Hopscotch Chronicles Podcast with Dominic Vallée

Sharon Hewitt Rawlette, PhD: Ethics and the Magic of Coincidences

― Interview starts at 0:06:36 ― Folks, get ready for quite a ride as this episode is a very deep one! From coincidences to synchronicities, from ethics to meta-ethics, Sharon Hewitt Rawlette and I embark on a fascinating exploration of some of life's most mysterious workings. But fret not! As serious as these subjects can be, the tone remains playful throughout, making these 96 minutes flow by like a refreshing metaphysical breeze.  *** ABOUT SHARON HEWITT RAWLETTE *** Sharon Hewitt Rawlette is a philosopher who explores consciousness, ethics, spirituality, and anomalous experiences, addressing her work to varied audiences. She holds a PhD from New York University with a focus on ethics, meta-ethics and the nature of value, and is also the founder of the Mind & Meaning Institute. Mostly through theoretical work, Sharon researches the intriguing realms of coincidences and synchronicities, as evidenced by her many books and essays, including her acclaimed work on life after death. Her diverse background, from academia to personal experiences in France and beyond, enriches her writing and research on deep existential questions. Find out more about Sharon's work at www.sharonrawlette.com [http://www.sharonrawlette.com]. ********************************************* Find Dominic Vallee and the Hopscotch Chronicles Podcast ❇️ www.hopscotchchronicles.com ❇️ Twitter/X: www.twitter.com/Domi_Vallee ❇️ Instagram: instagram.com/domi_vallee ❇️ Patreon: patreon.com/dominicvallee ❇️ Facebook: facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557665457736 Dominic's book: ZINFAENDEL, the Mystic's Path of Self-Knowledge 📖 www.dominicvallee.com/book/ *** ABOUT THE PODCAST *** Hopscotch Chronicles is a collection of provoked chance encounters with people, ideas and Nature. Through a series of conversations and short essays on arts, creativity, philosophy and spirituality, the show aims to pragmatically contribute to the listener’s search for meaning and transcendence. *** ABOUT DOMINIC VALLÉE *** Fierce apostle for the DIY spirit and author of Zinfaendel, the Mystic’s Path of Self-Knowledge, Dominic Vallée tirelessly seeks to expand the boundaries of normality, to make the real more real. Eager for connection and believer in concrete experience, he now devotes his time to researching and promoting new ways to navigate the chaotic and sacred game that is life. Find out more on www.dominicvallee.com.

Shozan Jack Haubner: Zen and All the Gold in the World

― Interview starts at 0:10:37 ― Is the world perfect as it is? How does one tell the pain of change from the pain of violence? Are your bowls clean? In this episode, we're joined by author and Zen monk Shozan Jack Haubner for what ended up being a festival of hardball questions, which he handled graciously. *** ABOUT JACK *** Shozan Jack Haubner's writing has won a Pushcart Prize and been published in The New York Times, Tricycle, The Sun, the Best Buddhist Writing Series, Lion's Roar and other publications. His first book, "Zen Confidential: Confessions of a Wayward Monk [https://www.amazon.com/Zen-Confidential-Confessions-Wayward-Monk/dp/1611800331]", was chosen as one of NPR's Best Books of 2013 and won an Independent Publisher Book Award. His latest book is "Single White Monk: Tales of Death, Failure, and Bad Sex (Although Not Necessarily in That Order) [https://www.amazon.com/Single-White-Monk-Although-Necessarily/dp/1611803632/ref=pd_bxgy_img_d_sccl_1/144-3413479-4408438?content-id=amzn1.sym.5aba8b54-fe4d-49b5-a32b-6c719def30fa&pd_rd_i=1611803632&pd_rd_r=b5e34b5a-06fa-4a0c-b30b-97a29b0ae26a&pd_rd_w=MWs7a&pd_rd_wg=nowf5&pf_rd_p=5aba8b54-fe4d-49b5-a32b-6c719def30fa&pf_rd_r=H12KW2TQRPAACBB0MEZ5&psc=1]". He is the host of the popular YouTube channel Zen Confidential [https://youtube.com/@zenconfidential25]. Find out more about Jack's work at these links: Patreon: patreon.com/ShozanJackHaubner [http://patreon.com/ShozanJackHaubner] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@zenconfidential25 [https://www.youtube.com/@zenconfidential25] "Zen Confidential" book: https://a.co/d/a7RXtqc [https://a.co/d/a7RXtqc] "Single White Monk" book: https://a.co/d/3dDVMnV [https://a.co/d/3dDVMnV] *** SHOW NOTES *** * Sasaki Roshi [https://www.mbzc.org/our-teachers/] * Rinzai Zen [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rinzai_school] * Enpuku-Ji Zen centre (Montreal) [http://enpuku-ji.org] * Taisen Deshimaru [https://taisendeshimaru.org/about] * Kendo [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kendo] * Mokuso (short meditation in kendo) [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GlWq2Vpj_fI] * Diamond Way Buddhism [https://www.diamondway-buddhism.org] * Shambala buddhism [https://shambhala.org/about/what-shambhala-is/] * Satori [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Satori#:~:text=Satori%20(%E6%82%9F%E3%82%8A)%20is%20a%20Japanese,seeing%20into%20one's%20true%20nature%22.] * Ryōkan Taigu [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ry%C5%8Dkan] *** TIME STAMPS *** 0:00:00 INTRO 0:05:57 Jack’s bio 0:10:37 THEME + INTERVIEWS BEGINS 0:11:23 The truth about Jack’s monk name 0:16:06 Is the world perfect as it is? 0:21:06 Can a Zen practice lead to nihilism? 0:27:02 Being attached to the « heaven world » 0:30:25 « ROSHI! WASH YOUR BOWLS! » 0:32:02 Is monasticism escapism? 0:39:12 Dedication VS obstination 0:44:07 The container of the monastery 0:53:11 Dominic’s experience with Zen 0:59:32 Bifurcations on the spiritual path 1:02:56 Anti-authorianism VS respect for a teacher 1:06:12 A human then a mystic then a buddhist 1:13:22 Becoming « truly » human and peak experiences 1:18:19 How much time does awakening take? 1:25:20 Sincerity 1:28:14 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 : « It’s all a game » 1:39:06 Wrapping up and goodbyes ********************************************* Find Dominic Vallee and the Hopscotch Chronicles Podcast ❇️ www.hopscotchchronicles.com [http://www.hopscotchchronicles.com] ❇️ Twitter/X: www.twitter.com/Domi_Vallee [http://www.twitter.com/Domi_Vallee] ❇️ Instagram: instagram.com/domi_vallee [http://instagram.com/domi_vallee] ❇️ Patreon: patreon.com/dominicvallee [http://patreon.com/dominicvallee] ❇️ Facebook: facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557665457736 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557665457736] Dominic's book: ZINFAENDEL, the Mystic's Path of Self-Knowledge 📖 www.dominicvallee.com/book/ *** ABOUT THE PODCAST *** Hopscotch Chronicles is a collection of provoked chance encounters with people, ideas and Nature. Through a series of conversations and short essays on arts, creativity, philosophy and spirituality, the show aims to pragmatically contribute to the listener’s search for meaning and transcendence. *** ABOUT DOMINIC VALLÉE *** Fierce apostle for the DIY spirit and author of Zinfaendel, the Mystic’s Path of Self-Knowledge, Dominic Vallée tirelessly seeks to expand the boundaries of normality, to make the real more real. Eager for connection and believer in concrete experience, he now devotes his time to researching and promoting new ways to navigate the chaotic and sacred game that is life. Find out more on www.dominicvallee.com.

Maja D'Aoust: The Shadow, Astrology and The Quest

— Interview starts at 0:08:43 — Some of the worst understood concepts in spirituality assuredly are notions of the shadow self, negative energy and the ego. Generally wrongfully labelled "evil", these facets of ourselves often are hidden by our preconceived ideas when in fact, revealing their presence within us can be one of our most enlightening endeavours. In this show, Maja D'Aoust offers ideas and tools for this dark exploration, including "shadow astrology", which is the subject of her latest book. *** ABOUT MAJA *** Maja is a practicing witch and published scholar of alchemy and occult lore with an interest in the esoteric arts that spans her entire lifetime. After completing her bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry, Maja studied Oriental Medicine and acupuncture, later receiving her master's degree in transformational psychology. Her master’s thesis focused on Shamanism, the I Ching and ancestors. Maja was the librarian at the Philosophical Research Society, founded by Manly P. Hall, for eleven years, where she taught courses on Alchemy. Maja lectures occasionally on mysterious topics in Los Angeles. Find out more about Maja's work: Main website: http://www.witchofthedawn.com [http://www.witchofthedawn.com] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MrPeeweerules [https://www.youtube.com/@MrPeeweerules] New book - Astrology of the Shadow Self: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/astrology-of-the-shadow-self-maja-daoust/1143792921?ean=9781644119174 [https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/astrology-of-the-shadow-self-maja-daoust/1143792921?ean=9781644119174] *** SOME SHOW NOTES *** * Carl Jung: Shadow Self [https://www.thesap.org.uk/articles-on-jungian-psychology-2/about-analysis-and-therapy/the-shadow/] * Wiccan Hidden Self  * The goddess Kali [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kali] * Dion Fortune [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dion_Fortune] * Dion Fortune’s quote: « The uninstructed person thinks he is developing psychism when he sees elves, archangels, and elementals with the inner eye. The instructed person knows that he is using a technique of the imagination in order to clothe with visible form intangible things that would otherwise be imperceptible to his consciousness. »  * Hopscotch Chronicles episode 4: Ian Duncan [https://youtu.be/Bd7iV0j_s0k] * Paul Reubens [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Reubens] *** TIMESTAMPS *** 0:00:00 INTRO 0:05:49 Maja’s bio 0:08:43 THEME + INTERVIEW BEGINS 0:17:25 Darker aspects of THE QUEST and the EGO 0:23:58 The Shadow Self 0:38:18 Maja's book: Astrology of the Shadow Self 0:43:31 Understanding the concept of opposition 0:49:33 Astrology as a tool for self-knowledge and Shadow charts 0:57:39 Maja's visual arts 1:02:00 The Divine Feminine, negative energy and destruction 1:14:26 Calibration and boundaries 1:18:33 Disincarnate sentiences and « consciousness ecosystems » 1:34:19 Connecting with disincarnate sentiences 1:40:53 The I Ching is a dragon 1:43:15 The HARDEST question of this show 1:46:35 Wrapping up and goodbyes ********************************************* Find Dominic Vallee and the Hopscotch Chronicles Podcast ❇️ www.hopscotchchronicles.com ❇️ Twitter/X: www.twitter.com/Domi_Vallee ❇️ Instagram: instagram.com/domi_vallee ❇️ Patreon: patreon.com/dominicvallee Dominic's book: ZINFAENDEL, the Mystic's Path of Self-Knowledge 📖 www.dominicvallee.com/book/ *** ABOUT THE PODCAST *** Hopscotch Chronicles is a collection of provoked chance encounters with people, ideas and Nature. Through a series of conversations and short essays on arts, creativity, philosophy and spirituality, the show aims to pragmatically contribute to the listener’s search for meaning and transcendence. *** ABOUT DOMINIC VALLÉE *** Fierce apostle for the DIY spirit and author of Zinfaendel, the Mystic’s Path of Self-Knowledge, Dominic Vallée tirelessly seeks to expand the boundaries of normality, to make the real more real. Eager for connection and believer in concrete experience, he now devotes his time to researching and promoting new ways to navigate the chaotic and sacred game that is life. Find out more on www.dominicvallee.com.

Mysticism Is Activism (Solo Show)

- Main topic begins at 0:08:22 - Are mysticism and spiritual matters less important in times of chaos? Or are they actually, by themselves, a potent form of activism? In this admittedly long and convoluted episode, we explore the various ways in which mystics make the world better without aiming for specific changes. ********************************************* Find Dominic Vallee and the Hopscotch Chronicles Podcast ❇️ www.hopscotchchronicles.com [http://www.hopscotchchronicles.com] ❇️ Twitter/X: www.twitter.com/Domi_Vallee [http://www.twitter.com/Domi_Vallee] ❇️ Instagram: instagram.com/domi_vallee [http://instagram.com/domi_vallee] ❇️ Patreon: patreon.com/dominicvallee [http://patreon.com/dominicvallee] Dominic's book: ZINFAENDEL, the Mystic's Path of Self-Knowledge 📖 www.dominicvallee.com/book/ [http://www.dominicvallee.com/book/] *** ABOUT THE PODCAST *** Hopscotch Chronicles is a collection of provoked chance encounters with people, ideas and Nature. Through a series of conversations and short essays on arts, creativity, philosophy and spirituality, the show aims to pragmatically contribute to the listener’s search for meaning and transcendence. *** ABOUT DOMINIC VALLÉE *** Fierce apostle for the DIY spirit and author of Zinfaendel, the Mystic’s Path of Self-Knowledge, Dominic Vallée tirelessly seeks to expand the boundaries of normality, to make the real more real. Eager for connection and believer in concrete experience, he now devotes his time to researching and promoting new ways to navigate the chaotic and sacred game that is life. Find out more on www.dominicvallee.com.

Mitch Horowitz: Spiritual Anarchy

— Interview starts at 0:09:42 — I can't help but wonder: have philosopher William James and punk band Dead Kennedys ever been mentioned in one same interview? Well, they have now! On this show, Mitch Horowitz presents us with a plethora of ideas to seriously consider on the seeker's path of spiritual growth. *** ABOUT MITCH *** Mitch Horowitz, a distinguished historian of alternative spirituality, is renowned for his erudite exploration of esoterica, mysticism, and the occult. Through his work, Horowitz not only delves into outsider history, emphasizing its relevance to contemporary life, but also advocates for the enduring pursuit of human empowerment. A PEN Award-winning author of many book and a prolific lecturer, he has many times answered the call to discuss the seeker’s path on many platforms, from the most obscure (like this one) to the most mainstream. And to top it all off, maybe his crowning achievement; Mitch Horowitz is currently censored in China. Find out more about Mitch's work: Main website: https://www.mitchhorowitz.com [https://www.mitchhorowitz.com] Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/MitchHorowitz [https://twitter.com/MitchHorowitz] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mitchhorowitz23/ [https://www.instagram.com/mitchhorowitz23/] YouTube:  https://youtube.com/@mitchhorowitz6054 [https://youtube.com/@mitchhorowitz6054] *** SHOW NOTES *** * Dead Kennedys: Holiday in Cambodia [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nrm2B0lhvYc] * Carlos Castañeda [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carlos_Castaneda] * Paul Feyerabend [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Feyerabend] * William James [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_James] * Mullah Nasruddin [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nasreddin] * Henry A. Wallace [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_A._Wallace] * Annie Marquier’s book: The Power of Free-Will [https://www.amazon.com/Power-Free-will-Annie-Marquier-ebook/dp/B07BRFZ57M/?_encoding=UTF8&content-id=amzn1.sym.cf86ec3a-68a6-43e9-8115-04171136930a&pd_rd_r=bb730eba-3291-4d7b-a85b-206a64c552ad&pd_rd_w=uFXUo&pd_rd_wg=mHbbm&pf_rd_p=cf86ec3a-68a6-43e9-8115-04171136930a&pf_rd_r=144-3413479-4408438&ref_=aufs_ap_sc_dsk] * Vernon Howard [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vernon_Howard] * Neville Goddard [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neville_Lancelot_Goddard] * Mitch’s talk on The Miracle Club at the Philosophical Research Society [https://youtu.be/MxZgADGl9Ng?si=XKgJ9n1PNHkya1xH] * William Wordsworth’s poem: Character of the Happy Warrior [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Character_of_the_Happy_Warrior] * Mitch’s course: Icons of Modern Esoterica [https://www.theosophical.org/icons] * Mitch’s introductory talk about the course: Occultism as Philosophy [https://youtu.be/VJR2RjsP9Eg?si=n_TbDe5G4QSRsE3P] *** TIMESTAMPS *** 0:00:00 INTRO 0:04:55 Mitch's bio 0:09:42 THEME + INTERVIEW BEGINS 0:11:00 Punk: Mitch’s history and link with mysticism 0:16:02 Mitch’s impressions on Hopscotch Chronicles 0:17:42 Differences between occultism and mysticism 0:19:48 Mitch on « enlightenment » 0:26:44 Yoga of the intellect and parapsychology 0:30:17 The inevitability of spiritual growth 0:34:34 Knowing oneself and following affinity  0:44:39 Humanity’s history « the gods » 0:52:07 Mitch's work impact on Dominic 0:55:44 Mitch on the necessary generalizations of language 1:00:26 Evaluating people before their thoughts 1:09:22 Keeping the search simple 1:17:21 Neville VS Vernon - MY will VS THY will 1:19:00 How does a future with AI look for the seeker? 1:27:25 Wrapping up and goodbyes ********************************************* Find Dominic Vallee and the Hopscotch Chronicles Podcast ❇️ www.hopscotchchronicles.com [http://www.hopscotchchronicles.com] ❇️ Twitter/X: www.twitter.com/Domi_Vallee [http://www.twitter.com/Domi_Vallee] ❇️ Instagram: instagram.com/domi_vallee [http://instagram.com/domi_vallee] ❇️ Patreon: patreon.com/dominicvallee [http://patreon.com/dominicvallee] Dominic's book: ZINFAENDEL, the Mystic's Path of Self-Knowledge 📖 www.dominicvallee.com/book/ [http://www.dominicvallee.com/book/] *** ABOUT THE PODCAST *** Hopscotch Chronicles is a collection of provoked chance encounters with people, ideas and Nature. Through a series of conversations and short essays on arts, creativity, philosophy and spirituality, the show aims to pragmatically contribute to the listener’s search for meaning and transcendence. *** ABOUT DOMINIC VALLÉE *** Fierce apostle for the DIY spirit and author of Zinfaendel, the Mystic’s Path of Self-Knowledge, Dominic Vallée tirelessly seeks to expand the boundaries of normality, to make the real more real. Eager for connection and believer in concrete experience, he now devotes his time to researching and promoting new ways to navigate the chaotic and sacred game that is life. Find out more on www.dominicvallee.com.