Stephen Snyder

Stephen Snyder, a seasoned Sensei with deep expertise in various Buddhist traditions, discusses his extensive meditation journey. He highlights the profound connection between breath awareness and jhana, revealing its transformative effects. Vulnerability emerges as a key theme, showcasing how raw emotions like anger can catalyze personal growth. Snyder also explains protective meditations in Theravadan practice and delves into the unique stages of shikantaza, emphasizing cessation as pivotal for awakening. His insights blend spirituality with practical emotional work.

Join Stephen Snyder, a seasoned teacher in Jhana practice and coauthor of Practicing the Jhānas, as he unpacks the deep roots and transformative power of concentration meditation. He explores how Jhana predates Buddhism, serving as a precursor to the Zen lineage. Listeners learn about the essence of meditative absorption, the significance of present-moment awareness, and how breath techniques cultivate relaxation. Stephen guides us through the intricate layers of meditation, emphasizing the synthesis of traditional practices with modern mental wellness.

Stephen Snyder discusses the importance of working with personality material post-awakening and the blindspots in Buddhism. He shares insights on fear and anger, healing core wounds, and converting the superego. Stephen reflects on leading meditation retreats, the impact of electronics on concentration, and the subtle power of taking a dharma name.

Join Stephen Snyder, a seasoned Dharma teacher in Zen and Theravadan traditions, as he delves into his 50-year meditation journey. The discussion unwraps the gradual and direct paths to awakening, exploring personal identity reshaping through meditation. Snyder emphasizes the balance between effort and effortlessness, sharing insights on techniques like jhana practice and Anapanasati. He also addresses the significance of authenticity in spiritual pursuits and highlights the transformative nature of cessation in meditation, offering a fresh perspective on awakening.

Senior meditation teacher Stephen Snyder discusses topics like 'not-self,' the true nature of the self, and self-transcendence. He explores why contemplative teachers behave badly, the fear of emptiness, and maintaining practice in everyday life. Snyder also touches on the purpose and limitations of meditation, the threat of change, and practices for self-transcendence.