Buddha at the Gas Pump

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398. Baba Shiva Rudra Balayogi May 07, 2017

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His teachings are simple, but profound: You have forgotten your Real Self. You are that abode of Supreme Peace. Through meditation, devotion and selfless service this illusory ego can be removed, and your true immortal nature of Supreme Peace and Permanent Happiness realized. His Holiness Shri Shivarudra Balayogi (affectionately known as Baba Maharaj) is a Self Realized Yogi - one who has completed the path of Yoga and attained union with the Supreme Consciousness. A direct disciple of Shri Shivabalayogi Maharaj, He entered His Guru's service at the age of 19 and was later initiated into Sanyas, a monastic life of pure devotion and service. He was placed in charge of the Dehra Dun Ashram where He spent 20 years absorbed in intense spiritual practice, combining selfless service, devotion to His Guru and deep meditation. Following the Mahasamadhi (the passing from this world's physical form) of His Guru in 1994, Shri Shivarudra Balayogi was initiated into the spiritual practice of Tapas, in which He meditated for an average of 20 hours a day continually for the next 5 years. The culmination of this was the attainment of the goal of all spirituality - Self Realization, the permanent union of the mind with the Supreme Peace of Infinite Pure Consciousness. He now travels the world carrying on His Guru's mission of teaching dhyana meditation, true devotion and selfless service. Baba Maharaj is the embodiment of gentleness and compassion. His life itself is His teaching: devotion, selfless service to humanity and unrelenting effort in striving for spiritual perfection. Shri Babaji offers initiation, freely and without obligation, into the technique of dhyana meditation which He used to achieve Self Realization. He engages audiences worldwide with His profound spiritual insight, drawn from deep personal experience rather than scriptural study. His teachings are the purest form of the sublime philosophy of Self Realization taught by the ancient Sages of India. Website: shivarudrabalayogi.org Books: His Master's Grace: The Tapas Experiences of Shri Shiva Rudra Balayogi Maharaj The Peace Within Viveka Choodamani: The Crest-Jewel of Discrimination Shiva Hara Gurudeva The Path Supreme Transcript of this interview. Interview recorded 5/1/2017 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Baba Maharaj 00:03:45 - The Guru and the Yogi 00:07:44 - The Beginning of Spiritual Inquiry 00:11:39 - Meeting Guru Shivabalayogi 00:15:28 - Joining the Bangalore ashram 00:19:19 - Divine Experiences and the Role of the Guru 00:23:00 - The Value of a Self-Realized Guru 00:27:07 - The Guru-Disciple Relationship 00:31:12 - Finding the Right Guru 00:35:10 - Kanakadasa's Test of Faith 00:38:47 - Tapas: Burning the Habits of the Mind 00:42:39 - The Meaning of Tapas 00:46:31 - The Guru's Manifestation 00:50:09 - The Three Stages of Manifestation 00:54:08 - Surrendering to Swamiji's Blessings 00:57:36 - Retaining an Ego after Enlightenment 01:01:20 - The Divine's Intelligent Work 01:04:55 - Tapas and Detachment 01:08:54 - Gradual Shift of Attention to Your Own Self 01:12:42 - The Importance of Practice 01:16:19 - The Mechanics of Jangama Dhyana 01:20:02 - Watching the Mind 01:23:48 - The Awareness of the Self 01:27:42 - Fixing the Gaze on the Tip of the Nose 01:31:33 - The Usefulness of Samadhi for Spiritual Bypassing 01:35:11 - Overcoming the Past and Planning for the Future 01:38:48 - Becoming a Self-Realized Soul 01:42:09 - Finding Balance Between Surrender and Determination 01:45:35 - The Role of Spiritual Teachers in Self-Realization 01:49:32 - Cultivating the Mind and Practicing Spirituality 01:53:06 - Expressing Gratitude and Well Wishes

378. Lawrence Edwards Dec 20, 2016

Show notes

Lawrence Edwards, PhD has practiced and taught meditation for over 50 years. He is the Founder and Director of Anam Cara Meditation, dedicated to making meditative practices from a variety of traditions freely available to all. Lawrence has offered thousands of free meditation programs at universities, hospitals, churches, meditation centers, yoga centers, hospice groups, prisons and more. Dr. Edwards works with people interested in spiritual growth, dream work and Kundalini processes. He served as President of the Kundalini Research Network for over 20 years and is recognized around the world for his wisdom and skill in working with Kundalini. Dr. Edwards has studied and practiced in the Kundalini yoga tradition, Tibetan Buddhist and Huichol Indian shamanic traditions. These rich reservoirs of wisdom have expanded and deepened the transpersonal and Jungian psychological perspectives of his professional training. His mystical experiences began as a young child and have continued throughout his life. They have been the real guiding force behind his studies and training. His profound experience of the Divine present in everyone, at all times, and in all places has led him to a life of service in teaching and supporting others on their journeys into the Divine. Websites: The Soul's Journey Anam Cara Meditation Optimal Mind Chants and meditations archived on YouTube. Books: Awakening Kundalini - The Path to Radical Freedom Awakening Kundalini - The Path to Radical Freedom (Audio Book) The Soul's Journey: Guidance from the Divine Within Kali's Bazaar Om Namah Shivaya(Meditation CD) Transcript of this interview. Interview conducted 12/17/2016 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Buddha at the Gas Pump 00:03:53 - The Thunderstorm Experience 00:08:01 - The Great Goddess and Kundalini 00:12:11 - Divine Intervention and Dedication to Service 00:15:31 - The Symbolism of Kundalini and Shakti 00:19:48 - Shiva and Shakti: Physics and Cosmology 00:23:54 - The Body and Consciousness 00:27:49 - The Involution of Consciousness 00:32:02 - The Evolution of Consciousness 00:36:08 - The Fulfillment of Longing 00:40:05 - Kundalini Unfolded and Becoming the Living Reality 00:44:22 - Kundalini Awakening and Lifetimes of Evolution 00:48:36 - The Nature of the Body 00:52:33 - The Vision of Goddess Kundalini 00:56:31 - The Indivisible Unity of Consciousness 01:00:41 - The Role of Shaktipat in Liberation 01:04:39 - The Black Void and the Causal State of Consciousness 01:08:39 - Kundalini Energy and Kriyas 01:12:47 - Letting Go and Opening the Door to Life 01:16:41 - Support and Medication in Kundalini Awakening 01:20:25 - Unfolding and Expansiveness of Consciousness 01:24:07 - Accessing Universal Consciousness through Kundalini 01:27:38 - Riding the Bubbles of Thought and the Unfolding of Consciousness 01:31:29 - Different perspectives on the Divine 01:34:49 - The Call to Go Further in Spiritual Practice 01:38:35 - The Challenge of Fulfilling the Dharma as a Teacher 01:42:38 - Dealing with Disillusionment in Spiritual Teachers 01:47:00 - The Face of the Infinite 01:50:49 - The Power of Kundalini Shakti and the Inner Guru 01:54:52 - Poetry and Pretenses 01:58:40 - Spiritual Emergency Network and Kundalini Resources Save Save Save Save

377. Regina Dawn Akers Dec 16, 2016

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Regina Dawn Akers has been sharing spiritual teachings, organizing retreats and leading pilgrimages to holy sites in Israel and India since 2005. She’s published two books: “Holy Spirit's Interpretation of the New Testament: A Course in Understanding and Acceptance” (NTI) and “The Teachings of Inner Ramana”. Her third book “Thoughts of Awakening: 365 Thoughts for Daily Contemplation” is provided as a free e-book. Each of these books came to Regina from within through her willingness to be their scribe, student and teacher. She is a living model of their teachings and a clear channel of the deeper meaning that lies hidden beyond the written word. Regina shares insightful and consistent clarity using a variety of spiritual teachings as pointers. She is the founder of Awakening Together, a worldwide online spiritual assembly dedicated to helping people become self-reliant with inner spiritual wisdom. Awakening Together uses the teachings of many spiritual traditions to point toward one truth, one true Self, which lies peacefully within each of us. Regina is the author of Awakening Together’s 2-year Minister Preparation Program (MPP), which is a contemplative study of Truth through teachings from Hinduism, Buddhism, Sufism, Kabbalah, the Tao Te Ching, A Course in Miracles, the New Testament, and contemporary masters including Ramana Maharshi and Nisargadatta Maharaj. When she is not traveling, Regina lives a quiet life in Pueblo, Colorado. She enjoys spending time with her family, her dog and a few close friends. Regina invites everyone to enjoy the inspiration and online spiritual community provided through awakening-together.org. Written Books Holy Spirit's Interpretation of the New Testament: A Course in Understanding and Acceptance” (NTI) L'Interpretation Du Nouveau Testament Par Le Saint-Esprit (French Edition) The Teachings of Inner Ramana “Thoughts of Awakening: 365 Thoughts for Daily Contemplation” (free e-book) Les Enseignements de l'Esprit (French Edition) Audio Books HOLY SPIRIT'S INTERPRETATION OF The NEW TESTAMENT - DVD Transcript of this interview Interview recorded 12/10/2016 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Buddha at the Gas Pump 00:05:23 - Dancing and Religious Beliefs 00:09:27 - Awakening and One's Own Path to Truth 00:13:37 - Seeking the Truth in the Bible 00:17:53 - Discovering the True Self and Adoption from China 00:22:20 - Entitlement to Miracles 00:25:12 - Different Types of Awakening 00:29:30 - The Teacher of God 00:32:53 - The Message in the Movie 00:37:31 - Recognizing My True Self 00:41:41 - The Form of Divine Intelligence 00:45:25 - Moving for My Daughter's Happiness 00:48:45 - Following the Inner Voice 00:54:10 - Reading the Bible & The Guiding Light 00:58:27 - The Beginning of a Challenging Relationship 01:02:32 - The Healing Opportunity in a Relationship 01:07:58 - The Natural Wisdom of the Universe 01:12:34 - Healing from Rejection 01:16:10 - Lessons in Healing and Love 01:20:08 - Learning Self-Inquiry from Inner Ramana 01:23:03 - The Three States of Mind 01:26:32 - Tools for Self-Realization 01:31:04 - The Possibility of No World and No Mind 01:34:30 - Enlightenment of an Apple 01:39:37 - Living in the Now 01:43:28 - Introduction and Lack of Questions 01:47:42 - Joining an Online Sanctuary 01:51:15 - Financial Support and Fees 01:54:25 - Joining Awakening Together to Find Inspiration and Community 02:01:58 - The Power of Group Collaboration and Support 02:02:00 - Useful Tools on the Website

376. Vera Helleman Dec 12, 2016

Show notes

Vera Helleman is an inspiring and well-established speaker, popular in The Netherlands and Belgium. After being a psychotherapist for a while, Vera awoke into oneness and was gifted with the full understanding of the functioning of the human mind, the essence of who we are, and the role which we play in creation. Seeing from an energetic, non-dual perspective, she lovingly confronts people with their misconceptions about who they truly are and how this reality functions. Married, a mother of four, and fully engaged in daily life, people find her life an inspiring example. Though her teaching-style is clear and penetrating, she is playful and humble in her interaction with others. Interactions are thus based on equality and mutuality. Vera is author of the book ‘Effortlessly being yourSelf’, which is a step-by-step guide from an egoic orientation, based on fear and greed, to spiritual maturity, based on self-expression and growth. In her book, she encourages readers to take full responsibility for the role they play in their lives, and the path they follow. (More titles will follow soon.) In all of her teachings, Vera strives to provide insight and tools, enabling the shift to a more congruent life, and increasing understanding and enjoyment of what one attracts in one’s life. Website: verahelleman.com Transcript of this interview Interview conducted 12/3/2017. YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Buddha at the Gas Pump 00:05:08 - The Awakening into Oneness 00:10:40 - The Uniqueness of Personal Stories and Experiences 00:16:10 - Connecting Beyond Time and Space 00:21:24 - The Experience of Oneness and Bubbles of Information 00:27:30 - Reincarnation and the Continuing Evolution 00:31:46 - The Paradoxical Levels of Existence 00:35:43 - Changing the World from Within 00:39:44 - Confronting Fears and Following Intuition 00:44:08 - Challenges and Growth 00:48:11 - The Opening of the Heart 00:52:27 - Teaching Children to Trust Their Intuition 00:56:58 - The Impact of Spirituality on Children 01:01:14 - The Limitations of Human Perception 01:05:01 - Tuning into Emotions 01:08:54 - The Choice Between Freedom and Encagement 01:12:39 - Breaking Free from the "Poor Me" Role 01:17:09 - The Unconscious Playing of Roles 01:21:15 - The Importance of Self-Reflection and Awareness 01:25:35 - Anger as a Necessary Tool 01:29:41 - Evolving from Intense Feelings of Suffering 01:34:08 - Healing from Trauma and Self-Protection Mechanisms 01:38:20 - Healing Environments in the Prison System 01:42:27 - Being Your Ordinary Self in the Field of Unity 01:46:43 - Finding Purpose in Life 01:50:38 - Being There for Others, Changing Beliefs, and Picking Up Energies 01:54:43 - Acceptance and Compassion 01:58:37 - The Meaning of Life and Consciousness 02:02:52 - The Joy of the Present Moment 02:06:54 - Voting and Government in the Netherlands 02:11:02 - Getting in Touch with the Speaker Save

375. Shinzen Young, 2nd Interview Dec 08, 2016

Show notes

Shinzen Young is an American mindfulness teacher and neuroscience research consultant. His systematic approach to categorizing, adapting, and teaching meditation has resulted in collaborations with Harvard Medical School, Carnegie-Mellon University, and the University of Vermont in the burgeoning field of contemplative neuroscience. Shinzen’s interest in Asia began at the age of 14 when he decided to attend a Japanese ethnic school in his native city of Los Angeles. After majoring in Asian languages at UCLA, he entered a Ph.D. program in Buddhist Studies at the University of Wisconsin. As a part of his thesis research, he lived as a Shingon (Japanese Vajrayana) monk for three years at Mount Koya, Japan. It was then that he received the name Shinzen (真善). Also during that time, he became friends with Father William Johnston (author of Christian Zen). Fr. Johnston helped broaden Shinzen’s interests to include comparative world mysticism and the scientific study of meditative states. Upon returning to the United States, his academic interests shifted to the dialogue between Eastern meditation and Western science. Shinzen is known for his interactive, algorithmic approach to mindfulness, and often uses mathematical metaphors to illustrate meditative phenomena. Shinzen leads residential retreats throughout North America. In 2006, he created the Home Practice Program. These phone-based mini-retreats are designed to make deep meditation practice accessible to anyone in the world regardless of their location, health situation, and time or financial constraints. Websites: basicmindfulness.com (Phone-based retreats and classes) shinzen.org (Articles, CDs, onsite retreats) YouTube.com/user/expandcontract (Video talks) YouTube.com/user/ShinzenInterviews (Interviews with Shinzen) Blog Facebook Twitter Books: The Science of Enlightenment Science of Enlightenment CD series Natural Pain Relief The Five Ways to Know Yourself (Basic Mindfulness Practice Manual – Free PDF) What Is Mindfulness? – A Comprehensive Overview (Free PDF) And many more Transcript of this interview First BatGap interview with Shinzen. Interview recorded 11/26/2016 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Buddha at the Gas Pump 00:03:16 - Introduction to Shinzen's Work 00:07:04 - The Scientific Method: Breaking Down the Basic Elements 00:11:24 - The Sword and the Book in Buddhism 00:16:21 - Vivid Experiences and the Laws of Physics 00:22:19 - Analyzing the Dimensions of Mindfulness 00:31:49 - The Potential of New Discoveries 00:41:08 - The Marriage of Spirituality and Technology 00:50:01 - Different fields of the same elephant 00:55:19 - The Effortlessness of Concentration 00:58:49 - Elevating Concentration without Effort 01:03:06 - Who or what becomes enlightened? 01:07:29 - The Circuits of Meditation 01:12:54 - Enlightenment and Phenomenal Experience 01:18:56 - The Oneness of Experience 01:23:50 - Navigating the Power Realms and Surrendering to the Formless Source 01:33:07 - Balancing Effort and Surrender in Practice 01:38:49 - Equanimity and Surrender 01:41:48 - Developing a Fully Modern Delivery System 01:45:58 - Enhancing Enlightenment with Brain Hacks 01:52:59 - Suspending the Obstacles to Primordial Perfection 01:57:23 - Experiment and Hypotheses 02:02:31 - Exploring the Possibilities of Virtual Lesions for Enlightenment 02:06:58 - Exploring Neurological Conditions and Enlightenment 02:10:52 - The State of Absolute No-Self 02:15:27 - Basal Ganglia System and Thymormic Syndrome 02:20:51 - The Model Disease 02:25:12 - Industrial Strength Brain Technology 02:29:29 - Awakening Coma Patients with Ultrasound Technology 02:32:57 - The Marriage of the Century 02:35:08 - Wrap-Up and Gratitude

371. Adyashanti and Susanne Marie on the Falling Away of Self Nov 15, 2016

Show notes

Join Susanne Marie and Adyashanti in an exploration of an often misunderstood subject. Beyond the traditional landing places that mind creates (commonly discussed in non-dual circles), lies an indescribable landscape of living as pure, direct experiencing. Prior to this opening, the habitual subjective filter creates a veil of separation of which one is not even aware. This is true even within expanded, unified states of consciousness. Once this filter falls away, life is experienced directly, as itself, without an intermediary. Adyashanti is an American-born spiritual teacher and author devoted to serving the awakening of all beings. His teachings are an open invitation to stop, inquire, and recognize what is true and liberating at the core of all existence. Asked to teach in 1996 by his Zen teacher of 14 years, Adyashanti offers teachings that are free of any tradition or ideology. “The Truth I point to is not confined within any religious point of view, belief system, or doctrine, but is open to all and found within all.” He teaches throughout North America and Europe, offering satsangs, weekend intensives, silent retreats, and a live internet radio broadcast. Adya's podcast, "Being Unlimited". Previous BatGap posts involving Adyashanti: First interview with Adyashanti Adyashanti and Francis Bennett on "Resurrecting Jesus" Adyashanti and Francis Bennett – “The Embrace of Jesus and Buddha” Website: adyashanti.org A lifelong spiritual explorer, Susanne Marie offers teachings in support of freedom, meeting in sacred mutuality, and celebrating our common essence of Love and Unity with all life. Her work is transformational and empowering, as she points to the remembering of That which we have always been, allowing truth to become ever more conscious of Itself through a human life. Susanne, the mother of two teenagers, lives in Northern California and works with individuals and groups, offering spiritual mentoring to those who feel called to work with her. She is available for Skype and phone sessions as well as open to invitations to share with groups. Website: susannemarie.org Previous BatGap posts involving Susanne Marie: Individual BatGap interview Birthing Radiant Being into Our Humanity - Panel Discussion at SAND Conference Susanne Marie in Panel at Sofia U. Part 1 | Part 2 Transcript of this discussion. Interview recorded October 23, 2016. YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Buddha at the Gas Pump Interview 00:04:40 - The Expansion of Unity and Perception 00:08:44 - A Shift in Perception 00:13:11 - The Journey from Unity Consciousness to No-Self 00:17:46 - The Mistranslation of Experience 00:21:44 - Being Forces of Nature 00:26:15 - The Falling Away of the Sense of Self 00:29:53 - The Sense of Self and Localization 00:33:00 - The Fear of No-Self and Unbuffered Consciousness 00:36:30 - The Premonition of the End 00:40:36 - Recognizing Differentiation 00:44:38 - The Experience of Perception 00:48:37 - The Perceiver in Us All 00:52:17 - The Spiritual Search 00:56:00 - Consciousness in All Things 01:00:12 - Transition and Integration in the Journey to No-Self 01:03:40 - The Awakening of Divine Will 01:07:34 - Divine Will and Personal Will 01:11:10 - The Evolution of Human Consciousness 01:15:19 - Awakening to the True Nature of Being 01:18:53 - The All-pervading Intelligence 01:21:46 - The Importance of Terminology in Spiritual Culture 01:25:32 - Unconceptualizing Ourselves and Letting Go 01:29:21 - The nature of Saguna and Nirguna Brahman 01:33:11 - The Different States of Being 01:37:12 - The End of Life and Constant Evolution 01:40:50 - Closing Thoughts and the Continuation of Development 01:44:50 - Realizing No-Self: Saints and Jerks 01:48:19 - Waking Up, Cleaning Up, and Growing Up 01:51:40 - Sharing Personal Experiences and Understanding Others 01:55:05 - Thank You and Theme Music Save Save

360. David Newman Sep 04, 2016

Show notes

David passed away from a malignant brain tumor on April 18, 2024. David Newman was an author, inspirational teacher, world-renowned devotional singer, songwriter and recording artist. He traveled extensively sharing his music, and teachings on the path of love as a vehicle for spiritual awakening. David was also the creator of the The Stay Strong Project and the founder of Yoga On Main. He has been featured on NPR, and in The Washington Post and Yoga Journal among many others. David, also known as Durga Das, lived with his wife Mira and daughter Tulsi just outside of Philadelphia, USA. Website: davidnewmanmusic.com Transcript of this interview Interview recorded 8/31/2016. YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Buddha at the Gas Pump 00:07:12 - From Tennis to Yoga to Kirtan Singing 00:13:16 - Introduction to Kirtan and Neem Kurali Baba 00:20:41 - The agenda of a great being 00:28:22 - Medication and Mental Health among Youth 00:35:10 - Stay Strong, Keep Your Faith Alive 00:46:16 - The Dance between Nondual Awakening and Bhakti Path 00:54:16 - The Intensity of the Moment 01:00:49 - The Nature of Seeking and the Shift Away from Seeking 01:07:46 - The Power of Devotion and Self-Knowledge 01:15:12 - The Expression of Bhakti 01:24:12 - Bhakti Yoga and the Higher Paradigm 01:29:35 - A Shift in Progress 01:31:10 - Feeling a Shift 01:32:45 - A Shift in Energy 01:34:20 - A Shift in Perception 01:35:55 - Shift 01:37:30 - Feeling a Shift 01:39:05 - A Shift is Felt 01:40:40 - A Shift in the Atmosphere 01:42:15 - A Shift in Perspective 01:43:50 - A Shift in the Atmosphere 01:45:25 - Feeling a Shift 01:47:00 - A Shift in Energy 01:48:35 - Shift 01:50:10 - Shift in Perspective 01:51:45 - Feeling the Shift 01:53:20 - A Shift in Consciousness 01:55:48 - Irene Recommends an Interview with David Shapiro 02:04:29 - Music

334. Della Feb 28, 2016

Show notes

Della had the good fortune of a life that many would have wanted to live. She grew up in a loving environment. She went to college. She started a family. She became a doctor and worked in emergency. She wasn’t looking for anything. She didn’t have any spiritual beliefs. She was happy. Then, in 2005, during a hypnosis session, she had what could be described as a near-death experience. Her heart was deeply touched by oneness and its unconditional love. Her life was turned upside down by this experience. With this free and loving presence breathing inside of her, all of " her " identity was put into question. Gradually she had to surrender to the reality that we are One and that no label, belief or knowledge is needed for Being. Website: dellainvitation.com Article referred to during the interview: Breakdowns and ‘Shift-Ups’: The relationship between psychosis and spiritual awakening Transcript of this interview Interview recorded 2/20/2016 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Buddha at the Gas Pump 00:03:28 - A Glimpse of the Afterlife 00:07:42 - The Voice of Guidance 00:11:30 - The Difficulty of Playing the Game of Being Sick 00:14:17 - The Journey to Enlightenment 00:17:11 - The Difference between Psychosis and Awakening 00:19:40 - Transformation and Love 00:22:39 - The Scary and Gentle Spiritual Path 00:26:15 - Letting Go of Self 00:29:08 - Living in a Different Reality 00:32:18 - Discovering the Path to Satsang 00:35:42 - Connecting with the Heart's Intimacy 00:39:26 - Embracing the Refusal in the Heart 00:42:53 - Inner Transformation and Personal Guidance 00:46:28 - The Voice that Spoke to Me 00:49:59 - The Experience of the Personal Self 00:53:37 - The Experience of Pain and Self 00:56:39 - Living in a Simple State of Awareness 00:59:45 - The Role of Protection in Personal Development 01:03:09 - Opening the Heart and Honoring Reality 01:06:24 - Spontaneity and Freedom of the Shift 01:09:51 - The Gentle Path to Opening Ourselves 01:13:51 - Embracing Protection and Oneness 01:17:02 - The Veil of Refusal 01:20:46 - Effort and Relinquishment in Spiritual Awakening 01:23:36 - Embracing Our Perfect Imperfections 01:26:44 - The Future of Consciousness and Society 01:30:11 - Surrendering to the Inner Wisdom 01:33:37 - Hiding from our True Nature 01:36:39 - Introduction of Luna 01:38:56 - Explore More Interviews on the Website

333. Joey Lott Feb 15, 2016

Show notes

Joey Lott is not a spiritual teacher. He’s not offering enlightenment, awakening, liberation, or any such carrot to keep you searching for something else. Instead, he’s just a fellow person who had the fortune to discover that the willingness to stop seeking for answers, for solutions to all kinds of imagined spiritual problems, reveals the peace of just being whatever is happening - which is all that is ever happening anyway. It’s not a glorious attainment. It’s not morally or spiritually elevated. It’s very mundane, and often uncomfortable - exactly like your life now. Joey doesn’t do formal teaching. In an ever-changing manner, he does experiment with inviting others to join in a conversation and explore the assumptions that underlie suffering. Website: joeylott.com YouTube Channels: Joey Lott Completely Ordinary Books: The Best Thing That Never Happened You're Trying Too Hard: The Direct Path to What Already Is Transcript of this interview Interview recorded 2/13/2016 Video and audio below. Audio also available as a Podcast. YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Buddha at the Gas Pump 00:04:47 - Shifting Perspectives on Identity 00:09:22 - The Perception of Suffering and Reality 00:13:34 - The intensity of my meditation practice 00:17:42 - The Addictive Cycle of Meditation 00:20:49 - The Experience of Suffering and Inner Dissatisfaction 00:24:53 - The Relief of Stopping the Obsession 00:28:35 - Fear of Triggers and Rituals 00:32:57 - The Shift Towards Surrender 00:37:24 - Relaxation of Control and Shift in Perspective 00:41:47 - Embracing Fear and Facing Problems 00:48:43 - Finding Balance in Spiritual Teachings 00:50:41 - The Middle Ground of Purification 00:55:31 - Spiritual Teachings for the Benefit of Humanity 00:59:40 - Methamphetamine and the Brain 01:03:35 - The Marginalization of People 01:08:25 - The Reality of Experience 01:12:40 - Critique of Popular Spirituality 01:16:53 - Recognizing the Full Truth 01:21:19 - The Directness of Experience and Comparison to Ramana 01:25:22 - The Illusion of Awareness and Consciousness 01:30:06 - The Promise of Removing Uncertainty 01:33:55 - The Illusion of Ownership and Doership 01:38:35 - Appreciating Concepts, But Valuing Experience 01:42:58 - The Paradoxical Nature of Taking Action 01:46:49 - Dealing with OCD 01:50:39 - Perception of a diverse natural world and dangers of moral authority 01:54:01 - The Decline of Bee Populations and Environmental Responsibility 01:58:47 - The Interconnectedness of Life and the Power of Consciousness 02:02:37 - Ambivalent about taking money for conversations

302. Guy Finley Aug 10, 2015

Show notes

Best-selling "Letting Go" author Guy Finley’s encouraging and accessible message is one of the true bright lights in our world today. His ideas cut straight to the heart of our most important personal and social issues – relationships, success, addiction, stress, peace, happiness, freedom – and lead the way to a higher life. Finley is the acclaimed author of The Secret of Your Immortal Self: Key Lessons for Realizing the Divinity Withinand more than 40 other books and audio albums (plus over 1,000 unique audio programs) that have sold millions of copies in 24 languages worldwide. His syndicated weekly radio program is aired on several international networks including Healthy Life Radio, Achieve Radio, Sedona Talk Radio, and Healthlife.net. Guy is a faculty member at the Omega Institute in Rhinebeck, New York and is a regular expert contributor to Beliefnet.com, the Huffington Post and many other journals. Guy is the founder and director of Life of Learning Foundation, the renowned non-profit Center for Self-study in Merlin, Oregon where he offers four inner-life classes each open to the public. www.guyfinley.org www.guyfinleynow.org www.onejourney.net Facebook Page Free MP3 Audio Album - Seven Steps to Oneness: Journey to a Whole New Life More books: The Meaning of Life(audio album) Life Is Real Only When You Are CD Album(audio album) The Essential Laws of Fearless Living: Find the Power to Never Feel Powerless Again Let Go and Live in the Now: Awaken the Peace, Power, and Happiness in Your Heart The Intimate Enemy: Winning the War Within Yourself The Lost Secrets of Prayer: Practices for Self-Awakening Design Your Destiny: Shape Your Future in 12 Easy Steps 365 Days to Let Go: Daily Insights to Change Your Life The Courage to Be Free: Discover Your Original Fearless Self The Seeker, the Search, the Sacred: Journey to the Greatness Within Transcript of this interview Interview recorded 8/8/2015 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Buddha at the Gas Pump 00:04:47 - Growing up in Hollywood with the In-Crowd 00:09:12 - The Bonsai Tree Experience and the Revelation of Self 00:13:20 - The Journey of Self-Discovery 00:18:02 - Milestones on the Path of Self-Realization 00:22:42 - The Foundation Must Be Laid 00:27:19 - Discovering Truth Within Myself 00:31:37 - The Value of Heartbreak and Resistance 00:35:56 - The Importance of Patience and Tolerance 00:40:15 - The Intelligence of Awareness 00:45:06 - Seeing the Celestial in the Common 00:49:54 - Seeing Life in a Different Way 00:54:36 - Resistance and Negative States 00:59:28 - Recognizing and dealing with negativity 01:04:16 - The Practice of Purifying the Nadis and Energetic Patterns 01:08:52 - Seeing through the Illusion of Self 01:13:38 - The Benefits of Meditation and Alignment 01:18:15 - The Interface between the Subtle and the Gross 01:22:51 - Useless Suffering vs Voluntary Suffering 01:27:11 - The Tipping Point of Consciousness 01:31:24 - The Interpretation of the Trinity 01:35:57 - Understanding the Cycle of Happiness and Unhappiness 01:40:09 - Transcending Conditions and Finding Freedom 01:43:45 - The Contradictions of Self-Worth and Identity 01:47:25 - Transformation from Pursuit to Presence 01:50:45 - The Universe Revealing Its Consciousness 01:54:38 - Discovering Your Infinite Potential 01:57:45 - The Metaphor of a Line in Air 02:00:17 - The Search for the Sacred 02:03:01 - A Conversation with Gary Renard 02:04:59 - Prolific Work and Reasonable Prices

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