The East-West Psychology Podcast

Complementarity and Integration: Utopian Individual and Collective Transformation with Suryamayi Aswini Clarence-Smith

Today we meet EWP adjunct faculty Suryamayi Aswini Clarence-Smith to explore her work in Utopian studies, shaped by her upbringing in Auroville and her roots in Integral Yoga. We discuss integral approaches to education and her CIIS course, Prefiguring Utopia, which asks what a utopian learning experience might look like. We discuss the limits of rational teleology in utopian praxis and the importance of integral frameworks, like the Integral Yoga of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother, that emphasize the complementarity of multiple ways of knowing, harmonizing the planes and parts of the self, necessary to support collective transformation. The conversation also explores the scholar-practitioner as a site of transformation, and she shares a little about her course at CIIS, Awareness Through the Body, which guides students in exploring embodiment and contemplation, experimenting with their physical and psychic constitution, and we discuss this as a practice of cultivating conditions for transformative experiences grounded in revolutionary, evolutionary, and utopian ideals. Book - Prefiguring Utopia: The Auroville Experiment [https://bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/prefiguring-utopia] Book Talk - here [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XDAK2SfP4y4] Dr. Suryamayi Clarence-Smith is an award-winning scholar, educator and facilitator based in Auroville, India, the largest intentional community in the world. Suryamayi holds a PhD in International Development from the University of Sussex, and a BA from the University of California, Berkeley; she is currently affiliated with the Sri Aurobindo International Institute for Educational Research (SAIIER) in Auroville. Her research on utopian and prefigurative practice has been published by leading editors and publishers in the field, notably in the Ralahine Utopian Studies series (Peter Lang), the Alternatives to Capitalism in the 21st century series (Bristol University Press), and the Antipode Book Series (Wiley). Dedicated to sharing the outcomes of her research to various audiences, she lectures internationally in both academic and activist settings. The EWP Podcast credits * Connect with EWP: Website [https://www.ciis.edu/academics/graduate-programs/east-west-psychology] • Youtube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5HmhA-847aJ5CNNvrT1TBw] • Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/CIISEWP/] * Hosted by Stephen Julich (EWP Core Faculty) and Jonathan Kay (EWP Phd, Adjunct Faculty) * Produced by: Stephen Julich and Jonathan Kay * Edited and Mixed by: Jonathan Kay * Music: Mosaic, by Monsoon on the album Mandala [https://monsoonto.bandcamp.com/album/mandala] * Introduction Voiceover: Roche Wadehra Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

Divine Materialism and Integral Cosmology: Consciousness, Science, and the Spiritual Turn with Marco Masi

In this episode, we explore Marco Masi’s article “The Integral Cosmology of Sri Aurobindo: An Introduction from the Perspective of Consciousness Studies.” Marco’s work sits at the intersection of the hard sciences and spirituality, advancing the provocative notion of “divine materialism.” We examine the limitations of contemporary philosophy of mind and mainstream consciousness studies, emphasizing the need for more expansive frameworks capable of addressing the interior dimensions of experience. Drawing from Sri Aurobindo’s Integral Yoga, Marco introduces Integral Cosmology as a way to fill what is often missing in academic and scientific discourse—a vision of consciousness that is both evolutionary and spiritual. We discuss the pitfalls of academic hyperspecialization and the inadequacy of even transdisciplinary models when confronting today’s complex, multidimensional challenges. Instead, we point toward the emergence of an integral framework—a mode of inquiry grounded in the cultivation of integral consciousness itself. We conclude with a reflection on integral education and its transformative potential. How might an integral worldview help students not only synthesize scientific and spiritual paradigms, but also develop the inner capacities required for personal, cultural, and spiritual transformation? Marco Masi (born 1965) attended the German School of Milan, Italy. He graduated in physics at the University of Padua, and later obtained a Ph.D. in physics at the University of Trento. He worked as a postdoc in universities in Italy, France, and Germany, and as a school teacher for three years. After he had authored some scientific papers (http://ow.ly/snz6u [http://ow.ly/snz6u]) his interests veered towards new forms of individual learning and a new concept of free progress education originated from his activity both as a tutor in several universities and as a high school teacher, but especially from his direct, lived experience of what education should not be. This led him to author a book on ”Free progress Education”. He also wrote a two-volume series on quantum physics entitled “Quantum Physics: An Overview of a Weird World”, and which tries to close a gap between the too high-level university textbooks and a too low-level popular science approach. His interests in metaphysical and philosophical ruminations led him to the vision of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother. Not only gave him this a spiritual path to follow, but also answered many questions he was looking for in science. * Spirit Calls Nature by Marco Masi- https://www.amazon.com/dp/3948295166 [https://www.amazon.com/dp/3948295166] * Blog - https://marcomasi.substack.com/ [https://marcomasi.substack.com/] * Website - https://marco-masi.com/ [https://marco-masi.com/] * The Integral Cosmology of Sri Aurobindo: An Introduction from the Perspective of Consciousness Studies - https://integral-review.org/the-integral-cosmology-of-sri-aurobindo-an-introduction-from-the-perspective-of-consciousness-studies/ [https://integral-review.org/the-integral-cosmology-of-sri-aurobindo-an-introduction-from-the-perspective-of-consciousness-studies/] * New book "Meaning and Purpose in a Conscious Universe": https://www.amazon.com/dp/3948295190 [https://www.amazon.com/dp/3948295190] The EWP Podcast credits * • Connect with EWP: Website [https://www.ciis.edu/academics/graduate-programs/east-west-psychology] • Youtube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5HmhA-847aJ5CNNvrT1TBw] • Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/CIISEWP/] * • Hosted by Stephen Julich (EWP Core Faculty) and Jonathan Kay (EWP PhD grad) * • Produced by: Stephen Julich and Jonathan Kay * • Edited and Mixed by: Jonathan Kay * • Music: Mosaic, by Monsoon on the album Mandala [https://monsoonto.bandcamp.com/album/mandala] * • Introduction Voiceover: Roche Wadehra Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

“Look hard enough at anything and you will eventually see everything”: Magic, Tarot, and Creativity with Lon Milo DuQuette & Cassia Elderkin

In this episode, we meet Lon Milo DuQuette, who shares his lifelong journey in the Western hermetic and magical traditions, including his initiation into the teachings of Aleister Crowley. We also hear from EWP student Cassia Elderkin, who studies under Lon and is exploring magic as a form of liberatory praxis. The conversation centers around Lon’s new book, The Tarot Architect: How to Become the Master Builder of Your Spiritual Temple, and explores how the tarot can be understood through the mystical teachings of Kabbalah as a cosmic, archetypal structure. Lon explains how these archetypes can be internalized and brought to life in one’s psychic and spiritual practice. He situates tarot divination within a broader framework of magical and transformative practices, emphasizing its capacity to expand consciousness, attune intuition, and illuminate the messages of the unconscious. The discussion highlights the intersections between Western occult traditions and Eastern spiritual practices, showing how ceremonial magic and meditative yoga converge as complementary paths for self-exploration and transformation. Lon frames these traditions as technologies of self-examination, offering tools for cultivating awareness, creativity, and personal evolution. Toward the end, the conversation turns to the magical and transformative powers of art and creativity, underscoring the importance of self-observation in creative practice. Lon closes with his reflections on the future of Western esotericism, offering insights into its evolving role in contemporary spiritual and cultural life. Lon Milo DuQuette, also known as Rabbi Lamed Ben Clifford and by his neo-Gnostic bishop title of Tau Lamed, is an American writer, lecturer, musician, and occultist, best known as an author who applies humor in the field of Western Hermeticism. In 1972 he began pursuing his interest in mysticism, particularly the work of Aleister Crowley. He is on the faculty of the Omega Institute for Holistic Studies in Rhinebeck, New York where he teaches The Western Magical Tradition. Since 1975 DuQuette has been a National and International governing officer of Ordo Templi Orientis, a religious and fraternal organization founded in the early part of the 20th century. Since 1996 he has been O.T.O.'s United States Deputy Grand Master. He is also an Archbishop of Ecclesia Gnostica Catholica, the ecclesiastical arm of the O.T.O. DuQuette began writing professionally in 1988 and has since published 19 books (translated in 12 languages). Many of his books have been dedicated to analyzing and exploring the works of Aleister Crowley, an English occultist, author, poet and philosopher. He has written a number of successful books on topics in the Western mystical tradition including: Freemasonry, Tarot, Qabalah, ceremonial magick, the Enochian magick of Dr. John Dee, and Goetic spirit evocation. He is perhaps best known as "an author who injects humor into the serious subjects of magick and the occult." His autobiography, My Life with the Spirits, is currently a required text for two classes at DePaul University, Chicago. Lon’s Website [https://www.lonmiloduquette.net/] Book: The Tarot Architect: How to Become the Master Builder of Your Spiritual Temple [https://www.amazon.com/Tarot-Architect-Become-Builder-Spiritual/dp/1578638542/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0] The EWP Podcast credits • Connect with EWP: Website [https://www.ciis.edu/academics/graduate-programs/east-west-psychology] • Youtube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5HmhA-847aJ5CNNvrT1TBw] • Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/CIISEWP/] • Hosted by Stephen Julich (EWP Core Faculty) and Jonathan Kay (EWP PhD grad) • Produced by: Stephen Julich and Jonathan Kay • Edited and Mixed by: Jonathan Kay • Music: Mosaic, by Monsoon on the album Mandala [https://monsoonto.bandcamp.com/album/mandala] • Introduction Voiceover: Roche Wadehra Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

Integral Perspectives: From Kashmiri Shaivism to Tibetan Buddhism with Sean K. MacCracken

In this episode, Sean MacCracken reflects on his experience at the American Academy of Religion, noticing a shift toward more participatory, contemplative, and integrative approaches in religious studies. He discusses his course, Kashmiri Shaivism: Supreme Non-Dualism, highlighting how meditation, contemplation, and embodied practices cultivate awareness, ethical self-reflection, and creative engagement with the world. Sean also explores how his study of Indian philosophy and Tantric traditions opens broader, integral ways of knowing that move beyond reductionist frameworks. He discusses his article, “Regarding Humanism: Some Observations Concerning the Tibetan Buddhist and Transhumanist Dialogue,” showing how Buddhist and Tantric insights deepen our understanding of humanism, development, and collective ethical responsibility. This episode offers listeners a glimpse into how contemplative and Integralist approaches can reshape learning, thinking, and living—showing philosophy as a path toward grounded, ethically engaged, and transformative ways of being in the world. Sean K. MacCracken is adjunct faculty at California Institute of Integral Studies. He recieved a M.A. and Ph.D in Asian and Comparative Studies from CIIS, and a M.A. in Religious Studies from University of Virginia. “Regarding Humanism: Some Observations Concerning the Tibetan Buddhist and Transhumanist Dialogue” https://processcenturypress.com/unprecedented-evolution-continuities-and-discontinuities-between-human-and-animal-life-and-the-future-of-humanity/ [https://processcenturypress.com/unprecedented-evolution-continuities-and-discontinuities-between-human-and-animal-life-and-the-future-of-humanity/] The EWP Podcast credits * Connect with EWP: Website [https://www.ciis.edu/academics/graduate-programs/east-west-psychology] • Youtube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5HmhA-847aJ5CNNvrT1TBw] • Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/CIISEWP/] * Hosted by Stephen Julich (EWP Core Faculty) and Jonathan Kay (EWP PhD grad) * Produced by: Stephen Julich and Jonathan Kay * Edited and Mixed by: Jonathan Kay * Music: Mosaic, by Monsoon on the album Mandala [https://monsoonto.bandcamp.com/album/mandala] * Introduction Voiceover: Roche Wadehra Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

“Truth is a Pathless Land”: Krishnamurti and Revolutionary Spirituality with Connie Jones

In this episode, “Truth is a Pathless Land,” we speak with Transformative Inquiry Program faculty member Connie Jones to explore the micropolitical stakes of revolutionary spirituality through Krishnamurti’s challenge to religious prescription, psychological conditioning, and egoic identification. We discuss techniqueless meditation, the primacy of awareness over truth, and the distinction between perception and cognition as a path beyond the representational mind. Our conversation engages the unknown as the ground of creativity and examines how culturally conditioned individualism is challenged by non-dual insights. We also explore Bohmian Dialogue as a transformative practice aligned with Krishnamurti’s vision—an open, non-hierarchical mode of collective inquiry that suspends judgment and cultivates shared attention. Through this lens, we consider how his praxis opens onto a micro-political awareness capable of generating new forms of being and transformation beyond all systems of conditioning. Connie Jones, Ph.D., is a sociologist of religion who joined CIIS in 1994, having taught at several colleges and theology schools. Beginning with her doctoral dissertation on the caste system in India, she has pursued a long interest in the cultures and religions of the East, including the adoption of Hindu and Buddhist beliefs and practices in the West. She researches spiritual teachers as well as the evolution of new religious movements around the world. Throughout her career in higher education, she has helped establish women’s studies departments and curricula in several colleges and has published research on women’s status in India and feminist methods. She has been a member of a multidisciplinary team of scholars that investigates new religious movements around the world and has published articles on movements that are based on Eastern religious belief and practice. At present, Constance has a book, Krishnamurti: Self-Inquiry, Awakening, and Transformation, in press with Cambridge University Press. In this volume she outlines the life and teaching of the enigmatic 20th century philosopher and teacher J. Krishnamurti. She serves in scholarly positions with the Gurdjieff Institute for the Harmonious Development of Man (2017- present) Tbilisi, Georgia and the Publications Committee of the Krishnamurti Foundation of America (2018-present), Ojai, California. Books: Encyclopedia of Hinduism [http://www.apple.com/] Contemplative Literature [https://sunypress.edu/Books/C/Contemplative-Literature] The EWP Podcast credits • Connect with EWP: Youtube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5HmhA-847aJ5CNNvrT1TBw] • Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/CIISEWP/] • Hosted by Stephen Julich (EWP Core Faculty) and Jonathan Kay (PhD grad) • Produced by: Stephen Julich and Jonathan Kay • Edited and Mixed by: Jonathan Kay • Introduction music: Mosaic, by Monsoon on the album Mandala [https://monsoonto.bandcamp.com/album/mandala] • Music at the end of the episode: Tundra Immanence (blowing meditation) [https://jonathankay.bandcamp.com/track/tundra-immanence-blowing-meditation] • Introduction Voiceover: Roche Wadehra Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]