Born and raised in San Diego, CA, and currently residing in Carlsbad, CA, Eli Recht is a licensed psychotherapist (LMFT), EMDR clinician, spiritual counselor, editor, and teacher of Self-realization.

In 2020, Eli experienced a falling away of ego identity and an awakening to the true nature of Reality. As a result, Eli has dedicated his life to service – to help alleviate suffering, cultivate connection, guide people through the often-confusing journey of Life, and invite others to recognize our shared unconditioned essence.

Eli’s specialty is blending contemporary psychological knowledge with timeless spiritual wisdom and advocating for the integration of these two disciplines.

Website: elirecht.com

Books (Editor and Foreword):

Grace Happens: An Awakening of Consciousness
Reflections of Consciousness: Essays on the Journey of Awakening and the Nature of Reality

Summary and transcript of this interview

Interview recorded January 11, 2025

YouTube Video Chapters:

00:00:00 Introduction to Buddha at the Gas Pump Series  
 00:03:56 Discovering Spiritual Insights through "Buddha at the Gas Pump"
 00:09:14 Discovering Eastern Thought at Deer Park Monastery  
 00:15:21 Exploring Higher States of Consciousness Through Music  
 00:19:32 The Challenges of Kriya Yoga Practice
 00:24:04 Struggles with Kriya Yoga and Finding Purpose
 00:28:25 Journey to Emotional and Psychological Healing  
 00:33:16 Understanding Kundalini Activation and Its Effects
 00:38:00 Discovering My Higher Self  
 00:41:31 Differentiating Awakening from Psychosis  
 00:45:44 The Path of Perseverance and Enlightenment  
 00:49:48 Realization of Oneness and Unity
 00:54:33 The Importance of Service Post-Awakening  
 01:00:47 Understanding the Transition from Ego-Identification to Ego-Transcendence  
 01:04:41 The Influence of Meher Baba and the Journey to Self-Realization
 01:09:36 Embracing a Different Memory Post-Awakening
 01:13:03 Navigating Non-Doership and Embodiment  
 01:18:00 Understanding the Ego and Brahman  
 01:21:01 Rocket Ship as a Metaphor for Awakening  
 01:25:44 Understanding Psychosis and Spiritual Awakening  
 01:30:48 Illuminating the Ego: Pre and Post Awakening  
 01:35:40 Challenges of Kundalini Awakening  
 01:39:29 The Relationship Between Ego and Self-Realization
 01:44:19 Navigating the Role of a Spiritual Teacher
 01:49:30 The Role of Spirituality in Addressing Mental Illness
 01:53:13 Humanity's Journey Through Suffering to Awakening
 01:58:20 The Role of Donations in Spiritual Endeavors  
 02:02:07 Vision for a Peaceful Humanity  
 02:06:18 Exploring Life's Big Questions: Meaning, Reality, and Participation
 02:10:52 Embracing the Present Moment: The Power of What over Why  
 02:16:25 Upcoming Interview with Lisa Carrillo