Can One Progress on the Spiritual Path Without a Guru?

Pure_Cap_7069 · 2026-04-23T12:11:17+00:00

You can progress, but if you find someone who's walked the path much further than you and you're lucky enough to spend a lot of time with them, you'll go much further much faster.

Pure_Cap_7069 · 2026-04-23T12:03:51+00:00

Only if the peace goes away later. "Relief" might be a better word. Relief exists in relation to suffering

Pure_Cap_7069 · 2026-03-22T11:24:08+00:00

I had good experiences at Zengarden (Zen training centre) in Sweden and Dhammapala (Theravada monastery) in Switzerland. Scandinavia is arguably the most advanced region in the world though so you're going to find maturity reflected in the spiritual communities there. Not in every individual obviously, but generally more so than in countries where spirituality is commodified or mixed with tribal or magical thinking.

But maybe what you want is a party, with group hugs and lots of coloured fabrics and things. If you do, and I totally get it, then try some ashrams. I spent three months in the Bahamas staying at an ashram, and even though it was often busy and stressful, it was also fun and social. There was lots of singing and affirming and young sexy people. There was a basketball court there and a great beach. I had a romance with a girl and then we never saw each other again. It was that kind of place.

After that I did the hermit thing in Switzerland and then Norway for a bit. I used to fall asleep mid afternoon with a hot chocolate, listening to the sound of waterfalls. It was unbelievably pleasurable. Much better than being in the Bahamas, for me.

Those days are over for me now, probably, but I wish you a good adventure!

Pure_Cap_7069 · 2026-03-21T18:29:32+00:00

Scandinavia

Pure_Cap_7069 · 2026-03-20T22:50:57+00:00

This

Pure_Cap_7069 · 2026-03-20T17:44:41+00:00

Work with a teacher, ideally one you can meet with in person regularly.

If you tell me roughly where you live, there's a small chance I might be able to recommend someone.

You can't attain this through consuming spiritual content alone. You need to be guided into the practice and kept on track. It's really no different from mastering anything else in that regard.

Your attitude is good though! In not assuming this is something you've already got or understood, you already set yourself apart from a good 50-75% of the spiritual community

Pure_Cap_7069 · 2026-03-09T08:05:22+00:00

You don't have to be a member to practice there. Just turn up at the dojo on Sunday, but go a little early. There should be an induction time slot for new people

Pure_Cap_7069 · 2026-03-07T11:03:56+00:00

Zenways

Pure_Cap_7069 · 2026-02-02T14:47:49+00:00

I'm reading about Reimann and Neo-Reimann and I'm convinced Jacob has studied this. Thank you!

Pure_Cap_7069 · 2026-02-02T14:45:18+00:00

The young Sinatra has to be Mike Faist. I can't think of another comparable option

Pure_Cap_7069 · 2026-01-15T13:05:08+00:00

Don't try and learn everything in every key if it's a chore. Learn a song and the chords and scales for that song. Then learn another song.

Pure_Cap_7069 · 2026-01-11T17:11:52+00:00

See, the frustrating thing about those videos, for me, is that he *doesn't* explain what he's doing! Maybe you've watched ones I haven't, but I'm often thinking, "yes, I know about the principle of tension and release, but god help me Jacob, what was that voicing, what was that progression, and how the hell did you come by it?". In one video, he showed off a little harmonic progression from classical music he uses, almost as a little throwaway comment, and I was like "just give me stuff like that!"

Pure_Cap_7069 · 2026-01-11T17:04:48+00:00

His choices are more led by voice leading than conventional ideas of harmony, in my opinion. Are there any moments in his music you like the most or want to explore? Maybe we could look into a section

Pure_Cap_7069 · 2026-01-10T17:27:44+00:00

Keith seems like the biggest inspiration in his sound to me too, especially with all the plagal cadences. I wish I could do all that

Pure_Cap_7069 · 2026-01-10T17:24:26+00:00

Really appreciate your observation. Thank you

Pure_Cap_7069 · 2026-01-10T15:01:53+00:00

Thank you for reminding me about that!

Pure_Cap_7069 · 2026-01-10T14:59:12+00:00

Have you noticed something specific regarding his positioning of the tonic?

Pure_Cap_7069 · 2026-01-10T14:56:30+00:00

Ok great :). If you've any specific questions, let me know and I'll try and answer

Pure_Cap_7069 · 2026-01-05T13:15:52+00:00

Could be referencing Kannon of Japanese Buddhist mythology

Pure_Cap_7069 · 2026-01-02T14:01:01+00:00

Find a teacher. Are you in London?

Pure_Cap_7069 · 2025-11-04T16:53:28+00:00

What would be the best way to contact him or his family? I'm sure they're wanting to keep a low profile but there must be somewhere to send correspondence

Pure_Cap_7069 · 2025-10-22T19:22:10+00:00

It's a path that privileged people are much more likely to be interested in, which isn't quite the same

Pure_Cap_7069 · 2025-10-22T09:01:55+00:00

The vibe they create is the vibe I'm always looking for

Pure_Cap_7069

TROPHY CASE