Buddha at the Gas Pump

Christina Donnell, Ph.D. is best known as a spiritual teacher, mystic and author. She is the Director of The Winds of Change Association, an educational organization dedicated to offering programs that tend our evolving human consciousness. In her book, Transcendent Dreaming: Stepping into Our Human Potential, she chronicles quantum states of awareness in which the participatory nature of perception impacts our visible world. It is a deep foray into truths about our human potential—a new distribution of our resources, and a way to know unity consciousness and be its agent in the world. Transcendent Dreaming won multiple awards for its timely and relevant message which urges us all to tap into the hidden potential within us. Christina conveys a simple yet profound message: Through deepening receptive awareness the participatory nature of perception unfolds and the transfiguration of our consciousness occurs. She is a natural born, pragmatic, mystic and teacher who shares her message worldwide via public lectures, teaching, keynote addresses, and wisdom talks. Many of which benefit independent spiritual centers. The fusion of her unique lyrical prose style with her transmission of the unseen brings a sense of discovery to all audiences. Christina was initiated as a medicine woman by the Q’ero Indians of the High Andes and has worked closely with them for 25 years. Inspired by the cultural shifts and changing human values on a planetary scale, she is dedicated to cultivating and awakening the potency of the human spirit. Christina maintains a small consultation practice along with her teaching commitments. Websites: christinadonnell.com For discussion of this interview, click here. Transcript of this interview. Interview recorded August 26, 2017. YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Buddha at the Gas Pump 00:04:40 - Comfort in African-American Spirituals 00:08:25 - The Innate Capacity to Tune into Quantum Levels of Reality 00:12:13 - Awakening to Expanded States of Awareness 00:16:08 - Merging into the Energy of Dreams 00:20:12 - The Power of Dreaming and Consciousness 00:24:01 - Settling the Mind and Greater Charm 00:28:14 - Accessing the Pocket of Silence 00:32:16 - The Dream of the Andes 00:36:07 - The Quero: Keys to Our Future 00:39:54 - Learning through Energetic Transmission 00:44:17 - Transcendent Dreaming and the Essence of North America 00:48:24 - The Power of Silence and Nervous System Transformation 00:52:33 - The Beginning of an Opening 00:56:25 - The Journey to Silence and Emptiness 01:00:16 - The Endless Awakening Process 01:04:36 - Expansion of Consciousness through Dreaming 01:08:27 - A Transcendent Dream and Spiritual Guidance 01:12:29 - Transcendent Dreaming: A Connection Beyond Awareness 01:16:22 - The Tragedy of Awareness and Expanding our Awareness 01:19:58 - Living in the Deeper Reality 01:23:49 - Expanded States of Awareness and Seeking 01:27:29 - Transcendent Dreaming and Expansion of Consciousness 01:31:38 - Reconfiguring Energy and Dialogue with Jesus 01:35:45 - Being a conduit for the unseen 01:39:29 - Awakening and the Evolution of Consciousness 01:43:11 - Humanity's Future and Accessing Silence 01:47:10 - The Organic Unfolding of Consciousness 01:51:18 - Surrendering into Silence and Dynamism 01:55:48 - The Unit of Life Audio Series and Global Community 01:59:40 - Updates and Appreciation Save Save

Gloria Agrelius, (Gloriji), had been a bartender for more than 25 years and owned a blues biker bar. In 1999 her brother died of an overdose. Upon hearing the news, her mother died of a heart attack the following day. Gloriji closed the bar, went home, and fell apart. She writes, “It felt like I was dropping through a dark space, feet first -- rapidly dropping. I couldn't find anything to hold onto. It felt like I was being stripped of everything that made me me. It was all gone.” While on her knees crying out for help, the room she was in filled with radiant light and she recognized herself as that light. An overwhelming sense that all is well filled her being. She told the light that while she didn't know what this was, she would dedicate the rest of her life to finding out. A thirst for truth filled her heart and gave her strength to step more deeply into the unknown.  She spent the next decade deepening and healing. While on retreat with Adyashanti, after hearing of her awakening experiences, Adya encouraged her to share herself with others. Adya’s encouragement helped her to trust the strange new territory of teacher, mentor, healer... all held lightly in the open hand and heart that knows there is no other than the Supreme Reality... the Mystery she has come to Love. For discussion of this interview, click here. Transcript of this interview YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Buddha at the Gas Pump 00:03:31 - Insecurities and Nightmares 00:06:59 - Battling Addiction & Personal Tragedy 00:10:31 - The Bar Closure and Personal Struggles 00:13:54 - Compassion and Evolutionary Impulse in Intelligence 00:18:08 - The Blueprint of Life and Deep Inquiries 00:22:09 - Thirst for Understanding 00:25:42 - Discovering the Beauty of the World 00:28:50 - Natural Contemplation and Meditation 00:31:56 - Discovering a Spiritual Community 00:34:27 - From Scars to Stars 00:38:07 - The Freedom of Meeting Each Other in Truth 00:42:03 - Surrendering into Something Greater 00:46:02 - Holding Things Lightly 00:49:52 - The Power of Inquiry and Self-Exploration 00:53:44 - The Process of Deepening and Letting Go 00:57:07 - Breadcrumbs to the Source 01:00:36 - Witnessing the Unfolding 01:04:28 - Embracing the Wholeness Within 01:09:09 - The Healing Power of the Human Heart 01:12:18 - Following the Call of the Heart 01:15:28 - Awakening Within the Dream 01:19:38 - Finding Balance in Creativity and Knowledge 01:23:48 - Exploring the Fort 01:27:03 - Trusting Your Inner Wisdom 01:30:31 - Embracing Authenticity and Being Yourself 01:34:00 - Supporting the Community through Love Offerings 01:36:43 - Opening to the Wisdom of Mother Earth 01:40:14 - Reconnecting with the Earth 01:43:52 - Reluctance to Be a Spiritual Teacher Save Save

James Wood works with groups and individuals to discover the fundamental Reality of our essential nature. Having awakened in 2002 after years of study, he began to express a spontaneous teaching whose form continues to evolve. His message is that awakening is possible for anyone committed to finding Truth. Originally, James studied philosophy at the University of Texas at Austin and transformational studies with Richard Moss, M.D. He has combined his education and experience to express a modern, integrated vehicle for others to use as a means of growth in consciousness leading to awakening. He is dedicated to communicating the essence of the true Teaching to those who are ready to receive it. Book: Ten Paths to Freedom: Awakening Made Simple Website: wakeuptoreality.org YouTube Channel Discussion of this in interview in the BatGap Community Facebook group. Transcript of this interview YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Buddha at the Gas Pump 00:06:12 - The Illusion of Self and World 00:11:25 - Embracing the Reality of Suffering 00:16:53 - The Dharmakaya, Nirmanakaya, and Sambhogakaya 00:21:53 - Hiding out in the transcendent 00:25:55 - Growth in Consciousness and Working with a True Teacher 00:30:15 - Being Careful with Teachers 00:34:41 - Finding balance and authenticity 00:38:54 - Awakening and Clarity 00:43:06 - The Mystery of Awakening and Realization 00:47:24 - Richard's Journey with Energy and Healing 00:51:23 - Awakening and Maintaining Physiological Purity 00:55:14 - The Source of Happiness 00:59:36 - The Zen Monk's Enlightenment Experience 01:03:53 - The Power of Oceanic Consciousness 01:07:53 - The Importance of Honesty 01:11:58 - The Reflection of Ego 01:15:47 - Following Intuition and Being Honest 01:19:55 - The Role of Study and Instruction 01:23:56 - The Inner Teacher and Awakening 01:28:03 - Embracing the Journey 01:32:01 - The Paradox of Doership and Non-Doership 01:35:42 - The Attitude of a Beginner 01:39:42 - The Nature of Awakening and Behavior 01:44:10 - Awakening and the Purpose of Existence 01:48:16 - The Complexity of Human Actions 01:52:23 - Spirituality as an Alibi 01:56:14 - Contrasting Perspectives on the Body 02:00:22 - Devotion and the End of the Nightmare 02:04:34 - Ego Death and Faith 02:08:42 - Signing up for Interview Notifications Save Save

Trained in the 90’s as a teacher in spiritual therapy. The search stopped, among other ‘things’, mainly through the confrontation with Nisargadatta’s I am That, and Ramana Maharshi’s glare and words and the spontaneous recognition of Awareness (Consciousness) as reality. ‘After’ that awakening the ‘I Am/Consciousness’ was recognized to be the first identification. Since ’98 Hans has led hundreds of satsangs, retreats and private sessions. He published eight books and a booklet, many many articles and columns, YouTube satsang video’s (one in English) and seven homemade music cd’s. Hans is sometimes judged as being too confrontational or direct, or, more kindly, as very clear. On the other hand people credit him for his creativity and patience. Funny, right? Website: hanslaurentius.nl English section of website. Private Skype Sessions with Hans (in English) will become available in September 2017 for those outside The Netherlands and Belgium. Please check the ‘English’ Section on the website for details. Transcript of this interview. Discussion of this in interview in the BatGap Community Facebook group. Interview recorded 8/5/2017. YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Buddha at the Gas Pump 00:04:20 - Childhood Experiences 00:08:12 - Awakening to the Paradox 00:12:19 - The Concept of Compassion 00:15:47 - Confronting Hiding and Judgments 00:20:03 - Confronting Fears and Beliefs 00:24:02 - The Shocking Element of Spirituality 00:28:32 - The Silence Already Here 00:32:13 - The Value of Persistence and Authenticity 00:36:27 - The Illusion of Separateness 00:40:23 - Kundalini Experiences and the Dangers Involved 00:43:49 - Investigating the Fear of Being Present 00:48:12 - Looking and Feeling Without Judgment 00:52:02 - The Trouble in the Mind 00:56:26 - The Illusion of Awakening 01:00:13 - The Crystal Clear Flipping and Unripe Mangoes 01:04:22 - An Incredible Journey: Relying on Nature and Strangers 01:08:13 - Grumpiness vs. Happiness 01:12:00 - Love and Separateness 01:15:37 - Feeling Through and Letting Go 01:20:13 - Caring for the Environment: Taking Action 01:23:53 - Reflections on the future of humanity 01:27:18 - The State of Being and Letting Go 01:31:19 - The Link between Humility and Creativity 01:35:46 - Music and Creative Energy 01:39:21 - Evidence for Reincarnation 01:43:30 - Living by Beliefs 01:47:09 - The Illusion of Individuality and Learning 01:51:07 - The Illusion of Free Will 01:54:07 - The Illusion of Free Will and Ownership of Thoughts 01:57:58 - Conclusion and Next Episode Announcement Save Save Save

Sri M - spiritual guide, social reformer and educationist – was born into a Muslim family on November 6, 1949 in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. His transformational journey, from a young boy to a living yogi, is a fascinating story symbolized by single-minded discipline and dedication. Entranced by mystical stories of Sufi saints and a brief encounter with a numinous Swami at a relatively young age, he was not only drawn to the ‘truth’ but also the compelling landscape of the snow-clad Himalayas. At the age of nine, his spiritual transformation was initiated by his future Master, Babaji (also known as Maheshwarnath Babaji), who miraculously appeared under a jackfruit tree in the compound of his house in Thiruvananthapuram. Though only fleeting, this meeting definitively set the stage for their future reunion in the Himalayas at Sri M’s age of nineteen. The next three and half years, he lived and travelled extensively through the Himalayas with his Master. Maheshwarnath Babaji guided him right through his initiation, his Kundalini awakening, the grueling journey to Tholingmutt and, the eventual meeting with the Grand Master, Sri Guru Babaji also known as Sri Mahavatar Babaji. A few years after his Master passed away, he received the spiritual go-ahead to commence his mission. In 1998, he started his teachings, eventually leading to formation of the Satsang Foundation. In response to a query on the spiritual progress of a person and the path to that evolution, he responds, “Though, my parampara is kriya yoga, I don’t think it suits all aspirants. I propound satsang even between two people. It cuts across barriers of caste and creed. Spiritual evolution is not diverse from regular living. Intervals of solitude are necessary but you cannot shut yourself totally. The world around you is your touchstone to spiritual practice.” Conversant with teachings of most major religions, Sri M says: “Go to the core. Theories are of no use.” His message seeks to transcend the outer-shell of all religions, by exploring their mystical core to nurture the innate goodness in every human being. Website: satsang-foundation.org Books: Journey Continues: A Sequel To Apprenticed To A Himalayan Master Apprenticed to a Himalayan Master: A Yogi's Autobiography Wisdom of the Rishis: The Three Upanishads: Ishavasya, Kena & Mandukya Jewel in the Lotus: Deeper Aspects of Hinduism The Little Guide To Greater Glory And A Happier Life First Batgap interview with Sri M. Discussion of this in interview in the BatGap Community Facebook group. Transcript of this interview Interview recorded 7/30/2017 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction and Welcome 00:04:47 - The Beginning of the Journey with Babaji 00:09:25 - Continual Growth and Evolution 00:13:22 - Possibility of Evolved Beings on Other Planets 00:17:44 - The Importance of Having a Guru 00:21:31 - The Significance of Initiation 00:26:21 - Recalling Past Lives 00:30:48 - From Krishna to the Life of a Prostitute 00:35:05 - A Touching Experience with Nisargadatta Maharaj 00:39:39 - Spiritual Integrity in a World of Lies and Deceit 00:43:43 - Meditating in College 00:48:16 - The Importance of Siddhis in Spiritual Growth 00:53:10 - Mind over Physical Phenomenon 00:56:59 - The Slap from Nityananda of Ganeshpuri 01:01:45 - Extraordinary Capacities and Divine Association 01:06:00 - Free will and the capacity for change 01:10:00 - Exploring Deeper Consciousness 01:14:37 - The Shadow of the Bodhisattva 01:18:57 - The Power of Spiritual Armor 01:23:12 - Grounding and balancing spiritual experiences 01:27:15 - The Possibility of Astral Projection 01:31:25 - Spiritual Experiences and Extraterrestrial Encounters 01:35:28 - The Hidden Secrets of the Natural Rock Formation 01:39:37 - The Importance of Physical Health in Spiritual Practice 01:44:11 - The Power of Chanting Aum 01:48:25 - Effortless Absorption in Music 01:53:02 - Avadhootas and the Spiritual State of Mind 01:57:34 - The Textbooks of Gorakhnath and the Nath Sampradaya 02:01:53 - The Importance of Ego and Understanding in Leading a Householder's Life 02:06:15 - Humility and Compromise in Spiritual Development 02:10:00 - Farewell and GratitudeSaveSaveSave

Stephen D'Amico is a spiritual teacher, mystical poet, and author. At age 22, Stephen went through a profound spiritual transformation that culminated in a permanent realization of his true nature. Since then his life has been devoted to understanding the spiritual path from an evolutionary perspective and helping others reconnect with their true nature to help bring about a global awakening in human consciousness. The main way he does this is through the direct transmission of the enlightened state of being, which connects others with their own true nature. In the past, Stephen has worked in the field of conflict resolution and restorative justice as a mediator, facilitator, trainer, and project leader for youth social action groups. He has also taught at both the elementary and high school levels, focusing on the special needs of students with learning disabilities. Currently, he and his wife, Aniko, run Millwood Melt, a lively grilled cheese restaurant in their beloved community of Leaside, in Toronto. Customers and students playfully refer to Stephen as "the grilled cheese guru." When not feeding bodies, Stephen lives and breathes to feed souls. He currently hosts transformational gatherings/satsang and offers individuals enlightened guidance and support via phone, Skype, or in person. He is the author of two books: The Incredible State of Absolute Nothingness: A Personal Account of Spiritual Enlightenment Heaven on Earth: A Guide to Enlightenment & Human Unity. Website: stephendamico.com Facebook Page Discussion of this in interview in the BatGap Community Facebook page. Summary and Transcript of this interview Interview recorded 7/23/2017 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Buddha at the Gas Pump 00:05:04 - Losing Connection to True Nature 00:10:06 - Lucid dreaming and maintaining awareness 00:14:39 - Childhood Spiritual Experiences 00:19:42 - The Practice of Witnessing 00:24:18 - Witnessing and Subtle Beings 00:28:52 - Beings from the Intermediate Realm 00:33:32 - Transitioning into teenage years 00:37:47 - Exploring Human Sexuality and Selfless Service 00:41:10 - Providing for Others 00:45:31 - The Perennial Search for Happiness 00:49:05 - Dissolving into the Voidness 00:53:41 - The Immersion in Bliss and Realizations 00:58:03 - A Radical Self-Change 01:01:45 - Detached State during Physical Work, Ascending and Descending 01:05:08 - Taking on Cosmic Stress 01:08:36 - The Perspective of Choice and Free Will 01:12:28 - Evolution and Freedom of Choice 01:16:07 - The Desire to Escape from the Body 01:19:22 - The Importance of Sentience and Reverence for Food 01:22:58 - The Process of Discovering the Ability to Channel Energies 01:26:51 - The Mechanics of Enlightenment 01:29:56 - The Maturing Soul and Outward Behavior 01:34:08 - The Transformation into the Non-Dual State 01:38:35 - The Transformation of Self 01:41:54 - The Net of Indra and Interconnectivity 01:46:27 - Agreement on the Mystery of Existence 01:50:35 - Distinguishing True Realized Beings from Fake Gurus 01:54:26 - Scrutinizing and Challenging Facades 01:57:42 - A Dream Come True 02:00:43 - Subscribe and Stay Updated Save

Hoksila Lakota, commonly known as Lakota John is a Native American whose heritage comes from Oklahoma and the Great Plains of North America. Many generations ago his people lived in harmony with all things Universal, "uni" meaning One and "verse" being Song. When a system came in that crippled the people, making them dependent, some stayed and accepted the system, and some left seeking broader horizons. Rejecting the life of poverty and struggle he was born into, as a young man Lakota John fully embraced the illusion of glamour, bright lights, and the fast pace of a big city. Trading in his cultural identity and the ways of his ancestors - a way of prayer and Spirit - he was lured by the seductive power of the city’s underworld, chasing the counterfeit lifestyle of money and self-gain. After traveling down many dead-end roads in a reckless disregard for life, the light finally dawned, and Lakota awakened to the prompting of Spirit and ancient ancestors calling him back to the Red Road of Sobriety. Finding his innocence, or inner sense, by working through his past, he began to walk the straight and narrow path that leads to the sacred Tree of Life and reunion with the Highest Good, God or Wakan Tanka. The impact his own restoration had on his life moved him to reach out to others, and ever since he has been involved in the mental health sector and working with keepers of the sacred pathways and knowledge for over twenty years. Through the lifestyle he once lived he is able to recognize the unseen enemy that binds and captivates the soul of man and woman through separation, suppression, and sedation. Using the time-tested spiritual wisdom of his ancestors he helps guide others back from the dark world that he himself used to live in; the world of illusion, delusion, and separation. Transcript of this interview Interview recorded 6/10/2017 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - A Conversation with Lakota John 00:04:18 - Traumatic Events and the Betrayal of the Inner Self 00:08:36 - The Power of Connecting with the Sacred Feminine 00:12:26 - The Sacredness of Trees and the Unseen Enemy 00:16:35 - The Split Tongue: Speaking from the Heart 00:20:11 - The Degeneration of Indigenous Cultures 00:23:45 - A Rough Journey for the Indigenous People 00:27:18 - Connecting with Ancestors and the Unseen World 00:30:36 - Healing Through Accessing the Vertical 00:34:01 - The Mind's Influence on the Soul and Spirit 00:37:51 - Helping Special Souls in a Transition 00:41:09 - The Importance of Self-Knowledge and Connecting with Spirituality 00:44:41 - The Inner Self and Knowledge 00:48:34 - Healing Traumatic Events 00:51:52 - Native American Culture and Healing 00:54:50 - Sublimating Energy and Living from the Heart Chakra 00:57:37 - The Proposal, Engagement, Marriage, and Reception 01:01:05 - Healing and Wellness through Native American Traditions 01:04:23 - Holistic Therapies and Cultural Integration 01:07:36 - Mending the Nets 01:11:13 - The Importance of Water and Protecting the Environment 01:14:22 - The Future of Governance 01:18:01 - Embracing Unity and Overcoming Historical Struggles 01:21:35 - Being attuned to unseen intelligences 01:25:33 - Cousins in Culture and Intermarriage 01:28:54 - Peeling the Onion on Traumatic Events 01:32:31 - The Importance of Spiritual Awakening in the East 01:35:56 - Genetic Manipulation and Control of the Food Industry 01:42:49 - Clearing Genetic Lines for Healing 01:46:21 - Four Winds Wellness Organization

Jude Currivan, Ph.D., is a cosmologist, futurist, planetary healer, author, member of the Evolutionary Leaders Circle, and previously one of the most senior business women in the UK. She has a master’s degree in physics from Oxford University specializing in quantum physics and cosmology and a doctorate in archaeology from the University of Reading researching ancient cosmologies. She has travelled extensively, worked with wisdom keepers from many traditions and is a life-long researcher into the nature of reality and consciousness. She is the author of seven books, most recently The Cosmic Hologram (2017), and The Story of Gaia: The Big Breath and the Evolutionary Journey of Our Conscious Planet (2022) and is co-founder of WholeWorld-View. Websites: wholeworld-view.org judecurrivan.com Earlier books: CosMos: A Co-creator's Guide to the Whole World The 13th Step: A Global Journey in Search of Our Cosmic Destiny The 8th Chakra: What It Is and How It Can Transform Your Life The Wave : A Life Changing Journey into the Heart and Mind of the Cosmos Transcript of this interview. Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group Second BatGap interview with Jude Interview recorded July 1, 2017 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Dr. Jude Currivan 00:04:13 - Multidimensional Experiences and Communication with Thoth 00:07:54 - Validating Subtle Reality 00:11:48 - Engaging Multidimensionally and Consciousness Activation 00:15:41 - Inner Journeys and Divine Initiations 00:19:13 - Kundalini Experience and Siddhis 00:23:06 - Experiencing the Ordinary in the Extraordinary 00:27:00 - The Nature of Reality: Information as Fundamental 00:31:14 - The Nature of Physical Reality 00:35:03 - The Universal Algorithms of Existence and Evolution 00:39:00 - The Origins of Thermodynamics and Entropy 00:43:00 - The Individuation of Information Entropy 00:47:13 - The Evolving Universe and Cosmic Mind 00:51:14 - Healing Our Fragmented Perspectives 00:55:12 - The Need for a Holistic Understanding 00:59:03 - The Three Books of Unified Reality and Holograms 01:02:49 - The Holographic Principle and the Pixilation of Space-Time 01:06:50 - The Consciousness of the Universe 01:10:49 - The Relationship Between Earthquakes and Human Conflicts 01:15:05 - Manipulating Attention and the Power of Thoughts 01:19:03 - Harnessing the Impulses of Intelligence 01:23:17 - The Multidimensionality of Realities and Attractor Basins 01:27:24 - The Cosmic Intelligence and the Holographic Worldview 01:31:20 - Supernormal Phenomena and the Holographic Nature of the Universe 01:35:08 - The Universe Observing Itself 01:38:30 - The Simplicity of the Universe 01:41:51 - Effortlessness and Going with the Flow 01:45:24 - The Purpose of the Universe and the Existence of Life 01:49:23 - The Choice to Breakdown or Breakthrough 01:53:11 - The Flickering of the Old and New Systems 01:57:03 - Wrapping Up with Jude Save

Together, Bill & Patricia support you to build a foundation, providing tools for strength in the emotional and spiritual domain, yielding flow and freedom to be who you have come here to be. A life of awakening is not one in which we never fall into a dark valley, it is one in which when we fall, we have learned how to move through it. We develop emotional muscle in order to rise. This is the inner work of the soul. Bill & Patricia guide you to that which is unhealed, exposing how these hurts and emotions rule our lives. You are able to face yourself, learn to untangle from these aspects that have a powerful impact and influence. In the discovery of new awareness and integration you begin to experience wholeness.  Embrace all emotion, letting go of resistance and live in the present moment. With sensitivity, strength and skill, Bill and Patricia facilitate working through levels of trauma, pain, grief and anger in order to guide people to their own divine nature. As these wounds heal, you are able to discover the depths of self-acceptance and forgiveness. Website: evolutionoftheheart.com Transcript of this interview Interview recorded 6/25/2017 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Buddha at the Gas Pump 00:03:24 - The Ripple Effect of Retreat and Opening to New Ways of Being 00:10:29 - Healing and Transmuting the Unconscious Mind 00:13:46 - Self-Care and Spiritual Teaching 00:16:39 - Accessing Inner Strength and Self-Sufficiency 00:19:50 - The Practices for Grounding and Solidifying Emotions 00:23:30 - Moving Beyond Victimhood and Healing the Emotional Body 00:27:00 - Moving Beyond Fear and Grief 00:29:47 - Resolving Emotions through Physiological Awareness 00:33:01 - Dissolving the Mud in the Cup 00:36:37 - Acts of Kindness in Everyday Life 00:39:10 - The Ripple Effect of Awakening Hearts 00:43:15 - The Medicine of Pain 00:46:32 - Evolving into Emotional Maturity and Depth of Healing 00:50:12 - The Loneliness of Separation 00:53:41 - Exploring Emotions and Possibilities 00:56:32 - Belief, trust, and getting to know oneself 00:59:34 - Deepening the Connection with Divine Consciousness 01:03:08 - Connecting and Building Communities 01:06:27 - The Power of Connection in Relationships 01:09:49 - The Importance of Healing and Deep Connection in Relationships 01:13:04 - The Evolution of Our Work Together 01:15:31 - Finding Balance Between Expressing and Discerning 01:18:33 - Opening to Loving Curiosity 01:21:27 - Bridging the Gap: Reconnecting with Visitors 01:24:38 - Being Instruments of Divine Intelligence 01:27:57 - Teaching Activities and Future Adventures 01:30:34 - The Importance of Inclusion and Support 01:33:12 - Webinars, Meditations, and Virtual Calls 01:35:56 - Upcoming Interviews Save

Tony Samara, author of ‘Shaman's Wisdom,’ ‘The Simplicity of Love Meditation,’ ‘Different Yet the Same,’ ‘Discover Your Inner Buddha’ and 10 other titles, spent his early years in England, Egypt and also in Norway, where he discovered the Zen Buddhist philosophy. This discovery eventually led him to the Mount Baldy Zen Centre in California, USA, where he received the spiritual teachings of Roshi Sasaki. His first spiritual teacher, at the age of 12, was the question - Who Am I? - and for a few years, he immersed himself more deeply into this question. He had the curiosity to explore further the essence of spirituality and ventured to many different countries, learning much about the various spiritual traditions and cultures, in a non-dualistic and open-minded way. Whilst making pilgrimages to numerous sacred sites in India and other parts of the world, Tony was able to dwell deeply upon the ancient Vedic and Jain philosophies and various mystical practices and work profoundly with the essence of these teachings. Tony Samara believes that: “The vast majority of people go through life without directly experiencing the depth of their true self or understanding their connection to life or their relationship to others and to the world at large. We are often taught to only relate to the world through our senses. We think, we reason, we feel - but we do not know from our hearts what it means to be connected to what is beyond the senses.” He recognizes that direct experiences have the potential to radically transform an individual and his or her life, as well as promote a profound and effortless letting go of past emotional, mental and physical pain and suffering. Tony Samara teaches with humour, humility and with infinite patience, empowering the individual with courage, trust and inner strength to continue on this journey back into wholeness, a path that leads towards real freedom. Website: tonysamara.com Transcript of this interview Interview recorded 6/18/2017. YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Buddha at the Gas Pump 00:03:30 - A Different Way of Perceiving 00:06:22 - Sensitivity to the Environment 00:09:24 - The Transformative Power of Pain and Initiation 00:12:10 - A Child's Influence on Vegetarianism 00:15:20 - The Complexity of Being Human 00:18:18 - Starting the Journey of Meditation 00:21:26 - The Joy of Meditation and the Search for Awakening 00:24:34 - The Joy of Sitting in Meditation 00:27:42 - The Importance of Internal Positivity in Meditation 00:30:43 - The Quality of Experience 00:33:48 - The Mind's Role in Confusion and Happiness 00:36:56 - The Positive Effects of Meditation 00:39:49 - The Benefits of Morning and Evening Meditation 00:42:28 - Leaving the Zen Monastery 00:45:32 - Adapting to Change and Exploring India 00:48:48 - Nonverbal Transmission in Spiritual Practice 00:51:55 - Multi-dimensionality and the Expression of Reality 00:54:50 - Spirituality as Diving into a Deep Ocean 00:58:07 - Shifting into a Different Dimension 01:01:26 - Awakening and Gradual Transformation 01:04:42 - The Importance of Cultivating Consciousness 01:07:40 - The Use of Psychedelics in Spiritual Practice 01:10:40 - Importance of Diet for Meditation 01:13:48 - The Importance of Transformative Food and Exercise 01:16:50 - The Correlation between Happiness in the Body and Mind 01:19:45 - Spiritual Awakening and Adjusting to Change 01:22:41 - The Intense Energy of the World and Manifestation Opportunities 01:25:37 - Opportunities in Crisis 01:28:34 - Accessing Consciousness in Challenging Moments 01:31:21 - Connecting to Transmission and Intuition