115. Karen Richards – 2nd Interview

In February 2008 at the age of thirty-three, Karen experienced a sudden and radical awakening. Prior to this realisation, no teachings or practices were followed – in fact at that time the terms non-duality and awakening were completely unfamiliar. This spontaneous realization presented itself during a period of intense emotional suffering and when demands in life exceeded Karen’s physical capability.

Karen attempted to persevere in the face of these challenges, the consequence being a severely debilitating illness that affected physical functioning on every level. Although the illness had a devastating effect on life as it was then known, it seemed to create a space for a deeper reality to be recognized.

As her state of health was so poor, Karen was unable to return to work – meaning that she spent a significant amount of time confined to her home. The effect of this period of solitude was profound surrender, allowing the realization to become deeply integrated into daily living. Two and a half years after the initial recognition, someone Karen didn’t know approached her for guidance, which really was the beginning of sharing in a more active way. Karen now shares openly with all those who wish to enquire into the true nature of reality.

Following the realization, Karen’s experience of illness – coupled with her extensive experience of healthcare, enabled dis-ease/illness to be seen from a different perspective. Misperception of what we are and the stress that can ensue in direct relation to that misperception means that we are often in a state of persistent resistance to life as it is. This negative state of functioning is the foundation for many of our health challenges. The rediscovery of who we are is fundamental for the transformation of the human life experience. It means that the peace that is already here is recognized and experienced directly, having a potentially profound healing effect on the mind and body.

Realization – from a human perspective – means that the unity beyond apparent diversity is remembered. Life can then be embraced fully and authentically – without contamination from the lens of the conditioned mind, bringing relief from all psychological suffering. An inevitable consequence of this recognition is the arising of compassion, love, and respect for life in all of its appearances – having an ever-deepening impact on the human experience. This has the direct consequence of transforming the world we see literally before our eyes, having a powerful healing effect on the planet as a whole.

First Interview with Karen

Interview recorded 3/18/2012

YouTube Video Chapters:

  • 00:00:00 – Welcome to Buddha at the Gas Pump
  • 00:04:09 – Finding Peace in Sickness
  • 00:08:02 – Letting Go of Control
  • 00:11:18 – Meetings and Genuine Inquiry
  • 00:14:55 – Rich Opportunities and Escaping the Hell
  • 00:18:17 – The Purpose and Cause of Illness
  • 00:22:10 – Discovering a Shift in Perspective
  • 00:25:52 – The Blessing of Illness
  • 00:29:16 – The Process of Deconstruction
  • 00:34:07 – The Imprint of Childhood Trauma
  • 00:38:43 – The Journey of Self-Honesty and Healing
  • 00:43:18 – Serving the One, not Others
  • 00:46:55 – The Complexity of Relationships and Inner Conflict
  • 00:50:49 – The Challenges of Relationship Among Awakened People
  • 00:54:22 – Challenging Experiences and Growth
  • 00:57:57 – Healing Through Relationships
  • 01:01:31 – Mysterious Experiences and Psychic Phenomena
  • 01:05:11 – Seeing Auras and Alternative Realities
  • 01:08:32 – Witnessing Transfiguration and Trance Work
  • 01:11:42 – Strange Experiences and Visions of Ramana
  • 01:14:43 – Life’s Mysterious Possibilities
  • 01:18:15 – The Illusion of Form and Non-Dual Understanding
  • 01:22:01– The Infinite Frequency of Perspectives
  • 01:24:57 – The Illusion of Meaning
  • 01:27:51 – Beyond Understanding
  • 01:31:10 – The Integration of Ideas and the Letting Go of Frameworks
  • 01:34:39 – Letting go of the idea of self
  • 01:38:10 – Self-Deception and Seasons of Awakening
  • 01:41:15 – The Simplicity of the Fundamental Awakening
  • 01:44:10 – Availability and Retreats
  • 01:47:24 – Closing Remarks and Farewells