Chris Beal discovered Buddhism as an exchange student in Japan in the 1960s. Given her determination, she was sure she would succeed in getting enlightened. But enthusiasm doesn't always guarantee success, and she went home disappointed, depressed and demoralized.

Thirteen years later, after a spontaneous awakening, she contacted the priest who had been her main teacher in Japan and began a six-year connection which deepened her understanding of what she had realized.

Meanwhile, she sought a spiritual path in the States but found nothing that spoke to her as deeply as her first teacher had until she met Adyashanti twenty years ago. After almost a decade of absorbing his teachings, she found the realization gradually deepening on its own.

Chris enjoys writing about spirituality and spiritual awakening. Her writing includes numerous published book reviews, author interviews, and articles, She is currently seeking publication of her novel, ENLIGHTENMENT OF THE FLESH, in which the main character's dilemma reflects that of many seekers: How do you know which way will lead to the ultimate Truth when what you are seeking is not in the realm of imagining?

Chris's Blogs:

Miracle of Awakening

Literary Journeys to Truth

Buddhist Fiction Blog (contributor)

Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group.

Transcript of this interview.

Interview recorded May 16, 2020

YouTube Video Chapters:

00:00:00 - Introduction to Buddha at the Gas Pump

00:05:25 - The Unimaginable Nature of Awakening

00:10:10 - Perspectives on Enlightenment and Awakening

00:13:54 - The Importance of Suffering in Enlightenment

00:18:09 - A Conversation about Suffering and Bliss

00:22:20 - Seeds of Enlightenment

00:26:09 - Entering Nirvana and the Struggle

00:30:07 - Dependency and Longing for Love

00:33:16 - Cultivating Discernment on the Spiritual Path

00:36:27 - Awakening and the Role of Teachers

00:40:33 - The Path of Everything Being Okay

00:44:47 - The Story of My Spiritual Journey

00:48:48 - The Deeper Place

00:52:40 - Neurophysiological Makeup and Purification

00:57:11 - Experiencing Lack of Separation

01:01:04 - Connecting with the Energetic Field

01:04:11 - The Illusion of Awakening as Effortless

01:07:42 - The Paradox of Separate Domains

01:11:31 - The Debate on Free Will and Choice

01:15:20 - The Pitfall of Comparing Yourself to Others

01:18:40 - The Razor's Edge on the Spiritual Path

01:21:52 - The Process of Awakening and Abiding

01:24:37 - Recognizing Awakeness vs Behavior

01:28:08 - Association for Spiritual Integrity

01:31:33 - The Role of a Teacher in Enlivening the Field

01:36:12 - The Role of Fiction in Understanding Ultimate Reality

01:39:33 - Spiritual Fiction Recommendations

01:42:14 - Discussing Buddhist Fiction and Mythical Stories

01:45:26 - The Transcendent Last Chapter

01:49:00 - Interactive Blogs and Literary Discussions

01:51:17 - Wrapping Up and Next Guest Announcement