In learning more about the remarkable life of the Japanese poet Bashō (1644-1694), I felt so connected to his journey and indeed his writing! Bashō is known as the father of the haiku and popularized the “hokku” (later known as haiku) as an art form independent of the “renku.” In Bashō’s haiku, undertones of Taoism and Zen are evident and I’ve included references to two books that highlight these connections further: “A Zen Wave: Basho’s Haiku and Zen” by Robert Aitken and “Matsuo Basho” by Makoto Ueda. (Both books can be checked out for free at archive.org) I end the talk with Bashō’s final haiku for your contemplation: On a journey, ailing — /My dreams roam about / Over a withered moor. Namasté. SelenaSage.com // email: [email protected] // Fb+IG: Selena Sage - Author // I dedicate this episode to my dear friend, teacher, and mentor Dr. General Marshall who shared his wisdom and kindness with the world so freely and whose light will be missed in this world, but now seen in the sky. Namasté.

Starting with a Qigong breathing exercise, we explore the meaning of the statement, “I am not the body.” I also share a story from the book, “Before I Am” by Mooji. Namasté. SelenaSage.com // email: [email protected] // Fb+IG: Selena Sage - Author

In support of today’s message, I share a story from “Tales from the Tao” by Solala Towler. It is a reminder to me that the best teacher always sends you back to yourself. As you discover your truest Self, the encouragement is to keep going and not settle for half-peace or half-freedom. :) Namasté. SelenaSage.com // email: [email protected]

Happy Father’s Day to all fathers...and especially my own. Thank you, Dad, for being such a light in my life! I love you! // This episode is in celebration of the love and direction from fathers—both actual and spiritual—to believe in yourself and know that you are free. Jesus tells us that, “Whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be given to you.” Sri Mooji advises us, “Pray to be free of troubles...and then pray to be free of the one who is troubled.” I am so thankful for this love and guidance and I hope that you will also use it to be free. Namasté. SelenaSage.com // Email: [email protected]

Thank you to dear Cathy in the USA for the lovely question about holding onto beautiful memories! In this episode, I first read the Kena Upanishad and explore its teachings about the true Source, and then share a teaching from Sri Ramana Maharshi to a disciple to recognize our Self as the Light of Lights, before addressing Cathy’s question. When we recognize our true nature, we investigate the Source of our memories, thoughts, and emotions and gain true freedom and communion with all. Namasté. SelenaSage.com // email: [email protected] // Fb+IG: Selena Sage - Author

Starting with a discussion of a recent article that unhappiness is at record highs, I share wisdom from Sri Mooji to be free from the person. Added to the talk is a sharing of three haiku from my fourth book, “HAIKU to be free” which is available for *free!* with your subscription at zentaobooks.com (a coupon code will be automatically emailed to you). My encouragement to creatives is to refrain from harsh judgements and simply allow your creativity to flow. Your authenticity is itself inspiring! Namasté. Selenasage.com // You are welcome to email your spiritually based questions to me at [email protected] or via message on Fb+IG at Selena Sage - Author. Thank you.

Today, I was inspired to go beyond a discussion of landmarks in Singapore to discuss a bit of the country’s history, which was greatly influenced by Lee Kuan Yew (also known as LKY). I think of LKY as the father of Singapore and the architect of the country as it today. He was the first Prime Minister and served the longest term of any PM in history (from 1959-1990). Singapore’s road to independence and then as a major financial and business center for Asia is incredibly interesting and inspiring. I think there’s a lot to learn from it’s history. Namasté. // Correction: It’s actually “John” Oliver of Last Week Tonight. The towers in Singapore is called “Gardens by the Bay.” I would also clarify that we are living as the dream/movie with personal identification. // SelenaSage.com // email: [email protected] // Fb+IG: Selena Sage - Author

Sri Ramana Maharshi (1879-1950) is a Self-realized Master who is the teacher of both Sri Papaji and Sri Mooji (thereby making him my direct teacher as well). Sri Ramana’s encouragement is to pursue self-enquiry persistently and remain with the question, “Who Am I?” until it leads to the Silence that is the Self. // Correction: I mistakenly said he was born in 1979, but meant to say 1879. During this segment, I quoted extensively from the book “Who Am I” that was compiled from written wisdom of Sri Ramana, and you can send me an email for a pdf of these teachings or find it by searching on archive.org where persons have generously transcribed it. Sri Ramana encourages a sattvic diet to aid the process of Self-enquiry. // Also, there are tremendous winds on the islands and children playing which might be heard in this recording. Thank you. // Namasté. SelenaSage.com // email: [email protected] // Fb+IG: Selena Sage - Author

This episode is in complete tribute to Sri Mooji with my encouragement for you to investigate Mooji.tv for a free month trial of content from Sahaja Express. Investing in teachers and creators of uplifting content is so important, as they must eat too! I know of no greater investment than your freedom (from the person!). I know of no living master whose pointings are more direct or more potent than Sri Mooji, which is why I make this loving endorsement. But it is only an invitation. I hope you will find this chant as beautiful as I did. Thank you Sri Mooji. Namasté. // Recording note: It was a bit hot, so I did this recording with a small fan on. My perfectionist tendencies wanted to re-record, but I decided that it is actually ok :) Thank you. // SelenaSage.com // Email: [email protected] // Fb+IG: Selena Sage - Author

Starting with a simple message to believe in yourself, I reference questions from my first book, “Meditative Questions” (available at zentabooks.com ) to explore our true nature as Pure Awareness. You got this! :) Namasté. SelenaSage.com // email: [email protected] // Fb+IG: Selena Sage - Author