Buddha at the Gas Pump

Join Susanne Marie and Adyashanti in an exploration of an often misunderstood subject. Beyond the traditional landing places that mind creates (commonly discussed in non-dual circles), lies an indescribable landscape of living as pure, direct experiencing. Prior to this opening, the habitual subjective filter creates a veil of separation of which one is not even aware. This is true even within expanded, unified states of consciousness. Once this filter falls away, life is experienced directly, as itself, without an intermediary. 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, and a live internet radio broadcast. Adya's podcast, "Being Unlimited". Previous BatGap posts involving Adyashanti: First interview with Adyashanti Adyashanti and Francis Bennett on "Resurrecting Jesus" Adyashanti and Francis Bennett – “The Embrace of Jesus and Buddha” Website: adyashanti.org A lifelong spiritual explorer, Susanne Marie offers teachings in support of freedom, meeting in sacred mutuality, and celebrating our common essence of Love and Unity with all life. Her work is transformational and empowering, as she points to the remembering of That which we have always been, allowing truth to become ever more conscious of Itself through a human life. Susanne, the mother of two teenagers, lives in Northern California and works with individuals and groups, offering spiritual mentoring to those who feel called to work with her. She is available for Skype and phone sessions as well as open to invitations to share with groups. Website: susannemarie.org Previous BatGap posts involving Susanne Marie: Individual BatGap interview Birthing Radiant Being into Our Humanity - Panel Discussion at SAND Conference Susanne Marie in Panel at Sofia U. Part 1 | Part 2 Transcript of this discussion. Interview recorded October 23, 2016. YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Buddha at the Gas Pump Interview 00:04:40 - The Expansion of Unity and Perception 00:08:44 - A Shift in Perception 00:13:11 - The Journey from Unity Consciousness to No-Self 00:17:46 - The Mistranslation of Experience 00:21:44 - Being Forces of Nature 00:26:15 - The Falling Away of the Sense of Self 00:29:53 - The Sense of Self and Localization 00:33:00 - The Fear of No-Self and Unbuffered Consciousness 00:36:30 - The Premonition of the End 00:40:36 - Recognizing Differentiation 00:44:38 - The Experience of Perception 00:48:37 - The Perceiver in Us All 00:52:17 - The Spiritual Search 00:56:00 - Consciousness in All Things 01:00:12 - Transition and Integration in the Journey to No-Self 01:03:40 - The Awakening of Divine Will 01:07:34 - Divine Will and Personal Will 01:11:10 - The Evolution of Human Consciousness 01:15:19 - Awakening to the True Nature of Being 01:18:53 - The All-pervading Intelligence 01:21:46 - The Importance of Terminology in Spiritual Culture 01:25:32 - Unconceptualizing Ourselves and Letting Go 01:29:21 - The nature of Saguna and Nirguna Brahman 01:33:11 - The Different States of Being 01:37:12 - The End of Life and Constant Evolution 01:40:50 - Closing Thoughts and the Continuation of Development 01:44:50 - Realizing No-Self: Saints and Jerks 01:48:19 - Waking Up, Cleaning Up, and Growing Up 01:51:40 - Sharing Personal Experiences and Understanding Others 01:55:05 - Thank You and Theme Music Save Save

Thomas Beck, Ph.D. has helped people for 25 years to integrate transformational experience—a radical restructuring of the psyche on a higher level of functioning. As a result of his own neurophysiological restructuring, his meditation practice & interactions with an otherworldly being ("Cosmic Mother"), Thomas is now helping people heal from a wide range of physical illnesses. He believes we all have the ability to heal, and to spiritually awaken through the unconditional love of the Almighty Spirit. Janet Elizabeth Colli, Ph.D. is a psychotherapist in the Pacific Northwest specializing in integrating trauma with spiritual awakening. With expertise in both Clinical and Transpersonal Psychology, she bridges psychology with the extraordinary, and the mystical. She presents at the professional conferences of the American Center for the Integration of Spiritually Transformative Experiences (ACISTE). Catalyzed by a spiritually transformative experience (STE) during cancer treatment, she now provides psycho-spiritual support for a full range of processes, including for those who have been psychiatrically hospitalized during STEs. She facilitates Spiritual Emergence Seattle—a consultation service integrating psycho-spiritual, physiological & community support. Janet lives on Whidbey Island and swims with wild dolphins in Hawaii. Website: sacredencounters.com Books: The End of Homo Sapiens: And The Birth of a New Species The Dark Face of Heaven: True Stories of Transcendence Through Trauma Sacred Encounters Transcript of this interview Interview recorded 11/5/2016 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Buddha at the Gas Pump 00:03:43 - The Legitimacy of Woo-Woo Stuff 00:07:39 - A Traumatic Hospitalization 00:13:28 - From Trauma to Transformation 00:20:40 - The Transformative Power of Brain States 00:25:23 - Trauma and Awakening 00:35:26 - Awakening through Traumatic Experiences 00:43:33 - The Phenomenon of Phase Transitions 00:46:26 - Encountering an Otherworldly Being 00:57:38 - Phase transitions and the nature of consciousness 01:01:02 - The Experience of Subtle Realms and Beings 01:04:32 - The Vertical Dimension of Subtle Realms 01:07:37 - Coherence and Phase Transition 01:10:35 - Technologies of the Spirit 01:14:10 - The Impact of Corroboration and Sharing Experiences 01:17:26 - The Fear of Awakening 01:20:05 - Beings in the Cosmos 01:22:47 - The Power of Prayer in a Hellish Realm 01:26:06 - Sharing Our Enlightenment Process 01:29:18 - No one is alien to Sri Ma 01:32:28 - The Human Nervous System as the Ultimate Tool 01:35:50 - Exploring Subtle Realms and Hyper Technologies 01:38:53 - The Nature of Genetic Engineering and Alien Experiences 01:42:37 - Genetically Engineered by Extraterrestrial Beings 01:45:39 - Remaining Open-Minded 01:48:23 - Accelerated Asymptotic Curve 01:51:36 - Siddhis: Abilities and Possibilities 01:54:59 - Kundalini Process 01:57:37 - Intense Kundalini Processes 01:59:47 - A Thank You to Johanna 02:02:36 - Upcoming Interviews and California Trip Summary

Michael A. Rodriguez is a spiritual teacher who works with people in meetings, retreats, and private sessions on a full-time basis in the United States and abroad. He holds four academic degrees, including a master's degree in comparative religion from Harvard and a Ph.D. in English literature from Florida State University; taught at the university level for well over a decade; and has lived long-term in two monasteries. Drawing always from his direct experience, Michael illuminates the undivided nature of Life or Consciousness with great clarity and compassion, pointing to reality in a way that is free from dogma, ritual, or adherence to any particular tradition. Michael draws skillfully from the world's wisdom traditions and also integrates Jungian psychology, literature, music, and art into his work to address the full range of human potential. His book--Boundless Awareness: A Loving Path to Spiritual Awakening and Freedom from Suffering--distills the essence of his teaching and is now available on Amazon. Website: BoundlessAwareness.org Book: Boundless Awareness: A Loving Path to Spiritual Awakening and Freedom from Suffering YouTube Channel Michael in a panel discussion on the direct vs. progressive paths. Transcript of this interview Interview recorded 10/20/2016 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction and Background 00:03:44 - The Glimmer 00:06:58 - The Depths of Literary Texts 00:10:16 - The Path of Literature and Teaching 00:13:38 - The Source of Absolute Knowledge 00:17:09 - Zen and Spiritual Teachings in Academia 00:20:33 - Literature and Spirituality 00:23:29 - The Limitations of Academic Education 00:26:31 - The Disconnect Between Education and Spiritual Development 00:29:48 - Rediscovering Wonder and Imagination 00:32:37 - Finding Moments of Stillness in Daily Life 00:35:51 - The Importance of Effective Practice 00:38:57 - Becoming More Earnest About Spirituality 00:41:48 - Facing Fears and Following Your Truth 00:45:00 - Being True and its Impact on Society 00:48:29 - The Societal Implications of Understanding Conscious Presence 00:52:11 - The Aliveness of Consciousness 00:55:59 - The Non-Dual Awareness of Jesus and "Do unto others" 00:59:33 - Marinating in the Felt Sense of Being 01:02:31 - The Gift of Sitting with Conscious Beings 01:05:55 - The Invitation of Suffering 01:09:26 - Being Consciousness, Not Conscious 01:12:46 - Seeking Abiding Contentment 01:15:40 - The Shift to Pure Awareness 01:19:11 - Returning to the Natural State 01:22:13 - Embracing the Perfection of the Moment 01:25:45 - The Relaxed Journey of Awakening 01:29:04 - The Flow of Experience and Consciousness 01:32:11 - Influential Teachers in the Journey of Self-Realization 01:35:28 - A Journey of Self-Awareness 01:38:34 - Enhancing the Spiritual Resource Save Save

Ted Zeff, Ph.D was the author of The Highly Sensitive Person's Survival Guide, The The Highly Sensitive Person's Companion, The Strong, Sensitive Boy, and The Power of Sensitivity. Elaine Aron, Ph.D., author of The Highly Sensitive Person, has written the forwards to his books about sensitive people. Dr. Zeff’s books have sold more than 75,000 copies and have been translated into 8 languages. He has more than 25 years’ experience counseling sensitive children and adults. Dr. Zeff has also written Raise an Emotionally Healthy Boy: Save Your Son From the Violent Boy Culture, Searching for God Part I and II and Amma: Inspiring Experiences with the Divine Mother. Dr. Zeff currently teaches workshops and consults internationally on coping strategies for highly sensitive children and adults. He has given presentations in Denmark, Holland, Norway, Israel, and throughout the United States. He has been interviewed about the trait of high sensitivity in the media, such as NBC TV, PBS radio, Psychology Today and the Huffington Post (which received 1.2 million likes). Books: The Highly Sensitive Person's Survival Guide: Essential Skills for Living Well in an Overstimulating World (Step-By-Step Guides) The Highly Sensitive Person's Companion: Daily Exercises for Calming Your Senses in an Overstimulating World by Zeff, Ted (2007) Paperback The Strong, Sensitive Boy The Power of Sensitivity Raise an Emotionally Healthy Boy: Save Your Son From the Violent Boy Culture Amma: Inspiring Experiences with the Divine Mother Transcript of this interview Interview with Ted Zeff about Amma Interview recorded 10/29/2016 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Buddha at the Gas Pump 00:02:45 - Dealing with High Sensitivity 00:05:02 - The Highly Sensitive Person 00:07:13 - Highly Sensitive Traits 00:09:25 - Highly Sensitive People and Their Strengths 00:12:08 - The Advantages and Challenges of Sensitivity in Different Cultures 00:14:39 - Cultural Differences in Sensitivity and Discrimination 00:16:58 - The Importance of High Sensitivity in Society 00:19:03 - The Traits of High Sensitivity 00:21:33 - Building Resilience without Losing Sensitivity 00:23:49 - Embracing Sensitivity 00:26:00 - The Meissner effect and sensitivity levels 00:28:30 - Raised in an Overstimulating Environment 00:31:00 - The Value of Compromise and Negotiation 00:33:19 - Coping with Strong Emotions from Others 00:35:33 - The Importance of Downtime for Highly Sensitive People 00:37:52 - The Importance of Retreats in Nature for Sensitivity 00:40:17 - Coping with High Sensitivity and Insomnia 00:42:40 - High Sensitivity and Spirituality 00:44:52 - Ayurvedic Approaches for Highly Sensitive People 00:46:59 - The Impact of Sensitivity on Health 00:49:15 - Exercise and Sports for Sensitive People 00:51:27 - Highly Sensitive Children 00:53:35 - The Power of Sensitivity in Childhood 00:55:45 - The Importance of Recognizing and Supporting Individuals' True Nature 00:58:06 - Misdiagnosis and Medication for Highly Sensitive Individuals 01:00:25 - Self-Employment for Sensitive People 01:02:57 - Teaching Self-Defense to Sensitive Children 01:05:19 - Sensitivity and Spiritual Evolution 01:07:26 - Sensitivity as the New Hero 01:09:31 - Discussing High Sensitivity with Ted Zeff, PhD

Ted Zeff (Dayalu) met Amma, the "hugging saint" from India, in 1988 and has lived in her ashram in California for 20 years and her ashram in Chicago for one year. Dayalu has written three books about Amma: "Searching for God Part I" in 1996, "Searching for God Part II" in 2002 and "Amma: Inspiring Experiences with the Divine Mother" in 2016. Dayalu has a Ph.D. in integral counseling and psychotherapy from the California Institute of Integral Studies in San Francisco and has studied ayurveda and vedic astrology. Ted Zeff Dayalu has also given talks about the books he has written about Amma throughout the United Sates, Israel, Denmark and Holland. Amma's website: amma.org Book: Amma: Inspiring Experiences with the Divine Mother Transcript of this interview Interview recorded 10/29/2016 Interview with Ted Zeff about highly sensitive people. YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction and Background 00:02:26 - Meeting Amma 00:04:22 - Amma's Miraculous Abilities 00:06:14 - The Profound Connection with Amma 00:08:03 - Awakening the Divine Within 00:10:15 - The Profound Effect of Living in Amma's Ashram 00:12:08 - The Divine Mother and the Feminine Form of God 00:14:01 - The Divine Mother's Love and Connection 00:16:01 - Seva and Bhakti Yoga 00:18:01 - Amma's Charitable Work 00:19:48 - The Inspiring Factory Owner 00:21:31 - The Importance of a Spiritual Teacher 00:23:20 - Meeting People Where They're At 00:25:26 - Amma's Adaptability and Presence 00:27:13 - The Boundless Compassion of Amma 00:29:07 - Amma's Ability to Understand Pain 00:31:00 - Miraculous Stories from Amma's Devotees 00:32:39 - Divine Play in Native Languages 00:34:39 - Miracles and Healings 00:36:24 - Accidental Savants and Vast Potentials of the Mind 00:38:11 - Amma's Omniscience and Connection with Others 00:40:02 - Coordinating Prasad at Devi Bhava 00:42:05 - Seva and Amma's Darshan 00:44:56 - Amma's Detachment and Acceptance 00:49:51 - The Journey of Writing a Book 00:54:59 - A Journey of Fearlessness and Protection 00:59:24 - Praying to Amma and Personal Decisions 01:03:24 - Healing Emotions 01:07:48 - The Cancelled Check of the Past 01:11:54 - Tuning in to the Divine Energy of Amma 01:15:04 - See you then.

David Spangler has been a teacher of spiritual potentials since 1964.  From 1970 to 1973 he was co-director of the Findhorn Foundation Community.  He is a Fellow of the Lindisfarne Association.  He is a co-founder of the Lorian Association, a spiritual educational foundation, and a director of the Lorian Center for Incarnational Spirituality.  His work involves enabling individuals to embody the innate spirituality of their incarnations. He is the author of over 30 books, including Journey Into Fire Apprenticed To Spirit: The Education of a Soul Subtle Worlds: An Explorer's Field Notes Facing the Future He writes a free monthly email essay called “David’s Desk”.  He also writes a quarterly esoteric journal of his work and explorations with the subtle worlds titled Views from the Borderland.  In recent years, this work has brought him into contact with the Sidhe, the “Elven” cousins of Humanity.  He describes his experiences in a book Conversations with the Sidhe and through a special card deck—Card Deck of the Sidhe, which he created with Jeremy Berg with inspiration and guidance from their Sidhe contacts.    Information about his journal, David’s Desk, online courses, books, and workshops can be found at Lorian.org. David is happily married with four adult children. Interview conducted 10/15/2016. Discussion about this interview in the Batgap Community Forum. Transcript of this interview YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Buddha at the Gas Pump 00:03:36 - Exploring Subtle Realms and Beings 00:08:53 - Subtle Perception and Spiritual Development 00:14:41 - The Incarnational Process 00:20:10 - The Challenges of Incarnation and Soul Individuality 00:25:05 - The Multidimensionality of the Soul 00:29:24 - The Soul's Sphere of Activity 00:34:17 - Exploring the Subtle Realms Through Peer Review 00:39:57 - Exploring the Reality of Subtle Realms 00:43:48 - Perception and Belief 00:47:40 - Paradigm Shifts: From Flat-Earthers to Subtle Worlds 00:51:54 - The Need for Animal Protein 00:55:28 - A Vision of Incarnate Spirituality 01:00:03 - The Appearance of John, a Subtle Being 01:05:15 - The Sacredness of Incarnation and the Subtle Worlds 01:10:03 - Collaboration and Diversity in Working Groups 01:12:52 - Collaboration with Evolved Beings 01:15:35 - Horizontal versus Vertical Spirituality 01:18:13 - Misunderstandings and Tension on the Psychic Visit 01:21:05 - Honoring Higher Beings 01:24:18 - Senior and Radiant Beings 01:27:30 - Devic Beings and Human Gatherings 01:31:09 - The Influence of Angels on Energy Fields 01:34:46 - Planetary Deva and Ensouling Life 01:39:38 - The Potential for Change within Negative Organizations 01:46:40 - Creating Blowback and Immunity 01:51:05 - The Cleansing Effect of Meditating Together 01:55:49 - The Paper Towel Theory of Creation 02:01:17 - Cultivating Subtle Awareness 02:06:16 - Receiving Information from the Subtle Worlds 02:11:37 - Mr. Potato Head Save

Whilst growing up James had a deep sense that something about life didn’t add up. Unsure about what exactly that something was he tried to ‘fit in’ and graduated in Maths from Oxford University. It didn’t work. He then began seeking a resolution to a lingering sense of unfulfillment by writing songs, singing and playing in bands, then as an actor, then as a school teacher, but that didn’t work either. On recognising that no matter what his outer circumstances were the feeling of longing and dissatisfaction still remained, the nature of seeking turned inward and James found himself following a variety of spiritual and therapeutic paths. Despite providing many insights along the way these too ultimately failed to satisfy. He felt drawn more and more to the question that no one seemed to be asking: “Who is doing all this?” Finally James came across the Non-Dual message with which there was an instant resonance. He met with many different teachers and seeking came to an end when the true nature of reality was clearly seen. James now holds meetings and retreats in the UK and abroad, and lives in Totnes with his partner and two sons. Website: jameseaton.org Transcript of this interview Interview recorded 10/8/2016 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Buddha at the Gas Pump 00:04:39 - Finding solace in music and guitar 00:09:08 - Music and Acting Journey 00:12:43 - A Journey into Drama School and Beyond 00:16:03 - Bringing Math to Life 00:19:15 - The Golden Ratio and Spirals 00:22:47 - Involving Students in Learning 00:26:08 - Spiritual Groups and Personal Experiences 00:29:10 - A Bombshell Discovery 00:32:26 - The Presence of Non-Duality and the Journey Towards Awareness 00:35:47 - The Misappropriation of Experience 00:38:54 - The Tricky Art of Teaching in a Group Setting 00:42:11 - The Beauty of Genuine Friendship 00:45:31 - The Nature of Thoughts and Free Will 00:48:37 - The Origin of Thoughts 00:51:50 - The illusion of separateness 00:55:01 - The Illusion of Physical Reality 00:57:59 - The Philosophy of Reality 01:01:14 - Perception is a Perceptual Cocktail 01:04:36 - The Indivisibility Between Knowing and Sound 01:08:50 - The Movement of Experience 01:12:05 - The Power of Realization 01:17:13 - The Paradox of Losing It All 01:22:04 - The Frustration of Children's Reactions 01:26:12 - The Cycle of Craving and Discontent 01:32:52 - Exploring Sense Doorways 01:39:32 - The Drive and Devastation of Awakening 01:45:19 - The Process of Awakening 01:51:56 - The Beauty of Direct Experience 01:59:39 - Wrapping up with a song 02:09:06 - Conclusion and Farewell

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. For the next three and half years, he lived and traveled 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. 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 the 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 the 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 Transcript of this interview. Second Batgap interview with Sri M. Interview recorded 10/6/2016 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Buddha at the Gas Pump 00:05:07 - The Sufi Man and the Lesson of Ego 00:10:05 - Cautionary Notes for Spiritual Teachers 00:14:38 - Judging What to Say 00:18:45 - The Limitations of Human Knowledge 00:23:25 - Ramana's Compassion 00:27:50 - The Encounter with Maheshwar Babaji 00:32:07 - The Search for Great Beings in the Himalayas 00:36:13 - A humorous encounter with Babaji 00:40:16 - The Limitless Potential of Spiritual Development 00:44:00 - The Potential for Spiritual Evolution 00:48:38 - Rishabhadeva and the Aim of Life 00:53:25 - Encounter with the Yeti 00:57:54 - Taken to a Mysterious Room 01:02:39 - The Possibility of Life beyond Earth 01:06:45 - Encounter with a Blue Serpent 01:11:35 - Conditions for Teaching Kriya Yoga 01:16:19 - The Mysterious Location of Mauni Baba's Cave 01:21:27 - The Neurological Basis of Mystical Experience 01:25:16 - The Circuit of Energies 01:29:10 - Swadharma and Self-Discovery 01:33:53 - Losing Friends on the Spiritual Path 01:38:06 - Disconnecting from the External World 01:42:39 - The Conundrum of Enlightenment 01:47:32 - The Importance of Spiritual Inclination 01:51:45 - Nourishing Diversity in Life 01:55:44 - Different Schools of Thought on Enlightenment 02:00:28 - Different Angles on the Truth 02:04:23 - The Basic Theory of Kriya Yoga 02:09:15 - Simple Meditation Technique 02:12:49 - Greetings Save Save

Sheerly by Divine Grace, in 1971 Timothy woke up to nondual Reality, the Divine Reality or Self that is doing everything and being everybody. He has gratefully served ever since then as a simple “spiritual friend” (kalyana mitra) and since the 1980s as a satsang leader, counselor, healer, and author of over one hundred essays, as well as the book Women of Power & Grace: Nine Astonishing, Inspiring Luminaries of Our Time and forthcoming books (The Liberating Zen Sourcebook, the enormous 2-volume India’s Sages, and other works). His website Enlightened-Spirituality.org is a major resource on spiritual awakening, nondual wisdom and nondual devotion, engaged spirituality, illustrious sages, and world religions, spiritual humor, and much more. After residing in the Santa Barbara region of the Great Dream from 1988 to mid-2016, Timothy and his wife Laura are residing in Vistancia, Arizona, for at least a year to be close to her family. Timothy continues to hold free satsangs and classes on a variety of spiritual topics and also sees clients for psychological counseling services. His basic message: Your unborn TRUE IDENTITY is already complete, whole, and full as Absolute Awareness-Aliveness, and by the Grace-full Power of this Supra-personal Reality the personal consciousness “instrument” can be suffused with all sorts of beautiful Divine virtues. Timothy's email address. Interview recorded 9/10/2016 Transcript of this interview First interview with Timothy Free downloadable audio recordings of Timothy's weekly satsangs YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Buddha at the Gas Pump 00:04:58 - Understanding the Meaning and Value of Life 00:10:06 - The Power of Personal Consciousnesses 00:15:26 - The Unity of Sages and Their Enjoyment of Differences 00:20:46 - The Non-Duality of Behavior 00:25:38 - Ramana Maharshi's Stubbornness 00:30:29 - Amma's Mystical Tendencies and Troubled Past 00:35:19 - The Odds of a Blind Turtle 00:40:57 - The Paradox of Unenlightenment 00:45:47 - The Seduction of Spiritual Cults 00:50:40 - Egalitarian Nature of Clear-Light Awareness and Transmission Models 00:55:26 - Non-dual devotion and the pitfalls of praise 01:00:08 - The Life of a Teacher 01:04:58 - The Presence of Divine Virtues 01:08:58 - The Racket of Lobbyists and Defense Contractors 01:12:36 - Absolute Language and Transcendence 01:16:41 - Souls and the Intrinsic Perfection 01:20:50 - The Divine Perfection in the Laws of Nature 01:24:51 - Innocent Souls and Complicated Conditioning 01:29:03 - Letting go of Seeking 01:33:11 - The Activities of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas 01:37:25 - Unity in Diversity 01:41:22 - The Role of Consciousness in Animal Rights and Climate Change Awareness 01:45:26 - Letting Go of Samskaras 01:49:28 - Ramana's Enlightenment Journey 01:53:15 - The Value of Deep Dreamless Sleep 01:56:41 - The Three Gunas and Yogic States 02:00:41 - Awakening to Our True Absolute Host Nature 02:04:39 - The Gradual Cultivation of Buddha-like Qualities 02:08:27 - Owls Singing 02:12:04 - Music

David passed away from a malignant brain tumor on April 18, 2024. David Newman was an author, inspirational teacher, world-renowned devotional singer, songwriter and recording artist. He traveled extensively sharing his music, and teachings on the path of love as a vehicle for spiritual awakening. David was also the creator of the The Stay Strong Project and the founder of Yoga On Main. He has been featured on NPR, and in The Washington Post and Yoga Journal among many others. David, also known as Durga Das, lived with his wife Mira and daughter Tulsi just outside of Philadelphia, USA. Website: davidnewmanmusic.com Transcript of this interview Interview recorded 8/31/2016. YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Buddha at the Gas Pump 00:07:12 - From Tennis to Yoga to Kirtan Singing 00:13:16 - Introduction to Kirtan and Neem Kurali Baba 00:20:41 - The agenda of a great being 00:28:22 - Medication and Mental Health among Youth 00:35:10 - Stay Strong, Keep Your Faith Alive 00:46:16 - The Dance between Nondual Awakening and Bhakti Path 00:54:16 - The Intensity of the Moment 01:00:49 - The Nature of Seeking and the Shift Away from Seeking 01:07:46 - The Power of Devotion and Self-Knowledge 01:15:12 - The Expression of Bhakti 01:24:12 - Bhakti Yoga and the Higher Paradigm 01:29:35 - A Shift in Progress 01:31:10 - Feeling a Shift 01:32:45 - A Shift in Energy 01:34:20 - A Shift in Perception 01:35:55 - Shift 01:37:30 - Feeling a Shift 01:39:05 - A Shift is Felt 01:40:40 - A Shift in the Atmosphere 01:42:15 - A Shift in Perspective 01:43:50 - A Shift in the Atmosphere 01:45:25 - Feeling a Shift 01:47:00 - A Shift in Energy 01:48:35 - Shift 01:50:10 - Shift in Perspective 01:51:45 - Feeling the Shift 01:53:20 - A Shift in Consciousness 01:55:48 - Irene Recommends an Interview with David Shapiro 02:04:29 - Music