Delson Armstrong is a meditation teacher and author of A Mind Without Craving, known for his detailed experiential knowledge of advanced meditation states, including jhāna, samādhi, cessation, and TWIM practice. His knowledge spans early Buddhist meditation, Kriya Yoga, and contemporary conversations in contemplative science, where advanced absorption states are increasingly being studied through phenomenology and neuroimaging. In this conversation, Delson brings a rare depth of first-person insight into meditation and awakening in the context of modern life.

He also contributes his views on the debate between idealism and emptiness.

Is consciousness primary, as is posited by Advaita Vedanta and similar non-dual traditions, or is it empty of inherent existence, just like everything else, dependent on causes and conditions, as argued by some Buddhist schools.

https://www.delsonarmstrong.com/events

The cessation meditation mentioned: https://youtu.be/P2kHWJd2jX4?si=Xl6GbzSnAU8HiCyF

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0:05:00 Dogma and tradition0:09:40 awakening0:10:00 questioning tradition 0:14:20 Rob Burbea0:17:30 the path is individual0:21:30 emotions & awakening0:25:00 Delson’s path0:38:00 idealism vs emptiness0:58:00 cessation vs anaesthesia vs nirvana1:05:00 cessation vs jhanas vs wisdom1:10:00 no-self = no agency? 1:15:00 is self needed for motivation1:21:00 permanent realisation?1:27:00 spiritual bypassing in early buddhism1:30:00 the future of dharma

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