Natural Awakening

North Bern, a facilitator of the transformative Boundless Refuge retreat, shares his compelling journey of spiritual awakening. He discusses the unique experience of long meditation retreats and the profound impacts on self-awareness. North explores the importance of embracing authenticity in spiritual practice and the transformative power of solitude. He also reveals how communal experiences during silent retreats can lead to deep emotional shifts and insights, encouraging listeners to honor their true selves on their spiritual paths.

Lama Choga, a scholar and monk from the Karmakagyu tradition, dives into the progressive and direct paths of nondual recognition. He emphasizes the significance of loving kindness and the clarity needed for spiritual awakening. The conversation explores misconceptions about non-duality and contrasts traditional Zen practices with modern interpretations. Choga also addresses the importance of informed faith in Vajrayana practices and the necessity of creating supportive environments for practitioners, shedding light on the essence of Buddhism as a path beyond suffering.

Join Vince Horn, who delves into Dharmic views on parenthood, and Michael Taft, a seasoned father sharing personal insights. They explore the balance of parenting with spiritual practice, discussing how their journeys shaped their perspectives. The importance of integrating meditation in daily life is emphasized, alongside the emotional skills essential for child development. They reflect on the joys and challenges of fatherhood, revealing how personal growth and spirituality intertwine. It's a candid conversation on navigating life's complexities while cultivating awareness.

In which I interview Asher and we jump between subjects of consciousness, human and non-human, suffering, ethics, and related philosophical topics. Enjoy! Asher's links: https://ashersoryl.com/ https://arataki.me/ https://x.com/aaarataki My links: https://linktr.ee/WystanTBS

In which I interview Dee about their work on Buddhism and paranormal experiences of all kinds, situated within a phenomenological, historically, doctrinally, and textually informed perspective, drawing also on classical Yogacara and Madhyamaka. The book: https://www.amazon.com/Paranormal-States-Abilities-Buddhist-Communities-ebook/dp/B0D3RVB51J/ You can find Dee and their work here: https://douglasosto.com/ My links: https://linktr.ee/WystanTBS

In which Mugen Sensei and Sando Roshi elucidate the path of kōan zen, manifesting realization for the benefit of all. You can find Stephen's work here: https://awakeningdharma.org/ on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@stephensnyderdharma on X: https://x.com/BuddhasHeart3 All my links: https://linktr.ee/WystanTBS

In which James provides a precis of his forthcoming book outlining his naturalistic view of mind, life, and mystical experience, shares his contemplative biography in brief, and we discuss embodiment and integration. James' website: https://www.innerspaceinstitute.org/ James' Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DrJamesCooke/ James on X: https://x.com/DrJamesCooke My links: https://linktr.ee/WystanTBS

Roger Thisdell, a participant in a miscellaneous Q&A session, and the host delve into profound topics like perception, awareness, achieving stable non-dual perception, post-Fourth Path experiences, lineage guidance in meditation, and fabrications and suffering in Buddhism.

Sasha Chapin, a contemplative biography guest, discusses his journey with meditation, experiences with different practices, and reflections post-divorce. They explore various spiritual traditions, Cohen work integration, Zen Awakening, synchronicity, and balancing inner growth with practical skills.

In which Captain Blondy offers us his contemplative biography, practice between Eastern Orthodoxy and Buddhist techniques, his encounter with lightning and return to vivid life. "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner." You can find Blondy on X here: https://x.com/captainblondy My website is: https://www.wystantbs.com/ I'm on X here: https://x.com/WystanTBS