A Path Between Worlds: Buddhism, Psychedelics & Planetary Awakening - Martijn Schirp

Dec 8, 2025

Martijn Schirp, a longtime Buddhist practitioner and founder of Upāyosis, shares his journey from co-founding Synthesis to creating a year-long training program that blends Buddhist practice with ecological ethics and psychedelics. He discusses the impact of COVID on Synthesis, the importance of spiritual renewal during his time in the Himalayas, and the concept of 'ego porousness' as a healthier alternative to 'ego death.' Martijn emphasizes that integrating interdependence and mindful psychedelic use is crucial for serving our planet in crisis.

Ask episode

AI Snips

Chapters

Books

Transcript

Episode notes

ANECDOTE

From Retreats To Training Pivot

Martijn described Synthesis' sudden collapse during COVID and the scramble to pivot into trainings.
He recounted stepping down as CEO while the team shifted from retreats to online trainings to survive.

ANECDOTE

Growth Created A Pressure Spiral

Martijn told how rapid growth, two business models, and increasing burn created internal pressure and burnout.
He described the 'flywheel' of hiring to survive which then required faster growth, worsening stress.

ANECDOTE

Retreat And Recommitment In The Himalayas

After Synthesis' collapse Martijn and his wife volunteered in Portugal and then traveled to the Himalayas to recommit to practice.
He sought a modern teacher open to psychedelics and reoriented toward contemplative study.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

Get the app

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:

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

These show links may contain affiliate links. Third Wave receives a small percentage of the product price if you purchase through the above affiliate links.

Disclaimer: Third Wave occasionally partners with or shares information about other people, companies, and/or providers. While we work hard to only share information about ethical and responsible third parties, we can't and don't control the behavior of, products and services offered by, or the statements made by people, companies, or providers other than Third Wave. Accordingly, we encourage you to research for yourself, and consult a medical, legal, or financial professional before making decisions in those areas. Third Wave isn't responsible for the statements, conduct, services, or products of third parties. If we share a coupon code, we may receive a commission from sales arising from customers who use our coupon code. No one is required to use our coupon codes.

This content is for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes only. We do not promote or encourage the illegal use of any controlled substances. Nothing said here is medical or legal advice. Always consult a qualified medical or mental health professional before making decisions related to your health. The views expressed herein belong to the speaker alone, and do not reflect the views of any other person, company, or organization.