Zen teacher and author Henry Shukman offers a clear and grounded introduction to the heart of Zen practice. We explore how awakening is not an escape from life, but a deeper participation in it — a realization that dissolves the illusion of separation and reveals a boundless field of awareness and love. Henry shares his own spontaneous awakening experience at 19, the profound insight that life is not divided between self and world, and the difficult healing journey that followed. From mindfulness and meditation to flow states, jhanas, koans, and the role of trauma in spiritual growth, this conversation maps out a path that integrates awakening with emotional healing. 30 free guided meditations w/ Henry ⤵️ https://thewayapp.com/knowthyself Download Saily and use code KNOWTHYSELF to get 15% off ⤵️ https://saily.com/knowthyself André's Book Recs: https://www.knowthyselfpodcast.com/book-list ___________ 00:00 Intro 01:26 An Introduction to Zen 13:10 The Premise of Original Love 17:14 Training the Mind Like the Body 20:54 Freedom From Identification With Thought 27:50 What Are the Jhanas? 32:50 Ad: Saily 33:54 Tasting Awakening for Yourself 45:17 Awakening vs Psychological Healing 50:17 Awakening as an Ongoing Path 54:54 The Distinct Path of Zen 59:13 Koans as a Path to Insight 1:13:53 The Enlightenment of the Mundane 1:20:07 The Freedom of Emptiness 1:26:16 The Necessity of Meditation Practice 1:34:32 Sweeping the Yard (A Zen Poem) 1:43:33 Beauty, Ethics, and Interconnection 1:47:33 The Journey to a Whole Heart (A Poem on Heartbreak) 2:02:58 Original Love in a Fragmented World ___________ Episode Resources: https://www.instagram.com/henryshukman/ https://www.instagram.com/theway_app/ https://www.instagram.com/andreduqum/ https://www.instagram.com/knowthyself/ https://www.youtube.com/@knowthyselfpodcast https://www.knowthyselfpodcast.com Listen to the show: Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4bZMq9l Apple: https://apple.co/4iATICX