Ego Porousness vs. Ego Death

In this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin reconnects with longtime Buddhist practitioner and former Synthesis co-founder Martijn Schirp, founder of Upāyosis. They explore his journey from pioneering modern psilocybin retreats to creating A Path Between Worlds, a year-long contemplative training that integrates Buddhist practice, ecological ethics, and psychedelic skillful means.

Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-333/?ref=278

Martijn shares lessons from Synthesis's rise and collapse, how time in the Himalayas reshaped his contemplative path, and why "ego porousness" may offer a healthier frame than "ego death." He and Paul discuss how Buddhist principles like interdependence and skillful means can guide responsible psychedelic work — and why awakening today must include service to a planet in crisis.

Martijn Schirp is a longtime Buddhist practitioner and founder of Upāyosis, where he leads A Path Between Worlds, a yearlong contemplative training blending Buddhist practice, ecological ethics, contemplative science, and optional psychedelic components. Previously, he co-founded the Synthesis Institute, helping pioneer modern, medically supervised psilocybin retreats and training programs. He writes, teaches, and mentors at the intersection of Buddhist wisdom, contemplative science, and psychedelic practice.

Highlights:

• From Synthesis to spiritual renewal in the Himalayas
• Lessons from crisis: leadership, burnout, impermanence
• What Buddhism can teach the psychedelic field
• The fifth precept and "skillful means"
• First principles of skillful psychedelic use
• Ego porousness vs. ego dissolution
• Ecological ethics as spiritual practice
• A Path Between Worlds: a contemplative year of service

Episode Links:

• Upāyosis
• A Path Between Worlds 12-month program

Episode Sponsors:

• The Microdosing Practitioner Certification at Psychedelic Coaching Institute.
• The Practitioner Certification Program at Psychedelic Coaching Institute.
• Golden Rule Mushrooms - Get a lifetime discount of 10% with code THIRDWAVE at checkout

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