Award-winning poet and Zen teacher Henry Shukman shares insights on love in spiritual practice, his awakenings, and transitioning from head to heart. He discusses neurological illness, heartbreak, and deep jhana practice. Henry explores the purifying effects of awakening and the importance of releasing the heart in spiritual development.
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question_answer ANECDOTE
Spontaneous Writing
Henry Shukman discusses the unexpected writing process of his book "Original Love".
It began spontaneously during a retreat, resulting in 14 pages written in one sitting.
insights INSIGHT
Clarifying Spiritual Practice
Shukman wrote "Original Love" to clarify the purposes of meditation and spiritual development.
He observed confusion about these practices and wanted to provide a clearer understanding.
insights INSIGHT
Love in Spirituality
Shukman emphasizes the importance of love in spiritual practice, even in traditions like Zen.
He believes love plays a crucial role in spiritual growth and wants to highlight its significance.
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In this episode I am once again joined by Henry Shukman, award-winning poet, Zen teacher, and author of ‘One Blade of Grass; a Zen memoir’ and the new book ‘Original Love’.
Henry discusses the surprising writing process of ‘Original Love’, the importance of love in spiritual practice, and how to release the heart.
Henry describes the 4 major areas of spiritual development, his own first and subsequent awakenings, and the purifying effects of deep jhana practice.
Henry also talks about his own journey from head to heart, his personal challenges of heartbreak and neurological illness, and his love for St Augustine’s ‘Confessions’.
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Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep261-original-love-henry-shukman
Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.
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Topics include:
00:00 - Intro
00:50 - Writing Original Love
06:01 - 4 major areas of spiritual development
07:47 - The importance of love
09:27 - The example of mindfulness
11:06 - Henry’s neurological illness
13:37 - Letting go
14:39 - An epiphany in Venezuela
18:35 - Migrating from head to heart
20:53 - Heartbreak of awakening
22:31 - What is awakening?
26:56 - Henry’s first awakening
28:35 - Subsequent awakenings and the place of love
29:50 - The two wings of practice
30:41 - Release of the heart
32:50 - Does awakening change the experience of suffering?
36:53 - Resistance and suffering
38:37 - Unwrapping the gift of life
39:38 - Training jhana with Stephen Snyder
48:31 - Purification and catharsis in jhana
49:42 - Jhana vs awakening
53:54 - Encouragement to those seeking awakening
01:03:55 - Henry’s love for Augustine’s ‘Confessions’
01:06:44 - Henry’s mother
01:10:03 - A resurgence in interest in awakening
01:14:15 - The original face
01:15:50 - Henry’s meditation app
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Previous episodes with Henry Shukman:
- https://www.guruviking.com/search?q=shukman
To find out more about Henry Shukman, visit:
- henryshukman.com
- thewayapp.com
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For more interviews, videos, and more visit:
- www.guruviking.com
Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James
Guru Viking Podcast 