Podcasts about wisdom series

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Ep. 184 (Part 2 of 2) | In the tenth dialogue of the A. H. Almaas Wisdom Series, Hameed Ali addresses what co-host Roger Walsh calls perhaps Inner Journey Home's most profound chapter of all, the chapter on True Nature, as well as subjects he writes about in his autobiographical fragment, Luminous Night's Journey. In the second turning of the Diamond Approach teaching, we transition from exploring individual true nature to boundless true nature—the absolute, ground of all manifestation. Following the mystery of truth, you come to absolute truth, Hameed tells us, and you find a mystery that not only liberates but makes everything happen. Hameed describes the absolute as the radiant blackness before the light, its luminosity awareness, and relates how, in the absolute, the feeling of intimacy is palpable. Here, the soul recognizes “I am home.”Hameed relates how being and nonbeing are integrated, and about how time and space emerge out of true nature. Every moment is a new creation, he explains, not formed by the past or present, but new, instant to instant, from nonbeing to being. Hameed says true nature is the essence of freedom, and that in these troubled times the important thing is to recognize “I am free” and ultimately indestructible, and to be ourselves, grounded by the truth of our inner nature. Towards the end of the conversation, co-host John Dupuy asks Hameed, “What motivates you? Why aren't you simply hanging out being true nature?” Hameed laughs and responds, “I am.” Recorded April 10, 2025.“The idea is to be free. Inwardly.”Topics & Time Stamps – Part 2Beingness is what Hameed calls presence; everything is both being and non-being (00:52)Being in the world but not of this world (04:12)The effects of studying Reichian therapy and breathwork on Hameed's experience and way of teaching (06:32)The body needs to be open and at ease to experience presence; this is why yoga is widely practiced in East Indian traditions (09:17)Is having an ego a necessary stage for waking up? (13:01)Space and time are created by true nature, even though it is timeless (14:43)True nature is the essence of freedom; it is “radically unqualifiable” (19:38)The depths of our experience set the limit on our intellectual understanding (22:53)In these troubled times, the important thing is to recognize “I am free” and be ourselves, grounded by the truth of our inner nature (25:07)Profound equanimity allows deeper compassion to emerge (28:29)The values of true nature are fundamental and eternal; how do we manifest these all the time? (29:20)After all the amazing, mind-shattering realizations, life becomes ordinary and simple (32:21)What motivates Hameed now? (35:24)Resources & References – Part 2A. H. Almaas (Hameed Ali), founder of The Ridhwan School, home of The Diamond...

Ep. 183 (Part 1 of 2) | In the tenth dialogue of the A. H. Almaas Wisdom Series, Hameed Ali addresses what co-host Roger Walsh calls perhaps Inner Journey Home's most profound chapter of all, the chapter on True Nature, as well as subjects he writes about in his autobiographical fragment, Luminous Night's Journey. In the second turning of the Diamond Approach teaching, we transition from exploring individual true nature to boundless true nature—the absolute, ground of all manifestation. Following the mystery of truth, you come to absolute truth, Hameed tells us, and you find a mystery that not only liberates but makes everything happen. Hameed describes the absolute as the radiant blackness before the light, its luminosity awareness, and relates how, in the absolute, the feeling of intimacy is palpable. Here, the soul recognizes “I am home.”Hameed explains how being and nonbeing are integrated, and about how time and space emerge out of true nature. Every moment is a new creation, he says, not formed by the past or present, but new, instant to instant, from nonbeing to being. Hameed says the essence of freedom lies in the absolute, and that in these troubled and times, the important thing is to recognize “I am free” and ultimately indestructible, and to be ourselves, grounded by the truth of our inner nature. Towards the end of the conversation, co-host John Dupuy asks Hameed, “What motivates you? Why aren't you simply hanging out being true nature?” Hameed laughs and responds, “I am.” Recorded April 10, 2025.“In the absolute, everything dissolves; the absolute is the universal solvent.”Topics & Time Stamps – Part 1Introducing the 10th dialogue in the A. H. Almaas Wisdom Series, focusing on The Inner Journey Home‘s chapter, True Nature (00:55)What is the phenomenological experience of presence? (02:07)The soul can feel like presence—but more often it is structured by our history and appears as our ego self (05:14)Presence is the true nature of everything: perfect, complete, totally blissful (06:24)Love of truth naturally appears in the heart along the inner journey (09:04)The concern with talking about true nature is if you describe it, people look for something that isn't it (11:57)Hameed wrote Luminous Night's Journey to elucidate the experience of the soul, the absolute, and how soul and absolute are integrated (13:48)In the second turning of the teaching, we transition from individual true nature to boundless true nature: the absolute, the ground of all manifestation (18:11)The visible and invisible, manifest and unmanifest (19:58)Everything happens not from present to future, but from nonbeing to being (21:04)Everything dissolves in the absolute: it is the universal solvent (21:41)The absolute is the luminous, radiant blackness before the light (24:57)In the absolute, the soul recognizes “I am home” (26:47)Looking into the absolute, there is nothing; looking away from it, you see the manifest (28:48)The concept and experience of cessation (30:44)Hameed's distinction between consciousness and awareness (32:40)Awareness = luminosity + emptiness (34:25)Emptiness is not empty space, it's being and nonbeing unified (36:39)Resources & References – Part 1

In this continuation of the Bhagavad-gita Wisdom Series we discuss the complex topics of mind and consciousness from both scientific and yogic perspectives.Many scientists stubbornly insist that there is a single “energy” (the material energy) which exists and is perceivable by us. This idea, however, gives rise to the fundamental challenge in understanding consciousness, that is how consciousness arises from atomic particles or complex chemical compounds. This problem is sometimes referred to as the 'hard problem of consciousness'.The Vedic and yogic perspective is that consciousness is a quality of another type of ‘energy', the spiritual being (ātmā or ‘self). The understanding is that the spiritual being has two coverings or bodies: a gross physical body and a subtle body, with consciousness being the quality of the ātmā/self that pervades both.Some quotes that were referenced in the talk:“Consciousness poses the most baffling problems in the science of the mind. There is nothing that we know more intimately than conscious experience, but there is nothing that is harder to explain. All sorts of mental phenomena have yielded to scientific investigation in recent years, but consciousness has stubbornly resisted. Many have tried to explain it, but the explanations always seem to fall short of the target. Some have been led to suppose that the problem is intractable, and that no good explanation can be given.” “- David John Chalmers, a philosopher and cognitive scientist.“The hard problem of consciousness is the problem of explaining why any physical state is conscious rather than nonconscious.”O son of Bharata, as the sun alone illuminates all this universe, so does the living entity, one within the body, illuminates the entire body by consciousness. Bhagavad-gītā 13.34Know that which pervades the entire body is indestructible. No one is able to destroy the imperishable soul. - Bg 2.17"The soul (atma/self) is atomic in size and can be perceived by perfect intelligence. This atomic soul is floating in the five kinds of air (prāṇa, apāna, vyāna, samāna and udāna), is situated within the heart, and spreads its influence all over the body of the embodied living entities. When the soul is purified from the contamination of the five kinds of material air, its spiritual influence is exhibited." - Muṇḍaka Upaniṣad 3.1.9The seer (atma) is pure (transcendental) even though it perceives this world through the mind. - Yoga-sūtra 2.20The mind is not self-illuminating being itself an object of perception (that which is knowable). Yoga-sūtra 4.19 Not being self-luminous, the mind cannot be aware of an object and itself (as perceiver and perceived) at the same time. Yoga-sūtra 4.20 The pure and transcendental consciousness of the atma (self) is unchangeable. When the mind receives the reflection of that consciousness it is able to perceive and appears like the seer. Yoga-sūtra 4.22 The mind, being able to perceive due to its reflecting both the atma (self) and objects of perception, appears to comprehend everything. Yoga-sūtra 4.23 Even though the mind has accumulated various impressions (and desires) of various types it is always at the disposal of the atma (self). This is because the mind cannot function without the power of the perceiver. Yoga-sūtra 4.24The living entities in this conditioned world are My eternal, fragmental parts. Due to conditioned life, they are struggling very hard with the six senses, which include the mind. - Bhagavad-gītā 15.7"One must deliver themself with the help of one's mind, and not degrade themself. The mind is the friend of the conditioned soul, and his enemy as well. For one who has conquered the mind, the mind is the best of friends; but for one who has failed to do so, his mind will remain the greatest enemy. " Bg 6.5-6

Ep. 178 (Part 2 of 2) | In the ninth dialogue of the A. H. Almaas Wisdom Series, Hameed gives a fascinating account of how four distinctly different wisdom teachings came to him in succession, directly from true nature, embodied in the form of diamonds. “In the beginning, I didn't know…what the hell were these? Is it my imagination?” Hameed laughs. But then his colleagues and students experienced the diamondness too. Like angels of revelation, each diamond vehicle brings a different type of wisdom: the first diamond vehicle, Guidance, brings clarity and initiated the practice of inquiry; the second embodies the wisdom that pleasure is what we are, bringing an understanding of pleasure from a spiritual perspective; the third diamond vehicle holds the wisdom of how to conduct our lives from a place of truth, and the fourth the wisdom of true knowledge—knowing by being—the knowing that is needed for awakening.Not only do we hear marvelous stories of how the diamond-shaped wisdom messengers appeared to Hameed, but he also imparts a wonderfully comprehensive yet succinct rendering of the teachings they brought, and the conversation flows from embodying wisdom to embodying pleasure, the inward turn, and why bliss must be combined with emptiness for enlightenment to occur. Also, how to live a life of truth with the inner compass provided by the third diamond teaching, the pitfalls of the ego's tendency to accommodate others, how being is inseparable from knowing, and lots more. A very full, warm, rich conversation, filled also with humor, sparkle, and delight. Recorded January 30, 2025.“The Diamond Dome brings in the wisdom of true knowledge—spiritual knowledge, knowing by being—the knowing that is needed for awakening.”Topics & Time Stamps – Part 2Emptiness has a bliss to it (00:49)The death tantra and sexual tantra paths to enlightenment (01:06)Emptiness/fullness, being/non-being, unity/particularity: two sides of reality (03:18)We lose track of the particularity when we focus on unity only (05:22)There are many different levels of particularity: ego, body, soul… Each diamond vehicle is a particularity (09:39)The Citadel, the third diamond vehicle, is the essential conscience, the wisdom of how to conduct your life from the perspective of true nature (10:05)Accommodating is part of the behavior of the ego, but in accommodating, most of the time you are selling yourself, compromising (13:20)Living a life of truth brings in the unity and the particularity (15:37)You transition when you become willing to sacrifice comforts, relationships, the supports of the ego, to align only with truth (17:56)On this path, the vehicle first appears then manifests each of its aspects—different shaped diamonds within a diamond (21:31)For Hameed, first Diamond Guidance appeared, then Markabah, then the Citadel, then the Diamond Dome (24:24)The Diamond Dome brings in the wisdom of true knowledge—spiritual knowledge, knowing by being—the knowing that is needed for awakening (25:41)This vehicle brings the knowledge of each aspect; basic concepts are clearly delineated (29:27)True nature informs the individual mind with basic concepts (34:38)Each vehicle highlights certain parts of the ego as obstacles to realization; the dome highlights self-identity, the “I-ness” of the ego (36:26)To embody the Diamond Dome the ego needs to experience cessation (37:43)Resources &...

Ep. 177 (Part 1 of 2) | In the ninth dialogue of the A. H. Almaas Wisdom Series, Hameed gives a fascinating account of how four distinctly different wisdom teachings came to him in succession, directly from true nature, embodied in the form of diamonds. “In the beginning, I didn't know…what the hell were these? Is it my imagination?” Hameed laughs. But then his colleagues and students experienced the diamondness too. Like angels of revelation, each diamond vehicle brings a different type of wisdom: the first diamond vehicle, Guidance, brings clarity and initiated the practice of inquiry; the second embodies the wisdom that pleasure is what we are, bringing an understanding of pleasure from a spiritual perspective; the third diamond vehicle holds the wisdom of how to conduct our lives from a place of truth, and the fourth the wisdom of true knowledge—knowing by being—the knowing that is needed for awakening.Not only do we hear marvelous stories of how the diamond-shaped wisdom messengers appeared to Hameed, but he also imparts a wonderfully comprehensive yet succinct rendering of the teachings they brought, and the conversation flows from embodying wisdom to embodying pleasure, the inward turn, and why bliss must be combined with emptiness for enlightenment to occur. Also, how to live a life of truth with the inner compass provided by the third diamond teaching, the pitfalls of the ego's tendency to accommodate others, how being is inseparable from knowing, and lots more. A very full, warm, rich conversation, filled also with humor, sparkle, and delight. Recorded January 30, 2025.“For enlightenment to happen, emptiness has to be combined with bliss.”Topics & Time Stamps – Part 1Introducing the 9th dialogue in the A. H. Almaas Wisdom Series: How did the Diamond Approach teaching come to Hameed? (00:53)First came a pure, transparent presence like liquid diamond: clarity itself (04:46)The diamond also came with a sense of precision, of sharp discrimination, of objectivity (08:07)Hameed's vision of the diamond vehicles: like a fleet of ships in black space (11:05)The first diamond vehicle, guidance, brought about the practice of inquiry (12:06)Hameed's near-death experience: looking down upon his body it was a body of diamonds; two diamonds called him back: love and joy (13:23)Recounting this experience to friends later, the diamond vehicle filled the room—the sacred manifest (17:08)Manifest in this one body was the guidance for the teaching, like an angel of revelation but shaped like a spaceship made of diamonds (19:46)Each diamond vehicle brings a different kind of wisdom (20:58)Diamond wisdom can be used as guidance in the scientific field (22:36)It's not just a teaching, but a presence that embodies the teaching; embodying the presence is learning the teaching (25:11)The second diamond vehicle is the vehicle of pleasure, understanding pleasure from the spiritual perspective: the teaching of the inward turn (27:04)Pleasure turns out to be a whole realm, where all aspects appear in their pleasurable form (34:38)Inner guidance is where the truth is from instant to instant, telling you to look here, not there (35:58)Hameed differentiates pleasure from bliss, because pleasure is something ordinary human beings know (37:39)Embodying the wisdom that pleasure is what we are (40:08)All the vehicles are expressions of the essence of consciousness,...

Send us some LOVE!Medical advocacy isn't just helpful—it can be life-saving. When Erin Galyean lost her father to non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in 1997, she couldn't have known that 20 years later, her sister Megan would face the same diagnosis, complicated by a rare and aggressive lung disease. Through these painful experiences, Erin discovered that her professional background in pharmaceutical sales and communication training provided her with unique skills to advocate effectively within the healthcare system.The heart of effective advocacy lies in masterful questioning. Throughout our conversation, Erin shares powerful techniques for transforming closed-ended questions that might yield only yes/no answers into open-ended questions that extract comprehensive information from busy healthcare providers. This simple shift—asking "What side effects should we watch for?" instead of "Are there side effects?"—can dramatically improve the quality of care your loved one receives.Ready to become a more effective advocate? Visit BadassAdvocate.com to explore Erin's books and her new interactive journal "Getting Through This Together," designed to create meaningful connections and lasting memories with seriously ill loved ones. Remember: your advocacy today could save a life tomorrow—maybe even your own.Contact:www.asiliveandgrieve.cominfo@asiliveandgrieve.comFacebook:  As I Live and GrieveInstagram:  @asiliveandgrieveYouTube:  asiliveandgrieveTikTok: @asiliveandgrieveTo Reach Erin:Website: www.badassadvocate.comEmail:  erin@badassadvocate.comSocial MediaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/badassadvocate (@badassadvocate)LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/71141242/admin/dashboard/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/badassadvocate/# (@badassadvocate)TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@eringalyean?lang=en (@eringalyean)Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/badassadvocate/Credits: Music by Kevin MacLeod Support the showCopyright 2020, by As I Live and GrieveThe views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.

This talk continues our Bhagavad-gita Wisdom Series with the topic: “Beyond Happiness & Distress – A Guide to Emotional Well-Being.”We explore two fundamental perspectives:• The materialistic view, which identifies the self with the body and mind.• The spiritual perspective, which sees the self as an eternal spiritual being temporarily residing in a body and struggling with the mind.According to yogic teachings, emotions arise from mental processes and are not intrinsic to the soul. These teachings emphasize the importance of tolerating desires and emotions rather than being controlled by them. This state of inner steadiness is likened to an ocean—remaining calm despite the many rivers that flow into it.The ancient wisdom of yoga introduces the concept of becoming an Atmarama—one who is self-satisfied—finding lasting spiritual happiness within rather than seeking temporary fulfillment in external sources.Meditation is a key practice for self-realization, accessible to everyone. The transformative power of meditating on transcendental sound can be compared to the sunrise dispelling fog, bringing clarity and insight. As yoga wisdom deepens, it reshapes one's perspective on life and relationships, leading to genuine peace and fulfillment.The verses which I quote from the Bhagavad-gītā: Some look on the soul as amazing, some describe him as amazing, and some hear of him as amazing, while others, even after hearing about him, cannot understand him at all. Bhagavad-gītā 2.29 O son of Kuntī, the nonpermanent appearance of happiness and distress, and their disappearance in due course, are like the appearance and disappearance of winter and summer seasons. They arise from sense perception, O scion of Bharata, and one must learn to tolerate them without being disturbed. - Bhagavad-gītā 2.14O best among men [Arjuna], the person who is not disturbed by happiness and distress and is steady in both is certainly eligible for liberation. - Bhagavad-gītā 2.15That happiness which is derived from contact of the senses with their objects and which appears like nectar at first but poison at the end is said to be of the nature of passion. - Bhagavad-gītā 18.38That which in the beginning may be just like poison but at the end is just like nectar and which awakens one to self-realization is said to be happiness in the mode of goodness. - Bhagavad-gītā 18.37A person who is not disturbed by the incessant flow of desires—that enter like rivers into the ocean which is ever being filled but is always still—can alone achieve peace, and not the person who strives to satisfy such desires. - Bhagavad-gītā 2.70Be steadfast in yoga, O Arjuna. Perform your duty and abandon all attachment to success or failure. Such evenness of mind is called yoga. - Bhagavad-gītā 2.48These are some additional verses which you might benefit from:One who is not envious but who is a kind friend to all living entities, who does not think himself a proprietor, who is free from false ego and equal both in happiness and distress, who is always satisfied and engaged in (loving)devotional service with determination and whose mind and intelligence are in agreement with Me-he is very dear to Me. - Bhagavad-gītā 12.13-14One who is free from illusion, false prestige, and false association, who understands the eternal, who is done with material lust and is freed from the duality of happiness and distress, and who knows how to surrender unto the Supreme Person, attains to that eternal kingdom. - Bhagavad-gītā 15.5One who is not disturbed in spite of the threefold miseries, who is not elated when there is happiness, and who is free from attachment, fear and anger, is called a sage of steady mind. - Bhagavad-gītā 2.56For one who has conquered the mind, the Super Soul is already reached, for they have attained tranquillity. To such a man happiness and distress, heat and cold, honor and dishonor are all the same. - Bhagavad-gītā 6.7

Subscriber-only episodeSend us a textHi listeners! Welcome to Soul of Travel Beyond and to the second episode in the Women's Wisdom Series. I am so excited to bring you this content that brings together different perspectives from the women who have spoken to me over the years. They are not only leaders and innovators but wise and soulful women who share so much of their personal and professional journeys. This series will bring them together in a way that makes their wisdom even more powerful. I have loved going back and reconnecting with my guests in this way, and I hope you love these conversations too.If you'd love to hear from my guests on a certain topic as a part of your Beyond subscription, please send me an email to souloftravelpodcast@gmail.com. I'd love to hear from you.As subscription holders, you have access to this subscriber-only content and an invitation to exclusive Soul of Travel: Beyond conversations. I cannot wait to share these experiences with you!Today, let's continue our Women's Wisdom journey by taking a closer look at burnout, hustle culture, and rest, how these show up in our lives and business, and ways to care for ourselves and honor ourselves to stay in alignment and balance.  Today's Guests:Carla CamposMickela MallozziPoonam Rowat-HahneLila FoxCarly OduardoChristine Winebrenner IrickEnjoy your journey,ChristineSubscribe to BEYOND!

Ep. 173 (Part 2 of 2) | In this 8th dialogue in the A. H. Almaas Wisdom Series, Hameed Ali gives a clear, colorful description of the three stages we go through on the spiritual path: the journey to presence, the journey with presence, and the journey in presence. “There's much more to the journey than just being free of suffering,” he says, “in the journey with presence, there's a whole universe to discover—unexpectedly we find there is a whole realm of splendor, beauty, freedom, and liberation.” In the third journey, the journey in presence, the stage of actualization, we are swimming in the ocean of presence or we are the presence itself. Hameed relates how impeccability, strong and pure like stainless steel, is an important part of actualizing presence, embodying our essence in our daily lives. “The ‘I am' can function in the world as a person,” he explains, “I can be the vastness, an infinite, black, luminous night, completely formless, but still walk in the street as a person.”Hameed also talks about the “pearl beyond price”—the individuated self that brings a functional capacity to the isness, which is why it is of incomparable price—and the point of existence, point of light, or pure I-ness. He discusses the individuation of the soul and the realization that the nature of the soul is the nature of everything: this is the nondual experience. This dialogue is another treasure trove of spiritual transmission by Hameed—with humor, clarity, precision, and beautiful metaphor, his teachings, even as deeply profound and mysterious as they are, come as wonderful revelations for us to grasp onto, leading us forward on the inner journey home. Recorded January 3, 2025.“Presence is the ground of all reality.”Topics & Time Stamps – Part 2What is the I in ‘I am that'? A point of light, presence, existence (00:53)I-am-that are three different things (04:25)At some point, the point of light and the pearl beyond price become unified (06:56)The ego self is insecure: that's why there is selfishness (09:04)With the realization of I am that, the “that” changes (12:30)The “I am” can function in the world as a person: I can be the vastness, formless & infinite, but still walk in the street as a person (14:01)In the source dimension, all people are nothing but organs of perception for the absolute (15:05)What brought Hameed back from the absolute? (17:46)Each teaching has their ultimate, but there is more than one ultimate (19:24)There's much more to the journey than just being free of suffering (20:31)Ignorance never ends (21:26)Is there a best way to study spirituality? (22:57)The essentialization of the soul: recognizing that presence is our true nature, essence is a living consciousness (25:21)Realizing the ground of being: the nature of the soul is the nature of everything; this is the nondual experience (27:18)The issues that come up on the journey: psychodynamic, structural, existential & epistemological (33:17)Resources & ReferencesA. H. Almaas (Hameed Ali), founder of The Ridhwan School

Ep. 172 (Part 1 of 2) | In this 8th dialogue in the A. H. Almaas Wisdom Series, Hameed Ali gives a clear, colorful description of the three stages we go through on the spiritual path: the journey to presence, the journey with presence, and the journey in presence. “There's much more to the journey than just being free of suffering,” he says, “in the journey with presence, there's a whole universe to discover—unexpectedly we find there is a whole realm of splendor, beauty, freedom, and liberation.” In the third journey, the journey in presence, the stage of actualization, we are swimming in the ocean of presence or we are the presence itself. Hameed relates how impeccability, strong and pure like stainless steel, is an important part of actualizing presence, embodying our essence in our daily lives. “The ‘I am' can function in the world as a person,” he explains, “I can be the vastness, an infinite, black, luminous night, completely formless, but still walk in the street as a person.”Hameed also talks about the “pearl beyond price”—the individuated self that brings a functional capacity to the isness, which is why it is of incomparable price—and the point of existence, point of light, or pure I-ness. He discusses the individuation of the soul and the realization that the nature of the soul is the nature of everything: this is the nondual experience. This dialogue is another treasure trove of spiritual transmission by Hameed—with humor, clarity, precision, and beautiful metaphor, his teachings, even as deeply profound and mysterious as they are, come as wonderful revelations for us to grasp onto, leading us forward on the inner journey home. Recorded January 3, 2025.“The experience of presence is the defining experience of this path.”Topics & Time Stamps – Part 1Introducing the 8th dialogue of the A. H. Almaas Wisdom Series, which focuses on the 15th chapter of The Inner Journey Home: “The Inner Journey” (00:56)Hameed outlines 3 stages of the inner journey: the journey to presence, the journey with presence, the journey in presence (03:00)First, the individual soul, structured through early life experience, begins (with practice) to recognize presence (09:50)Second is the journey with presence: working with the theory of holes before opening to spaciousness (12:22)The second stage is the fun part—when everything is completely new and somewhat miraculous (14:56)Experiencing the true potential of a human being: unexpectedly we find there is a whole realm of splendor, beauty, freedom & liberation (17:59)The third journey is actualization, when we are swimming in the ocean of presence or we are the presence itself: self-realization; the self is the presence (19:55)Impeccability: living in a way that is faithful to our true nature (21:12)Roger's summary of Hameed's points: presence is not static, learning about true nature is an ongoing, marvelous surprise, viewing spiritual maturation along a spectrum, and how realizing presence brings with it the deep desire that all beings experience it (23:34)In other traditions, there isn't much discussion beyond the realization itself (25:56)The world is never “fixed” (28:55)Part of the soul's maturation is individuation; personal-ness turns out to be a quality of presence (30:10)The pearl beyond price (the individuated self) is known also to the gnostics, the Sufis, the Taoists… it is protected by a fearsome monster (the ego) (33:28)The point of light,...

Ep. 167 (Part 2 of 2) | In the 7th dialogue of the A. H. Almaas Wisdom Series, Hameed Ali enlightens us as to the nature of presence. Our path begins with the recognition that spirit is presence, he explains, an insight which all spiritual traditions share; this is where most of their focus lies. But this is not the end of the story, Hameed tells us—discovering spirit is only half the work. The other half is actualizing presence by clarifying and purifying our souls. Presence works as an agent of transformation in this process; appearing in our souls as curiosity and a love of truth, it leads us home. The discussion turns to virtues, the fruition of realization, and how it is that realized teachers can behave in entirely unethical ways: “realization is no guarantee of ethical behavior.”This conversation is packed with insights regarding many related topics: how ethics most importantly concern our relations with others, that kindness becomes spontaneous for the true master, the distinction between universal grace and specific grace, how inner spaciousness or emptiness is the other side of the coin from presence or fullness, and the question arises, “Why is it that some people are interested in going deeper and others not?” Hameed also speaks of his own experience of unilocal realization, where all time and space are found in the center of the heart and accessing information from the future is possible. It is not so much I am this or that, he says, it's simply I am. This warm, illuminating discussion has a fascinating flow and sparks many instances of quiet laughter on all sides. Recorded December 12, 2024.“True nature is a real magician; to know yourself as that magician is true realization.”Topics & Time Stamps – Part 2Living ethically is conducive to realization (00:50)True mastery means your kindness is spontaneous (02:15)Ethics apply more at an ego level; spirit has its own principles (04:28)Feeling the pain of being constricted is one way the spiritual impulse arises (05:59)Why do some people want to go deeper than others? (06:40)The love of truth leads us home: the dynamic of realization (09:14)Unilocal realization: experiencing all time and space in the heart (11:10)Hameed can learn from his future self and from people who have died (12:26)Trusting ourselves, and the distinction between universal grace and specific grace (16:28)Practice helps make us grace-prone; most people need a teacher or guide (19:24)Presence is the fullness and inner spaciousness the emptiness side of things (21:50)True nature is a real magician; to know yourself as that magician is true realization (26:52) Space/time emanates from our true nature (29:02)Ethics are relative to our time and culture; but essential ethics are timeless (31:24)Selflessness and concern for the well-being of all has grown over time (33:35)Resources & References – Part 2A. H. Almaas (Hameed Ali), founder of The Ridhwan School, home of

Ep. 166 (Part 1 of 2) | In the 7th dialogue of the A. H. Almaas Wisdom Series, Hameed Ali enlightens us as to the nature of presence. Our path begins with the recognition that spirit is presence, he explains, an insight which all spiritual traditions share; this is where most of their focus lies. But this is not the end of the story, Hameed tells us—discovering spirit is only half the work. The other half is actualizing presence by clarifying and purifying our souls. Presence works as an agent of transformation in this process; appearing in our souls as curiosity and a love of truth, it leads us home. The discussion turns to virtues, the fruition of realization, and how it is that realized teachers can behave in entirely unethical ways: “realization is no guarantee of ethical behavior.”This conversation is packed with insights regarding many related topics: how ethics most importantly concern our relations with others, that kindness becomes spontaneous for the true master, the distinction between universal grace and specific grace, how inner spaciousness or emptiness is the other side of the coin from presence or fullness, and the question arises, “Why is it that some people are interested in going deeper and others not?” Hameed also speaks of his own experience of unilocal realization, where all time and space are found in the center of the heart and accessing information from the future is possible. It is not so much I am this or that, he says, it's simply I am. This warm, illuminating discussion has a fascinating flow and sparks many instances of quiet laughter on all sides. Recorded December 12, 2024.“Presence is both the inner nature and the elixir of transformation.”(For Apple Podcast users, click here to view the complete show notes on the episode page.)Topics & Time Stamps – Part 1Introducing the 7th dialogue in the A. H. Almaas Wisdom Series (01:01)The basic spiritual insight common to all schools is the recognition of what spirit is: a palpable presence, a substrate of all reality (01:37)The path begins with recognizing presence and then goes on (03:49)Presence is being, the way we experience our true nature (05:55)Exploring the essential qualities of the soul is an important tool to expose and dissolve components of the ego (07:55)Recognizing true nature doesn't mean we express it in our life (09:09)Discovering spirit is only half the work, the other half is purifying the soul (10:50)Great traditions don't get into actualization; psychology is what allowed us to develop practices like inquiry that help to release ego structures (13:02)How realized teachers can be angry, or sadistic (17:18)Animal soul, human soul, angelic soul: most of us operate from the animal soul (19:40)Working on character (21:43)Realization and teaching skill are quite different (23:36)There's no guarantee a realized person will behave ethically (27:01)Virtues are the impact of spiritual presence on the soul (28:17)An important part of ethical behavior is in relationship (28:59)“Objective conscience” supports us in living a life of truth (29:22)Liberation is different from realization; with liberation there are no imprints of time left in you (32:38)The inner...

Ep. 163 (Part 2 of 2) | In the sixth dialogue of the A. H. Almaas Wisdom Series, Hameed Ali tells us that whereas pure consciousness is already perfect and does not change or grow, individual consciousness is an impressionable organism—alive, changing, moving, developing. Hameed explains that because the soul is impressionable, the impacts of experience are imprinted upon it, shaping our very consciousness. Ego structures form from repeated impressions, and although they are necessary for survival and to function in a relational world, these structures make it difficult to experience the living presence of our true nature. We experience the ego self instead, mistaking our self-image for what we truly are. When we loosen our conditioning, with help from practices like inquiry and bodywork, our soul becomes free of its imprint and our true potential arises naturally, along with greater compassion and other qualities of the soul. Simply and clearly, Hameed brings us to a deeper understanding of our soul, elucidating what holds us to our limited self-identity and describing what we have to look forward to as the myriad imprints hammered into us by experience become diaphanous, and new impressions no longer make indelible imprints. Hameed also delves into the different ways various traditions talk about the soul, the difference between ordinary knowledge and “knowing,” or gnosis, and tells us that sudden enlightenment and gradual enlightenment are an artificial dichotomy, sharing a story of a sudden enlightenment experience of his own. Once again, Hameed transmits an extraordinary amount of wisdom in a relatively short time, and we emerge brighter, hopeful, and inspired as to our boundless spiritual potential. Recorded November 14, 2024.“When the soul becomes free of its original imprint, it becomes open to its inner potential – and inner potential is mostly spiritual potential.”(For Apple Podcast users, click here to view the complete show notes on the episode page.)Topics & Time Stamps – Part 2Relaxing the tension in the soul and body is important: working with body armor (00:49)Mature impressionability: when the soul is more free, impacts don't leave lasting imprints (03:16)When the soul becomes free of its original imprint, it opens to its inner potential (08:34)The enlightenment drive and our spiritual potential (11:41)Psychology and spirituality are not separate in our consciousness (13:51)The different ways different traditions and psychology talk about the soul (15:43)Unique particularity becomes very important in Zen: a flower is a flower (20:43)Gnosis: I know myself without reflection, without memory; I know what I am (23:13)Nonconceptual and transconceptual knowing (25:24)Sudden enlightenment and gradual cultivation are an artificial dichotomy (28:21)What does gradual enlightenment mean? (30:51)Hameed relates an experience of “sudden enlightenment” (31:21)How the evolution of the universe relates to awakened consciousness (33:40)Roger's acknowledgment of this conversation as uniquely impactful (36:48)Resources & ReferencesA. H. Almaas (Hameed Ali), founder...

Ep. 162 (Part 1 of 2) | In the sixth dialogue of the A. H. Almaas Wisdom Series, Hameed Ali tells us that whereas pure consciousness is already perfect and does not change or grow, individual consciousness is an impressionable organism—alive, changing, moving, developing. Hameed explains that because the soul is impressionable, the impacts of experience are imprinted upon it, shaping our very consciousness. Ego structures form from repeated impressions, and although they are necessary for survival and to function in a relational world, these structures make it difficult to experience the living presence of our true nature. We experience the ego self instead, mistaking our self-image for what we truly are. When we loosen our conditioning, with help from practices like inquiry and bodywork, our soul becomes free of its imprint and our true potential arises naturally, along with greater compassion and other qualities of the soul. Simply and clearly, Hameed brings us to a deeper understanding of our soul, elucidating what holds us to our limited self-identity and describing what we have to look forward to as the myriad imprints hammered into us by experience become diaphanous, and new impressions no longer make indelible imprints. Hameed also delves into the different ways various traditions talk about the soul, the difference between ordinary knowledge and “knowing,” or gnosis, and tells us that sudden enlightenment and gradual enlightenment are an artificial dichotomy, sharing a story of a sudden enlightenment experience of his own. Once again, Hameed transmits an extraordinary amount of wisdom in a relatively short time, and we emerge brighter, hopeful, and inspired as to our boundless spiritual potential. Recorded November 14, 2024.“Self-image is not just in the mind, it actually shapes our consciousness.”(For Apple Podcast users, click here to view the complete show notes on the episode page.)Topics & Time Stamps – Part 1Introducing the 6th dialogue in the A. H. Almaas Wisdom Series, beginning with chapter 7 of The Inner Journey Home: the impressionability of the soul (00:51)One of individual consciousness' properties is impressionability; without it, there would be no learning (02:39)It's not easy to experience the soul as a living presence because of its impressionability (05:43)The mind is just one of the faculties of the soul (08:10)Like a child, the soul retains affect, feelings, impacts; these traces make it possible for individual consciousness to be structured (10:19)Self-image, self-identity, come from more long lasting types of impressions (12:49)Without impressionability, there wouldn't be trauma (13:23)Painful, pleasurable, or neutral, some impressions become patterns of behavior (13:47)When we study the soul, we can find the ego structures: rigid, unchanging, the impressions have made an indelible imprint (14:29)Self-image affects consciousness by limiting it: the medium of presence is hidden by the accumulation of impressions (17:35)Self-image actually shapes our consciousness: the soul mistakes itself for the self (23:32)The malleability of the soul is responsible for both conditioning and learning (25:31)How open we are depends on our early experience; also, different souls come in with different capacities...

Ep. 159 (Part 2 of 2) | In the 5th dialogue of the A. H. Almaas Wisdom Series, spiritual teacher and author Hameed Ali discusses the dynamic, ever changing, infinitely creative nature of the universe, and explains that our individual souls are in some sense a microcosm of this energy, with endless potentials and possibilities. We can experience creative dynamism, Hameed says, as “a sense of infinite energy, pulsing and throbbing, where we see the whole universe in continual emergence, every moment new.” Although the soul has boundless potential, we tend to take the limited approach that what we already know is the extent of things; the key to loosening the limits we place upon ourselves is to practice inquiry and remain open to all directions of possibilities. Each individual experiences the dynamism in a different way and expresses the potentiality of reality in a different way, says Hameed. When we are in touch with our true nature, we share in the creativity of the divine. In this conversation, Hameed also talks about death: how we can be curious about it, how it is the ultimate in finality, one more possibility of reality, and that he doesn't presume to know it, only that true nature is the source of time and does not die. Life can be experienced like a fountain rather than a flowing river, Hameed relates. And the more our ego structures are released, the more we can open to its beautiful array of endless possibilities. Another profoundly intriguing, subtly humorous, and absolutely enlightening conversation with Hameed Ali. Recorded October 10, 2024.“We are thoughts in the mind of God, but God's thoughts are not like human thoughts, they are creations.”(For Apple Podcast users, click here to view the complete show notes on the episode page.)Topics & Time Stamps – Part 2Ordinary knowledge is a subset of basic knowledge, which is implicit in the beingness of what is manifesting; spirituality has to do with basic knowledge (00:59) What Hameed would like to add to the theory of evolution (04:47)It is possible for the soul to know itself; nothing else we achieve in life will bring total fulfillment (07:44) The logos is manifesting the potential of reality; part of this potential is for true nature to know itself through the organs of perception of the individual soul (10:06)The human being is designed to fill its purpose, but when you get into true nature, purpose doesn't apply (12:08)Beyond Maslow's motivation of self-transcendence: selfless service, transpersonal spontaneity, and the motivation to go beyond what we know (15:14)What about death? Nothing else has the finality of death (21:39)True nature doesn't die; it is the source of time, pure timelessness (24:35)Dogen drops causality: ash is ash, wood is wood; life is life, death is death (26:48)Death is another possibility of reality (29:06)Experiencing life as a fountain rather than a flowing river (31:51)The more ego structures are released, the more we open to a beautiful array of possibilities & potentials (36:29)The ego is not false, it's just limited (40:12)What the human being is free to actualize is to be open to all directions of possibilities (41:16)Resources & References – Part 2

Ep. 158 (Part 1 of 2) | In the 5th dialogue of the A. H. Almaas Wisdom Series, spiritual teacher and author Hameed Ali discusses the dynamic, ever changing, infinitely creative nature of the universe, and explains that our individual souls are in some sense a microcosm of this energy, with endless potentials and possibilities. We can experience creative dynamism, Hameed says, as “a sense of infinite energy, pulsing and throbbing, where we see the whole universe in continual emergence, every moment new.” Although the soul has boundless potential, we tend to take the limited approach that what we already know is the extent of things; the key to loosening the limits we place upon ourselves is to practice inquiry and remain open to all directions of possibilities. Each individual experiences the dynamism in a different way and expresses the potentiality of reality in a different way, says Hameed. When we are in touch with our true nature, we share in the creativity of the divine. In this conversation, Hameed also talks about death: how we can be curious about it, how it is the ultimate in finality, one more possibility of reality, and that he doesn't presume to know it, only that true nature is the source of time and does not die. Life can be experienced like a fountain rather than a flowing river, Hameed relates. And the more our ego structures are released, the more we can open to its beautiful array of endless possibilities. Another profoundly intriguing, subtly humorous, and absolutely enlightening conversation with Hameed Ali. Recorded October 10, 2024.“The soul is a living expression of the fundamental nature of reality. There's no end to the potentiality.”(For Apple Podcast users, click here to view the complete show notes on the episode page.)Topics & Time Stamps – Part 1Introducing the fifth A. H. Almaas Wisdom Series with Hameed Ali, focusing on the soul's infinite potential and the creative dynamism of reality (01:07)The soul has boundless potential, but we tend to take the limited approach that what we know already is the extent of things (04:07)We don't have to look for the boundless possibilities—we just need to be open (08:16)The main tool for fostering this openness is inquiry: what is presenting itself? (10:01)We all share the potential; we are all fundamentally connected (12:16)Reality, true nature, is in constant creative dynamism (13:34)The logos of the integration of spirituality and rational knowing can be applied to every field of knowledge (14:33)Imagine a community of scientists who are all realized spiritually, their inquiry powerfully infused by spiritual understanding (15:50)We are just at the beginning of understanding the physical world (18:22)Just because something is true doesn't mean it's complete (21:55)Einstein's theory of relativity and the Riemannian manifold (26:03)The nondual is never separate from the dual (28:25)Distinguishing between the fundamental nature of pure awareness and the nature of the soul (30:27)The close connection between individual potential and creativity and universal dynamism and creativity (32:24)We can experience creative dynamism: a sense of infinite energy, where we see the universe in continual emergence, every moment new...

Recorded: 11/10/2024, Matt Miller, Proverbs

Recorded: 11/3/24, Bill Teater & Tim Barrow, Proverbs 8:22-31

Ep. 154 (Part 2 of 2) | In this 4th dialogue of the A. H. Almaas Wisdom Series, spiritual teacher Hameed Ali explains that much of the beginning of the spiritual path is spent clarifying our individual consciousness from the conditioning of the past in order to wake up and discover our true nature. In the Diamond Approach, this is accomplished using the practice of inquiry, and as we inquire deeply within, qualities intrinsic to consciousness emerge in our awareness. These qualities—like truth, courage, steadfastness, curiosity, and love—each have their own particular sensory expression: a certain color, texture, warmth or coolness, varying degrees of sweetness. The more these qualities emerge, Hameed says, the more powerful our practice and the more authentic our life. He calls these qualities treasures of the soul. This beautiful conversation ranges from profoundly moving, as Hameed evokes specific qualities of presence, to humorous, when he tells a funny story about Maharishi Yogi, to intensely illuminating as Hameed talks about the teaching of the first turning, the miracle of ordinary life, what it means to be spiritually mature, the nature of true sorrow, the fact that we are the universe being conscious, and how fundamental nature lies deeper than consciousness, deeper than awareness. It is a multifaceted gem, not to be missed. Recorded September 19, 2024.“The soul is the organ of knowledge of the universe.”(For Apple Podcast users, click here to view the complete show notes on the episode page.)Topics & Time Stamps – Part 2We have to take the dualistic world into account (00:59)Mature spirituality: just live your life; you have to start with ordinary life (02:31)The second (nondual), third & fourth turnings recognize there are other ways that reality appears (05:43)You can be pure consciousness living in a world of matter: in some sense, this is more miraculous than that everything is consciousness (07:01)Courage's presence is like red lava, fiery and ruby red (09:39)Truth is also a quality: when I experience myself as truth, I feel myself as made out of pure gold, the gold of consciousness (10:24)Roger is deeply touched when Hameed evokes the sensory characteristics of the essential qualities; Hameed agrees it is very moving (13:43)To what extent are these sensory experiences specific to Hameed? Or are they universal? (15:02)Sincerity is a quality of presence (17:55)What do all these inherent qualities tell us about the nature of reality? (19:09)Fundamental nature is deeper than consciousness, deeper than awareness: I am is completely indeterminate (20:43)The nature of rational thought, discriminating awareness (24:22)Can we integrate ordinary knowledge with true knowing? (27:15)It's important for people to know that consciousness can appear as a particular quality (29:13)These qualities are the treasures of the soul and the journey of learning about them is a beautiful adventure of discovery (31:41)The word brings out the quality and the quality brings out the word (35:21)Resources & References – Part 2A. H. Almaas (Hameed Ali), founder...

Recorded: 10/27/24, Brady Zimmer, Proverbs 6:12-19

Ep. 153 (Part 1 of 2) | In this 4th dialogue of the A. H. Almaas Wisdom Series, spiritual teacher Hameed Ali explains that much of the beginning of the spiritual path is spent clarifying our individual consciousness from the conditioning of the past in order to wake up and discover our true nature. In the Diamond Approach, this is accomplished using the practice of inquiry, and as we inquire deeply within, qualities intrinsic to consciousness emerge in our awareness. These qualities—like truth, courage, steadfastness, curiosity, and love—each have their own particular sensory expression: a certain color, texture, warmth or coolness, varying degrees of sweetness. The more these qualities emerge, Hameed says, the more powerful our practice and the more authentic our life. He calls these qualities treasures of the soul. This beautiful conversation ranges from profoundly moving, as Hameed evokes specific qualities of presence, to humorous, when he tells a funny story about Maharishi Yogi, to intensely illuminating as Hameed talks about the teaching of the first turning, the miracle of ordinary life, what it means to be spiritually mature, the nature of true sorrow, the fact that we are the universe being conscious, and how fundamental nature lies deeper than consciousness, deeper than awareness. It is a multifaceted gem, not to be missed. Recorded September 19, 2024.“Courage, steadfastness, curiosity, and love are all expressions of our pure consciousness appearing as specific qualities.”(For Apple Podcast users, click here to view the complete show notes on the episode page.)Topics & Time Stamps – Part 1Introducing the 4th dialogue in the A. H. Almaas Wisdom Series, focusing on the soul as “organism of consciousness” (00:59)The distinction between universal consciousness and individual consciousness (03:04)Much of the beginning of the path is spent clarifying individual consciousness from the conditioning of the past (05:50)The practice of inquiry is for the individual consciousness to wake up and discover what it is fundamentally (07:25)Courage, steadfastness, curiosity, and love are all expressions of pure consciousness appearing as specific qualities (11:04)Why we need these essential qualities: the more these qualities emerge, the more powerful the practice (13:21)How can you live your life authentically, without the qualities of integrity, courage, intelligence, clarity, inner peacefulness, and true sorrow? (16:02)True sorrow is a quality of presence—sorrow for the suffering, for what's happening in the world (16:57)These qualities are the closest thing to the Platonic forms, necessary for the spiritual path and necessary for living (19:47)The incomparable or precious pearl at our center and the difference between personal essence and the individual soul (20:58)Psychological individuation is a forerunner for true individuation (23:33)Free of conditioning, we wake up to what we really are (24:59)The essential qualities are implicit in pure consciousness but they become differentiated in the soul (27:24)The teaching of the first turning is that the ordinary world is one way reality manifests—it's not the product of our ignorance; it has its own spirituality (28:37)Ordinary life is miraculous! (34:36)As Parmenides...

Recorded: 10/20/2024, Doug Rumbold, Proverbs 16:20-24

In this episode, we explore a profound quote from Aldous Huxley, renowned author of Brave New World: “The purpose of propaganda is to make one set of people forget that other sets of people are human.” We delve into what propaganda truly means, how it subtly influences our thoughts and emotions, and its impact on artistic expression. This discussion aims to help artists recognize and resist the pull of propaganda, maintaining authenticity in their work and fostering deeper connections with others. Key Points: Understanding Propaganda: We go beyond the surface definition to uncover how propaganda subtly infiltrates our minds, emotions, and beliefs, often without us realizing it. Emotional Manipulation: Propaganda works by creating an “us vs. them” mindset, influencing you to perceive others as enemies and justifying blame, even when it's misplaced. The Artist's Struggle: For artists, succumbing to propaganda can mean losing your authentic voice and becoming a mouthpiece for someone else's agenda, which stifles creativity. A Threat to Authenticity: How propaganda can subtly hijack an artist's narrative, turning genuine expression into a tool for manipulation, leading to a disconnection from your true self and your art. Fostering Empathy and Connection: The antidote to propaganda is understanding and empathy—seeing others as human, even if they hold different views. The artist's role is to seek to understand, not judge. Reclaiming Your Authentic Voice: The conversation centers around protecting your creativity from external influences and maintaining the integrity of your art, allowing it to resonate deeply with others. Huxley's Wisdom in Practice: How Huxley's insight serves as a reminder for artists to question narratives and stay vigilant against the forces that seek to dilute their message. Join us as we dive deep into this timeless wisdom and explore how artists can remain true to their creative force, resisting the temptations of propaganda and finding genuine connection through art. This episode is a call to embrace authenticity, foster empathy, and reconnect with what truly matters in the creative process.   -- (Photo by Library of Congress on Unsplash)   ...And if you're loving the show, don't forget to hit that SUBSCRIBE button, SHARE IT with your friends, and VISIT OUR WEBSITE for even more content!  www.WayoftheArtist.com 

Join us for a sneak peek into our next conversation! This preview is a glimpse into the heart of the upcoming episode, giving you a feel for the topic we dove into. If you're finding this snippet interesting, consider joining us for the full episode. These short preview clips are our way of sharing a friendly heads-up about what's coming up in our latest podcast episode. ...And if you're loving the show, don't forget to hit that SUBSCRIBE button, SHARE IT with your friends, and VISIT OUR WEBSITE for even more content!  www.WayoftheArtist.com 

Recorded: 10/13/2024, Micah Manningham, Proverbs 6:6-11

Recorded: October 6, 2024, Don Stuber, Proverbs 4:1-5

Ep. 150 (Part 2 of 2) | In the third dialogue of the A. H. Almaas Wisdom Series, Hameed Ali brings us to a deeper understanding of individual consciousness, our true nature, in relation to pure consciousness. Once we come to know what consciousness is, he says, our spiritual experience truly begins. The conversation flows through many illuminating teachings: how true nature manifests itself in many ways—there is no one way, no final way; reality is only what we perceive it to be—there is no hard and fast reality “out there;” and the ego is not some sort of developmental mistake—it only becomes a problem if we become fixated on it. Psychology helps us see how the soul became the ego, Hameed explains, and psychodynamics reflect how our individual consciousness becomes imprinted by experience, the effects of which can be unraveled through spiritual inquiry. When asked how he is able to write so remarkably clearly and concisely, fine-cut like a diamond, Hameed explains that the teachings articulate themselves as he writes by becoming his direct experience in the moment. He is not channeling, nor is his individual self expressing an opinion, the teaching simply expresses itself by becoming his true nature. This conversation is inspiring on many levels as consciousness becomes more graspable and because, as Roger says, Hameed's teaching is grounded in our being capable of realizing being. At the end, Hameed gives a beautifully resonant account of why we love freedom. Once again, Hameed's profound teachings come as a transmission and are a joy to receive. Recorded August 8, 2024.“Depth psychology helps us understand how our soul became our ego.”(For Apple Podcast users, click here to view the complete show notes on the episode page.)Topics & Time Stamps – Part 2How Hameed came to think that soul is the best word to describe a human being (00:45) The soul is pure consciousness with an aliveness added to it; the soul is always learning (04:26)Knowing what consciousness is is the true opening to spirituality (05:52)Development of the ego is necessary for physical survival, it is not a mistake unless we become fixated upon it (07:32)Arrested development: bottled up consciousness experiences pressure, a sense of pain & suffering (11:49)The ancient concept of soul was replaced by the idea of a separate self (13:14)Unity, disunity, and beyond (14:37)Psychology helps us understand how our soul became our ego (15:41)Psychodynamics show us how early experience impacts current experience, and it is inquiry that helps us unravel the ego (18:26)Our consciousness is a living organism (22:25)Grasping the nature of our soul is not easy, because it's holographic, dynamic—you can't give it a form (24:46)There is a nondual unity—united in the medium of consciousness—but it is also holographic: each point contains all other points (27:29)The difference between the holographic Huayan Buddhist perspective and the Zen perspective, where individual uniqueness becomes important (30:11)Do different teachings lead to different experiences of freedom? (33:38)Freedom is a sacred right of each individual (36:21)Resources & References – Part 2

Recorded: 9/29/2024, Rick Sheuermann, Proverbs 30:1-9

Ep. 149 (Part 1 of 2) | In the third dialogue of the A. H. Almaas Wisdom Series, Hameed Ali brings us to a deeper understanding of individual consciousness, our true nature, in relation to pure consciousness. Once we come to know what consciousness is, he says, our spiritual experience truly begins. The conversation flows through many illuminating teachings: how true nature manifests itself in many ways—there is no one way, no final way; reality is only what we perceive it to be—there is no hard and fast reality “out there;” and the ego is not some sort of developmental mistake—it only becomes a problem if we become fixated on it. Psychology helps us see how the soul became the ego, Hameed explains, and psychodynamics reflect how our individual consciousness becomes imprinted by experience, the effects of which can be unraveled through spiritual inquiry. When asked how he is able to write so remarkably clearly and concisely, fine-cut like a diamond, Hameed explains that the teachings articulate themselves as he writes by becoming his direct experience in the moment. He is not channeling, nor is his individual self expressing an opinion, the teaching simply expresses itself by becoming his true nature. This conversation is inspiring on many levels as consciousness becomes more graspable and because, as Roger says, Hameed's teaching is grounded in our being capable of realizing being. At the end, Hameed gives a beautifully resonant account of why we love freedom. Once again, Hameed's profound teachings come as a transmission and are a joy to receive. Recorded August 8, 2024.“Humanity needs realized individuals, sources of light and understanding, to keep the true spirit of what a human being is alive.”(For Apple Podcast users, click here to view the complete show notes on the episode page.)Topics & Time Stamps – Part 1Introducing the third dialogue of the A. H. Almaas Wisdom Series, focused on the introduction of The Inner Journey Home, a diagnosis of our root challenge: dissociation (01:02)On humanity's capacity to wake up from being asleep to who we really are (04:15)This path is a journey into reality, not focused specifically on relief from suffering (07:00)Reality is only what we perceive it to be (08:31)The main delusion we suffer from is believing the way we experience this world is the only way (10:48)Spiritual work doesn't try to resolve social conflicts—it is for individuals and small groups to transform (13:41)Humanity needs realized individuals, sources of light and understanding, to keep the true spirit of what a human being is alive (15:28)Hameed's experience of writing: the teaching articulates itself and becomes his experience in the moment—that's why there is a transmission (16:42)True nature is the fundamental truth of human beings, the nature of consciousness—it's not physical but at some point the distinction between physical and spiritual disappears (24:27)True nature manifests itself in many ways: there is no one way, no final way (26:00)The journey of ascent and descent: how we come to recognize ourselves as the absolute dimension and how we bring the vastness back into the realm of life (28:47)An individual is not a separate person; the complete human being is one who integrates both heaven and earth (32:45)When did Hameed start...

As we wrap up our mini-series on wisdom we are talking all about finances. How we interact with money tells us a LOT about who we truly are as people.  Why did God create money? What could He be trying to teach us through it? You will love this thought provoking episode.

Recorded: 9/22/24, Bryan Hepp, Proverbs 11:24-28

Motherhood and parenting is one of the most important things we will do, but do we talk honestly enough about the challenge of raising your kids as though they belong first and foremost to God? How do we know when it is time to let them have a little bit more freedom? How do we navigate moving from the center of their world to a voice from the sideline? Explore the wisdom of God for parenting in this episode of Wisdom's Table.

Recorded: 9/15/24, Brady Zimmer, Proverbs 5

If you are called to lead or find yourself in leadership positions you will love this episode. Tune in to see if you are already doing these 3 things good leaders do.

Recorded: 9/8/24, Doug Rumbold, Proverbs 3:1-8

Ep. 144 (Part 2 of 2) | In the second A. H. Almaas Wisdom Series conversation, Hameed Ali describes how the practice of inquiry can aid us on our spiritual journey, illuminating our understanding of our personal experience and our soul. He uses the example of inquiring into a sense of worthlessness to illustrate what happens as we begin to investigate the terrain of our consciousness. There comes a point when the inquiry leads beyond where a psychologist would normally end—when it slips from psychological into spiritual inquiry. “If you stay with the wounding, something will emerge: a sense of inherent value. You recognize ‘I am presence' and this presence has value—all the way to nondual presence and beyond.” In introducing us to the Diamond Approach's inquiry technique, Hameed covers a rich array of topics: the dynamism of consciousness; the importance of scientific objectivity in our exploration of inner experience; modern psychology's revelation of how our sense of self develops; the essential qualities of curiosity and love of truth; and how understanding the ways in which the past influences the present disentangles it. Hameed is a masterful teacher—with just a few words he can illuminate vast territories of spiritual landscape for the purpose of helping his students learn to live their lives from a deeper, liberated condition. Rather than aiming to transcend our experience, Hameed assures us there is a way through, an unraveling we can do, as we discover never-ending realizations about individual consciousness and the nature of reality. Recorded July 4, 2024.“The soul is a living embodiment of the life force.” (For Apple Podcast users, click here to view the complete show notes on the episode page.)Topics & Time Stamps – Part 2Basic trust: fundamentally we are an indestructible nature, but our basic trust can get whittled away (00:50)Feeling the love inherent to reality (05:27)Marrying ancient knowledge of the soul with advancements in modern psychology (06:09) Psychology provides us with answers about how our sense of self develops but not about what gets structured—the soul (09:35)Individual consciousness is impressionable, otherwise learning would not be possible (12:31)The self is nothing but the soul structured through the ego stages of development (14:28)Psychodynamics and the self-liberating quality of the soul (15:29)We need our sense of self in order to survive—and in order to become become illuminated, we need a body (17:21)To stay with the ego self is arrested development, but we can develop further to become conscious of consciousness itself (19:53)We can understand the terrain of experience rather than simply transcend it—we can go through it, unravel it, and open up different dimensions of reality as we go (21:40)As we inquire we go deeper, bringing liberation into ordinary life (24:58)The emphasis in the East is on liberation—the emphasis in the West is on how to fulfill life (26:06)What many nondual teachings don't understand is the individual soul (27:14)The enlightenment drive: motivation beyond ego (30:38)Beyond the enlightenment drive: pure being coming through individual consciousness (34:45)Resources & References – Part 2

Ep. 143 (Part 1 of 2) | In the second A. H. Almaas Wisdom Series conversation, Hameed Ali describes how the practice of inquiry can aid us on our spiritual journey, illuminating our understanding of our personal experience and our soul. He uses the example of inquiring into a sense of worthlessness to illustrate what happens as we begin to investigate the terrain of our consciousness. There comes a point when the inquiry leads beyond where a psychologist would normally end—when it slips from psychological into spiritual inquiry. “If you stay with the wounding, something will emerge: a sense of inherent value. You recognize ‘I am presence' and this presence has value—all the way to nondual presence and beyond.” In introducing us to the Diamond Approach's inquiry technique, Hameed covers a rich array of topics: the dynamism of consciousness; the importance of scientific objectivity in our exploration of inner experience; modern psychology's revelation of how our sense of self develops; the essential qualities of curiosity and love of truth; and how understanding the ways in which the past influences the present disentangles it. Hameed is a masterful teacher—with just a few words he can illuminate vast territories of spiritual landscape for the purpose of helping his students learn to live their lives from a deeper, liberated condition. Rather than aiming to transcend our experience, Hameed assures us there is a way through, an unraveling we can do, as we discover never-ending realizations about individual consciousness and the nature of reality. Recorded July 4, 2024.“What does it mean that ‘I am spiritual in nature' and what psychological constellation prevents us from knowing this?”(For Apple Podcast users, click here to view the complete show notes on the episode page.)Topics & Time Stamps – Part 1Introducing Hameed Ali (A. H. Almaas), founder of the Diamond Approach, the Ridhwan School, and author of The Inner Journey Home and many more (00:59)Why inquiry is essential for transformation, beginning with an investigation of our own subjective, personal experience (04:13)Consciousness is a whole terrain of sensations, emotions, thoughts, reactions, images (09:47) First we need to become aware of what is obstructing our awareness, then inquire into why that block is there (10:54)Exploring the content of the self: start from the premise we don't know everything that is going on and be open to finding out (12:57)Two essential ingredients for inquiry: curiosity and a love of the truth for its own sake (14:26)As you get better at inquiry, you learn not to interfere with the experience, to have no end in mind (18:05)Although practiced in the present, inquiry does not deny the impact of the past—it's open to all time and space (21:35)Inquiring into the wound of worthlessness can bring up fear, then hurt—so we inquire into the fear (24:17)Everything is a question—nothing is left as ultimate truth (25:51)Deficient emptiness can turn into spaciousness (27:48)Roger's synopsis of the elements of inquiry that Hameed has discussed so far (30:18)If you stay with the wounding, something will emerge: a sense of inherent value (35:46)What does it mean that I am spiritual nature and what psychological constellation prevents us from knowing...

In this episode, we continue our deep dive into Rudyard Kipling's timeless poem "If." We unpack more of its profound wisdom, exploring how its advice can help us become the best versions of ourselves and create impactful art. This episode goes further into the poem's nuances, revealing its life-like quality and the timeless truths it holds. Key Points: Dreams and Reality: Understand the line "If you can dream and not make dreams your master... if you can think and not make thought your aim," and learn how to balance dreaming with practical action. Authentic Aspirations: Discover how to tear down externally influenced dreams and rebuild them in a more authentic and personal way. Timeless Truths: Explore the timeless truths embedded in the poem and how they provide wisdom applicable to both art and life. Inspired Writing: Recognize the unique inspiration behind Kipling's writing and how it communicates profound ideas without directly stating them. Practical Application: Gain insights into how you can apply the poem's wisdom to your life and artistic endeavors. Join us for this in-depth continuation as we delve further into Kipling's masterpiece, offering valuable insights to enrich your creative journey and personal growth. -- (Photo by Sammie Chaffin on Unsplash)   ...And if you're loving the show, don't forget to hit that SUBSCRIBE button, SHARE IT with your friends, and VISIT OUR WEBSITE for even more content!  www.WayoftheArtist.com 

Join us for a sneak peek into our next conversation! This preview is a glimpse into the heart of the upcoming episode, giving you a feel for the topic we dove into. If you're finding this snippet interesting, consider joining us for the full episode. These short preview clips are our way of sharing a friendly heads-up about what's coming up in our latest podcast episode. ...And if you're loving the show, don't forget to hit that SUBSCRIBE button, SHARE IT with your friends, and VISIT OUR WEBSITE for even more content!  www.WayoftheArtist.com 

In this episode, we delve into the timeless wisdom of Rudyard Kipling's poem "If." We explore how the concepts of triumph and disaster are merely imposters and discuss the importance of meeting both with equanimity. Discover how to stay grounded through life's ups and downs, focusing on mastery and becoming an actualized human being. Key Points: Triumph and Disaster: Learn why triumph and disaster are considered imposters and how to approach both with the same mindset. Equanimity in Challenges: Understand the importance of not getting too high or too low in response to life's events. Process Over Results: Explore the value of focusing on the process rather than getting caught up in outcomes. Mastery and Actualization: Dive into the journey of becoming a master and an actualized individual by staying present and beginning anew each moment. Living in the Moment: Embrace the practice of responding to the present situation without being derailed by past successes or failures. Join us as we unpack these profound insights from Kipling's poem, guiding you toward a balanced and mindful approach to life's inevitable highs and lows. -- (Photo by Sammie Chaffin on Unsplash)   ...And if you're loving the show, don't forget to hit that SUBSCRIBE button, SHARE IT with your friends, and VISIT OUR WEBSITE for even more content!  www.WayoftheArtist.com 

Join us for a sneak peek into our next conversation! This preview is a glimpse into the heart of the upcoming episode, giving you a feel for the topic we dove into. If you're finding this snippet interesting, consider joining us for the full episode. These short preview clips are our way of sharing a friendly heads-up about what's coming up in our latest podcast episode. ...And if you're loving the show, don't forget to hit that SUBSCRIBE button, SHARE IT with your friends, and VISIT OUR WEBSITE for even more content!  www.WayoftheArtist.com 

Ep. 138 (Dialogue 1, Part 2 of 2) | In this rich and engaging conversation, the first episode of the A. H. Almaas Wisdom Series, Hameed Ali gives us a beautiful overview of the Diamond Approach, which is a brilliant integration of teachings and a path of awakening born out of his own direct experience and informed by his deep understanding of the world's great spiritual traditions and modern psychology. Here, Hameed details the many facets of the Diamond Approach that make it unique among spiritual paths, which leads down several intriguing avenues of exploration: What is the Diamond Approach's understanding of the soul? How does spiritual guidance work? What are the four turnings that give context and structure to students on this spiritual path? Hameed delves, too, into the importance of inquiry on our road to discovering our true nature, love's role in allowing us to trust reality, and the importance of realizing that the ultimate lives within each individual.Hameed also shares personal aspects of his journey: how he was guided from the precise field of physics to the field of psychology, how he came to the revelation of the human soul, and what he attributes to why he has been so receptive to spiritual openings and realizations throughout his life. The Diamond Approach is not only about discovering the nature of absolute reality—it is also about realizing ultimate consciousness in ordinary life, to experience the beauty and richness of a life lived in simple freedom and enjoyment. As Hameed says, “Know, by engaging the path, it is possible to be free.” Recorded June 13, 2024.“To get into the spiritual universe and find the richness, the beauty, and the freedom, you need to go deep – you need to go vertical not horizontal.”(For Apple Podcast users, click here to view the complete show notes on the episode page.)Topics & Time Stamps – Part 2What has allowed Hameed to be so unusually receptive to spiritual realizations and teachings? (00:51)How Hameed was guided from physics to psychology (03:13)How psychology got integrated into the Diamond Approach (07:36)Unique to the Diamond Approach is Hameed doesn't throw away any of what he has experienced, even as things continue to change (08:47)The four turnings are a way of organizing the teaching for students, giving context and framework (10:38)Applying knowledge of the spiritual deep to physics (11:45)Inquiry: the process of dissolving obstacles and discovering reality (15:16)The first of the four turnings: experiencing realizations as a free and timeless individual—ordinary spirituality (18:25)The second turning is nondual: one is the vastness, the ocean of awareness (20:09)The third turning: the realization of nonlocality, the whole universe is in a grain of sand and I am the grain of sand (21:26)The fourth turning includes many realizations—one of which is the realization of “nobody here” (22:30)The fifth turning begins with indeterminacy (24:01)The turnings came to Hameed as a sequence, but there is no limit to potential awakenings (25:18)This path is not for everybody and the importance of validating each spiritual path (27:18)Inquiry is a skill of consciousness (29:35)For true realization you need to...

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Ep. 137 (Dialogue 1, Part 1 of 2) | In this rich and engaging conversation, the first episode of the A. H. Almaas Wisdom Series, Hameed Ali gives us a beautiful overview of the Diamond Approach, which is a brilliant integration of teachings and a path of awakening born out of his own direct experience and informed by his deep understanding of the world's great spiritual traditions and modern psychology. Here, Hameed details the many facets of the Diamond Approach that make it unique among spiritual paths, which leads down several intriguing avenues of exploration: What is the Diamond Approach's understanding of the soul? How does spiritual guidance work? What are the four turnings that give context and structure to students on this spiritual path? Hameed delves, too, into the importance of inquiry on our road to discovering our true nature, love's role in allowing us to trust reality, and the importance of realizing that the ultimate lives within each individual.Hameed also shares personal aspects of his journey: how he was guided from the precise field of physics to the field of psychology, how he came to the revelation of the human soul, and what he attributes to why he has been so receptive to spiritual openings and realizations throughout his life. The Diamond Approach is not only about discovering the nature of absolute reality—it is also about realizing ultimate consciousness in ordinary life, to experience the beauty and richness of a life lived in simple freedom and enjoyment. As Hameed says, “Know, by engaging the path, it is possible to be free.” Recorded June 13, 2024.“Regardless of how transcendent or vast, nondual or whatever, is the ultimate nature, the important thing is how it lives as an individual human being living an ordinary human life and enjoying this life the way it can be enjoyed—to the fullest of its possibilities.”(For Apple Podcast users, click here to view the complete show notes on the episode page.)Topics & Time Stamps – Part 1Introducing the A. H. Almaas Wisdom Series, exploring the complete path of awakening developed by Hameed Ali—the Diamond Approach (01:06)John speaks to how this podcast series is based on Hameed's life's work, summarized in his transformative book The Inner Journey Home (04:46)The Inner Journey Home: a brilliant integration of teachings as well as a first person account of divine grace (07:34)What is the Diamond Approach and why is it unique? (09:34)The inner body is the lens that, as it turns, sees reality in a different way and reveals different teachings (12:13)The Diamond Approach recognizes the validity of many different spiritual traditions and that there are multiple possible realizations (15:00)After a Nyingma empowerment workshop, Hameed realized a different universe than the Dzogchen universe (16:28)How does spiritual guidance work? It guides the consciousness in how to be open to the next revelation (17:25)A universal commonality the Diamond Approach has with all spiritual teachings is that there is a true spiritual nature to all being, all life (18:44)The Diamond Approach emphasizes that this life has its own value (21:37)The individual is not an illusion—the human soul is an expression of fundamental reality manifesting as individual consciousness...

Did you miss the final installment of the Full Circle Wealth Wisdom series featuring licensed attorney, financial and real estate advisor Tiffani Sharp? Well, if you did, have no fear the show is up and ready for you to hear…maybe you want to hear it again, that's cool! This episode was packed with so much good information. Tune in to hear our deep dive on the importance of trusts, wills and guardianship. Being prepared is not just for the event of your death, there are things that need to be done in case you are incapacitated in any way. Family, I know we don't like to discuss this stuff; would you rather have your wishes decided by YOU OR THE COURTS??? I'm just saying…. If you're ready to have the conversation, or still considering things, download the free “Elements of Estate Planning” or schedule a free consultation with Tiffani by visiting her website https://www.tsharplegacywealth.com/ she has a special discount for clients over 65…you can't beat that! Like, share, comment and FOLLOW the show so that you never miss an episode. Support our show Sponsors Urban Advocates & Achievers (UAA) UAA STOPS the school to prison pipeline and STARTS the PATHWAYS to educational opportunities by defending, protecting, and representing the rights of Urban Communities. Helping students discover how gifted and talented they truly are! Call them at (916) 644-2994 or visit their website at: https://www.theurbanadvocates.org/contact-us Tapping with Dr. Gig Learn about the amazing benefits of Emotional Freedom Technique. Join Dr. Gigi's Tapping Into Recovery Program today. Learn more at https://tappingwithdrgigi.com/ Serendipity Innovation A woman-owned technology firm specializing in building technology products to keep your business in the forefront. Websites, mobile apps, landing pages, eCommerce and more. Learn more at: serendipityinnovation.com --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/iammswanda/support