John Astin is the author of three collections of poetic and prose reflections on the non-dual nature of reality, Too Intimate for Words, (2005) This Is Always Enough(2007), and Searching for Rain in a Monsoon (2012). He is presently at work on a new book, It’s Not What You Think It Is: Reflections on the Inconceivable Nature of Reality. Along with his writing and teaching, John is also a singer, songwriter and recording artist who since 1987 has produced seven CDs of original spiritual/contemplative music including his most recent release, What We’ve Always Been.

In addition to his writing and music, John also holds a PhD in health psychology and is an internationally acclaimed scholar in the field of mind-body medicine, his research focusing on the applications of meditative/contemplative practices in psychology and health care.

For information about John’s work, visit www.johnastin.com.

Music CDs:

What We've Always BeenAlready ShiningClear Blue MindNow Is the TimeFor more see johnastin.com/music

Transcript of this interview

Interview recorded 1/9/2016

Video and audio below. Audio also available as a Podcast.

YouTube Video Chapters:

00:00:00 - Introduction to Buddha at the Gas Pump00:04:18 - The Beginning of a Journey of Self-Exploration00:09:43 - Struggling and Seeking for Enlightenment00:16:13 - The Paradox of Awakening00:23:10 - The Mystery of God and the Absolute00:30:30 - The Continuous Awareness That Doesn't Change00:35:18 - The Unfathomable Nature of Reality00:39:26 - The Indescribability of Experience00:42:59 - The Equalness of Experience00:46:58 - Applying Curiosity to Our Own Experience00:50:53 - Investigating the Experience of Anxiety00:54:49 - The Abstraction of Anxiety00:58:16 - The Practical Utility of Spiritual Development01:02:32 - Exploring the Nature of Experience01:05:58 - Awe-Inspiring Complexity and Intelligence01:10:00 - The Universe Inside the Touch01:13:53 - The Sensitivity of Non-Conceptual Dimensions of Experience01:17:42 - The Authority of Spiritual Teachers01:22:04 - Letting Experience be the Authority01:26:20 - The Nature of Devotion and the Role of the Teacher01:30:46 - The Value of Transmission and Devotion01:34:21 - Treating Others with Respect and Devotion01:40:07 - Reflections on the Spiritual Path01:48:31 - The Wholesome Way and Discovering What Truly Interests Us01:51:47 - The Importance of Personal Experience in Spiritual Practice01:55:12 - Picking up on the Little Things01:58:24 - Finding Ease within the Flow of Experience02:02:50 - Embracing uncertainty and holding perspectives loosely02:06:30 - A Chuckle at Materialists02:11:34 - Beyond ideas of right and wrong02:17:22 - Conclusion and Thank You