The Paradox of Spiritual Awakening - Existence and Non-Existence, Self and No-Self.

WORKSHOP WITH JEFF FOSTER

Spiritual teachers throughout the ages have spoken of the non-existence of the separate self. But where does daily life, and the complexity of human relationships, come into the picture? Without a self, how is it possible to function in the world? Doesn’t there need to be a ‘self’ and an ‘other’ for conventional existence to be possible? What does life look like, when it is no longer viewed from the perspective of a separate self? And if there is no separate self to awaken, then who awakens? Is awakening a rejection of conventional existence, or a total embrace of it?

In this workshop we will address all sorts of taboos and misconceptions surrounding the search for spiritual awakening and enlightenment! Join Jeff Foster for a fun and lively myth-busting event!

Questions that may come up include: What is spiritual awakening? If there is no self, who is it that awakens? How do spiritual awakening and enlightenment relate to addiction, to conflict in relationships, to depression, to physical pain, to our search for love and intimacy? Who are you, beyond all images and thoughts of yourself? What can you do to awaken? What is the role of spiritual practice? Is it possible to live beyond dualistic concepts such as ‘self’ and ‘no self, ‘choice’ and ‘no choice - even ‘duality’ and ‘nonduality’? What are words such as consciousness, awareness, presence, Being, aliveness, really pointing to? Is freedom something to be found in the future, or is it already present, within every experience?

Silence, laughter, lightness, and a sense of real intimacy, honesty and friendship are the hallmarks of encounters with Jeff. His meetings are very spontaneous and informal, and there are plenty of opportunities to share and ask questions, if you are so moved. And of course, if you just want to sit in silence and listen, without sharing, then that’s fine too.

Jeff Foster graduated in Astrophysics from Cambridge University in 2001. Several years after graduation, following a period of severe depression and illness, he became addicted to the idea of ‘spiritual enlightenment’, and embarked on an intensive spiritual search which lasted for several years. The spiritual search came to an absolute end with the clear recognition of the nondual nature of everything. In the clarity of this seeing, life became what it always was: spontaneous, open, joyful and fully alive.

Jeff presently holds meetings and retreats in the UK and Europe, clearly and directly pointing to the frustrations surrounding our seeking activities, to the nature of thought, and to the clarity at the heart of everything. His uncompromising approach, full of humour and compassion, shatters the mind’s hopes for a future salvation, revealing the unconditional freedom and ease that is always already present and available, right in the midst of the human drama. www.lifewithoutacentre.com.