Buddha at the Gas Pump

Gail is a clinical psychologist and author in Santa Barbara, CA, who joyfully speaks from her own experience about the possibility of moving from common everyday problems to living in the deepest acceptance and peace. Problems are seen as opportunities; the illusion of the separate self as a doorway to enduring happiness. Stories are honored, while fierce and loving investigation invites their dissolution. She has special expertise working with older adults and their families, bringing clear seeing and compassion to the transitions of aging, death, and dying. She meets with people both individually and in groups and blogs at GailBrenner.com, where she invites readers to see through the confusion of separation and discover reality, which is true, alive, and undeniable. Her core offering is to bring non-dual understanding to the moments of suffering in everyday life. She is the author of “The End of Self-Help: Discovering Peace and Happiness Right at the Heart of Your Messy, Scary, Brilliant Life.” Suffering Is Optional: A Spiritual Guide to Freedom from Self-Judgment and Feelings of Inadequacy At the Core of Every Heart: Reflections, Insights, and Practices for Waking Up and Living Free Website:  GailBrenner.com Interview recorded 10/25/2015 at the Science and Nonduality Conference. Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group. Transcript of this interview Second BatGap interview with Gail. YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Buddha at the Gas Pump 00:01:58 - The Inspiration to Write 00:03:38 - Transformative shift through Buddhism and meditation 00:05:48 - The Journey of Self-Discovery 00:07:17 - The Joy of Meditation 00:08:51 - The Integration of Spiritual Practice in Everyday Life 00:10:58 - The Pros and Cons of Habit and Rote 00:12:53 - Working through depression 00:14:30 - Healing the Physiology 00:16:31 - Welcoming What Is 00:18:26 - Encouraging personal exploration and growth. 00:20:01 - Facing Fear and Uncovering the Unconscious 00:21:45 - The ultimate goal of Buddhist practice 00:23:05 - The Power of True Nature and Surrender 00:24:48 - The Discovery of "The End of Self-Help" 00:26:30 - Polishing up a False Sense of Self 00:27:24 - Understanding the Source of Suffering 00:29:35 - The Nature of Thought and Identity 00:31:44 - The Importance of Attention to the Body 00:33:35 - Relationship and Living in True Nature 00:35:22 - Recognizing our True Nature 00:38:14 - Dissolving Routine Grooves for True Nature 00:40:48 - The Potential in Every Moment 00:42:40 - The Vastness of Awareness and the Beauty of Letting Go 00:44:43 - Developing Freshness in Each Moment 00:48:35 - Recognizing our True Nature 00:49:49 - Balancing spirituality in a relationship 00:52:41 - Acceptance and Evolution in Relationships 00:54:51 - Nonacceptance and resistance 00:56:13 - Craving for Acceptance in Relationships 00:57:44 - Consciousness is timeless 00:59:09 - Thank you Save

Adam Bucko is an activist, spiritual director to many of New York City’s homeless youth, and co-author of a new award-winning book called “Occupy Spirituality: A Radical Vision for a New Generation (Sacred Activism)". He grew up in Poland during the totalitarian regime and spent his early years exploring the anarchist youth movement as a force for social and political change. At the age of 17, Adam immigrated to America where his desire to find his path towards a meaningful life led him to monasteries in the US and India. His life-defining experience took place in India, where on his way to a Himalayan hermitage, he met a homeless child who lived on the streets of Delhi. This brief encounter led him to the “Ashram of the Poor” where he began his work with homeless youth. After returning to the US, he worked on the streets of various American cities with young people struggling against homelessness and prostitution. He eventually co-founded The Reciprocity Foundation, an award-winning nonprofit dedicated to transforming the lives of New York City’s homeless youth. In addition to his work with homeless youth, Adam established HAB, an ecumenical and inter-spiritual “new monastic” fellowship for young people which offers formation in radical spirituality and sacred activism. He collaborates with spiritual leaders across religious traditions and mentors young people, helping them discover a spiritual life in the 21st century and how to live deeply from the heart in service of compassion and justice. Adam is a recipient of several awards and his work has been featured by ABC News, CBS, NBC, New York Daily News, National Catholic Reporter, Ode Magazine, Yoga International Magazine and Sojourner Magazine. Huffington Post Articles by Adam Transcript of this interview. Interview recorded 10/23/2015 at the Science and Nonduality Conference. YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Buddha at the Gas Pump interview 00:02:20 - Spiritual Activism and the "Gandhis" of Poland 00:04:08 - Building an Altar at Home 00:05:50 - The Peaceful Revolution in Poland 00:07:54 - Finding Solace in an Ashram 00:09:24 - Spiritual Practice in India 00:10:41 - Combining Contemplative Practice with Social Justice 00:12:29 - Falling in Love with Life for Spiritual Awakening 00:14:04 - The Illusion of the World 00:15:33 - The Framework of the Spiritual Journey 00:17:07 - Responsibility to Help the World 00:18:45 - The value of service and surrender 00:20:45 - The Benefit of Serving Others 00:22:33 - Being an Instrument of the Divine in Helping the Poor 00:24:25 - Being Present in a State of Curious Not-Knowing 00:26:19 - Restructuring Life and Developing a Rule of Life 00:28:12 - Remembering True Nature and Creating a Loving Space 00:29:43 - "Church" and the Transformation of Homelessness 00:31:41 - The Starfish Story 00:32:40 - Letting go of the Need for Results 00:34:30 - The Teachings on Service 00:36:04 - The Center as a Family 00:37:44 - The Plight of Homeless Youth and Funding Challenges 00:39:23 - Praying and the Metamorphosis 00:41:47 - Seeing God in Others 00:43:59 - Serving as an instrument of the Divine 00:45:28 - Working with Homeless Kids and the New Monasticism 00:47:20 - The Primary Spiritual Question for Young People 00:48:53 - Hope and Movement 00:50:13 - Rescheduling due to a power outage caused by a squirrel 00:51:35 - Next Interview and Donation Button

Originally from the Netherlands, Prajnaparamita has been in search of her true nature all her life. Initially investigating and studying psychology, religion and philosophy, she eventually met a truly awakened soul and surrendered her heart, her mind and her life. Over several decades Prajnaparamita received a rich vista of non-dual teachings: Advaita Vedanta, Mahayana Buddhism, Zen and Ch’an. Once realized, she has dedicated her life to the self-realization of all. Through satsangs, retreats and interviews she continually directs the listener to their very wisdom heart. These days, Prajnaparamita spends most of her time at La Roseraie de Sacha: a centre of awakening and natural living deep in the countryside of central France. With meditation and satsang daily, opportunity is given for contemplation and self-enquiry interwoven with the participation in projects around the property - from gardening to cooking. People remember the transformative force of play, and remember what it is to live without purpose. All are welcome at La Roseraie, at any stage of their awakening journey, of any religion and no religion whatsoever. When not at La Roseraie, Prajnaparamita is giving satsang in the Netherlands or travelling worldwide. Website: www.prajnaparamita.nl Transcript of this interview Interview recorded 12/19/2015 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Buddha at the Gas Pump 00:03:16 - Seeking Meaning in Life 00:06:28 - A Serene Presence 00:09:06 - A Radical Awakening 00:11:44 - The Usefulness of Concepts and Language 00:14:03 - Surrender and Preparedness 00:16:23 - The Dissolution of Separation and Loneliness 00:19:26 - The Sense of Self 00:21:48 - The Paradox of Truth 00:25:06 - Meeting Your Fears and Traumas 00:28:02 - Resting in Containment 00:31:14 - Surrendering to the Mystery 00:33:36 - Living Love No Matter What 00:36:32 - The Power of Silence 00:38:58 - The Principle of the Guru 00:41:49 - Sharing Sacred Knowledge 00:44:31 - The Creative Power of the Younger Generation 00:47:34 - Non-dual Teachings: Too Radical? 00:49:43 - "Insight is not liberation" 00:52:41 - The Role of Insights in the Spiritual Journey 00:55:31 - The Relaxation of Non-Doership and Free Will 00:58:16 - Exploring Mantras and Sacred Songs 01:00:40 - The Bhakti Heart in Non-Duality 01:02:38 - Paradoxes and Sealing the Obvious 01:04:52 - The Importance of Personal Commitment 01:07:07 - The Power of Truth in Relationships 01:12:03 - Publishing a Book in Dutch 01:14:09 - Intimacy and Care of the Land 01:16:10 - Farewell and Closing Remarks 01:18:32 - Intro Music

Science and Spirituality: Potential Allies in Discovering Truth My talk was accompanied by a multimedia presentation, which has been edited into this video. There were technical issues: the official camera wasn't there, so a friend recorded this on her camcorder and the sound quality isn't ideal. I ran out of time and had to cut some things that I added to this video, etc. But hopefully, you'll enjoy the content. I put a lot of thought into this over several months. Talk recorded 10/23/2015 at the Science and Nonduality Conference. Summary and Transcript of this talk. 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 Berkeley Open Circle Center Interviewed by Fax Gilbert Interviewed by Richard Miller YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Talk at the Science and Non-Duality Conference 00:02:06 - Reuniting with an old friend 00:04:15 - The Divine Human Experience 00:05:31 - The Journey to Enlightenment 00:07:27 - Science and Spirituality: Exploring the Ultimate Reality 00:08:35 - The Distortion of Spiritual Messages 00:09:20 - Belief and Experience in Religion 00:11:04 - Exploring the Unified Field with the Human Nervous System 00:12:39 - The Shekinah: God's Indwelling Presence in Everything 00:14:00 - The True Nature of Consciousness 00:15:48 - The Self-Interaction of the Absolute 00:17:23 - The Omnipresence of Intelligence in the Body 00:18:19 - The Fourth Element 00:20:19 - Navigating the Asteroid Field 00:22:13 - The Big Bang and Continuous Creation 00:23:55 - Fear and the Concept of Consciousness 00:25:31 - Devatas and Consciousness 00:27:19 - The Consciousness of Everything 00:27:54 - The Power of Repetition 00:30:16 - The Mind: An Important Part of Our Life 00:31:59 - The Infinite Nature of Consciousness 00:33:39 - The Blinking Lights of Galaxies 00:35:52 - The Vastness of the Universe 00:37:51 - The Vastness of the Universe and Our Perspective 00:39:34 - The Expression of Infinite Intelligence 00:42:10 - Partial Knowledge and Harm 00:43:41 - The Light that Shines in Our Hearts 00:47:10 - Brahman and the Conquest of the Universe 00:49:17 - The Beauty of Devotion 00:51:23 - Everything is a Miracle & Everything is Holy 00:55:17 - Applause

Dorothy Hunt serves as Spiritual Director of Moon Mountain Sangha, teaching at the request of Adyashanti.  She is the founder of the San Francisco Center for Meditation and Psychotherapy and has practiced psychotherapy since 1967. She is the author of Leaves from Moon Mountain, Only This!, and Ending the Search: From Spiritual Ambition to the Heart of Awareness. A contributing author to The Sacred Mirror, and Listening from the Heart of Silence: Nondual Wisdom and Psychotherapy, Dorothy is also a featured spiritual teacher in the book, Ordinary Women, Extraordinary Wisdom: The Feminine Face of Awakening. Dorothy has a long and deep connection to the teachings of Ramana Maharshi and the path of Self-Inquiry, as well as the nondual teachings of Zen, Advaita, and the Christian mystics.  In meeting Adyashanti, she was invited beyond identification with either the absolute or relative, finding freedom in what is awake in each of us regardless of the changing faces of experience. Dorothy offers satsang, retreats, and private meetings in the San Francisco Bay area and elsewhere by invitation. For more information, visit www.dorothyhunt.org Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group. Transcript of this interview Interview recorded 10/23/2015 at the Science and Nonduality Conference. Second BatGap interview with Dorothy Hunt. YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to the Science and Non-Duality Conference 00:02:00 - The Personal Journey to Spiritual Development 00:03:46 - Early Exploration of Spiritual Experiences 00:05:29 - Self Inquiry and the Unknown 00:07:01 - The Shift in Identity 00:08:44 - Shifting Perspectives on Motherhood 00:10:36 - Awakening in the Relative World 00:12:17 - Awakening of the Heart and Hara 00:14:07 - The Deepening of Experience 00:15:55 - Levels of Awakening and Violence Reduction 00:17:47 - Liberation from Self Judgment 00:21:11 - Awakening to True Nature 00:22:45 - The Awakening Experience 00:24:23 - The Ease of House Cleaning Post-Awakening 00:26:03 - The Vulnerability of Openness 00:27:32 - Returning to Zero 00:29:16 - The Misidentification of Consciousness 00:30:48 - The Vaster Intelligence behind our Awakening 00:32:40 - Experiential Knowledge and the Divine Play 00:34:16 - The Dark Face of the Mystery 00:35:57 - The Mystery of Life 00:37:38 - Adapting to Different Realities 00:39:25 - The Experience of Time and Space 00:41:19 - Transformations and Separations in Life 00:42:58 - The Deepest Desire of the Heart 00:44:34 - The Beauty of Nature 00:46:06 - Poetry and Deep Desires 00:48:25 - Exploring Deeply Held Desires 00:50:05 - Embracing Our Inner Experience 00:51:48 - Interviews at Gamescom

Jane Anderson-Ross is a wife, mother, and grandmother currently living in Rochester, NY. Raised in a New Jersey suburb of Philadelphia, Jane always had the gifts of love and compassion, and even as a young child, felt that her life path was to help others heal. But in 1988, during the throes of her own trials and difficulties, Jane had a transformation that was prompted by a singular prayer. She surrendered to the Divine Creator and asked, “Let me be Your Eyes, Your Ears, Your Hands, and Your Heart.” From that prayer, came what she can only describe as a “Rebirth”; a profound transformation with a pure divine directive. However, still very much Jane, she continued on as a devoted wife and mother of 2 babies. What became extraordinary to her though, was the Divine events, healings, and transformations that touched not only her own life, but that of many others who came into contact with her. Nevertheless, Jane’s love, humility, and simplicity never wavered, and she decided to enter into the field of holistic healing arts. She began sharing her gifts through a spiritually-based newsletter, which included Divinely inspired writings and poetry. Later she added more formal, professional training, and became a Shiatsu and Thai Message Therapist, Reiki Master, Aromatherapy, and Naturopathic Esthetician. Other modalities included Ancient Palmistry and Psychic Mediumship. Jane is happy to share her personal story with all who ask, and feels that her expression is best stated by the following; “It matters not what we do, but from where we come whilst doing it”. Website: janeandersonross.com Instagram Facebook Transcript of this interview Interview recorded 12/12/2015 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Buddha at the Gas Pump 00:04:20 - Awakening and Connection with Nature 00:08:37 - Finding Love in the Church 00:12:29 - Standing Your Ground Through Peer Pressure 00:16:21 - Finding Strength in Solitude 00:24:22 - Near-Death Experience and Consciousness 00:28:29 - A Prayer from a Sacred Place 00:32:25 - The Manifestation of Desires and Synchronicities 00:36:48 - The Resistance to Broadcasting  00:40:56 - Opening the Doorway to the Heart 00:45:34 - Inner Locution and Divine Dialogue 00:49:29 - Ecstasies and Confirmations from the Environment 00:53:25 - The Language of Everything 00:56:53 - Extracting Juice from the Experience 01:00:51 - A Love Affair with the Divine 01:05:09 - The Language of Awakening 01:09:11 - The Intimacy of Wholeness 01:13:40 - Separation and Astonishment 01:17:46 - A Hug Can Change Everything 01:21:18 - The Traumatizing Experience and Healing 01:25:45 - Powerful Transformations through Divine Influence 01:29:43 - The Practice of Getting Out of the Way 01:33:59 - Wrestling with the Dark Night of the Soul 01:38:37 - Lessons from Grief and Love 01:42:38 - The Paradoxes of Awakening 01:46:42 - Uncomfortable Contemplation and Growth 01:50:40 - Divine Signs and Miracles 01:54:50 - The Paradox of Assuming a Teaching Role 01:58:34 - Openness to Love and Acceptance 02:02:24 - Introduction and Podcast Information

A. Hameed Ali was born in Kuwait in 1944. At the age of eighteen, he moved to the USA to study at the University of California in Berkeley. Hameed was working on his Ph.D. in physics when he reached a turning point in his life and destiny that led him more and more into inquiring into the psychological and spiritual aspects of human nature. Hameed’s interest in the truth of human nature and the true nature of reality resulted in the creation and unfoldment of the Diamond Approach®: Some of Hameed’s many books: Runaway Realization: Living a Life of Ceaseless Discovery The Power of Divine Eros: The Illuminating Force of Love in Everyday Life The Unfolding Now: Realizing Your True Nature through the Practice of Presence Brilliancy: The Essence of Intelligence (Diamond Body Series) Essence With the Elixir of Enlightenment: The Diamond Approach to Inner Realization Website: ahalmaas.com 1st interview with Hameed 2nd interview with Hameed Karen Johnson is a co-founder of the Diamond Approach as it is taught in the Ridhwan School, a contemporary original spiritual understanding and path, expressing timeless wisdom on self-realization using the insights of our time. She is a colleague and friend of Hameed Ali (A.H. Almaas). Her life is dedicated to the discovery of inner freedom and sharing the treasures with humankind. In this interview, we discussed how the Diamond Approach is evolving, what differentiates it from other traditions, and the most recent developments of the past 15 years, about which Karen and Hameed have only recently begun to teach, speak and write. Neither the depths of spirit nor the surface of the mundane world can adequately express what reality is and what is possible for each of us. How can our human lives be both the arena for spiritual practice and enlightenment, and the occasion for our true being to express its infinite possibilities? Book: The Power of Divine Eros: The Illuminating Force of Love in Everyday Life Website: ridhwan.org Individual interview with Karen Recorded 10/23/2015 at the Science and Nonduality Conference. Transcript of this discussion YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Hameed Ali and Karen Johnson 00:03:39 - Reconciling Enlightenment with Human Relationships 00:07:01 - Recognizing Unity in Relationships 00:10:27 - Non-duality and the Fabric of Reality 00:13:29 - The Qualities of Personal Relating 00:16:27 - Understanding Personalness and Relationships 00:19:19 - Relationships as Tools for Growth and Expansion 00:21:48 - Using the Relationship to Optimize Truth and Growth 00:24:28 - The Expansion of Non-Dual Experience in Relationships 00:27:13 - A Unique Friendship 00:29:39 - The Unconventional Bond 00:31:46 - The Power of Libido in Relationships 00:34:30 - Taking Risks and Replenishing the Genius 00:37:14 - The Importance of Seeing and Being Seen in Relationships 00:40:05 - Shifting of Gears in Relationship 00:42:56 - Unleashing Energies for Heart and Mind Nourishment 00:45:34 - Unity and Oneness in Relationships 00:48:00 - The Paradox of Being One 00:50:59 - The Rich Possibilities of Relationships 00:53:58 - Falling in Love and Inquiry in the Diamond Approach 00:56:24 - The Power of Inquiry and Love 00:59:26 - Dialectic Inquiry and Relationship Building 01:02:39 - The Practice of Self-Exploration 01:05:26 - Passion for the Teaching and Deep Connection 01:08:13 - The Discovery of Oneness 01:10:48 - The Dimension of Friendship 01:13:47 - Tele-somatic Events and Soul Connections 01:16:05 - The Patterns of Consciousness in Relationships 01:18:24 - The Diamond Approach Online 01:20:23 - Teaching Opportunities and New Groups 01:21:40 - Musical Performance

Richard Moss is an internationally respected leader in the field of inner transformation, subtle body-mind dynamics, and living a path of conscious relationships. In 1977 Richard was a practicing medical doctor when he experienced a spontaneous spiritual illumination that awakened him to the multi-dimensional nature of human consciousness. This realization profoundly transformed his understanding of the roots of emotional suffering, and inspired him to explore the almost limitless human potential for growth and healing. Impelled by this opening, he released the practice of medicine to devote his life to mentoring individuals and couples whose lives have brought them to the point where they hunger to explore the mystery of their being. Whether called to his work by their soul’s yearning to awaken and grow, or impelled by a health, career, or relationship crisis, his comprehensive and evolutionary approach to healing and forging loving relationships has transformed the lives of tens of thousands of people. He is particularly renowned for the innovative, experiential nature of his workshops and longer retreats that offer individuals direct experience of life-changing states of consciousness and provide them with very effective models and practices for on-going personal growth. He guides seminars and retreats in North and South America, Europe, and Australia, and is available for private mentoring for individuals at his home in Colorado. He has published 7 seminal books on his visionary approach to human evolution which have been translated into 6 languages. Website: richardmoss.com Books: Inside-Out Healing: Transforming Your Life Through the Power of Presence The Mandala of Being: Discovering the Power of Awareness The Black Butterfly: An Invitation to Radical Aliveness The I That Is We: Awakening to Higher Energies Through Unconditional Love The Second Miracle: Intimacy, Spirituality, and Conscious Relationships Metaphysics: Who Will Cure a Sick World? Transcript of this interview. Interview recorded 12/5/2015 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Buddha at the Gas Pump 00:04:15 - Meeting a Wise Stranger at Jenny Lake 00:08:42 - Loss of Boundary and Vibrating Molecules 00:13:08 - The Energetic Transformation 00:18:15 - The Value of Body Wisdom 00:22:57 - The Lineage of Spontaneous Realization 00:27:33 - Appreciating Different Spiritual Traditions 00:32:06 - Instruments of the Divine 00:36:39 - Personal Background and Connection with Svend Trier 00:41:22 - The Power of Awareness 00:45:07 - The Power of Awareness 00:49:14 - Observing Clinging and Pushing Away 00:53:46 - The Power of Awareness and Focused, Spacious Awareness 00:58:16 - Injury Imprinted in Consciousness 01:02:36 - Learning through the Body 01:07:12 - Nip it at the Bud 01:11:15 - Making a Deeper Mark 01:15:42 - The Flow State and Spiritual Integration 01:20:19 - Shifting States: The Power of Discontinuity 01:24:42 - The Benefits of Discontinuity 01:29:30 - Healing in the Present Moment 01:34:11 - Working with Energy in Dance and Meditation 01:38:58 - The Limitless Consciousness 01:43:11 - The Flow of Energy and Body Wisdom 01:47:13 - Being in the Moment 01:51:52 - The Sense of Personal Identity 01:56:07 - Deriving Identity from the Outside 02:00:54 - Awakening from Future and Past Stories 02:05:06 - The Power of Awareness and Present Moment Consciousness 02:09:07 - Keep Going, Keep Going 02:13:38 - Live Streaming and Future Interviews

Robert A.F. Thurman is the Jey Tsong Khapa Professor of Indo-Tibetan Buddhist Studies in the Department of Religion at Columbia University, President of the Tibet House U.S., a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Tibetan civilization, and President of the American Institute of Buddhist Studies, a non-profit affiliated with the Center for Buddhist Studies at Columbia University and dedicated to the publication of translations of important artistic and scientific treatises from the Tibetan Tengyur. TIME Magazine chose Professor Thurman as one of its 25 most influential Americans in 1997, describing him as a “larger than life scholar-activist destined to convey the Dharma, the precious teachings of Shakyamuni Buddha, from Asia to America.” The New York Times recently said Thurman “is considered the leading American expert on Tibetan Buddhism.” Thurman is known as a talented popularizer of the Buddha’s teachings. He is a riveting speaker and an author of many books on Tibet, Buddhism, art, politics, and culture, including: Man of Peace: The Illustrated Life Story of the Dalai Lama of Tibet. The Central Philosophy of Tibet Circling the Sacred Mountain: A Spiritual Adventure Through the Himalayas Essential Tibetan Buddhism The Tibetan Book of the Dead: Liberation Through Understanding in the Between Wisdom and Compassion The Sacred Art of Tibet Inner Revolution Infinite Life: Awakening to Bliss Within The Jewel Tree of Tibet: The Enlightenment Engine of Tibetan Buddhism Why the Dalai Lama Matters: His Act of Truth as the Solution for China, Tibet, and the World With Sharon Salzberg, Love Your Enemies: How to Break the Anger Habit & Be a Whole Lot Happier Website: bobthurman.com Podcast YouTube Channel Transcript of this interview Batgap interview with Robert Thurman and Isa Gucciardi. Recorded 10/25/2015 at the Science and Nonduality Conference. YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Opening Chanting at the Conference 00:02:05 - Introduction of Bob Thurman 00:03:51 - The Eyes of the Dharma 00:05:04 - Tibet: The Repository of Indian Buddhism 00:06:58 - The Journey to Monkhood 00:09:07 - Awakening and Degrees of Enlightenment 00:11:39 - The Inexpressible State of Enlightenment 00:14:39 - Attaining Nirvana and Reintegrating Memory 00:16:47 - The Wisdom of Vajrayana and the Bar for Enlightenment 00:19:05 - The Role of Gods in Buddhist Beliefs 00:21:14 - The Power of Inner Peace for World Peace 00:23:31 - The Awakening of Empowerment and Fear 00:26:20 - Hope for Minority People in China 00:29:00 - The Dalai Lama's Joke about a Woman Dalai Lama 00:31:04 - Democracy versus Tyranny 00:33:10 - Thich Nhat Hanh's Perspective on Compassion and Empathy 00:34:25 - The Happiness Revolution 00:36:11 - Cultivating a "Die-gasm" Outlook 00:37:44 - The Incompetence of Leadership 00:39:00 - The Laissez-faire Capitalist Cycle 00:40:01 - The Pressure of Population Growth and the Need for Change 00:41:38 - The Epidemic of Spiritual Awakening 00:43:15 - Divine Intervention and Buddhist Angels 00:44:53 - The Power of Enlightened Beings and Compassion 00:46:31 - Upholding Dharma and Destroying the Wicked 00:47:51 - Nonduality and Rebirth 00:48:56 - Different Traditions, Different Meanings 00:50:19 - Compassion and Love for Every Being 00:51:32 - The Misunderstanding of Enlightenment and Extinction 00:52:51 - Non-duality of Wisdom and Compassion 00:54:13 - A Tesla for Buddha Save Save

I grew up in a hard-working family, none religious. At the age of 18, I learned that the Father I'd known all my life was not, in fact, my biological Father. This new-found fact destabilized the identity I had become accustomed to. The idea of who I was came under question. I was left asking, who am I. What then followed was ten years of drinking. At 27 I found myself in recovery from alcoholism. I spent three and a half years examining all the aspects of self-identified traits in order to find an honesty that would propel me into a more productive direction. After three and a half years I came to see that all willful attempts at modifying the self still remained within the paradigm of self-will. I had not transcended into honesty. It was at this point in a room one evening in 99 that I handed all attachment to the mind for any orientation to ongoing recovery. In doing so, not knowing what lay beyond, there was to be a complete self-realization. Book: Walking Awake Website: invitationtobeing.org Transcript of this interview Interview recorded 11/21/2015 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction and Background 00:04:19 - Past Lives and Memories 00:08:33 - Family Background and Drinking Habits 00:11:51 - Identity Crisis and the Impact of Discovering the Truth 00:16:01 - Experimenting with Reality and Alcohol Addiction 00:19:42 - Escaping into Art and Self-Destruction 00:23:43 - A Turning Point in Recovery 00:27:38 - The Powerlessness of Alcoholism 00:32:08 - Impact of a Simple Sentence 00:36:36 - Walking Away from the Fellowship 00:40:39 - The Search for Authenticity 00:45:29 - Surrendering the Mind to a Higher Power 00:50:21 - Letting go of the Mind 00:55:11 - The Opening of the Heart and the Dark Void 01:00:24 - Relating from Absolute and the Heart 01:05:29 - Realization and Appreciation of Spiritual Texts 01:09:14 - The Dissipation of the Body of Illusion 01:13:44 - Living in relation to Absolute 01:18:07 - Dissociation and Formlessness 01:21:52 - The Uncommon Language of Self-Realization 01:25:53 - From Therapy to Awakening 01:30:12 - The Integration of Self-realization and Mind Experience 01:35:24 - The Direct Experience of Consciousness 01:39:48 - Union with the Absolute 01:44:15 - Attunement and Entrainment in Silence 01:48:38 - Awakening to the Absolute 01:52:20 - The Play of I Am-ness and Curiosity 01:56:36 - The Blossoming of Curiosity and Direct Experience 02:01:11 - Spiritual Realization and Relationships 02:05:42 - The Breaking Point for Addicts and Alcoholics 02:09:30 - Conclusion and Farewell