What shapes a human life? How do suffering, healing, awakening, and self-understanding intertwine?
In this deeply personal conversation, Thomas sits down with longtime friend and spiritual seeker Michael Casari for a wide-ranging conversation about the nature of self, healing, and the lifelong search for truth. Michael shares stories from his childhood, his travels around the country, and his years studying with spiritual teacher Richard Rose. Together they explore healing as a return to one’s original nature, the importance of meaningful work, and the grace hidden in ordinary moments of life.
This conversation moves beyond techniques and modalities to explore a deeper question: What does it mean to truly know yourself?
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Michael Casari is a Zen carpenter and long-time student of Richard Rose, starting with the Pyramid Zen Society group at Kent State University in the early 1970s. He worked closely with Richard Rose for many years, sharing many adventures in cross-country travels, spending much time at the farm, and helping organize Albigen System groups in various parts of the country.
Resources
https://www.tatfoundation.org
https://richardroseteachings.com/
Carillon, Richard Rose’s book of Poetry: https://www.tatfoundation.org/tat-forum-archives/tat_books.htm#carillon
Jim Burns’ book At Home With the Inner Self, on mind-study, healing, and awakening: https://www.amazon.com/Home-Inner-Self-Jim-Burns/dp/0979963079
2009 Video of Michael Casari reading Rose’s poetry
Michael’s Full Account of his time with Rose: https://albigen.net/richard-rose-the-man-who-was-a-mirror/#tab-4761
Music
Dear Gravity - Horizon
Tamuz Dekel – Vapor Fingers
Sharib – Mimi’s Dream
Books Upon Request
Here are a few books that Michael has offered to ship to you at no cost.
Contact
If you are interested in any of these books, please contact Michael or Thomas:
mcasari@live.com
thomas@avenuesofawakening.com
Bonus Content!
Check this video for a few extra stories from Michael’s path.