Buddha at the Gas Pump

Presentation at the Science and Nonduality Conference. Many well-known spiritual teachers and gurus have been accused, credibly, of sexual, financial, and behavioral abuse, despite their own spiritual attainment having seemed significant, and their teachings beneficial. As a result, some people have concluded that higher consciousness and ethical behavior are not correlated, that we are governed by our genetics and conditioning, or by "nature", and that we have no free will and thus no control over or responsibility for our actions. That logic has been used as an alibi by some misbehaving spiritual teachers. Others have become cynical about the motives of all gurus and teachers, and some have even lost faith in spirituality altogether. Yet, every spiritual tradition includes codes of ethics that apply to both teachers and students. Ethical behavior has been regarded not only as a reflection of spiritual development but as a prerequisite to it. To some extent, ethical values vary from culture to culture. But perhaps the contemporary spiritual community can agree upon some universal values. Can we agree that it's not all right to misrepresent ourselves? If we claim or imply that we have realized our true nature, and are offering to help others do the same, is it consistent for us to behave deceitfully, perversely, selfishly, or cruelly? Is it possible to be an enlightened scoundrel? Are purity and saintliness characteristic of higher levels of spiritual development, or unrelated to them? These are important questions. Because we need spiritual teachers and teachings in this critical time in humanity's maturation, we need to understand what genuine spiritual attainment should look like, irrespective of personality differences. If such understanding were more commonplace, most abusive teachers and cults would be unable to get much traction. Discussion about this talk in the Batgap Community Facebook Group. Transcript of this interview Other talks by or interviews of Rick on BatGap: SAND 2019 - Knowledge/Reality is Different in Different States of Consciousness 2018 SAND Conference Q&A and Interview by Shakti Caterina Maggi Talk at Berkeley Open Circle Center Talk at SAND 2015 Interviewed by Fax Gilbert Interviewed by Richard Miller Recorded October 21, 2017. YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to the Ethics of Enlightenment 00:01:20 - The Ethics of Enlightenment 00:02:33 - Understanding Ethical Behavior 00:03:50 - Relativism and Ethical Standards 00:04:56 - Female genital mutilation and ethical behavior 00:06:08 - The inclusive perspective in enlightenment 00:07:12 - Shocking Behavior and Misunderstanding of Maya 00:08:26 - Different Perspectives on the World 00:09:25 - Spontaneous Right Action and Ethical Moorings 00:10:55 - Questioning Hypocrisy 00:12:09 - Ethics and Regulations in Ayahuasca Practices 00:13:09 - Evaluating and Enforcing Teacher Behavior 00:14:15 - The correlation between higher consciousness and ethical behavior 00:15:53 - The Continuous Journey of Self-Realization 00:17:07 - Development and Awakening 00:18:10 - The Illusion of Enlightenment and the Asura Titan Syndrome 00:19:15 - The Deflected Rising of Kundalini 00:20:21 - The Search for a Teacher of Supreme Truth 00:21:36 - Enlightened behavior and discernment 00:22:45 - Compassion and Confronting Wrongdoing 00:23:47 - Challenges of Assuming the Role of a Spiritual Teacher 00:24:44 - Thich Nhat Hanh and his Teaching Philosophies 00:25:57 - Holy Fools and Crazy Wisdom 00:27:07 - Living Nonduality and Ethical Guidelines 00:28:23 - Observations on Higher State of Consciousness and Unethical Behavior 00:29:09 - The Holistic Development of Enlightenment 00:30:25 - Unintentional Harm in Enlightenment 00:31:38 - Skillful Action with Harmlessness 00:32:50 - Shifting into a Persistent Nondual State 00:34:08 - Authentic Choices and Spiritual Alignment 00:35:21 - Cultivating Inner Alignment

T!M FREKE is a pioneering philosopher, Gnostic scholar and spiritual guide who speaks and runs ‘Deep Awakening’ retreats internationally. He is the author of 35 books, translated into more than 15 languages, including The Jesus Mysteries on Gnostic Christianity, which was a top 10 bestseller in the USA and UK, and 'Book of the Year' in the UK Daily Telegraph. Over the last 15 years, Tim has been articulating a revolutionary approach to spiritual awakening, which is life-affirming, heart-opening and intellectually robust. In his recent book Deep Awake, he suggests that to wake up to oneness we need to embrace, rather than deny, our individuality, because ‘the ego is the hero not the villain of the spiritual adventure’. In his latest book Soul Story, Tim offers an inspiring new vision of the nature of reality and the deep purpose of existence. He suggests we need a radical shift in our understanding of both science and spirituality, so we can bring these different perspectives together. Tim’s new worldview, which he calls ‘Emergent Spirituality’, does this by combining an innovative perspective on the theory of evolution with a fresh understanding of esoteric ideas such as the immortality of the soul. Tim has been exploring spirituality since a spontaneous awakening when he was 12 years old and now guides others directly to the 'deep awake' state. He has been pioneering soul-to-soul partner meditations such as ‘gazing’ for more than fifteen years, as a powerful practice to transform consciousness. Tim is a passionate and playful communicator with a contagious enthusiasm for life, who has often been featured in the global media, such as the BBC and the History Channel. He lives with his family in Glastonbury, England. Website: timfreke.com The most recent of Tim's many books: Soul Story: Evolution and the Purpose of Life Deep Awake: Wake Up To Oneness and Celebrate Your Individuality Lucid Living: Experience Your Life Like a Lucid Dream Interview recorded October 20, 2017 at the Science and Nonduality Conference. 1st Batgap interview with Tim 2nd BatGap interview with Tim Tim Freke with Lisa Cairns Discussion of this interview in the Batgap Community Facebook Group. Transcript of this interview YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Buddha at the Gas Pump and the Science and Non-Duality Conference 00:04:06 - The Importance of the New Book 00:07:39 - The Debate Between Subject and Object 00:10:43 - The Moon and Perception 00:13:36 - Bringing Values and Stories Together 00:17:25 - The Emergence of Consciousness 00:20:29 - The Nature of Time 00:24:03 - The Nature of Time and Emergence 00:27:03 - The Emergence of Deeper Potentialities 00:30:21 - The Evolution of Soul and Consciousness 00:33:57 - The Emergence of Consciousness and Soul 00:37:04 - The Evolving Experience of Death 00:40:15 - Exploring the Mystery of Meaning and Immortality 00:44:09 - The Paradox of the Soul's Evolution 00:46:25 - Evolution and the Problem of God 00:49:34 - The Problem of Evil and Absurdity 00:52:54 - Realizing and Experiencing Potentiality 00:56:22 - Levels of Evolution and Awakening 00:59:40 - The Emergence of Love 01:02:35 - The Evolution of Human Culture 01:05:38 - The Evolution of Social Issues 01:08:34 - Engaging with the Evolutionary Process 01:12:06 - Moving Towards the Greater Good 01:15:14 - The Integration of Science and Spirituality 01:18:12 - The Realm of Imagination and Deep Understanding  01:21:31 - The Emergent View: Physics as the First Level 01:24:14 - Complexity of the Psyche and its Emergence 01:27:08 - Individuation and Soul Formation 01:30:23 - Spirituality as a Significance Process 01:33:35 - Different Perspectives and Inclusiveness 01:36:43 - Spiritual Maturity and Ambiguity Save Save

Robert A.F. Thurman is the Jey Tsong Khapa Professor of Indo-Tibetan Buddhist Studies in the Department of Religion at Columbia University, President of the Tibet House U.S., a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Tibetan civilization, and President of the American Institute of Buddhist Studies, a non-profit affiliated with the Center for Buddhist Studies at Columbia University and dedicated to the publication of translations of important artistic and scientific treatises from the Tibetan Tengyur. TIME Magazine chose Professor Thurman as one of its 25 most influential Americans in 1997, describing him as a “larger than life scholar-activist destined to convey the Dharma, the precious teachings of Shakyamuni Buddha, from Asia to America.” The New York Times recently said Thurman “is considered the leading American expert on Tibetan Buddhism.” In this interview, we discuss Thurman's latest book: Man of Peace: The Illustrated Life Story of the Dalai Lama of Tibet. Thurman is known as a talented popularizer of the Buddha’s teachings. He is a riveting speaker and an author of many books on Tibet, Buddhism, art, politics, and culture, including: The Central Philosophy of Tibet Circling the Sacred Mountain: A Spiritual Adventure Through the Himalayas Essential Tibetan Buddhism The Tibetan Book of the Dead: Liberation Through Understanding in the Between Wisdom and Compassion The Sacred Art of Tibet Inner Revolution Infinite Life: Awakening to Bliss Within The Jewel Tree of Tibet: The Enlightenment Engine of Tibetan Buddhism Why the Dalai Lama Matters: His Act of Truth as the Solution for China, Tibet, and the World With Sharon Salzberg, Love Your Enemies: How to Break the Anger Habit & Be a Whole Lot Happier Website: bobthurman.com Podcast YouTube Channel Previous Batgap interview with Robert Thurman. Isa Gucciardi, Ph.D. is the Founding Director of the Foundation of the Sacred Stream, a school for consciousness studies in Berkeley, CA. Isa is also the creator of the spiritual counseling model, Depth Hypnosis. In addition to her teaching schedule that includes teaching classes in Applied Buddhist Psychology, Applied Shamanism, Integrated Energy Medicine and Depth Hypnosis, she has active practices in Depth Hypnosis and Applied Shamanic Counseling in San Francisco, CA. In this interview, we discuss Isa's latest book: Coming to Peace: Resolving Conflict Within Ourselves and With Others Other books: Return to the Great Mother The Four Immeasurables Discussion of this interview in the Batgap Community Facebook Group. Transcript of this interview Recorded October 19, 2017, at the Science and Nonduality Conference. YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to "Buddha at the Gas Pump" 00:04:05 - The Burden of Staying in the Hundreds 00:06:47 - The Dalai Lama's Development and Growth 00:09:45 - The Heroism of His Holiness the Dalai Lama 00:12:41 - The Dalai Lama's Approval 00:16:30 - The Circle of Communication  00:20:47 - Reconciling Conflicting Parts of the Self 00:25:27 - The Need for Wisdom alongside Meditation 00:28:40 - The Turbulence of Enlightenment 00:31:42 - Cross-fertilization of Knowledge 00:34:21 - The Power of Nonviolent Resistance and Peaceful Dialogue 00:37:23 - Shamanic Practice and Helping Spirits 00:40:47 - Connecting with Inner Guidance 00:44:47 - The Power of the Shamanic Journey 00:47:37 - A Conflict between Practitioner, Soldier, and Red Ball 00:50:43 - Resolving Conflict and Taking Care of Oneself 00:53:31 - Buddhism's role in world peace and vulnerability 00:56:17 - The Choice of Vulnerability and Peace 01:00:00 - Creating Outer Peace 01:02:25 - A Funny Story About the Dalai Lama 01:05:35 - The Vicious Circle Stops 01:08:38 - Finding Equilibrium within the Mind 01:13:28 - The Unity of Self and Others 01:17:02 - Bringing Peace in Conflict 01:20:44 - Inner Resistance and Self-forgiveness 01:24:45 - The Difference in Society and Gender Roles 01:28:21 - The Dualistic View of Brahmins vs. Buddhists 01:31:57 - Reincarnation as a Social Institution in Tibet 01:36:20 - The Geopolitical Power Play in Tibet 01:39:49 - Building Cults and Exiles 01:42:31 - Thank You for Listening Save Save

John Lockley is a traditionally trained African Shaman known as a Sangoma from Nelson Mandela's tribe, the Xhosa nation. He also has a background in Zen Buddhism and was a student of the late Zen Master Su Bong from South Korea. He holds an honors degree in Clinical Psychology and specialized in health psychology with an interest in trauma and how people recover from life-threatening illnesses like cancer. For the last 10 years, he has been running 'Ubuntu' (humanity) retreats worldwide helping people to reconnect to their essential humanity; their bones (ancestors), dreams, and ultimately, life purpose. His mission in the Western world could be summed up in the Xhosa word 'Masiyembo' - involving a profound remembering of the human spirit. As John says, "when people can remember their dreams and connect to their life purpose, then their true vocation surfaces; namely being in service and acting as guardians to our planet". Book: Leopard Warrior: A Journey into the African Teachings of Ancestry, Instinct, and Dreams Audio: The Way of the Leopard: Meditations and Shamanic Practices from the Heart of Africa Discussion of this interview in the Batgap Community Facebook Group. Transcript of this interview Interview recorded October 15, 2017. YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Buddha at the Gas Pump 00:06:00 - A Calling to Africa and the Birth of a Prosa Sangoma 00:10:07 - Joining the Medical Corps in the Army 00:14:31 - Witnessing Death on the Neurology Ward 00:18:33 - Becoming a Sangha and the Powerful Dream 00:22:53 - Connecting with the Soul of Life through Dreams 00:26:54 - Soulful Conscious Dreams and Connecting with Our Dreams 00:30:57 - The Depth of Twaza Illness 00:34:51 - Becoming an African Monk in South Africa 00:38:55 - Acceptance into the Xhosa Tradition 00:43:04 - The Action of Helping the Community 00:47:16 - The Importance of Honoring Ancestors 00:51:30 - Honoring the Consciousness of Ancestors 00:55:34 - The Power of Sacred Plants 00:59:35 - Searching for the Sacred Plant 01:03:57 - The Power of Divination 01:08:09 - The Sacredness of Divination and Family Healing 01:12:19 - Protecting Yourself in Dreams with Spiritual Practice 01:16:35 - Connecting with the Great Spirit 01:21:01 - Sangama Training and African Chanting Monks 01:25:02 - Sangomas and Community 01:29:19 - Ubuntu and Healing One Another 01:33:40 - Opening the Heart and Embracing Vulnerability 01:37:53 - The Role of Emotions 01:41:46 - Chaos and Transformation 01:45:49 - Kundalini and Transformation 01:50:13 - Saint Francis and Transformation through Illness 01:54:00 - Compassion under the Tree 01:58:17 - The Path to Becoming a Sangama in South Africa 02:02:17 - How to Avail My Offerings 02:06:20 - Updates and upcoming interviews Save

Vera de Chalambert is a spiritual storyteller and Harvard-educated scholar of comparative religion. She speaks and writes about spiritual culture, mindfulness in the modern world, and the Divine Feminine and has been a speaker at the Science and Nonduality Conference in the US and Europe, Sister Giant in Washington DC, and other gatherings. Vera holds a Master’s degree from Harvard Divinity School where she studied comparative mysticism and a Bachelor's degree from the University of Florida in Religion and Literature. Her work explores the meeting place of creativity, psychology, and spirituality and is informed by insights from both Eastern and Western philosophies. Vera is a graduate of the Barbara Brennan School of Healing and has been a student of Jason Shulman's Nondual Healing work. She is deeply influenced by Buddhist and Kabbalistic lineages. Vera's recent work has been on the topic of Holy Darkness and exploration of the Dark Goddesses associated with transformation and initiation found in the world's great wisdom traditions, the most well-known of whom is the Hindu Goddess Kali. Vera is a mother and a devotee of the Mother. She is working on her first book on the Dark Feminine. Website: healingawakening.com Discussion of this interview in the Batgap Community Facebook Group. Transcript of this interview Interview recorded Saturday, October 7, 2017. YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Buddha at the Gas Pump 00:03:59 - Early Trauma and Developmental Gap 00:07:01 - Early Memories and Incarnation 00:11:30 - Feeling responsible for the collapsing world 00:17:42 - Shaped by Elders and Teachers in our Culture 00:24:25 - A Dissociative Experience and the Journey of Integration 00:32:25 - Integration and Descent into Incarnation 00:36:26 - The Integration of the Feminine 00:39:27 - Seeking Perfection and Spiritual Experiences 00:42:44 - The Earring from Kali's Statue 00:46:47 - Dancing with Kali 00:51:40 - The Burning Process 00:55:21 - The Profound Experience of Pain Transcendence 00:59:58 - The Prayer and Transformation 01:03:30 - Embracing the Unknown and Opening Doors 01:06:36 - Unknown Teachers and Mentors 01:10:05 - The Impact of Trump's Election 01:14:03 - Prophecies and Predictions throughout History 01:17:59 - The Dark Feminine in Spirituality 01:22:18 - Union with the Divine 01:26:25 - Facing the Shadow and Collective Reckoning 01:30:35 - The Universal Nature of Suffering 01:34:54 - Kali, the Killer of Demons and Misconceptions 01:39:07 - The Terrifying Beauty of Pure Reality 01:43:12 - Shiva and Shakti in Us 01:47:54 - Resting in a Deeper Calm 01:53:10 - Embracing our Imperfect Humanity 01:57:08 - The Ethics of Enlightenment and the Role of Spiritual Teachers 02:01:23 - The Value of Surrender and Trusting in Deeper Intelligence 02:05:40 - The Pleasure of Attending Conferences 02:08:18 - Finding our Clearing

Cynthia Bourgeault, an Episcopal priest and expert in Wisdom Christianity, discusses her transformative spiritual journey. She shares insights from her early influences, including Quakerism and her studies in Gurdjieff's teachings. The conversation dives into the importance of Centering Prayer and the difference between mental and heart-based awareness. Cynthia also emphasizes the need for non-dual practices to engage with modern life, the role of the heart in spiritual perception, and how contemplative practices can revive Christianity's contemplative core.

Carole Griggs, Ph.D. is the founder/CEO of Carole Griggs Enterprises LLC. Dr. Griggs is a professional coach and consultant, university professor, international speaker, author/writer, and pioneer and leader in the areas of Conscious Human Development, and Integrative Wellness and Nutrition. Carole has a PhD. in Professional Coaching and Human Development, a Master’s degree in Education and Teaching, and a Bachelor’s degree in Science. Carole is co-founder and developer of iConscious: accelerating human development and the iConscious Human Development Model, a comprehensive and integrative meta-framework created to accelerate the process of reducing human suffering and maximizing full human potential both individually and collectively. Carole (and her colleague, Ted Strauss) has been applying her experience in an important Artificial Intelligence project that is part of the IBM Watson X-Prize Competition. Carole is a professor at John F. Kennedy University for the Masters in Consciousness and Transformative Studies department, where she co-developed and teaches Human Development and the Evolution of Consciousness. She also developed and teaches courses at National University for the Masters of Science in the Complementary and Integrative Healthcare department. Carole has worked with thousands of individuals and company leaders worldwide. She has extensive experience in personal and professional coaching, teaching, training, and facilitating groups and individuals, personally and interpersonally. Carole brings a depth and breadth of experience and expertise in the evolution and expansion of human consciousness and potential, personal and interpersonal development, awakening self-awareness, empowerment from oneness, clear communication, leadership development, and various modalities of embodiment and wellness. Carole’s mission is to help streamline and accelerate conscious human development for the evolution of humanity’s full potential, and create various educational platforms and technology tools to help scale this process to where we live in a world in which awakening - in all domains - is the new normal. Ted Strauss is co-founder of iConscious and has been a writer and teacher of awakening for over 40 years. Over the past 19 years, he was instrumental in building the foundations of the Waking Down work, including designing and presenting core dharma workshops and the mentor and teacher training programs. During that time, he worked very personally with thousands of students to assist their iConscious realization and further awakening process. Through this experience, Ted has discovered ways to streamline personal and interpersonal development, enabling most aspirants to experience major shifts in days or months instead of years or lifetimes. Recently, Ted has been applying his experience in an important Artificial Intelligence project that is part of the IBM Watson X-Prize competition. Website: iconscious.global Previous Batgap interview with Ted Strauss and Hillary Davis Discussion of this interview in the Batgap Community Facebook Group. Transcript of this interview. YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Buddha at the Gas Pump 00:05:09 - Awakening and Human Development 00:09:27 - Patterns and Similarities in the Process 00:13:49 - Levels and Stages of Development in Non-Duality 00:18:13 - Awakening to Personal Self and Integration 00:22:13 - The Importance of Integration and Development 00:26:25 - Awakening in Different Domains 00:30:08 - Distinct Types of Awakening 00:33:38 - Laying out the Whole Picture 00:37:18 - Updating Belief Systems and the Realization of Unity 00:40:49 - The Unfolding of Consciousness in Different Individuals 00:44:23 - The Journey of Self-Discovery 00:47:51 - Integration and Development of Consciousness 00:51:23 - Understanding the Results of the Guided Self-Assessment 00:54:47 - Exploring Different Chapters of Development 00:58:16 - Introduction to the Daily State of the Industry Update 01:01:39 - Awakening and Fluidity in Consciousness 01:05:21 - Various States of Consciousness 01:08:26 - High Resolution Images and Neurophysiological Correlates 01:11:59 - Awakening through Artificial Intelligence 01:15:30 - Human Support Still in Demand 01:18:33 - Interactivity on iConscious.global 01:21:48 - Comparing Levels of Awakening 01:25:13 - The Importance of Honoring Your Own Journey 01:28:37 - The Evolution of the Seeking Impulse 01:32:09 - Finding the Right Teacher at the Right Time 01:35:27 - Individualized Teaching and Moving On 01:38:50 - The Different Forms of Teaching Awakening 01:42:00 - Collaborating with Jeffrey and potential collaboration projects 01:45:14 - Transcend and Include 01:48:41 - The Expertise of Cynthia Bourgeot in Centering Prayer Save Save Save Save Save Save

Dean Radin, PhD, is Chief Scientist at the Institute of Noetic Sciences (IONS) and Associated Distinguished Professor of Integral and Transpersonal Psychology at the California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS). He occasionally gives lectures in the Department of Psychology at Sonoma State University and has served on doctoral dissertation committees at Saybrook University and CIIS. His original career track as a concert violinist shifted into science after earning a BSEE degree in electrical engineering, magna cum laude with honors in physics, from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and then an MS in electrical engineering and a PhD in psychology from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. For a decade he worked on advanced telecommunications R&D at AT&T Bell Laboratories and GTE Laboratories. For three decades he has been engaged in frontiers research on the nature of consciousness. Before joining the research staff at IONS in 2001, he held appointments at Princeton University, University of Edinburgh, University of Nevada, Interval Research Corporation, and SRI International. He is author or coauthor of hundreds of scientific, technical, and popular articles, three dozen book chapters, and three popular books including the award-winning and bestselling The Conscious Universe: The Scientific Truth of Psychic Phenomena (HarperOne, 1997), Entangled Minds: Extrasensory Experiences in a Quantum Reality (Simon & Schuster, 2006), a 2014 Silver Nautilus Book Award, Supernormal: Science, Yoga, and the Evidence for Extraordinary Psychic Abilities (Random House, 2013), and Real Magic: Ancient Wisdom, Modern Science, and a Guide to the Secret Power of the Universe (Penguin Random House). These books have been translated into 14 foreign languages, so far. His technical articles have appeared in journals including Foundations of Physics and Physics Essays to Psychological Bulletin and Journal of Consciousness Studies; he was featured in a New York Times Magazine article; and he has appeared on dozens of television shows ranging from the BBC’s Horizon to PBS's Closer to Truth. He has given over 400 interviews and talks, including presentations at Harvard, Stanford, Cambridge, Princeton, Virginia Tech, the Sorbonne, the University of British Columbia, and the University of Minnesota, for industries including Google, Johnson & Johnson, Rabobank, and for various government organizations including the US Navy, DARPA, and the National Academy of Sciences. In 2010, he spent a month lecturing in India as the National Visiting Professor of the Indian Council of Philosophical Research, a program sponsored by India's Ministry of Human Resource Development. In 2013 and 2014, he gave invited lectures in Kuala Lumpur at the International Center for Leadership and Governance, an organization supported by the Central Bank of Malaysia. In 2015 he spoke at the Australian Leadership Retreat, a confidential program of briefings and discussions for Australian government, business, education, and military leaders. Website: deanradin.com Discussion of this interview in the Batgap Community Facebook Group. Transcript of this interview Interview recorded Sept. 9, 2017 Second BatGap interview with Dean Radin. YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction and Background of Buddha at the Gas Pump 00:04:27 - Writing Papers and the Men in Black 00:07:37 - The Interest in Special Powers and Abilities 00:11:43 - The Fundamental Disagreement about Consciousness 00:15:58 - Idealism and Panpsychism 00:19:26 - The Fundamental Nature of Consciousness 00:22:56 - The Taboo of Psychic Phenomena Discussion 00:27:00 - The Holistic Nature of Consciousness 00:31:01 - The Nature of Reality and Purpose 00:35:21 - Presentiment and Anticipating Danger 00:39:32 - The Unconscious Response to Future Events 00:43:01 - Expanding Conscious Capacity 00:46:33 - The Intelligence that Governs Nature 00:50:20 - Safeguarding Latent Abilities and the Ethics of Enlightenment 00:54:22 - Using Psychic Ability for Extraterrestrial Communication 00:58:09 - The Meaning of Entanglement and its Connection to Coherence in Living Systems 01:01:55 - Subjectivity and the Brain 01:05:39 - Questioning Prior Beliefs and Embracing Mystery 01:09:13 - Supernormal Abilities and Siddhis 01:12:43 - Yogic Flying and Levitation in Siddha Yoga 01:15:34 - Changes in Physical Reality due to Large-Scale Attention 01:19:20 - Statistical Analysis of Events 01:23:13 - The Influence of Consciousness on Random Number Generators 01:26:46 - The Möbius Strip Metaphor 01:30:08 - Brain Responses to Future Events 01:33:25 - Exploring Esoteric Traditions and the Idea of Magic 01:36:59 - The Three Categories of Magic 01:41:06 - The Future of Science and Spirituality 01:44:48 - The Interface between Consciousness and Machines 01:48:56 - The Challenge of Expressing Abstraction Save Save

Paul Muller-Ortega, Ph.D., the founder of Blue Throat Yoga, is an internationally recognized meditation teacher, and one of the world’s most highly respected academic scholars in the field of Indian Religion and Hindu Tantra. Paul is passionate and devoted to teaching students how to access their truest Self, and to offer the knowledge base to understand and support that experience. He has led hundreds of meditation retreats, offered a vast array of study courses, translated and provided commentary on many of the most inspired sacred texts of the Śaiva-Śākta tradition, and has personally trained over 40 Ācāryas as Authorized Teachers of Neelakantha Meditation. Paul is uniquely qualified to offer these potent teachings, drawing upon the synergy of his long career as an academic scholar, his particular capacity to translate complex ideas and concepts into easily accessible and comprehensible understanding, and a personal history of deep meditation and extensive practice in the Śaiva-Śākta Tantra tradition. Paul Muller-Ortega is the author of the highly acclaimed book, The Triadic Heart of Siva: Kaula Tantricism of Abhinavagupta in the Non-Dual Shaivism of Kashmir (Suny Series, Shaiva Traditions of Kashmir), in which he examines the “Heart” as the mystical core of Consciousness. He is also one of the co-authors of "Meditation Revolution", as well as numerous scholarly articles on aspects of Tantric Studies. Website: bluethroatyoga.com Another book: The Philosophy of Sadhana (SUNY Series in Contemporary Continental Philosophy) Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group. Transcript of this interview Interview recorded September 16, 2017 2nd BatGap interview with Paul. YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Buddha at the Gas Pump 00:04:45 - Symbolic forms of goddesses 00:08:59 - The Origins and Influences of Nilakanta Meditation 00:13:22 - The Meaning of Mantra 00:17:25 - The Chalice of the Mantra 00:21:53 - Vibratory Frequencies and Higher Consciousness 00:26:18 - The Power of Mantra in Meditation 00:36:03 - The Shaiva Tradition and the Malas 00:40:35 - The Appearance and Relative Reality in the Shaiva Shakta Tradition 00:44:53 - The Purpose of Creation and the Value of Evolution 00:49:59 - Different Mantras for Household and Renunciate 00:54:05 - Encounters with Ramana Maharshi 00:58:12 - The Wave of Freedom and Transformation 01:02:18 - The Awakening Process and Transformation Levels 01:06:33 - Liberation without Practice 01:10:38 - The Fourth State of Consciousness and Beyond 01:15:24 - Celestial Perception and Stages of Enlightenment 01:19:35 - The Role of Substandard Teachers in Spiritual Circles 01:23:31 - The Curious Cherishing and Denouncing of Knowledge 01:27:38 - Understanding the concept of "madhya" 01:31:39 - The Krama Tradition and Sequential Manifestation 01:36:24 - The Yoga Vasishta's Philosophical Outlook 01:41:58 - The Rush to Act from Knowingness 01:44:50 - Understanding the Planetary Phenomenon 01:49:15 - The Transformation of Spirituality 01:53:37 - The Ocean of Milk and the Poison 01:57:45 - Making the Maximum Use of Time 02:01:34 - The Mandukya Upanishad and Aum as a mantra 02:05:30 - The Subtle Level of Understanding 02:08:56 - Being an Instrument in the Transition to Higher Consciousness Save

Raphael Cushnir is a leading voice in the world of emotional connection and present moment awareness. He has shared his unique approach to personal and professional development with millions of readers in O, The Oprah Magazine, Beliefnet, Spirituality and Health, Psychology Today, and The Huffington Post. He is the author of six books, lectures worldwide, and is a faculty member of the Esalen Institute and the Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health. In addition, he coaches individuals and couples, as well as organizations and their teams. Raphael’s own heart was opened by an experience of profound grief. Website: cushnir.com Books: The One Thing Holding You Back: Unleashing the Power of Emotional Connection Surfing Your Inner Sea: Essential Lessons for Lasting Serenity Setting Your Heart on Fire: Seven Invitations to Liberate Your Life How Now: 100 Ways to Celebrate the Present Moment Unconditional Bliss: Finding Happiness in the Face of Hardship Interview recorded September 3, 2017 Discussion of this interview in the Batgap Community Facebook Group. Transcript of this interview YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Buddha at the Gas Pump 00:04:58 - The Emotional Realm and Awakening 00:09:43 - The Skepticism of Spiritual Teachers and Authenticity 00:14:42 - Genuine Humility and Blind Spots in Spiritual Teachers 00:19:36 - The Intersection of Psychology and Spirituality 00:24:25 - Honoring the depth of a container 00:29:37 - "Choosing Connection and Presence" 00:34:56 - The Need for Spiritual Crisis Support 00:39:41 - The Transition to Surrendering Control 00:44:27 - The Unpredictability of Kundalini Awakening 00:48:59 - Living with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome 00:53:40 - Integration of Different Aspects of Being 00:57:40 - The Power of Integration 01:01:55 - The Heart Opening and Expansion of Consciousness 01:06:03 - Trusting Intuition and Being Open 01:09:59 - The Authentic Expression of Teachers 01:16:06 - The Container of the Self 01:18:03 - Strengthening the Ego and the Dance of Shiva and Shakti 01:22:11 - Techniques for Processing Trauma 01:26:12 - Emotions as Inner Touch 01:30:12 - Surfing Your Emotions 01:34:06 - Healing Through Practice 01:37:49 - Ramana Maharshi and the Radically Different Consciousness 01:41:48 - Embracing Resistance and Finding Freedom 01:45:49 - Neediness and Self-Identification 01:49:51 - The Value of Ongoing Support 01:53:40 - Growing in Ease and Acceptance 01:57:22 - The Sacred Journey of Seeking 02:01:10 - Following Your Curiosity and Trusting Your Heart 02:05:29 - Wrapping Up with Raphael Cushnir 02:09:10 - Sign up for the newsletter Save