Buddha at the Gas Pump

Swamini Brahmaprajnananda Saraswati Ph. D has dedicated her life to serving the Vedic tradition by teaching Advaita Vedanta. A Hindu monk who currently lives in Mumbai (India) she is a teacher, podcaster, writer, creator who points to the suffix -er in all the roles as the abiding Atma in all beings. She offers regular Vedanta courses (online), Vedanta – the river of wisdom weekly podcast, insightful videos, workshops and retreats in India and abroad. Her teachings range from the depth and breadth of self-mastery to self-discovery. She is the author of ‘You matter – Insights from Vedanta.’ Swamini ji teaches three core courses at Hindu University of America. She has a Ph. D in Philosophy and her thesis on the Role of Ishvara in Advaita Vedanta is due to be published soon as a book. She is a direct disciple of Pujya Swami Dayananda Saraswati, having studied Vedanta, Sanskrit and Vedic chanting at Arsha Vidya Gurukulam in a residential, intensive three-year course in Coimbatore and Rishikesh, India. She studied with Swami Brahmavidananda for about twelve years while balancing her work commitments. Her last leadership role was as the Country Head (India) of an international organization which positively impacted the lives of 150,000 street children. She was formerly a psychologist. Website YouTube Channel Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group Summary and transcript of this interview. Interview recorded May 21, 2024 YouTube Video Chapters:  00:00:00 - Introduction to Buddha at the Gas Pump  00:04:24 - Questioning Hinduism and Childhood Rebellion  00:08:21 - Becoming a Monk for Guru and Grace  00:12:20 - Neo-Advaita and Traditional Advaita  00:16:23 - The Importance of Traditional Teachings in Vedanta  00:20:16 - Contextualizing Vedic Literature and Manusmriti  00:24:03 - Vedanta: The Sixth Means of Knowledge  00:28:06 - Vedanta as a Means of Knowledge  00:31:58 - The Scientific Approach and Spiritual Development  00:35:52 - Science's Damage and Universal Values  00:40:00 - The Nature of Maya Shakti  00:43:44 - The Nature of Brahman and Self-Discovery  00:47:38 - The Strange Pursuit of Seeking and Harmony with the World  00:51:26 - The Nature of Consciousness and Seeking  00:55:09 - The Stages of a Seeker  00:58:59 - Transformation from Seeker to Knower  01:02:50 - The Process of Chipping Away and Shedding Ignorance  01:06:34 - Direct vs Progressive Approaches in Vedanta  01:10:15 - Direct and Progressive Understanding of Vedanta  01:14:09 - The Five Sets of Relationships  01:17:54 - The Meaning and Process of Puja  01:21:51 - Understanding the Law of Karma  01:26:03 - Karma and Free Will  01:29:36 - Expanding and narrowing our range of free will  01:33:24 - The Legacy of the Tradition and the Role of a Spokesperson  01:37:16 - The Importance of Dharma in Spiritual Growth  01:41:12 - Aligning with Dharma  01:45:07 - The Mirror of Dharma  01:48:56 - Maintaining Discernment in Spiritual Teachings  01:52:24 - The Power Within Us  01:56:08 - Recognizing our Sacred connection to God

 After a 14-year Meditation Journey, Philip experientially realized the nature of the True Self which referred to itself as Infinite Silence. In his former life, Philip was a Chartered Civil Engineer and Operating Group Director of a large business. In 2000 in response to dreaming about work on a skiing holiday Philip began Meditation. Ultimately, this led him to leave his old world behind in 2009 at the height of his career to focus on a deep inner calling. Since 2014 he has shared the gift of Self Realization with the world in ways led by Meditative Insight through direct experience of the Infinite Silence Meditation, Spiritual Inquiry, Infinite Touch and via his website and other outlets. His style is simple, compassionate and offers exquisite clarity. His sharing is all based on direct experience, is not rooted in any tradition and is ideal for the present era. Unexpectedly, Philip was both inspired and invited to offer events in person in the UK, Iceland, Greece (Corfu and Crete) and Amsterdam and globally online. Philip lives near the small but very beautiful Cathedral City of Ripon, North Yorkshire, England. With his Wife Sue, they have created a purpose-built Meditation space for events. He light-heartedly calls it the Universal Studio! Because of the misunderstandings and spiritual blocks that can be associated with them he has never been a fan of labels people have called him, including Guru, Teacher, and Master. Recently (late 2021) in meditation it was made clear the term Western Mystic was to be used. Whilst the ‘Western’ term is, in truth, superfluous the intention that was made clear was to draw out the fact that his sharing is all rooted in direct experience and is he is not ‘schooled’ in Eastern Teachings. Experience has shown that this has made the material accessible to a broad audience. His message focuses on helping people recognize, inquire into, and experience the absolute simplicity and power of the Infinite Silence that is our true essence. Website - includes: A link to a free Meditations Site Many free resources An Online Retreat in your own time for a nominal donation The Living Soul, Self Realisation App - A Self Realisation Community and Resource Library including a Community Zoom Calls and Retreat. Access via the App stores and for more detailed information visit Philip’s Website here. Insight Timer App - over 50 free Tracks - Includes a freely available LiveStream Self Realisation Programme with accompanying Infinite Silence Meditations (0.25 hours to 1.5 hours). YouTube Channel - Over 250 videos including many Live Streams, Short Insights and Shorts Podcast - Nothing Special with Philip Wade: Over 60 Episodes on many Self Realisation topics on all major platforms. LinkedIn - More recent addition (called for from the Silence) with a series of ‘journeys’ posts to invite people to explore. Facebook Instagram - A vast array of insights, articles, videos and quotes. Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group. Summary and Transcript of this interview Interview recorded May 4, 2024. YouTube Video Chapters:  00:00:00 - Introduction and Background  00:03:30 - Discovering the Benefits of Meditation  00:08:23 - The Birth of the Open Source Spheres Meditation  00:12:35 - The Experiential Realisation of Infinite Silence  00:15:12 - Intuition and Meditation  00:18:52 - Trusting Intuition and the Source of Wisdom  00:23:34 - The Spheres of Light-Formation  00:28:18 - The Multi-dimensional Nature of the Hiranyagarbha Sphere  00:33:33 - The Purpose of Creation  00:37:42 - The Gateway Location and the Infinite I  00:41:05 - Experiencing the Phenomena of Being through Silence  00:44:09 - Exploring Infinite Silence and Meditative Experiences  00:47:46 - Snapping into Expansion and Infinite Touch  00:51:50 - Childhood and Life Experiences

 From a childhood in a strict, religious Mennonite community, to leading a healing movement during his youth, to experiencing financial hardship and living in drug-filled slums, to becoming an advisor to heads of Fortune 500s and billionaires, to eventually working with one of the world’s most renowned private islands, Josh’s journey has been, unusual to say the least. Fueled by his yearning for awakening, his story is about embracing disillusionment as the pathway to enlightenment. Josh currently lives on the island of Tahiti with his wife and youngest son. TikTok YouTube Channel Instagram Summary and Transcript of this interview Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group. Interview recorded April 20, 2024 YouTube Video Chapters:  00:00:00 - Introduction to Buddha at the Gas Pump  00:04:48 - Growing up in a conservative community  00:08:44 - Seeking a Spiritual Experience  00:12:23 - A Journey of Awakening and Disillusionment  00:16:17 - Living in a Horrific Apartment  00:19:34 - Finding Hope Amidst Difficult Circumstances  00:22:57 - Unexpected Help in Times of Need  00:26:39 - Trusting in Life's Plan  00:30:06 - Studying the Bible and its Figures of Speech  00:34:04 - The Essenes and their Mystical Teachings  00:38:08 - The Essenes and Jesus  00:42:25 - Disillusionment with Christianity  00:47:11 - A Shift in Spiritual Perspective  00:51:07 - Travels in India  00:54:47 - The Power of Belief Systems  00:58:34 - The Purpose of Business and Ethics  01:01:43 - The Special Place of Renewal and Regeneration  01:06:01 - Living in Harmony with the World  01:10:25 - Transitioning to a Different Technological Framework  01:14:19 - Different Generational Brackets  01:17:34 - The Birth Pangs of a Spiritual Renaissance  01:21:44 - The Power Behind a Global Societal Transformation  01:25:53 - Religion as a School Ground  01:29:51 - Teaching Love and Setting Rules  01:33:42 - The Practice and Effect of Love  01:37:01 - The Copper Scroll and Akhenaten's Influence  01:40:50 - Transition towards Community-led Governments  01:44:52 - The Messiah and Unity  01:49:15 - The Benefits and Challenges of Resolving Conflict in Places of Conflict  01:53:27 - The Power of Community in Spiritual Awakening  01:57:36 - Content Creation on Social Media Platforms

Dr. Anna Yusim is an internationally recognized, award-winning, Board-Certified, Stanford, and Yale-educated Mind Body Spirit Concierge Psychiatrist & Executive Coach with a Private Practice in New York, California, Connecticut, and Florida. She is the best-selling author of Fulfilled: How the Science of Spirituality Can Help You Live a Happier, More Meaningful Life. As a Clinical Assistant Professor at Yale Medical School, Dr. Yusim is presently creating a Mental Health & Spirituality Center at Yale. With clients including Forbes 500 CEOs, Olympic athletes, A-list actors and actresses, and the Chairs of academic departments at top universities, Dr. Anna Yusim helps influential people achieve greater impact, purpose, and joy in their life and work. After working as a neurobiology researcher with Dr. Robert Sapolsky Ph.D. and completing her studies at Stanford, Yale Medical School, and the NYU Psychiatry Residency Training Program, Dr. Yusim felt that something was missing from her life. In her quest to find it, she traveled, lived and worked in over 70 countries, while studying Kabbalah, learning Buddhist meditation, and working with South American shamans and Indian gurus. Dr. Yusim has published over 150 academic articles, book chapters, scientific abstracts, book reviews, and articles for the lay public on various topics in psychiatry. A frequent contributor to CNN, Fox News, ABC, and NBC, she has been a guest on hundreds of national and international TV shows, radio programs, and podcasts. As a highly sought-after speaker, Dr. Yusim gives keynotes for physicians and professionals all over the country and the world on topics related to mental health and spirituality, preventing burnout, physicians as meaning-makers, and resilience. For healthcare professionals, corporate leaders, and community members, she also conducts workshops to empower individuals to sharpen their intuition, cultivate authenticity, awaken self-compassion, enhance their capacity for empathy, and improve their ability to connect with others. Website: annayusim.com YouTube channel Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group. Summary and transcript of this interview Interview recorded April 14, 2024 YouTube Video Chapters:  00:00:00 - Introduction and Background of Dr. Anna Yusim  00:03:35 - Defining Fulfillment  00:05:18 - Addictions and Improving Relationships  00:07:16 - Being in Flow with Life  00:09:53 - Overcoming the Impediments to Bliss  00:13:01 - The Complexity of Spiritual Ascension Processes  00:15:56 - The Importance of Professional Support in Spiritual Awakening  00:19:13 - The Challenges of Spiritual Practices in Psychiatry  00:21:36 - The Impact of COVID on Mental Health and Access to Treatment  00:24:05 - The Impact of Spirituality on Health, Addiction, and Suicide  00:26:33 - Roland Griffith's Work and Psychedelics  00:29:06 - The Birth of the Yale Mental Health and Spirituality Center  00:30:54 - Psychedelics as a Spiritual Practice  00:33:15 - Regular Use of Psychedelics and its Effects  00:35:46 - The potential dangers of nationwide legalization  00:37:58 - Integrating Body and Spirit in Psychiatry  00:40:29 - Psychics, Schizophrenics, and the Study of Voice Hearing  00:42:31 - Defining Spirituality and its Connection to Mental Health  00:44:53 - Purpose and Happiness  00:47:09 - Mass Psychology and Spirituality  00:50:06 - The Importance of Open Dialogue and Freedom of Speech  00:52:48 - The Power of Collective Healing  00:55:35 - Collective Healing for Trauma  00:57:42 - Mindfulness programs for children  01:00:03 - The Disconnect of Smartphone Addiction  01:02:35 - Safeguards for AI and the Future of Humanity  01:05:19 - Awakening or Death: Choosing Hope in Dark Times  01:07:20 - Factors for Spontaneous Remission and Overcoming Death Anxiety  01:09:36 - The Science of Miracles

 Constance Casey, MDiv, is an author and teacher providing spiritual guidance for those interested in living a gentle and peaceful life. Constance offers guidance for those entering deeper practice into the nature of reality and adjusting to a shift in consciousness. Her awakening occurred in 2008. She has been practicing in the contemplative arts for over 40 years-- first through her years in recovery, and then, as she deepened in Buddhist practice in 2007—which she shares in her memoir. She’s a graduate of the Spirit Rock Community Dharma Leader Program. Some of her teachers include Trudy Goodman and Jack Kornfield. Constance obtained a Master of Divinity focusing on religious studies and went on to do hospital chaplaincy work. As an interfaith hospital chaplain, she offered compassionate care for patients and families while embracing the spectrum of human experiences. She is also authorized by Naropa University to teach meditation. Constance’s practice is primarily informed by the suttas in Theravāda Buddhism where she has developed her own online classes, the most recent one is called Clearing Skies: Dispelling the Clouds that Hinder Us, and she leads support groups for dedicated meditation practitioners. Through her experience she respects and values your unique spiritual practice and journey while supporting you to find balance and significance in the face of adversity. Constance will encourage you to attune toward being more mindful and aware for release and serenity. Her first book called Time for Awakening: A Memoir shares her story of awakening and deeper meditation practice and is what brings her to our meeting today. She can be found at her website. On Substack On Instagram On Facebook And on Youtube  Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group Summary and Transcript of this interview Interview recorded March 30, 2024 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Welcome to Buddha at the Gas Pump 00:05:13 - The Levels of Receptiveness to the Dharma 00:09:13 - "Just Who Do You Think You Are?" 00:13:05 - A Snowy Awakening 00:16:54 - Healing and Bonding with My Sons 00:20:17 - Parenting as a Spiritual Practice 00:24:11 - A Fly on the Wall 00:28:09 - Tools of Recovery 00:31:31 - Ethical Structure in Spiritual Circles 00:35:14 - The Vicious Cycle of Repressed Discomfort 00:40:09 - Seeking Further 00:43:44 - Simplifying and Finding Fulfillment Within 00:47:39 - Expressing Experiences Through Art 00:51:17 - Finding Balance in Self-Care 00:54:59 - Honoring the Need for Rest and Balance 00:58:35 - The Power of Meditation and Personal Growth 01:01:38 - Constance's Carpentry Journey 01:04:44 - The Importance of Speaking Out and Trauma (Conversation) 01:07:29 - Seeing the Teacher as a Human Being and the Absence of Hierarchy 01:10:27 - The Indescribable Experience of Awakening 01:14:19 - Following the Way 01:18:32 - Psychological, Theological, Sociological Perspectives 01:22:14 - The Power of Kindness in Movies 01:26:42 - The Intimacy of Stream Entry 01:30:45 - The Support of a Teacher 01:33:33 - The Association for Spiritual Integrity 01:37:43 - Factors of Enlightenment and the Hindrances 01:41:38 - Hindrances in Meditation Practice 01:45:49 - Cultivating Tranquility and Equanimity in Meditation 01:49:05 - The Benefits of Meditation and Inner States of Being 01:51:48 - Closing Remarks

Neil Theise, a pioneer in adult stem cell research and pathology, discusses complexity theory, stem cell regeneration, and the politicization of stem cell science. He explores the interconnectedness of body and identity through Zen practice, merging scientific and spiritual perspectives. The conversation delves into spiritual awakening, quantum realities, consciousness, and the role of intuition in understanding complex systems. Neil also explores unconscious rules in nature, universal principles, and the limitations of language in perceiving the universe.

Kimberley Theresa Lafferty is a seasoned teacher-practitioner specializing in constructive adult developmental psychology and Indo-Tibetan Buddhism. She completed over 12 years of intensive Indo Tibetan study including the required retreats. She leads both open and advanced adult educational cohorts aligning developmental psychology and Buddhist theory. Kimberley co-leads, with Terri O’Fallon, the penultimate Minds I year-long developmental course of Stages International. She is an active Board member for the Association for Spiritual Integrity. Kimberley is also a householder as a wife and mother, living in a remote valley of the North Cascades of North America which deeply impacts her worldview and practice. Website: The Confluence Experience | Making sense of what doesn't make sense Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group. Summary and Transcript of this interview Interview recorded February 10, 2024 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction and Welcome 00:03:33 - Finding Peace in the Forest 00:06:27 - A Blissful Awakening 00:11:15 - Deep Inner Resources and Spiritual Experiences 00:15:10 - Connecting with our Ultimate Selves 00:18:26 - The Wave and Ocean Metaphor 00:23:24 - Diving into Indo-Tibetan Buddhism 00:27:59 - Tantric Retreats and Solitary Meditation 00:32:26 - Experiences on the Retreats with Vajrayogini 00:35:33 - The Red Lady and the Retreat 00:40:01 - The Lesson of Treating Practice Seriously 00:44:18 - The Precious Gift of Tibetan Buddhism 00:47:58 - Spirituality and Integration 00:51:02 - Understanding the Intersection of Waking Up and Identity Change 00:55:31 - The Evolution of Perception and Consciousness 01:00:08 - Supporting Spiritual Teachers 01:03:59 - Shadow Work and Holistic Development 01:07:16 - The Integration of Wisdom and Compassion 01:10:57 - Waves of Human Becoming and Non-Duality in Daily Life 01:14:06 - Anomalous Experiences: Exploring the Extraordinary 01:18:57 - Anomalous Experiences and Meaning Making 01:23:49 - Anomalous Experiences and the Search for Answers 01:28:03 - The Cautionary Use of Psychedelics and the Self 01:32:01 - The Need for Spiritual Integrity among Teachers 01:35:58 - The Preciousness of a Spiritual Life 01:39:58 - Realizing Inner Bliss 01:43:44 - Experiencing Fulfillment in Tantra 01:47:41 - Finding Your Path in Spiritual Practice 01:52:16 - The Role of Spiritual Psychotherapists 01:56:28 - Strengthening Ourselves Psychologically and Spiritually 02:00:00 - Continuing the Conversation with Kimberly

After receiving his doctorate in the sensory neurosciences from The Ohio State University, Bob Davis, Ph.D., served as a professor for the State University of New York for over thirty years, where he conducted research in the behavioral and neurosensory sciences, taught, and held many high-level administrative roles. He published his research in over 60 articles in scholarly journals, and presented numerous lectures worldwide, which included invited lectures at Harvard, Cambridge, and Peking University. Bob was also awarded numerous grants by the National Science Foundation and The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health to conduct research in sensory neuroscience. Following retirement, Bob published several articles in the Journal of Scientific Exploration and Edge Science and presented lectures at national and international conferences on consciousness, spiritually transformative experiences, and unidentified aerial phenomena. Bob has also published three highly popular books: The UFO Phenomenon: Should I Believe? Life after Death: An Analysis of the Evidence, and, Unseen Forces: The Integration of Science, Reality and You. More recently, he has turned his recent book, Unseen Forces, into a planned documentary entitled - The Consciousness Connection - with Emmy Award winner Dave Beaty of Dreamtime Entertainment and Wilson Hawthorne of Eyeland Telemedia. Website: bobdavisspeaks.com Bob Davis is an administrator of the Facebook Site called: The Consciousness Connection Facebook group. Bob's email Bob says, "If you'd like to learn more about the film project or consciousness in general, please subscribe to the Consciousness Connection YouTube channel. Summary and Transcript of this interview Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group Interview recorded February 3, 2024. YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Buddha at the Gas Pump 00:04:35 - Types and Evidence of Extraordinary Human Experiences 00:08:03 - A Profound Shared Death Experience 00:12:21 - A Spiritual Awakening and Kundalini Awakening 00:15:53 - The Misdiagnosis of Spiritual Awakening 00:19:27 - The Unstoppable Spread of Information 00:23:58 - The Need for a Paradigm Shift in Understanding Consciousness 00:27:49 - The Evidence of White Crows in DMT Experiences 00:31:40 - Exploring Consciousness Beyond Traditional Science 00:36:04 - The Relationship Between Science and Spirituality 00:40:27 - Brain Development and Spiritual Transformation 00:44:35 - Humans as Light Beings and Quantum Mechanics 00:48:22 - Veridical Perceptions in Near-Death Experiences 00:52:34 - Near-Death Experiences and Perception 00:56:44 - Novel Interactions in the Brain 01:01:02 - Consciousness and the Bohmian Paradigm Shift 01:05:16 - Ego Dissolution and Positive After-Effects 01:09:03 - Spiritual Practices and Physiological Treatments 01:12:56 - Quantum Mechanics and Premonition 01:16:55 - ESP and Autistic Savants 01:21:20 - Photonic Emissions and Healing Abilities 01:26:00 - The Power of Spiritual Practice 01:29:26 - Personal Transformation and Spreading the Word 01:32:32 - Transformation in Beliefs and Experiences 01:36:00 - The Importance of Spiritual Development 01:38:40 - Tapping into the Language of Nature 01:42:11 - Conclusions about UFOs and their Spiritual Implications 01:45:57 - The Mystery and Wonder of the Universe 01:50:26 - The Long-Term Nature of Spiritual Development 01:54:04 - The Power of Changing Perspectives

Brad Laughlin is the author of Living with Enlightenment—A Journey of Love, which is about his 25-year life-partnership with Leslie Temple-Thurston, a teacher of enlightenment, and the profound spiritual transformation he experienced. With Leslie, he is co-author of two books, The Marriage of Spirit—Enlightened Living in Today’s World and Returning to Oneness—The Seven Keys of Ascension. Brad is dedicated to finding innovative ways of helping people to awaken spiritually and to find love, joy and inspiration during these times of great change. Using ancient Truth teachings, yogic practices and spiritual psychology, he offers simple yet powerful practices for dissolving old, limiting ego structures that keep us trapped in negativity, pain and fear. Brad’s transformative events are based on the principles of integration and unity consciousness, which help us to know our own inner Divinity—who we truly are. Brad and Leslie are co-founders of the nonprofits, CoreLight.org and Seeds of Light.org, CoreLight’s humanitarian arm, serving marginalized communities and AIDS orphans in South Africa. Brad has a bachelor’s degree from Duke University. He is an American by birth, considers himself a global citizen and lives in both South Africa and the United States. Anna Breytenbach is an internationally acclaimed professional interspecies communicator with over 20 years’ experience. Native to South Africa and currently based in Europe, she mentors and consults globally. Her focus is exclusively with wild places and beings, facilitating peaceful interventions and greater understanding. This includes predator research, wilderness protection, anti-poaching assistance, reforestation initiatives, wildlife management and rehabilitation. She is currently taking a sabbatical from her usual teaching and public appearances to write a book. Anna’s passion is raising awareness and advancing the relationships among human and nonhuman animals, on both the personal and spiritual levels. Her work is the subject of the documentary movie "The Animal Communicator”, watched by tens of millions of people (and a few of their pets), available on YouTube. Anna's website: The Animal Communicator | AnimalSpirit YouTube Channel Anna's first BatGap interview Brad and Anna’s online course is For the Love of Animals—A Call to the Heart Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group Summary and transcript of this interview Interview recorded January 28, 2024 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Buddha at the Gas Pump 00:03:56 - Introduction and Background 00:07:26 - From Cheetah Handler to Animal Communicator and Author 00:11:55 - Following Your Inner Calling 00:16:10 - Holding Space for Elephants 00:20:35 - Collective Consciousness and Communication 00:23:42 - The Collective Expressions of Consciousness and Earth Energies 00:27:34 - The Joy of Whales Breaching 00:31:16 - Rediscovering the Intelligence of Nature 00:34:08 - The Importance of Functioning with Intelligence in Society 00:38:08 - The Intelligence of Stones and Non-Moving Beings 00:42:05 - Cruelty to Vegetables and Choosing Love for Animals 00:47:06 - An Evergreen Online Course on Interspecies Communication 00:51:36 - Valuing Different Paths in Life 00:56:41 - Profound Mystical Experiences and the Search for Answers 01:01:07 - The Ball of Light and Healing Energy 01:05:42 - Transitioning into a Higher State 01:11:02 - Pure Joy and Presence 01:16:50 - Quantum Entanglement and Communication 01:19:46 - Perception and the Importance of Clearing Ego Noise 01:24:03 - Rethinking Human Love for Animals 01:27:32 - Animals' Compassion and Journey to Loving Humans 01:31:00 - Communicating with Plants and the Tragedy of the Rabbits 01:33:40 - The Oak Trees' Compassion and Rabbit Friendships 01:36:49 - The Sensitivity of an Enlightened Being

Swami Medhananda is a monk of the Ramakrishna Order and an academic philosopher, currently serving as Senior Research Fellow in Philosophy at the Vedanta Society of Southern California in Hollywood. He is also the Hindu Chaplain at both UCLA and the University of Southern California. He is Section Editor for the International Journal of Hindu Studies (Springer), overseeing submissions in Hindu and Cross-Cultural Philosophy of Religion. From 2010 to 2021, he was Associate Professor and Head of the Program in Philosophy at the Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Educational and Research Institute in Belur Math, West Bengal. He received his PhD in 2009 from the University of California at Berkeley, where he specialized in German aesthetics. He was also a Fulbright Scholar at the Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin (2006–7) and a Visiting Student at Oxford University (2000–1). His current research focuses on global philosophy of religion, the epistemology of mystical experience, cosmopsychism, Indian scriptural hermeneutics, and Vedāntic philosophical traditions, especially the philosophies of Sri Ramakrishna, Swami Vivekananda, and Sri Aurobindo. He is the author of three books: Swami Vivekananda’s Vedāntic Cosmopolitanism (Oxford University Press, 2022), Infinite Paths to Infinite Reality: Sri Ramakrishna and Cross-Cultural Philosophy of Religion (Oxford University Press, 2018), and The Dialectics of Aesthetic Agency: Revaluating German Aesthetics from Kant to Adorno (Bloomsbury, 2013). He is the editor of The Bloomsbury Research Handbook of Vedānta (2020) and co-editor, with Benedikt Paul Göcke, of Panentheism in Indian and Western Thought: Cosmopolitan Interventions (Routledge, 2023). He is also the editor of two special issues of the International Journal of Hindu Studies, one on “Swami Vivekananda as a Cosmopolitan Thinker” (2023) and one on “Vedāntic Theodicies” (2021). He has published over thirty articles in leading academic journals. He is currently working on two book projects: Karma and Rebirth in Hinduism (Cambridge University Press, under contract) and An All-Embracing Oneness: Sri Aurobindo’s Integral Advaita and the Legacy of Sri Ramakrishna (Oxford University Press, under contract). Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group Summary and transcript of this interview. Interview recorded January 22, 2024. YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Buddha at the Gas Pump 00:05:04 - Agnostic to Swami: My Spiritual Journey 00:09:28 - Conversations with an Atheist and Finding Common Ground 00:13:36 - The experience of mystics and the standards of proof 00:17:49 - The Pissed-off Response to Vedanta 00:22:01 - Anecdote about Eligibility in Advaita Vedanta 00:26:13 - Shankara's understanding of Brahma Satyam Jagat Mithya 00:30:16 - Different Paths to Realizing the Divine 00:34:00 - Contradictions in Shankara's writings 00:37:57 - The Vijnani's Perspective and the Colorful Chameleon 00:41:51 - Different Perspectives in Vedanta 00:45:59 - The Benefits of Science and Spirituality 00:50:07 - Embracing Christianity in Vedanta 00:54:30 - Shakti and the Manifestation of the World 00:58:16 - Manifestation of Brahman in the World 01:02:02 - The Validity of Personal Perception 01:05:22 - Epistemic Principles: Credulity and Perceptual Testimony 01:09:05 - The Importance of Critical Thinking on the Spiritual Path 01:12:45 - The Problem with Neo-Advaitins 01:16:54 - Panentheism and Spiritual Practice 01:21:02 - Vijnana Vedanta and the Path to Liberation 01:24:59 - Embracing the Dual Nature of God 01:29:27 - Ramakrishna's First-Line Response to the Problem of Evil 00:01:32 - The Doctrine of Karma and Rebirth 01:36:34 - The Challenge of God's Attributes 01:40:04 - Dissolving the Problem of Evil 01:44:58 - Gaudapada's doctrine of Ajatavada and the Difference between Jnani and Vijnani