A modern-day mystic and yogi, Eric Putkonen focuses on the \"Direct Path\" traditions (a.k.a. Pathless Path): Jnana Yoga, Advaita Vedanta, Zen Buddhism, etc. After searching for thirteen years and awakening in 2005, he has devoted himself to spreading the concepts and insights of these traditions. Eric speaks from direct realization, understanding, and experience, but borrows upon Ramana Maharshi, Nisargadatta Maharaj, Robert Adams, Papaji, Adyashanti, Eckhart Tolle, Alan Watts, and many others.


Out of Our Minds
Bi-weekly, 15-minute spirituality podcast focusing on Advaita / Nonduality in the "Direct Path" traditions (Advaita Vedanta, Zen Buddhism, Jnana Yoga, etc.)

Beyond the Three States Is the Self
21 Jul 2008 at 3:30pm
The three states are waking, dreaming, and deep dreamless sleep. By investigating and pondering these states, we are able to gather insight into the Self...and what is non-self (characteristics of the temporary form and also mentally created self image). Through this we can then abide as Self. http://www.awaken2life.org
Thought and Emotion Have No Basis In Reality
4 Jul 2008 at 3:30pm
We are typically caught up in the life story and believe our thoughts and emotions have validity, but our emotional reactions and thoughts are a product of our own minds and not based on reality. Eric will be covering two stories and a thought experiment to delve into this subject. http://www.awaken2life.org
The Importance of Satsang
24 Jun 2008 at 6:55pm
What is Satsang? Why is it important? These are two questions I am sometimes asked. These questions and the details about whether it is a transmission or resonance are covered. As well as the related benefits of keeping company with saints and sages. http://www.awaken2life.org
Who Am I?
7 Jun 2008 at 12:45pm
Discovering or realizing who and what we really are, is what enlightenment is. This is the grand question...a turning inward, rather than looking elsewhere. Our normal conception of who and what we are is a false self. What many people see as themselves is not their true selves, but self image. Who would we be without our self image? http://www.awaken2life.org
Equiminity and Dispassion for the World
24 May 2008 at 11:00am
When all things are truly seen as equal, there is no passion for one thing or another...and therefore dispassion. Is there a real difference between a piece of gold and a broken piece of pottery? Is there anything outside the mind and the world game it has created that should cause a passion for the gold? http://www.awaken2life.org
Mindfulness and the Quiet Mind
13 May 2008 at 3:00pm
What quiets the mind? What is Mindfulness? These two questions are intertwined. For mindfulness itself brings about a quiet mind without trying to control or quiet the mind...and therefore mindfulness can not be a mental activity. Let us explore mindfulness and find out why mindfulness quiets the mind. http://www.awaken2life.org
Understanding is All
27 Apr 2008 at 11:50am
The first of the Buddhism?s Noble Eightfold Path is often translated as Right View, but instead of View I would translate it as Understanding. How does Right Understanding related to the rest of the Eightfold Path? Can the Eightfold Path be condensed into the First? Is complete understanding all that is needed? http://www.awaken2life.org
Introductory Podcast
1 Sep 2007 at 2:00pm
Introductory podcast covering what we are doing here and why...as well as my contact information and the invitation to contact me.