Mindrolling with Raghu Markus

Examining transformative times in human history, Dr. Damer discusses how psychedelics can amplify our consciousness and spark both personal and global change.  In this episode of Mindrolling, Raghu and Dr. Damer explore: * Dr. Damer’s recent work with the resurgence of psychedelics as tools for insight, creativity, and expanded consciousness * Altered states of perception and Dr. Damer’s groundbreaking chemical model for the origin of life * Ram Dass’ teachings on transcending roles and realizing the illusion of separateness * Building supportive, heart-centered sanghas and collective spiritual communities * How MDMA fosters deep feelings of compassion, empathy, and human connection * Raghu’s mystical experience bathing in the Ganges River  * Evolutionary patterns in history that reveal how groups overcome stress and awaken * The impact of social media on youth mental health and emotional well-being * The importance of mindful, compassionate youth mentorship and nurturing the next generation * Holding onto optimism for our new digital landscape and the people who are creating it Learn more about recent research into psychedelic science in another captivating Mindrolling episode HERE [https://beherenownetwork.com/mindrolling-with-raghu-markus-ep-596-psychedelics-a-master-key-to-rewiring-the-brain-with-gul-dolen/]. About Dr. Bruce Damer: Dr. Bruce Damer is a scientist, psychonaut, and humanitarian. Dr. Damer is Chief Scientist at BIOTA Institute [https://biota.org/index.php/people/], UC Santa Cruz. He is an astrobiologist working on the science of life’s origins, spacecraft design, psychedelics and genius. Dr. Bruce has spent his life pursuing two great questions: how did life on Earth begin, and how can we give that life (and ourselves) a sustainable pathway into the cosmos? A decade of scientific research with his collaborator Prof. David Deamer at the UC Santa Cruz Department of Biomolecular Engineering resulted in the Hot Spring Hypothesis for an Origin of Life [https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/full/10.1089/ast.2019.2045] published in the journal Astrobiology in 2019. Dr. Damer also has a long career working with NASA on mission simulation and design and recently co-developed a spacecraft to utilize resources from asteroids [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wLMHcUg36yc]. Advancing research into altered-state innovation, Dr. Damer recently cofounded the Center for MINDS. [https://centerforminds.org] You can keep up with Dr. Bruce Damer on Twitter. [https://twitter.com/bdamer?lang=en] “For a geeky scientist like me, it was seeing the origin of life from a different perspective, from the first cell division, which led me to propose the chemical model, which has now gone through the field. That was an insight that was absolutely inaccessible to me without some kind of amplification or exaltation of states of consciousness.” –  Dr. Bruce Damer See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy [https://art19.com/privacy] and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info].

Joined by his son, Noah, Raghu invites Sharon Salzberg onto Mindrolling for an expansive conversation on embracing change, understanding the roots of our fear, and aging mindfully.  Mindrolling is brought to you by Reunion. Reunion is offering $250 off any stay to the Love, Serve, Remember community. Simply use the code “BeHere250” when booking. Disconnect from the world so you can reconnect with yourself at Reunion.  Hotel | www.reunionhotelandwellness.com [http://www.reunionhotelandwellness.com/] Retreats | www.reunionexperience.org [http://www.reunionexperience.org/] In this episode, Raghu, Sharon, and Noah explore: * The illusion of invulnerability in youth and how our relationship to mortality evolves with age * The dreamlike and fleeting nature of time and memory * The societal messages that falsely promise permanence and control * Sharon’s concept of ‘misplaced faith’ and the belief that clinging tightly can stop change * Offering compassion to ourselves when we notice resistance to impermanence * Keeping our sense of adventure and curiosity alive, even as it shifts with age * Letting go of rigid expectations and finding new paths to meaning and fulfillment * Holding space for the hard work of aging while recognizing what truly sustains us * Post-stroke wisdom from Ram Dass and the important distinction between pain and suffering * Giving yourself a break: the value of not layering blame, shame, or permanence on top of already difficult life experiences * The three jewels of Buddhism and how practice can help us navigate change and aging  * Asking ourselves what we can count on and what is still true as we grow older  * Maintaining the Sangha and social connection as one of our life forces * Understanding a bhikkhu, or monk, as someone who "fears wisely" or "sees danger" * Being able to look at the roots of our fear  * Ram Dass’ phrase ‘Walking Each Other Home” and what it means to Sharon Check out the book Still Here [https://shop.ramdass.org/products/still-here?srsltid=AfmBOopD3AqgkWYow3mH0JNFCtCVmYkQ0AaQd1rmh-FdFXTMyefyWdv0] by Ram Dass to look deeper into changing, aging, and dying About Sharon Salzberg: Sharon Salzberg is a meditation pioneer, world-renowned teacher, and New York Times bestselling author. She is one of the first to bring mindfulness and lovingkindness meditation to mainstream American culture over 45 years ago, inspiring generations of meditation teachers and wellness influencers. Sharon is co-founder of The Insight Meditation Society in Barre, MA, and the author of twelve books, including the New York Times bestseller, Real Happiness, now in its second edition, and her seminal work, Lovingkindness. Her podcast, The Metta Hour [https://beherenownetwork.com/category/sharon-salzberg/], has amassed five million downloads and features interviews with thought leaders from the mindfulness movement and beyond. Learn more about Sharon and her books at www.sharonsalzberg.com [http://www.sharonsalzberg.com/] and check out Insight Meditation Society [https://www.dharma.org]. Dive into Vipassana practice with Sharon Salzberg and Joseph Goldstein on Sounds True. [https://www.soundstrue.com/products/insight-meditation?srsltid=AfmBOookdnIKXxeK2IWj5Yyjh06nm46UXwipB5AF3adgZuxS455wySv2]  “Most of us have a habit of adding on to that original pain. A sense of isolation, a sense of permanence, a sense of the future, a sense of blame. We pile on and consolidate and what was originally a painful experience becomes this mass of condensed suffering and it hurts so much more. That's why the impetus to let go of those add-ons really comes from a sense of compassion for ourselves. Give yourself a break, it already hurts.” – Sharon Salzberg See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy [https://art19.com/privacy] and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info].

Delving into the profound teachings of J. Krishnamurti, David Silver and Raghu Markus explore timeless questions of existence, social ethics, and the deeper truths that shape our lives. Mindrolling is brought to you by Reunion. Reunion is offering $250 off any stay to the Love, Serve, Remember community. Simply use the code “BeHere250” when booking. Disconnect from the world so you can reconnect with yourself at Reunion.  Hotel | www.reunionhotelandwellness.com [http://www.reunionhotelandwellness.com/] Retreats | www.reunionexperience.org [http://www.reunionexperience.org/] This time on Mindrolling, Raghu and David have a discussion about: * The intellectual essence of Krishnamurti initially alienated David and Raghu, and what drew them back in * Krishnamurti’s unique childhood and emergence as a "chosen one" by the Theosophical Society * The profound lifelong friendship of Aldous Huxley and Krishnamurti  * Krishnamurti’s teachings on avoiding spiritual bypassing and false ego-driven enlightenment * The danger of over-identification with any religion, group, or ideology, and how this creates separation * Understanding that we all have the ultimate truth within us and are all one with everything  * Krishnamurti’s message that comparison to others, the past, or ideals is a major root of suffering * Krishnamurti’s critique of “social morality,” which often upholds greed, violence, and systemic division * Seeing through the division that society has nurtured and amplified over centuries  * Embracing our personal journeys and seeing this life as one chapter in a larger, sacred story * Practicing mindfulness as a path to seeing the truth and being with all of our experiences fully David recommends reading Joseph Goldstein’s book, Mindfulness: A Practical Guide to Awakening [https://www.amazon.com/Mindfulness-Practical-Awakening-Joseph-Goldstein/dp/1622036050/ref=asc_df_1622036050?mcid=d2f2e28b1c7a3b9f875286dc9ba6f393&hvocijid=996568074023291779-1622036050-&hvexpln=73&tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=721245378154&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=996568074023291779&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9028824&hvtargid=pla-2281435177578&psc=1] About J. Krishnamurti: For nearly six decades until his passing in 1986 at the age of ninety, Jiddu Krishnamurti traversed the globe, delivering spontaneous and captivating discourses to large audiences. Krishnamurti assumed the role of an investigator rather than an authority figure, encouraging individuals to question assumptions and explore the depths of their consciousness. His extensive body of work, estimated at over 100 million words, spans more than six decades of relentless inquiry and dialogue. His teachings, compiled in numerous books and translated into multiple languages, continue to inspire seekers worldwide, inviting them to embark on a profound journey of self-discovery and understanding. J. Krishnamurti’s legacy endures as a guiding light, offering timeless wisdom for those who dare to challenge conventional thinking and explore the complexities of existence. Listen to Krishnamurti’s lectures on the Be Here Now Network’s Freedom From The Known [https://beherenownetwork.com/category/j-krishnamurti-freedom-from-the-known/] podcast. About David Silver: David Silver is the former co-host of the Mindrolling podcast. He is a filmmaker and director, most recently coming out with Brilliant Disguise [https://www.ramdass.org/brilliantdisguise/]. Brilliant Disguise tells the unique story of a group of inspired Western spiritual seekers from the 60s, who in meeting the great American teacher, Ram Dass, followed him to India to meet his Guru, Neem Karoli Baba, familiarly known as Maharaj-ji. Two days before he left his body, Maharaj-ji instructed K.C. Tewari to take care of the Westerners, which he did resolutely until the day he died in 1997. Silver’s #1 charting MGM/UA/Warners film, “The Compleat Beatles” is the critically acclaimed biopic movie about history’s most famous band. The term ‘rockumentary’ was first applied to this two-hour movie. Rolling Stone recently described the film as a “masterwork.” Silver’s Warner Brothers’ feature film, “No Nukes” also started the whole trend of music/activism feature documentaries. "He was an advocate, always, of looking at yourself. He felt that the deeper truths about the meaning of living do not come from anyone else, even if the greatest guru is in front of you, it still comes from what you yourself are truly embedded in properly. In other words, that's what you believe when you're alone, silent, not having to impress, not having to compare."– David Silver See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy [https://art19.com/privacy] and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info].

Raghu speaks with psychotherapist and author John Tsilimparis about how trauma and adversity can be transformed into personal growth and inner strength. Mindrolling is brought to you by Reunion. Reunion is offering $250 off any stay to the Love, Serve, Remember community. Simply use the code “BeHere250” when booking. Disconnect from the world so you can reconnect with yourself at Reunion. Hotel | www.reunionhotelandwellness.com [http://www.reunionhotelandwellness.com/] Retreats | www.reunionexperience.org [http://www.reunionexperience.org/] This week on Mindrolling, John and Raghu chew on these topics: * Discovering light through music, creativity, and the healing power of the arts * Cultivating an aesthetic mindset: finding meaning and beauty in ordinary, everyday experiences * Building emotional resilience by alchemizing heartache into thriving, empowered living * The power of inspiration: immersing yourself in art, philosophy, and wisdom traditions to expand consciousness * Transforming trauma into curiosity and wonder instead of fear and avoidance * How human connection supports mental wellness—and why music is a powerful universal connector * Viktor Frankl and the concept of tragic optimism: keeping faith and purpose alive in the face of suffering * Embracing discomfort with courage and becoming a peaceful warrior * How spiritual practice strengthens emotional resilience and self-regulation * Becoming the observer and author of our thoughts rather than letting them control us * Making an intention for happiness, creativity, and connection instead of waiting for it to come to you * Using nostalgia, imagination, and daydreaming as tools to enrich your present-moment experience Interested in learning more about how art impacts the mind? Check out The Book, Your Brain on Art [https://www.amazon.com/Your-Brain-Art-Arts-Transform/dp/059344924X/ref=asc_df_059344924X?mcid=e613fc7634393fbf88517f429e69a44c&hvocijid=9220676864538483461-059344924X-&hvexpln=73&tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=721245378154&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=9220676864538483461&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9005547&hvtargid=pla-2281435179578&psc=1] About John Tsilimparis: John Tsilimparis, MFT is a psychotherapist, author and teacher. For over thirty years, he has owned a private psychotherapy practice in Los Angeles. His work focuses on grief counseling, depression, addiction and recovery, anxiety disorders, like OCD, PTSD, phobias and panic disorder. John reaped a strong following after being featured on the A&E reality show Obsessed. He was also featured on John Mulaney Presents: Everybody’s in LA, Khloe & Lamar, Collection Intervention, and In the Name of Science. In the past twenty years, he has been a go-to media therapist, called on by many news programs to comment on a variety of psychological subjects. For example, he appeared on The View and Larry King Live. (See below for videos) John also hosts a podcast called, MINDFULNESS FOR THE SOUL which is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and many other podcast platforms. The podcast offers psychological bytes, wellness tips and relaxation techniques to get you through your busy day. To listen to the podcast click here [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mindfulness-for-the-soul-with-john-tsilimparis-mft/id1484101314]. Keep up with John on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/jtsilimparis/?hl=en] or his website [https://johntsilimparis.com]. Grab a copy of John Tsilimparis’ newest book, The Magic in the Tragic, HERE [https://www.amazon.com/Magic-Tragic-Rewriting-Discovering-Happiness/dp/1400251540/ref=sr_1_1?crid=L76EO28UBMTU&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.-P9jxvjOQbLYre7AnZWnZw.EZ-PooHQA2eP-WH-L7slD0eYLZX4xocgYYZVBieA05o&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+magic+in+the+tragic%2C+by+john+tsilimparis&qid=1742574871&sprefix=the+magic+in+the+tragic%2C+by+john+tsilimparis%2Caps%2C188&sr=8-1]. “In your darkest moments, instead of running from your grief, you immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring realms of art, music, poetry, philosophy, sports, whatever it is that’s your aesthetic. When you do that, you find meaning in this grief. You create this concept of transferring pain into purpose and finding beauty in your suffering.” – John Tsilimparis See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy [https://art19.com/privacy] and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info].

In a conversation on cultivating compassion, authors and professors John Maransky and Paul Condon explore how to activate our natural capacity to care for all beings. Mindrolling is brought to you by Reunion. Reunion is offering $250 off any stay to the Love, Serve, Remember community. Simply use the code “BeHere250” when booking. Disconnect from the world so you can reconnect with yourself at Reunion. Hotel | www.reunionhotelandwellness.com [http://www.reunionhotelandwellness.com/] Retreats | www.reunionexperience.org [http://www.reunionexperience.org/] This time on Mindrolling, John, Paul, and Raghu discuss: * Paul and John’s spiritual and personal journeys, and how they came together to write How Compassion Works * Seeing the humanity in all beings and opening our hearts even to our perceived enemies * Looking to the fundamentals of Tibetan Buddhism in order to cultivate compassion * Dropping into the grounded depth of our awareness so that we can meet that same quality in others * Becoming aware of our reactive minds as the first step on the path of compassion * Adding in psychological and scientific perspectives to the practice of compassion * Our natural capacity to care and how it takes less effort than hate/conflict * Embodying ideals of kindness and seeing others in a less superficial way * Practicing honest self-reflection to assess and grow our capacity for compassion * The domino effect of love and kindness– how seeing compassion in action inspires others * Reunifying with our inner beings and loving nature through mindfulness  * The symbiotic relationship of love and wisdom Recommendations From This Episode:  Learn more about Sustainable Compassion [https://sustainablecompassion.org]via audio guided meditations, videos, retreats, writings, and more! Order your copy of John and Paul’s newly released book, How Compassion Works, HERE [https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/770156/how-compassion-works-by-john-makransky-and-paul-condon/] About John Makransky, Ph.D. John Makransky, PhD, is Associate Professor of Buddhism and Comparative Theology at Boston College, senior advisor for Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche’s Centre of Buddhist Studies in Nepal and developer of the Sustainable Compassion Training model for accessing innate capacities of compassion and awareness. John's academic writings have focused on connections between practices of wisdom, compassion and devotion in Indo-Tibetan Buddhism, on adapting Buddhist practices for contemporary minds, and on interfaith learning. In 2000, John was ordained as a Lama, a meditation teacher of innate compassion and wisdom, within the Nyingma Dzogchen tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. As a meditation teacher, John is known for guiding participants in their discovery of underlying powers of love and wisdom. Since 2000, John has taught meditations of innate compassion and wisdom, adapted from Tibetan Buddhism, for modern Buddhists, those in other spiritual traditions, and for people in caring roles and professions. “In order to really be the kind of person that can make a beneficial difference in our world, we have to learn how to drop down below the superficial reactive level of consciousness we all tend to live on together into more of the depth of our being, the ground of our experience.” – John Maransky About Paul Condon, Ph.D. Paul Condon is an associate professor of psychology at Southern Oregon University, a visiting lecturer for the Centre for Buddhist Studies at Rangjung Yeshe Institute, and a fellow of the Mind & Life Institute. His research examines the ways that psychological science can inform the adaptation of meditation practices in dialogue with contemplative traditions, with an emphasis on compassion training. His research and writing also examine the constructed nature of emotion and concepts, attachment theory, and the impact of meditation on compassion and prosocial behavior. Paul also teaches meditation practices adapted from the Tibetan Nyingma tradition. He has studied and collaborated with John Makransky to develop and teach Sustainable Compassion Training. His practice and teaching have also been informed by study with Tsoknyi Rinpoche, Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche, Lama Willa Baker, and the Courage of Care Coalition. "Care is a natural capacity and being in a caring relationship with another being is more natural and less effortful than being in an antagonist or conflict-based connection.” – Paul Condon See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy [https://art19.com/privacy] and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info].