Found this book on the street once, but got rid of it during a moment of “I have too damn many books!” Perhaps I should pick up another copy…

From the same “interview”. Not sure how much I follow the overall viewpoint behind the interview (doesn’t speak to me personally), but there’s some good stuff in there. This in particular is interesting…

Dark Zen: Yes. That is a good way to put it. This out of syncness is disparity and suffering. We call it duhkha. Sounding scientific, this out of syncness is a phenomenal moment as well, being the smallest unit of suffering since all phenomena, according to the Buddha, are synonymous with suffering and unfulfillment. I can even declare that the curvilinear nature of the universe is emblematic of suffering [laughing].

From here.

In this case, I am assuming that “will” is meant to point to what others have called “awareness” or “I AMness” or “True Self”. The movement of no-movement, rather than any kind of desire based (and therefore partial) will.

And it’s a good idea because it makes it possible to access, or observe what is otherwise too quick, or simply unconscious.

Yeah, it really is that we’re just still (a little bit) asleep. And thanks for the reminder:

“heightened awareness is completely and utterly removed from bliss, altered states and profundity of any sort”

Always good to remember this, I think my pratice has been a bit lacking in this aspect lately.

awareness is the most important thing to cultivate, that it is (in a way) what makes us human (in the most profound and grand way)

Couldn’t agree with you more on this. It’s a good feeling to be able to do what you think is the most important thing that needs doing. :)

Unfortunately, I don’t have a paper copy, just the PDF on KFDh.

Two weeks ago I was having a conversation with this really nice guy, getting very excited while I was telling him that I believe that awareness is the most important thing to cultivate, that it is (in a way) what makes us human (in the most profound and grand way). I have to admit that I felt like a lunatic while trying to explain this, not having any way of making this idea more accessible, or explaining myself more clearly (perhaps because I do not understand it fully myself).

By the way, did you get a paper copy of the book and if so, where is a cheap place to buy it? (I only have a digital copy)

Yeah, I really liked this. Read it in the LA airport waiting for connecting flights (a very looooong lay over). And while I agree that this is can be made obvious through practice (though I’m not currently pulling 6 hour days…) scientists don’t always practice, and LOTS of people listen to scientists. And if all it takes to convince scientists is a few tests, well, I say sign me up! There’s a lot of momentum to counter here, but the more info that get out about what really happens when meditation is taken seriously, the better!

I really enjoyed that book, interesting fella. (Although surprised that this needed to be tested as it is pretty clear from practice)

Hope you are well!