All Personal Questions For Leo

[RossE]

I'm interested in your meditation practice @Leo Gura, particularly what you experience during it. You've been at it for 3 years daily now, which is about 6 times longer than I've been doing it! During a session is there much less internal talk? Are you very detached from the events within experience during meditation? 

Most importantly, have you experienced the exponential results that you (and Shinzen) have said that regular meditation delivers?

[Extreme Z7]

@Leo Gura  Oh man, I can't believe I haven't asked this question yet. . . Anyway. . . uh. .

Any thoughts on your book project you mentioned in your Why Rationality is Wrong video that you may or may not have been working on?

[Vaishnavi]

@Leo Gura if you could give just one advice, just one to a person you care for, what would it be?

[Mats]

Hey Leo, I would be grateful for some input on balance towards stimulation from modern technology.

I can spend hours on consuming information on the Internet, and my brain loves it, but in the end it gives me excessive thoughts, and I have a hard time being conscious and present after a session online.

Do you think stimulation from modern technology (internet, youtube etc) have a bad impact on consciousness, or is this just me who get excessive thoughts and go unconscious after a youtube/internet session?
 

[Guest username]

I watched your old video on relationship red flags. You seemed to look down on medication as a viable means of treating mental illness. 

 

Do you still hold that belief?  

[Key Elements]

@Leo Gura What is your main aim / mission in life? What is important for you to achieve so that it'll be profound?

[Elisabeth]

Hi Leo, 

will you do/release the video on the energetic body you promised when talking about becoming a sage? I would really love to hear the no bullshit explanation on that. All the best, Elisabeth

[onacloudynight]

At what age did you lose your virginity?

[SLICKHAWK]

Da Vinci would be at top my list too I truly admire his genius being.

[Leo Gura]

On 12/10/2016 at 10:19 PM, AxelK said:

Hey Leo, you made a post about healing trauma quickly through some technique you knew. Could you expand on this or give us a time frame for when you will share this information? Dont mean to nag you im sure you'll do it when the time comes but this is something i would benefit greatly from.

It's still baking. I got a lot of stuff cooking on backburners. Not sure when yet.

On 12/11/2016 at 1:23 AM, CreativeInertia said:

Hi Leo! Do you think it's possible to make spiritual progress without attending meditation retreats - by doing meditation, self-enquiry and self observation at home? I know that retreats tend to produce more peak experiences, but are they necessary?

Thanks

It's possible, but not likely you'll do it.

On 12/11/2016 at 7:23 AM, Venus said:

1. Considering your level of personal development compared to most people, is there certain characteristics you look for in women? If so what are they?

2. If there was one important thing you would tell a young person still in school to do or habit to start, what would it be?

1) There's a long list. I can relate to many people, but long-term success won't be possible unless she's into growth.

2) Meditate daily, self-inquiry, and contemplate epistemology.

On 12/11/2016 at 6:38 PM, RJ Rhodes said:

What is your personality type?

INTP

On 12/12/2016 at 0:40 PM, onacloudynight said:

Hey Leo!

I was just curious what meditation technique(s) you currently do?

Self-inquiry, do-nothing, and mindfulness with labeling.

On 12/13/2016 at 4:30 AM, Huz said:

What specific thing/action step that you have done to grow do you find has caused the most growth? Or caused you to grow at a faster rate?

eg mediation, pickup, LP etc

Meditation retreats, consciousness workshops, reading, and self-inquiry.

On 12/13/2016 at 4:26 PM, Venus said:

Do you still masturbate?

Yes

On 12/14/2016 at 8:51 PM, kyle barnett said:

Hey leo, how is your daily habit life now? Do you have any uselss distractions? Anyway of plugging in at all? Or are you able to enjoy just sitting? How do you recharge your batteries after a long day?

I do have some "dirty" habits like following politics, scanning a tech news site, porn, etc.

On 12/15/2016 at 1:19 PM, TylerW said:

@Leo Gura  Hey Leo, Do you plan on making a video discussing the various jhanas and progresses of insight?

Yes, when I'm experienced enough with them. Hitting all the Jhanas can take decades of work.

On 12/17/2016 at 7:31 PM, Hunter Arrington said:

Leo, can you share two or three tips for organizing research effectively? 

I wanna make a mini-course on that in the future.

On 12/19/2016 at 3:23 PM, Gabriel Antonio said:

1- What do you think of Thich Nhat Hahn?

2- What do you think of Jack Kornfield?

Both are masterful teachers

On 12/19/2016 at 11:09 PM, Martin123 said:

@Leo Gura After doing lots of consciousness work and research, would you consider yourself to be a more quality life-coach? (even though you don't do sessions anymore), and if so, what would be of greater effect - expanded  awareness or more knowledge?

Yes, definitely. Coaching is a lot easier when you understand the deep roots of all human neurosis, including your own. Since I stopped coaching, my understanding has grown substantially. So I would coach a lot differently now.

On 1/6/2017 at 2:20 PM, MHarris said:

Do you keep in touch with old friends from high school / college ?

If so what do they think about how much you've changed? 

Hardly. I keep very few close friends anyway.

On 1/6/2017 at 6:57 PM, Whywolf said:

Do you have pets, and if so what kind?  If not, ever thought of owning one?

Not since my Siamese cat (Smokey) died about 6 years ago.

On 1/6/2017 at 6:57 PM, eskwire said:

@Leo Gura What fear comes up the most? 

Wasting my life

On 1/8/2017 at 0:12 AM, Nervewracking said:

Hi Leo, what are your thoughts on / experiences with:

1) The Akashic Records

2) Meditating on 432hz music

3) Past lives
 

1) There seems to be something valid there, requiring more research

2) No idea

3) There seems to be something valid there, requiring more research

[Leo Gura]

On 1/8/2017 at 8:50 AM, General 2 said:

Dear Leo,

I know you moved to USA from Russia...anyway, do you have jewish roots?

No

On 1/8/2017 at 8:59 AM, Emerald Wilkins said:

This may be too personal so you don't have to answer it. But I've always been curious. Did your family move from Russia to escape the social ails (poverty, social decay, mafia, political upheaval, etc.) that resulted after the collapse of the Soviet Union? I've heard that the early 90s was pretty rocky. 

No, we moved just before the collapse because my Dad was doing business here.

On 1/8/2017 at 10:55 AM, Nic said:

Hi Leo, 

Please consider updating your playlists on Youtube again! Thank you very much for the good work and precious shared information that I'm watching "religiously"  ! It's a blessing!

Happy New Year to you!

Nic

So much to do, so little time.

On 1/8/2017 at 11:37 AM, RisingLane said:

Hi Leo,

what is your opinion on Lucid Dreaming?

It's real. Lots of opportunity there which I don't have time to explore right now.

On 1/9/2017 at 4:29 AM, Hunter Arrington said:

What made Leo this passionate?

What has Leo done to maintain his creativity? How was it cultivated, nurtured, and sustained?

Who are Leo's top three role models?

1) I've always been full of spiritual creativity. Maybe I earned it in a past life? I dunno.

2) That would be a whole course.

3) I believe I mentioned that in the life purpose course.

On 1/15/2017 at 2:15 AM, Lynnel said:

Hey Leo, I've always wondered : have you ever studied the theosophical society ?

More in particular Helena Blavatsky ? I find her book could be very interesting but it's extremely hard to read. Do you believe there is something to learn there ? Would you eventually help us explore more Occult traditions ? Thank you very much.

I'm familiar with it, but haven't studied it deeply.

Occult traditions are definitely grounded in reality, although often laden with much needless fantasy.

On 1/15/2017 at 2:34 PM, PetarKa said:

Leo, this is an question for personal advice:

Do you think as a teenager I should be focusing on Life Purpose, mastering dating, money, health - you know, all the "basic" stuff or go directly for enlightenment? Currently, I'm extremely hesitant about staring that path. I keep saying to myself that there's more important shit right now. Also a part of me (maybe my ego) keeps telling me that enlightenment is bullshit, yet another fears that I might be shooting myself in the foot by refusing to be open-minded about it. Your advice would be very helpful.

You have to follow your heart, whatever that might mean.

But regardless, do start a daily meditation practice. Don't be so black and white in your thinking. You can work on several things at once.

On 1/15/2017 at 9:13 PM, aryberry said:

@Leo Gura

would you say that your experience with meditation is more of an experience of finding inspiration, or of removing distraction?

 

why is it that you pursue the monk life with your ability to be mindful and find satisfaction in every moment, rather than use that power to enjoy the "lower consciousness" pleasures while at the same time exercising higher consciousness?

or is it that, you do not find an ability to be mindful during activities? or even, that finding satisfaction in every moment is something which still eludes you?

 

Is meditation really much different from mindfulness during activities? I understand that it is putting 100% into the activity.. but is that the only difference?

 

sorry if I am revealing my inexperience. I admit this is half me just wondering aloud, more so than a direct personal question, hehe.

Neither of those. Meditation is about BEING and perceiving accurately.

Low consciousness pleasure pale in comparison to high consciousness pleasures. Not even close. It's sorta like asking, "Why don't you punch yourself in the face?" Because it's painful.

On 1/16/2017 at 0:29 PM, JustinS said:

@Leo Gura 

How many hours a day do you spend reading, and at what time of day? Before bed? Morning?

It varies. Some weeks a lot, some weeks not at all. It doesn't matter when.

On 1/18/2017 at 6:35 AM, aryberry said:

Leo do you have a thought on if members confuse each other? heh. if they do sometimes confuse each other, do you find it annoying sometimes - and in general, when things annoy you, does this lead you to anger? I imagine however, that you do not often see merit in an outburst due to anger or frustration. or do you? 

 

personally I enjoy making silly motions with my arms to release energy. in this way I am having an outburst with strong emotions, but this is not harmful to others. hehehe. I wonder if I will pursue non-intrusive means of expressing my strong feelings, or if I will end up pursuing internal methods of preventing external actions. this is under the assumption that there is a me to be external to, of course... but for the time being this is the paradigm I understand using.

You guys certainly do confuse and distract each other. But that's the nature of public discussion, so a large degree of that must be tolerated. Everyone has their own growth curve. It annoys and saddens me when people start debates about nonduality or the like, or act ideologically. I feel pity for their ignorance.

On 1/20/2017 at 9:05 PM, Vladz0r said:

Hey, Leo.

I'm really interested in how you would respond to this. I'm someone who's not really well-versed in varied subjects, yet I'm interested in a lot of topics. I want to be broaden my perspective on life and learn some interesting stuff. What do you think are the most fascinating subjects you've ever learned about in the world, outside from the experiential, spiritual, and consciousness-related topics? If you had to come up with a list of topics of study that no one should go their lives without learning about, what would be on that list? ex. Neuroscience, Sociology, etc.

• Systems thinking
• Chaos theory
• Cosmology
• Linguistics
• Ecology
• Public policy issues
• Marketing & business
• History of West and East
• Physics
• Biology
• Evolution
• Psychology
• Sociology
• Art history
• Philosophy
• Epistemology
• Religious traditions
• Occult traditions
• Nutrition
• History of war & dictatorship
• Hypnosis
• Channeling
• Astral travel
• Mathematics, set theory, category theory, topology
• Other cultures
• Etymology
• Zoology, animals, naturalism
• Geology
• Paleontology
• Archeology
• Etc.

On 1/21/2017 at 3:45 PM, Matt23 said:

I've been meditating for a couple years now, and I've experienced some amazing benefits from it.  One thing I have been having a little trouble with is back pain.  I've heard that belly breathing is the type of breathing best suited for calming the mind.  Though, when I do this it deactivates my abdominal muscles, therefore making my lower back (and upper sometimes) start to ache.  I was instructed by a Pilates teacher that instead of using belly breathing and relaxing the abs, it would be better for my back to flex my abs and breath from just below the scapula in the back.  It feels like the big, flat muscles in your upper back are extending out and in.  I've tried this a few times.  I notice that, though my back doesn't ache, I'm putting a lot of effort into my abs.  Resulting in my mind becoming more tense.  Therefore kind of defeating the purpose of meditation for me. 

Basically, is it better to:  A) flex one's abs and then try to overcome the tension in the mind.  B)  Belly breath, but still have some pain in the back.  C)  Belly breath, but somehow still relieve the back at the same time?  

When you meditate, just sit totally naturally and focus all attention on being. Don't manipulate the breathe. If you want to work on your breathing, do that separately. Meditation is about surrender. Stop manipulating so much.

On 1/23/2017 at 2:16 PM, RossE said:

I'm interested in your meditation practice @Leo Gura, particularly what you experience during it. You've been at it for 3 years daily now, which is about 6 times longer than I've been doing it! During a session is there much less internal talk? Are you very detached from the events within experience during meditation? 

Most importantly, have you experienced the exponential results that you (and Shinzen) have said that regular meditation delivers?

It really varies. Depends on my mood and level of energy and attention. Some days, lots of monkey mind. Other days, still lots of thoughts arise, but it can feel like I'm on a very low dose of mushrooms.

On 1/25/2017 at 0:13 AM, Extreme Z7 said:

@Leo Gura  Oh man, I can't believe I haven't asked this question yet. . . Anyway. . . uh. .

Any thoughts on your book project you mentioned in your Why Rationality is Wrong video that you may or may not have been working on?

Much progress has been made on the book, but it's all just research notes at this point. Don't hold your breath, it probably won't be released for another 5 years. It's not your typical self-help book.

On 1/27/2017 at 7:14 AM, Vaishnavi said:

@Leo Gura if you could give just one advice, just one to a person you care for, what would it be?

Get enlightened. Nothing else really matters.

On 2/9/2017 at 5:34 AM, Mats said:

Hey Leo, I would be grateful for some input on balance towards stimulation from modern technology.

I can spend hours on consuming information on the Internet, and my brain loves it, but in the end it gives me excessive thoughts, and I have a hard time being conscious and present after a session online.

Do you think stimulation from modern technology (internet, youtube etc) have a bad impact on consciousness, or is this just me who get excessive thoughts and go unconscious after a youtube/internet session?

Of course, it's fucking TERRIBLE! Way worse than you ever, ever, ever imagined.

On 2/10/2017 at 1:29 AM, username said:

I watched your old video on relationship red flags. You seemed to look down on medication as a viable means of treating mental illness.

Do you still hold that belief?  

Medication is highly ineffective at treating mental illness. It almost never addresses the true root cause, and often makes things much worse.

Psychedelics are an exception. They ARE exceptionally effective when used properly.

On 2/10/2017 at 1:44 AM, Key Elements said:

@Leo Gura What is your main aim / mission in life? What is important for you to achieve so that it'll be profound?

I answer this in the life purpose course.

On 2/10/2017 at 2:37 AM, Elisabeth said:

Hi Leo, 

will you do/release the video on the energetic body you promised when talking about becoming a sage? I would really love to hear the no bullshit explanation on that. All the best, Elisabeth

Yes

4 hours ago, onacloudynight said:

At what age did you lose your virginity?

26, I think. I was too busy for sex. Wasn't a high priority for me (although I do enjoy it a lot).

[Ray]

Hey Leo! did you change your surname? Because "Guru" and "Gura" are a pretty similar... or is just a lucky coincidence? (If you don't want answer no problem  ) 

 

[Guest Annetta]

On 2/14/2017 at 11:59 PM, Leo Gura said:

Not since my Siamese cat (Smokey) died about 6 years ago.

Aw, sorry to hear about Smokey, Leo.

[Mondsee]

On 4 de diciembre de 2016 at 11:53 AM, Mats said:

@Leo Gura

I have an idea of something I think would be very helpful for us who are serious about the path. What if you had a section for paying members where you share more of your journey on the path. Share stuff like what you are researching, seminars you go to, people you are talking to and learning from. A place where you can discuss and share your ideas and thoughts to members who are serious and on the same path. 

On 10 de diciembre de 2016 at 3:52 PM, Leo Gura said:

Yeah, I've been thinking along those lines. I will be releasing a resource list which will scratch that itch.

Just a lil reminder over here that "those who are serious about the path" may include but are not limited to those who can pay for it. I bet there are a couple more members who are students highly interested in this material, but also destining their entire economic means to finance their studies. Nothing against the products for sale as the life purpose course or the book-list, because that is like an extra complementary information you can add to the regular content published. It'd be sad tough leaving the high-quality regular content only for those who can afford it.

Until now I have been so thankful that @Leo Gura shares so much for free, I know if it hadn't been this way, my life would be very different right now.

 

[Maxi]

It would be great if you could give us some hints on your research on various subjects, it would help those trying to get a big picture understanding. I can see many of those things just not overlapping with personal development, like conspiracy-theories and UFO-research. Maybe release some paid content like the book-list where you talk about your findings in different areas?

[Grant6]

Have you done any research on music therapy and how music could potentially help achieve enlightenment? Do you think music is a viable way of helping people with mental health issues or becoming enlightened?

[Emerald]

13 hours ago, Leo Gura said:

No, we moved just before the collapse because my Dad was doing business here.

I'm glad that you dodged that bullet.  My husband, who is Hungarian, was in his early teens when it collapsed. He said things were tough for a lot of older people who were used to Communism. But the situation in Hungary after the collapse pales in comparison  to what was happening in Russia, due to the fact that the Hungarian government mellowed out quite a bit in the 70s and 80s. Long story short, I'm glad that you didn't end up in a child gang or some other crazy stuff like that. 

[Extreme Z7]

17 hours ago, Leo Gura said:

Much progress has been made on the book, but it's all just research notes at this point. Don't hold your breath, it probably won't be released for another 5 years. It's not your typical self-help book.

Hehe, it's like you're turning into Robert Greene. . . or trying to compete with him. Something like that.

[Loreena]

Do you even sleep ........and for how many hours normally ??   Just curious

[vaib]

Hi @Leo Gura

1.Can one start meditation practice by "do nothing " technique? There is a separate video as "meditation for beginners,does that means this technique or others are not for beginners?

2.Do nothing can be done with eyes closed?Why only open eyes are mentioned by you.

3.where did you learnt about this technique in particular?Also where you learn about other techniques and there rules ,understandings etc?