Enlightenment is an Accident - Tim Burkett on How to Be More Accident Prone

In this episode of the Dewdrop Dialogues podcast, I talk with Tim Burkett, Zen Buddhist priest and author of “Enlightenment is an Accident.” Tim shares his journey into Zen Buddhism, which began in San Francisco in 1964 under the guidance of Shunryu Suzuki. He discusses the evolution and personalisation of Zen practice in America, emphasising the balance between traditional rituals and contemporary approaches.

He also delves into the concept of enlightenment, explaining it as a return to a natural, unburdened state of living and highlighting its accidental nature in the context of meditation and life experiences. Our conversation touches on the challenges and transformations encountered in deep meditation practice, the role of teachers, and the importance of embracing doubt and uncertainty as part of spiritual growth.

Tim’s new book, Enlightenment is an Accident is published by Shambhala. You can also check it out on The Dewdrop’s Bookshop page.