Join author and meditation adept Delson Armstrong in an extra-ordinary tour of the marvels of the mind, and “high altitude” states of meditative absorption (jhana). The conversation begins with Delson’s background in Hindu based practices, his journeys into the Himalayas, and his candid experiences with the jhanas, especially the summit of nirodhasamapatti, or “equipoise of cessation,” a form of suspended animation that can last for seven days. Delson then offers stories of his unusual memory, and his ability to recall past lives, before sharing his experience of tacit awareness throughout the night, or a form of constant consciousness that results in lucidity 24/7. One consequence of this attainment is the cessation (nirodha) of all dreams, and the actualization of luminosity, or sleep yoga. What is the role of “determination” in these attainments, or the internal alarm clock that dictates duration of absorption? Are these qualities attained or dis-covered? Do they inspire or intimidate? Or are they, as Delson asserts, “No big deal.” How can this meditative proficiency prepare one for death? And what is the difference between voluntary and involuntary rebirth? The conversation turns to the role of science, and Delson’s participation in eye-popping studies that could shift paradigms about the nature and capacity of the mind. The explanatory power of “dependent origination,” or the causal nexus that generates samsara, is explored, and how a refined mind can detect all twelve links in this chain, and break it by replacing reactivity with response-ability. Is there any risk involved in sharing so much of one’s experience, and why do so? Andrew invites Delson to point out any blind spots that tantrikas (those who practice Vajrayana Buddhism) may fall into, and to share why he practices Theravada instead of Tantra. See why this gentle scholar-practitioner is causing a stir, and bringing real benefit to the world.
About Delson Armstrong
From Suttuvatta Foundation Website: Delson studied at Pathways World School in India for three years and completed his A Levels through the University of Cambridge International Examination center of the British Council. He graduated from the New York Film Academy and published a series of novels. He has ghostwritten for publishers, studios and private clients.
He attained all six degrees of Kriya Yoga under the lineages of Lahiri Mahasaya, Sri Yukteswar, and Paramahamsa Hariharananda. He has studied Upanishadic contemplative practices under the lineages of Paramahamsa Ramakrishna,Swami Sivananda, and Swami Chinmayananda.
Through study and application of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, he has attained all ten levels of Samadhi (meditative states of absorption). He has also practiced Jnana Yoga through the lineages of Ramana Maharishi and Nisargadatta Maharaj, attaining the level of Sahaja Samadhi (effortless absorption) and studied the teachings of J Krishnamurti and UG Krishnamurti.
In 2016 he completed an online retreat that is based on the original suttas and was introduced to Tranquil Wisdom Insight Meditation led by David Johnson. Delson naturally grasped the concepts of the 6Rs. Since then, he has taken a deep dive into the practice and the suttas and is able to easily guide students to the most sublime stages of peace and wisdom. He was asked by Venerable Bhante Vimalaramsi specifically to start teaching.
While guiding online and retreats, he supports individuals on their journey and interacts with research institutions on neuroscience, cognitive behavioral therapy, and the phenomenology of meditation. When situation allows for it, he is open to guiding physical retreats around the world upon invitation. His teachings are freely available to all.
