Buddha at the Gas Pump

Dr. Jeffery A. Martin is a founder of the Transformative Technology space, and a social scientist who researches personal transformation and the states of greatest human well-being. He's spent the last decade conducting the largest international study on persistent non-symbolic experience (PNSE), which includes the types of consciousness commonly known as: enlightenment, nonduality, the peace the passeth understanding, transcendental consciousness, unitive experience, and hundreds of others. More recently, he has used this research to make systems available to help people obtain profound psychological benefits in  a rapid, secular, reliable, and safe way. His research began with over 1,000 individuals who claimed to experience PNSE. This resulted in a reliable, cross-cultural and pan-tradition classification system for these types experience. Jeffery's current work involves helping people use what's been learned to make the life-changing transformation into PNSE. His most recent study achieved strong validation, with over 70% of participants reaching ongoing non-symbolic experience in less than 4 months. His interest in Transformative Technology comes from a belief that findings like his can be translated into mass consumer technologies and affect billions of lives worldwide. Since 2008 he has worked to bring together the stakeholders from academia, technology, business, finance, and public policy to create a sustainable technology space that dramatically improves human well-being. A bestselling author and award-winning educator, Jeffery has authored, co-authored, or co-edited over 20 books and numerous other publications. His work has regularly been featured at leading academic conferences worldwide, as well as major public forums such as Deepak Chopra’s Sages and Scientists Symposiums, Wisdom 2.0, the Science and Nonduality Conference, the Asia Consciousness Festival, and TEDx. He has been covered in media as diverse as Fast Company, the South China Morning Post, and PBS’s Closer to Truth, and been an invited speaker at many leading universities including: Harvard, Yale, Stanford, University of California, University of London, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, and the National University of Singapore. Jeffery’s academic work lies at the intersection of technology, psychology, cognitive science, neuroscience, and transformative studies. His research on non-symbolic consciousness began while he was a graduate student in Transformative Studies at CIIS and Psychology at Harvard.  He is the Founding Director of the Center or the Study of Non-Symbolic Consciousness and a Research Professor and was Director of the Transformative Technology Lab at Sofia University. In addition to these, he holds a number of additional appointments across a variety of institutions worldwide, and serves on many advisory boards. Websites: drjefferymartin.com nonsymbolic.org Paper summarizing Jefferey's work: A Continuum of Persistent Non-Symbolic Experiences in Adults Books: The Fourth Awakening The Gathering Darkness (The Fourth Awakening Series) The Fourth Awakening:Chronicles (4 Book Series) The God Formula: A simple scientifically proven blueprint that has transformed millions of lives (The Path of Freedom Series Book 1) Jeffery Martin in Batgap Panel discussion at Sofia U. Part 1 | Part 2 Transcript of this interview. Discussion of this interview in the Batgap Community Facebook Group Interview recorded 1/22/2017. YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Buddha at the Gas Pump 00:04:20 - Making a Life Change 00:08:46 - Exploring the Path of Enlightenment 00:13:43 - The Origins of Spiritual Systems and Religious Texts 00:18:37 - The Importance of Matching Techniques and Experiments 00:23:55 - The Relationship Between Science and Spirituality 00:29:15 - Exploring the Path to Nailing It with Technology 00:33:45 - The Origin of Persistent Non-Symbolic Experience 00:38:03 - The Value of Different Questioners 00:42:53 - Enriching Personal Experience Through Integration 00:47:33 - The Practicality of Measuring Spiritual Progress 00:52:14 - The Importance of Spiritual Exploration and Alignment 00:57:15 - Accelerated Progress after 1996 01:01:58 - Changes in the Experience of Meditation 01:07:06 - Searching for Deeper Meaning 01:12:03 - Shifting to the Subjective State and Physiological State 01:17:14 - Progression to Location 4: Gary Webber's Journey 01:22:09 - Redefining God's love in different locations 01:26:18 - Transition into the PNSE Continuum 01:31:08 - The Importance of Psychological Conditioning 01:35:19 - Emotions in Location 4 and Beyond 01:39:50 - Paths Beyond Location 4: Return to Emotion or Emotionless Direction 01:44:27 - The Awakening of the Heart Chakra 01:49:38 - Playing Basketball with World Champions 00:00:00 - The Ability to Zoom In and Zoom Out 01:58:43 - The Decline of Self-Referential Thoughts 02:03:21 - Different Locations and States of Mind 02:07:49 - The Finders Course: A Crowd-funded Experiment in Personal Transformation 02:12:15 - Engineering around the Dark Night Problem 02:16:40 - The Role of the Willow Group in the Finders Course 02:20:49 - Wrapping up with Jeffery Save

Marianne Williamson is an internationally acclaimed spiritual author and lecturer. Marianne has been a popular guest on television programs such as Oprah, Larry King Live, Good Morning America, Charlie Rose & Bill Maher. Seven of her twelve published books have been New York Times Best Sellers. Four of these have been #1. The mega best seller A Return to Love is considered a must-read of The New Spirituality. A paragraph from that book, beginning “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure…” is considered an anthem for a contemporary generation of seekers. Marianne is the founder of Sister Giant, an annual conference dedicated to forging a deeper conversation about what is happening in America today – and what we can do to change it. Speakers have included Senator Bernie Sanders, Thom Hartmann, Jean Houston, Robert Thurman, and many more. The event is livestreamed. Marianne’s other books include: The Law of Divine Compensation: On Work, Money, and Miracles Age of Miracles: Embracing the New Midlife Everyday Grace: Having Hope, Finding Forgiveness, and Making Miracles A Woman's Worth Illuminata: A Return to Prayer Healing the Soul of America: Reclaiming Our Voices as Spiritual Citizens A Course in Weight Loss: 21 Spiritual Lessons for Surrendering Your Weight Forever The Gift of Change: Spiritual Guidance for Living Your Best Life A Year of Miracles: Daily Devotions and Reflections Tears to Triumph: The Spiritual Journey from Suffering to Enlightenment Marianne is a native of Houston, Texas. In 1989, she founded Project Angel Food, a meals-on-wheels program that serves homebound people with AIDS in the Los Angeles area. To date, Project Angel Food has served over 10 million meals.  Marianne also co-founded the Peace Alliance. And she serves on the Board of Directors of the RESULTS organization, working to end the worst ravages of hunger and poverty throughout the world. Website: marianne.com Marianne gives weekly talks in New York City, based on A Course in Miracles … every Tuesday night at 7:30pm, at Marble Collegiate Church, Fifth Avenue and West 29th Street. The talks are Live Streamed and so are available to everyone, everywhere. Register at marianne.com. Transcript of this interview Interview recorded January 7, 2017 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Buddha at the Gas Pump 00:02:59 - Marianne's View on Politics and Spirituality 00:05:50 - The Symbolic Three Days and Forty Years 00:08:30 - Addressing the Suffering of Other Sentient Beings 00:11:12 - The Path of the Heart 00:13:30 - Correlation of Spirituality with Politics 00:16:02 - The Mistake Hillary Made 00:18:42 - Navigating the Dark Night of the Soul 00:21:03 - The Spiritual Responsibility to Heal the Nation and the World 00:23:43 - The Need for Change and Persistence 00:26:13 - The Impact of the Healing Crisis 00:28:31 - Love and Leadership in the Spiritual Community 00:31:06 - The Power of Love and Political Activism 00:33:36 - Inner Work and Public Engagement 00:36:17 - Collaboration and the Great Resistance 00:38:44 - The Game of Economic Disparity 00:41:44 - The Desire for Entrepreneurship and Capitalism Among College Students 00:44:20 - Tapping into Our Inner Resource 00:46:51 - Emotional Discipline in Great Athletes 00:49:41 - Hope and Optimism in a Troubled World 00:52:06 - The Fall of Empires and Depletion of Resources 00:54:50 - The Possibility of Bernie Winning 00:57:24 - The Transition to an Enlightened Society 01:00:01 - Responding to Exxon and the Need for Action 01:02:49 - Psychotherapy's Failure to Provide Comfort and Inspiration 01:05:30 - The Desensitization to Suffering 01:07:59 - Connecting with Inner Happiness through Meditation 01:10:33 - The Power of Meditation and Eclectic Practices 01:13:10 - Dwelling within the Darkness 01:15:43 - Embracing the Possibility 01:18:14 - J.P. Sears and Ultra-Spirituality Save

I was hesitant to put this up because there's more than enough of me on this site, but a few kind friends encouraged me to, so here it is. I gave this talk at the Open Circle Center in Berkeley, California on October 24, 2016. Other talks by or interviews of Rick on BatGap: SAND 2019 - Knowledge/Reality is Different in Different States of Consciousness 2018 SAND Conference Q&A and Interview by Shakti Caterina Maggi SAND 2017: "The Ethics of Enlightenment" Talk at SAND 2015 Interviewed by Fax Gilbert Interviewed by Richard Miller Transcript of this talk YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - My Role in the Spiritual Community 00:03:46 - The Role of Spirituality in the Age of Science 00:06:30 - The Ramifications of Meddling with Nature 00:08:42 - The Potential of a Transcendent Society 00:10:42 - The Possibility of Countless Advanced Civilizations 00:13:03 - Science and Spirituality: Working Hypotheses 00:15:36 - Distorted Teachings of Religion and the Importance of Understanding 00:18:19 - Finding Inner Happiness 00:21:10 - Clarifying the Meaning of Awakening and Spirituality 00:23:31 - The True Nature of Identity and Awareness 00:25:57 - The concept of "awakening" 00:27:43 - Exploring the Unknown Territory 00:29:51 - The Full Nature of Reality 00:32:32 - The Variations of the Spiritual Realm 00:35:06 - Spiritual Enlightenment and Historical Figures 00:37:19 - The Threefold Paradox of Reality 00:39:21 - The Full Range of Creation in Living 00:42:32 - The Predominant Subjective Experience of Christ 00:46:33 - The Endless Evolution of the Self 00:51:04 - The Marvelous Creation and the Divine Intelligence 00:55:25 - The All-Pervading Intelligence 00:58:36 - The Universe's Fine-Tuned Nature 01:01:19 - The Evolution of the Universe and the Awakening of Humanity 01:04:53 - The Awakening of Consciousness 01:08:08 - The Purificatory Mechanism 01:11:13 - The Natural Cycle of Imbalance and Balance 01:13:42 - The Concept of Mistakes 01:17:02 - Sharing a Unified Intelligence as a Species 01:22:51 - Harmonizing with Subtle Realms and Collaborating with Beings 01:26:07 - Embracing Corporations and Politics in Creating Change 01:28:44 - The Unity of All Beings Save

Lawrence Edwards, PhD has practiced and taught meditation for over 50 years. He is the Founder and Director of Anam Cara Meditation, dedicated to making meditative practices from a variety of traditions freely available to all. Lawrence has offered thousands of free meditation programs at universities, hospitals, churches, meditation centers, yoga centers, hospice groups, prisons and more. Dr. Edwards works with people interested in spiritual growth, dream work and Kundalini processes. He served as President of the Kundalini Research Network for over 20 years and is recognized around the world for his wisdom and skill in working with Kundalini. Dr. Edwards has studied and practiced in the Kundalini yoga tradition, Tibetan Buddhist and Huichol Indian shamanic traditions. These rich reservoirs of wisdom have expanded and deepened the transpersonal and Jungian psychological perspectives of his professional training. His mystical experiences began as a young child and have continued throughout his life. They have been the real guiding force behind his studies and training. His profound experience of the Divine present in everyone, at all times, and in all places has led him to a life of service in teaching and supporting others on their journeys into the Divine. Websites: The Soul's Journey Anam Cara Meditation Optimal Mind Chants and meditations archived on YouTube. Books: Awakening Kundalini - The Path to Radical Freedom Awakening Kundalini - The Path to Radical Freedom (Audio Book) The Soul's Journey: Guidance from the Divine Within Kali's Bazaar Om Namah Shivaya(Meditation CD) Transcript of this interview. Interview conducted 12/17/2016 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Buddha at the Gas Pump 00:03:53 - The Thunderstorm Experience 00:08:01 - The Great Goddess and Kundalini 00:12:11 - Divine Intervention and Dedication to Service 00:15:31 - The Symbolism of Kundalini and Shakti 00:19:48 - Shiva and Shakti: Physics and Cosmology 00:23:54 - The Body and Consciousness 00:27:49 - The Involution of Consciousness 00:32:02 - The Evolution of Consciousness 00:36:08 - The Fulfillment of Longing 00:40:05 - Kundalini Unfolded and Becoming the Living Reality 00:44:22 - Kundalini Awakening and Lifetimes of Evolution 00:48:36 - The Nature of the Body 00:52:33 - The Vision of Goddess Kundalini 00:56:31 - The Indivisible Unity of Consciousness 01:00:41 - The Role of Shaktipat in Liberation 01:04:39 - The Black Void and the Causal State of Consciousness 01:08:39 - Kundalini Energy and Kriyas 01:12:47 - Letting Go and Opening the Door to Life 01:16:41 - Support and Medication in Kundalini Awakening 01:20:25 - Unfolding and Expansiveness of Consciousness 01:24:07 - Accessing Universal Consciousness through Kundalini 01:27:38 - Riding the Bubbles of Thought and the Unfolding of Consciousness 01:31:29 - Different perspectives on the Divine 01:34:49 - The Call to Go Further in Spiritual Practice 01:38:35 - The Challenge of Fulfilling the Dharma as a Teacher 01:42:38 - Dealing with Disillusionment in Spiritual Teachers 01:47:00 - The Face of the Infinite 01:50:49 - The Power of Kundalini Shakti and the Inner Guru 01:54:52 - Poetry and Pretenses 01:58:40 - Spiritual Emergency Network and Kundalini Resources Save Save Save Save

Regina Dawn Akers has been sharing spiritual teachings, organizing retreats and leading pilgrimages to holy sites in Israel and India since 2005. She’s published two books: “Holy Spirit's Interpretation of the New Testament: A Course in Understanding and Acceptance” (NTI) and “The Teachings of Inner Ramana”. Her third book “Thoughts of Awakening: 365 Thoughts for Daily Contemplation” is provided as a free e-book. Each of these books came to Regina from within through her willingness to be their scribe, student and teacher. She is a living model of their teachings and a clear channel of the deeper meaning that lies hidden beyond the written word. Regina shares insightful and consistent clarity using a variety of spiritual teachings as pointers. She is the founder of Awakening Together, a worldwide online spiritual assembly dedicated to helping people become self-reliant with inner spiritual wisdom. Awakening Together uses the teachings of many spiritual traditions to point toward one truth, one true Self, which lies peacefully within each of us. Regina is the author of Awakening Together’s 2-year Minister Preparation Program (MPP), which is a contemplative study of Truth through teachings from Hinduism, Buddhism, Sufism, Kabbalah, the Tao Te Ching, A Course in Miracles, the New Testament, and contemporary masters including Ramana Maharshi and Nisargadatta Maharaj. When she is not traveling, Regina lives a quiet life in Pueblo, Colorado. She enjoys spending time with her family, her dog and a few close friends. Regina invites everyone to enjoy the inspiration and online spiritual community provided through awakening-together.org. Written Books Holy Spirit's Interpretation of the New Testament: A Course in Understanding and Acceptance” (NTI) L'Interpretation Du Nouveau Testament Par Le Saint-Esprit (French Edition) The Teachings of Inner Ramana “Thoughts of Awakening: 365 Thoughts for Daily Contemplation” (free e-book) Les Enseignements de l'Esprit (French Edition) Audio Books HOLY SPIRIT'S INTERPRETATION OF The NEW TESTAMENT - DVD Transcript of this interview Interview recorded 12/10/2016 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Buddha at the Gas Pump 00:05:23 - Dancing and Religious Beliefs 00:09:27 - Awakening and One's Own Path to Truth 00:13:37 - Seeking the Truth in the Bible 00:17:53 - Discovering the True Self and Adoption from China 00:22:20 - Entitlement to Miracles 00:25:12 - Different Types of Awakening 00:29:30 - The Teacher of God 00:32:53 - The Message in the Movie 00:37:31 - Recognizing My True Self 00:41:41 - The Form of Divine Intelligence 00:45:25 - Moving for My Daughter's Happiness 00:48:45 - Following the Inner Voice 00:54:10 - Reading the Bible & The Guiding Light 00:58:27 - The Beginning of a Challenging Relationship 01:02:32 - The Healing Opportunity in a Relationship 01:07:58 - The Natural Wisdom of the Universe 01:12:34 - Healing from Rejection 01:16:10 - Lessons in Healing and Love 01:20:08 - Learning Self-Inquiry from Inner Ramana 01:23:03 - The Three States of Mind 01:26:32 - Tools for Self-Realization 01:31:04 - The Possibility of No World and No Mind 01:34:30 - Enlightenment of an Apple 01:39:37 - Living in the Now 01:43:28 - Introduction and Lack of Questions 01:47:42 - Joining an Online Sanctuary 01:51:15 - Financial Support and Fees 01:54:25 - Joining Awakening Together to Find Inspiration and Community 02:01:58 - The Power of Group Collaboration and Support 02:02:00 - Useful Tools on the Website

Vera Helleman is an inspiring and well-established speaker, popular in The Netherlands and Belgium. After being a psychotherapist for a while, Vera awoke into oneness and was gifted with the full understanding of the functioning of the human mind, the essence of who we are, and the role which we play in creation. Seeing from an energetic, non-dual perspective, she lovingly confronts people with their misconceptions about who they truly are and how this reality functions. Married, a mother of four, and fully engaged in daily life, people find her life an inspiring example. Though her teaching-style is clear and penetrating, she is playful and humble in her interaction with others. Interactions are thus based on equality and mutuality. Vera is author of the book ‘Effortlessly being yourSelf’, which is a step-by-step guide from an egoic orientation, based on fear and greed, to spiritual maturity, based on self-expression and growth. In her book, she encourages readers to take full responsibility for the role they play in their lives, and the path they follow. (More titles will follow soon.) In all of her teachings, Vera strives to provide insight and tools, enabling the shift to a more congruent life, and increasing understanding and enjoyment of what one attracts in one’s life. Website: verahelleman.com Transcript of this interview Interview conducted 12/3/2017. YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Buddha at the Gas Pump 00:05:08 - The Awakening into Oneness 00:10:40 - The Uniqueness of Personal Stories and Experiences 00:16:10 - Connecting Beyond Time and Space 00:21:24 - The Experience of Oneness and Bubbles of Information 00:27:30 - Reincarnation and the Continuing Evolution 00:31:46 - The Paradoxical Levels of Existence 00:35:43 - Changing the World from Within 00:39:44 - Confronting Fears and Following Intuition 00:44:08 - Challenges and Growth 00:48:11 - The Opening of the Heart 00:52:27 - Teaching Children to Trust Their Intuition 00:56:58 - The Impact of Spirituality on Children 01:01:14 - The Limitations of Human Perception 01:05:01 - Tuning into Emotions 01:08:54 - The Choice Between Freedom and Encagement 01:12:39 - Breaking Free from the "Poor Me" Role 01:17:09 - The Unconscious Playing of Roles 01:21:15 - The Importance of Self-Reflection and Awareness 01:25:35 - Anger as a Necessary Tool 01:29:41 - Evolving from Intense Feelings of Suffering 01:34:08 - Healing from Trauma and Self-Protection Mechanisms 01:38:20 - Healing Environments in the Prison System 01:42:27 - Being Your Ordinary Self in the Field of Unity 01:46:43 - Finding Purpose in Life 01:50:38 - Being There for Others, Changing Beliefs, and Picking Up Energies 01:54:43 - Acceptance and Compassion 01:58:37 - The Meaning of Life and Consciousness 02:02:52 - The Joy of the Present Moment 02:06:54 - Voting and Government in the Netherlands 02:11:02 - Getting in Touch with the Speaker Save

Shinzen Young is an American mindfulness teacher and neuroscience research consultant. His systematic approach to categorizing, adapting, and teaching meditation has resulted in collaborations with Harvard Medical School, Carnegie-Mellon University, and the University of Vermont in the burgeoning field of contemplative neuroscience. Shinzen’s interest in Asia began at the age of 14 when he decided to attend a Japanese ethnic school in his native city of Los Angeles. After majoring in Asian languages at UCLA, he entered a Ph.D. program in Buddhist Studies at the University of Wisconsin. As a part of his thesis research, he lived as a Shingon (Japanese Vajrayana) monk for three years at Mount Koya, Japan. It was then that he received the name Shinzen (真善). Also during that time, he became friends with Father William Johnston (author of Christian Zen). Fr. Johnston helped broaden Shinzen’s interests to include comparative world mysticism and the scientific study of meditative states. Upon returning to the United States, his academic interests shifted to the dialogue between Eastern meditation and Western science. Shinzen is known for his interactive, algorithmic approach to mindfulness, and often uses mathematical metaphors to illustrate meditative phenomena. Shinzen leads residential retreats throughout North America. In 2006, he created the Home Practice Program. These phone-based mini-retreats are designed to make deep meditation practice accessible to anyone in the world regardless of their location, health situation, and time or financial constraints. Websites: basicmindfulness.com (Phone-based retreats and classes) shinzen.org (Articles, CDs, onsite retreats) YouTube.com/user/expandcontract (Video talks) YouTube.com/user/ShinzenInterviews (Interviews with Shinzen) Blog Facebook Twitter Books: The Science of Enlightenment Science of Enlightenment CD series Natural Pain Relief The Five Ways to Know Yourself (Basic Mindfulness Practice Manual – Free PDF) What Is Mindfulness? – A Comprehensive Overview (Free PDF) And many more Transcript of this interview First BatGap interview with Shinzen. Interview recorded 11/26/2016 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Buddha at the Gas Pump 00:03:16 - Introduction to Shinzen's Work 00:07:04 - The Scientific Method: Breaking Down the Basic Elements 00:11:24 - The Sword and the Book in Buddhism 00:16:21 - Vivid Experiences and the Laws of Physics 00:22:19 - Analyzing the Dimensions of Mindfulness 00:31:49 - The Potential of New Discoveries 00:41:08 - The Marriage of Spirituality and Technology 00:50:01 - Different fields of the same elephant 00:55:19 - The Effortlessness of Concentration 00:58:49 - Elevating Concentration without Effort 01:03:06 - Who or what becomes enlightened? 01:07:29 - The Circuits of Meditation 01:12:54 - Enlightenment and Phenomenal Experience 01:18:56 - The Oneness of Experience 01:23:50 - Navigating the Power Realms and Surrendering to the Formless Source 01:33:07 - Balancing Effort and Surrender in Practice 01:38:49 - Equanimity and Surrender 01:41:48 - Developing a Fully Modern Delivery System 01:45:58 - Enhancing Enlightenment with Brain Hacks 01:52:59 - Suspending the Obstacles to Primordial Perfection 01:57:23 - Experiment and Hypotheses 02:02:31 - Exploring the Possibilities of Virtual Lesions for Enlightenment 02:06:58 - Exploring Neurological Conditions and Enlightenment 02:10:52 - The State of Absolute No-Self 02:15:27 - Basal Ganglia System and Thymormic Syndrome 02:20:51 - The Model Disease 02:25:12 - Industrial Strength Brain Technology 02:29:29 - Awakening Coma Patients with Ultrasound Technology 02:32:57 - The Marriage of the Century 02:35:08 - Wrap-Up and Gratitude

Jim Tolles is a spiritual teacher who helps people to grow, heal, and embrace their spiritual paths. Jim had a spiritual awakening in August 2007 and has been through an inner roller coaster ride of healing and spiritual growth, dropping away issues as he has moved more deeply into peace and love. The greatest of the shifts came in the 4th, 5th, and 6th years after awakening and truly consumed his life during those times. The intensity of the energy has since subsided into a more relaxed inner flow. Jim continues to grow and be guided by the divine flow while also relaxing into the beautiful oneness and perfection of each moment. Jim teaches his students that we all have our truth and love within us by pointing students towards their innate divine oneness. He offers tools to help people cut away their lies and misconceptions so that they can be more firmly rooted in truth and love. He works with students on an individual basis via Skype, as well as offering free online talks via livestreaming on YouTube. Book: Everyday Spirituality: Cultivating an Awakening Website: spiritualawakeningprocess.com Transcript of this interview Interview recorded 11/19/2016. YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Buddha at the Gas Pump 00:03:41 - Finding Innate Wisdom and Obsoleting the Teacher 00:06:33 - Defining Spiritual Awakening 00:09:29 - A Moment of Peace and Fear Processing 00:12:18 - Silent Wounds and Childhood Trauma 00:15:27 - Breaking Down Pride and Making Space 00:18:19 - The Journey of Self-Discovery and Teaching 00:21:33 - The Road of Hard Knocks in Teaching Spiritualism 00:24:38 - Shifting and Changing 00:27:50 - Trusting Your Intuition 00:30:50 - The Self-Cleaning System 00:33:48 - The Messiness of Growth and Healing 00:37:05 - The Path to Healing and Realization 00:39:58 - Action and relaxation in spiritual practice 00:42:41 - Moving Beyond the Reptilian Brain 00:45:24 - Overcoming Trauma and its Impact on Thinking Abilities 00:48:35 - Healing from Trauma 00:51:32 - The Power of Faith in Difficult Times 00:54:23 - Transmission and Attunement in Conversations 00:57:26 - Embracing the Present Moment 01:00:19 - Processing Fear and Triggered Reactions 01:03:32 - Life After Spiritual Death and Truly Living 01:06:38 - The Wildness of the River 01:09:32 - Calming Down the Noise 01:12:36 - The Importance of Processing Pain 01:15:38 - The Positive Sides of Being Highly Sensitive 01:18:33 - Being Highly Sensitive 01:21:26 - The Ripple Effect of Personal Evolution 01:24:46 - Empowering the Next Generation 01:27:32 - Connections and Consciousness

Adyashanti and Francis Bennett in a public dialog about the parallels and differences between Jesus and the Buddha, as two complementary yet very different models of awakening. Where the Buddha emphasized inner peace and the transcendence of samsara, Christ emphasized embodying divine humanity in the midst of samsara, embracing the human condition in order to serve those who are lost in ignorance. Adya came to a deeper appreciation of Jesus by way of his study of Zen, while Francis ─ a former Trappist monk turned non-dual teacher ─ came to Buddhism by way of immersion in mystical Christianity. Adyashanti, is an American-born spiritual teacher and author devoted to serving the awakening of all beings. His teachings are an open invitation to stop, inquire, and recognize what is true and liberating at the core of all existence. Asked to teach in 1996 by his Zen teacher of 14 years, Adyashanti offers teachings that are free of any tradition or ideology. “The Truth I point to is not confined within any religious point of view, belief system, or doctrine, but is open to all and found within all.” He teaches throughout North America and Europe, offering satsangs, weekend intensives, silent retreats, a live internet radio broadcast, and a podcast called Being Unlimited. Previous BatGap posts involving Adyashanti: First interview with Adyashanti Adyashanti and Francis Bennett on "Resurrecting Jesus" Adyashanti and Susanne Marie on the Falling Away of Self Website: adyashanti.org Francis Bennett entered the Trappist Abbey of Gethsemane in 1981 and in the ’90s subsequently lived at a “daughter house” of Gethsemane in Moncks Corner, South Carolina. Until recently, he was living in a small urban monastery in Montreal Quebec. He has been a “spiritual seeker” during all those years, practicing in the Christian mystical/contemplative Tradition and working deeply with teachers in both the Vipassana and Zen Traditions as well. In 2010 he experienced a profound perceptual “shift” in which he realized the ever-present presence of pure Awareness, which some would call, the Presence of God. Francis’ book: “I Am That I Am: Discovering the Love, Peace, Joy, and Stability of the True Self“. Previous BatGap interviews involving Francis: With John Mark Stroud With Adyashanti on “Resurrecting Jesus” In Panel Discussion on Refined Perception With Jac O’Keeffe and Igor Kufayev at SAND conference In Panel at Sofia U. Part 1 | Part 2 Francis Bennett in a panel discussion:: “Emptiness is also Form” Transcript of this discussion Recorded 10/25/2016 at the Santa Cruz Open Circle. YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction of the Speakers 00:03:33 - Homage to the Enlightened One 00:07:38 - The Full Circle of Awakening 00:11:30 - Embracing the Sorrows of the World 00:14:59 - The Journey of Truth and Unfolding 00:18:23 - The Myth of Suffering and Liberation 00:21:45 - The Meaning of Realization and Freedom 00:25:00 - Finding Truth in Suffering 00:27:58 - Embracing Pain and Sorrow 00:31:43 - Similarities and Differences in Religious Teachings 00:36:01 - Embracing Different Spiritual Perspectives 00:39:47 - The Balancing Act of Masculine and Feminine Energies 00:43:55 - Sheila-ism and the danger of creating your own religion 00:47:40 - The Importance of Earnestness in the Hero's Journey 00:51:14 - Autonomous Freedom and Authenticity 00:55:15 - The Buddha's Silence on God 00:59:50 - The Nature of Truth in Buddhism and Christianity 01:02:52 - Importance of Miracles and Siddhis 01:06:59 - Awakening and the Side Effects 01:11:23 - The Importance of Facing Life 01:16:17 - Intimacy with a Dead Saint 01:20:32 - The Role of Guilt in Christianity and Spirituality 01:24:29 - The Role of Guilt and Conscience 01:29:06 - The Illusion of Remaining the Sole Repository of Truth 01:33:37 - Choosing to End Suffering 01:38:02 - Approaching Discomfort with Curiosity 01:42:17 - The Fluctuating Experience of Grace and Selflessness 01:46:11 - The Highlighted Elements of Reality 01:50:58 - A Loss of Personal Relationship with God 01:55:26 - The Evolutionary Nature of God and Denying an End Point 01:59:36 - Vita Dulce Do Et Spes Nostra Salve Save Save Save

Harri’s descriptions soar from the mundane to the sublime and explain the intimate details, understanding, and experience of the awakened state in an entirely fresh way. He shows us how this life of ours can be naturally transformed into the delightful liveliness of expanded consciousness even within the activity of daily life. Harri has worked as a fine artist/designer, a businessman, and a meditation teacher for his whole life. Throughout these very busy years, his experiences of refined states of consciousness and perception have expanded greatly. He shares his insights in his book, The Landscape of Enlightenment: With Doors and Windows to Our World, which includes his amazing life story from early childhood to the present with very personal, simple stories, works of art and inspired understanding that will uplift your awareness and stir the onset awakening. Websites: http://harriaalto.com http://aaltodesign.com Other interviews: 1st BatGap interview with Harri 2nd BatGap interview with Harri Harri Aalto, in Panel Discussion on Refined Perception Transcript of this interview. Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group. Interview recorded 11/12/2016. Recent note from Harri: Discussion Group Invitation I've been hosting consciousness discussion groups for several years and invite you to join. Learn more on my Facebook or website. These groups uniquely blend people experiencing realized states with seekers at various stages, accelerating everyone's growth. I've observed that simply discussing these experiences creates immediate positive shifts in participants' awareness. What makes our groups effective is the multi-perspective discussions that foster rich exchanges between participants. Participant Feedback: "The discussions have gradually opened me into both a felt sense and ever-deepening understanding of the eternal oneness." —RL "I feel more awake, alive and curious... increased power and stability in my Presence." —JB "I now appreciate that self-realization is not only natural and simple, but I have had this experience for quite some time and just didn't know it." —WH "I have recognized that I am in this surrounding love all the time in various degrees of clarity." —LVT "My primary insight was that I, and many seekers, have already realized the experience of the Self without being aware of it." —ATL For more content, visit my YouTube channel. YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - BATGAP Interview # 372 Harri Aalto 00:05:09 - Major Shifts in Consciousness 00:09:21 - A Finnish Joke and Being Outgoing 00:13:00 - The Experience of Being Always Awake 00:17:12 - Experiencing Pure Consciousness 00:21:25 - The Illusion of Going Away 00:25:54 - The Different Experiences of Awakening 00:30:31 - The Experience of Contentment and Equanimity 00:35:20 - Enlightenment as a Walking, Talking, Everyday Living 00:40:24 - The Challenges and Transformation in Artistic Process 00:45:05 - The Artistic Process and Poetry 00:50:31 - Explaining the State of Consciousness 00:55:41 - The Forms of Intelligence Beyond the Physical 01:00:28 - Opening to Subtle Dimensions 01:05:13 - The Feeling of Wanting to Meet Others with Similar Experiences 01:09:09 - Swimming in Pure Consciousness 01:14:49 - Wholeness and Divine Consciousness 01:19:45 - The Relationship Between Human Consciousness and Universal Consciousness 01:23:30 - Experiencing the Beauty of Venice and the Panorama of Enlightenment 01:27:27 - The Unified Experience of God and Self-Realization in Everyday Life 01:32:29 - The Obstacle of a Job 01:36:45 - The Illusion of Reality 01:41:44 - Enlivening Facets of Enrichment 01:46:14 - Life Beyond Death 01:50:00 - The Vibration of Consciousness 01:54:25 - Perceiving Existence 01:59:13 - Experiencing the Landscape of the Absolute 02:04:18 - The Log Toboggan Incident 02:08:38 - Life is a Precious Gift 02:14:02 - The Impact of Spiritual Unfoldment 02:18:08 - Rick and Harri Conversation Save