About this episode
Sandy Jones is the Literary Executor to the William Samuel legacy. In 1996, she was given his entire catalog of works and today is the spokesperson for William Samuel’s message- publishing and promoting the entire William Samuel catalog. In addition to being the registered agent for the works of William Samuel, she is the owner and mentor of the Woodsong Center for Self-Discovery located in Ojai, California. The Center hosts gatherings for readings and group discussions based on William’s message. Sandy is also the proprietor of Celestial Song Mystical Emporium a popular gift shop and gallery located in Ojai, CA. You can find more of her art and writings on her website woodsongjournals.com. Book: Barefoot at Heart: The Alchemy of Love and the Power of Light Email Sandy at: samuelandfriends@gmail.com William Samuel - September 2, 1924-May 22, 1996 William Samuel was a prolific writer and teacher. William Samuel was known as the “teacher’s teacher” perhaps because so many teachers came to study with him. There was an inordinate number of philosophers, theologians, and members of the academe. In the later years there came physicists and mathematicians. It seemed to William that he would get the most earnest and dedicated students of Truth. Quite a number of Taoists and Buddhists had found William’s message and came to study–even some who were called Masters. Many have gone from his study to become authors, writers and teachers. In some marvelous way his story has been found by the metaphysical and scientific elite of all the word–at least by a few. He said “When it is told perfectly, my whole world will hear.” Although, Mr. Samuel did not embrace the idea of being called a teacher, saying “I’ve been telling my own story–how it happened and what it has allowed me to understand–for over 30 years. That is not the same as being a teacher.” He was a genuine sage and mystic. He brought the message of non-duality, or as he called it the Subjective View in a simple heartfelt words that everyone interested in their Self-discovery can understand and profit from. A humble man who discovered true peace and tranquility that remains steady and true even during the changes and turmoil encountered in life. Never seeking to be well known or venerated himself, he has been widely recognized by many as a genuine true Master. William’s message is that he did not embrace the idea of being called a teacher, saying “I’ve been telling my own story–how it happened and what it has allowed me to understand–for over 30 years. That is not the same as being a teacher.” William Samuel was one of the first Americans to sit with Ramana Maharshi The story of his visit goes something like this: At 18 years old he graduated from Clemson and was immediately made captain of infantry and sent off to battle in China, during W.W.II While in China, William’s troops were doing battle along with the British and Indians near the Burmese border. It was during that time when William apparently was given some much needed R&R. He took advantage of that time and went to see Ramana Maharshi in Tiruvannamalai, South India. William, at that time, was only 21 years old. This two-week visit took place in April of 1944. It is believed that William was among the first American students to visit Sri Ramana. Up until then, the visitors were mostly Indian and British. Soon after William's visit, many more westerners began coming to see Sri Ramana. William was indeed a master teacher who had found a way to communicate honestly and clearly his insights on the Absolute and the premises of the metaphysical, subjective view now often called non-duality. Books: A Guide to Awareness and Tranquility The Awareness of Self-Discovery The Child Within Us Lives 2+2=Reality Website: williamsamuel.com Summary and Transcript of this interview Interview recorded 1/10/2015 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Sandy Jones and William Samuel 00:04:37 - The Silent Teacher's Identity 00:08:54 - The Mystical Answer Revealed 00:13:04 - The Roots of Bill's Beliefs and Military School Experiences 00:17:29 - Discovering Inner Grace and Peace 00:21:45 - Mr. Shea, the Tao of living, and the flower in the snow 00:25:48 - A Sweet Triangle of Love 00:29:41 - The Abundance of Intelligence and the Existence of God 00:33:53 - The Dark Night of the Soul Experience 00:38:02 - The Difficulty of Teaching Truth 00:41:34 - God's Perfection and Our Role in the Universe 00:46:16 - Trusting Your Own Heartfelt Listening 00:50:09 - The Last Book of David Shapiro 00:53:34 - Establishing Equanimity in Action 00:58:03 - The Understanding of Ego and True Identity 01:02:30 - The Two Birds on the Tree 01:06:11 - The Joy of Being Fully Yourself 01:10:04 - Discovering the Wholeness Within 01:13:51 - Embracing the Journey of Life 01:17:46 - The Journey of Growing Up 01:22:14 - The Beauty of the Illusion 01:25:58 - Appreciating the Beauty of Existence 01:28:26 - Love and Joy in Relationships 01:30:52 - Remembering a Loved One 01:32:59 - Being Born Again and the Transformation 01:35:03 - The Receptive Heart and Divine Inversion 01:36:57 - Inner Treasure and Self-Trust 01:39:50 - Embracing Paradox and Ambiguity 01:43:31 - William Samuel's Writing Style 01:45:43 - Archiving and Publishing Unpublished Writings