Awareness & Consciousness Group Samadhi Sunday

NEW START TIME: 11 AM

SAMADHI SUNDAY is a spiritual and metaphysical discussion group that allows the members of the Awareness and Consciousness Group of Southern Nevada to share their thoughts, insights, and experiences around the areas of conscious awakening and personal evolution.

Topics regularly discussed include: Philosophies (Non-Dual, Dualist/Monist, Religious), Psychologies (Depth, Analytical, Individual, etc.), Ontologies (yikes!), Cosmologies, Mythologies, Astrosciences (Astrology, Astronomy) and Entheogens. Topics that aren't discussed include politics and all of the conspiracies playing out in mainstream media these days.

This Meetup series has had several runs, the first starting back in 2008. The Sunday discussion group has had several iterations reflecting the people who showed up. Originally called "Sunday Sangha" and later "MUSE: Conscious Discussion for Creative Minds," the event has evolved into "Samadhi Sunday" to reflect the nature of the experiences and topics being discussed.

• Oxford Dictionary of Hinduism: "A state of profound meditative absorption in which the distinction between subject and object dissolves, leading to union with the object of meditation or ultimate reality."
• Princeton Dictionary of Buddhism: "The highest stage of meditative concentration in yoga, characterized by one-pointedness of mind and the cessation of mental fluctuations."

Historically attaining Samadhi has taken lifetimes and are often assumed to be what are really Kenshos (glimpses) and Satoris (abiding non-dual awareness) that are quite common these days. News to Earth: Humans have evolved considerably in the last few thousand years, and even significantly in the last 100 years, so the Human Form has evolved well past the Human of Blavatsky, Jung, and Cayce.

The Human Lifewave has evolved so that the average 1st World Human can access supernatural and psychic phenomenon that are on the way to the peak temporary experience of Samadhi, the ultimate formless Asamprajnata Samadhi. It so happens that today, people living in the suburbs are accessing these states through various ways, conventionally and non-conventionally, and they are sharing them in discussion groups, whether they realized what they are talking about or not.

IT'S A COMPLEX MATTER
The challenge with attaining Samadhi without proper context is that it opens one up to pathologies that lead to complexes of superiority and exclusiveness. Complexes like the Messiah Complex (I am the ONLY ONE, and through ME is your ONLY path to salvation), Moses Complex (I am the ONLY ONE who has a direct line to God, Only I can interpret the Word of God, I am the Law Giver and Leader of the Blind), and God Complex (I am the SOLE REASON for Existence, Without ME you are all nothing and meaningless, No one is more knowledgeable than I).

Their pathologies are due to disconnects of specific aspects of their Spirit with their related Soul and Body aspects, and are primarily due to the uniqueness of these experiences up until the last few years. These people truly are accessing remarkable abilities and spaces, but they have not properly integrated them and assume that they are unique, which they are clearly not.

THE "E" WORD
("No, don't say THE Word!")
It is very common for someone who has experienced one of the stages of Samadhi to claim to be "Enlightened." Forgive them, they know not what they say, they have not thoroughly explored the topic of Enlightenment to have figured out that experiences including the "peak" temporary experience of Asamprajnata Samadhi that is an early step in the permanent full ATMAN IS BRAHMAN IS ATMAN ongoing experience which is essentially Moksha or Liberation. Enlightenment comes from the integration and embodiment of multiple Samadhis and years of feedback loops integrating their newly accessible wisdom into all levels of their programming. At some point a being has integrated their wisdom fully enough to cross the Enlightenment line, but at that point, 'they' don't care and other people have nothing to deny.

With a little education and hopefully a minimal amount of looking like a fool these fortunate people can realize the errors of their ways, figure out where they really are on Jacob's Ladder, and pull a St. Paul and help others "two rungs below them" to attain stages of Samadhi. Or they can hide with their Golden Goose at the top of their beanstalk and their feral taste for humans and remain isolated and lonely, like most Giants (Titans) do. Whatevs. Zzzz. Demigods have more fun.

Fortunately, as more and more awaken around them and begin to exhibit the same abilities that they once thought were exclusive to them, the have an opportunity to realize the embarrassing state of their condition and either, again like Paul, go from appearing like an existential a-hole to being the biggest supposed-nice guy on the planet. Otherwise they fade into obscurity, or at best, become the greatest supervillain for the next round of superheroes to defeat. It's all Gold or Lead for Gold to an alchemist.

If you want to discuss Samadhi and other similar concepts with those who are accessing them in our lives in the suburbs, you are welcome to come into the jungle where a semi-safe space in the splash zone has been created especially for you. Do be aware that we do occasionally get Titan Giants that find their way down the beanstalk and into the stacks in the village, so there may be carnage the day you show up. But that would be your karma and exactly what the doctor ordered, now wouldn't it?

ABOUT THE EVENT
The discussion will start at 11 am, you're welcome to arrive 15 minutes early to secure your favorite position on the couch or your favorite comfy meditation cushion (or bring your own).

The group discussion is scheduled for two hours. Many people stick around to talk in breakout sessions during After Party, and after the crowd thins out we shift into Psychic Playground.

The entire event is intended to be an open discussion between all group members with order maintained by the hosts. Any presentations or lectures that might support the ongoing group discussion will be offered during a different time slot in the calendar.

THE MATRIX DOJO VS. FIGHT CLUB
The nature of the first two hours has been curated to be a spiritual dojo similar to the Matrix, where those who chose to engage in debate do so in the style of Aikido and Tai Chi, and maybe a little Kung Fu. During the After Party and Psychic Playground it's No Holds Barred so if Muay Thai and Bare Knuckles Fighting in Lou's basement is more your style and you absolutely cannot refrain from eating the awakening villagers, you may wanna show up after 1 PM. You will find no lack of formidable opponents if that's what you seek. (You can tell this isn't our first rodeo; we're retired spiritual rodeo clowns.)

Bodhimandala a pet free home that frequently has incense burning, with cigarette smoking done in the back yard. Coffee will be available, but if you have 'special coffee' or 'special tea' you wanna share, by all means, please do. You're welcome to bring snacks to share, though loud or crunchy items should not be eaten in the main room while the discussion is taking place. There's ample parking, especially on Sky Mountain were there are no neighbor's driveways to contend with.

There is always audio recording taking place and there will occasionally video will be recorded. ATTENDANCE AT THIS EVENT IMPLIES YOUR RELEASE TO USE ALL RECORDED MATERIAL.

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### INFORMATION FROM DEEP SEEK:

### KENSHO, SATORI, SAMADHI, MOKSHA, etc.

These terms describe profound spiritual experiences across Buddhist and Hindu traditions. While they share similarities (e.g., non-dual insight), their contexts, depths, and metaphysical interpretations differ significantly. Here's a breakdown:

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### 1. Kensho (Zen Buddhism)

• Meaning: "Seeing nature" (Japanese: 見性).
• Experience: A sudden, initial glimpse of non-duality. Shatters the illusion of a separate self, revealing the emptiness (śūnyatā) of phenomena.
• Depth: Transient and partial; often intellectual clarity without full embodiment.
• Role: The "first awakening" that initiates the path.
• Analogy: Lightning flash illuminating a dark landscape—brief but transformative.

***

### 2. Satori (Zen Buddhism)

• Meaning: "Understanding" or "awakening" (Japanese: 悟り).
• Experience: A deeper, more stable realization of non-duality. The mind abides in "ordinary mind" (Huineng), free from conceptual elaboration.
• Depth: Sustained and integrative; dissolves subtle habits (vasanas) of ego.
• Role: Mature awakening; requires lifelong cultivation (zazen) to embody.
• Analogy: The sun rising—illuminating everything without effort.

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### 3. Samadhi (Hinduism/Yoga)

• Meaning: "Union" or "absorption" (Sanskrit: समाधि).
• Experience: Meditative absorption where subject-object duality dissolves. In samprajñāta samadhi, focus remains on a "seed" (e.g., bliss, "I-am-ness"); in asamprajñāta samadhi, all mental content ceases, revealing pure consciousness (ātman-Brahman).
• Depth: The culmination of yogic practice, leading to liberation (kaivalya).
• Role: Both a state (avasthā) and a gateway to eternal freedom.
• Analogy: A river merging into the ocean—individual self dissolving into universal consciousness.

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### 4. Samadhi (Buddhism)

• Meaning: Meditative absorption (jhāna/dhyāna) unifying the mind.
• Experience: Deep concentration leading to cessation (nirodha samāpatti). Unlike Hinduism, no "pure self" remains—only emptiness (śūnyatā).
• Depth: A tool for insight (vipassanā), not an end in itself.
• Role: Prepares the mind to realize non-self (anattā) and impermanence (anicca).
• Analogy: Polishing a mirror to see reality clearly—no attachment to the mirror itself.

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### 5. Related States

• Nirvāṇa (Buddhism): The extinguishing of craving/ignorance; not a "state" but the end of suffering.
• Mokṣa (Hinduism): Liberation from rebirth; union with Brahman.
• Fanā (Sufism): Annihilation of the ego in divine unity (tawḥīd).

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### Key Differences

| Term | Tradition | Metaphysical Basis | Experience | Outcome |
| ---- | --------- | ------------------ | ---------- | ------- |
| Kensho | Zen Buddhism | Emptiness (śūnyatā) | Glimpse of non-duality | Initial awakening |
| Satori | Zen Buddhism | Buddha-nature (tathāgatagarbha) | Sustained non-dual abiding | Embodied awakening |
| Samadhi (H) | Hinduism | Ātman-Brahman unity | Absorption in pure consciousness | Liberation (kaivalya) |
| Samadhi (B) | Buddhism | Non-self (anattā) | Cessation of mental constructs | Insight into emptiness |

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### Contrasting Philosophies

• Hindu Samadhi: Affirms an eternal self (ātman) merging with universal reality (Brahman). Liberation is union.
• Example: "I am Brahman" (Aham Brahmasmi).
• Buddhist Kensho/Satori: Denies any eternal self. Liberation is deconstruction of the illusion of self.
• Example: "No eyes, no ears, no mind" (Heart Sutra).

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### Practical Implications

• Zen Path: Kensho ➔ Satori ➔ Continuous practice (shikantaza).
• Hindu Path: Samprajñāta ➔ Asamprajñāta Samadhi ➔ Kaivalya.
• Buddhist Path: Jhānas ➔ Nirodha Samāpatti ➔ Nirvāṇa.

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### Conclusion

While kensho, satori, and samadhi all point to non-dual realization, their interpretations hinge on whether the tradition posits:

• A universal self (Hinduism: Brahman).
• No-self (Buddhism: anattā).

As the Zen master Dōgen wrote:
"To study the Buddha Way is to study the self. To study the self is to forget the self."
In contrast, the Yoga Sutras declare:
"Yoga is the cessation of the fluctuations of the mind. Then the seer abides in its own nature."
Both paths dissolve duality—but one ends in self, the other in no-self.

### INFORMATION FROM DEEP SEEK:

### STAGES OF SAMADHI

### 1. Dictionary Definition of Samadhi

Samadhi (Sanskrit: समाधि):

• Oxford Dictionary of Hinduism: "A state of profound meditative absorption in which the distinction between subject and object dissolves, leading to union with the object of meditation or ultimate reality."
• Princeton Dictionary of Buddhism: "The highest stage of meditative concentration in yoga, characterized by one-pointedness of mind and the cessation of mental fluctuations."

***

### 2. Summary Paragraph: What is Samadhi?

Samadhi is the pinnacle of meditative practice in Hindu, Buddhist, and yogic traditions, marked by the dissolution of dualistic perception (subject vs. object) and the direct realization of non-dual awareness. It is not merely a trance or altered state but a transformative awakening to the fundamental nature of reality. In Hinduism, samadhi culminates in the union of individual consciousness (ātman) with universal consciousness (Brahman). In Buddhism, it is a tool for realizing emptiness (śūnyatā) and uprooting clinging to self. Samadhi transcends ordinary cognition, blending profound stillness, clarity, and insight.

***

### 3. Group Discussion Topics for Attaining Samadhi

A group exploring samadhi would discuss:

• Ethical Foundations: How yamas/niyamas (Hindu) or sīla (Buddhist) purify the mind for concentration.
• Meditation Techniques: Breathwork (prāṇāyāma), mantra repetition, or mindfulness (satipaṭṭhāna).
• Obstacles to Absorption: Distraction (vikṣepa), lethargy (tamas), and craving (tṛṣṇā).
• Non-Dual Philosophy: Exploring texts like the Yoga Sutras, Upanishads, or Heart Sutra to dismantle dualistic thinking.
• Integration: Balancing meditative absorption with compassionate action (karma yoga or bodhicitta).

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### 4. Expert-Level Explanation of Samadhi & Its Stages

#### Hindu Framework (Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras)

1. Samprajñāta Samadhi ("Cognitive Absorption"):

• Vitarka: Focus on gross objects (e.g., breath, mantra).
• Vichara: Contemplation of subtle elements (energy, time).
• Ānanda: Absorption in bliss (sat-chit-ānanda).
• Asmita: Identification with pure "I-am-ness" (ego stripped of attributes).

2. Asamprajñāta Samadhi ("Seedless Absorption"):

• Cessation of all mental fluctuations (vṛttis); union of ātman (self) and Brahman (universal reality).
• Beyond cognition, duality, and time; pure consciousness (cit) without content.

#### Buddhist Framework (Jhānas & Nirodha)

1. Four Material Jhānas:

• 1st–4th Jhāna: Progressive refinement from joy to equanimity.

2. Four Formless Attainments:

• Infinite Space, Infinite Consciousness, Nothingness, Neither Perception nor Non-Perception.

3. Nirodha Samāpatti ("Cessation"):

• Total suspension of perception/feeling; no "awareness" or "self" remains.
• Unlike Hindu samadhi, this negates all constructs, including "pure awareness."

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### 5. Contrast: Samadhi vs. Buddhist Non-Self Approach

#### Hindu Samadhi

• Goal: Union of ātman (self) with Brahman (universal source).
• Experience: Pure, self-luminous consciousness (cit) free from duality.
• Key Text: Yoga Sutras 1.3: "Then the seer abides in its own nature."

#### Buddhist "Non-Experience" Beyond Samadhi

• Nirodha Samāpatti: A "cessation" (nirodha) of all mental activity, including the notion of "pure awareness."
• Philosophy: No ātman or Brahman exists; liberation is deconstructing the illusion of self (anattā).
• Key Text: Visuddhimagga XXIII.18: "Cessation is the stopping of formations, not a state to be attained."

#### Critical Differences

| Aspect | Hindu Samadhi | Buddhist Nirodha |
| ------ | ------------- | ---------------- |
| Metaphysical Basis | Union of ātman-Brahman (eternal self). | Deconstruction of self (anattā). |
| Experience | Pure consciousness (cit) without objects. | No experience; cessation of cognition. |
| Liberation | Kaivalya (isolation of pure self). | Nirvāṇa (cessation of craving/ignorance). |

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### Conclusion

Samadhi in Hinduism is the realization of unity with an ultimate reality (Brahman), while in Buddhism, it is a tool for deconstruction, leading to the "non-experience" of nirodha samāpatti. The former affirms an eternal self; the latter negates all constructs, including self and awareness. As the Heart Sutra declares: "Form is emptiness, emptiness is form"—a teaching irreconcilable with Hindu non-duality but central to Buddhist liberation.