Deep Transformation

Ep. 219 (Part 1 of 2) | Constitutional Law expert and Ethics professor Mark Fischler joins Deep Transformation again, to help us make sense of the slide towards authoritarianism happening in the United States today. Mark’s vast knowledge of the law, the Constitution, and the Supreme Court, his deep comprehension of ethics and morality, his Integral understanding, and his profound contemplative awareness all make for an extraordinary exploration of what is going on in this country at levels we don’t often consider. Beginning with examples of events in 2025 that are representative of various facets of authoritarianism, Mark goes on to discuss how the very crassness of the current Administration is undermining democracy: “We need to demand civil, fact-based discussion from our leaders, but we’re all accepting it’s okay to act like toddlers and dehumanize each other.”Mark cites some stunning figures illustrating the widespread ignorance of democratic processes and institutions among the populace in this country, and describes why a lack of civic understanding makes us susceptible to authoritarians coming in and taking over. He also acknowledges that progressives are at fault for marginalizing conservatives, and calls on us to recognize the honor and dignity of all people, regardless of their politics—this is part of the solution, he explains. Mark’s passionate caring, wanting the best for all people and all beings, is a current that flows throughout, grounding the discussion in a beautiful way, while also making for a heartbreaking contrast relative to the chilling events happening in the political arena now. Recorded December 4, 2025.“An ignorant people can never remain a free people.” – Thomas JeffersonTopics & Time Stamps – Part 1Introducing a frequent guest on Deep Transformation: Ethics, Law & Criminal Justice professor Mark Fischler, to help us make sense of our deteriorating democracy (00:43)The trajectory of Trump’s presidency: the devolution of democracy towards authoritarian government (01:51)John presents defining characteristics of fascism according to A. I. (04:01)How does Mark define authoritarianism? (07:24)Mark offers examples of 12 hallmarks of authoritarian government that happened in 2025, beginning with the stifling of dissent and speech (08:12)Statistics on how U.S. citizens feel our democracy is performing (16:51)What surprises Mark the most? The crassness & crudeness of the Trump Administration (18:15) The deterioration in the greater culture at large: who and what is responsible? (21:19)Deflecting our attention using whataboutism breeds cynicism & corrodes our democracy (24:45)We need to demand civil, fact-based discussion from our leaders, but we’re all accepting it’s okay to act like toddlers and dehumanize each other (30:00)Recognizing the humanity & inner dignity of everyone is part of the solution (31:16)Progressives on their side are at fault for marginalizing conservatives (33:38)The red meme mentality (Spiral Dynamics) that is taking place (39:24)Why pervasive civic ignorance in the U.S. is a very significant problem (41:57)Resources & References – Part 1Professor Mark Fischler, Plymouth State UniversityThe Integral Justice Warrior series, co-hosted by Mark Fischler and Corey deVos (Integral Life website)NY Times Editorial Board, Are We Losing Our Democracy? (Oct 2025)Judge Michael Luttig, President for Life (The Atlantic, Dec 2025)Tom Nichols, A Confederacy of Toddlers (The Atlantic, Nov 2025)Supreme Court Justice David SouterKen Wilber’s prime directive: protect and promote the well-being of the whole developmental spiral of consciousness, rather than privileging just one level or worldview, A Theory of EverythingMona Charon, Whataboutism Is Rotting Our Brains, Our Consciences, and Our Politics (The Bulwark, June 2025)David Brooks, What if We’re the Bad Guys Here? (NY Times Opinion, Aug 2023)Don Beck & Christopher Cowan, Spiral Dynamics, Mastering Values, Leadership and ChangeKen Wilber, BoomeritisJustice David Souter’s speech at UNH’s Franklin Pierce School of Law: Constitutionally Speaking: How Does The Constitution Keep Up With The Times---Mark Fischler is a professor of Ethics, Constitutional Law, and Criminal Procedure at Plymouth State University. Prior to joining the Plymouth State faculty, he practiced law, representing poor criminal defendants for the New Hampshire Public Defender’s Office. Mark left the law after being guided by the Universe to focus on his Spiritual Awareness for almost two years. Upon his return, he was called to become a teacher and accepted a job at Plymouth State in 2003. Since then, Mark has worked extensively with alternative theoretical models in law, constitutional law, and higher education, and has published on integral applications to teaching, being a lawyer, and legal theory. In his time at the university, he’s been a chair, Dean, and Interim VP. His focus in the classroom is ethics and criminal procedure and constitutional law. He is well respected for a teaching philosophy that emphasizes recognizing the humanity and dignity of each student. Professor Fischler was awarded the outstanding teaching award at his university in 2014. He currently offers a weekly Spiritual Inquiry class for college students and also for faculty and staff.---Podcast produced by Vanessa Santos and Show Notes by Heidi Mitchell

Ep. 218 (Part 2 of 2) | In Part 2 of the 17th dialogue in the A. H. Almaas Wisdom Series, Hameed Ali explores the great freedom we experience when we allow being itself to unfold through us—when we let reality take its course without our egoic selves getting in the way. When we are out of the way, Hameed explains, all the virtues come through us: responsibility, ethics, morality, compassion, caring, sensitivity, and more. These ideals are not human-made, he says, they are expressions of our true nature. In fact, Hameed adds, this is what a true human is; expressing the absolute is the fulfillment of life. Just knowing the absolute does not eliminate all obstacles, Hameed continues. Even as we go very deep, there are “ego islands” that pose ongoing difficulties. But the practice is to be with our experience and let it inform us—allow our life experiences to become the arena for the expression of spirit. All we need to do is abide in the knowing that the absolute is expressing itself through us, Hameed says. And laughs telling a story about the “do nothing” instructions of lamas and Zen teachers, as they attempt to show their students that there is nothing to be done but get out of the way. All manifestation, our lives, even our problems and challenges and getting lost in the illusion is all a play of the absolute, Roger reflects. Another very rich, deeply nourishing conversation with A. H. Almaas. Recorded November 13, 2025.“If we become mature enough to cease and desist, to let reality take its course… when we’re out of the way, true nature will come through—that’s what a true human is.”Topics & Time Stamps – Part 2Is there such a thing as a false descent? (00:33)Most of the time, a realization of the absolute is incomplete—there are still some issues that haven’t been worked out (01:43)Hameed’s teachings expanded as his experience expanded (04:22)Even a spiritual teacher with an incomplete realization can be helpful; what causes trouble is when teachers don’t acknowledge their knowing is limited (07:26)All we need to do is abide in the knowing that the absolute is expressing itself through us (12:25)The practice is to be with our experience; the ego gets in the way by trying to take over (15:00)The great freedom of allowing reality to take its course: the do nothing meditation (18:02)Our life is fulfilled when we’re acting at the behest of the absolute (23:10)Even as we know the absolute, there is always more to be free from (24:17)The central issue of descent is letting go of all identification—of our ego, even of the absolute (28:41)Reality is such an interesting thing—even ignorance is an interesting thing (31:57)True nature is indestructible, incorruptible—at bottom it is perfect (34:26)Don’t get discouraged reading this chapter, if you just learn a few things, that’s all that matters (37:02)Resources & References – Part 2A. H. Almaas (Hameed Ali), founder of The Ridhwan School, home of The Diamond ApproachA. H. Almaas, The Inner Journey Home: Soul’s Realization of the Unity of RealityChogyal Namkhai Norbu & Adriano Clemente, The Supreme Source: The Fundamental Tantra of Dzogchen Semde, initial Dzogchen book that says any spiritual practice will only delay enlightenment Seng-t’san, the Third Chinese Patriarch, The Hsin Hsin Ming, Verses on the Faith-MindA. H. Almaas, Runaway Realization: Living a Life of Ceaseless DiscoveryDzogchenLectio DivinaThe A. H. Almaas Wisdom Series will generally follow the sequence of Hameed’s magnum opus, The Inner Journey Home (which John describes as psychoactive and spiritually, psychologically, and intellectually transformative), so listeners may want to get a copy of this book, to study and follow along on this exhilarating path of awakening.---Hameed Ali (A. H. Almaas) was born in Kuwait in 1944. At the age of eighteen, he moved to the U.S. to study at the University of California in Berkeley. Hameed was working on his Ph.D. in physics when he reached a turning point in his life and destiny that led him to inquire into the psychological and spiritual aspects of human nature rather than the physical nature of the universe. He left the academic world to pursue an in-depth journey of inner discovery, applying his scientific precision and discipline to personal, experiential research. This included study with different teachers in different modalities, extensive reading, and continuous study of his own consciousness in an effort to understand the essential nature of human experience and reality in general.Hameed’s process of exploration led to the creation of the Ridhwan School and, with his colleague Karen Johnson, resulted in the founding and unfoldment of the Diamond Approach. He is the author of 20 books, including Nondual Love: Awakening to the Loving Nature of Reality, Love Unveiled: Discovering the Essence of the Awakened Heart, Keys to the Enneagram: How to Unlock the Highest Potential of Every Personality Type, The Unfolding Now: Realizing Your True Nature through the Practice of Presence, and more. ---Podcast produced by Vanessa Santos and Show Notes by Heidi Mitchell

A. H. Almaas, a spiritual teacher and founder of the Diamond Approach, delves into the journey of descent after awakening. He articulates the transition from realization to living in everyday life, portraying the descent as the absolute manifesting, not just an individual's return. Hameed shares his experience of a sustained nondual state, describing the world as luminous and holographic. He emphasizes the importance of relationships as vehicles for the absolute, transforming how we perceive existence and authenticity in the process.

Ep. 216 (Part 2 of 2) | In Part 2 of Deep Transformation’s first episode in the What is Real Greatness Series, longtime spiritual teacher Jack Kornfield declares that in his experience real greatness is a greatness of heart. In Buddhism, greatness of heart is embodied in the ideal of the bodhisattva—one whose life is dedicated to the well-being of all. Embodying compassion is not a grim proposition, Jack explains, but a joy! The whole point of it being human happiness and inner freedom. Because of his deep understanding of compassion, Jack was invited to the Oslo Freedom Forum to counsel global activists on how to prevent burnout, and when talking to them about their outrage, he told them, “You do this because you care—that is not a loss of power, it’s actually the deep power. Tune into the care.” Greatness of heart is the great power.Jack relates that the experience of awakening can be felt in different ways: it might feel like everything is love, perfection, emptiness, or freedom. For me, the channel is love and my practice is to love everyone, he explains. We have to love both the lion and the gazelle, he continues, and shares a poignant story of how very loving Ram Dass became towards the end of his life, loving everything, even his pain. When the conversation turns towards the potential demise of humanity, Jack wonders, will we be able to do something beneficial with our consciousness now that we’re aware that we are all connected? What is the spirit you want to lead with? he asks. What is the dance you want to do? A thoroughly thought provoking, nourishing, inspiring conversation. Recorded October 2, 2025.“You think you’re separate – you think you exist. But you’re not who you think you are. You are consciousness in drag.”Topics & Time Stamps – Part 2You think you’re separate, but you’re not who you think you are (00:27)The bodhisattva vow as aspiration, never off-duty (04:23)What real greatness is changes with each turning of Buddhism (08:26)The experience of awakening can be felt in different ways: love, perfection, emptiness, or freedom (12:19)Jack’s channel & inspiration is love; and a story of how very loving Ram Dass became (19:00)Teaching activists to remember to hold themselves in their own circle of compassion at the Oslo Freedom Forum (23:52)Jack’s upcoming workshop: Inner Technology for Outer Technologists (29:18)How do you embody the bodhisattva? Spiritual practice isn’t a grim duty—it’s actually joyful (31:08)As Andre Gidé said, joy is our moral obligation (32:49) What stands out to Jack about all the amazing people he’s encountered? (34:09)When there’s a greatness of heart…that is the great power (35:04)The hospice now is for humanity, not for Earth, which knows how to take care of itself (37:42)What is the spirit you want to lead with? What is the dance you want to do? (40:18)The end questions: Did I love well? Did I live fully? Did I learn to let go? (41:13)Your purpose here is to deliver your cargo, your gifts (41:47)Resources & References – Part 2Jack Kornfield, founding teacher of Spirit Rock Meditation Center and the Insight Meditation Society, author of A Path with Heart and many moreStanislav Grof, LSD: Doorway to the NuminousRam Dass & Rameshwar Das, Be Love Now: The Path of the HeartThe Oslo Freedom Forum, bringing together the world’s most engaging human rights advocates, journalists, artists, tech entrepreneurs & world leaders to brainstorm ways to unleash human potential around the globeThe Dalai Lama & Desmond Tutu, The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing WorldNobel prize winner André GideMalidoma Patrice Somé, shaman, writer & workshop leader, primarily in the field of spiritualityZen Master Seungsahn, The Compass of Zen---Jack Kornfield trained as a Buddhist monk in Thailand, India, and Burma. He holds a Ph.D. in clinical psychology and is a founding teacher of the Insight Meditation Society in Massachusetts and Spirit Rock Meditation Center in California. He is one of the key teachers to introduce mindfulness practice to the West, has taught internationally since 1974, and is the author of 17 books which have sold 2 million copies.---Podcast produced by Vanessa Santos and Show Notes by Heidi Mitchell

Ep. 215 (Part 1 of 2) | The first of Deep Transformation’s What is Real Greatness Series, this conversation with world-renowned meditation teacher Jack Kornfield is filled with beautiful teachings touching into the sacred at the heart of our lives and the point of our whole spiritual journey: to remember and embody our innate capacity to awaken and experience the reality of our own innate dignity and nobility. Respecting ourselves at the deepest level is what transforms us and transforms society too, Jack explains. “Do you hold yourself with nobility and respect?” he asks. “Can you remember your own beauty and dignity? Can you see it in others?”The topic of greatness—real greatness—is woven throughout the dialogue, as Jack recounts the seed events of his own spiritual journey and ruminates on Roger’s question, what is the sacred question at the center of your life? This is a question Jack often asks his own students, and we are inspired to ponder it for ourselves, along with, if you were to write your own bodhisattva vow, what would it be? Jack is a master at inspiring us to live our ideals, to broaden the possibilities of our lives, and to remember the miracle of our existence. A warmly personal, deeply profound discussion. Recorded October 2, 2025.“The beautiful thing about the bodhisattva ideal is that it becomes your intention… it becomes the setting of the compass of your heart.”Topics & Time Stamps – Part 1Introducing the first of Deep Transformation’s What is Real Greatness? series (00:38)Introducing renowned meditation teacher, prolific author, and clinical psychologist Jack Kornfield (03:09)In discussing real greatness, Jack advises not to throw out money & power as being unworthy (04:47)The story of Emperor Ashoka, who shifted from seeking outer greatness to seeking inner greatness: peace of mind and heart (07:49)How the Buddha turned the Hindu caste system on its head, honoring young monks for their innate nobility (13:17)Can you remember your own beauty & dignity? Can you see it in others? (16:19)Each of us has a sacred question at the center of our lives, what’s been Jack’s? (17:30)Jack’s first draw to Buddhism: suffering and the relief from suffering (21:08)The seeds of our sacred journeys: the path doesn’t go from here to there but from there to here (24:15)It’s completely weird that we exist! (25:40)King Ashoka & other historical figures, good candidates for the What is Real Greatness Series (27:13)Do we ask ourselves, “How do I live?” (28:28)The beautiful thing about the bodhisattva ideal is that it becomes the setting of the compass of your heart (31:32)The prayer with which the Dalai Lama begins his day (36:37)Ideals illuminate the possibilities of how we might live (38:39)If you were to write your own bodhisattva vow… what would it be? (40:47)Sometimes it’s suffering and sometimes it’s an awakening experience that draws us to spirituality (44:28)Jane Goodall, interspecies bodhisattva, and the story of Joanna Macy’s wake (47:37)Resources & References – Part 1Jack Kornfield, founding teacher of Spirit Rock Meditation Center and the Insight Meditation Society Mind & Life Institute, bringing science & contemplative wisdom together to better understand the mind and create positive change in the worldJack Kornfield, A Path with Heart: A Guide Through the Perils and Promises of Spiritual LifeJack Kornfield, The Wise Heart: A Guide to the Universal Teachings of Buddhist PsychologyJack Kornfield, No Time Like the Present: Finding Freedom, Love, and Joy Right Where You AreEmperor Ashoka the Great is credited with an important role in spreading Buddhism across ancient AsiaDr. Wing-tsit Chan, Chinese scholar and professorT. S. Eliot, “…the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started and know the place for the first time, ” from Eliot’s 1942 poem “Little Gidding”Meditations of Marcus AureliusShantideva, 8th-century CE Indian philosopher, Buddhist monk, poet & scholarDiane Ackerman’s poem “School Prayer,” “In the name of daybreak… I offer myself humbly as a guardian of nature…”The Sufi tradition of SohbetTrudy Goodman, founding teacher of InsightLA and co-founder of the Institute for Meditation and PsychotherapyRemembering Jane GoodallJoanna Macy, beloved environmental activist, author & scholar of Buddhism, general systems theory, and deep ecology---Jack Kornfield trained as a Buddhist monk in Thailand, India, and Burma. He holds a Ph.D. in clinical psychology and is a founding teacher of the Insight Meditation Society in Massachusetts and Spirit Rock Meditation Center in California. He is one of the key teachers to introduce mindfulness practice to the West, has taught internationally since 1974, and is the author of 17 books which have sold 2 million copies.---Podcast produced by Vanessa Santos and Show Notes by Heidi Mitchell

A. H. Almaas, founder of The Ridhwan School and an expert in spiritual psychology, dives deep into the concept of the absolute. He explores the paradox of the absolute as both source and cessation, and its connection to emptiness and beingness. Almaas emphasizes that true intimacy lies within the absolute, describing how our search for home ends there. He intriguingly relates worldly love to an inner connection with the divine, while highlighting the mystery that surrounds our understanding of reality. This conversation invites introspection on how we express such deep insights in daily life.

In this engaging conversation, A. H. Almaas, founder of the Ridhwan School, shares his deep insights into the concept of the absolute as the source dimension of all existence. He recounts his personal experience of merging with the absolute, highlighting its majesty and fear. Almaas discusses doorways to this realization, such as mystical poverty and the way of the heart, and how embracing the absolute can cleanse the soul of impurities, nurturing virtues like equanimity and courage. Prepare for a mind-bending exploration of beauty and mystery!

In a heartfelt discussion, filmmakers Zaya and Maurizio Benazzo share insights from their documentary, Where Olive Trees Weep, which exposes injustices faced by Palestinians. Zaya emphasizes that this crisis transcends politics—it's a fundamental human issue demanding our attention. The pair stress the importance of dignity, food, and rights as pathways to alleviate suffering. They also reveal their ongoing project, The Eternal Song, aimed at sharing indigenous wisdom. Their work challenges the spiritual community's silence and encourages dialogue on justice and compassion.

Zaya and Maurizio Benazzo, documentary filmmakers and co-founders of the Science & Nonduality conferences, passionately explore the intersection of spirituality, social justice, and trauma healing. They discuss the evolution of SAND, emphasizing the shift from male-dominated narratives to inclusive, earth-oriented teachings. Their film work highlights the plight of Palestinians and the importance of addressing trauma as a collective and intergenerational issue. They advocate for listening to guidance in life's spiritual work, emphasizing the need for community and youth connection.

A. H. Almaas, a spiritual teacher and founder of the Ridhwan School, explores the evolutionary dynamics that drive spiritual growth. He discusses the creative force that transforms beings, comparing it to a caterpillar evolving into a butterfly. Almaas identifies a soul's desire for liberation, termed bodhicitta, as key to spiritual development. He reflects on why some seek truth while others remain distracted by daily life, emphasizing the importance of inner discovery over external searching. The conversation highlights how realizing the inner Logos can enrich our existence.