

Ending Unnecessary Suffering: Peter Ralston and Dawson Church in Conversation
Sep 5, 2025
41:37
Peter Ralston is one of the founders of the consciousness movement of the 1960s. He is a martial artist and has spent thousands of hours in contemplation which have led to notable enlightenment experiences. He is the author of several books including The Book of Not Knowing and Ending Unnecessary Suffering.
Here Peter and Dawson talk about:
- Why we do things that make us suffer
- Not connecting the action we’re taking with our own suffering
- Recognizing that actual reality is objective and physical
- How does "no self" lead to the cessation of suffering?
- Why an "enlightenment experience" does not end suffering even though you lighten up
- Breakthroughs in consciousness
- Catalyze transcendent experiences by asking yourself: "What would the rabbit do?"
- How to stop doing the dysfunctional stuff that makes you suffer