In this episode I am once again joined by Henry Shukman, award-winning poet, Zen teacher, and author of ‘One Blade of Grass; a Zen memoir’. 

In this interview Henry reveals what he calls Zen’s true miracle, and shares his own personal journey of healing childhood trauma in the context of spiritual awakening and integration of enlightenment.

Henry also explores the two purposes of Zen koan training, contrasts different models of enlightenment, and explains how to awaken in the midst of intense suffering and pain.

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Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/ep107-henry-shukman-2-zens-true-miracle/

Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.

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Topics include:

00:00 - Intro

00:36 - Endorsed by Dr Rick Hanson

01:25 - Evolving definitions of trauma

05:16 - Cold War espionage and Henry’s infant trauma

08:18 - Profound insights from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

10:43 - Exploring Jungian dream work

17:36 - Can one be enlightened and traumatised?

21:08 - Integration and the Heart Sutra

29:46 - Asymptote of enlightenment vs ‘just this’

37:04 - Awakening in extreme trauma

40:40 - The two purposes of koan training

49:19 - Extraordinary states of mind vs ordinary reality

57:40 - Addendum: The true miracle of Zen

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Previous episode with Henry Shukman:

- https://www.guruviking.com/ep101-henry-shukman-one-blade-of-grass/

To find out more about Henry Shukman, visit:

- https://www.mountaincloud.org/about/henry-shukman/

For more interviews, videos, and more visit:

- www.guruviking.com

Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

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