141. From Web Designer to Oneness Monk, A Journey of Awakening with Douglas Bentley

Douglas Bentley joins me in this episode to explore the topic of change and permanence, among many others. Douglas was a monk at Oneness University in India for over a decade, during which time he studied directly under Sri Bhagavan. He has since returned to the West to serve as a teacher and spiritual guide. I met Doug in India in 2012, and have been wanting to have him on my show for years. I’m excited to share his wisdom with you in today’s show, and hope that this conversation can be the beginning of something big for you. Find Out More About Douglas Here: Douglas Bentley Douglas Bentley on Facebook Douglas Bentley on Instagram Douglas Bentley on YouTube In This Episode: [03:28] - Doug talks about his process of going from a web designer to a monk in India, describing his background in the process. [07:01] - We learn that Doug was the only Western monk during the time he was there, and was one of the first Westerners to be a monk there at all. [07:50] - Doug takes a moment to describe what an avatar is, and explain how people in India see holy people. [11:13] - Are an avatar and a guru two different things? [13:22] - Being awakened permanently is something to be sought after, but having awakened states doesn’t compare. Doug goes into depth about the differences between the two, despite the similarities of what they’re called. [18:58] - Stephan points out that we easily get caught up with identifying ourselves with our roles in life, such as thinking of oneself as a lawyer instead of someone who practices law. [22:33] - When and where did Doug start having profound experiences? [25:09] - Doug discusses some ways to achieve a better state of consciousness, which include jogging, eating well, and living a balanced life. [28:05] - We hear one of the things that Doug has always appreciated about Sri Bhagavan. [32:05] - The more helpless you’re willing to become, the faster and deeper your progress will be, Stephan explains. Doug then digs into this idea. [35:05] - Doug shares his thoughts on whether he thinks that the process he has been talking about is also happening at a meta level with humanity in general. [36:29] - Stephan shares a personal story about a very powerful experience that he had between his two trips to India. [40:23] - Doug has watched similar things happen many times during his ten years in India, he explains. [43:47] - For listeners who may not be familiar with the concept, Doug takes a moment to describe Maya. [45:49] - What is liberation? Doug describes it simply as awakening to the truth of reality and what you are. [49:03] - Doug returns to clarifying various terminologies, this time explaining dukkha among other terms. [52:14] - If you believe that your god or divine is a punishing god, that’s what you’ll experience, Stephan clarifies. Douglas then takes the concept a step further. [56:00] - How can listeners find Douglas to take the next step with him or learn more about the subjects he’s been discussing? Links and Resources: Douglas Bentley Douglas Bentley on Facebook Douglas Bentley on Instagram Douglas Bentley on YouTube Tony Robbins Platinum Partnership Oneness University Sri Bhagavan Kundalini Kundalini yoga Diksha Eckhart Tolle Maya Dukkha