In this episode I am once again joined by Henry Shukman, award-winning poet, Zen teacher, and author of ‘One Blade of Grass; a Zen memoir’ and the new book ‘Original Love’.  Henry discusses the surprising writing process of ‘Original Love’, the importance of love in spiritual practice, and how to release the heart. Henry describes the 4 major areas of spiritual development, his own first and subsequent awakenings, and the purifying effects of deep jhana practice. Henry also talks about his own journey from head to heart, his personal challenges of heartbreak and neurological illness, and his love for St Augustine’s ‘Confessions’. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep261-original-love-henry-shukman Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics include: 00:00 - Intro 00:50 - Writing Original Love 06:01 - 4 major areas of spiritual development 07:47 - The importance of love 09:27 - The example of mindfulness 11:06 - Henry’s neurological illness 13:37 - Letting go 14:39 - An epiphany in Venezuela 18:35 - Migrating from head to heart 20:53 - Heartbreak of awakening 22:31 - What is awakening? 26:56 - Henry’s first awakening 28:35 - Subsequent awakenings and the place of love 29:50 - The two wings of practice 30:41 - Release of the heart 32:50 - Does awakening change the experience of suffering? 36:53 - Resistance and suffering 38:37 - Unwrapping the gift of life 39:38 - Training jhana with Stephen Snyder 48:31 - Purification and catharsis in jhana 49:42 - Jhana vs awakening 53:54 - Encouragement to those seeking awakening 01:03:55 - Henry’s love for Augustine’s ‘Confessions’ 01:06:44 - Henry’s mother 01:10:03 - A resurgence in interest in awakening 01:14:15 - The original face 01:15:50 - Henry’s meditation app … Previous episodes with Henry Shukman: - https://www.guruviking.com/search?q=shukman 
To find out more about Henry Shukman, visit: - henryshukman.com - thewayapp.com 
… For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - www.guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James