Interviews with leading spiritual teachers and writers about their latest challenges—the "leading edge" of their work.
Ed Bastian: Facing Death to Live Fully
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Tami Simon speaks with Ed Bastian a Buddhist scholar, teacher, filmmaker, and president of the Spiritual Paths Foundation, an organization that provides retreats, classes and advanced programs on interfaith studies. He is also the coauthor of the Sounds True book Living Fully, Dying Well. Ed Discusses what he calls “the gift of death,” what science tells us about consciousness outside the body, and the transformation that occurs when we face death full on. (44 Minutes)
» Read the transcript
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Thank you Ed (and Tami, of course),
I sit humbly at the feet of anyone who has been on the very edge of death, eager to learn all that I can. To see “the end” through your eyes as a grand adventure gives me a fresh perspective.
Your interview reminds me of an Old Indian saying:
When you were born, you cried and the world rejoiced. Live your life in such a way that when you die, the world cries and you rejoice!
Love the story of the woman who sat in her car, entering into a meditative state, in readiness to give of her full presence to the person she is about to visit! Our loving presence IS THE GIFT.
As for what happens to our consciousness after death, I concur that our spirits live on — absolutely! Our spiritual energy pervades the universe beyond the lifespan of our mortal bodies.
Thank you such!
Jo-Ann
Comment by Jo-Ann Triner — January 5, 2010 @ 4:16 pm
The antidote to fearing death is a life well-lived. When the reaper calls (as he inevitably will), I’m skidding in broadside…tattered, worn out, and hollering: Wow! What a ride!
Thanks for another great podcast.
Comment by Cogiterium — January 7, 2010 @ 10:17 pm
I knew Ed in College and am so proud of WHO he has become: Spiritual teacher, balanced empathy, humble, wonderful spot on examples which articulate “slowly with detail” so we can “truly” understand and apply.
I just found Ed on the web after 45 years and will use his materials in my Human Development classes in the DCCCD community college.
Ed dunked and was very deceptive/clever in playing center in basketball. He broke my nose pulling down a rebound! Ha
Joel Jessen Human Development Professor
Comment by Joel Jessen Dallas, Texas — June 6, 2010 @ 2:35 pm