakening and the Opening to Heart Consciousness’ which precipitates an opening into the true self of Being. He has found that when Being is in alignment with the true self, the space of unbounded of love and energy emerges, which sometimes opens deep healings at a physical, mental, emotional and spiritual level. Ramana has been teaching and maintaining a private psychotherapy and healing arts practice since 1978. He now resides in both New York and India. Since 1997, he has traveled full-time throughout the United States, Canada and the East sharing his work, Radical Awakening and the Opening to Heart Consciousness, and has trained hundreds of practitioners to continue his work. Summary and transcript of this interview Interview recorded 4/6/2013 Ramana's website YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Ramana, the Diverse Teacher 00:03:41 - Questioning the Natural State 00:07:37 - Looking Back and Finding the Perceiver 00:11:39 - Ramana Maharshi's Teachings 00:15:08 - The Focus of the Radical Awakening Work 00:19:31 - The Function of a Guru 00:23:39 - Power Spots and Energy Signatures 00:29:13 - The Net of Grace 00:32:46 - The Paradox of Multidimensionality of Life 00:36:42 - Shiva, the Destroyer of Dreams 00:41:25 - The Flipping of Primary Identification 00:45:51 - No More Practices 00:49:55 - The Story Behind My Name 00:53:39 - The Significance of Getting a New Name 00:56:18 - The Power of Hindu Names 00:59:23 - The name Yukio Ramana and the story of Hemuna's encounter with Yogi Ram Saratkumar 01:02:40 - Reflections and Karaoke Names 01:06:54 - The Enneagram Workshop and Satsang with Papaji 01:11:07 - The Messenger's Ultimate Function 01:14:53 - Different Approaches to Self-Inquiry 01:19:27 - Influencing States with Words 01:23:15 - The Origin of "Radical Awakening" 01:26:37 - The Opening to the Heart of Consciousness 01:31:04 - Throwing Away the Black Bag 01:35:22 - The Invitation to Stay 01:38:20 - A True Fall from Whatever 01:43:04 - Moments of Grace and Self-realization 01:48:11 - The Spark of Presence in Horrific Circumstances 01:52:48 - The Feminine Aspect and Multidimensional Existence 01:58:11 - The Heart Meditation 02:02:00 - Various Ways to Support the Channel

165. Anatta Campbell Mar 20, 2013

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Paradoxically, “Anatta”, HWL Poonja, enlightened master, said, "means, I don't exist." Exactly! That was Anatta’s experience late one night almost 20 years ago when the ego/personality disappeared and was seen to have less reality than smoke and dust. Yet a magical life has transpired, regardless. Starting out as a ‘Jesus Freak’ in New York, Anatta lived in Oregon and India as a disciple of Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh. In the presence of HWL Poonja she washed the Master's dishes, ate radishes from his hands and massaged his arm which had been injured. She spent a beautiful afternoon sitting under the trees in Ojai California attending a talk with the late J. Krishnamurt. All in all, Anatta eventually traveled to India on seven separate occasions. Continuing the journey in the west to Hawaii and Sedona, she sat with many well known teachers - finally finding her heart’s home back in the town of Tiruvannamali, India, and has felt blessed sitting at the foot of her ultimate teacher, the sacred mountain, Arunachala, near the Ramana Maharshi ashram; a place where, since ancient times, many enlightened beings have been drawn When not in India, Anatta lived a very ordinary life in Southern California near her three daughters and three grandchildren. Surprisingly existence has sent her two more teenagers to raise and she is currently in the mountains of North Carolina doing just that, though that journey is coming to an end as the "kids" are almost grown. About the book, The Ordinary Buddha, by Anatta Campbell. Adyashanti and Byron Katie, two well known teachers, share their personal awakening stories, as well as eleven other "ordinary" people who, in beautiful and dramatic ways, share with us their journey from real-life, not so saintly pasts to the discovery of their true nature; The discovery that we are not who we thought ourselves to be all along, but something far more grand and yet sweetly ordinary. The Knowing sweeps through us like a fresh breeze on a spring morning. Their discovery is our discovery. Anatta is available for Skype or phone sessions. Please feel free to contact Anatta, at: 11sunyata@gmail.com www.Facebook.com/TheOrdinaryBuddha The website for her book, "The Ordinary Buddha": www.Theordinarybuddha.org. Transcript of this interview Interview recorded 3/9/2013 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction: Anatta Campbell on Buddha at the Gas Pump 00:05:28 - The Different Aspects of Awakening 00:10:21 - The Continuous Process of Awakening 00:13:50 - The Journey of Awakening and Maturing 00:17:47 - The Fullness of Emptiness and Presence 00:21:35 - The Paradox of Existence 00:25:15 - The Experience of Selflessness 00:29:16 - Living Life Differently After Awakening 00:33:02 - The Search is Over 00:35:37 - Creativity and Aligning with the Source of Life 00:39:25 - Addiction and Alignment 00:43:32 - The Miracle of Utilizing Laws of Nature 00:47:06 - A Message from the Other Side 00:50:43 - The Balance of Control and Surrender 00:54:50 - The Impact of Words and Ego Growth 00:58:24 - From Jesus Freak to Seeker 01:01:31 - Going to India with Osho 01:04:30 - Understanding and Accepting the Flaws of Spiritual Teachers 01:07:46 - Controversies and Personal Experiences with Osho 01:11:09 - The Transformative Power of Meditation 01:14:30 - Surrendering Everything I Thought I Was 01:18:00 - Different Psychic Experiences 01:21:38 - Rediscovering the Chapters 01:24:47 - Following a Unique Path 01:28:27 - Oneness and Duality in Existence 01:32:08 - The Longing for God to Know Itself 01:36:09 - Experiencing the Thoughts of Animals 01:39:37 - A Conversation about Consciousness and Life 01:42:18 - E-Book and Hardcover Publishers 01:45:25 - Meditating in the Woods 01:48:48 - Gratitude and Farewell

163. Talat Jonathan Phillips Mar 08, 2013

Show notes

Talat Jonathan Phillips is the author of “The Electric Jesus: The Healing Journey of a Contemporary Gnostic.” He co-founded the cutting edge web-magazine Reality Sandwich and Evolver.net, coordinating 50+ regional Evolver communities. He is a religion blogger for "The Huffington Post," the creator of “The Ayahuasca Monologues: Tales of the Spirit Vine,” a Reiki Master and Bioenergetic Healer and does Skype sessions.. When Talat experiences a devastating loss as a countercultural media activist, he unwittingly starts on a mystical journey marked by underground ayahuasca ceremonies, kundalini awakenings, prankster spirit guides, extraterrestrial encounters at the Burning Man festival, and miraculous energy healings that reshape his skeptical worldview. Along the way, he chronicles the rise of an international movement that is trailblazing visionary ways to address our current planetary crisis through raised consciousness. To better understand his spiritual journey, Talat delves into his own Christian background, discovering the lost rites of the mystery schools. Uncovering secret “electric” meanings behind biblical symbols like the serpent, dove, and tree of life, he reveals how early Christians utilized a radical initiation process for harnessing divine energy in order to achieve gnosis, direct knowledge or experience of the divine. Jonathan suggests that these mystical symbols, which appear in spiritual traditions across the globe, offer a profound energetic roadmap and alchemical message for personal transformation, as well as a potential evolutionary shift for our world. Summary and transcript of this interview Interview conducted 2/23/2013 Talat Jonathan Phillips in Panel Discussion on Ayahuasca and Psychedelics as Potential Catalysts for Personal and Societal Evolution YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Jonathan Talat Phillips 00:03:53 - The Importance of Direct Experience and Skepticism 00:07:23 - The Game of Bioenergetic Practice 00:11:06 - Quantum Healing Technology and the Mystery School 00:15:20 - The Rigidity and Safety of Daime Ceremonies 00:19:41 - Shamanic Healing and the Power of Ayahuasca 00:24:24 - The Connection Between Science and Art 00:29:10 - The Importance of MDMA in Personal Transformation 00:33:53 - The Importance of Spiritual Practice 00:38:07 - Multi-Dimensional Healing and the Activation of God Consciousness 00:41:37 - Christian Writings and the Fractured Mystery School 00:45:40 - Synchronicities and Higher Vibrational Consciousness 00:49:22 - The Mythical Saint Sebastian 00:53:16 - The Battle for Light and Love 00:56:43 - Embracing the Difficult Teacher 01:01:44 - The Drama and Beauty of Life's Lessons 01:07:25 - Negative Impulses of Intelligence 01:11:31 - The Joy of Spiritual Freedom 01:15:04 - The Theme of Extraterrestrials 01:19:25 - Books and Beliefs About Extraterrestrial Beings 01:22:46 - Awakening to our Star Energy 01:26:32 - The Dark History of Foreign Lands 01:30:30 - Sharing Experiences of Aliens and Possibilities 01:34:31 - Age and Birthday Celebration to Kick Off a Magical Day. 01:38:38 - Spiritual Grounding and Healing at all Levels 01:42:15 - The Creative Energy and Artistry of Healing 01:45:10 - Rules for Mediumship 01:48:32 - Leaving the Sufi Order 01:52:13 - Alternative Distribution Network 01:55:02 - Activism meets Spirituality and the Occupy Movement 01:59:29 - Conclusion and Ways to Stay Updated on Interviews

151. J. Stewart Dixon Dec 27, 2012

Show notes

J. Stewart Dixon is an awakening/enlightenment adviser, author, and blogger. Born in 1969, J. Stewart Dixon spent most of his adult life seeking spiritual awakening/enlightenment in the company of some of the world’s preeminent spiritual luminaries, including Adi Da, Gangaji, Satyam Nadeen, Andrew Cohen, Arjuna Ardagh, Michael Regan, Solane’, Ram Dass, Saniel Bonder, Eli Jaxon-Bear, A. Ramana, Mooji, Francis Lucille, Yogi Bhajan, Robert Monroe, Gurumayi Chidvilasananda, and Ammachi. His own awakening process began in 2004 and concluded in 2010. Websites, Books, Services: 21 Days: A nuts & bolts blue-collar memoir/guide of nondual Advaita spiritual awakening/enlightenment for beginners: An account of extraordinary magic amidst ordinary life | An easy-to-read description of authentic awakening, free of religious, spiritual, philosophical, or psychological jargon: What is it like when you have a family to care for and a business to run, when you're AWAKE? What is it like when you're visiting your parents, your old high school, or your church when you're AWAKE? ...TV? ...Fly-Fishing? ...Movies? The description of awakening in 21 Days is meant to be a precise guide and compass for the awakening seeker. Transcript of this interview Interview recorded 12/1/2012 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to "21 Days, A Guide for Spiritual Beginners" 00:03:40 - A Parable to Break up the Book 00:07:22 - Softening through Spiritual Awakening 00:11:16 - The Dark Night of the Soul 00:15:15 - A Process of Self-Awareness, Self-Acceptance, and Transference 00:19:57 - Awakening and the End of Existential Depression 00:23:36 - Understanding the Concept of No-Self 00:28:55 - Bringing Awakening Down to the Ordinary 00:33:17 - The Need for Reverence and Sacredness 00:37:03 - The Flooded Market of Awakening Teachers 00:40:08 - The Nature of the Awakening 00:43:30 - The Intensity of Awakening and Enlightenment 00:46:52 - Embracing Intensity and Desires 00:50:31 - The Mysterious Process of Transference 00:53:53 - Glamorizing Ordinary People 00:57:44 - The Mystery of Self and No Self 01:02:36 - The Paradox of Self and No Self 01:06:22 - Longing for Genuine Interactions 01:09:46 - Aligning Life with Fulfilling Interactions 01:13:36 - The Dominant Reality - Turning the Tables 01:17:15 - The Sumptuousness of Realization 01:19:40 - The Nature of "More Please" 01:22:16 - The Tendency for Vertical Growth 01:25:42 - Confronting Existential Fear 01:29:57 - The Blue-Collar Awakening 01:33:47 - The Video Game Analogy and Life After Awakening 01:38:10 - Living in the Moment and Planning for the Future 01:42:28 - Awakening and the Fulfillment of Life 01:46:50 - Finding a Path Towards Awakening 01:51:25 - Acknowledging the Wounded Part in All of Us 01:54:39 - Keeping it Free for Everyone

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