115. Karen Richards – 2nd Interview

In February 2008 at the age of thirty-three, Karen experienced a sudden and radical awakening. Prior to this realisation, no teachings or practices were followed – in fact at that time the terms non-duality and awakening were completely unfamiliar. This spontaneous realization presented itself during a period of intense emotional suffering and when demands in life exceeded Karen’s physical capability. Karen attempted to persevere in the face of these challenges, the consequence being a severely debilitating illness that affected physical functioning on every level. Although the illness had a devastating effect on life as it was then known, it seemed to create a space for a deeper reality to be recognized. As her state of health was so poor, Karen was unable to return to work – meaning that she spent a significant amount of time confined to her home. The effect of this period of solitude was profound surrender, allowing the realization to become deeply integrated into daily living. Two and a half years after the initial recognition, someone Karen didn’t know approached her for guidance, which really was the beginning of sharing in a more active way. Karen now shares openly with all those who wish to enquire into the true nature of reality. Following the realization, Karen’s experience of illness – coupled with her extensive experience of healthcare, enabled dis-ease/illness to be seen from a different perspective. Misperception of what we are and the stress that can ensue in direct relation to that misperception means that we are often in a state of persistent resistance to life as it is. This negative state of functioning is the foundation for many of our health challenges. The rediscovery of who we are is fundamental for the transformation of the human life experience. It means that the peace that is already here is recognized and experienced directly, having a potentially profound healing effect on the mind and body. Realization – from a human perspective – means that the unity beyond apparent diversity is remembered. Life can then be embraced fully and authentically – without contamination from the lens of the conditioned mind, bringing relief from all psychological suffering. An inevitable consequence of this recognition is the arising of compassion, love, and respect for life in all of its appearances – having an ever-deepening impact on the human experience. This has the direct consequence of transforming the world we see literally before our eyes, having a powerful healing effect on the planet as a whole. First Interview with Karen Interview recorded 3/18/2012 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Welcome to Buddha at the Gas Pump 00:04:09 - Finding Peace in Sickness 00:08:02 - Letting Go of Control 00:11:18 - Meetings and Genuine Inquiry 00:14:55 - Rich Opportunities and Escaping the Hell 00:18:17 - The Purpose and Cause of Illness 00:22:10 - Discovering a Shift in Perspective 00:25:52 - The Blessing of Illness 00:29:16 - The Process of Deconstruction 00:34:07 - The Imprint of Childhood Trauma 00:38:43 - The Journey of Self-Honesty and Healing 00:43:18 - Serving the One, not Others 00:46:55 - The Complexity of Relationships and Inner Conflict 00:50:49 - The Challenges of Relationship Among Awakened People 00:54:22 - Challenging Experiences and Growth 00:57:57 - Healing Through Relationships 01:01:31 - Mysterious Experiences and Psychic Phenomena 01:05:11 - Seeing Auras and Alternative Realities 01:08:32 - Witnessing Transfiguration and Trance Work 01:11:42 - Strange Experiences and Visions of Ramana 01:14:43 - Life's Mysterious Possibilities 01:18:15 - The Illusion of Form and Non-Dual Understanding 01:22:01- The Infinite Frequency of Perspectives 01:24:57 - The Illusion of Meaning 01:27:51 - Beyond Understanding 01:31:10 - The Integration of Ideas and the Letting Go of Frameworks 01:34:39 - Letting go of the idea of self 01:38:10 - Self-Deception and Seasons of Awakening 01:41:15 - The Simplicity of the Fundamental Awakening 01:44:10 - Availability and Retreats 01:47:24 - Closing Remarks and Farewells