In this episode I am once again joined by Stephen Snyder, meditation teacher, author, and the first non-monastic Western man to master the virtuoso-level shamata meditation system of Pa Auk Sayadaw.
In this interview we discuss Stephen’s latest book ‘Demysifying Awakening: A Buddhist Path of Realization, Embodiment, and Freedom’.
Stephen gives detailed comparisons between the maps of Theravadan and Zen Buddhism, explains the difference between Kensho and Satori, and reveals why it is so easy to stall after an initial awakening experience.
Stephen also shares techniques to open the Wisdom Eye, loosen allegiance to the body, and transcend the superego; and reveals how he assesses others spiritual experiences and how an individual can self-assess their own level of awakening.
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Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep141-demystifying-awakening-stephen-snyder
Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.
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Topics include:
00:00 - Intro
00:51 - Why is Stephen writing so many books?
05:42 - What is the probability of awakening?
08:46 - Kensho vs Satori probabilities
11:06 - Languishing between Kensho and Satori
13:57 - Self-administered tests of awakening
15:37 - How Stephen assesses his students’ awakenings
17:39 - Opening the Wisdom Eye
20:27 - Energetic resonance of awakening
21:31 - Facsimiles of awakening
23:53 - Confusion around awakening
30:09 - Rebirth, reincarnation, and tulkus
33:00 - Superego and trauma
39:43 - Purifying the body via the four elements
45:44 - Stephen’s experience of the crystal body
48:06 - Loosening allegiance to the body
49:37 - Resistances to jhana and awakening
54:05 - Steve’s practice challenge
58:16 - How to work with intensity and blocks
01:02:09 - The will to live
01:05:17 - Boat meditation
01:06:15 - Comparing the maps of Theravada and Zen
01:13:29 - Fear of No-Self
01:16:32 - Integrating the No-Self
01:19:31 - Koan practice
01:23:16 - Flavours of enlightenment
01:27:24 - Keeping a spiritual journal
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Check out my previous interviews with Stephen:
- https://www.guruviking.com/ep24-stephen-snyder-a-stroke-of-realisation-guru-viking-interviews/
- https://www.guruviking.com/ep33-stephen-snyder-pandemic-edition-guru-viking-podcast/
- https://www.guruviking.com/ep70-stephen-snyder-buddhas-heart/
Purchase ‘Demystifying Awakening’:
- https://awakeningdharma.org/book/demystifying-awakening/
To find out more about Stephen Snyder, visit:
- https://awakeningdharma.org/
For more interviews, videos, and more visit:
- https://www.guruviking.com/
Music 'Deva Dasi' by Steve James
