Buddha at the Gas Pump

Jurgen Ziewe - Visual Testimony of Life Eternal  Jurgen Ziewe is not a teacher in the traditional sense, but a witness—one who has journeyed beyond the boundaries of self into the vast stillness of unity consciousness. For over five decades, his life has unfolded as an ongoing exploration of multidimensional reality, shaped by a profound meditation practice and spontaneous Out-of-Body Experiences (OBEs) that opened the doorway to a deeper truth. A moment of unexpected clarity during an ordinary breakfast catalyzed Jurgen’s first direct experience beyond the body—an event that would transform his life and initiate hundreds of journeys into higher realms. What he discovered was not theory, but a living presence—structured, luminous, and more real than waking life. Rather than building an identity around these experiences, Jurgen surrendered ever more deeply into stillness. His work, including the acclaimed books Multidimensional Man, Vistas of Infinity, and The Ten Minute Moment, offers not just insight but transmission—a quiet resonance that awakens something remembered but long forgotten. Audiences often speak of his presence as calming, expansive, and strangely familiar. His seminars and talks evoke deep shifts—not through persuasion, but through the palpable stillness from which he speaks. A renowned illustrator by profession, Jurgen now brings his inner visions to life using cutting-edge virtual reality and AI, offering immersive glimpses into realities beyond the senses. He offers no dogma, only a clear, ego-free reflection of the vast peace and joy available when the self dissolves into unity. His life is not a performance, but a quiet act of service—a transmission from stillness to stillness. Books: Multidimensional Man (2008) Vistas of Infinity (2015), The Ten Minute Moment Explorations in Consciousness: A New Approach to Out-of-Body Experiences The Phase: Shattering the Illusion of Reality New Territories Elysium Unveiled: A Visual Odyssey of Life Eternal Websites: multidimensionalman.com Some of Jurgen’s “multidimensional” artwork Virtual reality videos Celestial-Song – Angel of the Earth – A new virtual reality project between Jurgen and composer Craig Pruess Jurgen’s commercial art Videos: About Elysium Unveiled - A Visual Journey through Life Eternal A video of the final chapter of Jurgen's book “Multidimensional Man” "which illustrates better than the words in my book the entry into Unity consciousness during an Out-of-body experience." "A spontaneous entry into unity consciousness after I recovered from a cancer operation in 2011" Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group First BatGap interview with Jurgen Summary and transcript of this interview. Interview recorded June 7, 2025

Diarmuid O'Murchu - Theology Coming of Age Diarmuid O'Murchu, a member of the Sacred Heart Missionary Order, and a graduate of Trinity College, Dublin Ireland, is a social psychologist whose early working life had been in social ministry, predominantly in London, UK. In more recent years he has worked as a workshop leader and group facilitator, conducting programmes on Adult Faith Development across several countries. He is a widely read author, with many of his books listed on this webpage. Now as a retired missionary, he lives in Dublin, Ireland. Books: When the Disciple Comes of Age: Christian Identity in the Twenty-first Century Doing Theology in an Evolutionary Way Divine Radiance in Human Evolution Ecological Spirituality Website: diarmuidomurchu.com Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group Summary and transcript of this interview Interview recorded May 17, 2025   YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 The Paschal Journey: Crisis Leading to Awakening  00:00:35 Introduction of Diarmuid O'Murchu: Theology Coming of Age  00:02:19 Defining Theology: Rational vs. Revealed  00:05:15 Re-examining Traditional Theology & The Role of Experience  00:08:06 Narrative Theology and Spirit Connecting with Spirit  00:09:08 Expanding Perspectives: Cosmic Reality and Human Evolution  00:12:00 God's Story for Humanity: A 7-Million-Year Journey  00:15:16 Paradigm Shift in Christian Theology: Reworking the Tradition  00:18:41 Incarnation: Jesus as Affirmation, Confirmation, and Celebration  00:21:07 The Exclusivity of Jesus and Other Religions  00:25:08 Impact of Institutionalized Understandings (Anthropology & Theology)  00:26:29 Tracing Issues to the Agricultural Revolution and Patriarchy  00:30:26 Exponential Pace of Change and Adapting Worldviews  00:34:49 Action Follows Thought: The Importance of Shifting Consciousness  00:40:10 Transcendental Meditation and the Power of AI  00:45:01 Ethical and Moral Values in Contemporary Spirituality  00:48:38 God as the Great Birther: A Feminine, Embodied Divine  00:55:00 Moving from "Soul" to "Spirit Energy"  00:59:06 Einstein & Hans-Peter Dürer on Spirit and Matter  01:02:44 Uniqueness vs. Superiority in Creation  01:04:49 The Interconnectedness of All Beings  01:08:27 "Companionship of Empowerment" vs. "Kingdom of God"  01:15:07 Women in Early Christianity & The Shift to Hierarchy  01:20:20 Interpreting Jesus's Miracles: Parables of Action  01:28:45 Closing Thoughts and Diarmuid's Work  01:29:00 Indigenous Wisdom: The Great Spirit and Connection to Land  01:32:11 The Challenge of Engaging with Ancestral Wisdom  01:36:08 Diarmuid's Books and Website  01:37:09 Next Interview Preview: Jürgen Zeewey  01:38:13 End

 Julie Seido Nelson is a transmitted teacher (Sensei) in the Maezumi Roshi Zen lineage. Her home Zen community is the Greater Boston Zen Center, a sangha which has experienced three major upheavals due to teacher arrogance and abuses of power over the last several years. She is also a teacher at the Great Plains Zen Center in Monroe, Wisconsin, and has written for Buddhist audiences in Tricycle magazine and on her blog. Having begun Zen practice in 2004, she has found it to be of immense value. She is deeply saddened when people, either in addition to or instead of realizing the benefits, suffer great harm. When not reflecting writing about Zen, she sometimes writes and give talks based on her pre-retirement academic work as a feminist and ecological economist. She enjoys visiting her two children and two grandchildren and enjoying the New England outdoors. Books: Practicing Safe Zen: Navigating the Pitfalls on the Road to Liberation (Monkfish, 2025) Amazon Indie Pubs Economics for Humans (University of Chicago Press, 2nd ed. 2018) Website: julieanelson.com Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group Summary and transcript of this interview Interview recorded May 11, 2025   YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 The Myth of Teachers as Exemplars in Education  00:05:07 Measuring Spiritual Attainment and Its Challenges  00:10:46 The Journey to Self-Realization: Insights from Soto Zen    00:14:29 Importance of Ethics in Spiritual Teaching    00:19:30 The Transformative Power of Momentary Cosmic Experiences  00:24:23 Shadow Work and Spiritual Growth  00:28:30 Legal Challenges in Zen Communities    00:32:31 Identifying and Avoiding Cult-Like Spiritual Groups  00:37:38 The Challenges of Becoming a Zen Teacher  00:41:51 Zen and the Importance of a Beginner's Mind    00:46:30 Trusting the Dharma vs. Human Advice    00:50:48 Embracing Buddha Nature Through Life's Storms    00:55:50 Examining Zen Precepts and Self-Awareness  01:00:23 Navigating Zen Teachings and Moral Conduct  01:05:06 The Misunderstanding of No-Self    01:09:12 The Impact of Long-Term Meditation on the Brain    01:14:22 Power Dynamics in Teaching and Spiritual Leadership    01:17:44 Navigating Teacher-Student Boundaries in Dharma Practice    01:21:06 Institutional Misconduct and In-Group Protection  01:25:22 Understanding DARVO: Strategies of Manipulation    01:28:38 Recognizing and Avoiding Cult-like Behaviors in Groups  01:32:04 Understanding Authority in Charismatic Groups and Zen  01:36:13 Discernment in Supporting Charities    01:39:36 The Essence of Dharma Teaching Transmission  01:44:16 Recognizing Genuine Spiritual Awakening  01:48:28 Finding Inner Security Beyond External Influences    01:53:01 Financial Misuse in Spiritual Communities    01:57:21 Navigating the Path to Spiritual Development  02:01:19 Pre-Order "Practicing Safe Zen"    02:03:38 Engaging with Greater Boston Zen Center Online

Stephan Martin, an astronomer and educator with a passion for consciousness studies, dives deep into the cosmic narrative that shapes our existence. He discusses the importance of perspective in facing personal challenges and explores the interconnectedness of life through the lens of the Deep Time Network. Martin highlights the dynamic nature of the universe, linking scientific discoveries with spiritual growth. The conversation also examines how embracing adversity can catalyze personal and collective transformation, urging listeners to foster a deeper connection with the cosmos.

Mary Mueller Shutan, a spiritual healer and teacher with nearly two decades of experience, shares her insights on navigating the complexities of spiritual awakening. She discusses her transformative kundalini journey, the significance of shadow work for personal growth, and the paramount importance of body awareness during spiritual experiences. Mary warns against spiritual bypassing and emphasizes the need for community support. The conversation is rich with wisdom on integrating spiritual practices into daily life, fostering emotional intelligence, and confronting the shadows within ourselves for true healing.

Diane Hennacy Powell, a psychiatrist and neuroscientist from Johns Hopkins, discusses her groundbreaking work in The Telepathy Tapes. She explores the profound abilities of non-speaking autistic children, who defy conventional understanding with their telepathic talents. Powell shares fascinating anecdotes, including the extraordinary case of a girl overcoming autism to master complex math. She also examines the interconnectedness of consciousness, highlighting how advancements in technology could reshape our understanding of human cognition and communication.

Neil Schuitevoerder - Beyond Awakening: Living Nonduality in Daily Life  Dr. Neil Schuitevoerder, a clinical and organizational psychologist, has been doing spiritual practices for 50 years. He's no longer interested in his ego's story, so here's the story of his soul's evolution: He had early instruction in how to use a pendulum, which led to the opening of his intuitive knowing, which has continued to expand into higher stages. His intense meditation practices in his 20s led to illness, and he was guided to return to a householder life as husband and father. He continued practices in mystical Judaism, then turned to Vedanta, kundalini, and other Hindu practices. With a kundalini master, and with the Diamond Approach technique of Inquiry, he opened the higher chakras and began to experience states of unity and nonduality, first with a near object, such as a tree, then with a far object, such as the galaxy. Slowly, the dualities of self/other, near/far, past/future, dissolved, and his knowing expanded to include the distant past, his past lives, his rebirth in this lifetime, and his ability to travel in subtle bodies to the subtle planes, including conversing with the deceased. His mind emptied out, then his body became empty, containing the whole galaxy, a nondual body. Then his astral body emptied out, and he no longer "traveled" but was united with the subtle mental and causal planes, all within him. The state of bliss is always accessible. The local identity of Neil remains when he functions in the world, as he lives in dual and nondual levels of awareness simultaneously. Neil's has a podcast with his wife, Connie Zweig, about his ongoing awakening and what it's like to live in the world in advanced levels of consciousness -- Dr. Neil's Spiritual Awakening to Nonduality. It posts on Apple, Spotify, and all platforms. Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group. Summary and transcript of this interview Interview recorded March 15, 2025 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 Different Levels of Perception  00:02:35 Soul's Evolution and Spiritual Practices  00:06:23 Journey of Consciousness and Skepticism    00:10:27 Near-Death and Out-of-Body Experiences  00:13:59 Exploring Consciousness and Cosmic Manifestation  00:17:19 Extraordinary Abilities in Blind Individuals    00:21:08 Understanding Freedom and Non-Attachment  00:25:32 The Importance of Moral Development in Spiritual Growth    00:30:46 Exploring Multidimensional Consciousness    00:34:03 Exploring the Buddhic Plane and Astral Projection  00:38:55 Understanding Subtle Body Layers and Incarnation Process  00:42:07 Exploring Reincarnation and Astral Realms    00:46:36 Exploring the Universe and Spiritual Liberation    00:51:36 The Nature of True Governance according to Lao Tzu  00:54:01 The Role of Ego in Daily Life  00:57:52 Understanding the Reduction of Thoughts and Ego    01:02:11 Understanding A.H. Almas's Protocol    01:06:05 Telepathic Abilities and Humanity's Shift    01:11:09 The Coexistence of Creation and Destruction Forces  01:15:21 The Cosmic Perspective: Our Place in the Universe  01:19:38 Energy Healing and Silent Therapy  01:23:35 Do Microbes Have Souls and Their Evolutionary Journey  01:27:50 Chakras and the Evolution of Consciousness  01:31:00 Understanding Chakras and Energy Centers    01:34:55 Exploring Spiritual Evolution and Incarnation  01:38:52 Understanding Shadow Material and Spiritual Bypassing    01:43:09 The Importance of Spiritual Community and Marriage  01:47:18 Embracing Pain Through Meditation  01:51:31 Exploring the Connection Between Consciousness and the Body-Heart  01:55:45 Exploring the Concept of the Vajra Body  01:58:30 Upcoming Interview with Diane Hennessey Powell on Telepathy Tapes

Jim Grove - Living Non-Dual in a Dualistic World  Jim Grove is a lifelong practitioner of yogic meditation who grew up in a small logging town on the West Coast of Canada. At age thirteen, he was introduced to a teacher who was one of the few ministers directly ordained by Paramahansa Yogananda during his lifetime, Mother Yogacharya M. Hamilton of Seattle. A series of early transcendental experiences convinced him to commit himself to continued yogic practice under her tutelage. His recent memoir, A Curious Spiritual Journey, recounts some of the prominent experiences that have arisen from his practice over four decades, starting from early adolescence, in the interests of providing some insight into the often unpredictable process of spiritual unfoldment. He likes to speak plainly about spiritual experience and practice, avoiding the vague, abstract, and sometimes inflated language used in much spiritual and new age writing. He lives in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. Website: jimgrove.ca Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group. Summary and transcript of this interview Interview recorded February 15, 2025 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 Jim Grove's Journey in Yogic Meditation    00:03:42 Editing a Manuscript: From 80,000 to 55,000 Words  00:07:23 Discovering a Life-Changing Teacher    00:11:24 A Humorous Encounter at Denny's    00:16:23 Spiritual Awakening and Motivation Changes  00:21:30 The Ripple Effect of Everyday Actions  00:25:47 Mariana Kaplan's Global Soccer Mission    00:30:15 The Importance of Spiritual Integrity and Ethical Conduct  00:34:29 The Importance of Integrity in Organizations and Community  00:38:25 Cultural Ethics vs. Universal Values  00:42:13 The Importance of Humility and Kindness in Life  00:47:09 Leadership Dynamics and Corporate Culture    00:51:16 The Purpose of Suffering and Spiritual Growth  00:55:51 Embracing Mortality in Tibetan Buddhism  00:59:10 Exploring Shamanic Practices and Cross-Cultural Spirituality    01:03:24 Exploring the Life and Teachings of Joel Goldsmith  01:06:55 Joel Goldsmith and Spiritual Anecdotes    01:10:33 Exploring Multiverse and Other Dimensions  01:14:40 The Role of Specialists in Reincarnation Research    01:18:30 Exploring Past Life Regressions and Reincarnation    01:23:25 Vision of Furry Boots with Curly Toes    01:27:52 Healing Through Past Life Regression  01:31:46 Balancing Depth and Breadth in Personal Growth  01:36:04 Exploring Kundalini Activation and Spiritual Growth    01:40:49 The Metaphor of the Ring: Ego and Humility Lessons from Tolkien  01:45:52 The Concept of Humility in Spiritual Teachings    01:49:50 The Spiritual Lessons of the Prodigal Son and Christ's Doubt  01:54:11 Career Shift: From Private Sector to Provincial Government  01:59:06 Embracing Change and Trusting the Universe  02:03:47 Instilling Inner Guidance in Children  02:07:44 Future of Humanity: Transitions and Endgames

Lisa Carrillo - Expanding Our Capacity for Joy  Although Lisa worked as a chemical engineer, spirituality always was the priority in her life. In 2009, at a silent retreat, her thought-based identity dropped away, and she saw only the single flow of benevolence in all that is. When some of those thoughts returned a few weeks later (less convincing than before), there also came a deep curiosity to inquire into those thoughts. She developed many tools to return to a lived experience of the deeper knowing. Both of her books share these tools. All that is is a vibrant expression erupting from a single full emptiness. Website: experiencingthetrueself.com Books: An Unprincipled Life: Living from the Unknown Living Awake: 20 Techniques to End "I Got It; I Lost It" Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group. Summary and transcript of this interview Interview recorded January 26, 2025 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 Introduction to Buddha at the Gas Pump Series    00:04:27 Early Childhood Spiritual Insights    00:08:09 Exploring the Astral Body and Embodiment    00:11:15 Understanding the Koshas: Layers of Existence    00:15:16 Discovering Inner Strength Through Adversity    00:19:44 The Journey of Pure Intelligence and Self-Rediscovery  00:23:47 Understanding the Mind: A Sense Organ analogy    00:27:56 Discovering the Root of Aliveness in Spiritual Practice  00:31:05 Embracing Life's Uncertainties and Letting Go of Control  00:34:18 Understanding Impermanence in Awakening  00:38:12 Embracing Flexibility in Life's Demands    00:42:34 Understanding Life's Impetus    00:47:11 Parenting Lessons from Calvin and Hobbes    00:51:44 Spiritual Principles in Dire Situations    00:55:33 The Power of Positivity and Human Kindness  00:58:56 Choosing Challenging Lifetimes for Wisdom    01:02:29 Exploring Past Life Memories    01:06:48 Concept of Past Lives and Dimensions  01:11:42 Finding Positivity in Adversity: Lessons from Prisoners  01:17:00 The Illusion of Shoulds and Self-Realization    01:20:57 The Balance of Opposing Forces and Human Nature    01:25:15 Experiencing Wisdom in a Different Realm    01:29:49 Understanding Malignant Narcissism in Leadership    01:33:25 Embracing Life's Harmony and Challenges    01:36:44 The Role of Creativity and Connection in Environmental Action  01:40:16 Climate Change and Thwaites Glacier Threat    01:42:32 Embracing Inner Wisdom vs. Scientific Method  01:46:06 Integrating Science with Inner Wisdom    01:50:29 Embracing Personal Growth and Self-Reflection    01:55:24 Political Perspectives and Third Party Hopes  01:59:09 Embracing Open Dialogue and Challenging Ideas

Eli Recht - The Transformative Power of Psychology and Spirituality Born and raised in San Diego, CA, and currently residing in Carlsbad, CA, Eli Recht is a licensed psychotherapist (LMFT), EMDR clinician, spiritual counselor, editor, and teacher of Self-realization. In 2020, Eli experienced a falling away of ego identity and an awakening to the true nature of Reality. As a result, Eli has dedicated his life to service – to help alleviate suffering, cultivate connection, guide people through the often-confusing journey of Life, and invite others to recognize our shared unconditioned essence. Eli’s specialty is blending contemporary psychological knowledge with timeless spiritual wisdom and advocating for the integration of these two disciplines. Website: elirecht.com Books (Editor and Foreword): Grace Happens: An Awakening of Consciousness Reflections of Consciousness: Essays on the Journey of Awakening and the Nature of Reality Summary and transcript of this interview Interview recorded January 11, 2025 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 Introduction to Buddha at the Gas Pump Series    00:03:56 Discovering Spiritual Insights through "Buddha at the Gas Pump"  00:09:14 Discovering Eastern Thought at Deer Park Monastery    00:15:21 Exploring Higher States of Consciousness Through Music    00:19:32 The Challenges of Kriya Yoga Practice  00:24:04 Struggles with Kriya Yoga and Finding Purpose  00:28:25 Journey to Emotional and Psychological Healing    00:33:16 Understanding Kundalini Activation and Its Effects  00:38:00 Discovering My Higher Self    00:41:31 Differentiating Awakening from Psychosis    00:45:44 The Path of Perseverance and Enlightenment    00:49:48 Realization of Oneness and Unity  00:54:33 The Importance of Service Post-Awakening    01:00:47 Understanding the Transition from Ego-Identification to Ego-Transcendence    01:04:41 The Influence of Meher Baba and the Journey to Self-Realization  01:09:36 Embracing a Different Memory Post-Awakening  01:13:03 Navigating Non-Doership and Embodiment    01:18:00 Understanding the Ego and Brahman    01:21:01 Rocket Ship as a Metaphor for Awakening    01:25:44 Understanding Psychosis and Spiritual Awakening    01:30:48 Illuminating the Ego: Pre and Post Awakening    01:35:40 Challenges of Kundalini Awakening    01:39:29 The Relationship Between Ego and Self-Realization  01:44:19 Navigating the Role of a Spiritual Teacher  01:49:30 The Role of Spirituality in Addressing Mental Illness  01:53:13 Humanity's Journey Through Suffering to Awakening  01:58:20 The Role of Donations in Spiritual Endeavors    02:02:07 Vision for a Peaceful Humanity    02:06:18 Exploring Life's Big Questions: Meaning, Reality, and Participation  02:10:52 Embracing the Present Moment: The Power of What over Why    02:16:25 Upcoming Interview with Lisa Carrillo