Richard J Miller

The moment that you see something that shocks you out of your belief system, there is that naked moment where you are open to the full brunt of reality.  Call it the mystery call it truth.  

Take a look here, and see if you can stay in that mystery for a couple moments longer, even while there may be great temptation to move toward some explanation?

Richard J Miller

Our experiment is just to talk, with no expectations, no agenda and no special expertise.  Butch and I spoke with absolute sincerity.  I see him as a real mystic, even if he wouldn't agree, the deep insight is already there.  He is amazingly intense, but also sure that everyone's intensity is of the same importance.

You are all invited to appear on this series.  We can say that is the beauty of the internet.  It allows like-minded people to "find their tribe".  When they come together, it's only natural that they will make their presence known for what is important to them. You have found this site and our modest activity.  Now please let us find you, and this activity may take on another dimension.

Matt Kahn

(Please open the full text to read this one)  The practice of meditation can be found as a regular activity in countless weekend retreats, and is often viewed as a necessary cornerstone in many spiritual traditions. For any seeker yearning for a deeper sense of fulfillment, or even a life reflecting greater meaning, meditation is often explored as a personal practice.

When meditation is approached as another technique or achievement to unknowingly fuel the appetite of ego, meditative seekers seem to always fit into two distinct categories of behavior. Some, approach meditation in search of its folklore of benefits, practicing to sit still for whatever is thought to be gained from extended periods of time spent on the meditation cushion. When a seeker meditates to fulfill any sort of desire, whether it is a conceptual idea of enlightenment, greater intuition, deeper insights, or any other power it imagines still being without, meditation is turned into a game of manipulation. From this position, seekers attempt to get from their practice whatever they feel is somehow missing, while unknowingly missing the entire point.

The other approach to meditation is viewed as a technique to rid oneself of whatever is here, that act as barriers to the fulfillment of future desires the seeker imagines and craves. From this approach, seekers want less mental noise, less emotional turmoil, less distractions, and less of anything else they have misinterpreted and labeled as a problem.

Ronda LaRue

WHAT IS ENLIGHTENMENT?

An Interview Talk with Ronda LaRue

There is a recently published book out called: The Awakening West* in which authors John Lumiere-Wins and Lynn Marie Lumiere ask a series of questions to twenty contemporary teachers of the west including Eckhart Tolle, Francis Lucille, Gangaji, Rabbi Rami Shapiro and others.

Ronda was recently interviewed using these great questions and we thank and acknowledge John and Lynn Marie for this intriguing format and their beautiful book.*

Below are the questions, followed by a transcript of the interview and Ronda's responses.

RONDA: "I'd like to suggest you pose these questions to yourself as well - you might be surprised what is seen..."

Questions adapted from the book: THE AWAKENING WEST*

1) Who are you?
2) What is enlightenment, realization, awakening?
3) How did this awakening occur for you?
4) Do you have any suggestions or recommendations for others who are experiencing a desire for awakening to the truth?
5) Does it seem that more and more people in the West are awakening to the truth of their being? And if so, what does it signify?
6) What do you see as the source of suffering in the world, and what if anything can or should be done about it?
7) Without operating out of a personal “I” how do you make decisions and get things done?
8) In the realization of who you really are, how do you experience relationship with others?
9) Does involvement in the various therapies and spiritual practices assist in awakening?

BEGIN TRANSCRIPT WITH RONDA LARUE:

Matt Kahn

I am the kingdom that you seek,
the simple truth that words can't speak.
I am the Buddha's silent vow,
and every question asking how.
Within all shapes and in-between,
I am the space that rests unseen.
I am the spark engulfing mind,
the noticer, you'll never find.
With inquiry, you'll find what's true,
I am this breath that breathes as you.

I am the stars, I am the sky,
I am the life that cannot die.
I am this word that came and passed,
like a sound in time, that cannot last.
I am the now, I am what's here,
and every thought, that's seen so clear.
I am the love, I am the light,
I am the dark that's burning bright.
I am the grace, I am the heart,
I am what can't be pulled apart.
I am the trees, I am the birds,
I am the dream that reads these words.
I am the war, I am the peace,
and all resolve, when choices cease.
I am the joy, I am the dance,
of temporary circumstance.

I am the all, I am the one,
the truth that is, when all is done.
I am the life, just passing through,
and what remains - so, what are you?