Matt has asked that I use only his first name to preserve his anonymity. Matt has been a member of the Zenways sangha for some years. He came to meditation originally through an interest in Asian martial arts and is now an authorised teacher of the Jhana practice method taught by Leigh Brassington.

Matt has high functioning autism (Aspergers Syndrome). In this interview, he explores his unique perspective on the intricate world of human interactions, where everyone he meets is essentially a troublesome buddha! In a fascinating discussion of the differences in social skills and awareness capabilities between neurotypical people and his own experience, he highlights how much his meditation practice has been of benefit - a practice that has become a source of tremendous growth and empowerment. First he’s come to face his “psychological material” on a deep level and learnt to accept himself just as he is. Secondly, he’s found difficult situations have got easier as a kind of side-effect of practice. Unlike many people who find cultivating present-moment body awareness and self-reflection helpful, this just doesn’t work for him. Instead, he’s found the deeply grooved sense of equanimity and calm that come from his practice has been of the most help when going into difficult situations. Now, as a meditation teacher, he finds deep nourishment from moments of direct, deep connection with his students - like (as the Zen saying goes) one arrow meeting another mid-flight.

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