369. Michael A. Rodriguez - a podcast by Rick Archer

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.orgBook: Boundless Awareness: A Loving Path to Spiritual Awakening and Freedom from Suffering
YouTube ChannelMichael in a panel discussion on the direct vs. progressive paths.
Transcript of this interviewInterview recorded 10/20/2016

Video and audio below. Audio also available as a Podcast.YouTube Video Chapters:


00:00:00 - Introduction and Background00:03:44 - The Glimmer
00:06:58 - The Depths of Literary Texts00:10:16 - The Path of Literature and Teaching
00:13:38 - The Source of Absolute Knowledge00:17:09 - Zen and Spiritual Teachings in Academia
00:20:33 - Literature and Spirituality00:23:29 - The Limitations of Academic Education
00:26:31 - The Disconnect Between Education and Spiritual Development00:29:48 - Rediscovering Wonder and Imagination
00:32:37 - Finding Moments of Stillness in Daily Life00:35:51 - The Importance of Effective Practice
00:38:57 - Becoming More Earnest About Spirituality00:41:48 - Facing Fears and Following Your Truth
00:45:00 - Being True and its Impact on Society00:48:29 - The Societal Implications of Understanding Conscious Presence
00:52:11 - The Aliveness of Consciousness00:55:59 - 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 Beings01:05:55 - The Invitation of Suffering
01:09:26 - Being Consciousness, Not Conscious01:12:46 - Seeking Abiding Contentment
01:15:40 - The Shift to Pure Awareness01:19:11 - Returning to the Natural State
01:22:13 - Embracing the Perfection of the Moment01:25:45 - The Relaxed Journey of Awakening
01:29:04 - The Flow of Experience and Consciousness01:32:11 - Influential Teachers in the Journey of Self-Realization
01:35:28 - A Journey of Self-Awareness01:38:34 - Enhancing the Spiritual Resource

SaveSave

Further episodes of Buddha at the Gas Pump

Further podcasts by Rick Archer

Website of Rick Archer