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Deep Dharmic Doo-Doo: Resistance is Futile… But So Also Is Acceptance (Peter Cohen)

Deep Dharmic Doo-Doo: Resistance is Futile… But So Also Is Acceptance (Peter Cohen)

FromWestern Baul Podcast Series


Deep Dharmic Doo-Doo: Resistance is Futile… But So Also Is Acceptance (Peter Cohen)

FromWestern Baul Podcast Series

ratings:
Length:
56 minutes
Released:
Apr 6, 2023
Format:
Podcast episode

Description

The term “dharma” has been used generically in the West to refer to any real teaching of contemplative spirituality. “Doo-doo” has to do with being stuck in our spiritual endeavors. A quote attributed to St. John of the Cross is, “In order to come upon that which you know not, you must go by a way in which you know not.” There are many things to benefit from in the domain of the known, but the spiritual path is about the domain of the unknown. The “now” that is spoken about by Realizers is outside of time, outside of the known. Peace comes and goes in the known, but there is a Peace that surpasses understanding. Enlightenment is a questionable term; it is not anything that we might imagine happens to an individual in the domain of the known. Anything we do to get there can take us away from it. The personality does not disappear when the condition of no-self is realized—it is just seen through. The known includes anything we’ve read, been conditioned into, or been told. It is imprisoning to embrace any belief or handed-down structure at the expense of finding our own way through the forest of the unknown. A realized person, awakened to no-self, is simply himself or herself, freed of all handed-down beliefs. Consciousness accepts by its nature and so trying to accept may only muddy the water. Recognizing our helplessness, that we are in doo-doo, can be a good sign. No practice can bring about total surrender, yet many sages have recommended them. We can hold any teaching, teacher, or practice in high regard but stand on our own two feet. The talk includes discussion about whether a Guru is needed in this day and age versus the direct path. Peter Cohen was the drummer for the Western Baul rock band, Liars, Gods, and Beggars from 1988 to 1994. He has followed the nondual path and rhythm of life in Alaska and Idaho as a nurse and a musician.
Released:
Apr 6, 2023
Format:
Podcast episode

Titles in the series (93)

The Western Baul Podcast Series features talks by practitioners of the Western Baul path. Topics are intended to offer something of educational, inspirational, and practical value to anyone drawn to the spiritual path. For Western Bauls, practice is not a matter of philosophy but is expressed in everyday affairs, service to others, and music and song. There is the recognition that all spiritual traditions have examples of those who have realized that there is no separate self to substantiate—though one will always exist in form—and that “There is only God” or oneness with creation. Western Bauls, as named by Lee Lozowick (1943-2010), an American spiritual Master who taught in the U.S., Europe, and India and who was known for his radical dharma, humor, and integrity, are kin to the Bauls of Bengal, India, with whom he shared an essential resonance and friendship. Lee’s spiritual lineage includes Yogi Ramsuratkumar and Swami Papa Ramdas. Contact us: westernbaul.org/contact