How to Make Exceptional Spiritual Progress in Today's World
I know how this sounds, but I had the great good fortune to be a student of a fully enlightened Buddhist teacher. Enlightenment structurally means that the person has experienced nirvikalpa samadhi many times, the result being that their finite mind has dissolved into the clear light of nirvana. This is all a way of talking, it's really impossible to describe because, unfortunately, the span of our human mind simply cannot grasp it. In both Hindu and Buddhist scriptures they say that enlightenment "is beyond the mind's ability to grasp." It takes many incarnations, you must gradually break up and remove all of the aggregates that accrue from past lives—it’s complicated. My teacher, the late Dr. Frederick Lenz, known to his students as Rama, was wonderful. He always had this golden glow around him when we meditated, and performed too many miracles for me to recount here. He definitely knew he was enlightened and taught us how to become that, which is quite involved. He'd joke that it wasn't that becoming enlightened was that difficult, it just wasn't very popular here on Earth. Even for those who consider themselves hardcore spiritual seekers, there is such a strong attachment to your personal identity, which is really what is blocking enlightenment. And taking a wrecking ball to that absolutely is not how to do it. He explained how it's done this way:
“What the teacher does is gradually—over a period of time, really over a period of years—enable the being to change their self-reflection by compacting their life, strengthening it, getting all the junk out of it, learning to be happy, free, and strong, and then gradually, again I use the word ‘gradually,’ stepping into other dimensional realities—very specific ones, where for a while we will stand and gaze with awe and wonder at the universe.
...The mind of God is reality without limitations—perception not limited to its own field. That’s what we call Enlightenment. And to have that mind, to be the perfect mind of the universe, that’s the only thing really worth doing because all other self-reflections trap us and cause us pain."
His approach was to tell you what is actually going on during meditation, based on his direct experience:
“Meditate and realize that when you meditate, no matter how high you go, no matter how deeply you perceive, that you’re only touching the bare surface of infinity. Just hold in mind the fact that beyond your perception is ecstasy. Not far beyond. Just with the stoppage of thought there’s ecstasy—power, understanding, in limitless amounts. And no matter how far you go, you can never experience all of it. And if you dissolve the self completely, it doesn’t end. The self is just a filter that prevents us from seeing completely. It has its place. Sometimes we need that filter, but sometimes we don’t."
Available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble and in bookstores and libraries as an eBook, paperback, and hardcover, with 189 quotations from Rama's recorded talks, many over a page long. As an audiobook, there are five and a half hours of Rama's original recordings spliced in for all of his quotes, and narrated by the author. Available on Audible, Amazon, Apple, Google, Spotify, Barnes & Noble, and 40 other audiobook sites. Both versions include 6 color photographs of Rama and 2 yantras for meditation. A unique, wonderful teacher awaiting your discovery.
“Thoughtful and thought-provoking throughout, "Rama Speaks: The Teachings of Rama - Dr. Frederick Lenz" is an extraordinary Spiritual Self-Help volume that will be an enduringly appreciated addition to personal, professional, community, and academic library Metaphysical Studies & Karmic Buddhism collections.” – Midwest Book Review
Rama-Dr. Frederick Lenz
Dr. Frederick Lenz (1950-1998), known to his students as Rama, taught over a thousand people he accepted as direct students an unusual blend of spiritual practices for 20 years. It was a combination of insights and techniques shared by Zen and Tibetan Buddhism, Hindu Vedanta and Yoga, and Native American mysticism. These were implemented through a unique approach to living in the modern world, and built upon a foundation of meditation and mindfulness. It was all directed towards enlightenment.
Enlightenment means the dissolution of the finite self into the infinite mind, but how is that actually done? It is quite a long and complex process. Rama explained to us, in detail, how the process works, with its many interdependencies and stages.
This book consolidates the material contained in 120 audio tapes he recorded for his students into a single book, and organizes it all into an easy-to-follow narrative. In these talks Rama teaches the pathway to enlightenment, carefully breaking down the steps and how to do them in today's world. While many of the things he taught can be found in spiritual books, many cannot, and none all in the same place.
As the title of the book says, the idea is to let Rama speak directly to you.
“Buddhism is about bringing your mind into a very clear state and from there going to a state that’s more clear and so on until you become Enlightened. And that’s done with a great deal of self-effort. We have to remove all the toxins, all the pollutants from our mind. The mind is originally clear. When you scrape all the barnacles off and get down to the reality of your mind, it’s clear. We all have perfect minds. So it’s not as if we have to go get something. It’s not as if we don’t have the right vehicle. But the problem is it’s covered over with a lot of barnacles, with silt, with obscurations.
The longer we can stay in the thoughtless state, the more the obscurations are washed away, because when we stop thought a tremendous amount of energy is released. That energy purifies the mind…. To become Enlightened we have to purify the mind. So if you want to become Enlightened, you have to clear up your mind completely…. We do it a little at the beginning, and then more and more, and then eventually it consumes us, literally, until there is no self, there is only light.
When we meditate we stop our thought. When your thought stops, the mind is perfect.... That’s what is eternal. When there is no thought, no sense of self, no impressions, that’s eternity.... What you feel—that reality—that’s eternal, that’s beyond transience. That’s what we really are, of course. That is the eternal self…. That’s forever.”
"It’s through the conscious removal of the focus of the mind and the body to the realm of spirit, to the realm of happiness. Now when I talk about the realm of spirit, happiness, nirvana, Enlightenment, I’m not talking about something ideal or imaginary. There are realms of light that exist that have always existed and will always exist. They’re much more solid than the transient, sensorially perceived or mentally perceived reality that you’re currently experiencing. They’re just behind the world that you see. Oh, there are countless dimensional worlds, but they’re no different than this one, really.”
"We could take all the pleasures that have ever been and will ever be in all of the universes that have ever been, are now, or will ever be, and add them up into one experience, and if you were absorbed in nirvana, it would not be noticed."
“So a teacher is not someone who you have to have. That is to say, you don’t need them perpetually. You need them to show you how to get through the doorway, but once you get through the doorway, you’re on your own. Then you have to grow and experience Enlightenment. Then you come back—if you want to go through a higher doorway—and so on and so on. They show you how to refine yourself until you’re able to enter into nirvana on your own. Then no more teacher. Guess what? Only Enlightenment everywhere.”
Kathy Mehlin, meditator and school teacher: “Well done! Awesome job conveying Rama’s teachings. Rama Speaks is a gift to those that are willing to take it. Larry Borok is the messenger and does an awesome job at conveying all that he has learned from his teacher Rama. Dr. Frederick Lenz and his teachings live on thanks to his students like Larry Borok. This is a magnificent read. I love the hard cover and I appreciate the Kindle version as I am able to download music and links right to my iPad. I was a student of Larry’s for a long time and it was the best gift I ever received. You will not be disappointed if you follow the meditations and lessons in this book.”
Andrew Jurkevics, Director, The Adi Da Foundation: “Here we have an important book. American-born Rama-Dr. Frederick Lenz practiced and taught a radical pathway to Enlightenment in which he adapted the venerable Eastern practices of tantric Buddhism to a modern-day Western setting. His unique way fully embraces the features of Western culture without compromising the true purpose, which is pure Enlightenment, or Liberation. Rama laid out his “teachings” in series of recorded lectures, many which are now available online.
In this book, Larry Borok does a wonderful job of organizing and distilling Rama’s core teachings--as well as providing his own insightful commentaries--in a manner that preserves their original essence while retaining their nuance, depth, and humor.
So here we have an important book, not only because Rama’s teachings are important but also because of the valuable work Larry has done to make them accessible to everyone.”
Lex Nesta, businessman and meditator: “Mr. Borok has created an avenue for understanding Rama's teachings and how to meditate. This book will help gain an understanding about Rama's teachings. You will learn about meditation and how to apply it to your own life. Even a beginner will enjoy reading this book. It's interesting and easy to understand.”
James Chiles, Software Consultant: “Very different approach to meditation. Just purchased this yesterday and I find that I can't put it down. I have read other works about and by Rama (Frederick Lenz). Rama had a very unique approach to the practice of meditation, the likes of which I haven't been able to find elsewhere. Mr. Borok has put together a brilliant and wonderful distillation of Rama's recorded talks. These talks have been fairly recently transcribed and made available via Amazon and other resources. Whether or not the reader has been exposed to Rama before is irrelevant. This is an excellent primer that presents practical suggestions for people who have been attempting meditation for a long time or have recently developed an interest in this centuries old practice that transcends time and culture.”
Stan Koehler, Founder & Director, Peace on the Street, NYC: “Straight forward clear information. After studying with Rama for some period, I developed a program for inner-city youth that integrates much of Rama’s teachings into practical training for success both on 125th St. and Wall St. Larry’s book provided a helpful reflection on which of Rama’s teachings I have accented and which ones I have deemphasized during the last twenty years.
Larry’s presentation of Rama’s teaching focuses exclusively on Rama’s curriculum. It was refreshing to find a book that eschewed both hagiography and personality critiques and provided a direct, easy-to-read exposition of precisely what was being taught.
Many might not be enthused about setting aside the cultural trappings of other societies and emphasizing the value of teaching the dharma through an American lens. Rama initiated this process, and I find his approach very valuable. It is nice to find a book that so clearly annunciates it.”
Jeff Cohodas, Meditation Teacher: “Very Exciting Knowledge. This book makes much more accessible a very unusual teacher, Dr. Frederick Lenz (Rama). Rama said he was fully enlightened in the traditional Buddhist definition, and it is fascinating to see how he taught specific methods in order to reach that state. The author’s emphasis on meditation throughout the book mirrors Rama’s own, which makes this popular subject approachable in many new ways. The opening of the book presents an updated version of the classic "Six Worlds" Buddhist model that sets a sweeping context and tone. This makes it easier for me to consider the vastness of what I may be composed of. It motivates me to go deeper into my inner nature.
I was especially drawn to feeling the subtle energies of the actual words of Rama that are presented in each chapter. Lawrence Borok's comments act as a guide layered on top of a very large body of knowledge. The combined effect is like riding a powerful ocean wave. So, this meticulously rendered book has turned into quite an adventure for me."
Noel Cruz, meditator and software engineer: “The genuine essence of Buddhist practice...in a clear, approachable read. This book encapsulates authentic Buddhism...I recommend it to anyone, be they a lifelong practitioner, a person vaguely interested in the subject, or someone just getting through the day, searching for something deeper behind their current circumstances.
Rama taught Buddhism directly from the source, stripped away of any dogma, in our modern vernacular. The teachings not only provide an honest framework from which to view our current environment; they also equip us with practical, actionable methods to expand our awareness and deal with modern living in a happier, more impactful way.
As an author, what strikes me the most about Larry is his humility and the attention he pays to the reader. Rama Speaks is an aptly titled book, because Rama's voice is the focal point throughout. Larry's talent is providing an effective structure, making the teachings accessible to the reader (regardless of their background), acting as a guide, and allowing the reader to connect directly with the teachings.
TL;DR - Get the book. It's 100% organic Buddhism, with no artificial additives...Worst Case Scenario: You might learn something interesting :)”
Jeffrey Sutter, Meditation Teacher: “Beautiful work – a doorway to endless treasure. Larry’s book is a magnificent summary of Rama’s recorded seminar talks. It is clear and beautifully structured in two ways. First, his chosen overarching sequence of chapter titles and topics. Second, Larry presents his writing right alongside appropriate contextual excerpts from Rama’s live seminar meetings. It's interesting to note that these talks were live, instant, without preparation. Rama’s seminar transcripts are a first; the technology wasn't there for Lord Buddha, Lord Milarapa, Guru Rimpoche, Padma Sambava, Atisha, Lord Krishna, Bodhi Dharma, Lao Tzu, Tilopa, Naropa, or lesser-known enlightened ones. It’s an excellent reason to celebrate - a fully self-realized buddha recorded his dialogs spoken at his seminars. Larry's personal writing summary of 125 recorded talks introduces and invites you to treasure them through his beautiful work.”
Mike Stillwell, Meditation Center Director: “Worth a Library of Books on Buddhism! This book provides a clear and accessible path to the teachings of Rama – Dr. Frederick Lenz and of Tantric Buddhism. It includes powerful and practical meditation techniques, teachings on karma, the Tibetan Rebirth process, and transmuting negative states of mind into the Diamond Mind. I already bought copies for my friends. This is an “instant classic”. Highly recommended!”
Lawrence Borok was a student of Rama-Dr. Frederick Lenz from 1982 to 1998. During the 1990’s he led Rama’s medical software company, which successfully developed two healthcare systems and brought them to market. He continued with the business until retiring in 2015. From 2000-2015 he taught meditation through adult education programs at high schools and community colleges. He has been a Buddhist practitioner for over 50 years.
Lawrence Borok has a BA in Individual Field Studies from UCLA, an MA in Architecture from UCLA, and a Certificate in Business Data Processing from UC Berkeley. Other notable experiences include serving as a workshop leader for Buckminster Fuller’s World Game, as the director of the UCLA Experimental College, and as a Thought Leader for Predictive Modeling News. He can be reached via email.
Lawrence Borok
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