Osho - Notes on The Secret of the Golden Flower - General notes on Osho's teaching and approach

 Osho - Notes on The Secret of the Golden Flower - General notes on Osho's teaching and approach

For whatever reason, I've taken an interest in Osho (ie Chandra Mohan Jain, Baghwan Shree Rajneesh etc). I have taken forays into his teachings over the last two decades or so, on and off. As a kid, I recall seeing him on TV, and later in my early twenties, I found interest and solace in his teachings about world religions, philopshy and going against the grain. Later again, in my 30s and 40s, I took an interest at various times with his specific approaches to practical spirituality, meditation, mindfulness and the ways his practically brought about awakening in his disciples. I was also interested in his own unique interpretations of classic texts like the Vignan Bhairava Tantra, The Secret of the Golden Flower, Zen teachings, Yoga sutras of Patanjali, Gurdjieffs teachings, Sufi teachings, and many others.

I had purchased the whole lecture serious for The Secret of the Golden Flower, probably about 5 years back, though because of its length, being 55 hours or so, had not gotten around to starting and finishing the serious. I prefer to block out a chunk of time to really get into a teaching or series, and had not had the time to devote to this, which would take at least 2-4 weeks, possibly more.

Then, unexpectedly, I was given the inner guidance to start look at this again, and revisit Osho's teachings in general. There were a few obstacles in the past that stopped me really looking into his teachings, these being the massive amount of content, difficulty in sorting the essential from the unessential (in terms of awakening material and direct path material for liberation), and also his (and his group's) general disharmony and chaos that is well documented with the happenings of his experimental commune in both Pune, and in the US. I had road tested his take on vipassana, and some meditations such as the Dynamic Meditation, and stillness meditation etc., but my experience at that time was that there was TOO MUCH content and TOO MANY approaches to meditation in general, making the whole system difficult to follow.

Now, years later, for some unknown reason, I was drawn to really look into this teacher again, and spend some quality time with him and his message. I went through the 55 hours slowly, and used the content and lecture series as a sort of meditation and contemplation in itself. I now see that indeed his way of teaching via a massive amount of content, was itself a meditation approach designed to slowly penetrate the conscious egoic mind by way of stories, narratives, and pointers DURING the lectures and Q&A themselves.

I'll comment in this post specifically about the Teaching of the Golden Flower (or "The Secret of Secrets" as this serious is called by the Osho Foundation).

Some key topics in the talks:

- Society, orthodox religions, socialisation etc. has been the cause of a host of issues related to the false personality, manufactured roles, man/woman, dualities

- False personality vs essence (one's being, innate existence)

- Living in the world, taking spirituality into the marketplace, and removing the need for seclusion, monasticism

- The ashram as a mini marketplace or wordly situation for working on oneself

- The need to pay for things, espeicially spiritual teachings, in order to add value rather than devalue the teachings

- Meditation as a knack, a non-doing, rather than a doing or forced activity such as yoga

- Making use of the body, but knowing oneself as not the body

- "Circulating the light" inwardly, a Taoist practice. The "spirit" abiding between the eyes, rather than the heart centre in the chest

- Different packaging for the same truths and outcomes- e.g. Taoism, Zen, Hassidism, Tantra.. and other mystical/practical approaches vs dogma / ideologies

- Anti-philosophy: Philosophy is completely related to the mind, thought, conditioning, logic, and divorced from both experience and objectivity, which have been taken by relgion and science. Philosophy is generally an endless void etc etc. "Philosophy is a blind man, in a dark room, looking for a black cat that isn't there." 

- The present moment, being in the present, rather than being lost in the past and future via the mind

- Unconscious and mechanical behaviour and living vs conscious living and awareness

- Contradition in the teachings. There will be contradiction in the teachings according to the audience, the intended target, and the fact that responses to questions are more aimed at pointers for where to meditate and contemplate, or uncover unconscious beliefs, assumptions and memories. The talks are not aimed at delivering philosophical truths or absolute truths.

- TBC

Some cautionary points:

- There are a lot of break away groups, communes, cults and the like operating currently. There is a wide range of approaches being used to put Osho's teachings and meditations into practice. Unfortunately, many of these groups currently in operation have little to zero understanding of Osho's teachings, meditations, or the basis of the work, not to mention having zero understanding of any traditional approaches to nonduality, spirituality, transformation etc. Some are being run purely as personality cults by questionable individuals with dubious attainments and motives. I would suggest NOT joining any of these groups at this time, but rather immersing oneself in the direct teachings (voice recordings, books, lecture serious, videos etc.) given by Osho himself, contemplating these, and making use of these as per any direct teacher/disciple situation. In other words, no middle man, as Osho himself would advise.

An example here- it is widely believed that Osho/Rajneesh was all about free sex, drugs and rock n roll, veganism, art and song and dance etc. etc. In some of his talks, he refutes all of this and plainly says that the whole point of the teachings is to go BEYOND sex, dualism, and conditioning in order to awaken into a more conscious way of being and living. In other words, the aim is nothing short of liberation, as explained in any of the traditional texts on which he is lecturing or commenting over days and weeks.

I would suggest, for example, listening to the series "The Secret of Secrets- teachings on The Secret of the Golden Flower", which is over 56 hours of talks and lectures and around 31 days of satsangs and contemplations on the teachings, and which, dispells much of the myths and commonly held beliefs about Osho, his teachings and what he was on about.

Some positives and negatives on Osho's teachings and approach in general

A few positives to consider:

Osho's teachings offer a unique and often liberating approach to spiritual awakening. Here are some of the positives associated with his lectures, meditation techniques, and overall approach:

1. Emphasis on Personal Freedom and Individuality

• Liberation from Societal Conditioning: Osho encouraged his followers to break free from cultural, religious, and societal conditioning. He believed that true freedom is the ability to live authentically, without fear of judgment or adherence to imposed norms. This approach is deeply empowering for many, as it allows them to explore spirituality on their terms.
• Encouragement of Self-Discovery: Osho’s teachings urge people to discover their own truths rather than accepting dogmas or doctrines. This encourages personal responsibility, introspection, and self-empowerment, which can be transformative for individuals seeking a path that feels genuinely “their own.”

2. Innovative and Experiential Meditation Techniques

• Wide Range of Techniques for Different Needs: Osho’s repertoire of meditation methods includes dynamic, active practices, as well as more traditional, silent approaches. His dynamic meditation, which combines movement, breathwork, and catharsis, is especially designed to help those who struggle with traditional seated meditation.
• Encouragement of Physical Release: Techniques like Kundalini and Dynamic Meditation involve movement, expression, and energy release, which can help release pent-up emotions or suppressed trauma. Many people find these methods uniquely effective in clearing mental and emotional blockages before moving into deeper meditation.

3. Focus on the Present Moment and Mindfulness

• Being “Here and Now”: Osho emphasized living in the present moment, letting go of past regrets and future anxieties. This focus on mindfulness aligns with practices in many other spiritual traditions, and it provides a clear, grounding approach to daily life that can lead to greater peace and fulfillment.
• Practical Integration into Daily Life: Rather than separating spirituality from everyday experiences, Osho encouraged followers to see daily life as part of their spiritual journey. His teachings emphasize awareness and mindfulness in all activities, from mundane tasks to profound experiences.

4. Openness to Paradoxes and Contradictions

• Acceptance of Complexity and Contradiction: Osho’s teachings embrace the inherent contradictions of human experience, allowing followers to explore spirituality without a rigid or overly simplified framework. This open, often paradoxical approach helps people appreciate that spiritual awakening is not always linear or logical.
• Learning Through Opposites: Osho often highlighted the value of exploring life’s extremes—silence and noise, solitude and community, seriousness and playfulness. This perspective encourages a balanced approach to growth, where individuals learn by experiencing opposites and integrating them into a harmonious whole.

5. Inclusivity and Non-Judgment

• Respect for Diversity in Spiritual Paths: Osho didn’t restrict his teachings to one tradition or set of rules. Instead, he integrated elements from various religious and philosophical systems—Taoism, Buddhism, Sufism, Christianity, Zen, and others. This inclusive approach encourages people from different backgrounds to engage with his teachings in a way that feels relevant to them.
• Encouragement to Question Authority and Beliefs: Osho emphasized the importance of questioning all beliefs, even his own teachings, to develop a genuine understanding. This creates a welcoming environment for those who may have been disillusioned with conventional religions or rigid spiritual systems.

6. Approach to Sexuality and Relationships

• Affirmation of Sexuality as a Path to Awareness: Osho was one of the few spiritual teachers who openly discussed sexuality as a natural, valuable aspect of human experience that can lead to greater awareness and spiritual growth. He believed that exploring sexuality without guilt or repression could help people release shame and cultivate intimacy.
• Encouragement of Conscious Relationships: Osho emphasized the importance of conscious, respectful relationships. His teachings on love and relationships encourage people to relate to others without attachment or dependency, fostering a deep sense of independence alongside connection.

7. Focus on Inner Transformation, Not Conversion

• Non-Missionary Approach: Unlike many spiritual movements, Osho’s teachings don’t aim to “convert” followers or promote any single ideology. He invited people to explore his teachings without pressure or expectation of joining a specific group. This approach allows for more flexibility and respect for personal choice, making it appealing for people from all walks of life.
• Transformation Through Self-Awareness: Osho’s emphasis on self-awareness and transformation, rather than adherence to external practices, places the responsibility for growth on the individual. This can be deeply empowering, as people focus on inner transformation rather than outward displays of spirituality.

8. Acceptance of Humor and Playfulness

• Humor as a Path to Awakening: Osho often used humor and storytelling in his discourses to teach complex spiritual ideas in a relatable way. This humor lightens the atmosphere, making spiritual exploration accessible and enjoyable rather than austere or solemn.
• Encouragement to Not Take Life Too Seriously: Osho’s teachings encourage a playful, light-hearted attitude toward life, recognizing that seriousness and rigidity often hinder growth. This can be refreshing and help people break free from overly rigid or intense spiritual practices.

9. Emphasis on Self-Responsibility

• Awakening as a Personal Journey: Osho emphasized that each individual is responsible for their spiritual awakening, and that no one else—no guru, teacher, or institution—can do the work for them. This perspective places the focus on self-reliance, discipline, and trust in one's inner journey.
• Encouragement to Face Inner Shadows: Osho’s teachings guide individuals to confront their inner fears, conditioning, and ego rather than avoiding or repressing these aspects. This approach can be challenging but ultimately leads to a deeper, more authentic understanding of oneself.

In essence, Osho's teachings provide a multifaceted, inclusive approach to awakening that encourages self-discovery, individuality, and inner freedom. His open, non-dogmatic stance allows followers to engage in spiritual exploration with flexibility and creativity, fostering an awakening that feels deeply personal and transformative.

A few negatives to consider:

- Too many techniques, meditation approaches, complexity and too much content

This is a common observation about Osho's teachings, and probably one of the biggest issues that presents itself to anyone attempting to make practical use of Osho's teachings.

Osho presented a wide array of meditation techniques, each designed to address different aspects of the mind and body. His methods range from dynamic meditation (involving movement, sound, and catharsis) to more traditional forms like vipassana. He emphasized that different people might resonate with different techniques, so he offered options for people to experiment and find what works best for them.

While this variety can be empowering for some, it can feel overwhelming or even contradictory for others. Some people feel that his teachings lack a clear, unified approach, which can lead to confusion, especially for beginners seeking a single path or clear progression in their meditation practice. Osho's rationale was that a single method may not suit everyone, as each individual brings unique tendencies, challenges, and experiences to meditation. However, for those looking for a straightforward path, his approach may seem scattered or complex.

If someone finds the range confusing, one strategy is to try out just a few techniques, exploring them deeply over time, rather than trying to absorb or practice everything at once.

The issue can arise though, that there's just too much complexity and too much meditation advice given over the course of Osho's teachings, which although did span a decade or more, contains hundreds of pieces of meditational and transformative advice. Osho's advice on meditation and awakening is often contradictory and difficult to structure into a practical pathway to follow. Some groups focus on the Dynamic Meditation daily, others on Zazen, and others on creative dance etc. Still others use meditation advice taken from Gurdieff type practices, or Buddhist vipassana. Not every meditational approach given by Osho will lead to awakening. Some meditations such as Dynamic Meditation can take up to an hour or more per day, which won't suit a lot of people. There's also the magic ingredient of devotion and the guru, which Osho emphasises, albeit this doesn't have to be in an objective, physical form. 

Overall though, beginners, and even seasoned spiritual practitions are going to struggle with structuring and implementing a lot of Osho's meditation instructions and advice.

- Issues around Osho's present-day followers, communes, communities and practice groups

Osho’s followers and present-day communities, often referred to as sannyasins, face several unique challenges. Some of these issues arise from the complex history of Osho's movement, his unconventional teachings, and organizational dynamics that have evolved since his passing in 1990. Here are some of the main issues often associated with current Osho communities:

1. Organizational Conflicts and Leadership Disputes

• Ownership and Control of Osho’s Legacy: The Osho International Foundation (OIF), based in Pune, India, manages most of Osho's intellectual property and his teachings. However, disputes have arisen over the years regarding who should control these assets, including Osho’s name, copyrights, trademarks, and the Pune ashram itself.
• Internal Conflicts Among Followers: There's often friction between groups wanting to modernize or commercialize Osho's teachings and those advocating for a purer, community-oriented model that emphasizes the original sannyasin lifestyle and communal values.

2. Commercialization and Access Issues

• High Costs of Participation: Osho’s original teachings emphasized freedom from material concerns, yet many followers argue that contemporary Osho centers, particularly the Osho Meditation Resort in Pune, have become expensive and commercialized. High fees and strict rules have led to criticism, as many feel these practices exclude those who cannot afford to participate.
• Shift Towards a Luxury Resort Model: The Pune center, once focused on intensive meditation and communal living, has shifted more toward a resort-style atmosphere. For some followers, this change feels incompatible with Osho's vision and original teachings.

3. Division over Interpretation of Teachings

• Multiplicity of Interpretations: Osho’s teachings are vast and sometimes contradictory, which allows followers to adopt various interpretations. Some sannyasins focus on his spiritual guidance, while others lean toward his philosophy of rebellion, freedom, or personal empowerment. This can lead to factionalism, with different groups claiming their approach as more “authentic.”
• Mixed Messages in Teachings: Osho’s teachings embrace paradox and changeability, but this can lead to differing opinions on whether specific behaviors, lifestyle choices, or even interpretations of Osho’s legacy are “in line” with his vision. This sometimes creates confusion and disagreements within the community.

4. Controversy and Public Perception

• Lingering Stigma from Past Scandals: The controversies surrounding Osho's Oregon commune in the 1980s, which led to legal issues, violence, and even bioterrorism allegations, have left a lasting mark on the movement's reputation. Public perception of Osho’s followers is often influenced by these events, causing difficulty for communities looking to expand or be taken seriously in a modern context.
• Perceived Cult-Like Elements: Osho’s communities, with their unique terminology, rituals, and communal living, are often viewed as cult-like by outsiders. This perception makes it challenging for sannyasins to gain broader acceptance and can lead to skepticism or even hostility toward those involved.

5. Generational Divide

• Older vs. Younger Sannyasins: Many original sannyasins who joined during Osho’s lifetime are aging, while younger followers often have different perspectives and expectations. Younger generations may be more interested in integrating Osho’s teachings into modern life, whereas older followers might favor maintaining traditional practices and values.
• Evolution of Needs and Practices: Some younger members are drawn to Osho for self-discovery and meditation, but they may not resonate with communal living or intense emotional catharsis techniques that were central to the original sannyasin lifestyle. This generational divide sometimes leads to tension within Osho communities.

6. Struggles to Modernize and Stay Relevant

• Adapting Teachings for a New Audience: As spiritual movements evolve, communities often need to adapt teachings to stay relevant. However, some sannyasins resist such adaptations, fearing they dilute Osho’s messages. Balancing tradition with modern accessibility is a frequent challenge.
• Lack of Centralized Guidance: Without a unifying leader or figurehead, the movement lacks clear direction. Some followers seek more structure and clarity, while others view the absence of a central authority as essential to Osho’s message of personal freedom and autonomy.

7. Criticism Over Sexual Liberation Teachings

• Diverging Attitudes on Sexuality: Osho’s openness about sex as a path to spiritual awakening and his rejection of conventional taboos initially attracted followers. However, as times have changed, some younger or new followers may be uncomfortable with certain aspects, leading to internal divides on whether and how to approach this subject. Moreover, the sexual freedom promoted by Osho’s teachings has led to issues within some communities regarding boundaries and consent, sometimes resulting in criticism and public scrutiny.

In summary, Osho’s followers today face the challenge of honoring his legacy while evolving with the times. The movement’s multiplicity and paradoxical nature can lead to both enrichment and fragmentation, as followers navigate between tradition, modernity, and diverse interpretations of Osho’s vision.

I'll end this post here, as it has become quite large, and is starting to cover the whole history, teaching, social aspect, etc. outside of meditation, contemplation and awakening. Take what you need from this, and if you do go down the Osho / Baghwan Shree Rajneesh rabit hole, then enjoy the scenery but tread softly and slowly.

Kelee Meditation and Ron Rathbun's meditation approach. Notes - Part 1 - A unique meditation approach touch several key bases.

 Kelee Meditation and Ron Rathbun's meditation approach. Notes - Part 1 - A unique meditation approach touching several key bases

This find was completely random and unexpected. It started one evening when spontaneously traversing the Apple App Store and finding an app called "Kelee Meditation". I read some details and was interested in this little app and the meditation approach, which I had never heard about before-- being the meditation buff that I am. I then discarded the idea for several months, and planned on returning again to the Kelee Meditation once I had cleared my plate of some existing work.

Probably 6 months later, I had some free time to explore this meditation again, and listened to a few podcasts with the founder Ron Rathbun. I was immediately interested when he relayed his background and early traumatic childhood, related to his own father's 'stuff' as a returned vietnam vet. My own background was similar and I could related to how messed up growing up with a vietnam vet as a father could be.

The actual meditation approach seemed more aligned with health, medicine, healing, stress reduction and these secular meditation benefits.. there wasn't much religious or spiritual involved from what I could gather. There was a highly unusual vocab / lexicon however, and this would need to be understood to fully appreciate the meditation practice and approach. Another unusual factor was that the founder was into surfing, and there seemed like a small group of people with interests in surfing that had taken up the meditation. Most of the teachers or students seemed from this background. Again, pretty unique.

Another few months passed, and almost randomly, I found a social media post about a Beginners Kelee Meditation course, being offered online (great for my schedule), and based in NSW, Australia (again great for my situation at the time). I enrolled and waited for the 10 week course to start.. and then started some deep dive research. Ordered a couple of booked from Amazon related to the meditation. A beginners guide, and also Troubleshooting the Mind. Noted some key themes in the meditation approach as well.

Key themes:

- Health

- Stillness of mind

- Healing

- Reduction and elimination of stress, anxiety, depression

- Relaxation of tension

- Understanding (insight) into the causes of suffering

- Understanding of emotional triggers and causes that lie in the inner body/mind/'greater kelee' etc

- Minimal time investment-- 5 minutes to 15 minutes x 2 daily ideally

- Long term benefits aligned with the above, and that matched some forms of mindfulness meditation and relaxation type meditations (e.g. TM)

First experiences:

First experiences were good. Felt like a combo of calm abiding/insight with some awareness of awareness at the end or when settling at the 'surface of the mind' area. Nice combination approach with minimal time effort. Also like the emphasis on stillness of mind, reflecting at the end on the experience, journal, and relaxation of stress physically and mentally at the start.

Things that I like about Kelee Meditation:

- It offers an easy to follow, simple, streamlined and basic meditation routine that can be followed by virtually anyone

- It's neutral in language and philosophy, avoiding cultural limitations

- Quick and easy to perform - around 5-8 minutes meditation routine x 2 daily, with journaling after or at a convenient time

- Places emphasis on journal writing and reflection via writing a daily journal. This is a game changer for many people since journal writing can really clarify thought processes, reduce stress and anxiety overall, offer a private platform for emotional release and focus, and so much more. I can't really overstate the benefits in journaling, even random thoughts and topics that occur stream-of-mind. In KM, however, the emphasis is on journaling related to the meditation itself, it's quality, obstacles, and any emotional triggers, 'compartments' and other objects that become apparent.

- Stillness. This is another key aspect that is emphasized in Kelee Meditation. There's not many meditation approaches that make direct use of stillness and silence as their main vehicle, however, KM does this, which is refreshing for a change, and also works very well for those who are hooked into 'doing' and 'tasks' and techniques etc. This nondoing approach can also be a game changer for many aspirants.

- Mindfulness throughout the day, in terms of where one's attention (or 'conscious awareness') is wandering to, and what it is doing, then making use of skills in mindfulness to bring it back to the surface of the mind or what's in front of one.

- The philosophy works well with many other nondual approaches and teachings, specifically Advaita Vedanta and pragmatic Advaita (e.g. teachings of Sri Ramana Maharshi, Sri Nisargadatta, etc), but also works with certain schools of Buddhism, such as Zen, and some of the less complex forms of Mahayana Buddhism.

- The community centred around KM are very down to earth, simple in approach, and not at all like some 'spiritual' communities out there that suffer from various forms of delusion. The people using KM are mostly 'non-spiritual' types, which again makes this approach and community rather appealing for many aspirants that want a break from the usual spiritual community shenanigans.

I really have no issues recommending Kelee Meditation, taking a course in learning it, or ordering course books. It's a great introduction to meditation in general, outside of concentration type practices. It's also a great way to gain some experience in stilling the mind and thought, and abiding in the 'heart' space.

The Power of Daily Journaling: How Random Thoughts Can Benefit You

 The Power of Daily Journaling: How Random Thoughts Can Benefit You

In today’s fast-paced world, our minds are constantly buzzing with thoughts, ideas, worries, and emotions. We're often suffering from overstimulation, and if anything, need more time to process what's going on in the moment, rather than shooting off to get more mental stimulation and content. Sometimes, it feels like there’s no time to sit down and make sense of it all. This is where daily journaling can become a valuable tool for your mental clarity, personal growth, and emotional well-being.

You might think that journaling needs to be structured or insightful all the time, but that’s not the case. Writing down random thoughts or whatever is on your mind at the moment can actually bring unexpected benefits. Here’s how this simple habit can improve your life:

1. Clarifies Thoughts and Feelings

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by your own thoughts? Writing things down allows you to untangle those mental knots. Journaling gives you a space to process what’s going on in your head and helps clarify how you’re really feeling. Often, the act of writing can lead to insights you didn’t even know you had.

2. Reduces Stress

When you put your thoughts on paper, you’re releasing them from your mind, even if it’s just for a short while. This can be incredibly relieving. Journaling becomes a safe space for venting emotions, reducing the mental clutter that leads to stress. It’s a therapeutic outlet that doesn’t require much effort, yet offers significant mental relief.

3. Increases Self-Awareness

One of the most profound benefits of journaling is that it increases self-awareness. When you journal consistently, you start noticing patterns in your thoughts, behaviors, and emotions. This awareness can lead to personal growth as you better understand your reactions, motivations, and triggers over time.

4. Boosts Creativity

Sometimes, the most creative ideas come when we least expect them. Journaling random thoughts can stimulate creativity because there’s no pressure to “make sense.” Freewriting like this allows your mind to wander, sparking new ideas and perspectives that might not have surfaced otherwise.

5. Enhances Problem-Solving

When you write about challenges or concerns, it gives you a chance to see them from a different angle. Often, journaling leads to a “lightbulb” moment where you suddenly realize a solution that wasn’t obvious before. It’s like having a conversation with yourself, but one where the answers gradually emerge on their own.

6. Improves Mental Health

There’s scientific evidence that journaling can reduce anxiety and depression. By regularly expressing and processing difficult emotions, you’re better equipped to manage them. Writing about your worries, frustrations, or fears is a way of confronting those emotions rather than letting them build up.

7. Tracks Progress Over Time

One of the beautiful things about journaling is that it serves as a record of your growth. When you look back at previous entries, you can see how your thoughts, feelings, and circumstances have evolved. This can be incredibly motivating and provide a sense of accomplishment as you realize how far you’ve come.

Final Thoughts

Journaling doesn’t have to be perfect, polished, or profound. In fact, some of the most beneficial journaling comes from letting your thoughts flow freely. By giving yourself permission to write about whatever is on your mind, you open the door to greater mental clarity, emotional release, and personal insight.

So grab a notebook, a pen, and start writing. You can make this a small habit to start.. just a few minutes in the morning or during your morning coffee break. You can then build on that time or set aside another session in the afternoon or evening as it suits. You may be surprised at just how much a daily journaling habit can change your life—one random thought at a time. This sounds odd at first, since spirituality-wise, we're told to abandon thoughts. However, if you look more closely at what's happening with journaling, it is actually a form of mindful attention to what's happening in your head, and getting that content down and out can serve the same ends as any formal sitting meditation practice.

Loch Kelly - Notes on Effortless Mindfulness and Loch Kelly's approach to nondual awareness

 

Effortless Mindfulness and Loch Kelly's approach to nondual awareness

Here are some notes taken down while going through Loch Kelly's "Effortless Mindfulness" material. I did visit some of this material (the audio book "Effortless Mindfulness Now" and "Shift into Freedom") several years back, but at that time likely didn't understand the import of what was being explained.. or didn't take the time to really appreciate where LK was coming from.

 

Now, revisiting Loch Kelly's material, I can say it's 10 out 10 in terms of practical import aimed at delivering a taste of nondual, open, spacious awareness without the trappings of "containment" or "encasement" that most other nondual approaches entail.. further Loch Kelly brings something unique and new to the table in terms of tackling the issue of contained awareness or "I-am"ness that resides in a body or mind or self. This issue is a real sticking point for probably 90% or more of nondual aspirants, as it lends itself to living and experiencing life in a quasi-nondual way, but with a sort of "godlike" individual flavour.. the aspirant thinks they've attained some no-self, nondual awakening, when in fact, it's the egoic entity that's taken on a new form of consciousness or appropriated awareness that still functions in a completely individualistic and conditioned way. This will be explained more below.

 

For access to Loch's teachings, I would recommend going through:

 

1. Shift Into Freedom (audio book, audible)

 

This audiobook was created before the Effortless Mindfulness audio and book. It contains some of the basic ideas and approaches that LK uses later in more detail. It's also a good, practical way to encounter a large number of short meditations (or 'glimpses' as LK uses the term). The whole audio is around 3.5 hours and not too onerous, however, it should be done in small chunks as to fully appreciate each exercise. The only danger here is that it becomes too much of a 'doing' and smorgasbord of short meditations, which can leave some people a bit tired or bored or thinking 'ok, so what's next..'

 

2. Effortless Mindfulness (audio book, audible)

 

This audiobook is very well done, and really going into detail with the main practice of unhooking awareness from thinking and the ego, and getting a taste of spacious, non-localised awareness.. it's probably the closest thing to a nondual sense of awareness that one can hope for with these sorts of DIY approaches. Repeated over, you have a good chance of getting the insight that awareness isn't personal or localised or an object or something that needs to be worked at. LK uses his own ideas of 'foundations of effortless mindfulness' as a theoretical base for the approach.

 

3. The Way of Effortless Mindfulness

 

This is a book, published later than the audio courses/programs, and goes into a good amount of detail on the background of the author and the teaching approach. It could be read and used over an extended period of weeks and months. Each chapter contains glimpse exercises and can really be used for a self-directed meditation program over weeks. It's well worth getting and going through as it works well with the audio programs and other media.

 

4. Podcasts, YouTube

 

Loch Kelly has been gracious enough to post a large amount of material, interviews, explanations etc. all free online via podcast interviews, YouTube etc. He doesn't hold back with his approach or ideas, and you can gain a lot from going through online material in order to form a solid idea of what LK means by his various terms and wording and his general approach to nonduality.

 

 

Things I like about Loch Kelly's approach and teachings:

 

+ Highly practical and usable in everyday life. No long sitting sessions, and uses the approach of short and frequent sessions rather than extended long sessions

 

+ Well explained exercises and practices

 

+ Neutral / secular approach that can be used regardless of background

 

+ Plenty of content available freely online

 

+ Offers further courses for those wanting to go deeper into the teaching

    

General side note- There are a few issues that I personally have with purely secular / non-devotional approaches that are aimed at westerners looking to enter into the waters of nonduality without much recommended prior work or preparation. I also have some reservations about relying on nondual teachings and approaches to sort out one's life situation or level of psychological awareness, compassion, relationships etc. I won't list them here, however, I do recommend Loch Kelly's material completely, and it's a well planned and thought out approach in bringing something practical and unique to the nondual approaches table that's completely suitable for westerners and unaffiliated aspirants. Loch Kelly's approach certainly has a lot more 'good' points than 'bad' points, and is very well suited to those who've done a true try and test of basic mindfulness and/or meditation and are looking to explore nondual approaches as a compliment to their practice and journey. 

 

Loch's official website:

https://lochkelly.org/

Radiant Mind - awakening unconditioned awareness by Peter Fenner - Notes

 

This is a review of both the book "Radiant Mind", and the audio version of the book narrated by Peter Fenner. Both of these items were released around 2009 or so, and were popular at that time with both nondual and Mahayana Buddhist communities, and have since become less popular and/or dormant. 

The Radiant Mind 'course', which was offered around 10 years back by PF seems not to be offered anymore, and the author mainly does guest lectures at various Buddhist related colleges, and does some one-on-one coaching on the side.

Both the course, and the books have quite mixed reviews and experiences.. there's not a lot in between- participants and readers either love it or hate it. It seems a number of participants in the live course back when it was available did take exception to the cost of the course (being in the thousands) vs what they received which was essentially a review of the book/CD course and some clarifications by PF. I've taken notes and reviewed from my experience only and discarded what has been written on various sites, looking at the content and approach from scratch.

For those who are familiar with contemporary awareness teachings, then most of this material won't be new. In fact, there's quite a few exercises that are repeated very closely by other 'awareness' / advaita teachers. The unique part with this course and recording though is the delivery in how PF speaks and walks the reader/listener through the exercises in a very slow but effective way. There's also the added benefit of having received the 'just sitting' practice early on, which does very quietly enable one to accumulate some sort of familiarity with beingness and awareness while just sitting and not engaged in any activity purposefully.

Side note- the audio course (CD or Audible) is actually different to the written text/book, which is deeper in content than the audio course. The audio course is great for repeatedly getting down the practice contemplations and practical side, while the book itself is better for some more psychological context and theory around nondual awareness and some comparisons with Mahayana Buddhist pointers.

The Book:

The book has 

Practices

In terms of practices, 3 main practice areas are given, although the bulk of the practical exercises happens around the last chapter in the course/book:

1. "Just sitting"

This is a rather unique style of meditative sitting practice, not really the same as "shikantaza" in Zen, nor the same as resting in awareness in approaches such as Mahamudra or even Dzogchen, although it is probably most similar to these approaches, and the author's background in this work comes from these traditions. This practice pretty much involves being secluded, undisturbed, awake and seated in a spot for around 20 minutes, and "just doing what you're doing".. ie. sitting and doing nothing, but not making any effort to do something or focus, or even become aware of the process, but rather to just have a very relax, almost non-existent knowing that one is sitting and various phenomena are occurring. It's also similar to the 'do-nothing' approaches of teachers such as Shinzen Young, Angelo Dilulo and others. There's various "Do nothing" meditation sessions available on YT, each with their own take on how this is done. 

2. Relaxation meditation

The idea of relaxation and non-effort runs through most of the exercises and a specific exercises/practice is given in the final chapter of the audio course that takes around 20 minutes, and is a relaxing 'nothing to do' type of release meditation. This is in contrast to the bulk of mediations out there that work through body relaxation or breathing relaxation. So in this respect, PF has kept on track with his overall themes of nondoing and relaxing effort or concentration.

3. Direct contemplations and approaches with awareness

Another group of exercises relates to directly attempting to experience awareness or have some insight into the nature of ever-present unconditioned awareness. There are various pointers that are given, and various entry-points that one can take to directly experience or know awareness as it is. e.g. listening to silence, non-thought or 'not-knowing' mind, awareness as bliss, paradoxical pointers and enquiries similar to koans etc.

Some of the guided contemplations also focus on different aspects of unconditioned awareness, such as the bliss/peace aspect (although noted this is not a sensation or conditioned experience). Other contemplations focus on the all-embracing nature of unconditioned awareness as not excluding the unmanifest or the manfiest experience.

4. Present moment awareness

A final theme that runs throughout the book and course is the idea of present moment awareness, or the now-ness of one's being here and now. There is one particular mediation that works on deconstructing the past and future as concepts that are not present here and now apart from thought. 

There are many practical psychological exercises and explorations in the book. The first few chapters focus on exploring one's pre-conceived ideas about awareness, and also obstacles that may be present (or unexplored) that can lead to issues with resting in unconditioned awareness.

Some things I really like about Peter Fenner's approach:

+ I love how Peter Fenner presents his material in easy to understand, plain English, without cultural or technical terms and ideas. This makes it accessible for a wide audience without a background in Buddhism, Tibetan Buddhism, and eastern philosophy, but who are interested in nonduality.

+ Peter narrates his material, particularly the Radiant Mind course (Sounds True) in a calm, clear and conductive manner matching what he's trying to get across. The whole recording not only acts as an information source, but also an experiential journey and meditation itself into the field of nonduality and unconditioned awareness.

+ The exercises in the book and the audio course are beneficial in uncovering assumptions and beliefs we have about nonduality, awareness, and spirituality in general. This is helpful in uncovering hidden obstables that we all carry with us into the path.

+ The Radiant Mind course is complete in that it can be undertaken in a self-directed manner, either long-term or on a shorter-term time frame. Originally designed to be 9 months, it can be shorted to several months, or even shorter depending on how much the participant/listener wants to get from it. I completed the audio course several times, and received some new insights/material on each listening. Likewise, the suggested "Just Sitting" practice deepens and grows over time to reveal an approach to nonduality that is ever-fresh and changing.. versus some of the more fixed philosophical positions that some teaches offer.

+ PF offers support services, counselling and some other courses (such as a teaching course) for those further interested in pursuing this approach to nonduality-- which is a rather unique approach, given the author's background, context, and way of working with nonduality and phenomenal reality in a balanced and mature way.

Overally, I feel this is a great introduction to nondual awareness with an emptiness flavour and some Mahayana Buddhism mixed in, but in a way that doesn't require much background experience or prior knowledge. The audio course is narrated very well, and easy to listen to and follow along both casually and also as a complete meditation in itself. One should come away from this course (and book) with some balanced ideas about nonduality, emptiness and various approaches to gently coming to know what nonconceptual awareness is (and its nature). Highly recommended.

Notes on Michael Langford's teachings on Awareness. Awareness watching awareness. The Most Direct Means.

 

I had been recommended Michael Langford's awareness teachings last year. I actually went though Michael Langford's awareness teachings, books, and methods probably about 15 years ago now, and credit him (and his book "The Most Direct Means to Eternal Bliss") with actually starting me on the nondual path after years on the progressive path.

So I thought to revisit ML's teachings once again, and really do a deep dive into those teachings, methods, and approaches related to awareness and ML's version of the direct path / awareness teachings. His main claim to fame on the Internet at least is the BLISS book, and the Awareness watching Awareness method. This is quoted by some aspirants of paths such as Zen, Advaita, and certain pockets of followers of Nisargadatta and/or Ramana Maharshi.

I'm just going to list down some Plus/Delta or in other words some pros and cons of Michael Langford's teachings according to MY experience. This is not to say there's anything wrong with ML's teachings or approach- in fact, there's a lot of GOOD points in his approach. However, for me personally, there's a couple of red flags that caused obstacles for me following his approach, and ultimately led to me moving on at some point due to various factors, which I will list below. If you feel led to give ML's approach to awareness teachings a try, by all means, go for it, and most of the resources are online for free (to ML's credit).

Pros

• Emphasis on practice, practical means, direct practical instructions in an easy to follow manner. Not at all interested in philosophy or theoretical distractions.
• Clean, concise, easy to understand language
• Repetitive ideas and instructions that lend themselves to hammering home the point that ML is making, such as the importance of practice over thinking, and the importance of having a burning desire for liberation
• Overall, a tried and tested approach to attaining I AM awareness, or the identification with awareness and disidentification with the false self or ego
• Good starting point for getting into the awareness and nondual teachings. Many pointers and references for classic teachers such as NM and RM etc., that can be used by the aspirant to go away and study or take up
• Author's own experience is used. ML isn't afraid of detailing his own experiences and failures and successes
• Great analysis of the ego, false self, and the strategies and tricks that the ego uses to maintain its own validity and illusory existence

Despite the issues that I personally had with ML's approach, I would still advise one so interested or attracted to this approach to "have a go" at the Awareness watching awareness method, read "The Most Direct Means to Eternal Bliss" and possibly some other books by Michael Langford and related. If anything, just for the experience of how challenging it can be to do nothing except attempt to 'watch awareness' for minutes, hours, days on end. There is a concessional practice given, which involves letting go of effort, and thought. There is also an emotional acceptance practice detailed called The Loving-All Method, which is worth a look and test run.

The Presence Process by Michael Brown - Notes and overall guidelines and tips for the 10 week process

I first discovered "The Presence Process" probably about 15 years ago around the 2011 time, when I was deeply looking into direct nondual teachings, and at that time more interested in the 'instant' direct paths, neo-advaita, and other such contemporary pointers to nondual awareness.

This probably WASN'T the time to discover The Presence Process (TPP), and it was also the first version of the process/book that I purchased, a paper copy from Amazon. 

As a result, I was quite underwhelmed and non-enthused about the work, even though it had a large number of 5 star and rave reviews at that time. I may have discovered it by trawling through Amazon reviews, or perhaps it was just suggested for me due to my previous purchases. In any case, I went through the book, tried the process for a short time, possibly 2 weeks, and then discarded it.. thinking it was a typical 'progressive path', and too touchy-feely for my liking. I also couldn't get into the style of writing which I found verbose and attempting to say what could be summed up in 1/4 of the book. I probably rated it 3 stars at most.

Fast forward 15 years or so.. and I saw random references to the process on various discussions on Reddit, nondual forums and the like. One random poster, who I recalled, as an answer to the question about which teachings they found the most helpful, replied that all they actually needed (presumably to awaken) was 1. The Presence Process 2. Michael Langford's Bliss book 3. Peter Fenner's Radiant Mind book.

Since this suggestion had come about a few times over the course of the last year or so, I decided to really give The Presence Process a serious look again.

To my delight, there was a new version, a revised edition. I watched a few videos on YT with Michael Brown speaking and giving small seminars. I immediately liked the guy. He was unassuming, had no following, didn't want to be a teacher, and seemed to experience what he was talking about and delivering.

I purchased a kindle copy of 'The Presence Process', and went through slowly over a week or so. There was much in there that I REALLY LIKED, in terms of approaching awakening as an EMBODIED experience, dealing with trauma and emotions, and also acknowledging the higher role of present moment awareness, presence, and what would normally be called "Self" in advaita. Michael Brown attempts to use very neutral and ordinary terms for these things in the book, however, and the book is written from a purely secural, non-religious standpoint, so as to appeal to a wide variety of people-- although this sort of course or approach would only interest a small amount of people due to the level of commitment and desire to deep dive into one's emotional triggers, traumas, 'inner child' aspect and other areas that spiritual teachings generally shy away from or leave to 'psychology' and therapy.

Things I loved about the process on first glace:

• The idea of embodied awakening, using the body and working with the body and "felt-perception" as a means to transcend obstancles to awakening
• The idea that the primary task or work involved is that of integrating charged emotions and emotionally trapped resonances from earlier times. Getting to know the body, felt perception, emotionally related sensations, and becoming ever more present, is a totally do-able approach and bypasses the need for complex conceptual models, beliefs to theories
• Acknowledgement of presence, awareness, and all the good parts generally included in awareness teachings
• The use and exploration of breathwork- in the form of connected breathing as a primary practice to be used each day (twice a day) for 15 minutes or more
• A 'conscious response' phrase to be used throughout each week
• A very structured and well thought out program (process) that would last over 10 weeks with specific aims and a focus for each week
• The emphasis on the process being self-guided, and without the need for facilitators, courses, 'certifications', and group involvement
• The promise and visible means for real change in one's behaviour, beliefs and emotional responses as a result of sticking out the 10 weeks, along with a better understanding of presence, and present moment awareness. An actually WAY to practice being 'Now' or present, rather than endlessly listening to satsang type teachings talk for hours, days, years about the possibility but never actually delivering on the means and effective ways to achieve it.

All of these things further motivated me to commit to the course, and I then purchased a paper copy of the book, which I decided to commit to for 10 weeks (and only that process, laying aside any other practices that I was doing). This was around May 2024.

I'll detail the 10 weeks in another post, as yeah week has some very specific aims and focal points for working and understanding. I'll also detail some of the aims and focal points along the way, pitfalls and things to watch for, and some of my own experiences.

General Tips

• Besides the 2x daily Consciously Connected Breathing (meditation) practice that needs to be done over the course, I found it to be highly beneficial to set aside brief times to sit (in meditation or inner focus) and go over the Conscious Response for the week. Contemplate how the response fits in with experiences that have happened today (especially triggering events or underlying emotions that are just below the surface but waiting to be acknowledged).

• As above, spend time often during the day just feeling and being with what emotions are present at the time. Especially the 3 core 'negative' emotions of fear, anger and grief. See how often these arise and lie just below the surface of our every day thinking and operating and how they are exerting pressure on our experience without being obvious.

• At times it can feel that the text or instructions for "felt-perception" or feeling of sensations related to emotions and the emotional body aren't very precise. I'm comparing to approaches such as somatic therapy, or body based mindfulness practices, vipassana etc. , which are extremely precise and clear. At first I was put out by this and questioned the approach that the text takes in advising just to "be" with emotions, or use "felt-perception". But after going through the course itself, over 10 weeks, I can see now that the skilling up with feeling into emotions and sensations DOES happen, but on a much slower timeframe than it does with hardcore mindfulness practices. The Presence Process really does play out over a 10 week period, and works perfectly, but it works on a different timescale than other approaches, such as body-based mindfulness or other emotional energy integration techniques. After 10 weeks, the participant really does understand and know how to be with emotions, feelings and their counterpart bodily sensations. It just takes a longer timeframe (10 weeks) and a consistent practice and repitition of the "integration procedure" over that time. There's also the added help with TPP with likening the emotional body with that of the inner child, and treating emotions and the emotional body as such- with patience, love and attention.

• Try to perform the daily meditation (CCB) as soon as possible in the morning and as a priority. If it can't be done earlier on, schedule time mid-morning at least to do it.

• If doing the CCB meditation in the evening is too energising, do this in the afternoon. For many people, myself included, the connected breathing practice or any breathwork practice can be too activating (esp of the SNS) which will leave you in a hightened state or awareness or readiness. Not something you want before bed. Try box breathing or something more relaxing before bed.

• Do remeber to return to connected breathing at random times throughout the day, even for a minute or so. Michael mentions this reminder, along with remebering the Conscious Response phrase at that time as well, as a sort of dual reminder.

• Make use of the Connected Breathing practice when you notice yourself lost in thought or during a distraction loop or addictive behavioural loop for example. The CCB has the power to snap one's mind/thought/behaviour out of such loops and back into the satisfying nature of present moment awareness and the breath itself.

• Note that some people have energetic issues with the CCB consciously connected breathing practice. This is usually because they're trying to follow a breathwork approach (such as Connected Breathing) as per textbook rules and the instructions given by authorities WITHOUT paying attention to what their body and mind are telling them. IF you have issues with the breathwork practice, you will need to adapt it to your personally settings. For instance, I've had to use a lot LESS effort with the breathing practice than the instructions indiciate. The instructions indicate a decent amount of effort (and noise) on the in-breath, while for me personally, a minimal amount of effort work better so as to not trigger flight/fight response or over-stimulate the sympathetic nervous system. You need to carefully adapt the breathing practice to your particular situation.

If I had to sum up the pros and cons of the course as a whole, then I would say the pros vastly outweigh the negatives and relate to learning how to understand emotions, bodily sensations and our own projections that have been up until this point playing out unconsciously in our life and wreaking havoc. Some of the cons relate more to personal issues that can sabotage the process, and some of the more vague instructions related to connected breathing and how to enter into present moment awareness. Although must is spoken about in the text re: presence and present moment awareness, this isn't an area that is directly tackled by the course, but more of a by product of the process. To seriously experience and understand awareness itself, and present moment awareness, another side module may be required, preferable AFTER the 10 weeks of the course has been completed and during the pause time (weeks, months etc) before another iteration.

It's a great little 10 week course to complete annually in order to clear out accumulated emotional resonances and refresh one's understanding of how to integrate charged historically related emotions, trauma, and triggers. It really works well with other spiritual disciplines too (provided these aren't practiced during the 10 weeks of The Presence Process).

After completing the 10 week course, I would thoroughly recommend committing and taking up the course and related work for anyone interested in learning to integrate emotional charges, triggers, shadow aspects and undoing false perceptions based on projection. It's also a great way to introduce a solid daily meditation practice into one's routine and make this a habit.