New Horizons: Innovative Teachers of Awakening - Part 1: Shinzen Young
Jude Star
This article introduces Shinzen Young, a leading teacher in meditation and mindfulness, who makes spiritual practices accessible to everyone. He emphasizes the development of three attentional skills and uses a unique approach to Vipassana practice. Shinzen's teachings combine Eastern contemplative traditions with Western scientific methods, making them relatable and practical.
14 Aug 2024
This journey of finding a meaningful alignment with ourselves and the world is not an easy one. To gain more clarity and understanding in this domain, I usually encourage people to explore the work of James Hollis. His book Living An Examined Life is a great start and full of meaningful contemplation that is sure to bring more clarity to the journey of life. He’s written many fantastic and relevant books, so it’s worthwhile to explore his whole library. He’s also fantastic on podcasts, so that may be a good entry point to his work and ideas. I recommend his appearances on the Speaking of Jung Podcast as a great starting point.
1 Sep 2024
Shinzen has this simple formula he will often display while teaching:
Pain x Resistance = Suffering
Pain x Equanimity = Purification
Purification is maybe a big idea, but you can think of it as the undoing of what keeps us closed off to a more expansive and connected state of being or awareness. When we open to pain and allow it to move through us unobstructed, welcoming it without resistance, it purifies or opens us. In Buddhism they talk about this as working through karma; in psychotherapy they may call this processing. This is at the heart of transformation, and brings a great sense of relief.