550. Chris Beal

Buddha at the Gas Pump

Chris Beal discovered Buddhism as an exchange student in Japan in the 1960s. Given her determination, she was sure she would succeed in getting enlightened. But enthusiasm doesn't always guarantee success, and she went home disappointed, depressed and demoralized. Thirteen years later, after a spontaneous awakening, she contacted the priest who had been her main teacher in Japan and began a six-year connection which deepened her understanding of what she had realized. Meanwhile, she sought a spiritual path in the States but found nothing that spoke to her as deeply as her first teacher had until she met Adyashanti twenty years ago. After almost a decade of absorbing his teachings, she found the realization gradually deepening on its own. Chris enjoys writing about spirituality and spiritual awakening. Her writing includes numerous published book reviews, author interviews, and articles, She is currently seeking publication of her novel, ENLIGHTENMENT OF THE FLESH, in which the main character's dilemma reflects that of many seekers: How do you know which way will lead to the ultimate Truth when what you are seeking is not in the realm of imagining? Chris's Blogs: Miracle of Awakening Literary Journeys to Truth Buddhist Fiction Blog (contributor) Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group. Transcript of this interview. Interview recorded May 16, 2020 Video and audio below. Audio also available as a Podcast. YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Buddha at the Gas Pump 00:05:25 - The Unimaginable Nature of Awakening 00:10:10 - Perspectives on Enlightenment and Awakening 00:13:54 - The Importance of Suffering in Enlightenment 00:18:09 - A Conversation about Suffering and Bliss 00:22:20 - Seeds of Enlightenment 00:26:09 - Entering Nirvana and the Struggle 00:30:07 - Dependency and Longing for Love 00:33:16 - Cultivating Discernment on the Spiritual Path 00:36:27 - Awakening and the Role of Teachers 00:40:33 - The Path of Everything Being Okay 00:44:47 - The Story of My Spiritual Journey 00:48:48 - The Deeper Place 00:52:40 - Neurophysiological Makeup and Purification 00:57:11 - Experiencing Lack of Separation 01:01:04 - Connecting with the Energetic Field 01:04:11 - The Illusion of Awakening as Effortless 01:07:42 - The Paradox of Separate Domains 01:11:31 - The Debate on Free Will and Choice 01:15:20 - The Pitfall of Comparing Yourself to Others 01:18:40 - The Razor's Edge on the Spiritual Path 01:21:52 - The Process of Awakening and Abiding 01:24:37 - Recognizing Awakeness vs Behavior 01:28:08 - Association for Spiritual Integrity 01:31:33 - The Role of a Teacher in Enlivening the Field 01:36:12 - The Role of Fiction in Understanding Ultimate Reality 01:39:33 - Spiritual Fiction Recommendations 01:42:14 - Discussing Buddhist Fiction and Mythical Stories 01:45:26 - The Transcendent Last Chapter 01:49:00 - Interactive Blogs and Literary Discussions 01:51:17 - Wrapping Up and Next Guest Announcement