Ann has been practising yoga and meditation for nearly 20 years and has since completed her Masters in the Traditions of Yoga and Meditation from SOAS University with ongoing Sanskrit training. Ann was inspired from an early age by her father’s anecdotal experiences with Kuṇḍalinī and his involvement in experiments with Zen priest and transpersonal scientist, Dr Motoyama. Her own experiences have pointed her towards a phenomenological investigation of the parallels between spontaneous Kuṇḍalinī awakenings and Buddhist paths to enlightenment. Her previous research focuses on the phenomenology of Buddhist and Yogic experiences through practice.
Ann is currently researching spontaneous Kuṇḍalinī arousals and how these experiences map onto the path of realisation within Indian Buddhist and Yogic traditions as well as cutting-edge consciousness theory. Her mission is to gain a deeper understanding of the psychological processes that can arise from spontaneous transpersonal experiences or deep meditation practice and how we can safely support others walking this path towards greater wholeness.
Website: annmathie.com
Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group.
Transcript of this interview
Interview recorded October 8, 2022
YouTube Video Chapters:
00:00:00 - Introduction and Background
00:04:25 - Kundalini and Theosophy
00:08:29 - Questioning Mainstream Sanity
00:11:53 - Exploring Different Religious Practices
00:16:02 - The Complexity of Traditions and Spiritual Paths
00:19:48 - The Path of Compassion and Moral Behavior
00:23:46 - The Three Components: Rajasic, Sattvic, Tamasic
00:27:39 - Breakthroughs and Trauma in Spiritual Experiences
00:31:07 - The Arhat and Enlightenment in Buddhism
00:34:34 - The Four Stages to Arhant-hood
00:38:12 - The Power of Insight in Teaching and Evaluation of Teachers
00:41:58 - The Importance of a Healthy Guru-Student Relationship
00:45:47 - Spiritual Integrity and Money in Modern Society
00:49:19 - Contrasting skillful means and direct realization
00:53:05 - The Benefits of Meditation Practice
00:56:57 - Dissolving the Illusion of Self-Personality
01:00:27 - Awakening Without Practice
01:04:25 - The Manifestation of Kundalini Energy
01:08:35 - Spontaneous Body Movements and Kriyas
01:12:06 - Letting Go of Stored Emotions
01:15:40 - The Relationship Between Shaking and Psychological Processes
01:19:28 - Managing Kundalini Energy for Individuals with Weak Neural Networks or Trauma
01:23:07 - The Consequences of Mind-Shattering Experiences
01:27:04 - The Challenges of Running a Marathon
01:30:51 - The Path to Enlightenment and Psychological Health
01:34:49 - The 10 Impurities of Insight
01:38:41 - The Importance of the Whole Path
01:42:18 - Finding Balance on the Spiritual Path
01:46:27 - Importance of Cultivating Right Intention
01:50:29 - The Importance of Compassion and Kindness
01:54:14 - A Conversation with Ann Mathie