369. Michael A. Rodriguez

Michael A. Rodriguez is a spiritual teacher who works with people in meetings, retreats, and private sessions on a full-time basis in the United States and abroad. He holds four academic degrees, including a master's degree in comparative religion from Harvard and a Ph.D. in English literature from Florida State University; taught at the university level for well over a decade; and has lived long-term in two monasteries. Drawing always from his direct experience, Michael illuminates the undivided nature of Life or Consciousness with great clarity and compassion, pointing to reality in a way that is free from dogma, ritual, or adherence to any particular tradition. Michael draws skillfully from the world's wisdom traditions and also integrates Jungian psychology, literature, music, and art into his work to address the full range of human potential. His book--Boundless Awareness: A Loving Path to Spiritual Awakening and Freedom from Suffering--distills the essence of his teaching and is now available on Amazon. Website: BoundlessAwareness.org Book: Boundless Awareness: A Loving Path to Spiritual Awakening and Freedom from Suffering YouTube Channel Michael in a panel discussion on the direct vs. progressive paths. Transcript of this interview Interview recorded 10/20/2016 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction and Background 00:03:44 - The Glimmer 00:06:58 - The Depths of Literary Texts 00:10:16 - The Path of Literature and Teaching 00:13:38 - The Source of Absolute Knowledge 00:17:09 - Zen and Spiritual Teachings in Academia 00:20:33 - Literature and Spirituality 00:23:29 - The Limitations of Academic Education 00:26:31 - The Disconnect Between Education and Spiritual Development 00:29:48 - Rediscovering Wonder and Imagination 00:32:37 - Finding Moments of Stillness in Daily Life 00:35:51 - The Importance of Effective Practice 00:38:57 - Becoming More Earnest About Spirituality 00:41:48 - Facing Fears and Following Your Truth 00:45:00 - Being True and its Impact on Society 00:48:29 - The Societal Implications of Understanding Conscious Presence 00:52:11 - The Aliveness of Consciousness 00:55:59 - The Non-Dual Awareness of Jesus and "Do unto others" 00:59:33 - Marinating in the Felt Sense of Being 01:02:31 - The Gift of Sitting with Conscious Beings 01:05:55 - The Invitation of Suffering 01:09:26 - Being Consciousness, Not Conscious 01:12:46 - Seeking Abiding Contentment 01:15:40 - The Shift to Pure Awareness 01:19:11 - Returning to the Natural State 01:22:13 - Embracing the Perfection of the Moment 01:25:45 - The Relaxed Journey of Awakening 01:29:04 - The Flow of Experience and Consciousness 01:32:11 - Influential Teachers in the Journey of Self-Realization 01:35:28 - A Journey of Self-Awareness 01:38:34 - Enhancing the Spiritual Resource Save Save