Joining me on the BEYOND MEANING podcast is Zen master, poet, and author Henry Shukman for a profound and personal conversation on the nature of mind, healing, and awakening. We explore Henry’s early mystical experience and his journey through meditation, trauma recovery, and therapy. We talk about the four “zones” of meditative life—mindfulness, soul-deep connectedness, flow states, and awakening—and how these interweave in both personal transformation and spiritual practice. How can we reconcile the path of no-self with the need for self-care and psychological integration? What happens when awakening is mistaken for escape? What do Zen koans, poetry, and Bob Dylan have in common? Why should we meditate if awakening is always already present? Whether you’re a longtime meditator or just starting out, this conversation will offer clarity, inspiration, and a deeper trust in the path—whatever form it may take.
📙Original Love (new book by Henry Shukman)
https://amzn.to/3EZ4a96
📱The Way (meditation app by Henry Shukman)
https://www.thewayapp.com/?source=us_traffic
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⌛ Timestamps
00:00 Introduction to Zen Master Henry Shukman
05:26 What is Meditation?
18:00 Self-Love without a Self
19:39 Introduction to Zen Koans
23:27 Healing Trauma & Suffering
25:22 Zen Koans, Poetry & Awakening
34:17 Zen Koans, Bob Dylan & Humour
37:16 Working with a Zen Koan (Example)
46:40 The Danger of Spiritual Attachment
52:47 Is Awakening Sudden or Gradual?
55:20 The Way (Innovative Meditation App)
1:00:24 Combining Spiritual & Psychological Development (Ken Wilber)
1:04:52 The 4 Zones of the Path of Awakening
1:15:09 Jiddu Krishnamurti's Attack on Spiritual Practice & Traditions
1:26:11 The Paradox of Enlightenment
1:28:01 Henry Shukman's Original Koan
1:31:08 Suffering as the Gateway to Awakening
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🎵 Original music by @RMSounds. Check out his channel for more!
