Opening to the Grace of Life's Unpredictability | Riyaz Motan | Buddha at the Gas Pump Interview

Riyaz Motan discusses his experience with a stage 4 lung cancer diagnosis and the transformative journey it has led him on. He emphasizes the importance of embracing vulnerability and authenticity in teaching and how a shift in consciousness is critical for the evolution of humanity and the planet.

Cancer Diagnosis

• 00:00:05 Motan discusses the impact of his cancer diagnosis on his teaching, revealing that it has forced him to embrace vulnerability and fragility in his interactions with students. He finds this approach to be more potent and profound than his previous teaching style.

Dharma Transmission

• 00:03:40 Motan shares his experience of receiving Dharma transmission from his teacher Adyashanti. He describes the event as a quiet and beautiful confirmation of his path, rather than a dramatic or energetic experience. The transmission solidified through conversations with Adya leading up to the ceremony.

Life's Curriculum

• 00:12:21 Motan believes that all life experiences, both positive and negative, are part of an individual's soul's curriculum. He trusts that even difficult situations are meant to be and presents an attitude of acceptance and learning from them.

Facing Mortality

• 00:17:48 Motan discusses his practice of confronting death through meditation and other practices for years before his diagnosis. He emphasizes the liberating effect of facing mortality, allowing him to live more fully in the present moment. Now, with cancer, he is faced with death daily and views it as a teacher.

Spiritual Growth

• 00:20:57 Motan reflects on the humbling nature of his cancer journey, as it has challenged his previous sense of spiritual understanding and mastery. He emphasizes the importance of humility, openness, and acknowledging that there is always more to learn.

Western vs. Alternative Healing

• 00:23:50 Motan describes his experience with various cancer treatments, including targeted therapies and chemotherapy. While initially hopeful with the targeted therapy, it proved ineffective after six months. Due to severe side effects and his intuition, he shifted to alternative healing methods.

Discernment

• 00:31:02 Motan acknowledges the overwhelming amount of information and advice received from friends and others about alternative cancer treatments. He emphasizes the importance of discernment and trusting one's own knowing in navigating such overwhelming situations.

Tantric Perspective

• 00:38:45 Motan contrasts the Vedantic understanding of non-duality, focused on transcendence, with a tantric perspective that embraces waking up within the dream of the world. He explains how his own spiritual journey has shifted towards a tantric approach, valuing the material world and finding God in all things.

Teacher Authenticity

• 01:00:23 Motan questions the lack of transparency regarding human frailties and vulnerabilities amongst spiritual teachers. He believes that teachers should be more authentic and share their own struggles, as it models a realistic and relatable path to enlightenment.

Collective Consciousness

• 01:00:50 Motan emphasizes the power of collective consciousness in spiritual groups, where shared presence and awareness can create a field of healing and transformation. This shared experience can be more powerful than individual practice.

Spiritual Awakening

• 01:01:53 Motan discusses the idea of spiritual awakening as a holistic process, encompassing all aspects of an individual's being, including their emotions, relationships, and daily life. He believes that awakening should extend beyond the cushion and into the everyday world.

Shift in Consciousness

• 01:01:53 Motan believes that the world is undergoing a shift in consciousness, marked by increased awareness, interconnectedness, and a greater emphasis on compassion. He sees this shift as necessary to address global crises and promote a more harmonious existence.

Neurodivergence

• 01:25:21 Motan discusses the growing awareness of neurodivergence and its potential significance in understanding human consciousness. He suggests that neurodivergent individuals may possess unique abilities and perspectives that could contribute to a broader understanding of reality.

Psychedelics

• 01:33:00 Motan discusses the role of psychedelics in spiritual awakening, acknowledging their potential benefits and risks. He believes that while they can be misused, they have the potential to accelerate consciousness and facilitate a shift in understanding.

Reconnecting with Nature

• 01:37:15 Motan emphasizes the importance of reconnecting with nature as a path to spiritual awakening. He describes his own experiences in redwood forests, where he has felt a profound connection to the natural world and a sense of interconnectedness with all beings.