Byron Katie: Heaven and Hell of the Ego

Ye Gods! with Scott Carter

Byron Katie, in her first book, Loving What Is, introduced to the world what she calls The Work, which, she claims, can bring an end to suffering. Katie's work uses four questions to examine what vexes us. Is it true? Can you really know that it's true? What happens when you believe that thought and who would you be without it? Then come turnarounds in which you consider your answers from alternate points of view. Then come turnarounds in which you consider your answers from alternate points of view.

Katie teaches that the ego, which she defines as our Perceived need to protect our identity causes our negative thought loops, and so by the truth of our thoughts and having compassion for others and ourselves, we may interrupt that flow of rationalization which the ego provides to justify our hurting others or torturing ourselves.

Katie's subsequent bestsellers, including A Thousand Names for Joy and I Need Your Love, Is That True?, as well as her global workshop, as well as her global workshops, have lightened life's burdens for millions. And I can say personally that her work helps Stoppard's phrase, to become stark raving sane.

In my homily opinion (IMHO): whatever we have to do to tamp down the devils within us and elevate the angels is a price well worth paying.

Guest: Byron Katie: In 1986, at the bottom of a ten-year spiral into depression, rage, and self-loathing, Byron Katie woke up one morning to a state of constant joy that has never left her. She realized that when she believed her thoughts she suffered, but when she questioned them, she didn’t suffer, and that this is true for every human being.

Since then, she has offered her simple yet powerful process of inquiry, called The Work, to millions of people at free public events, in prisons, hospitals, churches, V. A. treatment centers, corporations, universities, and schools. As she guides people through The Work, they find that their stressful beliefs—about life, other people, or themselves—radically shift. Through this process, Katie gives people the tool to set themselves free. Participants at her nine-day School for The Work report profound experiences and lasting transformations. “Katie’s events are riveting to watch,” the Times of London reported. Eckhart Tolle calls The Work “a great blessing for our planet.” And Time magazine named Katie a “spiritual innovator for the new millennium.”

Katie’s books include the bestselling Loving What Is, I Need Your Love—Is That True?, A Thousand Names for Joy, and A Mind at Home with Itself.

On her website, www.thework.com, you’ll find basic information about Katie and The Work, Katie’s blog, free materials to download, audio and video clips, a schedule of events, and a free helpline with a network of facilitators.

Email Scott: [e-mail].

Ye Gods is produced by Efficiency Studios: Creator and Host, Scott Carter; Executive Producer, Dossie McCraw; Co-Executive Producer, Selena Lauterer; Associate Producer, Robyn Rose Valentine. Hosting services provided by Podbean. Music licensed by Epidemic Sound.

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