Buddha at the Gas Pump

Mercedes Kirkel is an author and channel for Mary Magdalene and other beings of light. In July of 2010, Mary Magdalene began coming to Mercedes daily, giving extraordinary messages for humanity's evolution and spiritual growth. That was the birth of the book, Mary Magdalene Beckons: Join the River of Love, which contains the full series of Mary’s heart-opening and mind-expanding messages, along with Mercedes’s illuminating commentary. Mercedes offers workshops and privates sessions—in-person and long-distance by phone or Skype. Her work includes Akashic Record Readings, Channeling Beings of Light, Spiritual Guidance, Emotional Healing using Mary Magdalene’s Instructions, and Sacred Sexuality Instruction. To learn more about Mercedes and her work, visit www.mercedeskirkel.com and www.marymagdalenebeckons.com. Summary and transcript of this interview Interview conducted 3/30/2013. YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction and Background 00:07:12 - Finding Growth in a Spiritual Community 00:11:23 - The Paradox of Spiritual Power 00:16:13 - The Progression of Awakening 00:20:58 - Awakening to the Witness Consciousness 00:25:21 - The Second Stage of the Awakening 00:29:41 - The Shift in Perception and Unity 00:33:56 - Integration and the Awakening Process 00:37:39 - The Spectrum of Emotions in the Fourth Dimension 00:41:06 - Messages and Directives 00:44:27 - Memories of Egypt and the Temple of Isis 00:47:19 - Following the Message of Spirit 00:50:25 - The Voice of Mary Magdalene 00:53:38 - Addressing Doubts and Coloration in Channeling 00:57:20 - Connecting with a Higher Being 01:00:45 - The Completion and the Call to Action 01:05:18 - The Role of Mary Magdalene in the World's Readiness 01:10:14 - Relating to Pain and Union with God 01:15:52 - Inquiring into the Source of Anger 01:21:47 - Dealing with Ongoing Difficult Situations 01:26:16 - The Balance of the Heart and Mind 01:30:05 - The Second Book on Sacred Sexuality 01:33:31 - Acting from the Heart 01:37:43 - The Misunderstanding of Jesus and His Crucifixion 01:42:16 - Divine Guidance and Higher Beings 01:47:11 - Channeling Different Entities 01:51:15 - Channeling and Consciousness 01:55:11 - Qualities of the Fourth Dimension 01:59:51 - The Earth's Ascension and Universal Support 02:04:46 - The Role of Belief and Experience 02:09:14 - Conclusion and Next Steps

Amoda Maa, a contemporary spiritual teacher and author, shares her incredible journey from childhood trauma to spiritual awakening. She discusses how her challenging past shaped her teachings and the importance of embracing reality, including suffering, for personal growth. The conversation delves into the interplay of acceptance and consciousness, shedding light on trauma healing and the significance of spiritual practices. Amoda also highlights the optimism of a collective awakening in today's chaotic world, emphasizing the need for deeper consciousness and community engagement.

Rick is host of this show. Alex Tsakiris, host of Skeptiko, is a successful entrepreneur turned science podcaster. In 2007 he founded Skeptiko, which has become the #1 podcast covering the science of human consciousness. Alex has appeared on syndicated radio talk shows both in the US and the UK and is well-known within the parapsychology and near-death experience and parapsychology research communities. The Skeptiko Agenda Follow the data… wherever is leads. Explore the possibility that the dominant scientific paradigm (i.e., materialism) might be at a tipping point. Engage the top thinkers in pointed discussions about the questions that matter most. Interview conducted 3/16/2013 Transcript of this interview. Other BatGap interviews of Rick: Rick Archer, Interviewed by Richard Miller Rick Archer, Interviewed by Fax Gilbert Rick Archer, talk at SAND ’15 Video and audio below. Audio also available as a Podcast. YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Buddha at the Gas Pump 00:03:06 - Awakening and Enlightenment 00:05:50 - The Nature of Enlightenment and Consciousness 00:08:41 - Quantum Physics and Enlightenment Techniques 00:12:04 - Materialism and the Brain 00:15:04 - The Illusion of Physical Existence 00:17:27 - The Integration of Enlightenment with Everyday Life 00:20:14 - The Transformative Power of Spiritual Practice 00:22:44 - Verifying Spiritual Practices through Direct Experience 00:25:16 - The Scientific Method Applied Daily 00:28:11 - The Transformation and Fall from TM Movement 00:31:11 - Unfaced aspects of personality 00:33:44 - The Guru Phenomenon 00:36:18 - The Value of Commitment to a Teacher 00:39:41 - The Possibility of a New Age of Enlightenment 00:42:51 - Awakening to Deeper Realities 00:46:18 - Uncovering the Truth Behind Climate Change 00:49:09 - Spiritual Awakening and Political Activism 00:51:51 - The Complexity of Activism and Morality 00:54:30 - Paradoxical Conundrums in Vedic Literature 00:57:03 - The Principle of Trading Carbon Credits 00:59:33 - The Evolution Machine of the Universe 01:02:23 - The Nature of Good and Evil 01:04:29 - Encountering Subtler Realms of Creation 01:06:48 - Experiences of Transformation 01:09:48 - Interviews and Reflections 01:11:59 - The Game of Cosmic Zoom Lens 01:14:23 - Enlightenment: Transforming Society 01:17:00 - Enjoying Heaven on Earth 01:19:02 - Continuing the Work in Search Engine Optimization 01:20:18 - Background Music

Paradoxically, “Anatta”, HWL Poonja, enlightened master, said, "means, I don't exist." Exactly! That was Anatta’s experience late one night almost 20 years ago when the ego/personality disappeared and was seen to have less reality than smoke and dust. Yet a magical life has transpired, regardless. Starting out as a ‘Jesus Freak’ in New York, Anatta lived in Oregon and India as a disciple of Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh. In the presence of HWL Poonja she washed the Master's dishes, ate radishes from his hands and massaged his arm which had been injured. She spent a beautiful afternoon sitting under the trees in Ojai California attending a talk with the late J. Krishnamurt. All in all, Anatta eventually traveled to India on seven separate occasions. Continuing the journey in the west to Hawaii and Sedona, she sat with many well known teachers - finally finding her heart’s home back in the town of Tiruvannamali, India, and has felt blessed sitting at the foot of her ultimate teacher, the sacred mountain, Arunachala, near the Ramana Maharshi ashram; a place where, since ancient times, many enlightened beings have been drawn When not in India, Anatta lived a very ordinary life in Southern California near her three daughters and three grandchildren.  Surprisingly existence has sent her two more teenagers to raise and she is currently in the mountains of North Carolina doing just that, though that journey is coming to an end as the "kids" are almost grown. About the book, The Ordinary Buddha, by Anatta Campbell. Adyashanti and Byron Katie, two well known teachers, share their personal awakening stories, as well as eleven other "ordinary" people who, in beautiful and dramatic ways, share with us their journey from real-life, not so saintly pasts to the discovery of their true nature; The discovery that we are not who we thought ourselves to be all along, but something far more grand and yet sweetly ordinary. The Knowing sweeps through us like a fresh breeze on a spring morning. Their discovery is our discovery. Anatta is available for Skype or phone sessions. Please feel free to contact Anatta, at: 11sunyata@gmail.com www.Facebook.com/TheOrdinaryBuddha The website for her book, "The Ordinary Buddha": www.Theordinarybuddha.org. Transcript of this interview Interview recorded 3/9/2013 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction: Anatta Campbell on Buddha at the Gas Pump 00:05:28 - The Different Aspects of Awakening 00:10:21 - The Continuous Process of Awakening 00:13:50 - The Journey of Awakening and Maturing 00:17:47 - The Fullness of Emptiness and Presence 00:21:35 - The Paradox of Existence 00:25:15 - The Experience of Selflessness 00:29:16 - Living Life Differently After Awakening 00:33:02 - The Search is Over 00:35:37 - Creativity and Aligning with the Source of Life 00:39:25 - Addiction and Alignment 00:43:32 - The Miracle of Utilizing Laws of Nature 00:47:06 - A Message from the Other Side 00:50:43 - The Balance of Control and Surrender 00:54:50 - The Impact of Words and Ego Growth 00:58:24 - From Jesus Freak to Seeker 01:01:31 - Going to India with Osho 01:04:30 - Understanding and Accepting the Flaws of Spiritual Teachers 01:07:46 - Controversies and Personal Experiences with Osho 01:11:09 - The Transformative Power of Meditation 01:14:30 - Surrendering Everything I Thought I Was 01:18:00 - Different Psychic Experiences 01:21:38 - Rediscovering the Chapters 01:24:47 - Following a Unique Path 01:28:27 - Oneness and Duality in Existence 01:32:08 - The Longing for God to Know Itself 01:36:09 - Experiencing the Thoughts of Animals 01:39:37 - A Conversation about Consciousness and Life 01:42:18 - E-Book and Hardcover Publishers 01:45:25 - Meditating in the Woods 01:48:48 - Gratitude and Farewell

Author of The Big Glow and The Wow of the Now, Spiritual Teacher, and Life Coach. At the age of 20 years old, Brian was suddenly struck by a mysterious, debilitating illness, later labeled chronic fatigue syndrome, that lasted for years, leaving him in intense, daily, physical pain and too weak to effectively function in society. When no medical or other authority figure could explain the suffering that was happening to him, Brian made it his life commitment to inquire into human suffering. What began was over 11 years of committed, serious inquiry, study and personal application into the fields of spirituality, religion, psychology, sociology, cosmology, ecology, health, arts, science, yoga, as well as the core of the enlightenment and self-realization teachings. After leading a quiet, simple life for over a decade, Brian felt a passionate calling to share his straight forward, timeless, spiritual truths for the 21st Century in a modern context with those who are ready and interested. Since that time, Brian has dedicated himself full time, professionally, and privately, to supporting the path of transformation, spiritual liberation and Self-Realization in individuals, families and communities around the world. With the unrelenting sole intention of educating and facilitating the awakening of consciousness and creating the New Earth inside individuals and communities around the world, Brian Piergrossi  is an emerging voice of awakened spirituality, peak performance and human potential in the 21st Century. Facebook:  http://facebook.com/brianthebigglow Twitter: http://twitter.com/brianthebigglow Youtube:  http://youtube.com/brianthebigglow “When the pillars of my limited mind collapsed, the roof caved in and I could take in the beauty of the stars.” - Brian Piergrossi The Big Glow Transcript of this interview Interview Recorded 3/2/2013 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction: Brian Piergrossi 00:03:29 - The Mind-Body Connection and the Cause of Suffering 00:06:18 - Exploring Holistic Modalities and Healing 00:09:08 - Listening to the Signals of the Body and Mind 00:11:55 - The Evolution of Consciousness within the Realm of Space and Time 00:15:10 - The Joy of Learning and Exploring 00:18:07 - Exploring the Absolute and the Relative 00:20:27 - The Experience in the Present Moment 00:23:12 - The Stillness of Life and the Flow of Life 00:26:29 - Integrating Spiritual Awakening into Daily Life 00:28:58 - The Integration and Cognition of the Absolute 00:31:52 - The Clarity and Integration of Awakening 00:35:09 - The Recognition of Fulfillment within 00:38:19 - The Magic of Being in the Moment 00:41:10 - The Illusion of Division and Conditioning 00:43:42 - Awakening Beyond Time and Space 00:46:41 - The Kingdom of Heaven Within 00:49:07 - Living from Awakened Consciousness 00:51:27 - Awakening to the Essence of Who You Are 00:53:36 - Recognizing the Illusion of the Ego 00:55:44 - Being Fully Present in the Now 00:58:35 - Bringing Back to the Truth 01:01:46 - Evolution of Teaching and Criticism of the Non-Dual Community 01:04:53 - Non-Duality and the Transcendence of Form 01:07:44 - Moving Forward from the Old Teachings 01:10:08 - The Excitement of New Wave Teachers and Healers 01:13:20 - Integrating Silence with Activity 01:16:14 - Awakening to Power and the Non-dual Community 01:18:30 - Teaching and Coaching for Personal Growth 01:20:10 - Being Fully Engaged and Empowered 01:21:50 - Concluding Remarks

Talat Jonathan Phillips is the author of “The Electric Jesus: The Healing Journey of a Contemporary Gnostic.”  He co-founded the cutting edge web-magazine Reality Sandwich and Evolver.net, coordinating 50+ regional Evolver communities.  He is a religion blogger for "The Huffington Post," the creator of “The Ayahuasca Monologues: Tales of the Spirit Vine,” a Reiki Master and Bioenergetic Healer and does Skype sessions.. When Talat experiences a devastating loss as a countercultural media activist, he unwittingly starts on a mystical journey marked by underground ayahuasca ceremonies, kundalini awakenings, prankster spirit guides, extraterrestrial encounters at the Burning Man festival, and miraculous energy healings that reshape his skeptical worldview. Along the way, he chronicles the rise of an international movement that is trailblazing visionary ways to address our current planetary crisis through raised consciousness. To better understand his spiritual journey, Talat delves into his own Christian background, discovering the lost rites of the mystery schools. Uncovering secret “electric” meanings behind biblical symbols like the serpent, dove, and tree of life, he reveals how early Christians utilized a radical initiation process for harnessing divine energy in order to achieve gnosis, direct knowledge or experience of the divine. Jonathan suggests that these mystical symbols, which appear in spiritual traditions across the globe, offer a profound energetic roadmap and alchemical message for personal transformation, as well as a potential evolutionary shift for our world. Summary and transcript of this interview Interview conducted 2/23/2013 Talat Jonathan Phillips in Panel Discussion on Ayahuasca and Psychedelics as Potential Catalysts for Personal and Societal Evolution YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Jonathan Talat Phillips 00:03:53 - The Importance of Direct Experience and Skepticism 00:07:23 - The Game of Bioenergetic Practice 00:11:06 - Quantum Healing Technology and the Mystery School 00:15:20 - The Rigidity and Safety of Daime Ceremonies 00:19:41 - Shamanic Healing and the Power of Ayahuasca 00:24:24 - The Connection Between Science and Art 00:29:10 - The Importance of MDMA in Personal Transformation 00:33:53 - The Importance of Spiritual Practice 00:38:07 - Multi-Dimensional Healing and the Activation of God Consciousness 00:41:37 - Christian Writings and the Fractured Mystery School 00:45:40 - Synchronicities and Higher Vibrational Consciousness 00:49:22 - The Mythical Saint Sebastian 00:53:16 - The Battle for Light and Love 00:56:43 - Embracing the Difficult Teacher 01:01:44 - The Drama and Beauty of Life's Lessons 01:07:25 - Negative Impulses of Intelligence 01:11:31 - The Joy of Spiritual Freedom 01:15:04 - The Theme of Extraterrestrials 01:19:25 - Books and Beliefs About Extraterrestrial Beings 01:22:46 - Awakening to our Star Energy 01:26:32 - The Dark History of Foreign Lands 01:30:30 - Sharing Experiences of Aliens and Possibilities 01:34:31 - Age and Birthday Celebration to Kick Off a Magical Day. 01:38:38 - Spiritual Grounding and Healing at all Levels 01:42:15 - The Creative Energy and Artistry of Healing 01:45:10 - Rules for Mediumship 01:48:32 - Leaving the Sufi Order 01:52:13 - Alternative Distribution Network 01:55:02 - Activism meets Spirituality and the Occupy Movement 01:59:29 - Conclusion and Ways to Stay Updated on Interviews

Until the summer of her fiftieth year, Jan Frazier lived a life typical for a well-educated, middle-class American woman. A divorced mother of two teenagers, she was making a modest living writing and teaching writing. Following a Catholic childhood in Miami in the 1960s, she had studied English in college and graduate school. In her late twenties, longing for hills and snow, she moved to New England, where she was active in the peace movement. But the inner peace she sought always eluded her. Then, in August 2003, she experienced a radical transformation of consciousness. Fear fell away from her, and she was immersed in a state of causeless joy that has never left her. While she has continued her life as writer, teacher, and mother, she has discovered it is possible to live a richly human life free of suffering. Her wish now is to communicate the truth that within every person is a pool of calm well-being that waits patiently to be stirred to life. When Fear Falls Away: The Story of a Sudden Awakening (Weiser Books, 2007) is Jan’s day-by-day account of the shift in consciousness and its alteration of her life. The Freedom of Being: At Ease with What Is (Weiser Books, 2012) looks at the nature of suffering and explores ways beyond it. Opening the Door: Jan Frazier Teachings On Awakening (eBookIt, 2012) is an eBook collection of essays. It opens the reader’s awareness to the possibility of a richly human life, beyond what appears possible to the ego and the mind. Jan’s poetry and prose have appeared widely in literary journals and anthologies. Her poetry collection, Greatest Hits, was published by Pudding House, and she has been nominated for a Pushcart Prize. She has been inspired by Gurumayi, Krishnamurti, and Eckhart Tolle, but the joy she lives in belongs to no particular tradition, and is available to all. Jan lives in southern Vermont. Jan's website Summary and Transcript of this interview Interview Recorded 2/17/2013 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Jan Frazier and Her Books 00:04:02 - Overcoming the Fear of Death 00:07:47 - The Clinging to Certain Outcomes 00:11:10 - The Influence of Spiritual Involvement 00:14:53 - The Transformative Nature of Daily Life 00:18:30 - The Illusion of Choice and Volition 00:22:08 - Non-attachment and Motivations 00:25:14 - Appreciation for Readers and Teachers 00:28:46 - The Role of Teachers and Gurus 00:34:07 - The Evolving Sense of Self 00:37:53 - Indifference and Neutrality Towards Suffering 00:41:30 - Diving into the World's Realities 00:44:55 - Taking Moments to Pause and Reflect 00:48:39 - The Experience of Silent Mind during Nighttime Bathroom Trips 00:51:50 - Being in the Moment, Spontaneous Right Action 00:54:54 - The Relaxing of Constant Attentiveness 00:58:02 - Facing Fear and Stress 01:00:45 - The two modes of awareness 01:04:23 - The Faint Remains of Ignorance 01:08:36 - Awareness during Sleep 01:11:50 - Glimpses of Spirituality 01:16:06 - The Relationship Between Thought and Life 01:19:53 - Questioning Egoic Thoughts 01:24:08 - The Continuum of Awareness and Identification 01:27:34 - The Loss of Self-Referral and the Manifestation of the Universe 01:32:45 - The Mechanics of the World and the Similarities Between Humans and Animals 01:37:25 - The Difference Between Feeling and Emotion 01:41:31 - Staying with Initial Feelings 01:45:21 - Increasing the Capacity for Truthfulness 01:49:50 - The Genuine Experience 01:55:12 - Conclusion and Thanks

Noah Samarkand (formerly, and referred to in the interview as Choboji) was a truth seeker from an early age. His approach has been one of meditation and creativity; uniting the relative and the ultimate truths. After many years of seeking he had an awakening experience that left him in constant awe of the world, and in a state of 'not-knowing'. While this was exceptional, something remained incomplete until he met his master Mevlana Mooji. Noah preferred to remain alone and anonymous. Any teachings or Satsangs were private one-on-one sessions, but after many requests to write and teach he wrote his first book Melody and Silence: The Selfish Bodhisattva and began public Satsangs. Integrating one's inner truth and living in the world is an important aspect of Noah's work. He is currently setting up a theatre company, studying drama, writing plays and running workshops in acting and performance. Website: harmonyoftheway.co.uk Summary and Transcript of this interview Interview Recorded 2/16/2013 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction and Origins of the Name Chobo 00:02:28 - Mooji's Surprise Visit to a Satsang 00:05:21 - Trusting in Existence 00:09:15 - The Magnificence of the Mind and the Journey of Life 00:12:50 - The Need to Be Right 00:16:12 - The Difference Between Ramana Maharishi and Others 00:20:37 - Instilling Humility and Confidence 00:23:49 - Degrees of Witnessing and Pure Awareness during Sleep 00:26:54 - The Fathomless Nature of Awakening 00:30:33 - The Journey of Awakening 00:34:56 - Exploring the Confusion of Levels 00:38:26 - The Expression of Masters 00:42:06 - Embracing the Paradoxes of Life 00:45:25 - The Release of Tension and Bliss 00:49:07 - The Limitations of Words and Certainty 00:52:05 - The Power of Silence 00:55:21 - Serving God in all you see 00:58:15 - The Practice of "I Am" 01:01:39 - The Cultivation of Water 01:04:29 - The Importance of Proper Teaching 01:07:27 - Beyond the Fluctuations 01:09:32 - Acceptance of Everything as it is 01:12:34 - The Consequences of Actions 01:16:09 - The Manifest Truth of Death and the Divine Expression 01:18:54 - The Heart's Journey Towards Oneness 01:21:48 - The Story of Attaining Happiness 01:23:58 - The Divine Play 01:27:03 - The Wonderment of Life 01:30:19 - Cultures and Countries Working Together 01:33:47 - The Necessity of a Spiritual Awakening and Experiential Love 01:37:31 - Meeting Choboji and Discussion Conclusion

Ian Wolstenholme is an ordinary man who randomly awakened to the realized space in 1969. The assimilation of this process continues to this day, Ian was not transformed into a god or bestowed with remarkable powers. His consciousness was expanded to include the viewpoint from which the human condition could be examined and revealed to be as it is. Ian came to see the extent of our conditioning and the way in which this set of meanings govern life as it is lived. The massive false interpretations continue to be implanted as beliefs into the personalities of every being alive today. Realized space is freedom from belief and meaning and provides a mature acceptance of what is. This is not an easy place to live. Ian's book: Emotional Hostage: Negotiate Your Freedom Summary and Transcript of this interview Interview recorded 2/2/2013 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Awakening to Realized Space 00:03:29 - The Spectacular Event 00:06:12 - Fabrication of Consciousness and Imagery 00:08:52 - Awakening and Expanded Perception 00:12:08 - Awakening and Personal Preferences 00:15:12 - Expansion of Consciousness and the Absence of Suffering 00:18:15 - The On/Off Nature of Consciousness 00:21:37 - The Active Participation of the Seer 00:25:12 - The Maturing of the Seer 00:28:34 - The Self as a Cooperative Relationship 00:32:10 - Discovering Your Genuine Needs 00:35:20 - The Harmony and Intelligence of the Body 00:38:33 - Discovering Inner Harmony 00:41:39 - The Concept of "Be Yourself" 00:45:00 - Trusting Yourself in Decision-Making 00:48:34 - The Will of God or Nature 00:51:18 - The Absence of Guidance in Consciousness 00:55:26 - The Complexity of Morality 00:58:09 - The Power of Choice 01:01:06 - The Value of Emotions and Self-Management 01:04:17 - Finding the Balance between Letting Go and Taking Action 01:07:58 - Individual Needs in Spiritual Practice 01:10:42 - The Ordinary Lives of Spiritual Teachers 01:13:39 - Ramana's Spiritual Experience 01:16:37 - Accepting All Parts of Yourself 01:20:02 - Discovering the Seer Within 01:23:29 - Choosing a Path of Happiness 01:26:11 - The Seer and the Personality 01:29:19 - A Conversation with Ian 01:32:05 - Sharing Enlightenment Stories 01:34:49 - One-on-One Inner Process Discovery

Ilie Cioara was an enlightened mystic who did not belong to any lineage or tradition of awakening. Jerry Katz describes his writings: “This work stands independently of ancient traditions, well known sages, and the current nonduality scene. That is refreshing. Ilie Cioara's works are among the finest books on nondual consciousness." Like Ramana Maharshi, Krishnamurti, and Eckhart Tolle, his is a simple message of discovering our inner divine nature through the silence of the mind. His original writings in 16 books describe the experience of meditation and enlightenment, as well as the practice of “Self-knowing” using all-encompassing Attention. Born in 1916, Cioara lived his life in almost complete isolation in Eastern Europe, in a communist country, completely oblivious of nonduality, Zen, etc. Originally a Christian mystic, he practiced a mantra for over 20 years. One day, he felt an intuitive impulse to drop the mantra, and just practice the silence of the mind, by listening to the noises on the street, in the now. After following this practice for a few years, one morning, as he was waking up from his sleep, he suddenly experienced Enlightenment. His description of meditation is fresh and devoid of any tradition and jargon. Four books by Ilie Cioara have been published in English so far, translated by Petrica Verdes: The Silence of the Mind I Am Boundlessness The Wondrous Journey: Into the Depth of Our Being Life Is Eternal Newness Petrica Verdes (Deva Daan) is an ordinary person. No ego trip, no need to be somebody, no need to be special, no need to gather diplomas, Ph.D.'s, qualifications, trainings, no need to impress, no need to be famous or influence people. No need to go on a trip of the “ego”. Just happy living an ordinary life, because this life is already extraordinary as it is, an ongoing unfolding miracle. Sometimes he serves in humbleness as an instrument for Spirit. Not wanting to write anything or teach anyone - sometimes silence speaks through him, not knowing what the next word will be. Interview recorded 1/26/2013 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Petrica Verdes and Ilia Choara 00:05:00 - The Method of Repetition in Eleazar's Poetry 00:08:50 - Reading Objective Poetry and Windows to Infinity 00:12:53 - Living in the Energy of the Place 00:16:27 - The Inner Journey and Ilié's Dramatic Life 00:19:23 - The Beginning of Astral Travel 00:22:49 - The Astral World and Entities 00:26:38 - Imprisonment and Hard Labor 00:29:44 - The Purpose of Challenges and Growth 00:32:50 - Ilê Tuareg's Labor Camp Experience and Spiritual Journey 00:36:43 - The Crisis and Awakening 00:41:56 - Papaji and the Silencing of the Mind 00:46:23 - The Practice of Witnessing and All-Encompassing Attention 00:50:16 - The Practice of Watchfulness 00:53:34 - The Practice of Watchfulness 00:56:27 - Tuning into Inner Experience 00:59:38 - Witnessing throughout deep sleep 01:02:23 - The Disappearance of Practice 01:05:37 - The Excuse for Laziness and Misunderstanding Enlightenment 01:08:33 - Meeting an Enlightened Being 01:12:12 - The Challenge of Translating Poetry 01:15:18 - The Consciousness of Rocks 01:18:58 - The Impulses to Write and Translate After 16 Years 01:22:32 - Enlightenment and the Seven Bodies 01:26:28 - The Fear and Presence 01:29:57 - A Meeting with a Spiritual Teacher 01:32:43 - Ramana Maharshi's Continued Influence 01:35:54 - The Writing Process and Disinterest 01:40:05 - The Void and Psychological Emptiness 01:43:53 - Concluding Remarks and Appreciation 01:46:53 - Batgap.com and Interview Updates