The Integral Stage

Bettina Wichers is an independent gerontologist and lecturer who specializes in dementia and transpersonal gerontology. In the discussion, she shares her unique perspective on the intersection of dementia and spiritual experiences. Bettina explores how certain dementias can mirror transformative processes, revealing the potential for inner growth even amidst decline. She emphasizes the importance of understanding shame and stigma surrounding dementia, while advocating for early support and awareness of consciousness in aging. Insights on resilience and the need for nuanced diagnostic approaches to differentiate between pathology and profound experience are also highlighted.

Pema Dragpa, a resident Dharma teacher and author, dives deep into his new book, exploring the intersection of Tibetan Buddhism and integral philosophy. He discusses how writing helped integrate his lineage with contemporary frameworks. Pema highlights the importance of embodied practice while navigating flexibility and commitment in spiritual work. Listeners discover insights on loving reality's layers, the value of compassionate encounters, and the expanded practices Vajrayana offers. This engaging dialogue ultimately emphasizes fostering relational compassion for a shared, enlightened experience.

Daniela Bomatter, a close student and collaborator of Andrew Cohen, and Carter Phipps, an experienced writer and community member, reflect on Andrew's life and teachings following his recent passing. Daniela shares poignant memories from his final days and the complex emotions surrounding his death. The conversation dives into community dynamics, the challenges faced during crises, and Andrew's unique teaching style. They also discuss the implications of the guru-disciple relationship in contemporary spiritual practice, highlighting both the gifts and the challenges Andrew embodied.

Geoff Fitch, a founding partner of Pacific Integral, and Abigail Lynam, faculty at Fielding University, dive deep into the Awakened Wholeness project. They explore the dual nature of awakening and wholeness, discussing the tension between deconstructive awakening and full human identification. The conversation shifts to the importance of integrating disowned parts, embracing vulnerability, and witnessing awakening through multisensory experiences. They emphasize the role of humor and play in personal and collective transformation, inviting listeners to nurture intuition and connection.

Mark Gaffney, an author focusing on integrative spirituality, delves into the relationship between sorrow and spiritual maturity. He explores the significance of reclaiming our tears, discussing how Isaac's blindness reflects our struggle to connect with deeper emotions. The dialogue addresses the therapeutic power of tears, cultural recovery through rituals, and the transformative impact of empathy. Gaffney draws fascinating parallels between Isaac and Ishmael, revealing how their stories teach us compassion and the importance of embracing our emotional experiences.

Catherine Pawasarat-Sensei, founder of the Clear Sky community, shares her journey from Kyoto to creating a retreat center in Canada. She discusses the delicate balance required in intentional communities, addressing the risks of guru-dependence and handling scandals. Catherine emphasizes the importance of creativity and sustainability, exploring financial models and governance structures. Additionally, she reflects on the intersections of Western esoterica and Eastern practices, while also navigating the complexities of community living and relationships.

The concept of the "post-tragic," associated with the work of Marc Gafni and a few others, is not in broad circulation. Alexander Love is deploying and investigating the term and I join him to suggest that it is basically a redux of Nietzsche's concept of the Tragic per se. Plus we talk Painting!

Rufus Pollock, founder of Open Knowledge, and Sylvie Barbier, a French-Taiwanese performance artist, dive into the concept of a 'Second Renaissance.' They discuss how art can transform communities and the necessity of cultural activism during a meta-crisis. The duo envisions a new artistic manifesto that intertwines art with spirituality for emotional and societal healing. They also explore the evolution of storytelling, emphasizing modern narratives' relevance to contemporary issues like care and environmental consciousness, advocating for collective action and community building.

Marc Gafni, a Rabbi and intellectual exploring the nuances of metacrisis responses, takes listeners on an enlightening journey through the complexities of cosmo-erotic humanism. He delves into the concept of the 'God voice' in biblical stories, especially the Abraham/Isaac tale, offering a fresh perspective on faith and morality. Laughter as a divine connector in spiritual experiences is also explored, alongside the impact of personal trauma on societal interactions. Gafni intertwines these themes with discussions on eros, consent, and the transformative power of cultural traditions.

In this engaging discussion, linguistic philosopher Lisa Maroski dives into the transformative power of language. She explores how our linguistic habits shape consciousness and societal structures. Maroski proposes novel language forms inspired by paradoxical concepts like the Möbius strip to express unity and complexity. The conversation touches on the challenges of oversimplification in communication and the importance of preserving linguistic diversity. Through creative metaphors, she opens up new avenues for understanding non-duality and interconnectedness.