171. Francis Bennett and John Mark Stroud

Francis Bennett entered the Trappist Abbey of Gethsemane in 1981 and in the 90's subsequently lived at a "daughter house" of Gethsemane in Moncks Corner, South Carolina. Until recently, he was living in a small urban monastery in Montreal Quebec. He has been a "spiritual seeker" during all those years, practicing in the Christian mystical/contemplative Tradition and working deeply with teachers in both the Vipassana and Zen Traditions as well. In 2010 he experienced a profound perceptual "shift" in which he realized the ever-present presence of pure Awareness, which some would call, the Presence of God.He has worked in the field of Spiritual Care in Parish Communities and with the sick and dying in Hospice and Hospital settings. He has led retreats, offered spiritual talks and has accompanied many on their spiritual journey. He graduated from the Pontifical College Josephinum with a BA in Philosophy and completed a two year chaplaincy residency with Ohio Health Hospital system.Francis' forthcoming book, to be published by Non-Duality Press, is entitled "I Am That I Am - Discovering the love, peace, joy and stability of the True Self". Francis' book: I Am That I Am First BatGap interview with Francis. Adyashanti and Francis Bennett on “Resurrecting Jesus” Francis Bennett, in Panel Discussion on Refined Perception Francis Bennett, with Jac O’Keeffe and Igor Kufayev Francis Bennett in Panel at Sofia U. Part 1 | Part 2 Adyashanti and Francis Bennett on "The Embrace of Jesus and Buddha" Francis Bennett in panel discussion: “Emptiness is also Form” A single unexpected moment in John Mark Stroud's mid 20’s left him with a vast and dark sense of emptiness. He would spend the next 15 years immersed in feverish worldly activity, trying in vain to fill this emptiness. His “normal” life of businessman, husband, and father had all the hallmarks of great success. But finally, in 2007, he was compelled by some greater force to sell his business and begin the inward search for the peace and happiness that had always eluded him. Almost immediately he was swept up in a tidal wave of Grace. For a man used to control and responsibility, it was particularly unsettling that these miracles began to move and direct his life into uncharted waters. In 2009, he was guided to “A Course in Miracles”. Instinctively, he knew this was what he had been searching for. It was as though it had been written just for him. The Course in Miracles led him to the direct experience of God’s limitless Love and Peace. That experience of Awakening from the dream of separation to the ever present, perfect awareness of God finally brought the causeless Joy and eternal Happiness for which John Mark sought. With great Joy, he now shares that Limitless Love with all as One. John Mark's website Transcript of this conversation Interview recorded 4/21/2013 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Buddha at the Gas Pump 00:06:10 - Discerning the Voice of Love 00:14:45 - The Journey to Christ-likeness 00:21:02 - The Historical Jesus and Archetypal Symbols 00:26:15 - The Transformative Power of a Relationship with Jesus 00:30:52 - The I Am Within You 00:34:24 - Innocence on Every Floor 00:37:32 - The Infinite Expansion of Spiritual Growth 00:40:47 - The Insecurity of Chasing Others' Experiences 00:43:55 - The Truth Needs No Defense 00:47:39 - The Christ Awakening in Everyone 00:51:00 - Awakening to the Truth 00:53:59 - The Purpose of Practice and Awakening 00:57:34 - The Evolution of Consciousness 01:00:47 - The Wonder of Existence 01:04:19 - The Depth of Appreciation and Infinite Intimacy 01:08:21 - Direct Seeing and Knowing 01:11:33 - Exploring the Mystery of Experience 01:14:16 - A Vision of the World at the Tipping Point 01:18:00 - Playing Devil's Advocate 01:21:53 - The Shakers and the Second Coming of Christ 01:26:00 - The Speed of Technological Development 01:28:48 - The End of Time 01:31:28 - The Illusion of Reality 01:34:46 - The Power of Group Meditation and Presence 01:37:58 - Waking Up to the Movies 01:40:29 - Movies as Channels for Higher Intelligence 01:44:50 - Wake up and Find Grace at the Center 01:47:39 - Transitioning to Full-Time Work in the Industry 01:49:52 - Batman and Robin 01:52:45 - Conclusion and Farewell