In this rich and wide-ranging dialogue, Corey deVos and Ryan Oelke explore the nature of integral awakening, drawing on their own experiences and the insights of integral theory. They discuss how awakening is a universal human potential, but one that is profoundly shaped by the unique "Kosmic address" of each individual - their particular stage of development, state of consciousness, typologies, cultural contexts, social conditions, and so forth.
Corey and Ryan share how their own journeys of awakening have been both deeply personal and intimately connected with the larger integral community. They highlight the importance of having a supportive framework and community of practice to help navigate the often challenging and destabilizing terrain of spiritual growth. Integral theory, they suggest, provides a vital map for understanding the many dimensions of awakening, from the individual to the collective, from the psychological to the spiritual.
The discussion also explores the potential pitfalls and shadow sides of the spiritual path, such as spiritual bypassing, narcissism, and the temptation to use spirituality as a way to avoid the messiness of everyday life. Corey shares a powerful story of how a family health crisis forced him to confront and let go of certain spiritual attachments and identities, leading to a deeper, simpler, and more grounded way of being.
This conversation is a beautiful example of what Ryan calls "Integral Dharma" - an elegant synthesis of Buddhist wisdom and integral theory that he explores in depth in his groundbreaking new web course. Integral Dharma offers a unique path to spiritual awakening, personal transformation, and purposeful engagement with the world, one that is both rooted in ancient wisdom and responsive to the unique challenges and opportunities of our time. As Ryan explains, this approach goes beyond conceptual understanding to foster a profound shift in how we perceive and embody the spiritual path in every aspect of our lives.
Throughout the conversation, Corey and Ryan emphasize the importance of engaging spiritual awakening as an ongoing, embodied, and participatory process. Rather than a one-time event or final destination, integral awakening is seen as a continual unfolding, a deepening into the mystery of being that embraces both the timeless ground of pure awareness and the dynamic, evolving world of form. They invite listeners to bring curiosity, humility, and a willingness to engage the full-spectrum of human experience as they navigate their own unique paths of integral awakening.
