Introduction

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. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep141-demystifying-awakening-stephen-snyder 
Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … 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 … 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