311. Group Discussion at Sofia University, Part 1 - a podcast by Rick Archer

While out in California for the Science and Nonduality Conference, I had some downtime before the conference started, so I decided to tape a long panel discussion with a rather large group of friends, most of them previous guests on Batgap. Sofia University in Palo Alto (where transpersonal psychology was founded by Abraham Maslow and others), generously provided a room and video equipment. I'm especially grateful to Dr. Jeffery Martin, who conducts research there, for offering and organizing this. It was an experiment, and some were skeptical that it would work, but it did! This is part 1. The link to Part 2 is below. Main points of discussion in this part include:What are awakening and enlightenment? Are we on the same page? The discussion goes into direct experiencing of different states, levels, and depths of consciousness in the evolution of the progressive, dynamic process of awakening.
What is identity and identification in different stages in the evolution of consciousness and the journey of the dissolution of self?What is the value of words and the use of semantics in the discussion of awakening and Self-realization?
Is awakening lost in the experience of our brokenness? In the face of deep emotional trauma or when life shatters, what happens? Is there an abiding, unmoving stability that is unshakeable in all circumstances?The evolution of our humanity as an expression of the divine and the importance of continued growth and refinement in the awakening journey.

Participants in the morning session included:Name
Other Batgap Interview(s)Website(s)


Chuck Hillig7/21/2010
chuckhillig.comClare Blanchflower

clareblanchflower.comCraig Holliday
1/3/2015, 12/19/2018*, 10/25/2019*craigholliday.com


Dana Sawyer9/29/2010, 2/9/2014*, 3/19/2016
dana-sawyer.comDavid Buckland
9/25/2015, 10/27/2017*davidya.ca


David Ellzey1/16/2016
davidellzey.comFrancis Bennett
8/4/2012, 4/21/2013* 10/26/2013*, 5/24/2014*, 10/23/2014*, 10/21/2016, 10/25/2016*Jeffery Martin
1/25/2017drjefferymartin.com
nonsymbolic.orgKiran Trace
11/2/2013, 09/24/2015kirantrace.com


Kristin Kirk2/16/2014, 5/24/2014*
kristinkirk.comLaurie Moore
7/21/2012, 10/24/2013counselingscottsvalley.us
animiracles.comMariana Caplan
2/3/2012, 1/6/2013, 10/25/2019*marianacaplan.com


Rick Archer6/5/2010, 3/16/2013, 5/11/2014, 10/23/2015, 10/24/2016, 10/21/2017, 12/19/2018*, 10/25/2019*, 10/27/2019
You're on it.


Susanne Marie7/7/2013, 10/24/2014*, 10/23/2016*
susannemarie.org*In group discussion.

Part 2 of this discussionTranscript of this discussion

Recorded 10/22/2015Video and audio below. Audio also available as a Podcast.


Chapters:00:00:00 - Introduction to the Group Conversation
00:04:03 - Introducing the Panel00:06:55 - What is Enlightenment or Awakening?
00:10:12 - Individual Experiences of Awarenesses00:13:30 - Integration and Human Integration
00:17:55 - Direct experience and the recognition of pure emptiness00:22:17 - The Sonar-ic Being and Enlightenment
00:25:34 - Embracing the Silence, Recognizing Mind Activity00:29:44 - Embracing the Present Moment
00:33:29 - Awakening as an Ever-Evolving Process00:36:37 - Becoming Sensing Beings 
00:40:09 - The Uniqueness of Being00:43:13 - The Value of Words and Identity
00:45:51 - Awakening from Awakening00:48:30 - Awakening into Divinity Plus Humanity
00:51:42 - The Movement of Formlessness to Form00:54:38 - Exploring the Layers of Identity
00:57:51 - Dissolution of Self and Unity Consciousness01:01:17 - Oneness in Brokenness
01:04:04 - The Challenges of Teaching and Compassion01:06:43 - Enlightenment and Torture
01:09:38 - The Journey of Growth and Enlightenment01:12:52 - Finding Peace in the Chaos
01:15:57 - Surrendering to Love

Further episodes of Buddha at the Gas Pump

Further podcasts by Rick Archer

Website of Rick Archer