Peace Is What the Egoic Personality Structure Is Trying to Avoid

This is an excerpt from Stephen's "Demystifying Awakening" mentoring group - June 1, 2024.
To learn more see Stephen's book, "Demystifying Awakening",
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For upcoming retreats and Zoom offerings please see,
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Stephen Mugen Snyder, Sensei began practicing daily meditation in 1976. Since then, he has studied Buddhism extensively-investigating and engaging in Zen, Tibetan, Theravada, and Western non-dual traditions. He was authorized to teach in the Theravada Buddhist tradition in 2007 and the Zen Buddhist schools of Soto and Rinzai in 2022. Stephen is a senior student of Roshi Mark Sando Mininberg.
#awakeningjourney #awakening #awakeningconsciousness

[@virginialonsdale9902]

Thank you Sensei. The fear trajectory described is not exaggerated. The deep peace, utterly clear, pure content less contentment of Stillness is the balm to heal the wound. So appreciating your concise, first-hand experience and knowledge that shines through. Thank you for taking the time.

[@wthomas5697]

Yes, conflict is the ego's reason for being. It's all about the fear.

[@stephensnyderdharma]

Agree

[@lasnadas]

Thank you Sensei

[@stephensnyderdharma]

You're welcome

[@RedRabbleRouser]

I really appreciate this one, and your work more broadly. It’s really clarifying. I’ve noticed the importance of meditation in part through suffering from OCD. OCD is driven by fear, the need for control, and anxiety about uncertainty. All of these things are addressed directly by Buddhist practice. Without this suffering, the desire to engage in meditation practice might not have been there for me (even tho it’s by far the most important thing I’ve ever learned how to do). Funny how that works! :)

[@stephensnyderdharma]

I’m so glad to hear you are finding this style of teaching is appealing and worthwhile. I too believe meditation is good for many human issues.

[@IvanMeloBudo]

Great video sensei! Thank you ❤. Am I right to think that shodo piece behind you is by Michiko Imai?

[@stephensnyderdharma]

Yes, it is. It’s my teaching dharma name -MuGen

[@IvanMeloBudo]

@@stephensnyderdharma I thought it was your name sensei, and I thought it was her work too! 😁 I had online shodo lessons with her during the pandemic and I consider her one of my teachers and main influences, even though I can’t have lessons with her atm. On a different note, I would have loved to go to your course here in London a few months ago, but I had other commitments booked prior to finding about your visit. I practice with Dogen Sangha, in the Nishijima roshi’s lineage. I really hope you’ll come back soon!

[@stephensnyderdharma]

@@IvanMeloBudo I agree the calligraphy looks amazing. Hopefully we will practice together in the future. You can always check out one of my online offerings.

[@danatherrien1712]

Wu Wei is non-interference.