Buddha at the Gas Pump

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: [email protected] 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

Fr. Thomas Keating was a founding member and the spiritual guide of Contemplative Outreach, LTD. He served on Contemplative Outreach's Board of Trustees since the organization's beginning. Fr. Keating was one of the principal architects and teachers of the Christian contemplative prayer movement. Fr. Keating's interest in contemplative prayer began during his freshman year at Yale University in 1940 when he became aware of the Church's history and of the writings of Christian mystics. Prompted by these studies and time spent in prayer and meditation, he experienced a profound realization that, on a spiritual level, the Scriptures call people to a personal relationship with God. Fr. Keating took this call to heart. He transferred to Fordham University in New York and, while waiting to be drafted for service in World War II, he received a deferment to enter seminary. Shortly after graduating from an accelerated program at Fordham, Fr. Keating entered an austere monastic community of the Trappist Order in Valley Falls, Rhode Island in January of 1944, at the age of 20. He was ordained a priest in June of 1949. In March of 1950 the monastery in Valley Falls burned down and, as a result, the community moved to Spencer, Massachusetts. Shortly after the move, Fr. Keating became ill with a lung condition and was put into isolation in the city hospital of Worcester, Massachusetts for nine weeks. After returning to the monastery, he stayed in the infirmary for two years. Fr. Keating was sent to Snowmass, Colorado in April of 1958 to help start a new monastic community called St. Benedict's. He remained in Snowmass until 1961, when he was elected abbot of St. Joseph's in Spencer, prompting his move back to Massachusetts. He served as abbot of St. Joseph's for twenty years until he retired in 1981 and returned to Snowmass, where he resided until his death on October 25, 2018. During Fr. Keating's term as abbot at St. Joseph's and in response to the reforms of Vatican II, he invited teachers from the East to the monastery. As a result of this exposure to Eastern spiritual traditions, Fr. Keating and several of the monks at St. Joseph's were led to develop the modern form of Christian contemplative prayer called Centering Prayer. Fr. Keating was a central figure in the initiation of the Centering Prayer movement. He offered Centering Prayer workshops and retreats to clergy and laypeople and authored articles and books on the method and fruits of Centering Prayer. In 1983, he presented a two-week intensive Centering Prayer retreat at the Lama Foundation in San Cristabol, New Mexico, which proved to be a watershed event. Many of the people prominent in the Centering Prayer movement today attended this retreat. Contemplative Outreach was created in 1984 to support the growing spiritual network of Centering Prayer practitioners. Fr. Keating became the community's president in 1985, a position he held until 1999. Fr. Keating was an internationally renowned theologian and an accomplished author. He traveled the world to speak with laypeople and communities about contemplative Christian practices and the psychology of the spiritual journey, which is the subject of his Spiritual Journey video and DVD series. Since the reforms of Vatican II, Fr. Keating was a core participant in and supporter of interreligious dialogue. He helped found the Snowmass Interreligious Conference, which had its first meeting in the fall of 1983 and continues to meet each spring. Fr. Keating also was a president of the Temple of Understanding and of the Monastic Interreligious Dialogue. Perhaps the biggest testament to Fr. Keating's dedication to reviving Christian contemplative practices was his choice to live a busy, public life instead of the quiet, monastic life for which he entered the monastery. Fr. Keating's life was lived in the service of sharing with others the gifts God gave him. A transcript of this interview forms the first chapter of Fr. Keating's latest book: Reflections on the Unknowable Publications: Open Mind, Open Heart: The Contemplative Dimension of the Gospel Manifesting God Intimacy with God: An Introduction to Centering Prayer Invitation to Love: The Way of Christian Contemplation The Human Condition: Contemplation and Transformation (Wit Lectures-Harvard Divinity School) The Mystery of Christ: The Liturgy as Spiritual Experience Awakenings Reawakenings The Kingdom of God Is Like . . . Crisis of Faith, Crisis of Love (Vol 1) Fruits and Gifts of the Spirit The Better Part: Stages of Contemplative Living St. Therese of Lisieux: A Transformation in Christ Transformation of Suffering (P) The Heart of the World: An Introduction to Contemplative Christianity And the Word Was Made Flesh Finding Grace at the Center Spirituality, Contemplation, and Transformation: Writings on Centering Prayer Daily Reader for Contemplative Living: Excerpts from the Works of Father Thomas Keating, O.C.S.O., Sacred Scripture, and Other Spiritual Writings Jo

Dr. Kurt Johnson has worked in science and spirituality for over 40 years. This dual career in science and spirituality is detailed at WIKIPEDIA. In spirituality, Kurt is co-author of the recently published book The Coming Interspiritual Age, with David Robert Ord, the Editorial Director of Namaste Publishing (publishers of such spiritual teachers as Eckhart Tolle and Michael Brown). As a New Release, the book has been in Amazon’s Top Ten in Spirituality. Kurt was originally a Christian monk and founded, with Br. Wayne Teasdale and others, the InterSpiritual Dialogue Association for discussion of contemplative experience across traditions. Ordained in three spiritual traditions, he works also with The Contemplative Alliance and Integral Communities. In science, Kurt is the co-author of the best-selling Nabokov's Blues: The Scientific Odyssey of a Literary Genius, with Steve Coates of The New York Times, which was a Top Ten Book in science in 2000. Kurt’s PhD is in evolution, ecology, systematics and comparative biology. Associated with the American Museum of Natural History (30 yrs.). He published 200+ articles on evolution and ecology, including the 2011 Harvard DNA sequence study vindicating Vladimir Nabokov’s views of evolution. He is currently completing another book on Nabokov’s science and art for Yale University Press. However, Kurt’s primary interest is the simplicity of nondual spiritual practice. Kurt now hosts The CONVERGENCE SERIES on VoiceAmerica, a series joining the millennial message of the Wisdom Traditions and the many passion areas of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, spirituality and science. Ken Wilber frames the Series and guests well known to BATGAP include Deepak Chopra, Rob Bell, Brian McLaren, Karenna Gore, Michael Dowd, Duane Elgin, Gregg Braden, Fr. Thomas Keating, Steve Farrell, Karuna, Patricia Albere, David Nicol, Loch Kelly and Grammy Nominees Pato Banton and Ras I Ray. The website provides information on every episode including additional materials from the co-hosts and guests. New book: Interspirituality: The Heritage Other organizations with which Kurt is involved: UNITY EARTH The Interspiritual Network Light on Light Magazine Interspiritual Dialogue 'n Action The Coming Interspiritual Age From Self-Care to Earth-Care Convergence Magazine Summary and transcript of this interview Interview recorded 1/12/2013 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to "The Coming Interspiritual Age" 00:05:03 - The Shift towards Non-Duality and Holism 00:09:00 - The Evolution of Human Capacities 00:13:09 - The Shaking Out Period 00:17:01 - Experimenting with Structural Change and New Ways of Doing Things 00:21:14 - The Unfolding of Patterns and Idealism 00:26:08 - Embedding Awakeness in Everything 00:30:34 - Overlapping Movements: Activism and Spirituality 00:34:14 - Creating a Welcoming Space for Conversation 00:37:29 - Divine Guidance and Conscious Choices 00:41:37 - Taking Radical Risks for Change 00:44:38 - The Embodiment Movement and the Non-dual World 00:47:43 - The Simultaneous Embodied and Transcendent Experience 00:51:14 - The Significance of Different Perspectives 00:54:47 - The Urgency to Avoid Extinction 00:58:18 - The Inter-Spiritual Movement and Universal Spirituality 01:01:47 - Inter-spirituality and the Universal Understanding 01:05:44 - Connecting the Dots and Implications of the Heart Sutra 01:08:50 - The Oneness of the Spiritual World 01:12:44 - Exploring the Subtler Realms of Reality 01:16:21 - Non-Dual Fundamentalists and the Mellowing Process 01:20:25 - A Cataclysmic Shift in Perception 01:23:26 - Connections and Dream Interpretations 01:27:02 - The Feeling of Completion and Moving On 01:29:53 - Stability in Monastic Life 01:32:55 - Curiosity without Investment 01:36:10 - The Universality of the Human Experience 01:39:50 - Welcoming the Holistic Gestalt 01:43:49 - Shifting from Religion to Spirituality 01:48:22 - Visitations from Perfected Beings and the Spiritual Side 01:52:06 - Closing Remarks and Future Updates

In this second interview, we discuss yoga and psychology, among other topics. Mariana Caplan, PhD, MFT, RYT 500, is a psychotherapist, yoga teacher, and the author of six books in the fields of psychology and spirituality, including Yoga & Psyche, the award-winning Eyes Wide Open: Cultivating Discernment on the Spiritual Path, the seminal Halfway Up the Mountain: the Error of Premature Claims to Enlightenment, and The Guru Question: The Perils and Rewards of Choosing a Spiritual Teacher. She is the founder of The Yoga & Psyche Method™ and The Yoga & Psyche Conference™. She has been teaching workshops and trainings at major retreat centers, yoga studios, and universities throughout the world since 1997, and since 2001 been an adjunct professor and developed large public programs at The California Institute of Integral Studies, and taught at Naropa University, John F. Kennedy University, and Sophia University. Website: marianacaplan.com Other BatGap events involving Mariana 1st Mariana Caplan interview Mariana Caplan in Panel at Sofia U. Part 1 | Part 2 In SAND Panel on Sexual Misconduct, Money, Power, Trauma & Ethics in Spiritual Communities | Also, Meeting of Founders and Members of the Association for Spiritual Integrity Summary and Transcript of this interview Interview recorded 1/6/2013 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Mariana Caplan and her work 00:03:17 - The Paradox of Disillusionment on the Spiritual Path 00:06:16 - Human Development and the Path of Endlessness 00:08:28 - Meeting an Enlightened Man 00:11:18 - Stumbling into Yoga and Meeting a Great Yogi 00:14:22 - Holding Opposites in Spiritual Practice 00:17:04 - Living on a Bench in Tiruvannamalai 00:20:21 - The Aspiration for Love and Truth 00:23:52 - The Intersection of Yoga and Psychology 00:27:29 - The Responsibility and Accountability of Teachers 00:30:48 - The Body as a Bridge between Psychology and Yoga 00:34:29 - Infinite Path of Uniqueness 00:38:12 - God's Internal Crisis and Confusion 00:41:03 - Yoga and Psychology 00:44:37 - The Importance of Health Insurance and Comfortable Living Spaces 00:48:19 - Integrating Eastern Spiritual Practice in Western Culture 00:51:45 - The Benefits of Trauma Research and Psychology 00:55:32 - Awakening Consciousness in the Body 00:59:46 - Processing Emotions in the Body 01:03:56 - Working with Traumatic States in the Body 01:08:57 - Culturing Physiological Transformation 01:12:26 - The Encoding of Wisdom in our Body 01:16:11 - The significance of the body in spiritual practice 01:20:18 - Facing the Gunk Within 01:23:52 - The Importance of Psychological Work 01:27:01 - Seeking Spiritual Guidance 01:31:21 - The Value of Being in the Company of the Wise 01:34:58 - The Tantric Path for Transformational Benefit 01:37:34 - The Yoga and Psyche Integration Project 01:41:12 - Connecting with Marianna Caplan 01:44:22 - Reflections and Farewell Save

At the age of 4 or 5 I was already feeling puzzled and confused by human behavior. At the age of 11, due to the discovery of the identity of my real mother, I lost respect and credibility for human culture and there arose in me an urge to understand the unreasonable behavior of humans. The search for truth started in the streets and I went through multiple phases: drugs, alcohol, religion, shamanism, spiritism, politics, revolution and spirituality. I didn’t find anything there but brief moments of tranquility - nothing permanent and tangible that could be called THE TRUTH - so I decided to find the truth for my self by my self. But I couldn’t, so I surrendered. And there and then I realized there is nothing to understand. In an instant, the clarity of this truth was there in such an obvious way and interpreted intellectually in this way: the one that perceives, the act of perceiving and what is perceived are one and the same. Separation simply does not exist. There is nothing to understand or to attain. There is only the totality. Life is an indivisible unit. Transcript of this interview Interview recorded 12/22/2012 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction and Background of Cesar Teruel 00:03:58 - The Cracking of the Ego Structure 00:07:09 - The Nature of Maturity and Permanent Realization 00:11:17 - The Illusion of Being the Doer 00:15:14 - Tranquility amidst Visa Problems 00:18:45 - Unity and Non-Physical Perception 00:21:50 - Dissolving the Identity 00:25:54 - The Process of Dissolution and Awakening 00:28:38 - A Very Interesting Discussion 00:32:09 - The Importance of Perception in Society 00:37:43 - The Importance of Affection and Connection 00:41:58 - Dissolving the Sense of Separation 00:45:37 - The Consequences of Behavior 00:50:03 - The Meaning of Not Knowing 00:54:07 - The Contracting and Expanding Universe 00:57:39 - Understanding through Undivided Observation 01:02:10 - Stepping out of the Mud Puddle 01:06:13 - The Hidden Truth: The Challenges of Maintaining a Spiritual Persona 01:09:58 - The Fascinating Process of Self-Awareness 01:13:29 - Being a Target of Judgment and Criticism 01:17:27 - The Paradox of Knowing and Not Knowing 01:21:04 - The Indivisible Unit of Electricity 01:24:33 - The Freedom from Identification 01:27:32 - Debunking Myth of Mayan Human Sacrifices 01:30:43 - The Energy Movement within Us 01:34:00 - Finding Freedom from Repression and Control 01:37:07 - The Terrifying Authority 01:40:42 - The Internet as a Source of Information and Rubbish 01:44:38 - The process of refinement and clarity 01:47:41 - Concluding Remarks 01:51:20 - Introduction and Background Music

Mandi Solk lives in the town of Huddersfield in Yorkshire, England, UK. Mandi teaches Self-Enquiry based on the teachings of Ramana Maharshi and following in the footsteps of Papaji and Mooji and is dedicated to guiding all who are drawn to Truth to the recognition of who they truly are - FREE right now! She has written a book: ‘The Joy of No Self’, endorsed by Scott Kiloby and Jeff Foster, and she will soon be working on another, which will focus on Self-Enquiry. On her website, you can book individual Skype sessions with her or arrange for her to lead Satsangs in your area. She has written two books: 'The Joy of No Self', endorsed by Scott Kiloby and Jeff Foster Is-Ness Is Your Only Biz-Ness: Highly Potent Power-Poems with the Power to Transform, Inspire, Heal, and Awaken to Liberation Website Interview recorded 12/15/2012 First interview with Mandi. Transcript of this interview YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - A Change of Perspective and the Power of Self-Inquiry 00:03:14 - Liberation Through Self-Inquiry 00:07:11 - The Missing Joy in Non-duality 00:11:10 - Seeing Through the Traps of the Ego 00:14:49 - The Variety of Spiritual Paths 00:17:42 - The Universality of the Spiritual Path 00:21:13 - The Importance of Self-Realization 00:25:27 - Coming back to Silence 00:29:25 - The Illusion of the Self 00:33:04 - Letting go of Unhelpful Thoughts 00:36:30 - The Disconnect Between Meditation and Daily Life 00:40:27 - The Addictive Stillness 00:44:09 - The Fear of Losing Your Mind 00:48:02 - Gradual Dissipation of Fear and the Expansion of Presence 00:51:46 - The Power of Non-Reaction 00:55:58 - The Effort in Trying to be a Good Person 00:59:12 - Letting Go of Anger 01:03:08 - Fixation on the Absolute vs. Embracing the Relative 01:06:44 - The Sense of Freedom and Liberation 01:10:12 - The Paradox of Levels of Existence 01:13:19 - The Illusion of a Personal Self 01:16:35 - The Faint Remains of Ignorance 01:20:20 - Living through Individual Karma 01:23:45 - The Pleasure of Self-Inquiry 01:27:02 - The Traps of the Mind 01:30:00 - The Mistake of Fitting into Someone Else's Roadmap 01:34:07 - The Endless Possibilities of Life 01:38:04 - Deepening Love and Continued Expansion 01:41:30 - The Value of Fragrance of Peace 01:44:54 - Reflecting on the Journey of Understanding 01:47:23 - Stay Relevant to the Interview

Anita was diagnosed with terminal cancer, and doctors told her family she was just hours away from death. It was at this point that she “crossed over” and then returned again into this world with a clearer understanding of her life and purpose on earth. This understanding subsequently led to a total recovery of her health. Anita was born in Singapore of Indian parents, moved to Hong Kong at the age of two, and has lived in Hong Kong most of her life. Because of her background and British education, she is multilingual and, from the age of two, grew up speaking English, Cantonese and two Indian dialects simultaneously, and later learned French at school. She had been working in the corporate field for many years before being diagnosed with cancer in April of 2002. Her fascinating and moving near-death experience in early 2006 has tremendously changed her perspective on life. Her work is now ingrained with the depths and insights she gained while in the other realm. She works on the premise that our inner world (consciousness) is our primary reality, and if our internal state is healthy and strong, then our external world will align itself and fall into place as a result. Anita Moorjani is the New York Times bestselling author of What If This Is Heaven?: How Our Cultural Myths Prevent Us from Experiencing Heaven on Earth and Dying To Be Me: My Journey from Cancer, to Near Death, to True Healing. A beloved international speaker, she lives in the United States with her husband, Danny, and has dedicated her life to empowering the minds and hearts of people with her story of courage and transformation. Anita was born in Singapore to Indian parents and grew up in Hong Kong speaking English, Cantonese, and an Indian dialect simultaneously. Prior to her near-death experience, she worked in the corporate world. Books: Dying To Be Me: My Journey from Cancer, to Near Death, to True Healing What If This Is Heaven?: How Our Cultural Myths Prevent Us from Experiencing Heaven on Earth Sensitive Is the New Strong: The Power of Empaths in an Increasingly Harsh World Audio CD: Deep Meditation for Healing Anita's website Second BatGap interview with Anita Moorjani Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group. Interview recorded 12/8/2012 Summary and Transcript of this interview. YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Welcome to Buddha's Gas Station 00:02:58 - Completely degenerated, can't even walk 00:06:01 - The expansion of consciousness and the infinity of existence 00:08:22 - Unconditional love and understanding 00:10:46 - Realizing the meaning of life 00:13:27 - Case reports and memories 00:15:39 - Recalling what happened 00:18:13 - Never forget 00:20:32 - A glimpse into the reality of the world 00:23:10 - Cancer Fear and Heredity 00:25:42 - Mental and emotional effects on cancer 00:28:17 - The impact of cancer and emotions 00:30:48 - The fate of cancer 00:33:21 - The experience of contact with death 00:35:47 - The importance of being grounded and not competing. 00:38:40 - How to advise young people on career choices 00:41:07 - A sense of division and unity 00:43:31 - We are all part of the same entity 00:46:13 - Observations about time and space 00:48:54 - You can see everything in this state 00:51:12 - Living in fear 00:53:46 - The fear of leaving your true nature 00:56:46 - The importance of control and certainty 00:59:29 - The importance of embracing universal energy 01:02:13 - Part of duality 01:05:01 - Reach out to people and don’t be afraid of the afterlife 01:07:38 - God and diversity 01:10:03 - Her own strength and the respect of her family 01:12:25 - Connecting with cosmic energy 01:15:04 - Gain insight into your own heart

J. Stewart Dixon is an awakening/enlightenment adviser, author, and blogger. Born in 1969, J. Stewart Dixon spent most of his adult life seeking spiritual awakening/enlightenment in the company of some of the world’s preeminent spiritual luminaries, including Adi Da, Gangaji, Satyam Nadeen, Andrew Cohen, Arjuna Ardagh, Michael Regan, Solane’, Ram Dass, Saniel Bonder, Eli Jaxon-Bear, A. Ramana, Mooji, Francis Lucille, Yogi Bhajan, Robert Monroe, Gurumayi Chidvilasananda, and Ammachi. His own awakening process began in 2004 and concluded in 2010. Websites, Books, Services: 21 Days: A nuts & bolts blue-collar memoir/guide of nondual Advaita spiritual awakening/enlightenment for beginners: An account of extraordinary magic amidst ordinary life | An easy-to-read description of authentic awakening, free of religious, spiritual, philosophical, or psychological jargon: What is it like when you have a family to care for and a business to run, when you're AWAKE? What is it like when you're visiting your parents, your old high school, or your church when you're AWAKE? ...TV? ...Fly-Fishing? ...Movies? The description of awakening in 21 Days is meant to be a precise guide and compass for the awakening seeker. Transcript of this interview Interview recorded 12/1/2012 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to "21 Days, A Guide for Spiritual Beginners" 00:03:40 - A Parable to Break up the Book 00:07:22 - Softening through Spiritual Awakening 00:11:16 - The Dark Night of the Soul 00:15:15 - A Process of Self-Awareness, Self-Acceptance, and Transference 00:19:57 - Awakening and the End of Existential Depression 00:23:36 - Understanding the Concept of No-Self 00:28:55 - Bringing Awakening Down to the Ordinary 00:33:17 - The Need for Reverence and Sacredness 00:37:03 - The Flooded Market of Awakening Teachers 00:40:08 - The Nature of the Awakening 00:43:30 - The Intensity of Awakening and Enlightenment 00:46:52 - Embracing Intensity and Desires 00:50:31 - The Mysterious Process of Transference 00:53:53 - Glamorizing Ordinary People 00:57:44 - The Mystery of Self and No Self 01:02:36 - The Paradox of Self and No Self 01:06:22 - Longing for Genuine Interactions 01:09:46 - Aligning Life with Fulfilling Interactions 01:13:36 - The Dominant Reality - Turning the Tables 01:17:15 - The Sumptuousness of Realization 01:19:40 - The Nature of "More Please" 01:22:16 - The Tendency for Vertical Growth 01:25:42 - Confronting Existential Fear 01:29:57 - The Blue-Collar Awakening 01:33:47 - The Video Game Analogy and Life After Awakening 01:38:10 - Living in the Moment and Planning for the Future 01:42:28 - Awakening and the Fulfillment of Life 01:46:50 - Finding a Path Towards Awakening 01:51:25 - Acknowledging the Wounded Part in All of Us 01:54:39 - Keeping it Free for Everyone

Tom Crockett is an ordained minister and spiritual counselor. He is a teacher, lecturer, and student in the Pachakuti Mesa Shamanic tradition, as well as in Buddhism, Advaita Vedanta, and Depth Psychology. He has worked as a spiritual counselor for over fifteen years. Tom has worked with indigenous healers in Mexico and North America and studied core shamanism through the Foundation for Shamanic Studies. He is a Reiki practitioner and has studied bioenergetic healing with Mietek Wirkus. In 2001, he completed an apprenticeship in Paqo Wachu (Peruvian Shamanism) under the guidance of shaman and ceremonialist, Don Oscar Miro-Quesada. Tom has led and cofacilitated retreats in Oaxaca and Mexico City, Mexico, under the auspices of the Institute for Depth Psychology. Tom has made an intensive study of dreamwork, especially as a tool for spiritual growth. He has been a featured presenter at the Association for the Study of Dreams International Conferences since 1998 and was an invited presenter to the Conference on Indigenous Healing Traditions of the Americas cosponsored by the National Institutes of Health in Washington, D.C. in 2002. Tom has presented at the Science and Nonduality Conference (SAND) with co-panelists Scott Kiloby and Jeff Foster, and been a regular presenter at the Paradoxica Conference on Nonduality. Tom currently serves as Executive Director of Together We Can Foundation, a non-profit organization serving at-risk teens in Southeastern Virginia. He has undergraduate and graduate degrees in fine arts from Old Dominion University (summa cum laude) in Norfolk, Virginia, and The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, respectively. He lives in Newport News, Virginia with his wife, Kelly and is stepfather to three amazing children: Holly, Kasey, and Dylan. Tom's books: One Drop Awareness: Picturing Enlightenment and Nonduality PillowBook: Deepening the Art of Sacred Sexual Play Stone Age Wisdom: The Healing Principles of Shamanism The Artist Inside: A Spiritual Guide to Cultivating Your Creative Self Tom's website: coyoteenlightenment.com Interview recorded 11/25/2012 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction with Rick Archer and Tom Crockett 00:02:55 - A Journey of Spiritual Exploration 00:06:28 - The Journey into Indigenous Wisdom and Plant Medicine 00:10:04 - Profound Emotional Experience with Mushrooms 00:13:18 - The Preparation and Purpose of Taking Mushrooms 00:16:15 - The Profound Experience 00:19:29 - The Phenomenon of Dreaming and Waking Up 00:22:43 - The Interpretation of Dreams and Suffering 00:26:41 - The Relationship Between Pain and Suffering 00:31:11 - Finding Balance and Intentionality 00:35:07 - The Lack of Consensus on Enlightenment 00:37:58 - The Problem with Seeking and the Notion of "Do Nothing" 00:42:13 - The Habit of Doing Nothing and its Ineffectiveness 00:45:44 - Instantaneous Enlightenment 00:49:48 - The Mistake of Mistaking Understanding for Enlightenment 00:54:14 - Behavior and Enlightenment 00:58:36 - The Influence of Eastern Lineage Traditions in the West 01:03:01 - Getting Close to Spiritual Teachers 01:06:48 - The Value of Honesty in Teaching 01:10:08 - The Parallels between Spiritual and Physical Laws 01:14:08 - The Bliss of Emptiness and Fullness 01:18:17 - The Danger of Fundamentalism and the Diversity of Enlightenment 01:22:02 - Grades of Ignorance and the Importance of Inquiry 01:25:47 - Different Experiences of Enlightenment 01:29:42 - Physiological Transformation in Enlightenment 01:33:21 - States vs Stages of Consciousness 01:36:52 - Adjusting to a New Center of Gravity 01:40:36 - Improvisation and Letting Go of Scripts 01:44:29 - The Lesson of Humility in Improvisation 01:48:30 - The Ultimate Unreality of the World 01:51:20 - Conclusion and Farewell

Mark Landau, Founder of L&F, The Love and Forgiveness Meditation, has written seven books on meditation, healing, evolution, politics, sex, fantasy, and saving our world, one musical play, and many songs. He does healing work and meditation instruction and lives in Santa Fe. You can find out more about Mark Landau at mark-landau.com. Books: A New American Evolution: To Save Our World End the Fight What We Can Do The Love and Forgiveness Meditation I Love You and Forgive You: A True Self-Healing Tool and the Life Around It Archetypes, Election, Evolution And he welcomes friendship on Facebook. Summary and Transcript of this interview Interview recorded 11/22/2012. YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction and Personal Background 00:06:47 - Spiritual Awakening and Cancer Journey 00:12:00 - A Journey with LSD and Spiritual Experiences 00:16:28 - Rediscovering Transcendental Meditation 00:20:16 - Seeing Golden Circles of Light 00:24:25 - The Dynamic Between Gurus and Their Followers 00:28:21 - Amplifying Energy and Adoration 00:31:59 - The Paradoxes of Maharishi 00:35:19 - Maharishi's Paranoia and Depression 00:38:22 - Higher Dimensional Help 00:41:23 - Maharishi's Supernatural Abilities 00:45:22 - The Dilemma of Disillusionment 00:49:49 - The Reality of Guru Abuse 00:54:15 - Using Discernment in the 3D World 00:58:33 - Maharishi's Perspective on Enlightenment 01:02:09 - Exploring Different Spiritual Practices 01:06:10 - The Dangers of Dabbling with Drugs 01:09:57 - The Shadow of Self-Realization 01:15:09 - Healing the Shadow Within 01:20:00 - Popping into Healing and Releasing 01:24:31 - Coming Out of Isolation and Claiming Elderhood 01:29:25 - Healing and Forgiveness 01:34:45 - The Mechanism of the Ego 01:39:07 - The Transformation of my Life 01:42:58 - The Fulcrum of Transformation 01:46:07 - The Technique for Freedom and Fulfillment 01:49:12 - The Healing Power of Love and Forgiveness 01:51:59 - The Power of Love and Forgiveness in Meditation 01:55:13 - Adding Meditation to Your Routine for Inner Peace 01:59:01 - The Power of Love and Forgiveness 02:02:37 - Stay Updated with BATGAP Save Save

Francis Lucille is a spiritual teacher of the tradition of Advaita Vedanta (non-duality). He became a disciple of Jean Klein, a French Advaita teacher whom he met in 1975. This was the beginning of a close association that lasted until the death of his friend and spiritual master in 1998. Jean Klein's own guru, "Panditji" Rao, whom he met in India in the nineteen-fifties, was a college professor in Bangalore who taught Sanskrit and belonged to a lineage of traditional Advaita Vedanta teachers. www.francislucille.com. Interview recorded 10/29/2012 Summary and Transcript of this interview. YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Francis Lucille 00:02:54 - The Impossibility of Proving Consciousness 00:05:58 - The Belief in Limited Consciousness and its Revolt 00:08:51 - The Search for Truth 00:11:26 - The Reality of Consciousness 00:14:08 - The Reality of Consciousness 00:16:30 - Discrimination between the perceiver and the perceived 00:19:04 - The Journey to Enlightenment 00:21:56 - The Difference Between Intellectual Understanding and Realization 00:24:18 - A Zen Story about Satori 00:27:08 - Establishing Peace and Happiness 00:29:35 - The Journey to the Summit 00:32:00 - The Importance of Physical Proximity in Transmission 00:34:43 - Becoming Addicted and Finding True Nature 00:37:28 - The Natural State of Fulfillment 00:39:43 - Enjoying the Show and Following Your Heart 00:41:20 - The Value of Exemplarity 00:43:40 - The Watershed Moment of Enlightenment 00:46:01 - Incremental Glimpses of Consciousness 00:48:15 - Glimpses of Not-Being 00:50:29 - The Litmus Test for Awakening 00:53:04 - The Three States of Consciousness 00:55:53 - The Unity of God in Sufism 00:59:30 - Expanding Consciousness and Connecting with Others 01:02:07 - The Body Expanded to the Size of the Universe and Contains All Things 01:04:37 - The Surprise of Absolute Happiness 01:06:24 - Recognizing the Love for Truth 01:08:56 - The Miraculous Intelligence in Everything 01:11:24 - The Divine qualities in consciousness 01:13:42 - The Bird Enjoys the Singing 01:15:36 - Gratitude for Donations and Closing Remarks

David Robert Loy is a professor, writer, and Zen teacher in the Sanbo Kyodan tradition of Japanese Zen Buddhism. He is a prolific author, whose essays and books have been translated into many languages. His articles appear regularly in the pages of major journals such as Tikkun and Buddhist magazines including Tricycle, Turning Wheel, Shambhala Sun, and Buddhadharma, as well as in a variety of scholarly journals. Many of his writings, as well as audio and video talks and interviews, are available on the web. He is on the editorial or advisory boards of the journals Cultural Dynamics, Worldviews, Contemporary Buddhism, Journal of Transpersonal Psychology, and World Fellowship of Buddhists Review. He is also on the advisory boards of Buddhist Global Relief, the Clear View Project, Zen Peacemakers, and the Ernest Becker Foundation. David lectures nationally and internationally on various topics, focusing primarily on the encounter between Buddhism and modernity: what each can learn from the other. He is especially concerned about social and ecological issues. A popular recent lecture is “Healing Ecology: A Buddhist Perspective on the Eco-crisis”, which argues that there is an important parallel between what Buddhism says about our personal predicament and our collective predicament today in relation to the rest of the biosphere. Presently he is offering workshops on “Transforming Self, Transforming Society” and on his most recent book, The World Is Made of Stories. He also leads meditation retreats. (To find out about forthcoming lectures, workshops and retreats, please see the Schedule page.) Igor Kufayev was born in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. In his childhood, he had many episodes associated with awakening. At the age of thirty-six, Igor underwent a radical transformation of consciousness which subsequently blossomed into spontaneous unfoldment of Grace. Website: igorkufayev.com YouTube Channel: Flowing Wakefulness Wikipedia Page Other BatGap events with Igor: Igor Kufayev with Jac O’Keeffe, and Francis Bennett Igor Kufayev, in Panel Discussion with John Hagelin and Mark McCooey Igor Kufayev, in Panel Discussion on Kashmir Shaivism Interview recorded 10/28/2012. YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Outdoor Interview with David Loy and Igor Kufayev 00:02:36 - The Crisis of Climate Change and Extinction Events 00:04:20 - Non-duality and the Social World 00:05:57 - The Illusion of Separate Self 00:07:16 - The Compartmentalization of Awakening 00:08:34 - The Combination of Western and Eastern Ideals 00:10:14 - The Direction of Contemporary Non-Dual and Spiritual Circles 00:11:46 - The Power of Spiritual Action 00:13:11 - Waking up to Non-duality and Transforming Motivations 00:14:57 - Working on Both Inner Awakening and Social Activism 00:16:55 - Self-preoccupation on the spiritual path 00:18:50 - Molding Our Perception of the World 00:20:43 - The Reductionistic View of Objectification 00:22:51 - The Power of Perception 00:25:09 - The Impact of our Thoughts and Emotions on the Universe 00:26:58 - The Birth of a New Story 00:29:08 - The Delusion of Withdrawing from the World 00:31:02 - The Crisis of the Old Story 00:32:53 - Rationalizing Greed, Aggression, and Delusion 00:34:31 - Identifying with the Whole Cosmos 00:35:42 - The Capacity of the Human Being and its Connection to the Cosmos 00:36:43 - Everything is Consciousness 00:38:05 - Witnessing the Silent Tree 00:39:42 - God's Intelligent Orchestration 00:41:31 - The Principle of the Fulcrum 00:43:08 - The World that Exists and the World that Doesn't 00:44:28 - Creating a New World Through Conscious Perception 00:45:43 - The Delusion of Separate Self in American Life 00:47:20 - The Power of Controlling the Media and Collective Consciousness 00:48:46 - The Race Between Education and Catastrophe 00:49:59 - Wrapping Up the Interview Save

Mehrdad Mizani was born in the southern part of Iran, moved to Teheran in his childhood, finishing his schooling and graduating from the Teheran Music Conservatory with a focus in Bassoon and Piano. He traveled extensively throughout Iran and moved to England in 1974 to further his musical studies, playing with orchestras and bands throughout several countries. In his travels through Iran and Europe, he discovered religions, philosophies and psychology. In 1985, he moved to the US with his family, continually seeking out experiences that gave him increased insight into the human situation. After coming to understand the importance of self-realization, and the dynamics of the emotional relationship between people, he began writing songs together with a friend, Kate Tsubata, to express those realizations and experiences. The culmination of his lifelong search was the realization of the element of heart as the essence of all things. In concerts and public speaking, he has shared this message of self-discovery through the development of the heart. He is continuing to spread this message under the name, “The Way of Heart.” YouTube Channel Email: [email protected] Facebook page Meetup Site Interview recorded 11/17/2012 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction of Mehrdad Mezzani 00:02:20 - Searching for Answers 00:05:37 - The Beauty of Magic and Miracles 00:09:09 - The Power of Life and Transformation 00:12:42 - The Weight of Wrong 00:16:18 - Achieving the Balance between Individuality and Unity 00:19:59 - The Journey of Love and Relationships 00:23:43 - The Essence of the Heart 00:27:06 - The Power of Love and Oneness 00:30:46 - The Search for Harmony and Oneness 00:34:10 - Living an Unselfish Way of Life 00:37:41 - Emotional Maturity and Development 00:41:30 - Cultivating Emotional Connections 00:45:32 - The Evolution of the Heart in Relationships 00:49:20 - Moving Towards Oneness 00:52:16 - The Power of Energy and Positive Change 00:55:32 - The Power of Subtle Energy 00:58:29 - The Power of Belief and Persistence in Spirituality 01:01:37 - Knowing Thyself 01:05:00 - Seeing and Hearing Differently 01:07:47 - Removing Undesirable Limitations 01:10:39 - The Joy of Appreciating Life 01:15:02 - Finding the Artist Within 01:19:36 - Existence as a Reflection of God 01:24:14 - The Growth of the Heart 01:28:25 - Nourishing the Heart to Find Hope 01:32:50 - Unfolding of Human Potential 01:36:01 - The Impressionability of the Childhood Mind 01:39:44 - The Power of the Oneness Principle 01:43:03 - Connecting with The Way of Heart 01:46:09 - Email Notifications and Chat Groups

Arjuna Ardagh is an awakening coach, writer and public speaker, who also trains others to become facilitators of awakening. He is the author of seven books, including the 2005 #1 National Bestseller The Translucent Revolution, which was featured in “O” magazine. His new book Better than Sex is the complete introduction to Awakening Coaching. His novel The Last Laugh will be republished by Hay House in spring 2013. He is also the creator of several online courses, including Living Awakening, and The Deeper Love. Ardagh has been a keynote speaker at conferences all over the world, including the International Conference on Business and Consciousness, the “No Mind” Festival,” the Whole Life Expo (in 5 cities), the Integral Spiritual Experience Conference, and the Omega Institute annual conference. He has appeared on TV, on the radio and in print media in seventeen countries. He is a member of the Transformational Leadership Council. Arjuna was educated in England, at Kings School, Canterbury, and later at Cambridge University, where he earned a master's degree in literature. Since the age of 14, he has had a passionate interest in spiritual awakening, and he began to practice mediation and yoga at that time. In his late teens, he trained as a meditation teacher. After graduating from Cambridge, Ardagh devoted himself completely to the call he felt inside, and studied and lived with a number of great spiritual teachers, both in Asia and the United States. In 1991 Arjuna met his teacher, H.W.L.Poonja, a retired army officer in Lucknow India, with whom he passed through a radical shift in consciousness. Arjuna Ardagh is the creator of several online courses. Through high-definition video interviews with 40 remarkable people, Living Awakening shows us how states of inner awakening can become the stable foundation of enlivening and giving the Unique Gift each person was born to share. Arjuna and his wife, Chameli Ardagh, have created The Deeper Love, which teaches singles and couples how to integrate awakening consciousness into intimate relationships. Arjuna and Chameli live in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of Northern California, with their two teenage sons. You can find out more about Arjuna Ardagh at arjunaardagh.com. Other books and media: Radical Brilliance: The Anatomy of How and Why People Have Original Life-Changing Ideas Leap Before You Look Relaxing into Clear Seeing Awakening into Oneness Awareness Meditation Let Yourself Go - 6 CD series from Sounds True The Mystery of 2012 Summary and transcript of this interview Interview recorded 11/3/2012 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction and Personal Background 00:04:27 - Finding Solace in Meditation and Seeking Answers 00:08:23 - Discovering Bhagwan Rajneesh in India 00:12:00 - Meeting the Old Man 00:15:47 - Going Mad with Endless Thoughts 00:18:49 - The Recognition of Infinite Consciousness 00:21:47 - The Tricky Part of Doing Concepts 00:24:55 - Financial Challenges and Life Lessons 00:27:44 - Stress and its Relationship to Awakening 00:31:54 - The Relationship between Awakening and Dealing with the World, 00:36:13 - The Traditional Teacher-Student Relationship 00:40:11 - The Experience of Transmission and Presence 00:43:07 - Projecting onto Others 00:46:54 - The Theater of Awakening 00:50:23 - The Coaching Relationship 00:53:32 - Coaching for Full Potential 00:57:33 - Facilitating Awakening Online 01:01:12 - The Importance of the Student's Disposition 01:05:40 - The Attitude of a Beginner 01:09:54 - The Model of Leaving Responsibilities Behind 01:13:11 - The Antidote to Stress and the Call to Life 01:17:07 - Fully Giving Your Gift and Finding Fulfillment 01:21:48 - The Attention Turned Inward 01:25:13 - The End of Seeking and the Recognition of Spaciousness 01:28:17 - The Nature of Unfoldment 01:32:14 - The Beauty of the Coaching Relationship 01:35:28 - Levels of Spiritual Maturity 01:37:58 - Awakening and Human Integrity 01:40:47 - Evolutionary invitation for everybody 01:43:56 - The Democratization of Awakening and the Evolutionary Meme 01:47:23 - Available as an Audio Podcast

Christine Wushke is a certified yoga and meditation teacher living in Okotoks Alberta Canada. In addition to teaching yoga and meditation classes, Christine is also a massage therapist who incorporates a holistic approach to healing the body, mind, and spirit of each individual. Christine has been studying the field of energy healing for 20 years and finds the approach to healing a sacred journey of discovery on many levels, both physically as well as spiritually. Her life, since the age of six, has seen a set of classical spiritual encounters and experiences which have inspired her to shine light on the deeper aspects of life as a fully conscious Divine-Human being. She recently wrote a book called ‘Freedom is your Nature:’ a practical guide to transformation, which delves into the ancient yogic teachings of awakening in a down to earth language easy to follow by any reader. To read more of Christine’s spiritual writing and mystical poetry go to http://freelyhuman.com. Videos (Free on Amazon Prime): Easy Yoga for Beginners with Christine Wushke Allowing Practice Meditation Drop of Water Meditation Easy Yoga for Back Pain Restorative Yoga for Stress Relief with Christine Wushke Spine Summary and transcript of this interview Interview recorded 10/21/2012 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - A Mystical Experience at Six 00:05:33 - A Profound Experiential Shift 00:11:13 - The Experiential Nature of Spiritual Insight 00:16:08 - The Kundalini Eruption Experience 00:20:12 - The Embodiment Phase 00:24:16 - The Gift of Human Experience 00:27:46 - Exploring Full Embodiment and Integration 00:32:09 - Satsang teachers and the power of transmission 00:36:31 - Accessing Transmission 00:40:09 - Accessing Inner Freedom 00:43:29 - Balancing Spiritual Life as a Single Mom 00:46:22 - The Ease of Being and Freedom from Suffering 00:50:08 - Definition of Transformation and the Role of a Teacher 00:53:51 - The Value of Teachers and Different Paths 00:56:50 - The Space Suit Analogy 00:59:42 - Connecting to Our Divine Nature 01:03:08 - Stepping into the Unknown 01:07:20 - Penetrating the Energetic Component 01:10:43 - The Secret to Letting Things Be As They Are 01:14:04 - Taking Action with Full Consciousness 01:17:33 - The Necessity of Addressing Situations on Their Own Level 01:21:28 - Finding Delight in Healing Work 01:24:41 - Being Fully Present in Challenging Situations 01:28:00 - Cultivating Sensitivity and Strength 01:31:48 - The Untouched Inner Dimension 01:35:41 - Surrendering to the Flow of Life 01:39:07 - Cooperation with the Cosmic Intelligence 01:42:47 - The Fascination of Woo-Woo 01:46:21 - The Allure of Enlightenment 01:50:00 - Conscious Breathing and Book Publication Update 01:52:36 - Stay Updated with BATGAP Interviews

It is said that out of a thousand beings who become enlightened, only one becomes a master who is able to individually guide others out of the complexities of their personal illusions. Eliza Mada Dalian is one such rare being. Affectionately known as Mada, she brings an evolutionary approach to health, personal transformation, and enlightenment. Mada is a modern-day mystic, spiritual guide, internationally acclaimed master healer, seven-time award-winning best-selling author of "In Search of the Miraculous: Healing into Consciousness," creator of "No-Yes Active Meditation" CDs, and "Transcending the Fear of Death and the Unknown" guided meditation. She is also the founder of the evolutionary "Dalian Method for Health and Consciousness" - a groundbreaking self-healing method that helps you identify and permanently erase the causes of energetic blocks, fear, and pain from the body's cellular memory, transforming ailments into health and self-empowered consciousness. Mada's own quest for truth began at age five when she witnessed her grandfather's death. At age twenty-four she came across the teachings of the renowned 20th century spiritual teachers George Gurdjieff and Osho. Their words deeply affected her and she left behind her training in education and architecture to devote herself to the search for truth and spiritual enlightenment. After years of meditation and introspection, she was blessed with many profound experiences that led to the "ultimate" experience of enlightenment at age thirty-three. Mada is a no-nonsense practical teacher who doesn't encourage dependency, rather, self-responsibility. Her teaching style clearly embodies the Chinese proverb "Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime." Mada unconditionally and compassionately guides individuals through their life challenges and helps to fast-forward their journey to greater health and spiritual awakening. Mada travels internationally offering private sessions, workshops, self-healing seminars and retreats to individuals, children, and organizations. She also conducts Online Courses and DM Teacher Training. For more information visit: Mada's website: MadaDalian.com FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/MadaDalian TWITTER: www.twitter.com/MadaDalian YOUTUBE: www.youtube.com/MadaDalian Books: In Search of the Miraculous: Healing into Consciousness (Watch book trailer.) Healing the Body & Awakening Consciousness with the Dalian Method: An Advanced Self-Healing System for a New Humanity (A Self-Help Home Healing Course) Audio: No-Yes Active Meditation CD (Watch CD Trailer) Transcend the Fear of Death and the Unknown Videos: On Healing and Awareness Healing into Consciousness Intensive Healing into Consciousness with the Dalian Method™ Healing into Consciousness Summary and Transcript of this interview Interview recorded 10/13/2012 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction: Eliza Mada Dalian, the Modern Day Mystic 00:03:06 - The Beginning of Life and Birth Experience 00:06:38 - The Surrender of Birth and Early Impressions 00:10:07 - Disidentification from the Ego and Attachments 00:13:57 - The Importance of Education and Language Learning 00:17:03 - Finding Guidance in Books 00:20:55 - The Dynamics of Spiritual Groups 00:24:51 - Memories of Past Lives and Spiritual Masters 00:28:37 - The Importance of Being Present at Osho's Death 00:31:45 - The Readiness to Transcend the Ego and Die 00:36:04 - Steps towards Enlightenment 00:40:01 - The Need for Inner Strength and Transformation 00:44:23 - Breaking Free from Sexual Repression 00:48:23 - Sexual Freedom and Breaking Conditioning 00:52:34 - The Indifference towards Sex 00:56:41 - The Purpose and Experience of Sex and Drugs 01:01:17 - Transformations in Spiritual Awakening 01:04:53 - The Perception of Reality 01:08:22 - The Receptivity of the Student 01:12:02 - The Acid Test of Awakening during Sleep 01:16:16 - The Process of Witnessing in Meditation 01:19:41 - Overcoming Fear through Witnessing 01:22:58 - Cultivating Witnessing Awareness and the Dalian Method 01:26:40 - The Power of Verbalizing Thought-Forms for Healing and Transformation 01:31:18 - Thougform Release and Healing 01:35:24 - Resolving the Root Causes of Fears and Problems 01:39:18 - The Self-Healing Method and Retreats. 01:42:21 - Taking Responsibility for Your Awakening 01:45:22 - Holding Up My Stick in the Big Ocean of Orchestra 01:48:23 - Discussion Conclusion 01:50:56 - Introduction

Rafael Stoneman continues to study the teachings of Sri Ramana Maharshi and is the founder of A.H. Nonprofit, which has three key programs that focus on alleviating homelessness: Alternative Housing, Addiction Help, and Anger Hotline. A.H. Nonprofit: 501c3 Tax Exempt EIN: 90-0450329 MISSION STATEMENT: “A.H. Nonprofit provides services to to people who are in need, feeling lost, challenged by practical living needs, or facing spiritual crisis, as well as being an aide for people focused on a life of self-inquiry, surrender, or devotion.” Interview recorded 10/7/2012 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Raphael Stoneman 00:02:28 - From Darkness to Acting and Identity 00:04:56 - Losing the Function of Being 00:07:46 - From Manual Labor to Self-Realization 00:10:02 - The Bhagavad Gita in the Army 00:11:43 - Training Ground for Breaking Free 00:13:31 - Trauma in Combat and Boot Camp 00:15:06 - A Pilgrimage to Ramana Ashram 00:16:57 - Creative tendencies and personal growth 00:00:18 - The Space of Self-Inquiry 00:20:44 - The Power of Awareness 00:22:39 - Dealing with Anger and Finding Inner Peace 00:24:56 - The Samurai's Duty in a State of Anger 00:26:51 - The Explosive Nature of Anger 00:28:39 - The Use and Management of Anger 00:30:48 - Reacting vs. Letting Go 00:32:47 - Going Beyond Effort and Effortlessness 00:35:34 - Blasting Him in Intensity 00:38:25 - The Impact of Interactions 00:40:27 - Self-realization and Liberation 00:43:09 - Life Using You as an Instrument 00:45:29 - Seeking Enlightenment and the Guru-Disciple Relationship 00:48:06 - Dualistic Confusion and Harmonizing Paradoxes 00:51:07 - The Silence Within and Aikido Metaphor 00:53:59 - Judgment and Authenticity in Spiritual Teachers 00:56:04 - The variety of experiences in the Absolute 00:57:42 - The Ongoing Process of Spiritual Unfoldment 00:59:39 - Awakening and Integration 01:01:33 - Wrapping up the Interview 01:03:19 - Continuation of Seeking and Discovery 01:05:12 - Concluding Remarks and Updates 01:06:41 - An Audio Podcast Available

Stuart Perrin, an American spiritual master of Kundalini Yoga who has been quietly teaching small groups of students around the world for the last thirty-nine years, and is a direct disciple of Swami Rudrananda, more commonly known as Rudi. Stuart studied six years with Rudi. In 1973, Rudi died in an airplane crash and Stuart was one of three survivors. Stuart Perrin was born August 10, 1942 in the Bronx, New York. The first child and only son of Sylvia and Michael Perrin, he began his spiritual quest at the age of sixteen. Sitting at his father’s deathbed, he was shocked and awakened to a simple reality. “Why,” he asked himself, “is it the first time I’ve seen my father in such a profound state of inner peace? Why did he have to wait till the last moments of his life to be filled with so much love and serenity?” Stuart realized he’d have to find someone to train him in deep meditation practice. Stuart spent nine years looking for a master only to find him in his hometown, where he met Rudi, who trained Stuart in the fine art of deep inner work and Kundalini Yoga. Stuart’s training with Rudi was filled with profound and ancient teachings, “streetwise yoga”, humor, and more than a few swordstrokes to the ego. After four years of intense training Stuart became a teacher in Rudi’s lineage. Stuart taught meditation at Rudi’s New York City center for two years. Then Rudi asked him to teach at a newly-formed meditation center in Denton, Texas. While in Texas, Stuart started meditation programs for hungry and homeless people, for people in prison and ex-offenders, addicts and ex-addicts, the elderly, high school students, and other people in all walks of life. He also initiated devoted disciples into the mysteries of inner work, and he, in turn, created new teachers of meditation. In February 1973, Stuart and Rudi were in a plane crash in the Catskill Mountains, a plane crash that took Rudi’s life. “I never feel he is gone,” Stuart wrote of his guru. “When I wish to be with him, to learn from him, I just open my heart. He is there, sitting, smiling, sharing his teachings. The moment he died, I felt his soul pass into me.” A well-known and respected author, Stuart has published The Mystical Ferryboat (1983), Leah (1988), A Deeper Surrender: Notes on a Spiritual Life (2001), Moving On: Finding Happiness in a Changed World (2004), an essay for Kundalini Rising (2009), and most recently Rudi: The Final Moments (2011) Interview recorded 9/29/2012 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction and Background of Stuart Perrin 00:03:27 - A Transformative Experience 00:06:19 - The Rigorous Training for Spiritual Enlightenment 00:09:44 - The Need for a Spiritual Life 00:11:46 - The Will to Have a Spiritual Life 00:14:04 - Using the Mind and Breath in Meditation 00:16:26 - Wisdom and Compassion in Tibetan Buddhist Teachings 00:18:21 - The Fire of Compassion 00:20:18 - Spiritual Teachings and Ego 00:22:03 - Awakening and Consciousness 00:23:55 - Building Consciousness in Ourselves 00:25:38 - Learning to Get Out of the Way 00:27:31 - Buddha and Shankara's Enlightenment 00:29:31 - The Twinkle in Their Eyes 00:31:23 - Transformation at Ramana Maharshi's Ashram 00:33:07 - A Life of Spiritual Experiences 00:34:33 - Meeting Rinpoche in Texas 00:36:01 - The Discipline of Tummo and the Teachings of Kala Rinpoche 00:38:00 - The Universe Sending Teachers 00:40:08 - The Need for Avatars and Teachers 00:42:21 - Individual Consideration and Practical Teaching 00:44:34 - Absorbing the teachings 00:47:49 - Rudi's Journey to Nityananda and Muktananda 00:50:36 - Profound Influence and Root Guru 00:53:05 - The Significance of Sexuality in Spirituality 00:55:50 - Mastering Energy and Meditation 00:57:57 - Cannibalism and Consuming Energy 01:00:23 - The Transformation of Suffering 01:02:23 - Finding Joy and Flow in Life 01:04:38 - A Conversation with Stuart Perrin 01:06:11 - Ways to Stay Connected to the Interview Series on batgap.com

Kenny spent over twenty years in prison and has been out of prison since 1997. He is a spiritual teacher and consultant to families and to those who have been out of prison and may be going to jail. He also just finished his soon to be released book, The Last Hustle, chronicling his years as a criminal and how he was transformed while incarcerated. Kenny has one passion and that is sharing the message that “God’s Grace Is Here Now.” Kenny’s spiritual awareness and other spiritual teachers' insights have been published in the book, “The Awakening West”, by John Lumiere-Wins and Lynn Marie Lumiere. “If there is anything worth serving, it’s this love. If there is anything worth being, it’s this love. If there is anything worth talking about it’s this love. If there is anything of real value it’s this love.” – Kenny Johnson Kenny's book: The Last Hustle Kenny's website, "This Sacred Space" Full interview, edited for readability Interview Recorded 9/22/2012 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Kenny Johnson 00:04:02 - Preparation for Working with the Incarcerated 00:08:12 - A Conversation About Jail 00:10:25 - The Tipping Point and Disillusionment 00:13:26 - The Miracle of Gangaji and a Productive Life 00:16:31 - Promoting Reading in Jails 00:19:07 - Growth in Prison 00:21:53 - Survival and Retaliation in Prison 00:25:07 - The Cycle of Crime and Second Chances 00:27:03 - Prison Life and Escaping 00:29:12 - The Transition to Pimping 00:30:57 - The Pimping Lifestyle 00:32:32 - The Cycle of Pimping and Drug Addiction 00:34:49 - The Prison Experience 00:36:58 - Smuggling and Spirituality 00:39:32 - Seeking Power and Enlightenment 00:41:59 - Meeting Gangaji Again 00:44:24 - Falling in love with Gangaji 00:47:15 - Recognizing beauty in nature and another human being 00:51:14 - Detox and Alcoholism 00:54:46 - A Moment of Connection with a Friend 00:57:24 - The Power of Presence 01:00:20 - Creating a Sacred Space Near Prisons 01:03:24 - The Depth of Lostness in Maya 01:06:41 - Maya, The Friend of Consciousness 01:09:48 - Giving Back and the Issue with Popcorn Gurus 01:12:33 - A Message of Love and Transformation in Prison 01:15:36 - Experiencing Love through Connection 01:18:24 - A Blazing Inferno 01:20:44 - Contact Information and Future Speaking Engagements 01:23:47 - Update on Cancer Remission

Tim is the standup philosopher – a concept he developed from the ancient idea of a philosopher as a travelling ‘spiritual entertainer’ who transformed people’s consciousness. He is pioneering an accessible new way to experience a profound spiritual awakening, which fully embraces our tender, vulnerable, flawed humanity. He has spent his life exploring the awakened state he often simply calls the ‘mystery experience’ and is able to guide others directly to it. Tim has an honours degree in philosophy and is an internationally respected authority on world spirituality. He is the author of over thirty books that have established his reputation as a scholar and free-thinker. He became well known for his groundbreaking work on Christian Gnosticism with his close friend Peter Gandy, including The Jesus Mysteries, which was a top 10 best-seller in the UK and USA, and a ‘Book of the Year’ in the UK Daily Telegraph. In his latest book, The Mystery Experience, Tim presents a revolutionary approach to spirituality. He creates a new language of awakening, which makes profound ideas simpler to understand, so it’s easier to experience a real transformation of consciousness. During his Mystery Experience Retreats, he personally guides participants directly to the deep awake state. Tim is a passionate and playful communicator, whose enthusiasm for life is contagious. He is often featured in documentaries and chat shows broadcast by the global media, such as the BBC and the History Channel. He is the founder of The Alliance for Lucid Living, (The ALL), an organization dedicated to our collective awakening. He lives with his wife Debbie and their two children in Glastonbury, England. Website: timfreke.com The most recent of Tim's many books: Soul Story: Evolution and the Purpose of Life Deep Awake: Wake Up To Oneness and Celebrate Your Individuality Lucid Living: Experience Your Life Like a Lucid Dream Discussion of this interview in the Batgap Community Facebook Group. Summary and Transcript of this interview Interview recorded 9/2/2012 Other Batgap interviews with Tim: 1st interview 3rd interview Tim Freke with Lisa Cairns YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Tim Freke and his book "The Mystery Experience" 00:03:15 - The Journey to Love and a New Form of Spirituality 00:06:06 - The Frustration of Scientists with Science 00:09:04 - The Mystery Experience and the Language of Awakening 00:12:21 - Paralogical Thinking and the Nature of Reality 00:15:22 - Embracing Paradox in Quantum Physics 00:18:57 - The Paradox of Individuality and Oneness 00:22:04 - Unleashing Enthusiasm to Live a Human Life 00:24:58 - The Resurrection in the Body 00:28:09 - Consciousness and Discrimination 00:31:09 - The Field of Being and Consciousness 00:34:06 - The Duality of Consciousness and Individuality 00:37:08 - The Coexistence of the Human Self and the Ground of All Being 00:40:03 - The Paradox of Being 00:43:05 - Words and the Knowing of the Universe 00:45:48 - The Adventure of Life and Unraveling Conditioning 00:48:58 - Conditioning: Binding or Liberating 00:51:54 - The Spacious Quality of Identity 00:55:09 - Embracing the Journey of Life 00:57:57 - The Meaning of the Story 01:00:54 - Living the Spiritual Experience 01:03:33 - The Organic Process of Consciousness 01:06:20 - Balancing Attention and Awareness 01:09:21 - The Integration of Two Worlds 01:12:17 - The Integration of Mystical Realization and Practical Existence 01:15:22 - The Fine Line Between Spiritual Awakening and Mental Illness 01:18:38 - Romantic Ideas of Spirituality 01:21:24 - The Importance of Finding Our Own Way 01:24:12 - Nurturing the Wonder of Life 01:27:00 - Finding the Trickle of Honey 01:30:13 - BatGap Community and Discussion Save Save Save

Barbara Berger has been a seeker all her life – and all Barbara’s books are based on her life work which has always been to try to find a way out of suffering. Her quest to ease suffering has led Barbara to explore many different pathways and approaches – mental, physical, metaphysical, psychological and spiritual. After leaving the US in the mid-60s in protest against the Vietnam War and settling in Scandinavia, Barbara continued her quest in the 1970s with a passionate interest in the role of food in our mental and physical well-being. When she discovered in the early 1980s that health foods and diet were not enough to ensure true wellbeing, she began to study the science of the mind, the nature of consciousness, metaphysics, and finally traditional spirituality and psychology. To date, Barbara has written 15 self-empowerment books documenting and presenting the tools and insights she has discovered over the years on her quest. Her books include the international bestseller The Road to Power: Fast Food for the Soul (Books 1 & 2)(30 languages), Are You Happy Now? 10 Ways to Live a Happy Life (13 languages) and The Awakening Human Being – A Guide to the Power of Mind. In all her books, Barbara explores and explains the incredible power of mind and how we can use this power wisely to live happy lives right now, regardless of outer events and circumstances. (See a complete list of all Barbara’s books below.) Barbara's latest book Sane Self Talk / Remember What's Important and Live a Happy Life was released in Danish in Denmark in May 2012. Barbara was born and grew up in the United States but today lives and works in Copenhagen, Denmark. In addition to English, Barbara speaks Danish and Swedish. Barbara writes all her books in English. Barbara also gives lectures, workshops, and courses (with her son Tim Ray) and offers private sessions to individuals who wish to work intensely with her. Barbara's website Summary and transcript of this interview. Interview recorded 9/2/2012 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction and Background of Barbara Berger 00:02:26 - Barbara's Awakening and Background 00:05:04 - Running Away from Home 00:07:25 - Finding Safety and Support in Sweden 00:09:40 - From Sweden to Denmark: Becoming Celebrities in Scandinavia 00:12:56 - Hitchhiking to Afghanistan 00:15:59 - From Chaos to Macrobiotics 00:19:14 - The Search for the X Factor 00:23:33 - Experiences and Spiritual Shifts 00:28:20 - The Power of Choice and Investigation Tools 00:32:54 - Observing the Mind's Stories 00:36:12 - Psychological Maturity and Sane Self-Talk 00:40:00 - Making Wise Decisions and Letting Go 00:42:40 - Understanding the Nature of Consciousness and Reality 00:45:34 - The Power of Vibrational Influence 00:47:58 - Leverage on our Intentions 00:50:12 - The Nature of Consciousness 00:52:27 - The Awakening Journey 00:54:56 - The Possibility of 24/7 Realization 00:57:33 - Spirituality and the Concept of God 00:59:32 - The Impersonal Mechanisms of the Mind 01:01:51 - Observing Thoughts and Witnessing Awareness 01:04:00 - The Absorption in Thoughts 01:06:18 - The Law of Naming 01:08:52 - Questioning Our Stories and Understanding Cause and Effect 01:11:10 - Finding Hidden Gifts in Life's Challenges 01:13:20 - Understanding the Mechanism of Mind 01:15:19 - The Progression of Spiritual Practice 01:17:12 - Embracing Your Humanity 01:19:39 - Removing Blockages for Happiness 01:22:00 - Introduction to the BATGAP YouTube Channel

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 [email protected]. 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

Laurie Moore, LMFT, CHT, Intuitive Human and Animal Reader/Coach Laurie is in private practice as an LMFT, doctor of expressive psychology, hypnotherapist, IFS, somatic, cognitive re-scripting, expressive arts and EMDR practitioner, previous graduate and undergraduate psych teacher at San Fran State and Chico State, Author of Healing and Awakening the Heart; Animal Wisdom for Humans, Appeared on BATGAP, FOX NEWS, NBC, CBS, CNN.com, Species Link, John Burgos Beyond the Ordinary, Santa Cruz Sentinel Women in Biz Key Note Speech, founded and ran an The Miracle Ground Spiritual Satsangs and The Love Climate Seminars. Loves Jesus Christ, her family and friends, hiking, singing, writing songs, stars in the sky, laughing, yoga and cats as well as much else! 831-477-7007 or [email protected] to receive a no fee initial consult about entering counseling or coaching to heal from trauma. Websites: GlaurieChrista.com CounselingScottsValley.us Animiracles.com Animiracles.com/new DrLaurieMoore.com Books: Animal Communication Course: Heart-to-Heart Telepathy with Animals The Cat's Reincarnation: Transformative Encounters with Animals Success Love NOW: A Formula for Living in Love and Success Now Healing & Awakening the Heart: Animal Wisdom for Humans Creative Intimacy: A Practical Guide to Better Relationships 111 Messages to Humanity: From Jessie Justin Joy, a Cat Intelligent Love: Choosing a Lifemate Wisely Summary and transcript of this interview Interview recorded 7/21/2012 Other BatGap events involving Laurie: Laurie Moore 2nd Interview 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

Yogi Amrit Desai is internationally recognized for carrying the deeper meaning and experience of yoga to people around the globe. He has been teaching since 1960 and is the author of many writings on the profound depth and transformational power of yoga as it relates to health, personal growth, and interpersonal relationships. He is the originator of Kripalu Yoga and the Integrative Amrit Methods® (IAM) of Yoga, Yoga Nidra, and Quantum Breath Meditation practiced and taught by thousands worldwide. His teachings are universal, experiential and easily adaptable by anyone, regardless of religious or cultural tradition. Book about Yogi Amrit Desai: Gurudev: The Life of Yogi Amrit Desai Books by Yogi Amrit Desai: A Yogic Perspective on the 12 Steps Love & Bliss: Meditations on the Art of Living Amrit Yoga and the Yoga Sutras The Yoga of Relationships: A Practical Guide for Loving Yourself and Others Amrit Yoga: Explore, Expand, Experience the Spiritual Depth of Yoga MP3 Download: Working miracles of love: A collection of teachings CD: Ecstatic Chanting Yogi Desai's website: amrityoga.org Summary and Transcript of this interview Interview recorded 5/20/2012 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Yogi Amrit Desai 00:02:55 - The Inspirational Guru and the Beginnings of Yoga Teaching 00:06:36 - The Growth of Yoga in the 70s 00:09:37 - The Experiential Teachings of Yoga and Kundalini Awakening 00:11:54 - Kundalini Yoga and Shaktipat 00:14:58 - Actionless Action 00:18:01 - Accessing Pranic Intelligence 00:21:04 - Connecting with the Higher Power 00:24:22 - The Conflict of Polarity and Duality 00:27:22 - Turning reaction into response 00:30:00 - Seeing through Consciousness 00:32:27 - The Evolution of "I Am" and the Union of Male and Female 00:35:26 - Animals and Human Relationships 00:37:41 - The Shore of Oneness 00:40:20 - Possibility of Further Unfoldment 00:43:20 - The Phenomenon of Walk-Ins and Guru Lineage 00:46:06 - Questions about the Subtle Manifestation of the Ocean 00:48:27 - The Third Dimension and the Miraculous 00:50:58 - Integrative Action and Yogic Philosophy 00:53:47 - Yoga as a Holistic Practice 00:56:31 - Siddhis as Signposts in Yoga Practice 00:59:30 - The Power of Resolves and Affirmations in Yoga Nidra 01:02:42 - Overcoming Addictions through Inner Stress Resolution 01:05:39 - Living in Light and Darkness 01:08:37 - Enlightenment and the Remnants of Individuality 01:11:16 - Managing Sexual Energy and the Misconceptions about Yogis 01:14:20 - Marriage and Expectations 01:17:38 - Devotion and Self-Realization 01:19:54 - Bridging Science and Spirituality 01:22:08 - Supporting and Enriching Different Traditions in Yoga 01:24:25 - Farewell and Future Meetings

Ellie is a happily married woman for 29 years. She has been blessed, with two beautiful children—a lovely daughter and a sweet son. She has graduated from SUNY at Stony Brook and has been teaching mathematics in high school and community colleges. After changing her career, she worked in Information Technology as a Quality Assurance Manage for many years. Since childhood, she was seeing herself as a vision, which was not associated with the body at all. The question was arising, “Who am I?” This was never answered and it was there in her heart for a long time… Since the year 2001, she has been inspired: To get to know who she is. To find what she is searching for. For the past few years, she has had wonderful experiences by “going within,” meditating, and discovering the Truth. The Truth reveals itself to itself by itself. She would like to share these experiences with you. She hopes that by reading her story, you also get inspired to “go within” and "discover" who you really are, and also find the authentic joy that resides within. She wishes you all patience and the best of luck on this path. Please know that this is the best thing and the most important thing that you can do for yourself. Ellie's website Transcript of this interview First interview with Ellie Interview recorded 5/12/2012 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Living in the Present Moment 00:04:54 - The Ignorance of Separation 00:10:06 - Dropping the Hypnosis, Recognizing the Truth 00:15:31 - The Analogy of the Finger and the Body 00:19:17 - The Shift in Perception 00:23:56 - The Drop into the Ocean 00:28:09 - Recognizing the Difference Between Truth and Fiction 00:32:09 - An Adorable Interruption 00:35:30 - The Joy of Dropping the Character 00:40:16 - Recognition of Truth in Silence 00:44:45 - The Experience of Stillness and Awakening to the Totality 00:49:05 - The Mystery of Who You Are 00:53:14 - The Maturity of the Mind 00:57:43 - Remembering Who You Are in Trying Circumstances 01:01:10 - Recognizing the Truth as the Diamond 01:04:35 - Recognizing the Limitations of the Mind 01:08:18 - The Illusion of Separation and Individual Missions 01:12:32 - The Power of Being Present 01:16:22 - Knowing the Source and Dropping Hypnosis 01:21:16 - Living the Truth 01:25:30 - Deep Interaction with Others 01:30:23 - Speaking to the Level of Consciousness 01:34:54 - Overcoming Fear and Finding Self 01:38:44 - The Courage to Face the Ultimate Truth 01:42:27 - The Witnessing State and Oneness 01:45:52 - The Indescribable Existence of the Source 01:49:48 - Starting over and finding the core question 01:54:11 - Recognition and Maturity of the Character 01:58:11 - The Truth of Oneness and Demolishing the Character 02:02:52 - Retreats and Interactions in Dubai and the UK 02:07:06 - Finding Ultimate Truth and Falling in Love with the Eternal

Sundance Burke, Spiritual Teacher and Author, was born in Seattle, Washington under the given name, Donald Russell Burke III. He is a graduate of the University of Washington and the Gonzaga School of Law. Sundance is a former lawyer and businessman. He is the father of two children and the grandfather of three. Sundance Burke is the author of Free Spirit: A Guide to Enlightened Being, published in 2008. He offers public talks, meditation gatherings, video recordings, private meetings, intensive workshops and retreats for those who long to awaken from the fearful dream of human separation and suffering. While traveling for law business in 1982, Sundance was graced with the profound spiritual experience of being the loving witness to the mind’s dream of personal existence. This awareness of impersonal being completely shattered his former understanding of self-identity and the nature of his world. In the years that followed, he found himself undertaking an intense inward journey into the heart of this realization. In 1988, he met his future wife and teaching partner, Katie Davis, who had similarly experienced the miracle of Self-liberation. In 2004, Sundance and Katie moved to Maui to marry and write the realization of Beloved Being. Sitting side by side, their books took form and expression. Currently, they are again residing in the Seattle area and they continue to point to our True Presence, as conscious freedom and causeless joy. Katie Davis is the author of Awake Joy: The Essence of Enlightenment. Interviews with Sundance and Katie about awakening are included in the recently published book, Conversations on Non-Duality; Twenty-six Awakenings. The AWAKE SPIRIT TEACHINGS of Sundance and Katie have helped many people throughout the world to find inner peace, wise love and greater fulfillment in their lives. At the core of this teaching is a spiritual awakening that transcends the ego-based state of consciousness into the harmony and unity of pure awareness, a field of infinite possibility and the sacred heart of all Being. Transcript of this interview Interview recorded 5/5/2012. YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Sundance Burke's Spiritual Journey 00:05:06 - The Paradox of Outer Life and Inner Unhappiness 00:10:44 - A Mysterious Encounter with Satoshi 00:14:31 - Siddhis and their potential effects 00:18:18 - Losing Everything, Starting Over with Stand-Up Comedy 00:22:50 - Miracles and Enlightenment 00:26:05 - Exploring Spiritual Texts 00:29:25 - Awakening to Self-Realization 00:33:22 - Understanding the Power of Attention 00:36:59 - Establishing Presence 00:40:20 - Breakthrough and Burning Desire 00:44:08 - A Shift in Self-Reflection 00:47:46 - The End of Longing 00:51:26 - Being Honest and Present 00:54:47 - The Fire of Presence 00:58:23 - The Path of Devotion 01:01:31 - The Two Paths to Freedom: Self-Inquiry and Presence 01:04:44 - Self-Inquiry and Presence 01:08:10 - The False Self and Identification 01:11:09 - The Ego as a Tool 01:14:40 - Dissolving the Ego and Finding True Self 01:18:01 - The Nature of Consciousness 01:21:59 - The Power of Silence and Stillness 01:25:59 - Different Strokes for Different Folks 01:29:10 - The Power of Witnessing and Harmonizing 01:33:14 - Collective Awakening and Changing Paradigms 01:38:09 - Turning to love, the future of service 01:42:15 - Overcoming the Ego Inside and Outside 01:46:42 - The Power of Love and Inspiration 01:50:09 - The Name "Sundance" 01:52:49 - How to Stay Updated with "Buddha at the Gas Pump"

Katie Davis is a spiritual teacher and author who offers satsang worldwide. She is a graduate of the University of Washington, a former secondary school educator, a former owner of aerobics studios in the Pacific Northwest and mother of two. She is author of Awake Joy: The Essence of Enlightenment and since 1999, she has been traveling to share with people the radical possibility of Self-realization that is the end of all suffering, separation and the key to world transformation. Katie Davis was a Keynote Presenter at the Vancouver BC Convention Centre in Canada. She offers spiritual talks at church services or spiritual gatherings, corporations, hospitals, professional communities and organizations, schools, television and radio shows, as well as for community organizers worldwide that are offering talks in the form of satsang in public meetings, intensives, and silent retreats. In 1986, Katie Davis radically and spontaneously awakened to the ultimate reality of who we really are without practices or teachers. She had never meditated or even heard of enlightenment, Advaita Vedanta, Non-duality or Self-realization. Katie had no intellectual reference whatsoever for what had occurred. Katie's book, Awake Joy: The Essence of Enlightenment Interview recorded 4/29/2012 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction and Childhood Spiritual Experiences 00:03:30 - The Fear of Death and the Understanding of Being 00:07:19 - A Transformative Experience in the Youth Group 00:11:08 - Awakening through Life Experiences 00:14:34 - Detachment from Form and Personal Identity Loss 00:17:30 - The End of Suffering 00:20:46 - Developing Understanding through Experience 00:24:41 - The Power of Silence and Surrender 00:28:37 - Exploring the Nature of "Being" and "I-ness" 00:31:57 - Beingness and the Influence of Wind 00:35:15 - Practices to Relax the Sense of Self 00:39:16 - Habits and Conditioning 00:44:11 - Spontaneous Acceptance of Circumstances 00:47:49 - Describing vs. Prescribing the Path to Compassion 00:51:05 - Looking Beyond the Image 00:53:59 - The Essence of Being Pure Consciousness 00:58:02 - The Role of the Ego in Spiritual Growth 01:01:37 - Preferences and the Body Intelligence 01:05:57 - Fulfillment beyond Circumstances 01:09:35 - The Road Map of Self-observation and Detachment 01:14:08 - Reflections and Witness State 01:17:35 - Unity Consciousness and Direct Looking 01:20:54 - Exploring Different Types of Surrender 01:24:39 - Surrendering to the Cosmic Personality 01:28:18 - Letting Go of Trying and Searching 01:32:10 - Accessing Unconditioned Intelligence and Creativity 01:36:46 - The Vastness of the Universe 01:39:50 - The Indescribable Nature of the Absolute 01:43:37 - Surrendering to Divine Intelligence 01:47:32 - Thanking the Community and Concluding Remarks 01:50:41 - Conclusion and Farewell

Neelam, a native of Poland, has been giving Satsang internationally since 1996. She is a direct disciple of H. W. L. Poonja (Papaji), who himself awakened to the truth in the presence of Sri Ramana Maharshi. Neelam shares Satsang with Papaji's blessing. Known for her simplicity, skillful discrimination, and intuitive insight, Neelam gently points toward the truth at the core of us all. With her extensive personal and teaching experience, she uses inquiry to facilitate us in identifying and moving through deep-seated patterns of conditioning, bringing us to rest in Presence. Self-Inquiry is the very core of this teaching and is based on Sri Ramana Maharshi's guidelines for Self-Inquiry. Neelam's unique development of inquiry includes both recognizing our true nature and meeting our conditioning fully, with tenderness. Neelam's website Summary and Transcript of this interview. Interview recorded 4/15/2012 2nd interview with Neelam YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - The Presence of Our Nature 00:04:16 - Training our attention to rest in our true nature 00:07:22 - Recognizing the Fullness of Who We Are 00:10:04 - Finding stillness amidst the busyness 00:13:00 - Finding Quiet Time in Daily Life 00:15:45 - Starting with Five Minutes a Day 00:18:28 - Using the sensations of the body 00:21:05 - Integration on the Physical Level 00:23:30 - The Power of Looking Inward 00:25:37 - Tenderness and Our True Nature 00:28:03 - The Coarsening of Tenderness 00:30:18 - Being at Rest or Suffering 00:32:37 - Resting in Tenderness and Naturalness 00:35:24 - The Strength of True Vulnerability 00:38:21 - The Transformational Journey 00:41:39 - Recognizing the Natural State 00:45:07 - The Deceptiveness of the Mind 00:48:01 - The Disappearance of Individuality 00:51:09 - The Shift in Experience 00:54:07 - The Unusual Experiences on the Spiritual Path 00:57:26 - From Bliss to Satsang 01:00:49 - An Awakening Journey 01:04:38 - The Shift and Fulfillment of the Experience 01:08:32 - Levels of Awareness and Destiny 01:11:12 - The Need for Embodiment and Remaining in Awareness 01:14:12 - Surrendering to the Momentum of the Past 01:17:53 - The Power of Transmission 01:21:24 - The Desire for Freedom and Seeking 01:24:49 - The Presence of Ramana in Visitations 01:28:22 - The Vastness of the Universe 01:31:35 - Farewell and Music Outro

Dr. Robert K.C. Forman is uniquely qualified, both personally and professionally, to re-imagine the spiritual goal and the path to it. Personally, Dr. Forman hasn’t missed a day of meditation in 40 years. He broke through to the first major life shift he sought during a nine-month meditation retreat, just two years after beginning Transcendental Meditation. Further developments have continued through his gaining of a Ph.D. in mystical experience from Columbia U and his 20 years as a Professor of Comparative Religions, through his lifetime of yearly solo meditation retreats, self-reflection, 18 years of psychotherapy and psychotherapeutic training, his marital work, his teaching, writing and leading of workshops, and his research into and national leadership role in the "spiritual but not religious" community. His curiosity and confusion about his early spiritual breakthroughs led him to a Ph.D in Comparative Religions (Columbia U), where he specialized in the nature of and philosophical issues around mystical experiences and the spiritual life. He has often been called “one of the leading voices in the academic debates on mysticism," because of his work in the international scholarly debate about mystical experiences, which came to be known as “The Katz-Forman debates,” the work for which he has been awarded numerous grants and, just last year, an honorary doctorate. A tenured professor of religions at Hunter College of the City University of New York and a professor at Vassar College, Union Theological Seminary and the New School for Social Research, he often taught courses on mystical experiences and spiritual goals in every tradition, and his books are used in classes around the world. Many of his insights about the spiritual path and goal came from his work as founder and Executive Director of the Forge Institute for Spirituality and Social Change and the Forge Guild of Spiritual Professionals, a non profit dedicated to helping people from any religion or spiritual path live “soul to soul.” He routinely gives lectures, trainings and workshops around the world. He was the co-founder and is executive editor of The Journal of Consciousness Studies , which has become the principle journal in the field. He is also the author of ten scholarly books on spirituality, mysticism, consciousness and world religions. Robert's site: http://enlightenmentaint.com/ Robert's book: Enlightenment Ain't What It's Cracked Up To Be: A Journey of Discovery, Snow and Jazz in the Soul Summary and Transcript of this interview Interview recorded 4/8/2012 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - A Journey from Anxiety to Meditation 00:03:47 - The Surprising Experiences of Meditation 00:06:57 - A Shift that Began Back Then 00:10:03 - The Buzz and Letting Go 00:13:07 - A Permanent Shift and Tubes in the Head 00:16:05 - The Transformation Begins 00:18:55 - A Shift in Thought Process 00:21:35 - The Two Birds and Witnessing Consciousness 00:24:53 - The Steadiness of Consciousness without Time 00:28:38 - The Disappointment of Enlightenment 00:32:12 - The Shift in Experience 00:35:00 - The Shift in Perception of Silence 00:38:11 - The Experience of Silence 00:41:26 - Experiencing Sleep in a Different Way 00:44:11 - The Vitality of Looking 00:47:03 - Witnessing and Sensory Acuity + Spiritual Hucksters 00:49:41 - Moments of Depression and Shoplifting 00:52:25 - The Beginning of Psychotherapy Journey 00:55:37 - The Power of Truth-Telling in Relationships 00:58:24 - Integration between Silence and the Robert-ish Part 01:01:18 - Living at the Super-Fluid Level of Life 01:04:32 - Embracing our Woundedness 01:07:19 - The Openness of Emotions in Being Alive 01:09:55 - The Subtlety of Guidance 01:12:59 - True Effortlessness and Unity Consciousness 01:16:30 - Non-resistance and Connection with the World 01:19:32 - The Two-Sided Coin of a Hermit-Oriented Life 01:22:17 - Learning from the East and Living Enlightenment in the World 01:25:00 - Staying on the Spiritual Path 01:27:49 - Telling the Real Truth 01:30:29 - A Farewell and Future Plans

I thought I knew something. It turns out I didn't. My heart explodes into pieces, and they rain down everywhere I look. It doesn't feel as new agey as it sounds, and that ends up being such an incredible delight. Nothing spiritual I have ever encountered has anything to do with the simple Wow I am talking about. It is this Mystery. Wow! Facebook page Summary and Transcript of this interview. Interview recorded 3/31/2012 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Benjamin Smythe: A Fun and Sensitive Guy 00:04:25 - The Importance of Authentic Sharing 00:08:15 - Learning to Be a Good Person 00:12:20 - The Humility of Seeking 00:16:18 - The Beauty of Not Knowing 00:19:58 - Embracing Paradox and Shutting Up 00:24:05 - Balancing Self-Awakening and Helping Others 00:27:49 - Embracing Chaos and Helping Others 00:31:08 - The Beauty of Connection on the Street 00:34:48 - The Power of Kindness and Love 00:38:10 - The Sadness of Human-to-Human Violence 00:42:06 - The Resonance of Kindness and Compassion 00:45:51 - The Setup of Competition 00:49:41 - Embracing the Vast Range of Possibilities 00:53:42 - Finding Ease in Chaos 00:57:04 - The Value of Living in Integrity 01:00:51 - Honoring and Learning from Others 01:05:02 - The Innocence of Humanity 01:08:52 - The Shift in Subjective Perspective 01:13:25 - The Potential of Every Individual 01:17:07 - The value of silence and the limitations of language 01:21:33 - The Silent Experience of Ourselves 01:25:24 - Discovering the Quiet Within 01:29:11 - Questioning the Bible's Moral Guidance 01:33:20 - Ideas Competing for Attention 01:37:19 - Choosing Love and the Possibility of Force 01:41:17 - The Responsibility to Care for Each Other 01:45:26 - Making a Difference, One Person at a Time 01:49:25 - The Egalitarian Quality in Spirituality 01:53:05 - Playing with Different Ideas 01:56:28 - Stay Connected through Interviews and Chat Groups Save

In 1986, Gina realized that she could pose a question mentally and receive an answer mentally. This turned her world upside down and required spending several years meditating and doing inner work before she was able to establish a relationship with a wise nonphysical being. This being became her inner teacher, mentor, and healer and was behind the many books she wrote in the 1990s. In 1999, shortly after meeting Adyashanti, Gina had a spiritual awakening, and the focus of her books shifted from astrology and other metaphysical subjects to nonduality and helping people awaken. In 2012, another important spiritual shift and deepening happened, and Gina became aware of a profound connection to the Christian lineage that went back many lifetimes. She began having inner experiences of Mother Mary, Jesus, and a circle of twenty-six other Ascended Masters, who appeared to her in her mind’s eye and spoke to her in words she could clearly hear in her mind. This batgap interview happened early in 2012 before this shift, after which Gina began channeling books from Jesus. Since 2012, she has channeled 14 books from Jesus. These teachings are nondual (Oneness) teachings, based on universal truth, not on any religion. They are messages of love and peace and how to be an expression of that in one’s life. Gina and her husband Nirmala, who is also a nondual spiritual teacher, live in Sedona, Arizona, where they offer Christ Consciousness transmissions on Zoom several times a week. Gina’s website, www.RadicalHappiness.com, offers information about these transmissions, her books, and her online courses. She has more than 250 messages on her YouTube channel: “Gina Lake Channeling Jesus.” She no longer does intensives, astrological readings, or spiritual mentoring. Gina’s books include… The Jesus Trilogy: Choice and Will / Love and Surrender / Beliefs, Emotions, and the Creation of Reality In the World but Not of It: New Teachings from Jesus on Embodying the Divine What Jesus Wants You to Know Today: About Himself, Christianity, God, the World, and Being Human Cycles of the Soul: Life, Death, and Beyond Angels, Masters, and Guides: How to Work with Them to Heal and to Accelerate Your Spiritual Evolution All Grace: New Teachings from Jesus on the Truth About Life Jesus Speaking (series of 5 books) Radical Happiness: A Guide to Awakening From Stress to Stillness: Tools for Inner Peace Transcript of this interview Interview Recorded 3/24/2012 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Gina Lake 00:06:11 - Feeling Like You Don't Belong 00:12:09 - The Awakening of Consciousness through Suffering and Dysfunction 00:17:12 - The Role of Great Souls in Times of Crisis 00:20:59 - Exploring Eastern Knowledge and Catholic Mysticism 00:25:59 - Channeling Experiences and Deception by Astral Beings 00:30:45 - Negative Entities and Closing the Channel 00:35:57 - Connection with a Being from the 6th Dimension 00:41:21 - The Manifestation of Essential Substance in a Dream-like State 00:45:36 - Connecting to the Core of Goodness 00:50:01 - The Delight of Being Present 00:54:18 - The Unfolding of Grace 00:58:29 - Awakening and Beyond 01:01:34 - The Shift in Consciousness 01:05:09 - Falling in Love during Awakening 01:09:11 - Awakening and Self-Images 01:13:26 - Ordinary Awakening and De-Inflating the Ego 01:17:11 - The Inspiration for Writing 01:21:29 - The Blessing of Channeling 01:25:42 - Channeling Higher Intelligence 01:30:42 - Speaking about Metaphysical Realities 01:34:41 - Clearing out the Garbage and Healing Work 01:39:25 - The Importance of Being Curious About Conditioning 01:42:55 - The Gap Getting Bigger 01:47:17 - Integration and Realization After Awakening 01:51:32 - Awakening Within a Busy Culture 01:55:20 - Awakening for a Happier Life 01:59:11 - Finding Alignment with Your True Self 02:02:51 - Finding Purpose in Challenges 02:06:21 - Sedona Experiences 02:08:42 - Farewell

In February 2008 at the age of thirty-three, Karen experienced a sudden and radical awakening. Prior to this realisation, no teachings or practices were followed – in fact at that time the terms non-duality and awakening were completely unfamiliar. This spontaneous realization presented itself during a period of intense emotional suffering and when demands in life exceeded Karen’s physical capability. Karen attempted to persevere in the face of these challenges, the consequence being a severely debilitating illness that affected physical functioning on every level. Although the illness had a devastating effect on life as it was then known, it seemed to create a space for a deeper reality to be recognized. As her state of health was so poor, Karen was unable to return to work – meaning that she spent a significant amount of time confined to her home. The effect of this period of solitude was profound surrender, allowing the realization to become deeply integrated into daily living. Two and a half years after the initial recognition, someone Karen didn’t know approached her for guidance, which really was the beginning of sharing in a more active way. Karen now shares openly with all those who wish to enquire into the true nature of reality. Following the realization, Karen’s experience of illness – coupled with her extensive experience of healthcare, enabled dis-ease/illness to be seen from a different perspective. Misperception of what we are and the stress that can ensue in direct relation to that misperception means that we are often in a state of persistent resistance to life as it is. This negative state of functioning is the foundation for many of our health challenges. The rediscovery of who we are is fundamental for the transformation of the human life experience. It means that the peace that is already here is recognized and experienced directly, having a potentially profound healing effect on the mind and body. Realization – from a human perspective – means that the unity beyond apparent diversity is remembered. Life can then be embraced fully and authentically – without contamination from the lens of the conditioned mind, bringing relief from all psychological suffering. An inevitable consequence of this recognition is the arising of compassion, love, and respect for life in all of its appearances – having an ever-deepening impact on the human experience. This has the direct consequence of transforming the world we see literally before our eyes, having a powerful healing effect on the planet as a whole. First Interview with Karen Interview recorded 3/18/2012 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Welcome to Buddha at the Gas Pump 00:04:09 - Finding Peace in Sickness 00:08:02 - Letting Go of Control 00:11:18 - Meetings and Genuine Inquiry 00:14:55 - Rich Opportunities and Escaping the Hell 00:18:17 - The Purpose and Cause of Illness 00:22:10 - Discovering a Shift in Perspective 00:25:52 - The Blessing of Illness 00:29:16 - The Process of Deconstruction 00:34:07 - The Imprint of Childhood Trauma 00:38:43 - The Journey of Self-Honesty and Healing 00:43:18 - Serving the One, not Others 00:46:55 - The Complexity of Relationships and Inner Conflict 00:50:49 - The Challenges of Relationship Among Awakened People 00:54:22 - Challenging Experiences and Growth 00:57:57 - Healing Through Relationships 01:01:31 - Mysterious Experiences and Psychic Phenomena 01:05:11 - Seeing Auras and Alternative Realities 01:08:32 - Witnessing Transfiguration and Trance Work 01:11:42 - Strange Experiences and Visions of Ramana 01:14:43 - Life's Mysterious Possibilities 01:18:15 - The Illusion of Form and Non-Dual Understanding 01:22:01- The Infinite Frequency of Perspectives 01:24:57 - The Illusion of Meaning 01:27:51 - Beyond Understanding 01:31:10 - The Integration of Ideas and the Letting Go of Frameworks 01:34:39 - Letting go of the idea of self 01:38:10 - Self-Deception and Seasons of Awakening 01:41:15 - The Simplicity of the Fundamental Awakening 01:44:10 - Availability and Retreats 01:47:24 - Closing Remarks and Farewells

Andrée has been a spiritual teacher for 52 years. For 20 years Andrée was a full-time teacher of the Transcendental Meditation Program and introduced thousands of people to the experience of consciousness and meditation. More recently, she went to Brazil for 12 consecutive years to study their spiritual traditions to see into the spiritual realms and develop relationships with advanced Cosmic Souls. For Andrée, the exposure to the experience of consciousness led to new avenues of discovery. With refinement of perception, within the unboundedness of consciousness, along with the assistance of two Cosmic Souls, Hayehwatha and Vovó Anamalia, Andrée began to observe the details of the universe and beyond. Andrée feels this is the next level of experience to unfold within our culture; for people to observe their origin, history, and destiny with reference to the life of the universe and beyond. What is known as the life we live on the earth is a small portion of who we are. Andrée lives in Mount Shasta, California where she provides workshops and private sessions with Hayehwatha and Vovó Anamalia, as well as puts on The Best of Mt. Shasta Conference & Festival each summer. Summary and Transcript of this interview. Interview recorded 3/3/12 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction and Background 00:04:49 - The Radiating Aura and Transcendental Meditation Adventure 00:08:43 - Sentencing to Meditate 00:13:01 - The Beginning of Longer Meditation Courses 00:17:27 - The Power of Consciousness and its Qualities 00:21:51 - The Experience of Unboundedness and the Development of Consciousness 00:26:25 - Levitation and the Phenomenon of Consciousness 00:30:53 - The Value in Reading the Literature 00:35:43 - Exploring Afro-Brazilian Spiritual Traditions 00:40:11 - Incorporating Spirit Beings 00:44:17 - Falling Back and Laughing, A Distinguished Experience in Brazil 00:48:39 - Connecting with the Chief 00:53:01 - The Four Elements and the Vessel of the Body 00:57:25 - Connecting with Energetic Forces 01:01:53 - The Orixá of the Entity 01:06:08 - Awareness during sleep and profound awakening 01:10:32 - The Integration and Balance of Knowledge 01:15:05 - The Iroquois Confederacy and the US Constitution 01:19:59 - The Origins of Preto Velhos Tradition in Brazil 01:24:22 - Working with Dark Forces, Deleterious Aftereffects 01:28:46 - Working with Spirit Beings 01:33:01 - Connecting with the Orixás 01:37:09 - Incorporating the Orixá and its impact on life and success 01:41:33 - Connecting with Sophia and the Phenomenon of Gaia 01:45:26 - Vovó and Anamalia's Teachings on Life Choices 01:49:48 - Incorporating Hayehwatha and Vovó Anamalia 01:53:42 - Connecting with the Universal Force 01:57:22 - Lifted off Earth and introduced to the sky-people. 02:01:36 - The Limitations of Spiritual Journeys 02:05:11 - Acknowledging the Relevance of Spirituality 02:09:31 - New Episodes and Notifications Save Save

From age 7, Elle was awake to divine Word. At 17, a revelatory spiritual experience increased this capacity and began her lifelong commitment to God-centered awareness. Elle awakened into Unity consciousness in her early 20's. For the next two decades, her life revolved around prayer, meditation, Zen practice, and independent spiritual inquiry until her mind became fully accessible to the Emanating Spirit of Divine Counsel. What People Gain from this Teaching Elle is fully awake to the Divine Word and has become a bridge to the Godmind within. She is a midwife to the Soul, assisting all in bringing forth their prime Design and Path. Elle resonates to the quality of Light of each person, responding empathically and telepathically to the nature of both human and soul, and inspiring us to True Awareness. In this Gatework, we are immersed in the divine theme of Being and taught to live in a way that is Divinity reliant and at-one with the Core Self ... the God-Essence within. The awakened individual is freed of negative concepts and able to live in interactive communion to the Whole. These experiences of unity consciousness merge the Sublime Truth into the logic and point the way from separation into Unity. Elle's website: teachingofannam.org Interview recorded 2/25/2012 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introducing Elle Collier Re 00:02:45 - The Numinous Experience of Jesus 00:05:34 - Adapting to the Inner Christ and Lessons from the Divine 00:07:34 - The Presence of Light 00:10:33 - Adjustments and the Need for Solitude 00:13:17 - Receiving my True Name 00:15:25 - From Voiceovers to Broadcasting 00:17:23 - Connecting with the Divine Spirit 00:20:05 - Navigating Subtle Entities 00:22:24 - Non-Dualism and the Flow 00:25:52 - The Unfoldment of Creation and Appreciating the Richness 00:29:09 - Fine-tuning our Instruments 00:32:09 - Training in a Monastery 00:34:07 - The Difficulty of Discerning the Right Path 00:36:26 - The Connection between Kitties and Schizophrenia 00:38:47 - The Journey of Training and Revelation 00:41:50 - Discerning Higher Truths 00:44:42 - The Celebration of Isness 00:47:17 - Connecting with Purpose 00:49:54 - Ine Ra'e: The Language of Angelic Fire 00:53:11 - Revealing the Hidden Reason 00:55:55 - Accommodating Different Levels of Spiritual Aspirants 00:58:35 - Changing the Way the Mind Learns 01:01:23 - The Mind's Transformation and Awakening 01:03:54 - Building Genuine Connections 01:05:56 - Trust in the Divine Plan 01:08:21 - The Importance of Seeing from a Different Level 01:11:33 - Communicating with Earth and Responsible Consumption 01:14:21 - The Power of Love 01:16:38 - Concluding Remarks 01:18:51 - Namaste

Suzanne Foxton is a mother, wife, writer and artist who works and lives in Kew in the United Kingdom. She was born a Hoosier (native of the US state of Indiana). She muddles along as best as she can, like most of humanity. Suzanne believes the particulars of her story are unimportant and she doesn't take much of anything too seriously. Her blog, Nothing Exists Despite Appearances, is an attempt to point to the infinite, eternal, and ultimately non-existent nature of reality. She began writing the blog to avoid having to talk to anyone about non-duality, finding that the revelation of the true nature of existence tends to alienate people in manifested reality. Now she continues to write because it's fun. Everything she ever thought was important is gone; what is left is everything and nothing, boundless and beautiful. Suzanne's blog Suzanne's book: The Ultimate Twist Interview recorded 2/25/2012 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction and Book Preview 00:03:14 - Addiction as a Form of Seeking 00:06:44 - Relishing Bad Circumstances and Bad Feelings 00:09:52 - Finding the Balance between Acceptance and Ambition 00:12:18 - Acceptance and Drive 00:15:34 - The Right State of Mind 00:18:11 - The Knife Incident and Awakening 00:19:59 - Spiritual Awakening and Shift 00:22:09 - Awakening and the Perception of Strangeness 00:24:14 - Perception and the Endless Moment 00:26:27 - Conditioning and Susceptibility 00:28:41 - Shifting Perspectives and Accepting Contradictions 00:32:33 - Embracing Freedom and Analyzing Problems 00:36:18 - Being Intimate in Relationships in the Non-Dual Community 00:39:50 - Treating Others as the Self 00:42:06 - Maintaining a Beginner's Attitude 00:44:19 - Writing as Self-Exploration 00:46:28 - The Process of Writing Music 00:48:12 - A Cool and Interesting Story 00:50:14 - Ignoring the Voices in the Head 00:52:16 - Thoughts of Unworthiness 00:54:07 - The Significance of Self-Identity 00:56:39 - Reflections on high school and self-image 00:58:56 - The Role of Therapy in Awakening 01:01:45 - The Concept of Divine Intelligence 01:03:57 - The Mechanics of the Universe 01:05:37 - The Tragic Consequences of Alienation 01:07:53 - The Duality of Life 01:09:51 - The Concept of a Terrible Life 01:12:02 - The Unmanifest State and the Perfectness of Being 01:13:55 - Lightening up and chilling out