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654. Stephen Snyder

Stephen Doetsu Snyder began meditating daily in 1976. he has practiced since in the Zen tradition as well as extensive practice in Theravada Buddhism. he is a lineage Zen teacher as well as a lineage Theravada teacher. He was also influenced by Diamond Heart teachings and practices.

He combines the ancient Buddhist heart practices with awakening practices of the Zen tradition into a heartfelt journey of realization and embodiment.

Books:

Website: awakeningdharma.org

Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group.

Summary and Transcript of this interview

Interview recorded July 10, 2022

YouTube Video Chapters:

  • 00:00:00 – Introduction to Buddha at the Gas Pump
  • 00:04:03 – The Importance of Heart Practices in Zen
  • 00:07:34 – Dropping the Sense of Self and Transcending Identity
  • 00:11:16 – The Importance of Stability and Trust in Spiritual Experiences
  • 00:14:43 – The Nature of the Absolute
  • 00:18:25 – The Importance of Direct Experience in Understanding
  • 00:21:47 – Different Teachings on God and Jesus
  • 00:25:08 – Levels of Realization
  • 00:28:37 – The Journey of Self-Realization and Integration
  • 00:31:54 – The Importance of Ethical Behavior in the Spiritual Community
  • 00:35:24 – Addressing Doubts and Hierarchy
  • 00:38:38 – Integrating Spirituality and Law
  • 00:42:00 – The First Awakening: A Satori Experience
  • 00:45:24 – The Progress of Personal Growth
  • 00:48:54 – The Experience of the Absolute
  • 00:52:26 – Overdoing Meditation and the Need for Balance
  • 00:56:11 – Concentration and Jhana Factors
  • 00:59:17 – Releasing Effort and Deepening Meditation
  • 01:02:33 – Exploring Different Paths and Awakening Experiences
  • 01:05:58 – Retreating and Progressive Practices
  • 01:09:25 – Progression of Practice and Integration of Personal Issues
  • 01:12:59 – The Need for Personal Work and Practice
  • 01:16:20 – Difference between prana rising and Kundalini rising
  • 01:19:41 – Resistances to Awakening
  • 01:23:08 – Fear and Shifts in Consciousness
  • 01:26:25 – Balancing Heart Practices and Awakening Practices
  • 01:29:55 – The practice of innate goodness meditation and journaling
  • 01:33:16 – Working with the Inner Critic and Therapist Recommendations
  • 01:36:32 – The Shift in Consciousness
  • 01:39:42 – Retreats and Personal Journey
  • 01:43:03 – Zen Jazz and Life’s Improvisations

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