Buddha at the Gas Pump

Giovanni Dienstmann is a spiritual practitioner and teacher, and the creator of Live and Dare, one of the top five most visited meditation blogs on the planet. As an author, meditation coach and speaker, Giovanni helps people overcome anxiety and stress to live a more calm and centered life, through spiritually-inspired personal development work. Since the age of 14, spirituality has been the center of his life. In his journey, he practiced over 9,000 hours of meditation, tried 70 different techniques, and nearly became a monk twice. His spiritual thirst and eclectic approach led him to be formally initiated into the traditions of Zen Buddhism, Advaita Vedanta, Raja Yoga, and Mantra Yoga—by the masters Moriyama Roshi, Lakshamana Swami, Shivarudra Balayogi, and Nikhileshwarananda (respectively). In February 2010 he experienced a powerful awakening in the presence of Mooji in South India, and that has been a point of no return in his path. Giovanni is the author of the best-selling book Practical Meditation: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide, which has been translated to 5 different languages and has popularly been called “The Meditation Bible”. As a coach, Giovanni’s clients range from stay at home parents to entrepreneurs, C-level executives and pro athletes. In the field of meditation, he brings a contemporary and pragmatic approach to help both meditation novices and spiritual seekers alike. In his role as a spiritual writer, he balances deep reverence for traditional teachings with critical thinking and a comparative study of spiritual traditions. To learn more about Giovanni and his work, visit LiveAndDare.com. Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group. Summary and transcript of this interview. Interview recorded April 20, 2019. YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introducing Buddha at the Gas Pump 00:04:43 - Different Meditation Techniques 00:09:24 - Discovering Zen and Meeting the Roshi 00:14:05 - The Zen Tradition and Lineage 00:18:51 - Disappointment and Closure in Zen Practice 00:23:24 - Doubts on Enlightenment and the Value of Knowledge 00:27:25 - The Value of Reading and Studying in Spiritual Paths 00:31:38 - Integrating aspects of the human experience 00:35:45 - The Path of Advaita and Integration 00:40:32 - Surrender to the Lord within 00:45:15 - Neo Advaita: Mistaking Temporary Realization 00:49:57 - Different Categories of Spiritual Practitioners 00:54:45 - The Role of Practice and Spiritual Bypassing 00:59:01 - Tuning in to Spiritual Books 01:03:33 - The Enjoyment of Spiritual Practice 01:07:48 - Benefits of Lowering Stress and Relieving Depression 01:12:10 - The Silence and Self-awareness 01:17:13 - A Powerful Milestone in my Spiritual Journey 01:22:02 - Maintaining Discernment in Spiritual Teachings 01:26:34 - The Importance of Purification and Discernment in Self-Realization 01:30:45 - The Dangers of Following Gurus 01:35:11 - Concentrating the Mind with Objects 01:39:26 - The Importance of Having Different Levels of Teachers 01:43:31 - Exploring Different Spiritual Paths 01:47:43 - The Bodhisattva and Continuing Existence 01:52:02 - The Concept of Leela in Tantra 01:56:35 - The Importance of Choosing the Right Meditation Practice 02:00:39 - The role of charging for meditation and spirituality 02:04:46 - The Role of Dakshina in Spiritual Exchange 02:09:09 - The Responsibility of Siddhis and their Role in Science and Society 02:13:26 - Demonstrating Siddhis through Scientific Means

In the spring of 2011, I was cleaning a stove and quite suddenly the knob I was holding became the rag became my hand became the space became the stove as all lines between things between moments and between myself and the world dissolved. It was like the scales had fallen off my eyes! I had heard of no self but had never heard there were no things! There was an intense psychological and physical relaxation, and I was amazed that my body didn't crumble to the floor! It was obvious that there was no one doing life, and that life wasn't happening to a me. It was the end of a lifetime propelled by hope and fear and need of a never arising next. It was as if time died. It was as if I had died, yet it was obvious that I had never existed, yet here I was! This knowing feeling of seamlessness has not left for almost eight years.  It is always obvious... it kisses me awake in the morning and holds me as I drift off to sleep.... life is overwhelmingly beautiful and wondrous always, like edgeless liquid love.... no matter what it looks or feels like. The longing to sing of this, knowing that it cannot be kissed with words paints my reflection with sky in sky.... I am not a teacher or guru, simply a lover of love. Nancy's posts and poems (blog) YouTube Channel Books: To Kiss What Cannot Be Kissed...: Love songs from the canyon Liquid Eyes This Is It, Coyote Your Infinite Intimate Embrace: you have never left Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group. Summary and transcript of this interview Interview recorded April 13, 2019. YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Buddha at the Gas Pump 00:05:06 - A Journey of Seeking and Glimpses 00:10:01 - The Search for the Elusive Goal 00:14:32 - The Terrifying Experience of Losing Beliefs 00:18:56 - The Burning of Personal Armageddon 00:23:35 - The Nature of Belief and Unknowing 00:28:42 - The Astonishing Nature of the Known World 00:33:30 - The Shift in Perception 00:38:00 - The Illusion of Separation and Thingness 00:42:20 - The Dream of Separation 00:46:47 - The Illusion of Separation in the Physical World 00:51:43 - The Unity of the House 00:57:01 - Life Doing Itself 01:00:45 - The Wholeness of the Universe 01:03:12 - The Shared Dream of Separation 01:06:19 - The Sword of Ignorance 01:09:41 - The Illusion of Self 01:13:24 - The Fear of False Evidence Appearing Real 01:18:10 - The Perception of an Actor 01:20:54 - Starting a Podcast & Creating a Website 01:24:13 - Awareness without perception 01:28:26 - Awareness in Deep Sleep 01:33:15 - Discussion on Paintings and Posters 01:36:23 - The Frustration of Seeking and Inner Transformation 01:40:29 - The Role of Spiritual Practices 01:44:55 - The Intensity of Desire and Love in Spiritual Practice 01:49:29 - The Co-dependency of the Seeker and the Teacher 01:53:23 - Embracing our Humanness 01:56:29 - Embracing the Flow of Thought and Emotion 01:59:53 - A Gentle Conversation 02:02:11 - Conclusion and Farewell

Rev. Peter Panagore, M.Div (Yale) has had two near-death experiences, the first while ice climbing in 1980 and the second in 2015 due to a heart attack. He recounts these in his book Heaven Is Beautiful: How Dying Taught Me That Death Is Just the Beginning, an Audible Best Seller available globally in nine editions. His best-selling second book, Two Minutes for God: Quick Fixes for the Spirit, is a collection of original inspirational devotional stories, many of which he told for 15 years on a daily TV show reaching 30 million viewers annually in Maine and New Hampshire. Previously, he served as a United Church of Christ minister and pastor in Maine and Connecticut. He published 150 sermons and many prayers in Homiletics, a leading clergy journal. He now runs a global spiritual counseling service for "closet mystics" and travels nationally as a public and inspirational speaker and teacher. He has been practicing Zazen/Centering Prayer and Kundalini/KriyaYoga for forty years. Website: peterpanagore.love Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group. Summary and transcript of this interview. Interview recorded April 6, 2019. YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Buddha at the Gas Pump 00:04:31 - Communicating with Deceased Loved Ones 00:09:07 - Meeting the Telepathic Elephant 00:13:54 - Meeting the Little Elephant and Journeying through the Night Sky 00:18:40 - Born with a Mystic Talent 00:23:21 - A Spiritual Experience on the Appalachian Trail 00:28:38 - Near-death experiences and the monastery's fire vision 00:33:00 - Angels, Elephants, and Divine Experiences 00:37:48 - Connecting to the Divine and Mysticism 00:42:22 - Ice Climbing Mishap 00:46:34 - A Desperate Descent 00:51:04 - The Ascenders Hitch and a Close Call 00:55:16 - Facing Death on the Edge 01:00:02 - The Infinite Darkness and Consciousness 01:04:47 - A Glimpse of the Infinite 01:09:37 - The Shame and Love in My Experience 01:14:24 - A Moment of Oneness and Absorption 01:19:43 - Coming Back to Life 01:24:17 - A Near-Death Experience and Its Aftermath 01:29:01 - Discovering Kindness 01:34:09 - Living in a Duality 01:39:03 - Seeking the Oneness Inside Myself 01:44:20 - Divine Experiences and the Oneness of Being 01:49:01 - The Perfection and Imperfection of Existence 01:54:16 - Seeing the Divine Presence in Everyday Life 01:58:42 - The Journey Within Multiple Levels of Heaven 02:03:10 - The Choice to Incarnate on Earth 02:08:17 - The Treasure of Love as the Reason 02:12:33 - The Role of Love in the Divine Experience 02:17:12 - Love as a Path to the Divine 02:21:12 - The Global Movement of Spiritually Transformed People

Anna Breytenbach is a South African-based professional animal communicator who has received advanced training through the Assisi International Animal Institute in California, USA. She’s been practicing for 18 years in South Africa, Europe and the USA with both domestic and wild animals. Born and raised in Cape Town, South Africa, she holds a degree in Psychology, Economics and Marketing from the University of Cape Town. Trained in tracking and mentoring at the Wilderness Awareness School (USA), she also mentors children and adults in nature awareness based on the ways of the Native American and San Bushmen peoples. Anna is a qualified and experienced master training facilitator, focusing on bringing forth participants’ skills through coaching and mentoring in a practical manner. She consults exclusively with wildlife and offers workshops around southern Africa, occasionally touring Australia, Europe and the USA. Her work includes working with wild dolphins and whales, leading animal communication safaris, interspecies projects at permaculture and organic farms, and giving numerous public talks. Her pro bono work focuses on conservation projects such as elephant management, anti-poaching assistance, baboon rehabilitation, whale and dolphin research and predator conservation. She is also the subject of the feature documentary movie "The Animal Communicator" on interspecies communication. Website: animalspirit.org Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group. Summary and transcript of this interview Interview recorded March 23, 2019 More videos: Spirit The Black Leopard Anna Breytenbach communicates with Great White Shark YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Buddha at the Gas Pump series 00:04:30 - Telepathy Between Animals and Humans 00:08:54 - Presence and Awareness in Interspecies Communication 00:12:55 - Being Present and Centered in Animal Communication 00:16:48 - Interpreting Animal Communication 00:21:05 - Collective Consciousness and Biological Constellation 00:24:48 - Our Interconnectedness with Nature 00:28:59 - Communicating with the Essence of Nonhumans 00:33:11 - The Intelligence of Insects and Humans 00:36:53 - The Value of All Beings 00:40:47 - The Hierarchy of Values in Nature 00:44:43 - Interspecies Communication with Bees and Sunflowers 00:48:19 - Conscious Relating and Giving of Life 00:52:09 - Connection and Awareness through Nature 00:56:08 - Developing Telepathic Interspecies Communication 01:01:00 - Understanding the Leopard's Unhappiness 01:03:57 - Telepathy in Predators 01:07:22 - A Message of Apology and Change from the Humans 01:10:43 - Animal Communication and Hunting 01:14:20 - Nature's Forgiveness and Compassion 01:18:33 - The Unraveling of Systems and the Need for Change 01:22:31 - A Whole New Paradigm for Liberation 01:26:27 - Animals and Humans as Children and Teenagers 01:30:00 - Trusting Intuition and Deep Nature Connection 01:33:45 - Developing Telepathy with Animals 01:37:32 - Reunion of Leopards and their Former Companion 01:40:50 - Connection with Babies and Children 01:44:31 - Animal Communication and Psychic Arts 01:48:07 - Making Conscious Food Choices 01:52:01 - Connecting with Animals and Workshops in South Africa 01:55:03 - Conversation with Anna Breytenbach

Damien Echols is an artist and New York Times bestselling author of "Life After Death". In 2018, he published his first book on ceremonial magick: "High Magick: A Guide to the Spiritual Practices That Saved My Life on Death Row". He has been a practitioner of ceremonial Magick for over 20 years and leads classes on Magick across the country. He spent over 18 years on death row in Arkansas for a crime he didn't commit before gaining his freedom in 2011. Upon release, he, along with Peter Jackson produced the documentary film "West Of Memphis" which chronicled his legal battle. During his time in prison, he was ordained into the Rinzai Zen tradition of Japanese Buddhism. He lives in New York with his wife and three cats. Other offerings: Audio CD of "High Magick: A Guide to the Spiritual Practices That Saved My Life on Death Row" Angels and Archangels Royal Science of Angels Life After Death Yours for Eternity: A Love Story on Death Row Almost Home Damien's site: damienechols.com Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group. Summary and transcript of this interview. Interview recorded March 16, 2019 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Buddha at the Gas Pump 00:05:30 - Growing Up in Poverty and Neglect 00:10:30 - False Confessions and Wrongful Convictions 00:15:20 - Satanism and Magick 00:20:03 - Life Inside Prison 00:24:50 - Morphic Fields and Collective Consciousness 00:29:25 - The Power of Meditation and Consciousness Alteration 00:34:04 - Alignment of Brain and Heart Electromagnetic Fields 00:38:27 - Ego and Karma in Enlightenment Practice 00:43:19 - Discovering Magick in Prison 00:48:06 - The Brutality in Prison 00:52:47 - The Power of Resilience and Endurance 00:57:49 - Balancing Polarities in Magick 01:03:01 - Balancing the energy centers 01:08:01 - The Disintegration of Self and the Trinity of Divinity 01:13:16 - Explaining the Concept of Archangels and Deities 01:18:00 - Magick as a Personal Journey 01:22:39 - Purifying Your Energetic Anatomy and Environment 01:27:29 - The Journey to Magick 01:32:31 - Adjusting to Life After Prison 01:37:02 - Magick and the Healing Power of Words 01:41:58 - The Misuse of Magick 01:46:28 - Working with Archangels and Negative Tendencies 01:50:55 - Talismans and Amulets: Harnessing the Power of Symbols 01:55:37 - Charging of Magick Items 02:00:14 - Surrendering and Relaxing 02:05:08 - The Importance of Relationships in the Awakening Process 02:09:39 - Unlocking the Collective Unconscious and Remembering Past Lives 02:14:31 - Expanding Psychic Perception, Overcoming Addiction, and Restructuring the Prison System 02:19:16 - The Problem with the US Prison System 02:23:40 - Check out the Impressive Documentaries

Rev. Bill’s life has been a spiritual journey, spanning slightly over 7 decades. His whole life has been a mystical trip in search of gurus, the paranormal, and self-discovery. He has written about his many spiritually transformative experiences and “near-death-experiences” including supernatural events during his combat tour of duty in the Vietnam War. In his books, he has shared some incredible spiritual events that are beyond both common understanding or explanation. His autobiography “Warrior: A Spiritual Odyssey” takes us on a life quest for love, understanding, forgiveness, and enlightenment. His follow-up book “Alchemy of a Warrior's Heart" continues that mystical journey including four trips to India for even more profound experiences with holy men, miracles and his personal relationship with the Divine. What he knows for sure after all these years is that the only thing that is truly real is LOVE. He is an author, an award-winning poet, international motivational speaker, artist, film advisor, veteran advocate, a Vietnam War veteran (Distinguished Flying Cross, The Bronze Star, The Purple Heart Medal, 14 Air Medals, The Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, etc.). He has spoken around the world including Germany, England, Wales, Bolivia, and India. He has been involved with a dozen films and documentaries. (Such as: “In the Shadow of the Blade”- showed on the History Network and “The Art of Healing” shown on PBS TV) Rev. Bill has been on over 800 radio and TV shows over the last 18 years and has stories about his life featured in over a dozen books by other authors and in hundreds of magazine and newspaper articles. He has had articles in such diverse publications as “Parade Sunday Magazine” and “The Self-Realization Fellowship Magazine” as well as military magazines and new age magazines. His YouTube Channel has over 70 videos and had gotten over 550,000 views in its first 18 months. He speaks publicly about the need to forgive and power of love. His mission in life is to inspire others to seek the Divine and he does that through his personal stories of his own life experiences. He is a seeker but not just for himself. His “mission” is to allow others to experience his journey through his stories. He has had many near-death and near-death-like experiences and encounters with the supernatural. He is a friend to many - including famous celebrities and people in power positions in life but he treats everyone the same whether they are homeless or the President or a CEO. His beliefs are simple: There is but ONE GOD – and our only mission is to LOVE & SERVE ALL. Rev. Bill McDonald was born In San Francisco and raised in California, Oregon, and Hawaii. He graduated from San Jose City College with an AA Degree in Labor Management and later from The University of San Francisco with a BA degree in Public Service Administration. He spent over 30 years working for the federal government and retired in 2001. He has spent his time since then working for 5 different non-profit organizations helping veterans while serving the purpose of world peace. He works with PTSD veterans and is an unpaid lobbyist for veteran issues in California. Has also has worked as a volunteer chaplain in Folsom Prison and worked for a time answering phone calls for The National Suicide Hotline. His life is filled with service. He has been married to his high school sweetheart Carol, since 1970. He has been living in Elk Grove, California since 1979. Additional books by William “Rev. Bill” McDonald: A Spiritual Warrior's Journey: The Inspiring Life Story of a Mystical Warrior – 2003 Purple Hearts: Poetry of The Vietnam War – 2003 Sacred Eye: Poetry In Search Of The Divine – 2004   Bill's guru, Yogiraj Gurunath Siddhanath Bill's Website Bill's email Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group. Summary and transcript of this interview Interview recorded March 2, 2019. Second BatGap interview with Bill McDonald. YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Buddha at the Gas Pump 00:07:27 - The Power of Love and Unity 00:14:22 - Spiritual Development and the Equality of All 00:21:17 - The Search for the Scrolls 00:26:54 - The Mystery of the Antique Paper 00:32:12 - The Right Time for a Suggestion 00:37:41 - Revelation of Past Life Sins and the Curse on the Mind 00:43:26 - A Near-Death-Like Experience 00:49:05 - A Spiritual Experience and a Journey to India 00:54:31 - Blissful Experience in Another Realm 01:00:29 - A Near-Death Experience 01:06:26 - Otherworldly Beings and Lost Time 01:11:41 - Interdimensional Beings and Personal Experiences 01:17:28 - Surrender to the Universe: A Serendipitous Encounter 01:22:39 - A Story of Compassion and Miracles 01:28:17 - The Spirituality of Veterans 01:33:56 - A Near Mutiny Situation 01:39:28 - The Power of Listening, The Impact of Moral Choices, and Spiritual Transformation 01:44:55 - The Premonition of a Tragic Accident 01:50:19 - The Mysterious Helicopter Crash 01:55:50 - Encountering a UFO in Vietnam 02:01:47 - The Philosophy of Pain and Suffering 02:07:17 - Pain and suffering revisited 02:12:33 - Major Surgery 02:18:06 - A Painful Trip to the Doctor's Office 02:23:08 - An Illuminated Room and a Healing Hand 02:29:00 - Mysterious Encounters and Explosions 02:34:52 - The Rainbow Body Journey 02:41:21 - Profound Changes and Higher Levels of Creation 02:46:56 - The Reflection Upon the Devotee 02:52:18 - Conclusion and Farewell

After 20+ years of Buddhist and non-dual practice, in 2003 Tina Rasmussen, Ph.D., undertook a year-long solo retreat during which awakening occurred. She later ordained as a Buddhist nun with a world-renowned meditation master, became the first Western woman to attain that path, and was authorized to teach. Tina has been studied by Yale Neuroscience Lab for research on the effects of meditation on consciousness and the brain. Tina is co-author of Practicing the Jhanas: Traditional Concentration Meditation as Presented by the Venerable Pa Auk Sayadaw, and has been featured on Conscious TV and in Non-duality Magazine. She is also involved in the Diamond Approach to realization. Tina teaches students worldwide how to walk the path of the “urban mystic”—functioning from deep spiritual understanding while living a modern human life. Dr. Rasmussen has also worked in the field of human/organizational development as a consultant/coach for 25+ years, with several published books on humanistic leadership. Website: luminousmindsangha.com Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group. Summary and transcript of this interview Interview recorded February 23, 2019. YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction and Previous Interviews Menu 00:06:01 - Exploring Meditation and Inquiry Techniques 00:10:50 - The Brain Changes with Meditation 00:15:41 - Overcoming Hindrances in Meditation 00:20:33 - Understanding Awakening 00:24:17 - Uniqueness and Awakened Beings 00:28:08 - Fine-tuning the Contraption 00:31:56 - Deep Retreat Experience 00:35:55 - Handling Intense Energy during Meditation 00:39:37 - The Awakening Journey 00:43:32 - Working with Awakening in Daily Life 00:47:39 - Different Paths for Different People 00:50:55 - The Hare and the Tortoise 00:54:33 - The Neo-Advaita Shift 00:57:59 - Moving from Distortions to Integration 01:01:55 - Awakening in the World 01:05:28 - A Vision of a More Enlightened World 01:09:30 - The Lack of Understanding and Emphasis on Awakening 01:13:38 - The Importance of Diligence and Discernment 01:17:18 - Exercising Discernment and Ethical Living 01:21:14 - Living in Alignment with Realization 01:24:32 - Manifestation and Meditation across Different Walks of Life 01:28:24 - The Balance of Effort and Letting Go 01:32:47 - The Continuity of Awareness and Identification with Instinctual Drives 01:36:54 - Understanding the Harm and Delusion in Spiritual Practice 01:40:26 - The Challenges After Awakening 01:45:05 - Awakening and Dealing with Personality Material 01:51:11 - Insight and Rigpa: Stages of Liberation 01:59:03 - The Ground of Awakening 02:06:22 - The Full Potentiality of the Human Experience 02:12:23 - End of Presentation

Mark Gober is a best-selling author, a Partner at Sherpa Technology Group in Silicon Valley, a former investment banker with UBS in New York, and former captain of the Princeton tennis team. His worldview was turned upside down in late 2016 when he was exposed to world-changing science which suggested that, contrary to mainstream assumptions, consciousness is not produced by the brain. After researching extensively, he wrote An End to Upside Down Thinking: Dispelling the Myth That the Brain Produces Consciousness, and the Implications for Everyday Life to introduce the general public to these cutting-edge ideas -- all in an effort to encourage a much-needed global shift in scientific and existential thinking. Mark's book has been endorsed by leading thinkers such as former Harvard neurosurgeon Eben Alexander, Nobel Peace Prize nominee Dr. Ervin Laszlo, Pixar founder Loren Carpenter, Institute of Noetic Sciences Chief Scientist Dr. Dean Radin, University of Virginia professor of neurobehavioral sciences Dr. Ed Kelly, Dr. Rupert Sheldrake, Guru Singh, Chicken Soup for the Soul author Jack Canfield, actress Goldie Hawn, and many others. Website: markgober.com Summary and transcript of this interview. Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group. Interview recorded February 16, 2019 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Buddha at the Gas Pump 00:04:30 - Background and Transition into Writing 00:08:09 - A Shift in Worldview 00:11:50 - Paradigm Shifts and Anomalies 00:15:15 - Anomalies in Science 00:18:58 - The Fundamental Nature of Consciousness 00:22:42 - Understanding the Limits of Our Perceptual Systems 00:26:22 - Studies on Psychic Spies during the Cold War 00:29:55 - Repression in the Scientific Community 00:33:29 - The Importance of Publishing Studies on Psychic Phenomena 00:37:08 - Assumptions about Reality and their Impact 00:40:35 - The Illusion of Materialism 00:43:45 - The Connection between Materialism and Spiritual Practice 00:47:10 - The Consciousness of the Brain 00:50:37 - Reflection and Settled Mind 00:54:19 - Anomalous Occurrences and Spiritual Practices 00:57:53 - Humility and Open-Mindedness 01:01:36 - The Qualities of Consciousness 01:04:56 - Modulations of Consciousness 01:08:32 - Awareness independent of biology 01:12:20 - The Play of Consciousness 01:16:16 - Evaluating Anomalies and Questioning the Paradigm 01:19:56 - Free Will and Consciousness 01:23:58 - Research on Reincarnation at the University of Virginia 01:27:30 - Reincarnation and the Continuity of Consciousness 01:30:52 - Reincarnation and Continuity 01:34:32 - The Nature of Altruism 01:37:56 - Is Time Linear? 01:41:25 - Discussing Predicting the Future and Psychic Phenomena 01:45:02 - Nonlinear Effects and Shifting Consciousness

Prasannan had a fascination for Astronomy from an early age, having built his own telescope, and spent his teenage years studying the stars and planets. He was the president of the Astronomy, and Photography Clubs in high school. He always understood that what we see is only a tiny portion of the totality. At Easter, in 1987, he attended a retreat which resulted in a spiritual awakening, leading him to conclude that he had always been on a spiritual path. As a result, he adopted a celibate (brahmacharya) lifestyle. Having studied the teachings of Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, Ramana Maharshi, and Swami Sivananda, he heard about Mata Amritanandamayi (Amma), and met her during her 1990 North American tour. At the time, he held a senior management position in corporate finance but he had a natural motivation towards engaging in serving selflessly (Seva). The Sanskrit word "Seva" means helping others out of compassion, without a conscious thought of receiving personal benefit. Prasannan moved to Amritapuri, India in 1992; on arriving he was placed in charge of the computer room, and developed a new accounting system, training the brahmacharins (monks) in its use; at the same time a Jyotish software program was acquired, which Prasannan became responsible for. At the direction of Amma, he began his practice of Jyotish, which continues to this day. He travelled around the world with Amma, providing Jyotish interpretations during her programs. At other times he conducted sessions in India, raising funds for Amma charities. After 19 years in India, he returned to Canada and established his independent Jyotish practice. After more than 2 decades of brahmacharya, he married Maya, the love of his life! Prasannan has consulted with more than 60,000 clients throughout the world. He answers questions about all areas of life, material, familial, health, and well-being, as well as spiritual. Website: prasannanjyotish.com Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group. Summary and transcript of this interview Interview recorded February 9, 2019. YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Buddha at the Gas Pump 00:04:28 - The Journey to Jyotish Practice 00:08:11 - The Differences between Vedic and Western Astrology 00:11:53 - The Significance of the Birth Chart 00:15:16 - The Existence of Souls on the Astral Plane 00:18:54 - The Evolution of Jyotish 00:22:40 - The Power of Alignment and Eclipses 00:26:31 - Planets and their Qualities 00:30:30 - The Universe as Reflective Intelligence 00:34:36 - The Complexity of Karma and the Intelligent Universe 00:38:16 - Jyotish as a Road Map for Liberation 00:41:48 - Planetary Influences on Fertility 00:45:09 - Reincarnation and the Bible's removal of references 00:48:51 - The Battle Between Free Will and Divine Will 00:53:00 - Twins and Individual Lives 00:56:29 - Difficulties in Obtaining Accurate Birth Times in Kerala 00:59:55 - The Power of Stones 01:03:44 - Concerns about marriage and job prospects 01:07:23 - The Unpredictability of Life's Events 01:11:09 - Astrological Effects on Travel and Location Choices 01:14:26 - The Influence of Planetary Cycles 01:17:51 - The Complexity of Karma and Lottery 01:21:49 - The Impact of Planetary Alignment 01:25:35 - Awakening and Integration 01:29:29 - The Role of Jyotish in Circumventing Problems. 01:33:16 - Vedic Astrology and Prognostication 01:36:39 - Advancements in Computer Programs for Astrology 01:40:05 - The Importance of Data Backup+Privately Safeguarded Techniques 01:43:41 - Death and Enlightenment 01:47:09 - Personal Biases and Jyotish

Miranda Macpherson began her spiritual journey at the age of thirteen when, amidst a period of clinical depression, she was spontaneously opened into a profound state of boundless love. That experience initiated a lifelong dedication to spiritual practice, psychological depth, and the study of the world’s wisdom traditions. Her travels took her from her native Australia to the United Kingdom, where after completing seminary training, she founded the OneSpirit Interfaith Foundation in London, at the request of her teacher. Over the next decade, Miranda trained and ordained more than six hundred interfaith ministers and spiritual counselors. In 2005, a seismic shift occurred that changed the course of Miranda’s life. While meditating in a cave in India that was once home to the revered sage Sri Ramana Maharshi, she experienced a direct transmission of the true nature of reality that required total surrender. In the wake of this, Miranda found herself again moving to a new continent, this time the United States. There, in the years it took to integrate this opening, a body of teachings on Grace and Ego Relaxation began to emerge that brings ancient wisdom alive for our changing times. Today, Miranda is known for her depth of presence and gift for guiding others into direct experience of the sacred. Miranda leads the Living Grace sangha in Marin and Sonoma counties, holds retreats internationally, and offers online programs through the Shift Network. Unapologetically feminine, joyful, and down to earth in her way of being, Miranda is dedicated to loving people all the way back into the freedom and wholeness of their true nature. She lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband Bob Duchmann. Books: The Way of Grace - The Transforming Power of Ego Relaxation (Book) Boundless Love: Transforming Your Life with Grace and Inspiration CDs: The Way of Grace - The Transforming Power of Ego Relaxation (CD or audio download) Meditations on Boundless Love 'The Heart of Being' - Mantra CD 'Awakening the Soul' - Meditation CD Website: http://mirandamacpherson.com First BatGap interview with Miranda. Miranda in SAND Panel Discussion on Sexual Misconduct, Money, Power, Trauma & Ethics in Spiritual Communities Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group. Summary and transcript of this interview Interview recorded February 4, 2019 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Buddha at the Gas Pump 00:03:57 - The Relevance of Ancient Wisdom 00:07:52 - Ego Relaxation and the Sense of Time 00:11:39 - Introduction and Bio of Miranda Macpherson 00:15:25 - Awakening to the Fullness of Being 00:19:37 - The Infinite Ways of Realization 00:23:28 - The Window Panes of Ultimate Reality 00:27:11 - Healing and Transformation through Grace 00:31:19 - The Sweet State of Ego Relaxation 00:35:24 - Living in Alignment with Grace 00:39:38 - The Blessings of Grace 00:43:32 - Opening ourselves to beings of higher consciousness 00:47:27 - Perpetual Ascension and Spiritual Ego 00:51:23 - The Paradox of Spiritual Practice 00:55:04 - Cultivating Virtues: Trust and Humility 01:00:00 - The Fulfillment of Life and the Richness of Life 01:03:08 - Surrender and Accountability 01:06:54 - The Challenge of Surrender and Relaxation 01:10:57 - Surrendering to the Way 01:14:57 - Moving with Life 01:18:38 - Finding Stability in Uncertain Times 01:22:12 - Placing Faith in Humanity 01:26:13 - Relaxing into Truth 01:30:05 - The Partnership between Horse and Man 01:33:59 - The Healing Power of Forgiveness 01:38:02 - Right Action from Being 01:41:44 - The Paradox of Ego and Passivity 01:45:46 - Recognizing and Befriending Our Primal Drives 01:49:38 - Practical Meditation Techniques and Practices 01:53:07 - Resources and Online Courses 01:56:42 - Music Intro