Ep118: Zen & the Crucible - Henry Shukman 3

In this episode I am once again joined by Henry Shukman, award-winning poet, Zen teacher, and author of ‘One Blade of Grass; a Zen memoir’.

GuruViking · Ep118 - Zen & the Crucible - Henry Shukman 3

In this interview Henry discusses the dangers of early spiritual openings, reflects on personality changes after awakening, and questions the complexifying of enlightenment in such activities as the yogas of dream and sleep.

Henry also shares his own journey rediscovering the power of community as crucible, how to navigate religious trauma, and offers his thoughts on a viable formula for Zen in America.

Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.

Topics include:

00:00 – Intro
01:43 – What’s it all about?
05:29 – Early openings can cause trouble
11:24 – Self as a seed
15:54 – What happens to the self after awakening?
20:31 – Personality changes after awakening
27:14 – Zen and sleep yoga
31:06 – Complexifying enlightenment
34:32 – Nondual experience can assist trauma resolution
36:26 – Community and wearing down the sharp edges
41:00 – The lone wolf finds a guide
45:29 – Navigating sangha after religious trauma
49:48 – The negative influence of power on religious leaders
50:50 – A plausible formula for Zen community
53:23 – Henry’s zen is not religious
56:05 – The Sambo Zen lifestyle