Dr. Daniel M. Ingram, a retired ER physician and author, dives deep into the essence of Buddhist enlightenment. He shares insights on the transformative power of meditation and the misconception surrounding enlightenment's attainability. The conversation also critiques the intertwining of spirituality with fascist ideologies and contemporary capitalism. Ingram emphasizes the importance of community and mentorship in spiritual practice, while advocating for accessible resources to support spiritual journeys. This engaging discussion balances personal experience with broader societal implications.
01:35:44
forum Ask episode
web_stories AI Snips
view_agenda Chapters
menu_book Books
auto_awesome Transcript
info_circle Episode notes
question_answer ANECDOTE
Daniel Ingram's Spiritual Journey
Daniel Ingram began experiencing meditative phenomena as a child and teenager, including out-of-body experiences and energy sensations.
His path involved studying various Buddhist traditions and other spiritual practices leading to the realization of consciousness upgrades.
insights INSIGHT
Meditation Maps and Stages
Meditation reveals reproducible states and stages of consciousness transformation across traditions.
This provides experiential clarity showing thoughts and self as transient, not permanent entities, aligning with philosophies like David Hume's empiricism.
insights INSIGHT
Enlightenment Dismantles the Self
Enlightenment profoundly reveals all experiences, including thoughts, as transient and insubstantial.
This destroys the illusion of a continuous self yet allows normal functioning with improved clarity and reduced existential suffering.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
This book is designed for readers interested in deeply practicing and realizing the teachings of the Buddha. It clarifies the Three Trainings—Morality, Concentration, and Wisdom—in straightforward terms and assumes that mastery of traditional states and stages is attainable. The book debunks myths and disempowering dogmas in contemporary Buddhism, providing extensive maps of meditative terrain and guidance on avoiding common traps. It emphasizes real accomplishments and draws from historical and modern meditative practices[1][4][5].
Mindfulness in plain English
Henepola Gunaratana
This book is a detailed introduction to mindfulness and meditation, particularly focusing on the Vipassana (insight) meditation practice from the Theravada Buddhist tradition. It addresses common misconceptions about meditation, provides practical advice on developing a meditation practice, and includes chapters on loving-kindness and concentration. The book is designed for both beginners and established students, offering guidance on overcoming challenges during meditation and integrating mindfulness into everyday life.
A Path With Heart
A Guide Through the Perils and Promises of Spiritual Life
Jack Kornfield
This book is a definitive guide to the practice of traditional mindfulness in America, particularly within the context of American Buddhism. It covers a wide range of topics including the fundamentals of spiritual practice, the stages of insight, dealing with personal issues such as abuse and self-loathing, and the role of psychotherapy in spiritual growth. Kornfield uses personal stories, practical techniques, and guided meditations to help readers navigate the complexities of spiritual life and achieve inner peace, wholeness, and understanding. The book is designed to be a universal guide for anyone seeking to deepen their spiritual practice and live an authentic life[2][3][5].
ORIGINALLY RELEASED Feb 28, 2021
Breht is joined by Dr. Daniel M. Ingram, author of "Mastering the Core Teachings of the Buddha", to discuss what Enlightenment is in the Buddhist tradition, what it feels like from the inside, what it can and cannot offer the individual and society, spirituality and mysticism on the fascist right, perennialism, the adaptability of capitalism, tips and advice for starting a spiritual journey, and so much more!
Rev Left Radio 
