About this episode
Philip Weber - When Awakening Finds You Philip Weber had a successful 35-year career as an executive in the hospitality industry. A member of Paramahansa Yogananda’s Self-Realization Fellowship since 1999, Phil is known for his highly ecumenical outlook, holding a deep appreciation for many of the world’s spiritual traditions and teachings, and often affirming his Guru’s adage: “Truth is one, paths are many.” Currently retired and residing in Carlsbad, California, Phil prefers a quiet, contemplative life. He is not a spiritual teacher and has no online or social media presence. For Phil’s book announcements, please go to his editor’s website. Books: Grace Happens: An Awakening of Consciousness Reflections of Consciousness: Essays on the Journey of Awakening and the Nature of Reality To Contact Phil please go the "Connect" page of his editor's website. Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group. Transcript of this interview Interview recorded June 16, 2024. YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Buddha at the Gas Pump 00:04:18 - The Joy of Helping Others 00:07:40 - The Birthright of Spiritual Awakening 00:11:10 - The Illusion of Point A and Point B 00:14:43 - The Journey of Awakening 00:19:15 - A Drunk on Energy: The Awakening 00:22:56 - Finding My Guru at Barnes and Noble 00:26:05 - The Infinite Possibilities of Awakening 00:29:22 - A Shift in Career Satisfaction and the Discovery of Wayne Dyer and Alan Watts 00:32:48 - Exploring Different Teachings 00:36:46 - Walking for Grounding and Safety 00:40:47 - Finding Help in Adyashanti's Talks 00:45:10 - Exploring Different Spiritual Paths 00:49:23 - Intensive Kriya Practice for Karma Mitigation 00:52:43 - The Fan Blades Stopping 00:56:30 - The Fulfillment of Awakening 01:00:42 - Awakening to Being Okay with What Is 01:04:35 - Not Letting Sports Ruin Your Day 01:08:30 - The Perfection of Suffering 01:12:31 - The Beauty of Life and Mystical Experiences 01:15:38 - Grateful Indifference and Mystical Experiences 01:20:02 - Profound Mystical Experience and Removal of an Astral Parasite 01:24:19 - Astral Entities and Energy Feeding 01:28:24 - The Glowing Orb of Energy 01:32:40 - Exploring Different Paths to Awakening 01:36:01 - The Short Path vs. Progress in Spiritual Growth 01:38:59 - Surrender and the Debate on Free Will 01:42:50 - Understanding God and Conscious Awareness 01:47:28 - A Conversation about Writing and Books 01:50:43 - The Changing Relationship with the Guru