Buddha at the Gas Pump

Ilona Ciunaite and Elena Nezhinsky are the founders of Liberation Unleashed, an international network of people dedicated to guiding people to awakening from the illusion of separation. Both Ilona and Elena have seen through the illusory nature of the apparently separate self, which is nothing more than a mental construct—a concept that when thoroughly questioned clearly reveals that there is nothing behind the word 'me' at all. Ilona was born in Lithuania and now lives in the UK. She has a degree in psychology, but has never worked in the field; instead she works as a tattoo artist, running her own studio together with her husband. She is a simple and ordinary human with a mindset to focus on freedom for herself and those who find her. Her blog, "Marked, Eternal", is a collection of articles and conversations that demonstrate how easy it is to see that there is no self when one is ready and willing to look. She has always been interested in the 'mind' as such and enjoyed studying the subject from different angles. Observing her own mind led to a deep understanding of how the mind works, how to overcome confusion, and free it from feedback loops. She has been a seeker like many others but had never attended a retreat or satsang until after awakening. Elena Nezhinsky met her close friend and a senior teacher of the Gurdjieff Way in 1998, and since then began a serious investigation of the mind and feelings, and searching for the truth of being. The sudden death of her teacher brought her to a Vipassana meditation practice of mind purification, which she did diligently for 7 years in frequent silent retreats. After leaving Vipassana she found Adyashanti and spent a week in retreat with him, which made her ponder that there are other ways to awakening. In 2010 Elena woke up to the reality of "no-self" with the help of Direct Pointing. Since then she has been helping others to awaken and see the truth of anatta - no-self with the same method. Liberation Unleashed is a rapidly expanding, international project that brings seekers together with those who have awakened and are dedicated to guiding or simply share experiences in a community that is based on honesty and love. There is no greater joy than bringing joy to other hearts and celebrating the gift of freedom. Interview Recorded 8/18/2012 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introducing Elena and Ilona and their work in "Liberation Unleashed" 00:02:54 - The Silence of the Voice in the Head 00:06:20 - The Illusion of Seeking and Chaos Outside 00:11:34 - The Illusion of the Self 00:15:40 - Degrees of Seeing and Fullness Experiences 00:19:40 - The Journey Towards Self-Realization 00:23:43 - The Process of "Falling" 00:27:38 - Dissipation of Fear and Attachment 00:34:11 - Different Types of Meditation 00:38:44 - The Illusion of Reaching Back for States 00:42:50 - Crossing the Gate of Self 00:45:49 - Working with Beliefs and Identifications 00:49:45 - Experiencing the Illusion of Self 00:55:16 - The Simplicity of Awakening and Language Barriers 00:59:38 - The Complete Package of Embodied Realization 01:03:10 - Sensations in the Body 01:07:33 - The Purpose of the Useful Talk Group 01:11:39 - The Existence of the World and the Tree 01:13:57 - The Nature of Consciousness 01:17:54 - Misinterpretation of Tony Parsons' Words 01:21:16 - The belief in a separate Self 01:24:07 - Trust in the Flow of Life 01:28:12 - Liberated from Illusion of the Separate Entity 01:31:45 - Discussion about Bentinho's Approach to Self-Realization 01:35:24 - The Evolution of Teaching Techniques 01:39:19 - Opening of the Heart 01:42:16 - Words as Little Signposts 01:46:00 - Using Different Approaches in Guidance 01:49:38 - The Meaning of Maya and a New Application 01:52:24 - Effortless Contribution and Gratitude from the Community 01:56:20 - Where to find these interviews

Howard Falco is an international author, speaker and spiritual teacher specializing in self-awareness and the power of the mind as it relates to the creation of the experience of life. His book on human understanding and potential is titled, I AM: The Power of Discovering Who You Really Are (Penguin Group). On the surface, Howard seems to be the everyday regular guy. However, in the middle of ordinary life, this married father of two went through a spontaneous and extraordinary expansion of mind. The dramatic depth and breadth of this shift in consciousness unveiled the answers to many of the largest and deepest questions that humanity seeks answers for on a regular basis, such as “Who am I?” “Why am I here?” and “Why do I suffer?” Through his experience, he came to a full understanding of the conditions that led to every moment of his life. As a result, the core essence underlying all of human creation, action, reaction, joys, and suffering was revealed to him. Stunned and inspired by this powerful knowledge, Howard set out to honor what happened by sharing what he learned. I AM is the incredible result of this effort. Known for his powerfully clear and relatable style, Howard presents the wisdom regarding how to understand and integrate more with the creative power of the mind to accomplish what is desired or to overcome any challenge you face in life, allowing you to achieve a greater sense of peace, understanding, and fulfillment in the process. More about his book and work can be found at HowardFalco.com. He is also on Facebook and Twitter (@Howard Falco). Summary and transcript of this interview Interview conducted 8/11/2012 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction and Background 00:05:02 - The Journey to Happiness 00:09:07 - Finding the Answer in the Seminar 00:13:12 - A Funny Story about Intention 00:16:23 - Pearls of Insight and Infinite Possibility 00:19:48 - The Shift in Understanding 00:22:25 - A Thirty-Five Year Journey 00:24:50 - The intention of rocks and matter 00:26:54 - The Power of Personal Creation 00:29:26 - The Beauty of Divine Universe 00:31:37 - The Malleability of Consciousness 00:34:01 - The possibility of an abrupt turnaround 00:36:13 - Finding Wisdom within Yourself 00:38:46 - The Sacredness of Attention 00:40:56 - Accepting Where You Are 00:43:33 - The Formation of Beliefs and the Role of the Ego 00:45:49 - Accepting Limitations for Personal Growth 00:48:48 - Embracing Uncomfortable Change 00:51:58 - Becoming a Witness to Your Ego 00:55:13 - Being Multi-dimensional and the Thrill of Life 00:58:50 - The Paradox of Giving and Receiving 01:01:33 - The Role of Emotions in Achieving Balance 01:04:09 - Intention and the Resting State of Consciousness 01:07:05 - The Nature of Creativity 01:10:04 - Battling Resistance and Fear of Change 01:13:21 - The Power of Awareness and Faith 01:16:10 - The Power of Acceptance and Understanding 01:19:52 - The Story of the Drowning Man and Divine Intervention 01:23:02 - Bridging Spirituality and Science 01:26:16 - Lessons in Everything 01:29:32 - Farewell Scottsdale

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. He has worked in the field of Spiritual Care in Parish Communities and with the sick and dying in Hospice and Hospital settings. He has led retreats, offered spiritual talks and has accompanied many on their spiritual journey. He graduated from the Pontifical College Josephinum with a BA in Philosophy and completed a two-year chaplaincy residency with Ohio Health Hospital system. Francis' book: "I Am That I Am: Discovering the Love, Peace, Joy, and Stability of the True Self". Francis Bennett and John Mark Stroud Adyashanti and Francis Bennett on “Resurrecting Jesus” Francis Bennett, in Panel Discussion on Refined Perception Francis Bennett, with Jac O’Keeffe and Igor Kufayev Francis Bennett in Panel at Sofia U. Part 1 | Part 2 Adyashanti and Francis Bennett on "The Embrace of Jesus and Buddha" Francis Bennett in panel discussion:: “Emptiness is also Form” Summary and Transcript of this interview. Interview conducted 8/4/2012 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Buddha At The Gas Pump 00:04:45 - The Origins of Centering Prayer 00:09:31 - The Tussle Between Experiential and Belief-Oriented Approaches in Spirituality 00:14:00 - The Awakening and the Joy of Being Present 00:18:33 - The Practice of Mindfulness and Vippasana Meditation 00:23:30 - A Shift in Awareness 00:28:59 - Recognition of Consciousness in Others 00:33:44 - A Big Shift Happened 00:39:03 - The Possibility of Integration with Practical Life 00:44:16 - The Integration of Relative and Absolute 00:49:28 - Changes in Sleep and Dream Experience 00:54:14 - The Acid Test of Self-Realization 00:58:42 - The Essence of God and Translations  01:03:28 - The search for happiness and the nature of true happiness 01:08:37 - The Illusion of the Mind 01:12:29 - The Illusory Nature of the Mind and Ego 01:16:43 - The Search for Happiness 01:21:07 - The Temporary Role of Self 01:25:41 - Language as a Tool for Communication 01:30:40 - "Form is Emptiness, Emptiness is Form" 01:35:24 - Resting in Spacious Awareness with Gentle Effort 01:39:24 - Finding Awareness within Turmoil 01:43:42 - The Importance of Direct Realization  01:48:11 - The Importance of Hidden Impact 01:52:25 - Abiding in Devotion and Bhakti 01:56:19 - Presence in Deathbeds and Ministry Transformation 02:00:04 - Questioning the historicity of Jesus and religious teachings 02:03:58 - Uncertainty about Future Direction 02:08:04 - Independent Spirit and Evolving Spirituality 02:12:10 - The Value of Interviews with Regular People 02:15:53 - Sign up for our Newsletter Save Save Save

In this interview, Troy of Is (student) and the Signposter (Teacher) engage in an intense dialogical-inquiry with Rick Archer that reveals some essential understandings which construct a foundation for awakening from the hypnotic trance, programmed into the human organism by the cultural-social enterprise. Such an inquiry is related to radical-deconstruction whereby Truth and Reality are revealed when all obstructions and encumbrances (sensory-perceptual, conceptual-linguistic constructions) are extinguished or completely seen-through by means of a total expenditure of energy in sincere dialogue. Any cultural-social enterprise consists of a population of people who have taken on many of the overlapping conceptual-linguistic models or maps of 'reality' of which any cultural-social enterprise consists. The Signposter refers to such people as cultural-social agents since they have identified themselves with the assumptions, belief systems, value systems, conclusions, etc., from which a cultural-social enterprise has been constructed and organized as an interrelated system of concepts which make up the content of consciousness. Some examples of a cultural-social enterprise are the various countries, nations, states, cities, particular organizations (corporations, institutions, etc.), tribal communities, and so on which presently exist in the world. When 'the Only' is referred to in this interview, such a term represents God, the Tao, Brahman, Buddha-Nature, or any other name that traditionally has been used to represent the One and Only, undivided, unbounded, unfathomable, and unlimited Great Mystery which is the only Reality there is. If anyone has any questions for Troy of Is or the Signposter and would like to engage in this never-ending process of inquiry and awakening they have various options: They can e-mail questions to troyofis@gmail.com. Visit Troy of-Is' Facebook page. Add Troy of Is to Skype (username: troy.ofis) and engage in free Skype video/audio calls. Comment on You-tube video's containing other interviews with the Signposter and Troy of Is at:  https://www.youtube.com/user/TroyofIs. The Signposter's book: The Delusion of Being Human Interview recorded 7/28/2012 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Buddha at the Gas Pump 00:04:14 - The Spectrum of Gurus 00:07:28 - Experiencing Understanding from the Root 00:10:18 - The Ripening of the Experience 00:12:23 - The Nuanced Approach to Teachers and Charging Fees 00:15:03 - The Extremes of Adi Da's Influence 00:17:34 - The Value of Adi Da's Teachings 00:20:32 - The Limitations of Spiritual Slogans and Conditioning 00:22:46 - The Controversy surrounding Eckhart Tolle's "New Heaven, New Earth" 00:24:37 - The Application of the Pain Body Idea to Children 00:27:02 - The Effectiveness of Teaching Through Example 00:29:34 - Assessing the Compassion of Spiritual Teachers 00:33:03 - The Manifestation of the Tao 00:36:26 - The Path of Suffering and Seeking 00:39:16 - Exploration of Different Spiritual Practices 00:42:18 - Different Spiritual Practices 00:45:34 - The Purpose of Life: Changing the Way You See the World 00:48:17 - Observing and Testing 00:52:22 - The Danger of Projecting Ultimate Enlightenment 00:56:10 - All knowledge and thought is off 01:01:21 - Transcending Consciousness and the Dream World 01:04:20 - Meeting Mr. - A Life-Changing Encounter 01:07:22 - Suffering and Finding the Soulmate 01:11:08 - The Evolution of the Universe to Life 01:15:26 - Creating a Soulmate 01:21:08 - God and Omnipresence 01:25:06 - Insights on Belief Systems and Surrender 01:29:29 - The Binding Influence of Conditioning and The Map is Not the Territory 01:34:56 - Mapping the Reality 01:40:47 - The Illusion of Being Human 01:45:36 - Respecting our Elders and First Nations

Dr. Laurie Moore, licensed therapist (LMFT), certified hypnotherapist (CHT) spends hours in uproarious laughter with friends, human and animal. For two decades she has assisted people and animals to transform their lives, awaken to universal love, and communicate in evolved and fulfilling ways. She has taught in Europe, around the USA, and all over Hawaii Islands reaching people of many backgrounds. Her reputation as an internationally respected therapist, animal communicator, and spiritual teacher began with the many awakening experiences she was ushered through by Divine Ma, inside her own heart, and Jessie Justin Joy, her feline Guru. Supported and inspired by many, she is especially close to Gangaji and Sh. Ahmed. She credits Braco and Dr. Karl Maret for her new found stamina which shapes her latest work, after some years of severe physical challenge. Dr. Laurie Moore's website. Summary and transcript of this interview Interview recorded 7/21/2012 Other BatGap events involving Laurie: Laurie Moore 2 Laurie Moore in Panel at Sofia U. Part 1 | Part 2 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Animal Communication 00:04:05 - Animals and Awakening 00:06:46 - Animals as Partners in Community 00:10:35 - The Language of Animals and the Reality of Perception 00:14:20 - The Invitation to Be Here Now 00:17:56 - Awakening to a Deeper Love 00:21:13 - The correlation of the body with everything else 00:25:06 - The Construct of Identity 00:30:35 - Introducing Lila and the Importance of Sitting with Numbness 00:35:40 - Going into the Heart and Finding Love 00:40:22 - Finding Balance in Surrender and Action 00:45:02 - The Value of Solitude and Stillness 00:49:13 - Love for the Universe and Cat Reincarnation 00:53:16 - The Oneness Experience through Animals 00:57:43 - Connecting with Animal Teachers, Unconditional Love, and Suffering 01:00:53 - Embracing the Dark and Light 01:04:42 - The Experience of No Personal Identity 01:09:34 - Functioning as a Biological Entity 01:14:14 - Communication and Cooperation with Animals 01:17:51 - Communicating with Animals 01:20:56 - The Hierarchy in Creation and the Potential of Animals in Permaculture 01:24:32 - Animals as Teachers 01:29:04 - The Evolution of Souls 01:33:17 - Awakening and Enlightenment 01:36:57 - Animals and Awakening 01:40:34 - The Wisdom of Animals 01:43:46 - Enlightenment in Animals and Babies 01:47:10 - The Profound Intelligence in Nature 01:50:41 - Expressing Consciousness through Sophistication 01:55:12 - Inviting people to give themselves fully

On the heels of an awakening experience in 2006 not unlike that of the many avant-garde sages Trip Overholt would later interview, intense interest in the nature of this present reality persisted without let up.  This led to an opportunity to co-host a  radio show, Conversations With Avant-Garde Sages, show casing the wisdom and experiences of unknown sages in our midst. After three years and about 80 interviews, favorite conversations were edited and compiled (by co-host John Troy) into a free Ebook available at  TheWizardllc.com. A "happiness pragmatist" Overholt's paradigm shift from the material to the non-physical "spiritual" essence of reality has borne three delicious fruits he'd like to share.  First, there is a comfortability in his own skin, not there prior that has led to more rewarding relationships across the board.  Secondly, radiant causeless joy is available when attention is merely turned inward.  And finally, there is a capacity for seeing the divinity of all others and of the world that allows for more complete engagement of whatever shows up in the present moment.  Heaven on earth is possible here and now and it is Trip's calling to be a rock of conviction of that possibility for others who find themselves on the pathless path back to themselves. Facebook Page Transcript of this interview Interview recorded 7/7/2012 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Buddha at the Gas Pump 00:04:35 - Profound Awareness and Self-Realization 00:09:10 - The True Role of a Guru 00:13:48 - Ramana Maharshi and the Teacher-Student Dynamic 00:18:27 - The Development of Presence and Higher Beings 00:23:28 - The Experience of Joy and Block Clearing 00:28:03 - Holding Spiritual Teachers to a Higher Standard 00:32:33 - The Two Categories of Teaching 00:36:25 - The Transformation of Little Realizations 00:40:52 - Discussing Interviews and Future Plans 00:43:44 - Engaging Conversations with Various Guests 00:46:45 - Interviewing Ordinary Spiritually Awakened People 00:49:55 - The Power of Active Listening and Presence 00:53:53 - The Sweetness of Mature Teachers 00:57:25 - The Glorious Reality and Acknowledging Oneness 01:01:00 - Two Streams of Thought on Perception 01:04:48 - The Influence of Humanity 01:08:35 - Expressing Non-Dual Reality in a Joyful Way 01:12:13 - Coming from a place of non-reactivity and understanding 01:16:05 - Living in the Present Moment 01:20:09 - The Hallmark of a Great Teacher 01:24:01 - Happiness and Pragmatism 01:28:00 - Degrees of Mastery and Realization 01:31:44 - The Illusion of Differentiation and the Strength of Conviction 01:35:15 - The Controversy of Awakening Teachers 01:38:44 - The Maturity of Spirituality 01:43:06 - Radical acceptance leads to self-realization 01:46:35 - The Evolution of Essence 01:50:24 - Recognition of Divinity in Everyone 01:54:03 - The Deeper Level of Consideration 01:57:08 - Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Bill's side of the video is "frozen" during the first 5 minutes of this interview but is normal after that. Bill Bauman is one of the simplest people you’ll ever meet—he just “is.” Yet, his core essence calls him daily into selfless, expansive service to a human family he loves deeply. He feels called to be the voice of the purest truth possible—a truth without beliefs, complexities or codes of conduct … that speaks purely to each person’s soul … that carries genuine unconditional love and respect. In this sacred space of being and allowing, Bill believes that each person is free to discover his or her own truth, love and empowerment—from within. Bill is a unique blend of many perspectives. Through his life, he has lived sequentially and powerfully in the diverse worlds of philosophy, religion, psychology, business, politics and spirituality. Spiritually, he’s been a gifted healer, blessed visionary and inspirational leader. In the process, these many worlds and worldviews have found a unified home in Bill’s consciousness. He is one with them all—and one with all people and approaches. Peacefully and quietly, he embraces everything, and enjoys a daily unity with life itself. Interview recorded 6/23/2012 Summary and Transcript of this interview YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Bill Bauman 00:03:00 - The Life Story and Awakening Journey 00:05:37 - Love as a Core Center of Being 00:08:32 - The Shifting of Identity 00:11:31 - The Death of the Ego and the Loss of Self-Concept 00:14:50 - Surrendering to the Bigger Spiritual Space 00:17:53 - The Journey of Growth and Belonging 00:20:58 - A Remarkable Experience 00:24:20 - Becoming One with Life's Movements 00:27:40 - Surrendering and Letting Go 00:30:04 - The Transformative Power of Grace 00:33:09 - The Magic of Oneness 00:36:38 - A Global Initiation into a New Humanity 00:39:53 - Dissolving the Shell 00:43:07 - The Power of Non-Vulnerability 00:46:18 - Embracing and Loving Pain 00:49:35 - Unlearning and the Discovery of Feeling 00:53:17 - Unity of Mind and Heart 00:56:35 - The Power of Saying Yes 00:59:55 - Awakening and Enlightenment 01:03:28 - A New Relationship to Life 01:06:25 - Building a Consciousness of Oneness for World Peace 01:09:08 - Heart Connections in Conflict 01:11:44 - Oneness and Wisdom at the Soul Level 01:15:09 - Finding the Divine within the Problem 01:17:57 - Bringing Transcendence into Humanness 01:21:10 - Finding Divinity and Infinity in Every Human Being 01:24:24 - The Inevitability of Pure Awareness 01:27:16 - Moving from Quantity to Quality 01:30:26 - Being in Awe of Creation 01:33:21 - A Message of Gratitude

Deepakbhai Desai is the current representative of Akram Vignan, a direct path to Self-realization. Born in Gujarat, India, Deepakbhai met Dada Bhagwan (the originator of Akram Vignan) at the age of 17, and attained Self-realization from him in the Gnan Vidhi ceremony. He credits these two events as the great turning points of his life. Previously burdened by a shy and introverted nature, Deepakbhai became able to successfully complete his engineering studies and, over the coming decades, to build three successful engineering businesses. Simultaneously, Deepakbhai was nurtured in further spiritual development by Dada Bhagwan, and Niruma Amin (Dada’s closest disciple). With all available free time, Deepakbhai attended satsangs (spiritual discourse), performed seva (selfless service), and engaged in continuous Self-introspection – devotedly seeking to understand the full dimension of Dada’s spiritual science. In 1987, before Dada Bhagwan’s passing, Niruma and Deepakbhai were given the spiritual abilities to conduct satsangs and Gnan Vidhi ceremonies on Dada’s behalf. Together, they carried on Dada’s mission with tremendous harmony and spirit of oneness until Niruma’s sudden passing in 2006. Since then, Deepakbhai has officiated over a burgeoning spiritual community (Simandhar City, Gujarat, India), celibate male and female groups, teen and children’s programs, and ongoing world-wide satsang and Gnan Vidhi programs for seekers of Self-realization. For further information, and for Deepakbhai’s tour schedule, please visit: http://www.dadabhagwan.org/ All satsang and Gnan Vidhi programs are offered entirely free of cost. Summary and Transcript of this interview. Interview recorded 6/16/2012 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Buddha at the Gas Pump 00:03:15 - Self-realization and the Knowledge of the Eternal Soul 00:05:36 - The Gnan Vidhi Ceremony and the Awareness of Pure Soul 00:08:13 - Understanding the Temporary and Permanent 00:11:45 - Understanding the Concept of "I" and "My" 00:13:22 - Separating the Self from the Ego 00:15:44 - The Simultaneity of Business and Spiritual Progress 00:18:59 - Finding and Removing Our Faults 00:21:54 - Progression from Gross to Subtle to Subtlest 00:24:22 - Separation from Ego and Enduring Pain 00:26:31 - Increasing the Experience of Pure Soul 00:28:32 - The Awareness of the Pure Soul 00:30:48 - Dedication to World Salvation 00:34:26 - Stopping Charging of New Karma 00:36:54 - The Unity of the Permanent and Impermanent 00:39:58 - The Six Eternal Elements and the Illusory Nature of the World 00:42:38 - The Permanency of Matter and Soul 00:45:12 - The Six Eternal Elements in the Universe 00:47:24 - The Separation of Forces 00:49:39 - The Biggest Experience: Separation from Mind, Speech, Body, Ego 00:52:37 - Dissolving Anger, Pride, and Greed 00:55:10 - Doubt and Self-Realization 00:57:51 - The Flawless Vision of Self-Realization 00:59:45 - The Illusion of Being the Doer 01:02:00 - Karma and the Soul 01:03:49 - The Importance of a Spiritual Teacher 01:05:59 - The Attitude of a Beginner 01:08:18 - The Goal of the Spiritual Path 01:12:02 - The Search for Permanent Happiness 01:14:43 - Layers of Attachment and Discharge Karma 01:17:28 - Dissolving Ego and Experiencing the Pure Soul Save

After a lifetime of spiritual seeking, Nirmala met his teacher, Neelam, a devotee of H.W.L. Poonja (Papaji). She convinced him that seeking wasn't necessary; and after experiencing a profound spiritual awakening in India, he began offering satsang and Nondual Spiritual Mentoring with Neelam's blessing. This tradition of spiritual wisdom has been most profoundly disseminated by Ramana Maharshi, a revered Indian saint, who was Papaji's teacher. Nirmala's perspective was also profoundly expanded by his friend and teacher Adyashanti. Nirmala offers satsang in gratitude for the love and grace that flow through his teachers, Neelam and Adyashanti, and for the Truth brought to this world by Ramana Maharshi and H.W.L. Poonja. Advaita satsang is offered as a celebration of the possibility, in every moment, of recognizing the truth of who we are. Nirmala offers a unique vision and a gentle, compassionate approach, which adds to this rich tradition of inquiry into the truth of Being. Nirmala lives in Sedona, Arizona with his wife, Gina, and their two dogs, Rafi and Rumi. Contact Nirmala by using the contact form here. Read an interview with Nirmala here. More information about Gina and her books, including Radical Happiness: A Guide to Awakening, is available on radicalhappiness.com. More of Nirmala's books: Everything Is Included: Essays About Truth, Love, and Awareness That Is That: Essays About True Nature Gifts With No Giver: A Love Affair With Truth Living From The Heart Meeting the Mystery: Exploring the Aware Presence at the Heart of All Life Referred to during the interview: Video of Andromeda Galaxy colliding with ours in 8.5 billion years. Bill Moyers and social psychologist Jonathan Haidt talk about the psychological underpinnings of our contentious culture, why we can’t trust our own opinions, and the demonizing of our adversaries. Summary and transcript of this interview Interview recorded 6/2/2012 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Nirmala and his teachings 00:04:09 - The Measurement of Truth 00:07:47 - Focusing on Desires and Sense of Self 00:11:01 - The Geographic Cure and Conditioning 00:14:20 - Focusing and Expanding 00:17:49 - The Illusion of Reality 00:21:15 - The Fundamental Quality of Space 00:24:52 - The Space Within and Without 00:27:53 - Contemplating the Existence of Intelligence in Everything 00:31:46 - The Illusion of Thoughts and Political Perspectives 00:35:33 - The Role of Spirituality in Politics and Morality 00:40:02 - Functioning in Vastness and Discriminating Truth 00:44:11 - The Ordinary Experience of Being the Boss 00:48:07 - Discrimination and Heart Wisdom 00:52:12 - The Concept of Better and Worse in Experience 00:56:38 - The Illusion of "Better" Sound 01:00:27 - The Small Truth of Money and Happiness 01:04:31 - The Journey of Self-Discovery 01:08:58 - An Unexpected Journey towards Awakening 01:13:19 - Letting go of the desire to awaken 01:17:52 - Following the Heart 01:21:36 - Oneness with the Ganges River 01:26:14 - The Invitation to Give Satsang 01:29:54 - Trust in Physical Reality 01:33:37 - The Sacredness of Reality 01:37:23 - Finding Balance with Sweets 01:41:23 - The Experience of Consciousness and Meditation 01:45:26 - The Definition of Jnanis and Yogis 01:49:36 - The Infinite Possibilities of Consciousness 01:54:00 - Levels of Consciousness beyond a Thousand 01:57:19 - Wrapping Up and Thank You

Scott Kiloby is an author and international speaker on mindfulness and addiction recovery. Scott is also the founder and director of the Kiloby Center for Recovery. After twenty years of addiction to drugs and alcohol, Scott began to develop Natural Rest for Addiction which has helped people all over the world confront the root of their addiction, anxiety, and depression. Scott was the COO of MyLife Recovery which held the patent on the naltrexone implant. Scott also developed an app that acts as an interface between pain management doctors and their patients to decrease the likelihood of addiction. The app also protects doctors legally from claims of negligence arising out of opiate overdoses. Along with his work at the Kiloby Center, Scott is also the director and co-owner of the Natural Rest House, a detox and residential addiction treatment center located in La Quinta, California. In addition to Natural Rest for Addiction: A Radical Approach to Recovery Through Mindfulness and Awareness, Scott is the author of the following books which can be found on Amazon: Living Realization: A Simple, Plain-English Guide to Non-Duality The Unfindable Inquiry: One Simple Tool to Overcome Feelings of Unworthiness and Find Inner Peace Reflections of the One Life: Daily Pointers to Enlightenment Doorway to Total Liberation: Conversations with What Is Love's Quiet Revolution: The End Of The Spiritual Search Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group. Interview recorded 5/26/2012. 1st interview with Scott 3rd interview with Scott YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Buddha at the Gas Pump 00:04:09 - The Significance of Non-Dual Realization 00:07:04 - Seeking Validation in Relationships 00:09:26 - Inquiry into Self-Worth and Inadequacy 00:11:54 - The Velcro Effect: Letting Go of Negative Thoughts 00:13:45 - Overcoming the "I'm unlovable" story in relationships 00:15:53 - The Transformative Power of Relationship 00:18:04 - The Rewiring of Physiology for Realization 00:20:32 - The Dangers of Non-Seeking 00:23:17 - The Present Exploration 00:26:31 - The Unfindable Self 00:29:24 - The Unfindability of Personal Perspectives 00:32:26 - The Unfindable Self 00:34:40 - The Deficient Self 00:37:13 - The Inquiry and Self-Perception 00:39:44 - The Pursuit of Perfection 00:42:25 - The Suffering of Ambition 00:44:25 - Harnessing Authentic Ambitions 00:46:38 - Energetically Different Approach to Music Creation 00:49:03 - Performing One's Own Dharma 00:51:29 - The Mirror of Bullying 00:54:06 - Overcompensating and Awakening 00:56:46 - Awakening and Ego Aggrandizement 00:58:51 - The Recognition of Something Unchanging 01:01:11 - Being True to Yourself in Non-Dual Awakening 01:03:35 - Peacemaking and the Avoidance of Conflict 01:05:45 - The Readiness to Look 01:08:00 - The Connection Between Self and the World 01:10:25 - Finding Facilitators on livingrealization.org 01:12:13 - Wrapping Up and Next Week's Interview with Nirmala 01:13:53 - The Conversation Continues