Ep107: Zen’s True Miracle - Henry Shukman 2
In this episode I am once again joined by Henry Shukman, award-winning poet, Zen teacher, and author of ‘One Blade of Grass; a Zen memoir’.
In this interview Henry reveals what he calls Zen’s true miracle, and shares his own personal journey of healing childhood trauma in the context of spiritual awakening and integration of enlightenment.
Henry also explores the two purposes of Zen koan training, contrasts different models of enlightenment, and explains how to awaken in the midst of intense suffering and pain.
Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.
Topics include:
00:00 – Intro
00:36 – Endorsed by Dr Rick Hanson
01:25 – Evolving definitions of trauma
05:16 – Cold War espionage and Henry’s infant trauma
08:18 – Profound insights from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
10:43 – Exploring Jungian dream work
17:36 – Can one be enlightened and traumatised?
21:08 – Integration and the Heart Sutra
29:46 – Asymptote of enlightenment vs ‘just this’
37:04 – Awakening in extreme trauma
40:40 – The two purposes of koan training
49:19 – Extraordinary states of mind vs ordinary reality
57:40 – Addendum: The true miracle of Zen
Previous episode with Henry Shukman:
To find out more about Henry Shukman, visit:
Published books by Henry Shukman:
Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James