The cost of Awakening

In this very intimate radio interview, John de Ruiter speaks about:

  • the high cost of Awakening
  • self-enhancing awakening experiences and self-annihilating Realization
  • Needing to secure Awakening for yourself and in yourself is the mechanism that’s in the way

The interviewer shares her own experience and asks good questions. This is the second part of a two part interview:

 

Your comments?

5 thoughts on “The cost of Awakening”

  1. Great interview. I have red a little bit about him and his life after listening to the interview and learned he was a shoemaker exactly like Jacob Boehme – great silesian mystic. Funny.

  2. Thanks for posting this; I really enjoyed it! I’ve never heard of this Teacher and it’s always nice to be exposed to different expressions.

    I’m really moved by his point that for most awakening remains an abstract experience that is never really grounded or fully realized~ and so it ultimately ends up feeding the ego mind. Many people genuinely get involved with spiritual teachings up to a certain point, only to fall back asleep again. It seems so tragic that so few people throughout the ages have had the commitment and trust to let go completely, allowing the momentum of Truth to build to a full release. Why is complete realization so extraordinarily rare? It makes me sad.

  3. ~Krzys, I didn’t remember that about John de Ruiter. Your comment reminds me of what Ramana Maharshi said: “Wanting to reform the world without discovering one’s true self is like trying to cover the world with leather to avoid the pain of walking on stones and thorns. It is much simpler to wear shoes.” : )

    ~Angela, Hi, yes, I can really relate to the sadness you expressed about full Realization being so rare. It is rare. For me, this is why contact with Teachers is so important. (I’m pretty sure you know what I’m talking about since you study with James, but I find it helps to be reminded :). When I talk to James about ‘not getting it’, he reminds me that all I can do is focus on what’s in front of me – now, what’s bothering me? One of the stories that bothers me is the story that Awakening is so rare, it’s impossible. Sadness and frustration comes with believing that story. When I stop to think about it, I stop doing the work, the practices that help.

  4. Hi Aly, it really hurts to believe that thought and weighs me down immensely. I agree that contact with Teachers and fellow students is essential. When I met James, I couldn’t believe how “ordinary” he was~ it really makes the Teaching accessible and also makes awakening seem possible for me.

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