Original Love

It was a honor to sit down with Henry Shukman—Zen master, poet, and author—to explore dimensions of meditation, mindfulness practice, and awakening. Our conversation centers around Henry’s profound insights into the nature of "original love," a concept he discusses in his latest book. Together, we reflect on the journey of how spiritual practice connects us to a greater sense of belonging and love.

We delve into how spiritual practice, particularly mindfulness and meditation, can lead to transformative insights. We discuss the nature of awakening and the deeper connection we all share with the world around us. From personal experiences to philosophical reflections, this episode weaves together practical advice and wisdom for new and seasoned practitioners alike.

Episode Highlights:

The Essence of "Original Love": Henry discusses how love, beyond sentimentality, is an inherent force that connects us to all life.

The Path of Awakening: Exploring the concept of kensho, a moment of non-dual realization where the boundary between self and world dissolves.

Challenges of Spiritual Practice: Henry reflects on the difficulties of maintaining mindfulness and integrating awakening experiences into daily life.

Spiritual Practice as a Journey: A deep dive into the structured progression of Henry’s app, The Way, which offers a path through mindfulness, support, flow, and awakening.

Personal Stories of Mindfulness: We share personal anecdotes, including how suffering and challenges can inadvertently cultivate mindfulness.

The Role of Community in Practice: Emphasizing the importance of support systems, we reflect on how mindfulness is not an isolated practice but one deeply connected to the collective.

Poetry and Spiritual Insight: The episode ends with A.R. Ammons' poem, “Still,” capturing the beauty and interconnectedness of all life.

Tune in for a rich dialogue on mindfulness, love, and the journey toward awakening. I hope this episode provides moments of inspiration for deepening your practice and reflecting on your own path of growth.

Resource Links

To learn more about Henry and his offerings, visit henryshukman.com.

Order your copy of Original Love.

Check out Henry’s app: The Way.

Follow Henry on Instagram @henryshukman

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