In this episode we discuss the motivations behind why awakened beings can feel called to teach. We explore how wisdom naturally emerges during awakening. 

We note the seeker's unwavering focus on ending suffering and uncovering liberating truths, and talk about the concept of the "two-turnings," transitioning from inner exploration to outward engagement after liberation.

We discuss how our ability to connect with others depends on our ability to explore our own depths and how contingent identities don't offer much safety.

We also explore the notion of the Bodhisattva as a description of awakened tendencies. Particularly in regard to the spontaneous emergence of compassion and loving-kindness. We'll also reflect on the humbling realization that  “I’m not doing anything.”

From valuing small acts of kindness to embracing broken-heartedness as a gateway to compassion, we'll touch on various paths to understanding happiness and the nature of suffering.

We talk about nondoership and how that idea is received differently in different states of consciousness.

And we discuss how the work of spiritual mentorship and teaching is richly beneficial for both mentor and mentee.

As always, much more besides. Enjoy.

Imogen’s website - beyondimogen.com

Martyn’s website - martynwebber.com

Today we discussed the place of faith on the spiritual path. We talked about Pure Land Buddhism which is a faith-based Buddhist school.

We reflect on the difference between the idea that “there’s nothing you can do” vs “there’s nothing you *need* to do.” The role of self-effort.

Can one short-circuiting practice? Progressive vs sudden awakening. We explore limiting ideas regarding what’s required to awaken. And notice when Life says “hold my beer!”

Every part of your life experience is “your way” and is the way consciousness wakes up to its own nature. We discuss how faith can allow one to drop thinking. But true faith needs to align with truth/reality.

We talk about coming to the end of seeking and the power of being humbled by our powerlessness. Also we touch on the different shapes of seeking in different people.

Enjoy.

Imogen’s website - beyondimogen.com

Martyn’s website - martynwebber.com

In this episode, we explore the power of direct experience over intellectual knowledge, that there are profound teachings to be found in the fullness of the lived experience. Life itself is a constant teacher.

The solution to global problems? It starts at the individual level—discover your true nature rather than trying to imagine and bolster an unsustainable identity. 

We discuss "bootstrapping enlightenment" and the value of an eclectic spiritual path. We caution against comparing spiritual paths, urging to experience the shared reality they point to. We give some examples of spiritual teachers' key pointings.

Teachings and teachers are manifestations of our own consciousness, acting as an alarm clock to wake us up!

Regarding spiritual transmissions, we discuss transcending the transmitter/receiver binary; you are the light, and everything is the light. 

We talk about how even the sense of lack can become a teaching moment as we include everything. 

Enjoy!

Imogen’s website - beyondimogen.com

Martyn’s website - martynwebber.com

Glad to be back for 2024!

This week we talk about the many different aspects of silence. How to cultivate a relationship with silence and recognising that the experience of silence is bliss. We acknowledge that sometimes one needs to traversing the ‘gunk’ to get to the silence.

We touch on St. Teresa of Avila’s mystic ecstasies and how extended experience of high-intensity ecstatic bliss can take its toll on the physiology. Bliss isn’t a peak experience but a fundamental quality of being itself. 

We talk about the presence of thoughts in no-mind, ‘cleaning up’ after ‘growing up’ and ‘waking up’, and the blossoming of potentials after awakening.

We discuss when prescriptions become descriptions to the awakened mind. Also, explore the practice of lectio divina - using sacred reading to access contemplative mind. We observe that silent observation is the way to discern the nature of reality.

And lots more. Enjoy.

“There are so many different ways of doing this work of holding space and guiding & supporting others. And so many ways of awakening to our nature and integrating and embodying that fully in the human expression that we are. Infinite ways of Being.

If I could ever impart anything to anyone - it is to trust YOUR way.”

In this episode we discuss the quiet joys of a Winter retreat. We explore the notion of “Do what thou wilt”; who is the one who wills and what is the “true will”, and how these questions are at the heart of spiritual realisation.

We talk about the variety of teachings, teachers, approaches to self-knowledge and how it’s crucial to discover and attune to one’s own light. We explore how the experience of personal suffering can engender a greater sympathy and compassion for our fellow beings and also can make us more able to help.

We also discuss the need to “find our way to the ‘yes’” when it’s not always our immediate response to a situation, etc. We talk about how life is orchestrating all beings back to the Self, back to their true nature.

Lots more too. Enjoy.

In this episode we discuss issues relating to sharing creative work. We talk about the demons of doubt in the creative process and reflect on not letting others' judgment hinder the truth of our creative expression.

We discuss viewing one's work as an offering to life, recognising that it's a gift from life itself. We talk about the idea of letting go of outcomes and simply offering it up, relinquishing control and attachment.

We also explore the secondary nature of words during Satsang, recognising that the real essence of spiritual teaching lies in the transmission — the living quality of what is pointed to and from. And we touch on the concept of transmission in the context of nondual recognition, using awakened teachers as the means to attune to one's true nature.

And much more besides. Enjoy.

In this episode we delving into the vital “descent into the heart” and embracing the felt sense of our experiencing. We discuss that sometimes nondual teachings can inadvertently neglect the richness of the pre-conceptual felt reality. 

We explore the challenge of meeting life's afflictive experiences beyond thoughts, discovering tools and language to navigate this uncharted territory. We touch on practices like softening, opening, receptivity, and curiosity as ways to meet the felt sense.

We use the world of Tarot symbolism, where the intellect of the Swords suit contrasts with the emotions and feeling of the Cups, the important differences between the mind and the felt sense. 

We also point to the energy required to explore this realm—not one of pushing, but that of deepening, surrender, and tender softness.

We discuss the heart as a sensing organ of spiritual perception, where discomfort meets loving curiosity, and the heart emerges as the guiding force in the awakened experience.

Enjoy.

This week we explore and discuss the power of conscious relating and how it supports awakening and ever-deepening integration and growth. 

In particular we explore our own relationship of nineteen years and how it's served as a crucible of profound spiritual insight.

Hope you enjoy.

Imogen’s website - beyondimogen.com

Martyn’s website - martynwebber.com

In this episode we explore the concept of living a life in service to something greater, surrendering to the flow of existence, and finding one's purpose through trust and intuition. We discuss the importance of not comparing oneself to others and instead, trusting your unique expression and what you're called to do.

We also explore the significance of identifying your hierarchy of values, your North Star, your guiding light, to align your actions with your inherent highest values. 

The symbolism of the cross is introduced as a representation of the intersection of the divine and human aspects of our existence, encouraging us to embrace both dimensions fully. 

Also we explore the concept of subtle nihilism in spirituality, cautioning against dwelling solely in the vertical dimension while denying the significance of the human experience. We emphasise that even though everything in conditioned life is impermanent, it is not necessarily without meaning.

Enjoy the conversation.

In this episode we explore the aftermath of freeing oneself from the ego's tyranny and the shift in motivations. This post-awakening phase often begins with a sense of absence, known as the doldrums, where the deep inner calling from the true self has yet to fully emerge. While it may feel endless in the moment, looking back reveals a purposeful process of unwinding, rewiring, and rebirth.

The episode delves into the challenges and struggles of post-awakening, including detox, integration, and the absence of a manual for navigating this new existence. It emphasises the importance of trusting oneself and allowing life to flow through, embodying the raw and unfiltered human experience.

The concept of "epektasis," eternal unity with endless evolution, is highlighted as a beautiful aspect of life. The episode also explores the idea that relationships serve as crucibles for awakening, dispelling the myth that they hinder the process. We relate how our relationship a profound mirror and teacher on the path of Self-Realisation.

Imogen’s website - beyondimogen.com

Martyn’s website - martynwebber.com