Ep22: Jhana Master - Tina Rasmussen Ph.D
In this episode I talk with Tina Rasmussen Ph.D, a meditation teacher and author who is best known as being the first Western woman to master the virtuoso-level shamata meditation system of Pa Auk Sayadaw.
In this interview we learn about Tina’s life-defining quest for enlightenment which inspired her 1-year solo retreat in which her practice of Dzogchen triggered not only massive energetic phenomena but also a profound spiritual awakening.
We hear all about Tina’s training and authorisation under the notoriously rigorous Pa Auk Sayadaw, culminating in mastery of all 8 jhanas, with all ten kasinas, and much more.
We also discuss issues such as integration of awakening in professional life, romantic relationship after enlightenment, and sexual scandal among meditation teachers.
Topics Include:
0:00 – Intro
00:53 – Learning meditation at 13 years old
03:19 – Rediscovering the spiritual path after divorce
07:10 – Discovering a natural faculty for deep meditation experiences
10:31 – Straddling deep practice and high end business consulting
14:11 – Why Tina outed herself as a meditator in her professional life
18:36 – Effects of Tina’s spiritual practice on her romantic relationships, and meeting Stephen Snyder
24:10 – Rewired romantic life after enlightenment and Tibetan Tantra
29:20 – Tina’s 1 year solo retreat
40:55 – Extreme energetic experiences and DIY Tummo
44:21 – Tsoknyi Rinpoche and subtle body trauma
50:38 – The challenges of working with very popular teachers
55:33 – Finding mentors as an advanced practitioner
58:52 – Tina’s dream yoga practice and 24hr meditation
1:02:31 – Tsoknyi Rinpoche and Mingyur Rinpoche
1:03:24 – Tina’s Dzogchen practice
1:06:53 – Mastering shamata meditation under Pa Auk Sayadaw’s instruction
1:20:14 – Which is more difficult, shamata or awakening?
1:22:06 – The consequences of jhana mastery
1:27:14 – Scandals among spiritual teachers, levels of awakening, and personality material
1:33:21 – Defining ‘Do No Harm’ and the need for psychological understanding
1:43:20 – Working with Tina
To find out more about Tina Rasmussen Ph.D, visit:
– http://www.awakeningdharma.com/
Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James