New this Week: 11/5/2023

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

New this Week: 9/21/2023

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

New this Week: 5/20/2023

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

New this Week: 2/22/2023

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

Events
The TAT Foundation’s 50th anniversary event, A Celebration and Deep Dive into the Teachings of Richard Rose, is happening April 14 – 16 at the TAT Center in North Carolina, USA.  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 April 2023 Spiritual Retreat.

Website News
Added a link to an excellent audio interview of Adyashanti by Dr. Gabor Maté.  Find a link to the interview on the Adyashanti page.

Quote That I’m Pondering
“If I were young again, I’d pay attention
To that little known dimension, a taste of endless time
It’s just like water, it runs right through our fingers
But the flavor of it lingers like a rich, red wine” ~ Chris Smither from the song “Leave the Light On”

Wishing you all the best,
Shawn

New this Week: 11/1/2022

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 Magic of Rapport,” an interview with Mike Gegenheimer.  As always, the podcast is free. 

Events
Going Home, the TAT Foundation’s November 2022 Spiritual Retreat, is happening soon!  It’s an in-person meeting November 11 to 13 at the TAT Center in North Carolina, USA.  I’ll be there, along with this month’s podcast guest Mike Gegenheimer, and several other TAT-related spiritual teachers including Anima Pundeer, Shawn Pethel, Art Ticknor, Bob Harwood, Paul Constant, and more.  It promises to be an excellent meeting and marks the 50th anniversary of the first public talk by Richard Rose.  There will be a special session with several TAT members from the early days, including August Turak.  I’ll see you there!

Website News
Added a link to an excellent audio interview of John Wren-Lewis.  Find the interview and some of my favorite quotes from it on the John Wren-Lewis page.     

Quote That I’m Pondering
“One of the experiments that I would suggest trying is catching moments of gratitude. And seeing in fact that this is more than just being grateful for a specific thing that’s happened to you. The energy that is manifesting itself in those moments of gratitude is the energy that is actually keeping you going all the time. And I think that might be one route to beginning to awaken from the dream, but I don’t know how to awaken from a dream without a shock.” ~ John Wren-Lewis 

Wishing you all the best,
Shawn