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:
- Demystifying Awakening: A Buddhist Path of Realization, Embodiment, and Freedom
- Buddha’s Heart: Meditation Practice for Developing Well-Being, Love, and Empathy
- Practicing the Jhanas: Traditional Concentration Meditation as Presented by the Venerable Pa Auk Sayadaw
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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