Enlightenment Today with Jason Gregory: Recent Episodes
Jason Gregory
In this episode of Enlightenment Today I will explore the two births of the Buddha and why Buddha Purnima is important to celebrate. The two births are known as the Rupakaya and Dharmakaya births. I will explain the significance of both births and how they are related to the journey Siddhartha Gautama embarked on to become the enlightened Buddha.
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In the episode of Enlightenment Today, I will explain how to experience everlasting bliss. In Vedanta, they speak of ananda, a bliss that is everlasting. But ananda is not an associated form of happiness, rather it is unassociated. Taoism also agrees with the views of Vedanta and have an identical view. In the Tao Te Ching, Lao-tzu explains that there is a contentment of contentment we can experience which is beyond partiality. Both traditions postulate that unassociated bliss is our true nature. But most of us don't even know what that means, nor have we experienced it. We need to first ask ourselves, what does unassociated bliss really mean? And if it is true, what steps do we have to take to experience this everlasting happiness?
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At the moment a lot of people are in self-isolation due to the current situation. This is an uncomfortable experience for many who are attuned to constant busyness. People are going stir-crazy without seeing this time as an opportunity that may never return. Instead of going crazy, we should be investing in our own life. So instead of our usual habit of chasing money, it is a great time to invest in knowledge. In this video I will share with you 10 books that will transform your life. The knowledge discovered in these books are something you will take with you forever and will benefit your life, no matter how dire the situation is. It is time to reinvest in what is important. Understanding your true nature is priceless.
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Meditating properly requires a lot more than closing our eyes and observing our thoughts. Meditation actually requires a complete transformation of our lifestyle to cultivate concentration so that we can harvest a deeper level of meditation. To achieve the ultimate benefit from meditation we need a philosophy and expert techniques to teach us how to concentrate deeply on the object of meditation, until that object disappears, revealing our true nature which is the reason we are supposed to meditate in the first place. In this meditation tutorial, I will teach you how to meditate properly through the philosophy behind meditation and the ancient meditation techniques we should follow to experience the ultimate meditative state of samadhi.
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The first four sutras of the famous Yoga Sutras of Patanjali are the essence of yoga philosophy and practice. These sutras contain the well-known Sanskrit phrase yogas chitta vritti nirodha, which means "yoga is the cessation of the whirlpools (fluctuations) of mind." In this episode of The Sacred Word, I will explain what these four sutras actually mean and why they are imperative to comprehend to further your meditation practice and eventual union with universal consciousness, yoga.
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George Ivanovich Gurdjieff had one of the most controversial views on individual enlightenment and collective awakening. But this perspective was not a new philosophy and actually makes a lot of sense when we explore it at length. In this episode of The Sacred Word, I will explain Gurdjieff's view of how our individual enlightenment is opposed by something much greater than ourselves.
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In the Īśvara Gītā, Chapter 3, stanzas 1-7, Shiva explains to the great sages the nature of the unmanifest Brahman (Shiva is a representation of the ultimate reality of Brahman). Shiva explains how the unmanifest Brahman dwells in the world and yet is beyond it. These seven stanzas are designed for all of us to understand how that unmanifest Lord dwells within us as one consciousness. In this episode of The Sacred Word, I will unpack all seven stanzas so that you too can come to the knowledge of Brahman's existence in the world and in your own heart.
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In this episode of Enlightenment Today, I will explain how our ego survives spiritual transformation. When people encounter spirituality the ego has a tendency to slip under the door of our apparent spiritual transformation. This is in part due to how we drop our social role and persona for a spiritual role and persona. This pervades the way we dress, speak, and behave, which are all predicated on a notion of a higher spiritual morality that we should now embody. But this entire process is essentially what keeps the ego alive and thriving in the background of our new and apparently improved spiritual role. Real spiritual transformation has nothing to do with how you look, behave, or speak. It is something much deeper, a place where the ego is on life support. Find out more.
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In this episode of Enlightenment Today, I will explain the relationship between Brahman and the Trimurti of Hindu gods, known as Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. All of the deities of the Hindu pantheon make up a complex system to intricately explain the nature of the universe and consciousness, from the microcosm to the macrocosm. But it is the Trimurti that represents the core of the Ultimate Reality of the universe, Brahman. This relationship represents the unfolding of time, matter and spirit, through the universal process of creation, preservation, and destruction.
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In this episode of Enlightenment Today, I will speak about three spiritual mantras that will help you though life's most difficult situations. There are thousands of mantras to come out of Asia, but the three mantras I recite are arguably the most calming and powerful. They not only have the ability to help you out of the most difficult situations, but they also posses the ability to bring equanimity to the mind, leading one into a deeper introspection of one's nature.
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In this episode of Enlightenment Today, I will explain why intellectual study is crucial for spiritual growth and maturity. There are a growing number of people interested in spirituality who are under the illusion that they don't need to intellectually understand the tradition they are attracted to. This has developed due to the misinterpretations of classical texts through bad translations, resulting in a deep misunderstanding, usually based on someones cultural biases, beliefs, and cognitive style. Such misunderstandings in part happened as a result of the migration of Eastern philosophy to the West, leading to the materialistically driven and overly sensationalistic new age spirituality that has become popular. A user's manual is important for anything we want to understand deeply, spirituality is no exception. Theory and practice have always been the core of the great Eastern traditions, no matter whether it is Hinduism, Buddhism, or Taoism. These three traditions, specifically, explain that if an individual has no frame of reference, then there is no way one could understand the deep wisdom and meditative experiences passed down through these traditions. Find out why study is crucial.
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In this episode of Enlightenment Today, I will explain how observing our thoughts in meditation and self-inquiry can have a negative impact on our life if we don't have the correct knowledge to practice correctly. A common habit in meditation and self-inquiry is people begin to demonize thoughts, creating a divide within themselves based on the hunt for the perceived enemy of the ego, which causes an artificial split within the mind. This can lead to numerous mental health issues. A lot of this bad meditation habit comes down to how we project our indoctrinated beliefs of right and wrong onto thoughts that naturally arise during practice. This is against the nature of meditation and self-inquiry.
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In this episode of Enlightenment Today, I will explain an important element within Taoism that many people often don't know about due to a lack of knowledge of what the verses actually mean that arise from incorrect translations of the Tao Te Ching. Taoism in its essence is a critique of Confucianism and this also relates to our modern world, as Taoism is not truly isolated to one period of time, but can critique any civilization throughout time. Nevertheless, its critique of the teachings of Confucius is solely focused on the inherit problems with social roles and sincerity that ultimately lead to falsity, hypocrisy, and many forms of psychopathy.
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In chapter 28 of the Tao Te Ching, Lao-tzu explains how the interplay of the unified opposites of yin and yang function within our consciousness. Lao-tzu explains what our psychological disposition should be to be in perfect balance between yin and yang so that we can be in harmony with the Tao. Though, this chapter is not so easy to grasp. Chapter 28 is obscure to those not familiar with Taoist philosophy. But in this episode of The Sacred Word, I will unpack each line so that you can understand the kernel of truth dwelling within the heart of this magnificent chapter.
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In this episode of Enlightenment Today, I will speak about our commitment to ending the cycle of Samsara. Often people want to do good deeds in their present life so that their next life will be a prosperous. People do this because they are under the belief that they are accumulating good karma. But they are missing the point altogether and are driven by the fruits of the external world. This type of attitude is still geared towards materialism and essentially prolongs the cycle of suffering. Many people are often in this trap and they wonder why their suffering is not alleviated. To end the cycle of Samsara we have to make a committed to making this our last life in our present life. Rather than doing good deeds in our present life under the vague intuition that our next life will be prosperous, we need to be serious about ending this cycle of suffering we are all caught in. You need to ask yourself, Will this be your last life? Learn more.
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In this episode of Enlightenment Today, I will speak about why religious conversion is a problem in the world, especially in countries such as India. For thousands of years, some religions have traveled the world in an attempt to convert people from other parts of the world to bolster their religion's influence over the world. These religious conquests have often led to conflict and violence, not to mention the psychological damage it has had on other cultures not accustomed to foreign beliefs. Religious conversion itself is a subtle act of violence because it is an instrument used to interfere with other cultures. So why has religious conversion never been questioned openly? Why do some religions feel inadequate and so need to gain followers? Why are some religions under the illusion that their belief system is better than any other? All of this is due to a persistent psychological problem that is linked to survival and, hence, not very spiritual at all. Ultimately, this is a history of fanatical force over the natural way of the world.
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In this episode of Enlightenment Today, I will speak about why the law of karma is governed by nature rather than morality. There is a common misconception that the law of karma is based on the ethics and morality of a system of religion and culture, leading people into the illusion of good and bad karma according to their own belief systems. This is plain illogical and against the nature of karma. Karma is something entirely different from a subjective viewpoint of right and wrong. What is the nature of karma?
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In this episode of Enlightenment Today, I will discuss whether God is an adequate word when referring to the irreducible essence of the universe. In the great Eastern traditions, there are many words that describe the true nature of the universe a lot better than the word God. This stems from the context in which God is thought of in some influential Western religions. But, from an Eastern perspective, this Western view of God is foreign. In the end, is God the right word or not? If not, then what words should we use?
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I have been meditating every day for over 10 years. Meditation has changed my life more than anything else. This commitment I made to myself over 10 years ago is the main reason I have done what I have in my life thus far. Grounding myself in that daily practice has strengthened my resolve in the work that I do. But there has been times when I've dragged myself out of bed kicking and screaming in trying to avoid my daily practice, but they are usually the most opportune moments to sit and dive deep. I have learned so much that it is hard to articulate. However, in this episode of Enlightenment Today, I will try to articulate my experience and share with you the changes that will happen to your mind and also the 18 ways that meditation will transform and improve not only your own life, but also the immediate world around you.
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The second Noble Truth in Buddhism is one of the most important teachings passed down from the Buddha to humanity. The historical Buddha went to great lengths to discover the origin of human suffering so that we can eventually be liberated in this life. But how can we understand the nature of the second Noble Truth? In this episode of The Sacred Word we will contemplate the significance of the second Noble Truth. I will explain how the origin of suffering is related to thoughts and how the illusion of an independent self is built in this process.
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In this episode of Enlightenment Today, I will explain who are energy vampires and how to protect yourself against them. We've all encountered energy vampires in our life, where our energy reserves are depleted in their presence. I will define the characteristics and behaviors of an energy vampire so that you can identify them early in the process of a friendship/relationship. As a result, you will be able to skillfully edit them out of your life without having your spiritual progress hindered.
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The Sacred Word is a new series about the great masters, sages, and texts of the East. I aim to give thorough explanations of some the deepest teachings expounded by the great masters, sages, and classical texts of the East. In this series you will find clarity on these deep teachings to benefit your own spiritual development. In episode one, we will explore Shankara's teaching on how to see the true nondual nature of the Godhead (Brahman). Shankara's view of reality is one of the deepest we can find from the great annals of spiritual and philosophical literature. He had an amazing ability to articulate the true meaning the Upanishads, and how the depth of Hindu knowledge boils down to how our ordinary perception of the world and ourselves is in fact an illusion. Shankara holds the the key for cleansing our misperception.
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In this episode of Enlightenment Today, I will explain how thoughts create the ego and the nature of thoughts. Thoughts and the process of thinking has been an area the East has focused on for thousands of years. In the modern world, we are under the impression that thoughts are linked in a series creating this continuity of the person we think we are. What causes this linkage? Is it a natural function of the mind or just a habit we are caught in? The great traditions of the East explain why thoughts themselves are not linked and this wisdom leads to the nature of mind itself and its true essence and function. Get ready to dive deep.
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In this episode of Enlightenment Today, I will speak about what enlightenment is and also if you will ever be enlightened. There is a glaring misconception about enlightenment that most people overlook. We live in an age where many people claim to be enlightened, including self-styled gurus who make up their own enlightenment stories. But the problem with all of these claims is enlightenment has nothing to do with our persona, which exposes our lack of understanding of what enlightenment truly is.
How Your Body Can be an Extension of the Universe is the eighth video in the series based on my Effortless Living audiobook. In this video, I explain how the universe can be an extension of your body. When we trust completely, our physical, mental, and spiritual planes of consciousness harmonize with the heartbeat of the Earth. When we have cleared the passage for Tao to function through us with its natural velocity, the rhythms of our bodily functions and vibrations of our mental states move as an extension of the Earth. A perfect example of this complete trust and harmony with the planet is the Kon-Tiki expedition of Norwegian ethnographer and adventurer Thor Heyerdahl in 1947. In this amazing story Heyerdahl and his crew drifted on a balsa-wood raft from Peru out into the vastness of the Pacific Ocean. Heyerdahl had a trust that his own organism and the ecosystem of the Pacific would harmonize together as one if they were given the time to do so. Find out what happens next.
Effortless Living Audiobook https://amzn.to/31uNLQq
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The Taoist Natural Way vs. Confucian Social Control is the seventh video in the series based on my Effortless Living audiobook. In this video, I explain how the Taoism of Lao-tzu emphasized that if we do not let individuals grow as nature intended, they will lose their naturalness and be drawn into the world of animal drives, desires, attachments, and ultimately suffering. The Way of the Tao and our experience of it comes from allowing all aspects of the universe to happen as they will without conscious interference. This understanding of Tao is a trust in and affirmation of life that cannot be broken. Humanity’s superficial differences could be dissolved if each individual could live by this trust. Yet society and culture have been built on ideologies such as Confucianism, communism, and democracy, which all teach us in some way to impose our will over one another, a goal based on the erroneous idea that we are achieving freedom in this process. To trust the Way of the Tao is the complete backflip to Confucianism or any present-day ideology or theology. Lao-tzu’s wisdom exposes humanity’s selfish tendency to impose the will of one individual, nation, religion, race, or gender over another. We are always interfering with each other’s natural sovereignty. Many people arrogantly and ignorantly do this daily and then proclaim that they know what freedom and love are. How can we listen and help each other if it is merely from our own cultural, social, or religious perspective? If we have a set of beliefs to sell another, then we are surely imposing our idea of life upon her without letting her grow as nature intended.
Effortless Living Audiobook https://amzn.to/31uNLQq
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Why a Taoist is a Threat to Society is the sixth video in the series based on my Effortless Living audiobook. In this video, I explain how the virtuous individual always presents danger to social, religious, and cultural systems that seek to bind humanity with superficial constraints. The individual who knows and follows the Tao is a threat because their way of being is liberated from the shackles of external influence. From the cultural, religious, and social perspective, these individuals are rebels who threaten to disrupt the hypnosis of the status quo. True and eternal freedom is loathed by the tyrants of cultural, ideological, theological, social, and religious dogmas, because when we are liberated by the true freedom that we can only find within us, we cease to conform to the machinations of tyranny. The rebellion of Lao-tzu’s Taoist Way has always posed a threat to the established order, especially in China. True Taoism was suppressed in the first decades of the People’s Republic of China (with people even persecuted during the Cultural Revolution), though it continued to be practiced in Taiwan. Taoism has often been scorned because the essential Taoist teaching of wu-wei is about surrendering your life into the comforting arms and the Way of the universe rather than conforming to social ethics. This eternal truth, known only by some people, frustrates those who know it not. In the eyes of an established ideology, theology, or organized religion, this experiential truth disrupts the social indoctrination that keeps the masses moving to the beat of someone else’s drum.
Effortless Living Audiobook https://amzn.to/31uNLQq
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Taoist Wisdom for Embracing Life and Yourself is the fifth video in the series based on my Effortless Living audiobook. In this video, I explain how the heart of Eastern wisdom teaches you to be naturally in the world without rejecting it. Many spiritual paths condemn and judge the world, as if they were enabling one to move beyond desires. But many fail to realize that they are desiring not to desire. Lao-tzu saw all these pursuits of desiring not to desire as nothing more than spiritual pride and a moving away from our human nature. The Taoist perspective is to leave no stone unturned in an embrace of life and yourself.
Effortless Living Audiobook https://amzn.to/31uNLQq
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The Intrinsic Beauty of Nature is the fourth video in a series based on my Effortless Living audiobook. In this video, I will explain the organic pattern and order of the universe that is a blueprint for nature to express its beauty. This organic pattern originates within an organism as its nature and comes into existence when an organism harmonizes with the Tao.
Effortless Living Audiobook https://amzn.to/31uNLQq
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The Tao of Unconditional Love is the third video in a series based on my Effortless Living audiobook. In this film I explore what it truly means to love without boundaries. Our love has to exceed our boundaries to include not only our neighbors but also our so-called enemies. Thus if we can be radical enough to live wu-wei, the right social and cultural conditions will emerge that will enable people to realize the Tao, and this will change our world through not striving for change. The act of trying to force change hinders change. Following your own nature is the subtle act of change. It is also the way that love transcends the personal and moves into the universal. The love you share is the love you are.
Effortless Living Audiobook https://amzn.to/31uNLQq
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The Natural Human is the second film in a series based on my Effortless Living audiobook. In this film I explore what it truly means for a human to be as nature intended us to be, essentially embodying the naturalness we all have within, with no external form of governance needed. The order and pattern of nature is not a forced order, as nature is not bound by external influence or control. The Taoist term for nature is the Chinese tzu-jan (ziran), which means that which is spontaneously of itself. When a natural organism is in harmony with all life, it grows of itself spontaneously. Tzu-jan can only arise of itself without external compulsion. Tzu-jan is the essence of the yoking process found within the spiritual core of many religions, and especially in the origins of Chinese and Indian wisdom. When we withdraw from our conditioned perception of reality, we come back into nature and grow spontaneously in harmony with all other components of life. What would happen if we let go of control? When we leave the animal, plant, and mineral kingdoms alone, they continue to grow and prosper without any interference. What would happen, then, if we left people alone?
Effortless Living Audiobook https://amzn.to/31uNLQq
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Trust the Universe is the first video in a series based on my Effortless Living audiobook. In this video, I explore how and why we should trust the universe from a Taoist perspective. The Tao can only make use of you when you are empty of all that blocks a union between yourself and the universe. The peace that resides in the unity of trust allows the individual to harmonize with the world. This not only brings the light of Tao into the world but also guides and helps the individual along their journey through life. When we trust, the universe answers us through the resonance of our experience. The feeling of oneness brings the individual back into accord with the function of the universe.
Effortless Living Audiobook https://amzn.to/31uNLQq
NOTE: This site directs people to Amazon and is an Amazon Associate member. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. The pages on this website may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that I have recommended.
In this episode of Enlightenment Today, I will speak about if we are blessed. Many people proclaim to be blessed based on their fortunate experiences in life which are usually based on pleasure. Personally claiming to be blessed is purely egotistical, especially considering you are implying that you are more special than someone else. From a spiritual perspective, feeling that one is blessed over others is the result of a me-centered spirituality based on individualism. This is a subtle psychopathy many people exhibit. But this does not mean we are not blessed. Once we realize that we are no more special than anyone or anything else, then we will discover that what we all are deep down within is the only blessing we need and is actually the only one we receive in life.
In this episode of Enlightenment Today, I will speak about the ultimate sage showdown between Lao-tzu and Confucius. Both sages have diametrically opposed philosophies and viewpoints on the nature of humans and the irreducible essence of the Tao. These differences are showcased in the opposing metaphors of Lao-tzu's uncarved block and Confucius's carving and polishing. Both metaphors try to dissect whether or not humans are naturally good or if we are naturally beasts. These differing views influence our perception of the nature of the Tao, making us believe that either the Tao is natural to the universe with no need for effort or that the Tao needs to be induced through discipline and self-cultivation. Who will win this ultimate battle for sagehood supremacy?
In this episode of Enlightenment Today, I will speak about the dark age of the Kali Yuga. In the Hindu cycles of time known as the Yugas, the Kali Yuga represents the spiritual degradation of humanity. This age is commonly known as the age of darkness or the age of ignorance, where our mind is drawn primarily to the material world and an individualism that is subtly influenced by our survival instincts. We have a blind ignorance of the world within us, our nature as pure consciousness. And no surprises, we are living in the Kali Yuga and are starting to see in other people and also feel within ourselves the effects of this age. As a result, we lack the moral fiber and mental concentration necessary to pursue the path of liberation. But fortunately for all of us, after Krishna left this world, signifying the beginning of the Kali Yuga, some enlightened sages could foresee our future and they wrote the Puranas, Tantras and other scriptures to serve our spiritual needs in this dark age. In this episode you will learn about the negative impact of the Kali Yuga and how also to counter its effects so that you bring your awareness back to the ultimate path of liberation.
In this episode of Enlightenment Today, I will speak about the practice of vairagya in Hindu philosophy. Vairagya is a term that can be translated as dispassion, detachment, or renunciation. Someone who practices vairagya has a dispassionate attitude towards the pain and pleasures of the world. Vairagya refers to an internal state of mind rather than an external lifestyle and this is why it can be practiced by one engaged in family life and career as it can be by a renunciate. But the deepest benefits are often experienced by a renunciate sage. Even though the practice of vairagya is a rejection of all the suffering in the world, it does not mean suppression of or developing repulsion for material objects. By the application of the practice of viveka (spiritual discrimination or discernment) to life experience, the spiritual aspirant gradually develops a strong attraction for the true Self (Atman), which is the inner spiritual source of fulfillment and bliss (ananda). As a result, limited attachments and desires in the world fall away naturally. The great sages advocate vairagya as a skillful means to achieve liberation (moksha), the realization that Atman is Brahman.
In this episode of Enlightenment Today, I will speak about mental health issues in spirituality. To speak about mental health in relation to spirituality may appear contradictory. But there are a growing number of cases where people have experienced the effects of mental health, including depression, chronic anxiety and stress, schizophrenia, and even suicide in some extreme cases. This has been exponentially growing because of the misinterpretation of ancient knowledge by self-styled teachers who themselves are not trained in a particular tradition. This lack of training and lack of comprehension is best showcased in the number of neo-Advaita teachers that have come forth in recent decades, especially in the West, who butcher the teachings of Ramana Maharshi because they have no traditional training in the actual tradition of Advaita Vedanta. But this phenomenon of mental health in spirituality is not isolated to Advaita Vedanata because it extends to the modern followers of many great ancient traditions. In this episode, I will explain how to discern if the path you are on is genuine and also the way to avoid such traps that may lead one to mental health problems.
In this episode of Enlightenment Today, I will speak about why people are afraid of Advaita Vedanta and other Eastern spiritual traditions. Advaita Vedanta is one of the most difficult spiritual paths to follow, but it is one of the most transformational. Following Advaita Vedanta sincerely frightens most people because of the radical effect it has on our sense of individuality. People want to learn and be engaged in Eastern spirituality because they feel it will improve their individual lives. But does Advaita Vedanta and Eastern spirituality in general, have any to do with self-improvement?
In this episode of Enlightenment Today I will speak about the ancient story of Shiva and Parvati's divine marriage. Their union is one of the most significant stories throughout history. It is one of those ancient myths that will never lose its significance, as it means something very deep for all of us. In this episode I will explain the story for you and also its hidden meaning.
In this episode of Enlightenment Today I will speak about intrinsic value. Many people incorrectly assume their life has no value and question whether their existence even matters. This results from measuring our value based on the social standards we've been indoctrinated with and also the so-called success of others. This is an unnatural perception of life and a cognitive error, where we incorrectly perceive the world as separate isolated events. This runs counter to the holistic philosophy of Taoism and Lao-tzu's value system, where all life has value because life is one natural happening, with no duality of perceived opposites. Nothing greater than anything else. We all go together as one.
In this episode of Enlightenment Today I will speak about whether the self actually exists. I will explore this from the perspective of the the five aggregates of Buddhism, especially the Madhyamaka and Yogacara schools. People often assume Buddhist beliefs are built on the idea that the self (ego/persona) is a persistent illusion, but this is not entirely true because it is much more complicated than that unfounded belief. The five aggregates are actually an advanced mind science centered on how the self is developed and, as a result, why the illusion of a self is based on a cognitive error we all make before waking up (nirvana).
In this episode of Enlightenment Today I will speak about the differences between a Jivanmukta and a Bodhisattva. Both titles are revered in Hinduism (especially in (Advaita Vedanta) and Buddhism (especially in Mahayana Buddhism). The goal of both Hinduism and Buddhism (and Eastern spirituality in general) is liberation (moksha, mukti, kaivalya, nirvana) and not the idea of personal salvation. This is important to remember when we think about a Jivanmukta and the Bodhisattva ideal. Find out why this is important and what are the exact differences between these two enlightened titles.
In this episode of Enlightenment Today I will speak about the spiritual benefits of travel. Endless travel is actually an ancient yogic practice. The ancient Yogis never stayed in one place too long because they understand that if you reside in one specific location for too long, you will subtly pick up the habits and tendencies (vasanas) of that environment. The ancient Yogis were dedicated to understanding the nature of the mind and the universe. So travelling for them (and also us) is a practice of cultural deprogramming. From living a life of travel, they eliminate some of the deeply entrenched conditioning (samskaras) that we all have. For this reason (though many aren't aware) people in the modern world are addicted to traveling. As our conditioning begins to break down, our mind begins to effortlessly roam the world without experiencing mental and cultural friction with a new environment. We begin to move naturally, just as nature intended it.
In this episode of Enlightenment Today I will speak about how the great spiritual traditions of the East are complete systems in and of themselves without any need for a validation from modern science. Influential teachers such as Sadhguru and the Dalai Lama sing praise about their ancient knowledge because science is now validating the ancient spiritual knowledge of Eastern spirituality, as if this now validates thousands of years of knowledge and wisdom on the nature of the universe and consciousness. But Eastern spirituality has their own systems of thought (especially ancient Indian knowledge) that have no need for science because it has its own system of thought based on materialism. And it is ironic that science is actually now turning to Eastern thought for a deeper understanding of the universe and the nature of consciousness. Ancient Eastern knowledge is far ahead of science in regards to the nature of the universe, mind, consciousness, and the mystery of pure awareness which is an experiential discovery of many Eastern spiritual traditions.
In this episode of Enlightenment Today I will explain Zhuangzi's natural philosophy of oneness. This is the ability to perceive the infinite in all things, which allows us to experientially feel the actual unity of life deep within our heart-mind. This is the Daoist (Taoist) vision of the universe which runs counter to the Western trained cognition of individualism and partiality. Zhuangzi explains how our analytical training blinds us to the oneness of the universe and this problem is only becomes worse because of analytical focused education. This is Zhuangzi's natural understanding that life exists with no labels and the analytical training to discern between "this" and "that" is a human flaw which leads to a subjective viewpoint of right and wrong, and good and evil, which we all superimpose onto an objective reality which is actually the same for all. This incorrect perception is the seed of all conflict. To see reality as it truly is, in its infinite oneness, Zhuangzi advises us to fast the mind. Only then will our mind be cleansed and, as a result, the world will be at peace.
In this episode of Enlightenment Today I will give a thorough explanation of what the Atman truly is. There is a lot of misinterpretation and misunderstanding surrounding the knowledge of the Atman. When we say the Atman means the "true Self," what does that "Self" actually represent? People with no prior training in Hindu thought, then, assume the true Self is related to a sense of agency or being (Jiva). This confusion between the Jiva and the Atman is prevalent in spirituality. But, as I thoroughly explain from traditional Vedanta knowledge, the Atman is the undifferentiated consciousness within all as one (Brahman), which is the foundation of nonduality. We need to rephrase the question of "Who am I?" (which implies a sense of agency/ego) to "What am I?"
In this episode of Enlightenment Today I will explore what it means to go beyond everything and essentially going all the way. This is the spiritual ideal of the great Eastern spiritual traditions and sages. But this ultimate goal is something that frightens most people because they are not willing to truly give up their sense of self. People who become interested in spirituality forget this ideal because people often subtly use spirituality to propagate their ego rather than dissolve it. Going beyond everything means you've come into resonance with the underlying witness of all life.
In this episode of Enlightenment Today I will explore the Eastern resistance to debating, especially in countries such as Japan. Avoiding debate is another hallmark of Eastern thought that a lot of Westerners find hard to comprehend. In the West we are almost encouraged to debate so we can come to a conclusion on a matter. This way of thinking is incorrectly believed to be universal. Westerners often think that the way they think is the same for everyone else. This is a clumsy way of viewing the world. Both East and West cognitively evolved differently which influenced their social structures, philosophies, religions, language, and basic world view. In the West debate was a natural byproduct of analytical thinking and individualism. While in the East, avoiding debate was a natural byproduct of holistic thinking and collectivism.
In this episode Enlightenment Today I will explore spiritual materialism. I'm going to explain why people feel the need to show their spirituality on the outside. This means that I'm going to put under the microscope all of our dreadlocks, tattoos, piercings, and other accessories.
In this episode of Enlightenment Today I will explore the life and teachings of the great 20th century sage Ramana Maharshi. His life was dedicated to the ancient spiritual tradition of Advaita Vedanta (nondualism) after his enlightenment at the young age of sixteen. Ramana Maharshi belongs in the honorable company of the Buddha, Lao-tzu, Chuang-tzu, Shankara, Patanjali, Bodhidharma, and Mahavira. His timeless teachings are imperative to understand in our busy and chaotic modern world.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QaRWq4o1TWA
Recommended Reading
Be as You Are http://amzn.to/2z1YML6
Who am I?: The Teachings of Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi https://amzn.to/2oIbR8w
The Collected Works of Ramana Maharshi https://amzn.to/2Q6nxPd
The Spiritual Teaching of Ramana Maharshi https://amzn.to/2oFQzIH
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In this episode of Enlightenment Today I explore what overpopulation is doing to the world and why our conscious choice to refrain from having children might be the most noble act of our time. The reason I wanted to address such a contentious topic is because recently we broke the record for Earth Overshoot Day. The new record stands at August 1 for 2018 and it’s not a record we should be proud of. If people aren't going to stop their thirst for material objects then not having children is the only responsible choice.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ODUdrm3o4qs
Recommended Reading
https://www.overshootday.org/
In this episode of Enlightenment Today I explore why we feel the need to be worthy and why it is wrong to feel worthless. Trying to feel worthy is common among all cultures and societies. We are all trying to prove our worth to others. We want to be accepted by others. We’ll do anything to feel as though we are needed by the world. We’ll continually chase our tail to try and be successful in the eyes of others. We’re essentially putting on an act for the world to try and establish our worth. But why do we feel the need to be someone else to please the world? Why are you not fine just the way you naturally are? The bigger question, is it normal to feel unworthy? So, basically what I’m going to address is why we feel the need to be worthy and is that attitude is even sane.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZgUPOzTt7Zc
In this episode Enlightenment Today I explore how to be more effective and productive in life when it comes to creating work that matters. Learn to say NO and get to work. Learning to say no and just getting to work are both two simple principles for creating meaningful content.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJFsTcirIPo
Recommended Reading
Learn to Say NO and Get to Work blog post
https://jasongregory.org/learn-to-say-no-and-get-to-work/
In this episode of Enlightenment Today you will learn what it means to be an accomplished Taoist. We often hear people say they follow the Tao, the Way. But what does it mean and are they truly a Taoist or are they just intuiting their experience according to their own biases and confusing it with flow? When we think of Taoism we have to revert back to the two great sages of Taoist philosophy: Lao-tzu and Chuang-tzu. The core of Taoism is a way of life focused on having healthy and sane people who are then capable of understanding and aligning with the spiritual core and order of the universe, the Tao. This in turn creates a healthy and sane world. By becoming an accomplished Taoist you will be immune to the inevitable perils you encounter in life.
Recommended Reading
Readings in Classical Chinese Philosophy http://amzn.to/2EgVpTN
Tao Te Ching (Gia-Fu Feng & Jane English translation) http://amzn.to/2z6w7V3
Tao Te Ching (Philip J. Ivanhoe translation) http://amzn.to/2iCs0tU
Tao Te Ching (Stephen Mitchell translation) http://amzn.to/2hPV6IX
The Complete Works of Chuang Tzu http://amzn.to/2hFc1Kt
The Way of Chuang Tzu http://amzn.to/2z3VyGJ
I Ching http://amzn.to/2zWMSW7
Trying Not to Try http://amzn.to/2z6l0eU
Tao: The Watercourse Way http://amzn.to/2zZGn2N
Genuine Pretending http://amzn.to/2iDhF04
Awakening to the Tao https://amzn.to/2KdsSBc
In this episode Enlightenment Today we will explore the desires of the eye and the desires of the belly that Lao-tzu mentions in the Tao Te Ching. The desires of the eye are the artificial needs created by society, which keep up chasing and hunting a life that is not ours and this in turn maddens our hearts, to use Lao-tzu's words. These desires are insatiable and practically infinite. The desires of the belly are our basic needs, which are very simple. These desires of the belly are what nature gave you and they are quite modest needs. If our natural needs are quite modest than our starting off point to be a sane and healthy individual is oriented in the wrong direction. But if we reorient our lives towards the desires of the belly we will realize that human beings have a simple nature and are easily satisfied. We only mess with this simple nature when society creates artificial desires and as a result we want more than we naturally need.
Recommended Reading
Readings in Classical Chinese Philosophy http://amzn.to/2EgVpTN
Tao Te Ching (Gia-Fu Feng & Jane English translation) http://amzn.to/2z6w7V3
Tao Te Ching (Philip J. Ivanhoe translation) http://amzn.to/2iCs0tU
Tao Te Ching (Stephen Mitchell translation) http://amzn.to/2hPV6IX
I Ching http://amzn.to/2zWMSW7
Trying Not to Try http://amzn.to/2z6l0eU
Tao: The Watercourse Way http://amzn.to/2zZGn2N
In this episode of Enlightenment Today I will speak about the scientific model of mind in the East. This model is the psychological system of the East, especially in India, and it is likely the first scientific model of mind. In ancient India this model was used in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. It is an advanced model of mind to this day in the East. Understanding this model is the key to comprehending the nature of suffering and, as a result, is a surefire way to heal ourselves. This is why it is connected to the concept of samsara, the wheel of suffering.
Recommended Reading
The Art of Living: Vipassana Meditation http://amzn.to/2CSx8D5
The Yoga-Sutra of Patanjali http://amzn.to/2B5WSKR
In this episode of Enlightenment Today I explore why affluence destroys spirituality and the sense of unity with life and God. Many people wonder why the world is becoming increasingly secular. There are people leaving religion by the droves and more people are comfortable with being an atheist. As the world becomes more affluent, the less it appears that people need religion or any type of spiritual belief system. The more affluent people are the less they think of God, death, and other mystical matters. Why is this happening? And we need to ask whether it is a real problem or just the nature of cultural evolution?
Recommended Reading
Why Religion is Natural and Science is Not http://amzn.to/2E5X2mV
The Secret of Our Success http://amzn.to/2Cka8fW
In this episode of Enlightenment Today I will explore the role of a guru, a spiritual teacher. You will discover who a guru is, why they are important, and also why in the modern world we have a nervous reaction when we hear the word.
Recommended Reading
Be as You Are http://amzn.to/2z1YML6
Autobiography of a Yogi http://amzn.to/2AEDhVk
I Am That http://amzn.to/2ysAR6c
White Fire http://amzn.to/2AFwdYv
Total Freedom http://amzn.to/2C6p001
Inner Engineering http://amzn.to/2ChbEyK
Shankara's Crest Jewel of Discrimination http://amzn.to/2AFPoBH
In this episode of Enlightenment Today you will learn about Hindu time system called the Yugas. The Yugas are a complex world-age doctrine of four ages. The Yugas map the cycles of change within the universe and consciousness. The Yugas build a solid framework for understanding how we experience time and eternity, and how they related to one another. You will find out in this episode what makes the Eastern view of time different to the Western view.
Recommended Reading
The Yugas http://amzn.to/2jziwze
The Holy Science http://amzn.to/2ByoTux
In this episode of Enlightenment Today you will learn about what a state of flow truly is and its original ancestor known in Chinese as wu-wei from ancient China, which is a concept at the heart of Taoism and martial arts. Flow is a term we use for an athlete, musician, writer, craftsman, or any artist when they appear to be in the zone. But our understanding of flow and how to induce it is at a novice level. You can tell this by how the word is loosely thrown around in popular culture. Most of us incorrectly think that this dimension of effortless skill and peak performance is a state of mind isolated to world-class performers. You need to eliminate this way of thinking and really absorb the information I am about to give you. This episode will give you the inside dope.
Recommended Reading
Flow http://amzn.to/2zhhYVm
The Complete Works of Chuang Tzu http://amzn.to/2hFc1Kt
Trying Not to Try http://amzn.to/2B8ouPx
Tao: The Watercourse Way http://amzn.to/2hNGB8x
In this episode of Enlightenment Today we will explore siddhis, the attainment of magical powers through rigorous spiritual practice. Siddhis are mentioned in a host of texts in the East, some with a positive attitude to these attainments and others with a negative stance against them. In this episode I will give siddhis an honest and open hearing based on this unique phenomenon recorded by spiritual adepts which is found in the the traditions of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Taoism. In the end it is a matter of whether you are skeptical or a believer of this ancient spiritual phenomenon.
Recommended Reading
The Yoga-Sutra of Patanjali http://amzn.to/2B5WSKR
The Yoga Tradition http://amzn.to/2B7YinW
The Upanishads http://amzn.to/2hR008t
The Bhagavad Gita (S. Radhakrishnan translation) http://amzn.to/2iC0Pzd
The Bhagavad Gita (Eknath Easwaran translation) http://amzn.to/2zU7wpI
Brahma Sutras http://amzn.to/2BIkfuk
Yoga Bija http://amzn.to/2knEObj
Tantra: The Path of Ecstasy http://amzn.to/2BI0QK2
Bhagavata Purana http://amzn.to/2jJsWfp
In this episode of Enlightenment Today we will explore the monarchical view of the universe. In the West there is a deep-seated belief that God is a ruler, lord, and king. This view influences our view of life in general and ultimately separates the individual from the essence of the universe. It doesn't matter whether you are atheist, religious, or spiritual, this view effects us in ways we don't realize. I explain in this episode how the idea of God as a ruler is built on a political analogy of the universe originating from ancient rulers who tried to lord it over their people, which ultimately influenced the view of Western religions. The Eastern view of divinity is diametrically opposed to the monarchical view. The Eastern view is more related to nature and is a holistic view of the individual as one with the universe. This episode explores both views and ultimately dispels the illusion of the monarchical view of the universe.
In this episode of Enlightenment Today we will explore the chakras. The chakra system has become a popular topic in New Age circles to which its tenets of kundalini, prana, and the understanding of energy have been misinterpreted. We will clarify that energy has more to do with psychology in relation to the chakra system. The chakra system is made of seven psychological centers and we will examine the characteristics of each chakra. The ultimate goal of the chakra system is to transcend duality, where the subject object split dissolves, leaving only the nondual state of ananda, pure bliss.
In this episode of Enlightenment Today we will explore the Four Nutriments of Buddhism. This Buddhist philosophy is about four kinds of food people consume daily. These are edible food, sense impressions, volition, and consciousness, both individual and collective. We will discover how these four nutriments can impact us in healthy and unhealthy ways, depending on what we consume and how aware we are of our consumption. In conclusion, we will examine effective strategies, such as fasting the mind and mindful awareness, which will allow us to remain healthy and peaceful because we will be taking in only those nutriments that help us thrive.
Recommended Reading
Silence http://amzn.to/2hGdKPI
In this episode of Enlightenment Today we will explore the seeker's mind. We will examine how learning is a constant process whether we like it or not. Learning nourishes our mind in the same way food nourishes our body. To "learn as if you were to live forever," as Gandhi put it, keeps our feet on the ground and trains us to remain as a student in life rather than getting too far ahead of ourselves. We stay humble as a result. This attitude allows us to cultivate intelligence in a world where intelligence is dying due to overstimulation and entertainment addiction. When you are cultivating intelligence you are growing. Learning is growing and if you are growing then you have a real feeling of being alive.
In this episode of Enlightenment Today we will explore the Eight Limbs of Yoga created by the founder of Yoga Patanjali. The Eight Limbs of Yoga comes from the Yoga-Sutras and is Patanjali's system of practical spirituality. It is a complex system to follow but it is essential to follow if you are to reveal the inner technology that Yoga promises to deliver. Patanjali devised this system as the primary means onto the goal of Yoga which is complete liberation.
Recommended Reading
The Yoga-Sutra of Patanjali http://amzn.to/2B5WSKR
The Yoga Tradition http://amzn.to/2B7YinW
The Psychology of Yoga http://amzn.to/2hPSpqU
In this episode of Enlightenment Today we explore the ability to just drop it. This is an ability cultivated in some of the great spiritual traditions of the East. The ability to just drop it means that anything emotional you experience that lingers in your mind or a psychological problem that persists can just be let go of without thinking anything of it. To just drop the emotional baggage that we often carry and cling to comes from our over-identification with our temporary persona system. The Eastern practice of just dropping it bears fruit when we identify with our eternal true nature beneath the existence of an ego.
In this episode of Enlightenment Today we will explore Karma. We will examine the origins of Karma, what it is, and how to transform and transcend Karma. We will dispel the modern myth that Karma is related to a philosophy of cause and effect. You will discover in this episode that Karma has nothing to do with reward and punishment. To understand your own Karma and the practice of Karma yoga is to realize it is truly about purifying your actions to be more humble and selfless in service to something much greater than your personality.
Recommended Reading
The Bhagavad Gita (S. Radhakrishnan translation) http://amzn.to/2iC0Pzd
The Bhagavad Gita (Eknath Easwaran translation) http://amzn.to/2zU7wpI
In this episode of Enlightenment Today we will explore the philosophy of the ancient Chinese sage Mencius. He was one of the sages towards the end of the Warring States period in China. His philosophy is built on the notion that human nature is fundamentally good. Mencius uses agriculture as a metaphor to prove this innate goodness. Actually his view on innate goodness is backed up today by evolutionary biology and cognitive science. The wisdom with which Mencius explains how to attain individual equanimity and cultivate moral virtues in the hope of reaching social harmony is still very palatable in the modern world.
Recommended Reading
Mencius (Bryan W. Van Norden translation) http://amzn.to/2hGkRrj
Mencius (D.C. Lau translation) http://amzn.to/2hPQhz8
In this episode of Enlightenment Today we will explore the Chinese medical view of climate change. From the Chinese medical perspective, the warming of the planet comes from a culture and world which is yin (feminine/receptive/earth/coolant) deficient, meaning that our world is driven by yang (masculine/active/heaven/heat) which not only destroys our health on an individual level but also contributes to the increasing heat of the planet. The way we live our lives is causing this and it is up to us to cultivate more yin on our lives, which means we have to make a conscious effort of embracing the non-doing aspect of our lives and step away from excessive busyness and over-stimulation caused by bad dietary choices and digital devices which is not only killing us but also our planet. The big picture is a reflection of the small picture.
Recommended Reading
The Yin and Yang of Climate Crisis http://amzn.to/2z6zCLb
Deep Work http://amzn.to/2zXSHjW
Fasting the Mind http://amzn.to/2zhsAY1
In this episode of Enlightenment Today we will come to understand spiritual bypassing. Spiritual bypassing is the use of spiritual practices and beliefs to avoid dealing with painful feelings, unresolved wounds, and developmental needs. And yet, it is much much more and something we all need to understand if we are to authentically grow spiritually. It is a very persistent shadow of spirituality. Spiritual bypassing is often thought of as nothing we need to worry about from the perspective of certain nondual teachings. But if we do not outgrow spiritual bypassing then the depth of any spiritual teaching, nondual or otherwise, will not be truly experienced. To outgrow spiritual bypassing is to understand that an authentic spiritual life is a constant dying to deeper life.
Recommended Reading
Spiritual Bypassing http://amzn.to/2hQisOH
Toward a Psychology of Awakening http://amzn.to/2zZVetO
Enlightenment Now http://amzn.to/2B2oNuV
In this episode of Enlightenment Today we will explore Advaita Vedanta (nondualism). Advaita Vedanta is a school of Hindu philosophy and the oldest extant sub-school of Vedanta in India. We explain the wisdom of Advaita Vedanta and the benefits of its practice, as well as the common pitfalls that hinder many people who are interested in this path. A lot of modern day spirituality is built on the back of Advaita Vedanta. In this episode we will come to understand that a lot of the misinterpretations of nonduality and oneness in the modern day stem from this philosophy being applied to our life with no real understanding of what the nondual experience is. This video seeks to dispel all myths surrounding this beautiful philosophy to hopefully reveal the authentic view of the nondual reality which is eclipsed within all of us due to the identification with the content and activity within our mind. Advaita Vedanta is the spiritual wisdom that we can be completely free in this life.
Recommended Reading
The Upanishads http://amzn.to/2hR008t
Song of the Avadhut http://amzn.to/2hGqkPb
The Song of Ribhu http://amzn.to/2zS1END
Be as You Are http://amzn.to/2z1YML6
The Book http://amzn.to/2z1U9AM
Myths of Light http://amzn.to/2hN1Ya8
Spiritual Bypassing http://amzn.to/2hEZSoK
In this episode of Enlightenment Today we come to understand what it means to stink of Zen. We stink of Zen when we are trying to be too pious, too righteous, and essentially when we fall into the trap of being inhumanly good. When we try to portray this angel-like persona we lose sight of what it means to be human because we are not genuine and humble but rather fake and excessively righteous. We become a know-it-all and lose our connection with the seekers mind. One persistent illusion in spirituality is that the way of a sage and their enlightenment has something to do with being a goody-goody that is inhumanly good rather than just being simply human. The real difference between a sage and the ordinary person is the former are not at odds with their own humanity. The antidote to stinking of Zen is the perfection of Zen, but that means we must be radically human. So you need to ask yourself, do you stink of Zen?
In this episode of Enlightenment Today we will explore the philosophy and wisdom of the original Taoist sage Lao-tzu. We will come to understand the way of nature (Tao) that Lao-tzu explained for us and what that means for us in our modern world. His wisdom is deeply embedded in the view that if we are to leave everything alone to follow its own nature, including human beings, then natural harmony and real government would come to fruition because we have learned how to trust the processes of nature without interfering with it. This process includes how we become an authentic individual, which Lao-tzu explains is a result of our ability to cease trying and to be humble and content with the way life is.
Recommended Reading
Tao Te Ching (Gia-Fu Feng & Jane English translation) http://amzn.to/2z6w7V3
Tao Te Ching (Philip J. Ivanhoe translation) http://amzn.to/2iCs0tU
Tao Te Ching (Stephen Mitchell translation) http://amzn.to/2hPV6IX
I Ching http://amzn.to/2zWMSW7
Trying Not to Try http://amzn.to/2z6l0eU
Tao: The Watercourse Way http://amzn.to/2zZGn2N
In this episode of Enlightenment Today we explore the meaning of life. We will weigh in on the debate as to whether or not life has a fundamental meaning. We will uncover this misconception from the Eastern perspective which reveals that all of our attempts to make an intellectual interpretation of life and our delusion that we are more special than anything else in nature disconnects us from nature and contributes to a temperament where a battle of man versus nature ensues to the point of ecological crisis and the downfall of the human race.
In this episode of Enlightenment Today we will explore the nature of the Soul from the Eastern perspective. We unpack the science behind reincarnation known as the Wheel of Samsara Framework which tries to explain what it actually "is" that comes back life after life. This is a comprehensive system for understanding the subconscious root conditioning, latent tendencies, and unconscious actions of our mind. It also explains methods of how to eventually make them conscious so that we transform our mind at the root level with the Eastern view of transcending our soul.
In this episode of Enlightenment Today we will explore the philosophy and wisdom of the Taoist sage Chuang-tzu. We will go into the depth of Chuang-tzu’s philosophy and explain its relevance for the modern world. The philosophy of Chuang-tzu reveals a latent wisdom found within the embodied skill of a craftsman. Their embodied skill is a metaphor about how to live our lives effortlessly every day with a mind of no deliberation. We will explain Chuang-tzu’s ultimate method of ‘fasting the mind’ which is a strategy to bring about this natural state of an effortless mind which writers, painters, musicians, athletes, martial artists and so on, all try to embody. Though, the wisdom of Chuang-tzu is to take that state of consciousness out of the craft and transfer it over to every moment in life.
Recommended Reading
The Complete Works of Chuang Tzu http://amzn.to/2hFc1Kt
The Way of Chuang Tzu http://amzn.to/2z3VyGJ
Trying Not to Try http://amzn.to/2B8ouPx
Tao: The Watercourse Way http://amzn.to/2hNGB8x
In this episode of Enlightenment Today we will explore the Eastern philosophical view within the Woody Allen film Irrational Man. We will go into the benefits and naturalness of the irrational view over being too rational which is a way of life and cognitive state embraced in the East and evident within this film.
Recommended Viewing
Irrational Man http://amzn.to/2B8D4GK
In this episode of Enlightenment Today I will explore Zen. We will go into Zen's origin, history, and ultimately what the Zen mind is. We reveal that the experience of Zen is the natural state of mind. The experience and practice of Zen reestablishes the connection between the body and mind which evokes the natural function of naturalness and intelligent spontaneity within the human organism.
Recommended Reading
The Way of Zen http://amzn.to/2B8mpmH
The Lankavatara Sutra http://amzn.to/2hIHhsc
The Zen Teachings of Bodhidharma http://amzn.to/2hRoK0m
Zen and the Psychology of Transformation http://amzn.to/2hQxPqm
The Complete Works of Chuang Tzu http://amzn.to/2z3U7Il
Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind http://amzn.to/2z4Lxcn
Silence http://amzn.to/2BascYS
In this episode of Enlightenment Today I will explore the spiritual tradition of yoga. We will expose the materialism behind the modern movement of yoga so that people can understand that yoga has nothing to do with exercise or looking physically fit. We will go deep into the tradition of yoga, its origins, philosophy, and its practice that were devised to reveal the nature of consciousness and liberate the mind from suffering.
Recommended Reading
The Yoga-Sutra of Patanjali http://amzn.to/2B5WSKR
The Yoga Tradition http://amzn.to/2B7YinW
The Psychology of Yoga http://amzn.to/2hPSpqU
In this episode of Enlightenment Today I will explore the geography of mind. I will expose the myth that all people cognitively think the same. To do so I will study the history of how the mind of the East and West evolved differently. This will reveal why many Westerners and modern Easterners often misinterpret Eastern philosophy. This will give us greater understanding of the authentic teachings of the East.
Recommended Reading
The Geography of Thought http://amzn.to/2z4GlW7
