311. Group Discussion at Sofia University, Part 1

While out in California for the Science and Nonduality Conference, I had some downtime before the conference started, so I decided to tape a long panel discussion with a rather large group of friends, most of them previous guests on Batgap. Sofia University in Palo Alto (where transpersonal psychology was founded by Abraham Maslow and others), generously provided a room and video equipment. I’m especially grateful to Dr. Jeffery Martin, who conducts research there, for offering and organizing this. It was an experiment, and some were skeptical that it would work, but it did! This is part 1. The link to Part 2 is below. Main points of discussion in this part include:

• What are awakening and enlightenment? Are we on the same page? The discussion goes into direct experiencing of different states, levels, and depths of consciousness in the evolution of the progressive, dynamic process of awakening.
• What is identity and identification in different stages in the evolution of consciousness and the journey of the dissolution of self?
• What is the value of words and the use of semantics in the discussion of awakening and Self-realization?
• Is awakening lost in the experience of our brokenness? In the face of deep emotional trauma or when life shatters, what happens? Is there an abiding, unmoving stability that is unshakeable in all circumstances?
• The evolution of our humanity as an expression of the divine and the importance of continued growth and refinement in the awakening journey.

Participants in the morning session included:

*In group discussion.

Part 2 of this discussion

Transcript of this discussion

Recorded 10/22/2015

Video and audio below. Audio also available as a Podcast.

YouTube Video Chapters:

• 00:00:00 – Introduction to the Group Conversation
• 00:04:03 – Introducing the Panel
• 00:06:55 – What is Enlightenment or Awakening?
• 00:10:12 – Individual Experiences of Awarenesses
• 00:13:30 – Integration and Human Integration
• 00:17:55 – Direct experience and the recognition of pure emptiness
• 00:22:17 – The Sonar-ic Being and Enlightenment
• 00:25:34 – Embracing the Silence, Recognizing Mind Activity
• 00:29:44 – Embracing the Present Moment
• 00:33:29 – Awakening as an Ever-Evolving Process
• 00:36:37 – Becoming Sensing Beings 
• 00:40:09 – The Uniqueness of Being
• 00:43:13 – The Value of Words and Identity
• 00:45:51 – Awakening from Awakening
• 00:48:30 – Awakening into Divinity Plus Humanity
• 00:51:42 – The Movement of Formlessness to Form
• 00:54:38 – Exploring the Layers of Identity
• 00:57:51 – Dissolution of Self and Unity Consciousness
• 01:01:17 – Oneness in Brokenness
• 01:04:04 – The Challenges of Teaching and Compassion
• 01:06:43 – Enlightenment and Torture
• 01:09:38 – The Journey of Growth and Enlightenment
• 01:12:52 – Finding Peace in the Chaos
• 01:15:57 – Surrendering to Love
• 01:19:01 – Practical Integration and Life Decisions
• 01:21:53 – The Changing Landscape of Awakening
• 01:24:58 – The Diversity of Experiences
• 01:29:51 – The Spacious Quality of Experience
• 01:34:18 – Exploring Emotion and Persistence
• 01:38:43 – The Dance of Love and Joy
• 01:43:12 – Musical Interlude

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