Guru Viking Podcast Ep24: Stephen Snyder - A Stroke of Realisation - Guru Viking Interviews
Feb 8, 2020
Stephen Snyder, a meditation teacher and author who mastered the Pa Auk Sayadaw system, shares his remarkable journey. He reflects on his childhood meditation practices, vivid past life memories, and the profound awakening he experienced at 28. When a serious stroke struck in 2018, Stephen encountered what he calls the Vajra body, leading to transformative realizations about consciousness. He emphasizes the importance of integrating psychological work with spiritual practices and discusses recognizing awakened qualities in others.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Early Recognition Of Zen Monks
- As a three-year-old in Tokyo Stephen Snyder recognized Zen monks and later connected that memory to his lifelong interest in meditation.
- He interprets that early recognition as likely arising from past-life memory rather than mere childhood impressionability.
Past Lives Inform Practice
- Past-life memories emerged spontaneously during long concentration retreats and often matched the specific practice being done at the time.
- These memories functioned as practical guidance, like remembering procedural details from a prior lifetime's practice.
Concentration Softens Boundaries
- Concentration retreats can produce unexpected abilities such as spontaneous jhana states and heightened sensitivity to others' minds.
- These states soften perceived boundaries, making awareness of others' thoughts or feelings more common after deep practice.
