James Cooke, a neuroscientist with three degrees from Oxford, dives into the fascinating intersection of science and spirituality. He shares insights on transforming personal identity from an ego-based view to embracing non-duality. The discussion highlights trauma's role in self-discovery and the importance of compassion in healing. Cooke bridges philosophy and neuroscience, advocating for a holistic understanding of human experience. He encourages practical non-dual inquiry while navigating the complexities of productivity and the quest for a life free from suffering.
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insights INSIGHT
Nonduality Reveals No Self
The sense of self as a separate entity disappears, revealing only phenomena appearing without duality.
This leads to a release of egoic energy and the realization that suffering arises from believing in separation and a self that will die.
insights INSIGHT
Root of Suffering is Illusion
Suffering mainly arises from the belief in an independently existing self that fears death.
Realizing that problems stem from this mistaken belief frees one to respond compassionately, without egoic interference.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Healing Infant Trauma
James found that deeply surrendering revealed pre-verbal, embodied traumatic wounds from infancy.
He believes this trauma relates to the formation of the self and its eventual dissolution in his experience.
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Uncensored Straight Talk on the Nature of Enlightenment
Adyashanti
In 'The End of Your World', Adyashanti explores the 'I got it/I lost it' phenomenon, where individuals experience fluctuations between 'nonabiding' awakening and the ultimate state of 'abiding' enlightenment. He discusses various pitfalls, such as the trap of meaninglessness, the ego's co-opting of realization, the illusion of superiority, and the danger of becoming 'drunk on emptiness'. The book offers practical advice and honest insights into maintaining an awakened state and navigating the complexities of spiritual life in a practical, everyday context.
The Dawn of Mind
How Matter Became Conscious and Alive
Dr. James Cooke
Workshops this weekend, 28th/29th June 2025 with Dr James Cooke in London: https://dandelion.events/e/n8hokJames Cooke has three degrees in experimental psychology and neuroscience from Oxford University, including a PhD in neuroscience. He has conducted research into the brain basis of consciousness at such institutions as Oxford University; the University of California, Berkeley; University College London; Trinity College Dublin; and Riken Brain Sciences Institute in Tokyo. At the University of London, he achieved the theoretical breakthrough that forms the basis of his new book, The Dawn of Mind, first publishing his findings in the prestigious Journal of Consciousness Studies and later in Entropy. Outside of academia, he directs the Inner Space Institute, a platform for promoting understanding around science and spirituality.Previous talks with James:https://youtu.be/VRw4aJZWJiMhttps://youtu.be/HcmIcGxGHPEMore on James:https://www.innerspaceinstitute.org/To join future events, newsletter and access ad-free event recordings go to:https://adventuresinawareness.comYour contributions support future content, and are greatly appreciated:- https://adventuresinawareness.com/membership- One-off PayPal donations: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/adventuresin Follow the Adventure:- Subscribe to us on youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@adventuresinawareness- Twitter: https://x.com/AdvInAwareness- iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/adventures-in-awareness/id1535917754 - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2jiebSpdVu9YbpLOtWlKYU - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/adventuresinawarenessBanner art by https://www.instagram.com/jadewade/
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