Category: Uncategorized

Here’s a quick update on what’s new at SpiritualTeachers.org and elsewhere.

Podcast
The latest edition of the Journals of Spiritual Discovery podcast features “The Physics of Consciousness,” an interview with Federico Faggin.  Dr. Faggin is one of the top minds working to develop a new science of consciousness, a recipient of the National Medal of Technology and Innovation, and a highly successful Silicon Valley entrepreneur.  He’s also a lot of fun to interview.  As always, the podcast is free. 

Upcoming Event
The June 2024 TAT Gathering, titled “Unseeing What’s Not,” is fast approaching.  June 14 to 16 in North Carolina, USA. There will be several speakers, including Norio Kushi, Eshwar Segobind, and Tyler Matthews, as well as Group Inquiry sessions and Meditation Sittings.  It’s a great opportunity to meeting authentic people in an informal and welcoming setting.  For more information, visit TATfoundation.org.

Book I’m Reading and Quote That I’m Pondering
The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin has been by my bedside for a couple of months.  Its bite-sized chapters remind me of the tremendous value to exploring the act of creation as a spiritual practice.  While not written for spiritual seekers, there are plenty of quotes to ponder that address themes in the spiritual search:      

“There is no telling where that next great story, painting, recipe, or business idea is going to come from.  Just as a surfer can’t control the waves, artists are at the mercy of the creative rhythms of nature.  This is why it’s of such great importance to remain aware and present at all times.  Watching and waiting.” ~ Rick Rubin. 

Wishing you all the best,
Shawn

Here’s a quick update on what’s new at SpiritualTeachers.org and elsewhere.

Podcast
The latest edition of the Journals of Spiritual Discovery podcast features a dive into the new book Message in a Bottle: Reflections on the Spiritual Path with one of the author/contributors.  We touch on dreamwork, Tony Robbins, Richard Rose, self inquiry, and more.  As always, the podcast is free. 

Events
The April 2024 Gathering, titled Look Closer, is fast approaching.  April 12 to 14 in North Carolina, USA. There will be several speakers, as well as Group Inquiry sessions, Rapport, and Meditation Sittings.  It’s a great opportunity to meeting authentic people in an informal and welcoming setting.  For more information, visit TATFoundation.org.

Quote That I’m Pondering
JW: “The weird thing about this [Alzheimer’s disease] is, like you say ‘We lose our minds, and our very selves.’  Who are we?  Like, who are you?  Who am I?  What make me ‘me?’  And if I behave a certain way, when am I not ‘me’ anymore? 
PA: “It’s an interesting question.  Again, it’s a very human question….  A meditator would say ‘We are not our thoughts,’ but on some level we are….” ~Jocko Willink in conversation with Dr. Peter Attia

Here’s a quick update on what’s new at SpiritualTeachers.org and elsewhere.

Podcast
The latest edition of the Journals of Spiritual Discovery podcast features an interview with August Turak.  Augie was Richard Rose’s first student, as well as played a key role in my spiritual path. There are dozens of quoteworthy moments in this interview, as Augie expounds on enlightenment, the purpose of life, how to shorten one’s spiritual quest, prayer, book recommendations, and more.  His new book, Not Less Than Everything: One Man’s Quest for Spiritual Enlightenment, is on sale now for $0.99 in the Amazon Kindle version. As always, the podcast is free. 

Events
The TAT Foundation’s November 2023 Gathering, Knowing by Identity, is fast approaching. Speakers include Anima Pundeer, Paul Rezendes, Mike Gegenheimer, and Paul Constant. It’s happening Friday November 10 to Sunday November 12.       

Intriguing Gifts
“Christ in the Desert” is a new t-shirt design a friend helped me develop:

Quote That I’m Pondering
“The absolute essence to a spiritual path is commitment”~ Bob Cergol 

Wishing you all the best,
Shawn

Here’s a quick update on what’s new at SpiritualTeachers.org and elsewhere.

Podcast
The latest edition of the Journals of Spiritual Discovery podcast features a rare interview with Shawn Pethel.  Shawn and I discuss the highs and lows of his spiritual search, meditation, following what is given to you, the importance of connecting with what you care about, and enlightenment.  As always, the podcast is free. 

New Books
Many of you know I’m very involved with the TAT Foundation Press.  I’m happy to report that we have two new titles, which brings us to 19 amazing titles from a variety of authors.  The first new book is an expanded edition of Bob Harwood’s Pouring Concrete: A Zen Path to the Kingdom of God.  This captivating narrative of Bob’s relentless spiritual exploration has the potential to reshape your perspective on reality.  The second new title is Shades of Real: Poems in a World of Wonder by Kevin Shuey.  Shades of Real is a captivating compilation of poems embellished with evocative photography.  Please show your support by purchasing a copy and leaving a review on Amazon.  Thanks!

Events
A one-day virtual event is coming up at the end of this month. “Pretty Lies or Ugly Truths: Fighting Rationalization On The Spiritual Path,” features Bob Cergol from the TAT Foundation and Merry Song from the Center for Sacred Sciences (“CSS”).  I interviewed the founder of CSS, Joel Morewood, in Episode 26, so I’m excited that one of his teachers from that organization is making an appearance at a TAT event.  In addition to speakers, there will be breakout groups and participatory exercises.  It’s a great low-cost and low-commitment way to check out TAT.        

Intriguing Gifts
A cool source for unique spiritual t-shirts is You Do Not Exist, which bills itself as “a brand for mild nihilists, not-dualists, and extreme solipsists.”  I bought this one for myself:

Quote That I’m Pondering
“They say I am dying, but I am not going away. Where could I go? I am here.” ~Ramana Maharshi 

Wishing you all the best,
Shawn

Here’s a quick update on what’s new at SpiritualTeachers.org and elsewhere.

Podcast Episode
The Induction Series continues with two readings from Eddie Traversa’s book Truth Realization. Eddie was an extraordinarily sincere spiritual teacher and friend who passed away last year, and his book is an overlooked gem.  As always, the podcast is free.  If you care to show your support, leave a review of my book Subtraction: The Simple Math of Enlightenment on Amazon.

Events
The TAT Foundation’s next event is June 9 – 11 at the TAT Center in North Carolina, USA, and is titled “The Search for Self-Definition: What’s Taking So Long?” If you ever wanted to learn more about Richard Rose, from those who knew him, this will be the meeting to attend. Find out more and register at  TAT’s June 2023 Spiritual Retreat.  

Quote That I’m Pondering
“Intuition.  That’s the one you want to focus on as much as possible while on the pathless path: Intuition.  Uncover it, examine it from all angles, and make it your best friend.  It will be one of your most powerful allies as you are uncovering self.
“Pay particular attention to the space between thoughts, emotions, and sensations.  This is where the greatest possibility for change resides.  One can only intuit this and cannot come to it via logical conclusion or analysis.” ~ Eddie Traversa

Wishing you all the best,
Shawn