Metta Hour with Sharon Salzberg Ep. 271 – Henry Shukman
Oct 14, 2025
In this enlightening conversation, Henry Shukman, a Zen teacher, poet, and the author of the upcoming book 'Original Love,' shares his profound journey of spiritual awakening and healing through meditation. He discusses the transformative power of mindfulness and community, contrasting the idea of Original Love with the cultural concept of Original Sin. Henry also offers practical tips for microdosing lovingkindness and reflects on the importance of connection in spiritual practice. The talk wraps up with a soothing guided meditation led by Henry.
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From Chronic Misery To A Revelatory Moment
- Henry experienced severe eczema and deep misery through childhood and early adulthood, which propelled him toward meditation.
- At 19 he had a spontaneous revelatory moment in South America that made him pursue spiritual exploration.
Practice Moves From Relief To Curiosity
- Initial meditation practice served as a palliative that calmed Henry's overdriven nervous system and eased suffering.
- Daily discipline then reopened curiosity about his early revelatory experience and led him toward Zen practice.
Beach Sits That Revealed Communal Love
- Henry taught meditation to local boys on a Venezuelan beach and they sat together each evening for weeks.
- That gentle, communal sitting revealed to him a soft, shared sense of love and belonging in practice.
