In this episode I am once again joined by Stephen Snyder, meditation teacher, author, and the first non-monastic Western man to master the virtuoso-level shamata meditation system of Pa Auk Sayadaw.

In this interview we discuss Stephen’s latest book ‘Demysifying Awakening: A Buddhist Path of Realization, Embodiment, and Freedom’.

Stephen gives detailed comparisons between the maps of Theravadan and Zen Buddhism, explains the difference between Kensho and Satori, and reveals why it is so easy to stall after an initial awakening experience.

Stephen also shares techniques to open the Wisdom Eye, loosen allegiance to the body, and transcend the superego; and reveals how he assesses others spiritual experiences and how an individual can self-assess their own level of awakening.

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Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep141-demystifying-awakening-stephen-snyder

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

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Topics include:

00:00 - Intro

00:51 - Why is Stephen writing so many books?

05:42 - What is the probability of awakening?

08:46 - Kensho vs Satori probabilities

11:06 - Languishing between Kensho and Satori

13:57 - Self-administered tests of awakening

15:37 - How Stephen assesses his students’ awakenings

17:39 - Opening the Wisdom Eye

20:27 - Energetic resonance of awakening

21:31 - Facsimiles of awakening

23:53 - Confusion around awakening

30:09 - Rebirth, reincarnation, and tulkus

33:00 - Superego and trauma

39:43 - Purifying the body via the four elements

45:44 - Stephen’s experience of the crystal body

48:06 - Loosening allegiance to the body

49:37 - Resistances to jhana and awakening

54:05 - Steve’s practice challenge

58:16 - How to work with intensity and blocks

01:02:09 - The will to live

01:05:17 - Boat meditation

01:06:15 - Comparing the maps of Theravada and Zen

01:13:29 - Fear of No-Self

01:16:32 - Integrating the No-Self

01:19:31 - Koan practice

01:23:16 - Flavours of enlightenment

01:27:24 - Keeping a spiritual journal

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Check out my previous interviews with Stephen:

- https://www.guruviking.com/ep24-stephen-snyder-a-stroke-of-realisation-guru-viking-interviews/

- https://www.guruviking.com/ep33-stephen-snyder-pandemic-edition-guru-viking-podcast/

- https://www.guruviking.com/ep70-stephen-snyder-buddhas-heart/

Purchase ‘Demystifying Awakening’:

- https://awakeningdharma.org/book/demystifying-awakening/

To find out more about Stephen Snyder, visit:

- https://awakeningdharma.org/

For more interviews, videos, and more visit:

- https://www.guruviking.com/

Music 'Deva Dasi' by Steve James