Dr. John Vervaeke

In this engaging conversation, Ethan Hsieh, an educator and creator of the TIAMAT framework, explores how virtue can be cultivated as an embodied practice in education. He discusses the three tiers of virtue—civic, purification, and illumination—and their importance in shaping selfhood and agency. The duo dives into the role of ritual and altered states in transformative learning, while emphasizing the significance of integrating experiences without idolizing faculties. Hsieh also highlights safeguards against cult dynamics, advocating for community-driven education.

Nicole Baden, a contemplative teacher and somatic practitioner, dives into the integration of Zen practice and modern psychological techniques. She discusses her Dharma Academy and how it adapts monastic practices for personal growth in the digital age. The conversation touches on the significance of embodied awareness, the limitations of objectivist science, and how relationships shape our perception. They explore the dialogical nature of Zen practice, highlighting community's transformative power and the pilgrimage of shifting perspectives.

Learn more about the program here: https://lectern.johnvervaeke.com/courses/tiamat-x Led by Ethan Hsieh, John Vervaeke and Taylor Barratt, The Lectern is partnering with 5ToMidnight to offer a long form hybrid (online/in-person) practice program called TIAMAT-X. This program brings a full ecology of practices, endorsed by The Vervaeke Foundation to help you develop the capacity to... • perceive what matters • regulate in real time • and act with clarity …through a cohesive method that weaves together mindful dialogue, embodiment, imaginal practice, and disciplined mindfulness. Learn more about the program here: https://lectern.johnvervaeke.com/courses/tiamat-x

Ethan Hsieh, a facilitator and educator behind the TIAMAT process, teams up with Renz and Ellie to explore integrating philosophy into everyday life. They discuss breaking habitual thought patterns to enhance agency and clarify action. The group contrasts TIAMAT's emergent practice with traditional therapy, emphasizing communal participation and relational dynamics. They highlight practical tools like metamaps for self-reflection and the importance of honoring one’s honest feelings. Insights into empowering agency and navigating social fears enrich this engaging conversation.

Brendan, a scholar focusing on the evolution of meaning, discusses epistemological frameworks. Mark, a cognitive scientist, shares insights on the dynamics of happiness and well-being. Charles, a philosopher, delves into Platonic traditions and the significance of the daimon in philosophical thought. They collectively explore the convergence of neuroscience, historical meaning, and spiritual practices. Additionally, the major announcement of TIAMAT-X highlights an innovative hybrid program that aims to enhance mindful practices and existential inquiry.

Arjun Arora, a cognitive science and physics student at the University of Toronto, joins John to critique traditional views on the meaning of life. They explore the flaws in popular concepts like purpose and coherence, proposing a shift to ideas of orientation and connectedness. Arjun shares his personal evolution from nihilism to a deeper understanding of meaning as relational and communal. Together, they advocate for a new metaphysics that integrates cognitive science and existential wisdom, emphasizing the importance of rationality and shared narratives in cultivating meaning.

In this engaging discussion, Jonathan Pageau, a noted Canadian artist and icon carver, delves into the profound links between art, symbolism, and contemporary meaning. He highlights how modern disconnections between truth, goodness, and beauty lead to nihilism. Through intriguing concepts like the interpenetration of the transcendentals and the role of beauty as relational, Jonathan emphasizes the importance of restoring a communal sense of purpose. He also offers practical examples that relate these philosophical ideas to everyday experiences.

In this conversation, Ethan Hsieh, a facilitator and the mind behind the Tiamat process, shares insights on how virtuosity can transform not just artistic endeavors but personal growth. He introduces his three-tier developmental framework, blending actor training with cognitive science. They discuss the importance of perspectival metacognition, exploring how deep practices can enhance wisdom and resilience. With connections drawn between ancient rituals and modern transformative practices, Ethan emphasizes that these methods are beneficial for everyone, not just actors.

Thank you for joining us for our monthly Silk Road Seminar! Today's guest is Elizabeth Oldfield. Elizabeth Oldfield is an experienced leader, writer, consultant and podcast host with a passion for intelligent public engagement on issues of reconciliation, identity, and healing our common life. She is currently working with a range of organisations and individuals as a coach and consultant focused on building clarity, courage and connection. Elizabeth appears regularly in the media, including BBC One, Sky News, the World Service, and writing in Prospect Magazine, UnHerd and The Financial Times. She also hosts The Sacred, a podcast, events and visual content brand which creates space for a wide range of guests to reflect on their deepest values. For ten years she was Director of Theos, the UK's leading religion and society think tank, where she was repeatedly accredited by Best Companies as a 3* (world class) manager, reflecting her commitment to building and leading flourishing, high performing teams. She spent the first part of her career working at the BBC in television and radio, contributing to programmes including Beyond Belief and the Moral Maze, as well as Radio 3 and 4 documentaries. She is motivated by the dearth of real wisdom in public life, by a desire to increase empathy across our deep differences and the way spirituality can help individuals and societies flourish. She has a masters in Theology and the Arts and lives in an intentional community in south London. She has spoken with John previously on UnHerd and you can watch the full conversation here: https://youtu.be/SGCVcMFCd7o?si=pTU2cCbcgR1Nj2xF Silk Road Seminars are a live event where John weaves together threads from his various theoretical conversations along with a distinguished guest. These hour-long conversations are live on Youtube followed by an exclusive Q&A, where you can ask questions directly to John and his guest. To be entered onto the guest list for these Q&As, you can sign up at the Gamma Tier (and above) on The Lectern at https://lectern.teachable.com/p/lectern-lounge Currently enrolled university students at all levels up to doctoral studies get free access to the Q&A. To gain access to Silk Road seminars, please email your proof of student identity to ethan@vervaekefoundation.org to be added to the guest list and watch previous seminars as well! If you would like to donate purely out of goodwill to support John's work, please consider joining our Patreon. https://www.patreon.com/johnvervaeke The Vervaeke Foundation is committed to advancing the scientific pursuit of wisdom and creating a significant impact on the world. https://vervaekefoundation.org/ If you would like to learn and engage regularly in practices that are informed, developed and endorsed by John and his work, visit Awaken to Meaning's calendar to explore practices that enhance your virtues and foster deeper connections with reality and relationships. https://awakentomeaning.com/join-practice/ John Vervaeke: https://johnvervaeke.com/ https://twitter.com/vervaeke_john https://www.youtube.com/@johnvervaeke https://www.patreon.com/johnvervaeke

Zevi Slavin, a philosopher and educator specializing in Jewish Neoplatonism, dives into the life and ideas of Solomon Ibn Gabirol. He discusses the implications of will and desire in creation, redefining 'matter' as longing for form. The conversation explores the receptive aspects of the divine and parallels with Taoist thought. Slavin richly connects Jewish poetry and Kabbalah to Ibn Gabirol’s philosophical innovations, highlighting how ancient wisdom can illuminate contemporary spirituality and understanding.