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