Episoder
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In this captivating conversation, renowned astrologer Debra Silverman and host Andrew Holecek explore the profound insights of astrology and its transformative potential. Deborah shares her personal journey into the world of astrology, beginning from a young age, and how it has shaped her understanding of the human condition. The discussion delves into the relationship between astrology and synchronicity, as well as the concept of non-duality and how it relates to aligning one's inner and outer worlds.
Debra and Andrew also examine the differences between various astrological systems, such as Vedic and Western astrology, and how they can provide unique perspectives on personal growth and purpose. This thought-provoking dialogue offers listeners a deeper appreciation for the wisdom and complexity inherent in the study of the stars.
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Gregory Shaw joins Edge of Mind with a rare and insightful glimpse into the profound wisdom traditions of Western esotericism. Too often, spiritual seekers in the West feel they must look to the East to find depth and authenticity in their practices. However, this dialogue between Andrew and Gregory powerfully demonstrates the richness and relevance of the Neoplatonist and theurgic lineages that are foundational to the Western philosophical and mystical canon.
Listeners will be captivated by the scholar's ability to draw parallels between these ancient Greek teachings and the transformative practices of Eastern tantra. Concepts like alignment, embodiment, and the role of the "daimon" or divine presence within the soul are explored with nuance and clarity. This cross-pollination of ideas not only expands one's understanding of both traditions, but also points the way towards an integrative spirituality that can help address the fragmentation and disconnection so pervasive in the modern world.
Whether one is already steeped in Neoplatonism or new to this rich vein of Western esotericism, this podcast offers a rare opportunity to learn from two brilliant thinkers who are deeply immersed in these lineages. The discussion is sure to inspire listeners to delve deeper into the wisdom that has been present in their own cultural heritage all along, waiting to be rediscovered and brought to life.
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Join Andrew in a fascinating conversation with Dr. Anthony Bossis, a clinical assistant professor of psychiatry at NYU School of Medicine, who is at the forefront of groundbreaking research exploring the therapeutic potential of psilocybin. Through FDA-approved clinical trials, he investigates the compound's efficacy in alleviating end-of-life distress and its implications for our understanding of consciousness, meaning, and spirituality.
Bossis shares a personal journey that led him to this pioneering work, tracing his fascination with existential and spiritual questions from his early years to his involvement in psychedelic research. He delves into the remarkable outcomes of his studies, showcasing how psilocybin-assisted therapy can dramatically reduce depression, anxiety, and hopelessness in terminally ill patients, fostering profound feelings of acceptance and gratitude. Moreover, Bossis discusses the broader philosophical and scientific implications of his findings, challenging our conventional perspectives on consciousness and the human experience.
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David Germano and Michael Sheehy join Andrew Holecek to discuss the history, diversity, and modern relevance of dark retreats in Tibetan Buddhism. The speakers discuss the two main streams of dark retreat practices - the Kalachakra tradition and the Dzogchen tradition - and how they differ in their approaches and interpretations.
The conversation also explores the traditional secrecy surrounding these practices, the reasons for it, and the challenges of appropriately translating and adapting them for a modern, Western audience. The speakers emphasize the importance of understanding the cultural and environmental factors that shape these practices, as well as the need for caution and humility when engaging with them as outsiders.
Finally, the speakers provide advice for those interested in exploring dark retreats, emphasizing the importance of sincerity, self-awareness, and gradually building up experience with darkness and contemplative practices. They also discuss the potential of dark retreats as a powerful tool for personal transformation and healing, particularly in addressing the challenges of the modern "dark age."
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Join an insightful discussion between Andrew Holecek and Ken Wilber on integrating spirituality, science, and human development. They discussed Wilber's new book "Finding Radical Wholeness" and how it provides a comprehensive overview of waking up, growing up, opening up, cleaning up, and showing up as vectors of transformation. A major topic was distinguishing between waking up experiences and growing up stages, as well as clarifying the pre-trans fallacy around interpreting early fusion states as enlightenment. They also dialogued around expanding notions of matter and consciousness, with Wilber arguing that interiority exists at all scales from quarks to humans. Overall, the discussion provided valuable insights into integral theory, stages of human development, and how to apply these concepts through integral life practice to facilitate personal and social evolution.
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Join the esteemed philosopher and computer scientist Bernardo Kastrup in a wide-ranging exploration of the nature of mind and reality. The conversation begins with a look at the implications of idealism, the view that reality is essentially mental. If reality is like a dream, how do we accurately derive meaning from this collective dream and avoid the trap of projecting meaning onto it? Can we interpret disease in a meaningful way, and how do we read this form of sign language? Is there a connection to this world view with the Buddhist teaching on Mahamudra, or the tradition of the âGreat Symbolâ? Bernardo shares his innovative view of cancer and speaks about the compassion we should direct to our diseases. If disease is a form of dissociation, can we look at the meta-crises facing the world today as a meta-disease, and reduce the meta-crises to irreducibly simple principles? Does karmic theory have a place in the origin of phenomena?
Dr. Kastrup shares his liberating view of death as the end of dissociation, not the end of consciousness. How do the contents of our mind contribute to âmind at largeâ when we die? What kind of âcontributionâ does someone like Hitler make? Intertwined with this discussion is the role of development, and the place of identity. What is our irreducible identity that is untouched even by death? The conversation turns to viewing the unconscious mind as the obfuscated or obscured mind. What is the main source of obfuscation, and where does dark retreat fit in? Is the light of meta-cognition a form of obfuscation? What about the relationship of light to mind, and to reality, altogether? Bernardo proclaims that philosophy must be lived if it is to be genuine. He shares two major ways his view of reality has positively affected his life, and two ways he has been challenged by his own views. What does Dr. Kastrup most want to know? See for yourself why Bernardo is a major figure in the world of philosophy, and a leading voice in the arena of nondual spirituality.
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Join Scott Berman, founder of the dark retreat center Sky Cave, for a look at this ancient practice that is finding its way into the modern world. How did Scott get into this unusual business, and what is dark retreat all about? Scott explores the many reasons why people are clamoring to get into dark retreat, the things you do when youâre in the dark, and what constitutes a successful retreat. We explore the indications and contraindications of dark practice, and the profiles of those who tend to thrive in the dark, and the profiles of those who struggle. âSpiritual types,â or those with long meditation histories, often have a harder time than those who enter with the âbeginnerâs mind.â Dark retreat is feminine in nature, and women tend to do better than mind. Why is that? And what actually constitutes a dark retreat? How long do you go in? Do you have emotional or spiritual support if you need it? How do you get your food?
We discuss how to work with the challenges that tend to arise in the dark, especially anxiety and fear. Scott talks about dissociation, the importance of embodiment, and the role of body work before, during, and after retreat. How does one best prepare for the dark, and how does one integrate the experience into daily life? How important is proper motivation when going into dark retreat, and why is honesty towards your experience more important than positivity? What are some of Scottâs biggest surprises in guiding over 350 people through dark retreat? We talk about the new field of darkness therapy, and the overall therapeutic potential of dark retreat. With dark retreat, you may not always get what you want, but you tend to get what you need. How do you handle those âneeds,â and the revelations that unfold in darkness? See for yourself why dark retreat is being touted by celebrities, ranging from famous authors, to athletes, to business executives, and if this unusual practice is right for you.
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Join the esteemed author and scholar Mark Unno in a wide-ranging discussion of the Pure Lands, and how much they have to offer for our modern age. Professor Unno begins with a thorough look at the history and philosophy of the Pure Land schools, before turning to the main principles of this noble tradition. The core tenets of self-power and other-power are explored, the role of nembutsu (reciting the name of Amida Buddha), true entrusting, deep listening, the power of mantra, and how the Pure Land of Sukhavati is different from Heaven, and Amida is different from God.
Dr. Unno shares personal stories of his experience with Pure Land tenets, and how the practice of bowing and surrender has transformed him. How real are the Pure Lands? Do we take them literally or symbolically? Is there a danger in psychologizing the Pure Lands? Why should we go there after we die? Mark talks about the difference between nirvana and parinirvana, the nondual light of oneness that Amida represents, and the principle of purity and purification altogether. The discussion turns to the notion of âspiritual photosynthesis,â the power of light and the mantra of light, before moving to the idea of âreverse karmic bondâ and its relationship to the Reverse Meditations. Professor Unno clearly manifests a lifetime of study and practice in the Pure Land tradition and represents the depth and profundity of a tradition that is sometimes dismissed as âBuddhism Lite.â Mark has a unique gift of taking these teachings and bringing them immediately into life, translating Pure Land principles into practical terms. See for yourself why Dr. Unno is such a treasured representative of this often-misunderstood tradition.
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Join the author, and end-of-life caregiver, Sierra Campbell in a rich conversation exploring the many aspects of spiritual and practical preparation for aging and death. She shares her own experience as a cancer survivor, and how she got involved in this work. Sierra talks about the importance of active listening, âsagingâ instead of aging, and the wisdom of âwaking downâ at the end of life. What is the profile of those who tend to transition gracefully vs those who do not? How does one work with the death of a child, and what are the best things to say, and not to say, to someone who is dying and to family members? How honest and open should you be? Sierra talks about the importance of using small deaths during life to help with the big death, and that most people arenât afraid of death as much as they are of suffering.
The conversation turns to medical aid in dying (MAID), how to understand the anger and fear that often arises around death, and the place of plant medicine (psychedelics) for helping people die, and for processing grief. Sierra talks about how the bardo teachings of Tibetan Buddhism have informed and transformed her own relationship to death, and her ability to help others. She shares her most effective meditations, like metta, the practice of Tara, the generation of merit, and breathwork in preparing for the end of life. Itâs important not to try to fix things at the end of life, but to support the journey. See for yourself why Sierra is such a coveted speaker on some of the most challenging situations, and difficult decisions, anyone ever has to face.
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Join the author, and spiritual director of the Sukhasiddhi Foundation, Lama Palden Drolma, in a rich conversation about the transplantation of Buddhism to the West.
What is the âstate of the unionâ concerning Buddhism in America, and the core challenges in cultural translation? How does one find an authentic teacher, and what are the warning signs to look for to avoid corrupt teachers? The conversation turns to the role of psychotherapy on the path, the danger of blind spots, the lingering problem of patriarchy, power abuse, and other common traps that frequently snare teachers. What is âspiritual counseling,â and how does it differ from therapy? What constitutes outer and inner obstacles on the path, and how can we avoid spiritual bypassing?
Lama Palden is an expert in yidam practice, or deity yoga, especially the female Buddha Tara. Is Tara inside of us, outside of us, or both? What role does Tara play in the modern world? Is the West even ready for the advanced spiritual technologies of tantra? The conversation turns to the role of the imaginal, and the importance of visualization and âfeelingization.â Do modern meditative technologies, like brain entrainment, have an authentic place on the path? What about psychedelics?
Lama Palden talks about âidiot devotion,â and the promise and peril of surrendering on the path. She offers valuable advice specifically for female practitioners, and things to look out for when working with a teacher. Where do you go to engage in genuine, and safe, spiritual practice? See for yourself why Lama Palden is such a respected teacher, and a real protector of the dharma in this challenging age.
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Join the neuroscientist Christopher Timmermann in a wide-ranging discussion about psychedelics and their role on the spiritual path, as well as in preparing for the end of life. How can these agents be used to remove the fear of death, and how do they relate to near-death experiences? Is it true to say that death is a psychedelic journey? Chris shows us how we can find death in lifeâs experiences, and how the psychedelic trip and death are both processes of radical deconstruction. If someone is afraid of death, whatâs the best way to use these agents? Is duality and the sense of self a construct, and is this what falls apart in reports of ego dissolution with psychedelics? Do these drugs also construct experiences, and are the experiences merely comforting delusions? How do we know the experiences are true? Dr. Timmermann talks about the âentropic brain,â and the heightened connectivity that takes place with psychedelics. Are psychedelic experiences due to a reduction in brain activity (the âreducing valveâ), or an enhancement of brain activity?
Chris talks about the importance of âset and setting,â how these substances can be used to explore the nature of mind and reality, and the promise and peril of the psychedelic renaissance. What are the contra-indications for using these medicines, and where do âfalse memoriesâ fit in? The conversation turns to the importance of preparation and integration, and how to avoid becoming a âstate junkie.â How does one transform states into traits? What is âpsychedelic-assisted meditation practice,â and how valuable is psychedelic apprenticeship? Chris discusses the clinical and therapeutic implications of his research, and why he is so excited about the future of this field. See why Dr. Timmermann is one of the brightest voices in this cutting-edge field of scientific research.
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Join Andrew and the esteemed dream scholar and prolific author Robert Moss in a vast journey into the underworld of dreams. The conversation begins with a State of the Union address concerning the world of dreams, and a look at how Robertâs relationship to dreams has changed over decades of work. âDreaming is traveling,â he says, and we can bridge inner and outer realities with our journeys, bringing gifts from the dream world back to waking life.
What is âKairomancy,â and how we can we learn to read the sign language of reality by paying attention to synchronicities? Can you navigate through life with this form of divination, and when does the derivation of meaning cross the line into the imputation of meaning, as typified in paranoia? Where do lucid dreams fit in for Robert, and why is âconscious dreamingâ a better term? Is it dangerous to try to control our dreams, and what are some of the shadow sides of lucid dreaming? Robert discusses the importance of daimons in our lives, the place of meditation in the world of dreaming, and why shamans are essentially dreamers. What about the place of imagination, the power of the unconscious mind, and the phenomenon of anamnesis? How can we use dreams to awaken to the dreamlike nature of reality?
Robert and I share a number of personal reflections about our dream lives, and how our views have evolved over the years. See for yourself why Robert is one of the leading statesmen for dreams in the world today.
About Robert Moss: Robert has been a dream traveler since doctors pronounced him clinically dead in a hospital in Hobart, Tasmania, when he was three years old. From his experiences in many worlds, he created his School of Active Dreaming, his original synthesis of modern dreamwork and ancient shamanic and mystical practices for journeying to realms beyond the physical and growing creative imagination. He has led popular workshops all over the world, including a three-year training for teachers of Active Dreaming and online courses for the Shift Network. A former lecturer in ancient history at the Australian National University, he is a New York Times bestselling novelist, poet, journalist, and independent scholar. His many books on dreaming, shamanism, and imagination include Conscious Dreaming, The Secret History of Dreaming, Dreaming the Soul Back Home, The Boy Who Died and Came Back, Sidewalk Oracles, and Mysterious Realities. His latest book, Growing Big Dreams: Manifesting Your Heart's Desires through 12 Secrets of the Imagination is a passionate and practical call to step through the gates of dreams and imagination to survive hard times, travel without leaving home, and grow the vision of a more abundant life so rich and strong that it wants to take root in the world. He has lived in upstate New York since he received a message from a red-tailed hawk under an old white oak. His website is mossdreams.com
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Join the author Frank White in a rich exploration of the Overview Effect, and all its implications for inner and outer evolution. The conversation begins with Frankâs entry into his study of this transformative effect, before turning to why it is that not everybody who has the Overview is affected by it. What is the common denominator behind the effect, and can you have it on earth? We discuss the role of the âspace principle,â both inner and outer, as a transformational tool, and how evolution is largely about increasing perspectives, which are brought about with more openness, and hence more space to perceive.
What about the âunderview effect,â and the change in perspective brought out from within? How does all this relate to Right View in Buddhism, and why did Frank turn to Zen Buddhism? Where does meditation, as âhabituation to openness,â fit in? The conversation turns to how expansion and openness is central to evolution, as embodied, for one example, in human development from homocentric to ethnocentric to cosmocentric world views. What about the âCosma Hypthosis,â and âspace philosophyâ? Where do vantage points come into play, and how about the place of virtual reality in opening the aperture of our awareness? When brought to earth, the real issue is not what we see, but how we see it. Terranauts, psychonauts, and oneirnauts can see just as much as astronauts â you just need to introduce more space into your mind and heart to see. The Overview Effect is needed more than ever to help people here on earth, and the earth itself.
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Join the esteemed author Bruce Tift in a cross-pollinating discussion about the interface between psychology and spirituality, the developmental and fruitional paths, or the paths of Growing Up and Waking Up respectively. Bruce discusses the importance of holding opposing, and even contradictory, views simultaneously, without any hope or desire for closure and resolution. Weâre all a collection of limitations, so how can we best work with these limits? What constitutes a real obstacle in this view, and how can we work with obstacles? What about the difference between ârecovery practicesâ and âachievement practicesâ? The conversation turns to the distraction value of our problems, and how ego, as an arrested form of development, is invested in maintaining struggle as a way to maintain itself. Bruce then talks about anxiety and fear, and the importance of an integral approach in relating to both. Not all fear and anxiety is problematic.
On the spiritual path, anxiety can lead to real growth, and fear can be a sign that youâre doing something right. How about the place of shadow work, and why doesnât Bruce favor that term? How do we best work with blind spots? The practice of relationship is explored, and how we unwittingly âhireâ partners, over and over, to play out unconscious processes and avoidant tendencies. How does he sustain his enthusiasm for providing therapy after decades of clinical practice? Does Buddhism need therapy â in both senses of that phrase? Is his view exhilarating or intimidating? Bruceâs wide-ranging approach gives you permission to be human, and to delight in this wonderful and terrible thing we call life. See for yourself why he is one of the most sought-after therapists in the spiritual community.
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Join the physicist, and inventor of the microprocessor and touchpad, Federico Faggin, in a wide-ranging exploration of the relationship between science and spirituality. Federico starts with a colorful rendering of the four phases of his life, and his transition from a hard-core materialist into a deep student of consciousness. He shares how a single experience, lasting less than a minute, changed his life forever. Federico then relates a number of eye-popping experiences, all of which proclaimed that consciousness, not matter, is the foundation of reality â and that that foundation is expressed as love. What triggered this opening, and what did he do to cultivate his experiences? How did the nondual traditions, and other forms of transpersonal work, help him understand his experiences?
Dr. Faggin then turns to his quantum information-based view of panpsychism, whether this theory can be tested or not, and its remarkable implications for both science and spirituality. What does âquantumâ mean in this context? âScience and spirituality are both right, and both wrong,â he says, but what does that mean? Is mathematics the supreme language of communication these days, or just the best way to talk to the âhigh priestsâ of science? What is the relationship between artificial intelligence and artificial sentience, or consciousness? Can a computer ever be conscious? His theory completely overthrows materialism, and offers an entirely new direction for science. Can this theory, based on his experiences, lead others to those experiences â is it psychoactive and prescriptive? What does it mean to say that matter is merely a symbol? What role does light have to play in all this?
Federico talks about âconsciousness units,â the place of free will, what happens after death, and why spiritual practitioners might be interested in his work. He then discusses his path of practice, and why he doesnât adhere to any single tradition or teacher. What does he see as blinds spots in the wisdom traditions? Behind his amazing life is the deep quest to know; to understand the nature of reality and consciousness â and to help the world.
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Note: This is the second of two conversations Andrew had with Sean Esbjörn-Hargens on Exo Studies. Join the polymath Sean Esbjörn-Hargens in a rich exploration of how Exo Studies â the study of what is outside our normal sense of reality ÂÂâ leads to Endo (inner) discoveries. What is the relationship between inside and outside, and just how psychoactive is the Exo view? Sean talks about being constantly defeated by larger views of reality, and the importance of Right View in opening ourselves to seeing so much more of the world. We are highly contracted beings, afflicted by all manner of centricities, held under the rubric of ego-centricity. Exo studies is integral to the path of Opening Up, and expanding our horizons and potentials into dazzling new dimensions. What is the role of the subtle body, and how many subtle bodies do we have? Are these subtle bodies inside the gross body, outside of it, or both? The relationship of the subtle body to the unconscious mind is explored, and how things like mantra and visualization work to transform the subtle body. How about shadow work in relationship to these subtle bodies? Where does Bardo Yoga fit into Exo studies, and how about the central role of emptiness? Is it dangerous to explore these inner dimensions and states of consciousness; where does protection come into play?
Sean talks about the trikaya (âthree-bodyâ) principle of Buddhism, and the âinterstate commerceâ that we can open between all three bodies: gross, subtle, and causal. All this study and practice is about establishing intimacy with reality, and creating a âunited statesâ of consciousness. The conversation turns to the psychedelic renaissance taking place, and how we can use these agents for healing and wholing. Growth occurs through differentiation and integration, and opening the aperture of our awareness to encompass this Wild Kosmos. We live in a multidimensional multiverse, full of magic and wonder. Exo studies shows us how can we become a meta-person, or super-experiencer, and open to these wonders. This is real Edge of Mind material, sure to leave stretch marks on your mind.
About Sean Esbjörn-Hargens PhD (from metaintegral.com)
Sean is a global leader in the application of integrative thinking to leader development, organizational design, and mixed-methods design. In 2011 he founded MetaIntegral a social impact network that supports change leaders around the world in applying integrative principles. Seanâs passion lies at the intersection of design, integral theory, and embodiment. He has published and edited numerous articles, chapters, and books. His most recent book is Metatheory for the Twenty-first Century.The MA/PhD Program Sean runs which includes a concentration in Anomalous Studies for interested students - The School of Integral Noetic Sciences: https://www.cihs.edu/school-of-integral-noetic-sciences
Sean's websites: www.metaintegral.com www.exostudies.org www.whatsupwithufos.com -
Join the author and Integral scholar John Dupuy in a wide-ranging exploration of the principles of intoxication, addiction, and sobriety. The conversation begins with the origins of his landmark book, Integral Recovery, and Johnâs experience with the traditional 12 step program. How does alcohol, and other substances, work to alter our relationship to the contents of our mind? Are there healthier ways to alter this relationship, like meditation? He then offers a rich rendering of the integral approach, including a thorough look at quadrants, levels, lines, stages, states (we are all state junkies), and shadow work. Why are all these factors important, and how does one engage them all? What is the difference between distress and eustress, and their relationship to translation and transformation?
John elaborates on the use of spiral dynamics as a developmental schema, and the difference between dominator and actualization hierarchies, before talking about alcohol and other substances as devolutionary drivers. How can we use all this information to enhance skillful means for helping others? The discussion then explores the benefits of the Enneagram, as a method to better understand ourselves and others. These are all maps of the prison, and therefore very helpful if we want to make a prison break. The power of projection, enveloped in shadow work, is discussed in depth, including the 3-2-1 process of reintegration that allows us to take ownership of our shadows. Without this inner work, the âbeasts in the basementâ of our mind will constantly take us down, and back to the bottle.
John shares his rich experience with brain wave entrainment, how it works, how to use it, and why itâs not cheating. The conversation closes with a deep dive into how addiction is a matter of degree, and how we are all addicts, whether we know it or not. Andrew shares his experience of âdetoxâ in extended retreat, and the discovery of his addiction to thought and movement. Can one legitimately reduce conventional addiction, intoxication, and sobriety, to fundamental principles? What does âbeing soberâ really mean? Is enlightenment the ultimate sobriety? Johnâs ability to join heaven and earth, book smarts with street smarts, makes him uniquely qualified to talk about these complex issues, and then bolt them into practical life. This podcast connects to material discussed in conversations with Ken Wilber, Dustin DiPerna, Roger Walsh, and Judson Brewer.
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Join the esteemed master of dream yoga, Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche, in a rich exploration of the nocturnal meditations. The conversation begins with why Rinpoche has elected to teach so extensively on this topic, which is rarely emphasized by Tibetan lamas. Why should busy Westernerâs bother with dream yoga, what does it have to offer us, and what does it mean to accomplish this practice? Rinpoche talks about how his teaching of dream yoga has changed over the years, before elaborating on all the new content in the 2nd edition of his classic book, The Tibetan Yogas of Dream and Sleep. The discussion turns to how dream yoga develops flexibility in identity, and why this is so important, before transitioning into the difference between adapting a teaching vs. editing it to suit egoic needs.
If teachings arenât culturally translated and adapted, they go extinct. But if you adapt them too much, the teachings are diluted. How does one establish dream guardians, and create a protection circle for dreaming? Do we need to believe in spirits, and what are the consequences if we donât? How can you tell if a dream figure is just a projection of your mind, or a real entity? Rinpoche then discusses the role of the subtle body, and the importance of the central channel, before turning to how the subtle body shapes our dreams. How can we work with the subtle body during the day to facilitate lucidity at night? Whatâs the best thing to do just before falling asleep? Can we use the subtle body to incubate dreams?
Dream yoga, and the subtle body, âbreak all the rules,â and help us live outside the box of the gross body, and our exclusive identification with it. Rinpoche exhorts us not to limit ourselves to the outer body, which grows old, gets sick, and then dies. Transition your identity to a deeper aspect of your being that does not age, get ill, or die. See for yourself why Rinpoche is the premier voice in the world of dream yoga today.
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Sean Esbjörn-Hargens joins Andrew in a truly out-of-this world journey into the field of Exo Studies. Central to this field is the study of what is real, and the importance of expanding our minds to encompass the âhigh strangenessâ of reality. âExoâ implies something outside the confines of contractive egoic domains, and the importance of leaving this limited view behind. The conversation begins with the âproblematic,â or the mainstream world view that dramatically limits our perception and cognition. While reductionism has a certain power, it needs to be balanced with âmandatory complexification,â or a recognition of the messiness of reality. Sean ties this into his notion of âdoubleness,â or a more integral approach to the study of phenomena. Inherent to the discussion is a critique of the constraints of materialism; its unconscious indoctrination in the virtual hypnosis that takes place up to age seven; and the invitation to open into the more expansive view of idealism. The idea of âontological floodingâ is discussed, or putting everything on the table before you clear the table. The conversation turns to Seanâs key contribution of the âontology matrix,â or the criteria we should employ to expand our understanding of what is real. Where does evidence fit into the picture, and what is the difference between legal and scientific evidence? What about too much ontological fluidity, and the place of mental illness? Is anything off limits in such an open world view, and is it possible to open too much and too fast? What is the role of bodywork in opening safely? Do psychedelics have a place? Quantum mechanics comes into the discussion, and the participatory nature of reality, which Sean explores with his âmutual enactment hypothesis:â how phenomena, including things like non-human intelligences and extra-terrestrials, bring us into existence as much as we bring them into existence. Along the way Sean talks about possible blind spots in Buddhism; thought responsive domains; out-of-body and near-death experiences; meta-objects; the path of freedom and the path of fullness; and a vast array of mind-bending topics. See for yourself why Dr. Esbjörn-Hargens is the leading voice in the world of Exo Studies, and why you may want to blast off of this planet with him.
About Sean Esbjörn-Hargens PhD
(from metaintegral.com) Sean is a global leader in the application of integrative thinking to leader development, organizational design, and mixed-methods design. In 2011 he founded MetaIntegral a social impact network that supports change leaders around the world in applying integrative principles. Seanâs passion lies at the intersection of design, integral theory, and embodiment. He has published and edited numerous articles, chapters, and books. His most recent book is Metatheory for the Twenty-first Century.The MA/PhD Program Sean runs which includes a concentration in Anomalous Studies for interested students - The School of Integral Noetic Sciences:
https://www.cihs.edu/school-of-integral-noetic-sciencesThe "Our Wild Kosmos" article referred to in the conversation:
https://whatsupwithufos.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Exo_Studies.pdfSean's websites:
www.metaintegral.com
www.exostudies.org
www.whatsupwithufos.com -
Join Tsoknyi Rinpoche and Daniel Goleman as they discuss their new book, Why We Meditate. This conversation follows the structure of the book, with Rinpoche responding to questions from Andrew, and Daniel offering the science behind what Rinpoche covers. The podcast begins with the aspirations behind this book, what they both want readers to walk away with. Rinpoche then talks about his notion of âbeautiful monsters,â and gives the example of how to work with anger in a new way, distinguishing between useful and useless anger.
Rinpoche connects this to âessence love,â and his wonderful âhandshakeâ practice. Daniel and Rinpoche then talk about balancing the two views behind meditation: are we training to achieve certain qualities, or dis-covering them? What about the sense of hollowness that so many feel today? Where does that sense of lack come from, and what can we do about it? Rinpoche and Daniel then go into depth about the âFour Iâsâ â the mere I, reified I, needy I, and the social I â and how this relates to the issue of egolessness. This acts as platform into the topic of reification, and its central role in creating suffering. Both guests talk about the contribution of Western psychology, and therapy as an indispensable tool for benefiting meditators.
More about the book "Why We Meditate"
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