Buddha at the Gas Pump

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597. Shaykh Fadhlalla Haeri May 06, 2021

Show notes

Sufi mystic and visionary Shaykh Fadhlalla Haeri is an enlightened spiritual master. His life and works serve as a reminder that spirituality is a science and an art vitally relevant to our times. Shaykh Fadhlalla grew up in an environment where religious scholars, as well as Sufi and mystics, were part of his formative experience. His love and understanding of the universality of the Qur'anic message have imbued him with respect for other religions and spiritual paths. Websites: shaykhfadhlallahaeri.com zahrapublications.pub Books mentioned during the interview: Son of Karbala: The Spiritual Journey of an Iraqi Muslim Sufi Encounters: Sharing the Wisdom of Enlightened Sufis Spectrum of Reality: Sufi Insights The Garden of Meaning Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group. Summary and transcript of this interview. Interview recorded May 1, 2021 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Buddha at the Gas Pump Interview 00:03:45 - The Curiosity of a Child 00:07:51 - The Dichotomy of Earthly and Spiritual Desires 00:11:57 - The Inner and Outer Self 00:15:55 - Preparation for Infinite Life 00:19:44 - The Filter of the Brain 00:23:28 - The Shift into a Higher Consciousness 00:27:16 - The Progress of Consciousness 00:30:58 - The Influence of Consciousness on Animals 00:34:36 - Awakening to the Higher Within 00:38:38 - Reverencing the Divine Light within us 00:42:15 - Learning from a Spiritual Teacher 00:46:01 - Celebration of the Soul's Journey Beyond 00:49:57 - The Decline of Fundamentalism and the Rise of Universal Spirituality 00:53:48 - The Emergence of Spirituality and Technology 00:57:27 - The State of the Garden Within Me 01:01:22 - Losing the small self 01:05:07 - Living a Full Life without Denial 01:08:58 - The Cosmic Justification for Suffering 01:12:31 - Wealth Distribution and the Future 01:15:53 - The Value of Suffering 01:19:12 - The story of the scorpion and the saint 01:22:48 - Liberation and Freedom 01:26:42 - Inner Freedom and Liberation 01:30:22 - Inner Freedom and Reconciliation 01:34:04 - Creating a Community in Messina, Texas 01:37:35 - Books and Connections with Shaykh 01:41:19 - Trusting the Cloud and the Aversion to Institutionalizing Things 01:44:43 - The Essence Within Us 01:48:06 - The Outer and Inner Self 01:51:48 - Awakening to the High Treasure

590. Theresa Cheung Mar 14, 2021

Show notes

Theresa Cheung was born into a family of spiritualists. She has a Masters degree from Kings College, Cambridge, and has written numerous bestselling dream, angel, afterlife, ritual, and spiritual titles and Encyclopedias, including two Sunday Times top 10 bestsellers. She has been a guest on Russell Brand's Under the Skin and Coast to Coast AM and featured in numerous newspapers and media. A few of Theresa's books: The Truth about Angels: Decoding the secret world and language of the afterlife The Dream Dictionary from A to Z Dream Decoder: 60 Cards to Unlock your Unconscious (Interpret Archetypal Symbols from your Dreams) 21 Rituals to Change Your Life: Daily Practices to Bring Greater Inner Peace and Happiness The Premonition Code: The Science of Precognition, How Sensing the Future Can Change Your Life The Afterlife is Real Website: theresacheung.com Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group. Summary and Transcript of this interview. Interview recorded March 6, 2021. YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Buddha at the Gas Pump 00:05:10 - Spirituality as a Scientific Enterprise 00:09:31 - Scientists and the Paranormal 00:14:03 - Pushing the Boundaries: Science vs Spirituality 00:18:26 - The Awakening of Dreaming and the Lockdown Dream Phenomenon 00:23:03 - The Profoundness of Dreams 00:27:32 - Interpreting Symbolic Dreams 00:32:03 - The Power of Lucid Dreaming 00:36:25 - The Fourth State of Consciousness 00:41:03 - The Power of Dreams 00:44:30 - In Your Dreams Podcast 00:48:25 - Emphasizing the Ordinary 00:52:03 - Exploring Mediumship 00:55:53 - The Danger of Following False Gurus 00:59:51 - The Intoxicating Need to Follow and Be Told What to Do 01:03:25 - The Existence of Unseen Realms and Angels 01:07:16 - Angels Within 01:11:02 - The Return to Self-Love 01:14:36 - Perception of Angels and Spiritual Equality 01:18:22 - The Practice of Meditation 01:22:15 - Inner and Outer Alignment 01:26:17 - The Importance of Asking Questions and Growth through Open-Mindedness 01:29:50 - The Mystery of Life 01:33:42 - The Peaceful Release of Death 01:37:44 - Life Review and Forgiveness 01:41:22 - The Power of Forgiveness and Psychic Cats 01:45:14 - Laughed at for Believing in Psychic Abilities 01:49:24 - Entertaining Conversations and Recommendations 01:53:06 - The Seductive Power of Belonging 01:57:03 - From Goofballs to Spiritual Interviews

566. Helen Hamilton Aug 31, 2020

Show notes

Helen Hamilton is a spiritual teacher based in West Yorkshire, in the north of England, and is a mother of four. After struggling through her own awakening several years ago Helen was driven by the urge to simplify awakening for all beings and to share the essential pointings that allow us to overcome common challenges along the path to freedom. Helen's teaching style is direct and uncompromising in its insistence that we already are what we are searching for and yet encompasses compassion and wisdom to help us dissolve our ego with love and understanding. She teaches worldwide and holds regular Satsangs and other events. Books: Dissolving The Ego The Story of I Reality Check: A Simple Guide to Final Enlightenment Website: helenhamilton.org Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group. Summary and transcript of this interview. Interview recorded August 29, 2020 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to the Interview with Helen Hamilton 00:04:34 - Discovering Meditation and the Third Eye 00:08:50 - The Polarization of Life 00:12:48 - Discovering Different Types of Meditation 00:16:36 - Exploring the Sense of Self 00:20:46 - A Pivotal Moment of Awakening 00:24:47 - Overcoming the Belief of Exclusivity 00:28:39 - Removing Obstructions in Spiritual Growth 00:32:47 - Embracing the Ongoing Unfolding in the Body and Mind 00:36:54 - Understanding the Mind's Obsessive Thoughts about Others 00:41:01 - Understanding Obsessions and Cravings 00:45:22 - Passionate Contemplation and Openness to Emotions 00:49:13 - Assault by the Demon Mara and the Importance of Regular Practice 00:52:56 - Characteristics of Enlightenment 00:57:07 - The Manifestation of Diversity within Oneness 01:01:14 - The Source of Intelligence 01:05:39 - Teenagers, Emotions, and Parenting 01:09:39 - Consciousness and Awareness 01:13:40 - Stages of Awakening 01:17:39 - Success in Awakening 01:21:18 - The Absence of Internal Conflict 01:25:01 - Awakening and the Energy Component 01:28:38 - The Proper Context of Spiritual Experiences 01:32:18 - The Power of Meditation 01:36:10 - Recognizing the Unchanging Nature 01:40:09 - Quieting the Mind and Experiencing Oneness 01:44:03 - Settling the Mind and the Presence of Thoughts 01:47:28 - Thoughts and Enlightenment 01:51:21 - The Journey through Spiritual Courses 01:54:56 - Meeting People Where They Are 01:58:31 - Finding Home in Life

536. Isira Feb 10, 2020

Show notes

Isira brings a deep understanding of Indigenous, ancient and universal wisdom. She bridges the gap between the overwhelming challenges we face in the world today and our spiritual journey. As a powerful advocate for conscious change, Isira is highly engaged in today's social issues. Her enlightened commentary assists us to navigate the divisive worlds of politics, climate change, mental health and beyond. Books: Awakening You: Embodying Peace, Love and Freedom on Earth Buddha on the Dance Floor Website: isira.com Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group. Summary and transcript of this interview Second interview with Isira Interview recorded February 7, 2020. YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction and Welcome 00:04:06 - Perception of the World 00:08:22 - Indigenous Mindset and Modern Human Mindset 00:12:31 - The Interconnection of All Things and the Dance of Life 00:17:32 - A Traumatic Experience of Abuse and Awakening 00:22:09 - The Root of Suffering and Disconnection 00:26:21 - The Rubber Band Effect of Disconnection 00:30:12 - A Miraculous Recovery and Forgiveness 00:34:38 - Interdimensional Experiences and Reunion with the Lama 00:39:00 - A Time of Preparation and Resetting 00:43:09 - The Power of Alignment and Connection 00:47:38 - The Intensity of Global Problems and Ignoring Warning Signs 00:51:42 - The Impact of an Echo Chamber 00:55:47 - The Design of Social Media Platforms and the Loss of Value and Relevance 01:00:00 - The Beauty of Chaos and Transformation 01:03:32 - The Story of the Seeker and the Master 01:07:23 - Averting Catastrophe through Spiritual Awakening 01:11:54 - The Impact of Climate Change on Metropolitan Areas 01:16:14 - Severed Relationships and the Collapse of Society 01:20:35 - The Need for Connectedness and Decentralized Government 01:24:11 - Materialism and Fear in Modern Society 01:28:12 - The Illusion of Material Possessions 01:32:13 - Untapped Potential and Gamma Brainwave States 01:36:51 - Accessing Deeper States of Consciousness 01:40:54 - The Balance of Destructive and Creative Forces 01:45:03 - Restoring Balance in Society and Nature 01:48:54 - Overpopulation and the Need for Reduction 01:53:01 - Holding onto the Self in Times of Radical Shifts 01:56:50 - Acting in Accordance with Intuitive Impulse 02:01:17 - Regeneration and the Four Pillars of Lore 02:05:23 - Ordinary People Awakening

229. Neelam, 2nd Interview May 05, 2014

Show notes

Neelam is a direct disciple of H. W. L. Poonja (Papaji), whose teacher was Sri Ramana Maharshi. Her unequivocal commitment to Truth helps us turn inward and release underlying patterns of conditioning which block the recognition of our True Nature. With the utmost tenderness while helping us to address all aspects of daily living, including past conditioning and trauma, she invites us into the same recognition of Truth that her teacher, Papaji, transmitted to her. Neelam’s website Transcript of this interview Interview recorded 5/3/2014 Her first Interview here YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction and Background 00:04:39 - Identity and Presence 00:08:59 - The Continuum of Presence 00:13:10 - The Experience of Consciousness 00:17:13 - The Ground of Knowing 00:21:14 - The Embodiment of Knowing 00:25:48 - Awakening vs Enlightenment 00:30:25 - The Role of Knowledge in Teaching and Living 00:34:20 - The Intelligence of Presence and Surrender 00:38:42 - Embracing Everything as Is 00:43:17 - Recognizing the Ground of Experience 00:47:14 - The Effect of Climate Change on Human Consciousness 00:50:21 - The True Nature of Being and Evolution 00:53:41 - Dualistic Perspectives and the Arising Universe 00:56:51 - The Tendency to Postpone Being Present 01:00:22 - Recogition of Tendencies and Un-reinforcing Them 01:03:29 - Managing Anger Through Self-Awareness 01:06:45 - The Importance of Being Present 01:10:06 - Authenticity and Congruence 01:13:19 - Seeking Congruence within and without 01:16:31 - Vigilance and the Escape of Vasanas 01:19:49 - Relationship as a Path to Freedom 01:23:02 - Unresolved past and relationships 01:26:14 - The Resonance of Change 01:29:13 - Life after Addiction 01:32:27 - Strengthening our Capacity for Change 01:35:26 - Deepening into Presence 01:38:39 - Seeing Deeply into Students' Makeup 01:41:36 - Inspiration and the Capacity to Be Here 01:44:49 - Concluding Remarks 01:47:43 - Positive Review and Appreciation

69. Michael Hall, Ph.D. May 27, 2011

Show notes

A clinical psychologist in private practice in Binghamton, NY, Michael studied and practiced Zen Buddhism for many years beginning in 1978. An initial experience of non-dual awareness emerged in 1982. Like virtually all first glimpses, this experiential awareness was fleeting. Still, the appetite for an enduring awakening had taken hold, as well as an absolute faith in the spiritual truths reported by Shakyamuni Buddha and the Zen teachers of ancient China and Japan. Years of frequent silent meditation retreats allowed this awareness to deepen and expand, yet there was still searching for true liberation. The continuous experiential Knowing that this is it emerged many years later after an apparent surrendering of the desire to become anything at all. With this much deeper and more pervasive understanding, there arose simultaneously a reconnection with his childhood roots in the Christian tradition. Michael now shares this knowledge of Self with a growing number of students. The teaching is consistent with the truths taught by awakened teachers of all religious traditions. He teaches awakening and the integration of non-dual awareness into daily life. Over 30 years of full-time psychological practice has provided a unique perspective on the roots of suffering and the end of it. He draws on the writing and teaching of contemporary and historical awakened teachers, joining the common threads in Christian, Buddhist, Advaita, and Non-Dual traditions to share a message of the possibility and promise of personal transformation and liberation from egoic illusion. Email: WayBeyondPsychotherapy@gmail.com Blog: AwakenToTruth.BlogSpot.com Transcript of this interview Interview recorded 5/22/2011 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Dr. Michael Hall 00:05:08 - Joining a Zen Meditation Group 00:07:29 - Discovering Anger and Blood Pressure 00:10:19 - Awakening and Zen Training 00:12:46 - A Journey of Awakening and Disillusionment 00:15:24 - The Ceasing of Identity 00:18:29 - Effort and the Final Threshold 00:21:21 - Surrendering the Ego 00:24:16 - The practice of seeing and releasing automatic beliefs 00:26:49 - The Illusion of Selfishness and the Power of Conditioning 00:29:34 - Letting Go of Feelings 00:32:10 - Finding Your Own Path 00:34:28 - Finding What Works for You 00:36:17 - Shift in Identity: Michael Hall to Universality 00:38:22 - The Dark Night and Inner Transformation 00:41:25 - The Dark Night of the Soul and Radical Reorientation 00:44:13 - Letting Go of the Past and Embracing the Present 00:46:49 - The Difference Between Channeling and Being Adyashanti 00:50:33 - A Zen Book Awakening 00:55:00 - The Progressive Deepening of Realization 01:00:16 - Stages of Enlightenment 01:03:58 - Embracing Challenges and Growth 01:07:41 - The Indescribable Nature of God 01:11:19 - Increased Effectiveness in Therapy 01:13:28 - Transformation through Empty Glass 01:15:16 - The Value of Ordinary People in Spiritual Awakening 01:18:18 - Living a Skillful and Less Stressful Life 01:21:45 - Paradigm Shifts and Awakening Consciousness 01:24:25 - Faith in Your Ability to Realize Truth 01:27:06 - Conclusion and Next Interview Announcement Save

68. Richard Sylvester May 10, 2011

Show notes

Due to technical problems, this video only contains still shots of Richard, while Rick’s video is normal. Richard Sylvester is a humanistic psychologist, therapist and lecturer. For thirty years he engaged with a variety of spiritual practices while also training in psychotherapeutic techniques and teaching counselling. In 2002 Richard met Tony Parsons and as he writes in his first book "That was the end of what I thought had been my life." Richard writes “The most common misconception about liberation is that it is something an individual can gain. But actually it is a loss - the loss of the sense that there ever was a separate person who could choose to do something to bring about liberation. In liberation it is seen that thoughts, feelings and perceptions simply arise in Oneness - there is no one to whom they belong. “The sense of separation makes us take the everyday for granted and clamour for something more exciting to happen. But when separation is seen through, the ordinary becomes transformed into this wonderful play of consciousness, and it is seen that this is already it and this is already sufficient. “This is a recurring message. It overthrows all authority. It can’t be killed off. It requires nothing. It requires no churches, no philosophical tracts, no scriptures, no history. If everything that had ever been said or written about non-duality were to disappear in a moment, it would simply re-emerge. It would re-emerge because nothing has to be learnt, nothing has to be studied, nothing has to be done, no spiritual purification and no pleasing of God has to take place, for the seeing of liberation to occur. It arises spontaneously. One moment there’s somebody there, the next moment there isn’t. One moment there’s somebody crossing a field, the next moment there’s just crossing a field.” Richard has written three books about non-duality, 'I Hope You Die Soon', 'The Book Of No One' and 'Drink Tea, Eat Cake'. He gives talks on non-duality in England and abroad. If you would like to know more, please visit www.richardsylvester.com or www.richardsylvester.co.uk. Interview recorded 5/8/2011. YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Richard Sylvester 00:02:42 - Seeing through the Illusion of Individuality 00:05:16 - The Challenge of Non-Dual Language 00:07:16 - The Ineffability of Non-Duality 00:09:09 - The Joy of Communication 00:11:39 - The Significance of Spiritual Practice and Awakening 00:14:03 - Challenging the Mind and Natural Justice 00:16:38 - The Incidence of Spiritual Realization 00:19:38 - The Loss of Knowledge and the Collapse of the Sense of Self 00:22:37 - Seeing through the Past and Future 00:24:52 - The Illusion of Time 00:27:50 - Transparency and Spiritual Practices 00:30:38 - The Extraordinary in the Ordinary 00:33:40 - The Difficulty of Seeing Through Conditioning 00:36:49 - The Absurdity of Spiritual Practices 00:39:37 - The Power of Stories 00:43:00 - Non-duality and the Madness of the Mind 00:46:08 - Different Perspectives and Levels of Consciousness 00:51:59 - Awakening Without Personhood 00:55:27 - The Sense of Separation 00:59:36 - Rejecting Talk of Paths and Enlightenment 01:05:23 - The intention to be helpful 01:09:34 - Living life as it is now lived 01:12:36 - The Loss of Meaning and Purpose in Life 01:15:17 - The End of a Life 01:17:35 - The Effect of Clarity on Others 01:19:24 - The Power of Resonance and Silent Communication 01:21:33 - Conducting Meetings and Writing Books 01:23:31 - Emphasizing the Miracle 01:25:54 - Open to Possibilities 01:28:00 - Interviews and Discussions

41. Jac O'Keeffe Oct 09, 2010

Show notes

Jackie O'Keeffe was raised in rural Ireland. Wanting to know about God she studied theology and music. After graduating in the 1980's, Jac found her studies had left her disillusioned and a non-believer. Turning her focus to issues of social inequality, she studied adult and community education, and began her career interweaving community development with the arts. In 1997, her life changed dramatically when her sixth sense awakened. Quite spontaneously, she was able to see chakras, energy fields and auras. Moreover, she could communicate with animals and with those who have passed away. A busy practice in healing work developed within a short time, with Jackie offering private sessions and residential retreats. She developed and delivered holistic programmes that focused on viewing depression as a spiritual awakening rather than a bio-chemical disorder. Using a variety of methodologies, her work had the primary focus of raising consciousness. Jackie continued for seven years as a spiritual teacher, before stopping her work in 2006 and leaving Ireland to deepen her own spiritual practice. Her personal quest led to that which is beyond the mind - a transcendence of dualistic thought. Jackie now lives in Ireland and India. She facilitates spiritual gatherings in question-and-answer format, offering clear pointers to spiritual seekers of truth. Jac's Site Interview summary and transcript Interview recorded 10/10/2010 Other BatGap episodes including Jac: Panel discussion at SAND conference with Jac O’Keeffe, Igor Kufayev and Francis Bennett Panel discussions on Ethics and Spiritual Teaching SAND Panel Discussion on Sexual Misconduct, Money, Power, Trauma & Ethics in Spiritual Communities YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:04:32 - Questioning the Meaning of Life 00:07:12 - Exploring Different Paths 00:10:17 - Encountering Transparent Spirits 00:12:55 - Ghostly Encounters 00:15:20 - Exploring the Limits of Reality 00:17:45 - Indigenous Beings in the Woodlands 00:20:13 - Feeling Trapped and Seeking Help 00:22:52 - Connecting through Love 00:25:23 - A Divine Encounter and the Power of Love 00:27:50 - Meeting Master Jose and the Path to Spiritual Awakening 00:30:38 - Becoming a Ghostbuster 00:33:06 - Ghostbusting and Working on the Dead 00:36:06 - The Journey into the New Age 00:38:42 - Wild Experiences with Santo Daime and Ayahuasca 00:41:53 - The Unreality of Belief Systems 00:44:41 - The Myth of Existence 00:47:32 - Personal Healing and Transformation 00:50:13 - Communicating with Amma 00:53:08 - Seeking Silence and Light 00:55:57 - Discovering Yoga and Nonduality 00:58:50 - The Illusion of Individuality and the Movement of Energy 01:02:16 - The Concrete Manifestation of Pain 01:05:28 - The Breaking of the Mind 01:08:58 - Being Chosen by a Higher Intelligence 01:11:27 - Climbing the Mountain of Awakening 01:14:07 - Following the Next Step 01:17:15 - The Importance of Maturity in Spiritual Growth 01:19:44 - Letting Go of the Spiritual Path 01:22:15 - The Role of Spiritual Practices in Enlightenment 01:24:58 - Moving to Residentials

34. Rick Laird Aug 19, 2010

Show notes

Richard Quentin 'Rick' Laird was a jazz musician, born on 5 February 1941 and died on July 4, 2021. He was a bass player best known for his place in The Mahavishnu Orchestra. Laird was born in Dublin, Ireland. He played music from a young age and enrolled for guitar and piano lessons. He started playing jazz after moving to New Zealand at the age of 16 with his father. He played guitar in jam bands in New Zealand before buying an upright bass. After extensive touring in New Zealand he moved to Sydney, Australia where he played with many top jazz musicians including Don Burrows. He moved to England in 1962 and became house bassist at Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club in London, playing with many greats including the guitarist Wes Montgomery and Sonny Stitt. From 1963-4 Laird then at London's Guildhall School of Music and Drama. He was recorded on Sonny Rollins's soundtrack for the movie Alfie and played in The Brian Auger Trinity (July 1963-February 1964) and The Brian Auger Group (Feb-October 1964). His next step was to go to Berklee College of Music in Boston, where he studied arranging, composition, and string bass. He then teamed up with John McLaughlin and The Mahavishnu Orchestra to play electric bass until 1974, when the band broke up. After that, he moved to New York and played with Stan Getz (a tour in 1977) and Chick Corea (a tour the following year). Laird put out one album as a leader, Soft Focus. Today, he is a successful photographer as well as a private bass tutor, and an author of a number of intermediate to advanced-level bass books. In 1962, just before leaving Sydney for London, a friend gave him a copy of J.Krishnamurti’s book “The First and Last Freedom”. This began a long journey as a seeker which included drugs, alcohol, meditation, Scientology, EST, AA, etc. In early 2008, after reading Gangaji’s book “The Diamond in Your Pocket” everything changed, what had always been there became obvious and spontaneously the seeking ended. Summary and transcript of this interview Interview recorded 8/18/2010 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction and Musical Background 00:03:58 - Discovering Krishnamurti's Book 00:08:29 - Troublemaker in School, Early Experiences with LSD 00:12:22 - Different Perspectives and Seeking 00:16:43 - Joining the Monte Vigne Orchestra in New York 00:21:33 - Life on the Road with Mahavishnu Orchestra 00:25:23 - Samsara in Action 00:28:30 - Personal Demons and Inadequacy 00:31:06 - The Benefits of the e-meter 00:33:33 - The Early Days of Scientology 00:35:10 - Transitioning from Scientology to Photography 00:36:54 - Rediscovering my Passion for Photography 00:39:20 - Discovering a Niche Market 00:41:32 - From Drinking to Spiritual Seeking 00:43:21 - Finding Sobriety and Spiritual Growth 00:45:30 - Seeking Spiritual Teachings, from Osho to Buddhism 00:48:30 - A Profound Time in New York 00:51:55 - The Shock of Realization 00:54:39 - The Immersion in Reality 00:57:00 - The Power of Language and Stories 00:59:48 - Different Approaches to Non-duality 01:02:11 - Qualifying Claims of Awakening 01:05:00 - The Infinite Room for Improvement in Awakening 01:08:05 - Different Strokes for Different Folks 01:10:50 - Something Wonderful is Taking Place 01:13:37 - Evolving Perspective and Less Engagement with Thoughts 01:15:26 - The Journey to Inner Freedom 01:18:09 - The Value of Difficult Experiences 01:21:12 - Ram Dass and the Power of Now 01:24:04 - Humility and Relaxation in Awakening 01:26:59 - Conclusion and Farewell Save

33. Gary Crowley Aug 12, 2010

Show notes

Gary Crowley was born in 1965 and was raised in Massachusetts as a practical-minded New Englander. He graduated from Stanford University in 1987 with degrees in Economics and Political Science. At a young age, he was attracted to Eastern philosophy and spiritual writings that seemed to offer a glimpse of something greater than the life he had known growing up. However, by 2001, Gary finally gave up on all forms of spiritual seeking after decades on the path. He surrendered under the weight of the many well-intended spiritual teachings he'd accumulated over the years. All the study had not caused the shift in awareness that he'd so earnestly sought and had been so often promised. The problem, he then realized, was that he had been simply piling up concepts without addressing the very foundation - his sense of "self" - that was doing the seeking. He discovered that it is only by dismantling our assumptions about "who we are," rather than merely describing a state of being such as oneness or wholeness, that we can bring about a natural opening to a new way of experiencing life. Gary's site: http://garycrowley.com/ Gary's books: Pass the Jelly: Tales of Ordinary Enlightenment From Here to Here: Turning Toward Enlightenment Transcript of this interview Interview recorded 8/11/2010. YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Past the Jelly, Tales of Ordinary Enlightenment 00:03:00 - The Surprising Repetition of the Same Stuff 00:05:44 - Compassion for Ourselves and Others 00:08:32 - The Process of Change 00:11:18 - Insights from the Book 00:13:12 - Exploring Eastern Philosophy and Spiritual Writings 00:16:02 - A Shift in Perspective and Understanding 00:18:36 - The True Nature of Self 00:21:39 - The Experiencing of Living 00:24:51 - Observing the Soup of Life 00:28:06 - The Illusion of Perception 00:30:54 - Quantum Possibilities and Everyday Miracles 00:34:06 - Athletes in the Zone 00:36:59 - The everythingness of experiencing 00:40:00 - The Mystery of the Human Condition 00:42:49 - Perspectives on Politics 00:46:01 - The Illusion of Conscious Will 00:48:48 - Embracing the Actuality of the Human Condition 00:51:48 - Freedom from Illusion 00:55:03 - Helping People in Need 00:57:54 - The Tapping Technique for Change and Healing 01:00:23 - The Diagnosis of a Bone Spur 01:02:24 - Relieving Neck Pain with Body Work 01:05:21 - The Distraction of Physical Pain 01:07:47 - A Shift in Perspective 01:10:03 - The ebb and flow of experiencing everythingness 01:13:04 - The Impact of Stress on Brain Development 01:16:08 - Trading Spiritual Jokes 01:19:06 - The Mantra Meditation Challenge 01:20:26 - Discussing distribution of the interview 01:22:18 - The Error of Premature Claims to Enlightenment

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