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Long time no talk! I just finished my masters in philosophy, cosmology and consciousness, which didnāt leave me much time for producing this podcast in the past nine months. But Iām back with a short episode that offers a preview of a thesis I am developing around the hype and mythology of artificial intelligence, and the ways that it sidelines the human.
Part of my mission is to expose the cyborgian, techgnostic ideologies underlying technology innovation in Silicon Valley, and offer an alternative that is more ecological, humane, holistic, and inspired. As we philosophers like to say, worldview create worlds. So letās be thoughtful about it.
In contrast with current approaches to AI development, I want to help shape AI development so that it reflects human values, and a richer, more imaginative vision of the future, beyond just copying Scarlett Johansson's voice.
I want to elevate and celebrate the human in this exciting new age of AI. We have faculties that AI cannot replicate, including imagination, intuition, emotional intelligence, and wisdom. Letās not forget that.
In the coming months, I intend to start putting out more episodes, starting with one exploring the cyborgian, techgnostic ideologies animating Silicon Valley today.
Iām also working on a book and a course centered around these ideas. More to say about that soonā¦
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This week we're sharing an episode of a podcast called Hit of Happiness, where Chad spoke to Brian Dubow about artificial intelligence and consciousness, among many other things. This may have been Chad's favorite interview so far, just because he loves talking to Brian and because they explored so many topics in such a coherent fashion.
This interview is a great teaser for this three-part series Chad is working on about the myth of artificial intelligence, the nature of consciousness, transhumanism, spiritual machines, and metaphor. As our long-time listeners know, Chad likes to do these deep-dive episodes once in a while. Itās taking a while to do all the research and writing so we can finally record it. But we think it will be worth the wait. Look for the first episode of that series in the coming week.
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In this episode, Chad explores a scientific theory of consciousness first put forth by Nobel Laureate Roger Penrose and Dr. Stuart Hameroff in the 1990s called quantum consciousness. This unorthodox, yet-scientific theory proposes that consciousness arises out of highly coordinated quantum processes occurring in the cells of the brain. This theory combines quantum mechanics, relativity, neuroscience, cognitive science, molecular biology, and philosophy.
Itās different than prevailing theories of consciousness, which suggest that consciousness is an epiphenomenon of the firing of synapses in the neurons of the brain. Instead, Penroseās theory suggests that subatomic particles collapse of their own accord and thereby create what Penrose calls proto-consciousness. It is an elegant way to bridge the two prevailing theories of consciousness: materialist and idealist.
This theory also has major implications for artificial intelligence because it means that machine learning and neural networks may never achieve true intelligence, strong AI, superintelligence, or anything resembling artificial consciousness.
Chad also explores the idea of computability, computers as universal metaphor, and the possibility that quantum computers might be a more promising avenue for research into artificial general intelligence.
This episode was inspired by Chad's work in the philosophy, cosmology and consciousness program at CIIS under Kerri Welch, for a course called The Epic of the Universe. Thank you Kerri for providing such rich pointers for further study!
The original video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fa5eRD4lGDA
To learn more, we recommend starting with this Penrose & Hameroff paper https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1571064513001188
For more about quantum weirdness and how nobody really understands what is happening when the quantum and classical worlds interact, check out this explainer from PBS Spacetime: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CT7SiRiqK-Q&ab_channel=PBSSpaceTime
This conversation with Roger Penrose by Lex Fridman is pretty great: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=orMtwOz6Db0&t=644s
For a great intro to quantum computing, check out this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e3fz3dqhN44&t=6s
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Chad is relaunching his podcast with a new name and a broader focus! Starting this week on this same feed, the show will be called Cosmic Intelligence and explore fundamental questions about philosophy, artificial intelligence, consciousness, cosmology and what it means to be human in this new age. We will delve into philosophical ideas, spiritual practices and reflections on how technology is shaping the human experience. Our goal is not just more knowledge or productivity but greater insight, imagination and fulfillment. We believe that ancient contemplative traditions fused with cutting-edge insights from science and AI can illuminate the path ahead. This show is for anyone curious about humanity's place in a world of accelerating change. Join me as we seek revelation and renewal at the intersection of Silicon and Soul.
The new show will include all the existing content around spirituality and spiritual practices but also the implications of the AI revolution as it accelerates the consciousness revolution. Chad will continue to offer his uniquely balanced, open-minded, discerning, and grounded perspective.
I am also available for consulting and speaking engagements on AI, philosophy and consciousness.
Sign up for my email newsletter here.
Find me on Instagram @cosmicwit and YouTube @cosmicwit.
My website is cosmic.diamonds.Support the Show.
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This week I talk to Hilary Jackendoff, a yoga nidra and meditation teacher and trainer, and Human Design coach. Sheās also a powerful, heart-centered woman. To me, Hilary is the ideal teacher: wise yet humble, evolved yet grounded, knowledgeable yet hilarious.
In this episode, we talk about Yoga Nidra, states of consciousness, how Hilary came to the spiritual path, the importance of rest, making spiritual practices accessible, ashram life, and being seen by the Divine.
We barely scratched the surface of what we want to talk about so look for a part 2 coming very soon, perhaps even in the coming weeks!
A quick note on the audio quality in this episode: Even though I used the same setup I always use for remote interviews, somehow my mic was too hot. So my audio will sound clipped or muffled in places. My apologies. Thank you for bearing with me. Apparently you never stop learning how to podcast well.Support the Show.
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This week I discuss discernment: What it is, why itās important, how it can prevent ridiculousness, why that matters, and how to increase our discernment. As part of this discussion, I explore the Yog-Vedantic theory of mind and specific practices that can help us be more discerning, including self study, kriya, classical Tantrik practices, having a teacher you can trust, spiritual community, working with sacred plants, meditation, and good old psychotherapy, including psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy.
The philosophy, cosmology and consciousness masters program Iām enrolled in at the California Institute of Integral Studies has the following goals:
To open our consciousness, through learning and imagination, to those creative and evolutionary energies suffusing the Earth, the Universe, and the deep psyche that will enable us to participate fully in the regeneration of human communities and their enveloping life systems.To analyze the current devastation of planetary life and to strive to liberate ourselves and our communities from the underlying causes of alienation, consumerism, militarism, androcentrism, and unsustainable modes of life.To draw from the deep wells of philosophical, spiritual, and religious wisdom together with other scholarly and scientific insights in order to bring forth a profound vision of a vibrant planetary era.Other references from the episode:
Joanna Macyās Active Hope and The Spiral of the Work That ReconnectsThe full Daily Show / Jordan Klepper segment about MAGA + GematriaAn example of a discerning analysis of someone like Jordan Peterson that fails to offer a positive ethosThe podcast episode about gurus and a guru sex scandal Patanjaliās Yoga SutrasThe Bhagavad GitaSupport the Show.
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This week I talked to Kerri Kelly, the founder of CTZNWELL, a movement that is democratizing wellbeing for all. A descendant of generations of firemen and first responders, Kerri has dedicated her life to kicking down doors and fighting for justice. Sheās been teaching yoga for over 20 years and is known for making waves in the wellness industry by challenging norms, disrupting systems, and mobilizing people to act. A community organizer, wellness activist and author of the forthcoming book American Detox: The Myth of Wellness and How We Can Truly Heal, Kerri is recognized across communities for her inspired work to bridge transformational practice with social justice.
In this episode, we talked about the ways in which the concept of wellness is distorted and unhealthy, and how, for us to truly heal as a country and a humanity, we need to examine our intentions, motives, and prejudices relentlessly so we can truly build community and transform collectively. The work is both inner and outer; spiritual, activist, political. Human.
Kerriās been instrumental in translating the practices of wellbeing into social and political action, working in collaboration with community organizers, spiritual leaders, and policy makers to transform our systems from the inside out. Her leadership has inspired a movement that is actively organizing around issues of racial and economic justice, healthcare as a human right, civic engagement, and more.
Kerri is also a powerful facilitator, TED speaker and is the host of the podcast, CTZN. You can learn more about her work at kerrikelly.co and ctznwell.org.
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In this episode I talk to Schuyler Brown, a futurist, facilitator, coach, teacher of embodiment and meditation, and a writer. You can find her at artofemergence.com and her essays/poems are on Medium @ schuylerbrown.
In the course of a broad-ranging discussion, Schuyler and I talk about grace; classical Tantra and the descending path; down-home, Kentucky spirituality; roots and rooting down; nature and the lost wildness of Europe; desire and magic; attachment; prayer; late stage capitalism; the importance of community; and the art of embodiment. It was a sort of collaborative riff on the potential of modern spirituality.As you can probably tell from the recording, we had so much fun talking. I wish we could record all of our conversations!
Schuylerās embodiment and coaching offeringsSchuylerās writing on MediumWendell Berry, poet, novelist, environmental activist, farmerRamana Maharshiās Be As You AreBill Plotkinās booksThe indigenous Bƶn people of TibetCommemorating the 50th anniversary of the occupation of Alcatraz (2019)Anne Lamottās book about prayer: Help Thanks WowJames Hillmanās lectures on alchemyTwilight language The poetry of David WhyteSupport the Show.
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In this episode, we approach plant medicine from a yogic perspective. And we explore how yoga and sacred plant medicine are complementary practices with a long-standing symbiotic tradition; how yoga can be a powerful preparatory and integrative practice when working with plants; and how yoga can also be a powerful alternative to working with plantsānot everyone needs to work with plants.
Itās Native American Heritage Month so I just want to acknowledge the debt we owe to the native people of this land and all sacred lands, and the importance of respecting all indigenous traditions in joining sacred plant ceremonies and working with sacred plants. I think itās important to engage only in ceremonies that preserve traditions and have the blessing of indigenous curanderos. The world needs these sacred traditions, and they should be spread far and wide, but with a deep respect for their roots.
I will be offering a plant medicine integration yoga class as part of the upcoming Belize International Yoga Festival on December 4. It will offer a taste of the kinds of yoga integration practices I share with students and clients. You can learn more here.
Full show notes here.Support the Show.
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My guest this week is Adam Schomer, a documentary film and television director, writer, and producer, and the president of i2i Productions. Adam is probably most known for the Netflix documentary HEAL and is currently spearheading the global online summit for the film Fantastic Fungi.
Adam is also a dear friend and a personal inspiration to me. Heās a great example of how spirituality and the spiritual path can be lighthearted and fun, and authentic. As you can probably guess, we met in India.
In this episode we explore the role of fear and forgiveness on the spiritual path, utopian communities and the importance of community, giving people tools for living through the kind of elevated entertainment that Adam produces, the power of following your heart, how to build spiritual resilience, and much more.
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Inspired by friends, family, and people like Daniel Pinchbeck, who have been so critical of spirituality, I mount a full-throated defense of spirituality, first acknowledging the pitfalls and shortcomings. Spirituality for me is a holistic worldview and set of practices that make us more relevant and impactful in the world, instead of more escapist and checked-out.
Bat Soup Is the Pursuit of Truth Worth it?
Authentic spirituality is becoming a spiritual scientist, making us more discerning, not more out-of-touch. Furthermore, true change cannot come about in the world without first expanding consciousness through spiritual practice.
Finally, spirituality offers a nurturing cosmology that imbues our lives with deeper meaning.
Daniel Pinchbeck articles mentioned in this episode:Here's my blog post about morphic fields.
Special thanks to Blaire Embrey and Meghan Kemp for providing valuable input as I developed these ideas!
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My podcast guest this week is Meghan Kemp, a dedicated student and teacher of yoga, who is integrating eastern practices into western culture (which is why I was so excited to talk to her). She has been practicing yoga since she was 14 and teaching asana, meditation, breathwork and kriya for the past five years. Following a year of living, studying and teaching at an ashram in northern India, Meghan has returned to the States to share these transformational practices with all walks of life. She is also a budding Vedic Astrologer and offers astrology readings as a means to alleviate suffering and increase joy.
Our conversation spanned a broad spectrum of topics, all orbiting around the broad and rich practices of yoga, from the elements that make up a holistic yoga practice, to ashram life and the role of a guru on the spiritual path, to cults, to the question of enlightenment, to Vedic astrology.
In this surreal liminal space after quarantine here in New York, it was wonderful to be able to do this interview with Meghan in-person instead of online! One of my mics failed half way through recording. Thankfully I had 2 backups. But this is why the audio quality fluctuates a bit in two places. Podcasting. Itās a journey of learning on all sides.
The path of enlightenment is the toughest path, and that seeking is the hardest task. ā Swami
Rama The spiritual path teaches us how to float on our backs, relaxed and aware, in the waters of reality. ā Elizabeth Lesser
Swami Rama's book Living with the Himalayan Masters
Mariana Caplan's wonderful The Guru Question
A list of resources for helping India during the pandemicSupport the Show.
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What were we doing when we unchained this earth from its sun? Whither is it moving now? Whither are we moving? Away from all suns? Are we not plunging continually? Backward, sideward, forward, in all directions? Is there still any up or down? Are we not straying as through an infinite nothing? Do we not feel the breath of empty space? Has it not become colder? Is not night continually closing in on us? ā Friedrich Nietzsche
We live in what seems like the denouement of the age of reason. We feel separate and alienated in a world bereft of meaning. Astrology can be a remedy for that alienation and emptiness. To see why and how, I explore the history of science and European reason, depth psychology, and quantum physics. I then assuage concerns about the implications for free will in astrology, and talk about how Vedic astrology (Jyotish) compares with Western astrology. We go deep in this episode, because the cosmos is deep; we just have to look, and listen.The Modern Astrology Zeitgeist
āI don't believe in astrology; I'm a Sagittarius and we're skeptical.ā ā Arthur C. Clarke
Why are Millennials so into Astrology? (Jan 2018)āAstrology is not a science; thereās no evidence that oneās zodiac sign actually correlates to personality.ā [citing a 1984 research paper showing no correlation between astrology and personality.]
Astrology in the Age of Uncertainty (Oct 2019)
āMillennials who see no contradiction between using astrology and believing in science are fueling a resurgence of the practice.ā
Exploding popularity, a booming $40 million business for apps (Nov 2020)
The New York Times Modern Love podcast recently featured a story about Vedic astrology.
Influences
Rick TarnasFritjof Capra ā I highly recommend reading his now-famous Tao of Physics. Despite being almost 50 years old now, it is still highly relevant today. Amit GoswamiAnand Mehrotra"Nature is alive and talking to us. This is not a metaphor." ā Terence McKenna
Some of the luminaries who Influenced my thinking on astrology, both Western and Vedic, include:
Learn more about my astrology offerings.Support the Show.
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In this inaugural episode of the podcast I attempt to define spirituality, explain the title, and talk about the themes and topics I will be exploring on future episodes, including:
how authentic spirituality can be the most effective way to make a positive impact on the world, the burgeoning Wisdom Revolution, spiritual ego & spiritual bypass, Vedic astrology, plant medicine, and the elements of yoga beyond asana, including kriya, pranayama, laya, and jnana yoga.Look for new episodes about once a month, although I plan to put a few out in quick succession to clear this backlog of content I have.
Philip Goldbergās wonderful American Veda, which talks about the rise of people identifying as āspiritual but not religiousā (SBNR).
Slavoj Žižek's wonderful documentary is The Pervert's Guide to Ideology
Ramana Maharshi's teaching "Who Am I?"
More about the podcast here https://elemental.yoga/podcast
You can sign up for Jayadev's newsletter, and join his online community
Instagram: @kriya.guy
You can also find a video version of this podcast on Jayadev's YouTube channelSupport the Show.
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