Aptly referred to as the “Einstein of consciousness”, Ken Wilber is perhaps the most significant philosopher of our times. He is the mapmaker that has synthesized all of the human wisdom traditions into his famous Integral Model, which applies to every aspect of life. Integral Spirituality illuminates the promise and potential of the spiritual path like never before. Through “multiple perspective taking” you will gain a powerful map of the classical path of spiritual states and the skill-sets you need to reach higher and higher stages of spiritual development.
Centering is the core transformational practice of Aikido. It is the foundational principle in Aikido, upon which all other principles rest. Not only is centering a linchpin practice, but it is also the principle that when developed will have the biggest impact on your life. In this blog post I will lay out the “10 Ways Centering In Aikido Helps You Grow”.
From the deepest spiritual perspective, everything in the Universe is One. This perspective was certainly O Sensei’s “Lions Roar” declaration, with his awakening manifesting into the art we call Aikido. But as that Oneness divides, duality is created, and it manifests into infinite shapes and forms. The most fundamental duality is none other than Masculine and Feminine. They are universal principles.
This is the Yin/Yang source code that appears throughout the manifest universe. Whether looking at physical or non-physical phenomena, exteriors or interiors, animate or inanimate objects, this universal source code exists in all phenomena. And just as it exists out there in all the Universe, so too does it exist inside each of us. Since this is so fundamental to our practice it can be very helpful to understand the masculine & feminine principles in Aikido.
Welcome to my first post for The Integral Dojo Blog. In this space, I will explore everything concerning the nature of a “Path” of practice. So it seems appropriate that here in our first post that we ask “What is a Path of practice”? So here are just a few of the many important elements.
Diane Musho Hamilton is a dear friend and mentor, a gifted Zen teacher, master facilitator, and professional mediator. In her first book, Diane brings a Zen approach to conflict resolution. You will learn from her to work with your personal “conflict style,” discover the creativity that lies at the core of all conflict, and the 3-fold practice of showing up, listening and witnessing. Diane is just great, and this book will introduce you to the art of conflict, and how to work with it in all aspects of your life.
In This Very Life: The Liberation Teachings of the Buddha by Sayadaw U. Pandita & Kate Wheeler (Wisdom Publications, 1995)
As you might know, Sayadaw U Pandita was my meditation teacher. His book is hands down the best guide for anyone who is interested in doing extended Vipassana meditation retreats. It is safe to say that no other teacher has impacted the establishment of the Dharma in the West as much as the late Burmese meditation master Sayadaw U Pandita.
A highly skilled Dharma and meditation teacher for over 60 years, U Pandita guided thousands of yogis through the Progress Of Insight, including many of the top Western meditation teachers such as Joseph Goldstein, Jack Kornfield, Ram Das, Daniel Goldman, Sharon Salzberg, Jon Kabat-Zinn, and Sam Harris.
You won’t find a better guide for your practice. This book is suited for beginners, for advanced practitioners, and for anyone who aspires to realize the Dharma in this very life!
In “Eyes Wide Open” Mariana Caplan has created a first of its kind “field guide” for walking a spiritual path. She has laid out a post-modern map of the major interior spaces you need to consider on your path – cultural, psychological, tantric, and shadow work. She also writes on the critical issue of what it means to be in a relationship with a spiritual teacher in a postmodern world. For anyone interested in cultivating wisdom, orientation and clarity on the spiritual path, “Eyes Wide Open” is essential reading.
