654. Stephen Snyder

Stephen Doetsu Snyder began meditating daily in 1976. he has practiced since in the Zen tradition as well as extensive practice in Theravada Buddhism. he is a lineage Zen teacher as well as a lineage Theravada teacher. He was also influenced by Diamond Heart teachings and practices. He combines the ancient Buddhist heart practices with awakening practices of the Zen tradition into a heartfelt journey of realization and embodiment. Books: Demystifying Awakening: A Buddhist Path of Realization, Embodiment, and Freedom Buddha's Heart: Meditation Practice for Developing Well-Being, Love, and Empathy Practicing the Jhanas: Traditional Concentration Meditation as Presented by the Venerable Pa Auk Sayadaw Website: awakeningdharma.org Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group. Summary and Transcript of this interview Interview recorded July 10, 2022 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Buddha at the Gas Pump 00:04:03 - The Importance of Heart Practices in Zen 00:07:34 - Dropping the Sense of Self and Transcending Identity 00:11:16 - The Importance of Stability and Trust in Spiritual Experiences 00:14:43 - The Nature of the Absolute 00:18:25 - The Importance of Direct Experience in Understanding 00:21:47 - Different Teachings on God and Jesus 00:25:08 - Levels of Realization 00:28:37 - The Journey of Self-Realization and Integration 00:31:54 - The Importance of Ethical Behavior in the Spiritual Community 00:35:24 - Addressing Doubts and Hierarchy 00:38:38 - Integrating Spirituality and Law 00:42:00 - The First Awakening: A Satori Experience 00:45:24 - The Progress of Personal Growth 00:48:54 - The Experience of the Absolute 00:52:26 - Overdoing Meditation and the Need for Balance 00:56:11 - Concentration and Jhana Factors 00:59:17 - Releasing Effort and Deepening Meditation 01:02:33 - Exploring Different Paths and Awakening Experiences 01:05:58 - Retreating and Progressive Practices 01:09:25 - Progression of Practice and Integration of Personal Issues 01:12:59 - The Need for Personal Work and Practice 01:16:20 - Difference between prana rising and Kundalini rising 01:19:41 - Resistances to Awakening 01:23:08 - Fear and Shifts in Consciousness 01:26:25 - Balancing Heart Practices and Awakening Practices 01:29:55 - The practice of innate goodness meditation and journaling 01:33:16 - Working with the Inner Critic and Therapist Recommendations 01:36:32 - The Shift in Consciousness 01:39:42 - Retreats and Personal Journey 01:43:03 - Zen Jazz and Life's Improvisations