Mindrolling with Raghu Markus

Can even Buddhist teachings become commercialized, homogenized and…lost? Or is it a quasi-tantric situation where desire is the fuel? A look at the delightful idea of “If you can’t eat it or fuck it, piss on it.” David & Raghu circle around concepts and contradictions within modern absorption of ancient teachings. And it always seems to end in the simplicity and depth of “kindness.” See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sam Harris (In the self-help section) - The gang weighs in on Mr. Harris, and his attempt to make an ‘intellectual case for those skeptical of the whole enterprise’. How should we approach his demand for validation regarding spiritual experiences The Media’s Role - Dave comments on the media’s false claim that the current youth is rejecting all religion, despite all the evidence that points to an increased interest in yoga, meditation, mysticism and psychedelics. Religion can’t be limited to specific guidelines Jack discusses his fluctuating stance regarding religion and it’s practices. In the end, a direct personal experience is difficult to disqualify. Can we definitively answer these questions? The Debate Rolls On - There appears to be an endless, ‘Us versus them’, quality to these discussions. The heated debates aren’t even limited to those in opposing fields of study. The good news is that more and more individuals seem to be open to all sides of the argument ‘Self’-Help - Who is really benefiting, and how? These books can sometimes be a distraction from dealing with our true sources of distress Adaptive Spirituality – Previous civilizations, with far less knowledge of the working universe, espoused certain religious views in an attempt to understand their role. Many of these belief systems are still at work, though clearly limited in scope. An open and contemplative approach toward the truth is crucial in avoiding dogmatic doctrine. If certain facets are proven to be flawed or unsound then we have to accept, and even embrace, the need for change The Real Initiation (Break your head) – Raghu recounts the story of a Maharaji devotee, and his personal encounter with the profound presence of direct experience. It’s a change in vantage point, not a lobotomy Judging Faith (Spiritual discrimination) – What about the folks who haven’t experienced the mind melting effects of these mystical encounters? Are they to simply trust those that make these claims? When we calm our mind, through meditation or other practices, our awareness deepens and we are better able to identify with the true Self. From this place, we seem less likely to be fooled or manipulated, in forming beliefs. Where Are You Coming From? – Rachael describes her recent experience in India, pointing to the heart-centered nature of the culture, as a whole. To them, family is everything, and this shows in their attitudes and traditions. Unfortunately, this sentiment has somewhat dissipated in the cities, and is beginning to resemble the more fractured relationships that are so predominant in the West People Are the Problem – These age-old arguments have been commonplace for as long as civilization has existed. How can we bridge the seemingly endless gap? Practice, practice, practice! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mr. Skeptiko (Skeptical, even of skeptics) - Alex encourages an assiduous examination of consciousness and those who deny it's all-pervasive nature Debunking the Debunker - How do we know when we are dealing with the Truth? Bias seems to be more common than not in many forms of journalism. When 'the facts' are actually put to light, they don't often shine so bright NDE (Not limited to the hospital) - Alex explains his takeaway from Eden Alexander's book, 'Proof of Heaven'. These experiences are ubiquitous, across many cultures, through many lifetimes. To truly study them requires a broad examination of the many ways in which they manifest Imprinting - Many faces, many forms - All of which are manifestations of the One. Maharaji, a Hindu Guru, said to 'meditate like Christ' Science vs. Consciousness (Epiphenomenon of the Brain?) Science treats consciousness as a byproduct of the brain, in the same way that insulin is a byproduct of the pancreas. But when asked about the necessary precursors to consciousness, they aren't able to pin it down. Science tends to resist the expansion of its current paradigm to encompass the mystery that is human consciousness Psychedelics (Where do they fit in?) - Alex discusses some of the research being regarding the role of psychedelics in understanding consciousness. These compounds seem to be revealing more of what is already there, rather than simply skewing 'normal' reality High-Minded Mysticism - Dave points out the prevalence of decidedly intelligent individuals among the outspoken proponents of many mystical and spiritual traditions. Unfortunately, much of Western culture is reluctant to let go of the 'out of sight, out of mind' mantra Wrong Narrative (Have we all been duped?) - Who do we trust, and how do we trust them? Science (Weak Samadhi) - The candle held by science seems to only reveal more darkness Trust - (Being home, and knowing it) - The felt presence of direct experience is crucial, but science is unable to dissect it, and therefore diminishes its relevance The Maharaji Connection - People, of all ages, all over the world, have been affected by Maharaji and his devotees. How could all of these individual experiences be mere coincidence? Skeptical Mindrolling - There is a wonderful community unfolding online, with forward-thinking at its foundation. The access is unprecedented and will only continue to expand Consumerism (A 'natural' byproduct of materialism) - Control seems to be at the center of this issue. "What better way to control your consciousness than to say it doesn't exist?' Much of what we take for granted in our culture is dependent upon this operating system The Mindrolling Mission - Try not to espouse opinions or beliefs about occurrences you haven't directly experienced See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

• Frozen Baba - Ashutosh Maharaj and his sub-zero Samadhi. Does the quality of one’s practice reveal itself in the often-remarkable deaths of great beings? • Genuine Insights (From a questionable politician) - Do seemingly nefarious actions preclude individuals from benevolent intuitions? Highlights the ongoing, ‘Us vs. Them’, conundrum. We are all complex beings, and we have to remain open to allow space for acceptance • Dave Finds Love (For an unlikely candidate) • Abundance Without Attachment (The holiday hustle) Prosperity and materialism are a common theme during the often-excessive holiday season. It’s attachment to money, not money itself that is the problem. How to get free? 1. Collect experience, not things. 2. Steer clear of excessive ‘usefulness’. 3. Get to the center of the wheel - What is the transcendental truth at the center of your wheel? Find it and focus. For Raghu and David this comes through the understanding and experience of God, Guru, and Self as One. Their material world revolves around this fundamental truth • Just Do It (For the sake of doing) - Mindfulness and joy result when our actions are motivated by the process rather than the result • ‘Sticky Desire’ - Our ‘desperate grasping’ fueled by fear of separation from our objects of desire (relationships, social status etc.) • Welfare (Farewell?) - The distribution of wealth in modern times is staggering and unprecedented. How do we approach this issue without bias? • The Mindrolling Mission - All these issues come back to the central question of finding balance, and cultivating an all-inclusive attitude toward our lives See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The gang hangs with Duncan Trussell for the first of many live podcast taking place on Mindpodnetwork.com.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Quantum entanglement leads us to parallel mysticism, synchronicity and selflessness. A strange brew, yes, but interconnectedness is happening whether we know it or not, and seems ultimately is a conscious doorway to freedom. Raghu praises David for not getting enraged at noisy drunkards in a restaurant. We toss around the business of not killing bugs, and Dave’s pet, Boris the Spider. And what it is to see yourself as the lowest person as opposed to pride of selfhood. Tons of chewable subject matter here, no kidding… See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ram Dass talks with the Mindrollers about NDE, the safety of death, light beings, the Soul Pod, the Tibetan Book of the Dead…and G-d’s extensive wardrobe. He ends with describing his joy at witnessing the awakenings of so many people he has influenced. Episode Outline: • Ram Dass’ Impression of the NDE - We are ushered into the perspective of the Soul, and encounter other ‘light beings’ that seek to understand our connection to our previous incarnation. These beings are our ‘Soul Land Companions’ • From Ego to Soul - When we operate at the Soul level, our perception shifts into a heightened state of compassionate awareness • The Soul comes directly from God - The Atman (the One) is in everything. We move from Ego, to Soul, to the One - from that place of awareness, we are all indistinguishable • The Soulpod Satsang • The Unifying Bond of the ‘Soul Complex’ (The Undying Soul) • Drop, Become, Merge - Moving out of the perceptual mind and into the ocean of Love • ‘Death is Safe’ - Approaching death, without being overcome by fear • Parallels Between Psychedelics, NDE, and The Tibetan Book of the Dead • Cultural/Religious Imprinting (God’s Extensive Wardrobe) - There are many forms, but the message is consistent • Approaching the Transition - Ram Dass describes his experience and preparation in moving closer to death. Everything he can say and do is under the control of Maharaji. He witnesses all that comes to him with joy, rather than attachment • Unending Awakening - Ram Dass continues to awaken through everything and everyone that he encounters. We can always trust in the eternal presence of Love, in whatever form it comes • Dropping the Body - In death, the Soul drops the body, and moves on, in an intimate relationship with God, with the One See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Our guest is teacher David Wagner, and we talk with him about cultivating versatile wisdom, the role of psychedelics in finding a path, trauma as gateway, and, once again, Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche. This podcast fuses practical living and spiritual aspiration, with an unpretentious dude, always looking for ways to help, leaving his pride at the door, traveling on the inner plane both on and off his Harley... See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Is positive thinking always positive? Conversely, do we repeatedly talk ourselves into a nasty, negative self-image? R & D drill deep into some new - and scientific - views on all this mental manipulation. And how does mindfulness affect our ability to ameliorate how we think and behave? Along with this, Raghu waxes all medical and recommends a book to improve our gut feeling about…our gut. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jack Carroll is a 16 year old comedian/seeker who has had outstanding media success in Britain. He happens to have cerebral palsy, but you would be hard put to find a young dude who is more cerebrally on top of things than Jack. We talk about comedy, Hare Krishna, Russell Brand, Bob Marley, kindness and madness - and personal inner peace. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.