159. Petrica Verdes, Translator of Ilie Cioara’s Works - a podcast by Rick Archer

Ilie Cioara was an enlightened mystic who did not belong to any lineage or tradition of awakening.

Jerry Katz describes his writings: “This work stands independently of ancient traditions, well known sages, and the current nonduality scene. That is refreshing. Ilie Cioara's works are among the finest books on nondual consciousness.“

Like Ramana Maharshi, Krishnamurti, and Eckhart Tolle, his is a simple message of discovering our inner divine nature through the silence of the mind. His original writings in 16 books describe the experience of meditation and enlightenment, as well as the practice of “Self-knowing” using all-encompassing Attention.Born in 1916, Cioara lived his life in almost complete isolation in Eastern Europe, in a communist country, completely oblivious of nonduality, zen etc. Originally a Christian mystic, he practiced a mantra for over 20 years. One day, he felt an intuitive impulse to drop the mantra, and just practice the silence of the mind, by listening to the noises on the street, in the now. After following this practice for a few years, one morning, as he was waking up from his sleep, he suddenly experienced Enlightenment. His description of meditation is fresh and devoid of any tradition and jargon.

Four books by Ilie Cioara have been published in English so far, translated by Petrica Verdes:The Silence of the Mind
I Am BoundlessnessThe Wondrous Journey: Into the Depth of Our Being
Life Is Eternal NewnessPetrica Verdes (Deva Daan) is an ordinary person. No ego trip, no need to be somebody, no need to be special, no need to gather diplomas, Ph.D.'s, qualifications, trainings, no need to impress, no need to be famous or influence people. No need to go on a trip of the “ego”. Just happy living an ordinary life, because this life is already extraordinary as it is, an ongoing unfolding miracle.
Sometimes he serves in humbleness as an instrument for Spirit. Not wanting to write anything or teach anyone - sometimes silence speaks through him, not knowing what the next word will be.Petrica Verdes’s website

Interview recorded 1/26/2013Video and audio below. Audio also available as a Podcast.

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