Podcast
Letters to the Sky
Hosted by Adam Rizvi & Stephan Downes · EN
Letters to the Sky is a podcast about waking up to what you are. We explore awakening and nonduality through honest conversation, irreverent humor, and stories drawn from many traditions and our own lives. Instead of fixed answers, we invite listeners into direct inquiry. Be right where you are. No dogma. Just the ongoing experiment of seeing through illusion and resting in what remains.
12episodes
Episodes
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Patanjali's Yoga Sutras: Do You Need a Religion to Wake Up?
2d ago01:10:12Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailPatanjali's Yoga Sutras: Do You Need a Religion to Wake Up?Enjoying our podcast? Please help us out and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Your thumbs up goes a long way.Every spiritual tradition hands you a map. Patanjali's eight limbs. Teresa of Avila's Interior Castle. The Four Noble Truths. Lojong mind training. But here's the question nobody asks: What good is the map if you don't know how to drive a car?In this episode, Stephan and Adam dig into what spiritual maps are really for, and when staring at one becomes the obstacle itself. They get into why discipline and restraint are the most skipped steps in Western spirituality, what actually happens when the surface mind quiets down (hint: it's not peace), and why the why behind your emotions matters less than you think.Topics covered:Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, the eight limbs, and yogas chitta vritti nirodhaLojong mind training and transforming difficulty into the pathTeresa of Avila's Interior Castle and the non-linear nature of the journeySengcan's Hsin Hsin Ming, the Zen case for dropping preferences entirelyA Course in Miracles on forgiveness as stillnessWhy Neo-Advaita can leave you stuckQuestions, topic ideas, or books you want us to read: letterstotheskypodcast@gmail.com00:00 Back After Hiatus00:21 Lost Episode Story01:20 Do We Need A Map?02:57 What Counts As A Map?05:50 Different Destinations09:09 Map Versus Road11:04 Spiritual Stages And Ego14:13 Inner Roads Of Practice16:09 Ethics As Foundation26:54 Meditation Clicks Over Time30:48 Quiet Mind Brings Pain34:21 Therapy Versus Inquiry35:41 Why Knowing Why Fails36:51 Karma Reincarnation Context39:17 View Path Fruit Framework42:40 Mind Training Maps45:15 Shoes Frustration Practice48:54 Feel Fully Drop Resistance53:22 Forgiveness No Preferences01:00:34 Signs of Progress01:04:17 Map Question Wrap UpSupport the showCopyright 2026 by Letters to the Sky
Transcribe →Awakening Without Bypassing: Integration, Emotions, and the Ground of Safety
Feb 1601:02:41Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailIn this episode of Letters to the Sky, Stephan and Adam speak with Dave Biggs, a UK-based nondual teacher whose path grew out of a highly controlled religious upbringing, childhood trauma, and years of anxiety, panic disorder, addiction, and a bipolar diagnosis. Drawing on his experience supporting others in distress through the NHS and Samaritans, Dave explores why awakening can become a subtle escape when intense suffering makes the idea of “no self” feel like a final hope—and how that denial eventually crashes.Together, they unpack the overlooked work of post-awakening integration: the way emotions can become more raw and intense when resistance falls away, why kindness and gentleness still matter, and how labeling and story-making can trap sensations instead of letting them move through. Dave describes an “absolute” ground of unconditioned awareness as a stabilizing landing pad—like a starter before the main course—that makes it possible to face trauma without bypassing the human experience. The conversation closes with Dave sharing brief details of his childhood split between Jehovah’s Witness fear and his father’s atheism, his long search to disprove a malicious God, and the eventual recognition of an unconditionally loving presence, along with ways to connect with him at dualitydetox.com.00:00 Welcome 01:00 How They Met Dave: Voice Memos, Nonduality Groups & Shared Language02:07 Dave’s Background: Trauma, Mental Health, and Teaching Without Bypassing05:53 The Trap of ‘No One Here’: Spiritual Bypassing, Denial, and the Crash11:54 Real Self-Realization: Ordinary, Subtle, and Noticed by the Absence of Suffering13:46 Integration Mechanics: Momentum After Awakening & the ‘Last 5%’ of Work16:41 Emotions After Awakening: Anger, Grief, Tears, and Feeling It Fully19:24 Letting Emotions Move: Disney Tears, Accessibility, and Dropping the Labels22:58 The ‘Child Catcher’ Metaphor: Stop Netting Feelings and Naming Them27:02 Mind’s Story-Making vs Witnessing: Grasping, Aversion, and Waves Passing Through30:18 Groundlessness & Ultimate Truth: Returning to What We Are32:00 The “Landing Pad”: Unconditioned Awareness as the Base34:08 Starter vs Main Course: Letting Experience Move Through You37:02 Macbeth, Despair, and Finding the Ground Beneath the “Sound and Fury”40:32 Post-Awakening Reality Check: Emotions Don’t Disappear41:49 Why the Ground Makes Healing Possible (and the Hand Analogy Explained)44:14 Healing Is Reachable: Safety, Integration, and Trauma Unraveling46:23 When Pain Becomes Identity: The MS Patient Story49:30 Dave’s Lived-Experience Work & Dropping the Trauma “Performance”54:40 Dave’s Childhood & Awakening Turning Point (High-Level Story)59:27 Wrap-Up: Keep Doing the Work + Where to Find DaveSupport the showCopyright 2026 by Letters to the Sky
Transcribe →Pema Chodron's Comfortable With Uncertainty
Jan 800:56:41Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailEmbracing Discomfort: The Practice of Tonglen and Pema Chödrön's TeachingsIn this episode of Letters to the Sky, Stephan and Adam delve into the transformative teachings of Pema Chödrön's book, 'Comfortable with Uncertainty.' They explore the profound practice of Tonglen and how it serves as a tool for spiritual awakening and a deepening connection to all beings. With heartfelt reflections and guided meditations, they discuss the existential discomfort inherent in being human and the importance of equanimity in facing life's challenges. Join them for a meaningful conversation that touches on the core of waking up and embracing the full spectrum of human experience.Correction: Ani Pema is American-born.00:47 Discussing Pema Chödrön's Comfortable with Uncertainty02:41 Exploring Lojong and Mind Training08:45 Understanding Tonglen Practice19:04 The Path of the Bodhisattva29:32 Understanding Resistance and Ego29:51 Meditation and Letting Go30:58 Weather as a Metaphor for Life32:24 The Illusion of Perfection33:59 Exploring the Six Realms of Being37:14 Heaven and Hell: A Zen Perspective41:27 Practicing Tonglen Meditation50:15 Personal Reflections on Tonglen55:07 Final Thoughts and TakeawaysSupport the showCopyright 2026 by Letters to the Sky
Transcribe →Love Does Not Know Death by Adam Rizvi
Dec 100:55:37Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailIn this special episode, Adam takes the spotlight as Stephan interviews him about his newly published book, 'Love Does Not Know Death.' The conversation delves deep into Adam's unique perspective as a neurocritical care doctor who has seen countless patients at the end of their lives. They discuss the inspiration behind the book, touching on themes of spiritual transformation, the physical and emotional aspects of dying, and the profound insights that have come not only to Adam in his practice, but to the patients themselves as they reach the end of their lives. Stephan and Adam also explore the challenging yet rewarding process of writing the book, offering a glimpse into Adam's own spiritual journey and how he uses storytelling to convey powerful truths. An enlightening discussion for anyone intrigued by the intersections of medicine, spirituality, and the human experience of death.Here's a link to purchase your own copy of Adam's book: https://a.co/d/5FZ6r7e00:00 Introduction and Greetings00:49 Adam's New Book: Love Does Not Know Death04:30 The Journey of Writing a Book05:24 A Memorable Patient Story09:44 Lessons from Death and Forgiveness14:02 Challenges in Healthcare and Healing19:10 The Deeper Meaning of Healing23:10 Facing Mortality and Embracing Life31:09 Embracing the Messiness of Terminal Diagnoses33:03 Healthy Responses to Death34:35 Guilt and Burden in Facing Death37:40 The Power of Self-Love in Facing Death38:45 The Transformative Process of Writing45:24 Insights on Writing and Creativity53:55 ConclusionSupport the showCopyright 2026 by Letters to the Sky
Transcribe →Where Does Spiritual Authority Come From?
Nov 1100:56:26Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailIn this episode, Stephan and Adam crack open one of the trickiest questions on the spiritual path: Who gets to claim authority — and why do we keep giving it away? From childhood conditioning to teacher-student dynamics, we explore how spiritual authority forms, how it collapses, and how it can finally return to its rightful place: your own direct knowing. With warmth, humor, and a few gentle provocations, we look at the subtle ways we outsource our inner clarity and how to recognize the voice that was always yours.A grounded, liberating conversation for anyone walking the line between devotion, discernment, and awakening.Support the showCopyright 2026 by Letters to the Sky
Transcribe →Embody Enlightenment Now with Adyashanti's The End of Your World
Sep 1500:56:11Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailExploring Adyashanti's 'The End of Your World'Stephan and Adam dive into Adyashanti's 'The End of Your World' and share their honest thoughts and personal experiences about the long process of embodying enlightenment after moments of realization. From the pitfalls of spiritual awakening to the simple beauty of being present, they cover it all with warmth, humor, and a sprinkle of cheekiness. Tune in to find out what it's like when spiritual journeys go off script and how honesty can be the game-changer you didn't know you needed. Grab your favorite drink, sit back, and enjoy this adventure through the world of spirituality with a side of laughs.00:00 Reconnecting00:54 Discussing 'The End of Your World' by Adyashanti03:10 Dissolution and Reality05:08 Challenges and Realizations in Awakening09:37 Waking Up is Like a Rocket11:14 Personal Awakening Experiences16:57 The Importance of Honesty26:38 Traps and Pitfalls on the Spiritual Path31:58 The Ego's Voice: Convincing You That Now is Not Okay32:43 The Simplicity of 'I Am': Insights from Adyashanti33:31 Questioning Reincarnation: A Personal Reflection35:23 The Trap of Concepts: How They Shape Our Lives36:40 Understanding Adyashanti: Background and Teachings40:42 Awakening in the Present Moment43:06 The Impact of Future Obsession on the Present46:36 Practical Advice for Overcoming Future Obsession54:45 Final Thoughts and ReflectionsSupport the showCopyright 2026 by Letters to the Sky
Transcribe →The Work that Reconnects - A Tribute to Joanna Macy
Aug 2500:53:30Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailHonoring Joanna Macy: Love, Grief, and the Dance of LifeWelcome back, folks! Join Stephan and Adam as they dive into a heartwarming tribute to the incomparable Joanna Macy. They chat about her life, her profound contributions to spiritual ecology, and her legacy of promoting interconnectedness and compassion. Explore grief, love, and how we can be Shambala warriors, embracing powerful, love-driven action in today's world. Shoutout to Dayton for the episode inspiration!If you have an episode recommendation on a book or topic related to awakening and spirituality, and to sign up for our email list, email us directly at:letterstotheskypodcast [ at] gmail.com00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:54 Tribute to Joanna Macy01:26 Joanna Macy's Life and Work03:04 Emotional Connection and Grief04:16 Spiritual Ecology and Interconnectedness14:41 The Shambala Prophecy22:52 Taking Action from Love29:09 Misconceptions About Awakening30:16 The True Meaning of Awakening31:24 Mind-Made Weapons and Their Undoing33:35 The Power of Love Over Hate35:36 Feeling Without Pathologizing47:47 Joanna Macy's Reverence for Life51:49 Final Thoughts and Call to ActionSupport the showCopyright 2026 by Letters to the Sky
Transcribe →Drop All Resistance To Your Life the Way It Is - Zen Enlightenment
Jul 1700:49:07Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailEmail Stephan and Adam at letterstotheskypodcast[at]gmail.com. We love to hear from you and hear your ideas for episode topics.Well, here we go again! Stephan keeps trying to lock Adam in the basement, but somehow he always escapes. Join the delightful duo as they navigate formalities and dive into the incredible origins of Zen. This episode unfolds the mind-blowing history of Bodhidharma, the first Zen Patriarch, who spent nine years staring at a wall (seriously, nine years!) and also helped shape Shaolin Kung Fu. The journey continues to Sengcan, the third patriarch, and the profound depth of the Hsin Hsin Ming. Stephan and Adam ponder the nuances of preferences, tension in existence, and how to naturally flow through life like a river. Is there any resistance in this moment? Well, let's find out together. Plus, discover meditative practices and brainwave science with a sprinkle of Adam's doctorly insight. Email Stephan and Adam at letterstotheskypodcast[at[gmail.comRam Dass reading the Hsin Hsin Ming: https://www.ramdass.org/ram-dass-reads-the-third-chinese-patriarch/Ziran (the natural, spontaneous way): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ziran00:00 Introduction and Banter00:32 Starting the Episode01:13 Discussing the Third Zen Patriarch01:53 Origins of Zen and Bodhidharma04:10 Zen vs Tibetan Buddhism06:10 Bodhi Dharma's Teachings and Legacy08:41 The Profound Teachings of the Shin Shin Ming12:37 Exploring Preferences and Awareness15:58 The Role of Preferences in Enlightenment25:19 Naturalness and Spontaneity in Action27:10 Understanding Preferences and Misinterpretations27:31 Natural Actions and Harmony29:06 The Grind vs. Natural Flow32:11 Meditative Practices and Brainwaves36:16 Exploring Resistance and Allowing38:40 The Metaphor of Layers45:26 Final ThoughtsSupport the showCopyright 2026 by Letters to the Sky
Transcribe →How to Turn the Mind into a Sword of Awakening
Jul 1100:19:26Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailHey everyone, it's Stephan here! Ever wondered how to use your mind as a tool for awakening? Dive deep with me as I share insights, personal experiences, and some practical tips to train your mind on this incredible journey. From discussing the paths of devotion and meditation, to emphasizing the importance of dissolving beliefs, this video tackles the discomforts and blissful moments of the path to enlightenment. Get ready to cut through false beliefs and embrace a greater understanding. No beliefs are ultimately true, but some can be more useful than others on this journey. Join me and let's start cutting!Support the showCopyright 2026 by Letters to the Sky
Transcribe →Ruin Everything With These Two Simple Steps!
Jul 1000:48:07Tap to summarizeSend us Fan Mail👀 Join Adam and Stephan as they dive deep into the spiritual journey with a sprinkle of humor and a whole lot of wisdom. Beating their previous record of six months of not recording they’re back after only a week to unpack the secrets of doing the most damage to your spiritual path with the least amount of effort. They've even got book recommendations and analogies stacked on analogies for days. So come for the laughs, stay for the enlightenment, and remember, take it easy!Support the showCopyright 2026 by Letters to the Sky
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