The Awarean Church of Consciousness is an online organization dedicated to providing a gathering place for individuals seeking to explore the next stage of human evolution. With the guidance of self-realized contributors who have transcended the dualistic view of the universe, and embraced consciousness as the only true reality, the church offers its members a singular opportunity to uncover the mysteries of the universe and gain a profound understanding of their own innate nature.
Through community events, discussions, meditations, and workshops, members are invited to explore the teachings and practices of non-dual reality, paving the way toward self-realization.
As a teenager, I found myself lost, lacking emotional understanding of both myself and others. It became clear to me that I needed to embark on a journey of self-discovery and seek a sense of completion and wholeness.
At the age of 17, I was fortunate to meet my first teacher, Thane Walker, who had studied under the renowned mystic and Sufi, George Gurdjieff. Thane had a profound impact on me after returning from his studies at the School of the Harmonious Development of Man in Fontainebleau, France. He established the Prosperos, a school rooted in the Fourth Way tradition, in Santa Monica, California.
I cherish the memories of our intimate dinners, where Thane nurtured my innate curiosity for the mystical world through his captivating stories about the dialogues between P.D. Ouspensky and George Gurdjieff. Those Thursday evenings at Thane's home provided tangible glimpses into a mystical realm that I had yet to fully comprehend.
My journey led me to encounter another remarkable teacher, a young Sufi master affectionately known as 'Beast.' Through clandestine meetings, I was initiated into the ancient Sufi teachings, which revealed to me the interconnectedness of all spiritual beings and shattered my preconceived notions of the world.
Continuing my search for spiritual understanding, I turned to the path of Yoga, where I found my third teacher and Guru. The intensity of my studies with the Sufis had prepared me for something monumental. It was during my initial meditation session at the feet of my Guru that I experienced Samadhi.
However, the experience was far from what I had expected, leaving me filled with fear and unease. The intensity of losing connection to identity and detachment from the physical body was overwhelming. In that moment, I realized that my true nature was rarified, pure, empty awareness, while the body and personality were mere clusters of data within awareness.
Though I had encountered numerous unique spiritual experiences, unanswered questions remained. I discovered that Samadhi was merely the first step on my unique journey. It took many years before my quest for spiritual knowledge reached a significant turning point, accompanied by a series of profound revelations. This transformative experience unfolded when I discovered the Direct Path of Sri Atmananda Krishna Menon.
I am deeply grateful to all my teachers and fellow students who supported me throughout my pursuit of knowledge. Today, armed with the answers to many of my spiritual inquiries, I find solace in the fact that I have the resources to reciprocate the abundant guidance that was bestowed upon me. Through this website, I aspire to offer a stable platform of curated and genuine insights into non-dual reality. May it provide you with personal revelations and serve as a continuous source of inspiration regarding the true nature of reality and the power that this knowledge brings forth.
Your friend,
Mark Richman