Is It Possible to Uproot All Anxiety and Anger? Steve Armstrong Says Yes.

Dan Harris interviews Steve Armstrong, a longtime meditation teacher and translator of "The Manual of Insight," about the stages of enlightenment according to the Burmese Theravada Buddhist tradition. Armstrong recounts his journey into meditation, his time as a monk in Burma, and explains Mahasi Sayadaw's manual, which outlines predictable stages of mental progression through meditation, including bliss, existential crises, and ultimately, nirvana. They discuss the challenges of achieving enlightenment, the nature of suffering (Dukkha), and the potential pitfalls of spiritual experiences, such as mistaking "spiritual goodies" for true enlightenment. Armstrong emphasizes the importance of mindfulness, equanimity, and the role of a skilled teacher in navigating the path to liberation, while also addressing common misconceptions and controversies surrounding the progress of insight. The episode also includes a call to support Steve Armstrong through a GoFundMe campaign due to his health challenges.