Stephan Bodian is the founder and director of the School for Awakening where he teaches a direct path that circumvents the elaborate rituals, practices, and teachings of traditional religions such as Buddhism and Hinduism. The former editor of Yoga Journal, he believes that we can awaken from the dream of suffering and separation to the radiance and joy of our true nature. Many religious seekers spend a lot of energy trying to live up to a certain ideal and want a teacher who will give them the keys to the kingdom. Bodian, who was ordained as a Zen monk in 1974, states that in Zen this approach is called "putting another head on top of your own," rather than using the one you have.
In today's busy spiritual marketplace, many collect teachings from a variety of traditions and try to apply them to their lives. Bodian refers to one of his teachers, Jean Klein, who said that this is nothing more than "sweets for the ego." The direct path challenges us to throw away all conceptual baggage and the hope of spiritual self-improvement.
Bodian then sets out to dispel seven myths about awakening:
• Awakening is just another spiritual experience.
• You can become enlightened.
• Enlightenment is the pinnacle of a process of accomplishment and achievement.
• The point of enlightenment is to destroy the ego.
• Awakening involves the improvement and ultimate perfection of the me.
• Enlightenment brings omniscience and other extraordinary powers.
• You're already enlightened, so why bother seeking?
The awakened person lives fully in the present moment and expresses "a deep, abiding commitment to the truth in all circumstances." Bodian then goes on to discuss the practice of presence, embodying the light, and freeing the emotional body.
