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’ and the new book ‘Original Love’. 

Henry discusses the surprising writing process of ‘Original Love’, the importance of love in spiritual practice, and how to release the heart.

Henry describes the 4 major areas of spiritual development, his own first and subsequent awakenings, and the purifying effects of deep jhana practice.

Henry also talks about his own journey from head to heart, his personal challenges of heartbreak and neurological illness, and his love for St Augustine’s ‘Confessions’.

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Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep261-original-love-henry-shukman

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

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Topics include:

00:00 - Intro

00:50 - Writing Original Love

06:01 - 4 major areas of spiritual development

07:47 - The importance of love

09:27 - The example of mindfulness

11:06 - Henry’s neurological illness

13:37 - Letting go

14:39 - An epiphany in Venezuela

18:35 - Migrating from head to heart

20:53 - Heartbreak of awakening

22:31 - What is awakening?

26:56 - Henry’s first awakening

28:35 - Subsequent awakenings and the place of love

29:50 - The two wings of practice

30:41 - Release of the heart

32:50 - Does awakening change the experience of suffering?

36:53 - Resistance and suffering

38:37 - Unwrapping the gift of life

39:38 - Training jhana with Stephen Snyder

48:31 - Purification and catharsis in jhana

49:42 - Jhana vs awakening

53:54 - Encouragement to those seeking awakening

01:03:55 - Henry’s love for Augustine’s ‘Confessions’

01:06:44 - Henry’s mother

01:10:03 - A resurgence in interest in awakening

01:14:15 - The original face

01:15:50 - Henry’s meditation app

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Previous episodes with Henry Shukman:

- https://www.guruviking.com/search?q=shukman

To find out more about Henry Shukman, visit:

- henryshukman.com

- thewayapp.com

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For more interviews, videos, and more visit:

- www.guruviking.com

Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James