654. Stephen Snyder

Stephen Doetsu Snyder began meditating daily in 1976. he has practiced since in the Zen tradition as well as extensive practice in Theravada Buddhism. he is a lineage Zen teacher as well as a lineage Theravada teacher. He was also influenced by Diamond Heart teachings and practices.

He combines the ancient Buddhist heart practices with awakening practices of the Zen tradition into a heartfelt journey of realization and embodiment.

Books:

Demystifying Awakening: A Buddhist Path of Realization, Embodiment, and Freedom
Buddha's Heart: Meditation Practice for Developing Well-Being, Love, and Empathy
Practicing the Jhanas: Traditional Concentration Meditation as Presented by the Venerable Pa Auk Sayadaw

Website: awakeningdharma.org

Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group.

Transcript of this interview

Interview recorded July 10, 2022

Video and audio below. Audio also available as a Podcast.




YouTube Video Chapters:

00:00:00 - Introduction to Buddha at the Gas Pump
00:04:03 - The Importance of Heart Practices in Zen
00:07:34 - Dropping the Sense of Self and Transcending Identity
00:11:16 - The Importance of Stability and Trust in Spiritual Experiences
00:14:43 - The Nature of the Absolute
00:18:25 - The Importance of Direct Experience in Understanding
00:21:47 - Different Teachings on God and Jesus
00:25:08 - Levels of Realization
00:28:37 - The Journey of Self-Realization and Integration
00:31:54 - The Importance of Ethical Behavior in the Spiritual Community
00:35:24 - Addressing Doubts and Hierarchy
00:38:38 - Integrating Spirituality and Law
00:42:00 - The First Awakening: A Satori Experience
00:45:24 - The Progress of Personal Growth
00:48:54 - The Experience of the Absolute
00:52:26 - Overdoing Meditation and the Need for Balance
00:56:11 - Concentration and Jhana Factors
00:59:17 - Releasing Effort and Deepening Meditation
01:02:33 - Exploring Different Paths and Awakening Experiences
01:05:58 - Retreating and Progressive Practices
01:09:25 - Progression of Practice and Integration of Personal Issues
01:12:59 - The Need for Personal Work and Practice
01:16:20 - Difference between prana rising and Kundalini rising
01:19:41 - Resistances to Awakening
01:23:08 - Fear and Shifts in Consciousness
01:26:25 - Balancing Heart Practices and Awakening Practices
01:29:55 - The practice of innate goodness meditation and journaling
01:33:16 - Working with the Inner Critic and Therapist Recommendations
01:36:32 - The Shift in Consciousness
01:39:42 - Retreats and Personal Journey
01:43:03 - Zen Jazz and Life's Improvisations