Mindrolling with Raghu Markus

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. 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].

Inviting us into the heart of India, Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati and Raghu dive into divine flow, navigating karmic life, and the value of spiritual community. 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 week’s episode, Sadhvi and Raghu reflect on: * Discovering divine presence and deep gratitude in the holy land of India * The Westerner’s experience in India and how acceptance and joy are contagious  * From PhD student to spiritual seeker: Sadhvi’s awakening to the divine energy in Rishikesh * Becoming a channel for universal energy and aligning with divine flow * The power of satsang: gathering in truth, stillness, and spiritual presence * Balancing daily life with surrender to divine perfection and karmic unfolding * Learning to work with the mind through spiritual practices like mantra, prayer, and mindfulness * The importance of spiritual community and real-world human connection * Neuroplasticity and the spiritual path: transforming our thoughts, habits, and inner reality * Seva (service to others) as the most potent way to purify the mind  Recommendations From This Episode:  Check out another Mindrolling with Sadhvi and Raghu from 2021, where they explore Sadhvi’s journey from Hollywood to the Himalayas [https://beherenownetwork.com/mindrolling-with-raghu-markus-ep-412-hollywood-to-the-himalayas-w-sadhvi-bhagawati-saraswati/] Pick up Sadhvi’s book, Come Home to Yourself [https://www.amazon.com/Come-Home-Yourself-Essential-Questions/dp/1647223695], to learn more about navigating this karmic journey while knowing we are divinity About Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati Sadhvi is a renowned spiritual leader and motivational speaker, based in Rishikesh, India. She’s the author of #1 bestselling memoir, Hollywood to the Himalayas: A Journey of Healing and Transformation.  Originally from Los Angeles, a graduate of Stanford University, and a PhD in psychology, Sadhviji has lived on the banks of the sacred Ganga river, in the lap of the Himalayas for more than 25 years engaged in spiritual service, wisdom teaching, sacred action, and deep spiritual practice. Roll on over to Sadhvi’s website [https://sadhviji.org] to learn more. “The slightest bit of working with the mind, mantra, chanting, japa, kirtan, prayer, anything, it shows us that we actually do have the power to put our mind where we want it to be." – Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati 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].

Offering practical insights for developing emotional intelligence, Psychologist Daniel Goleman and Raghu unpack skills like mindful self-awareness, self-management, and empathy. Learn more about Emotional Intelligence with Daniel Goleman’s self-paced course [http://danielgolemanemotionalintelligence.com]. In this episode, Daniel and Raghu reflect on: * Daniel's first introduction to the concept of emotional intelligence and its lifelong impact * 4 core elements of emotional intelligence: self-awareness, emotional management, empathy/social awareness, using empathy to have effective relationships  * The ability to learn emotional intelligence and improve throughout life * Investigating whether artificial intelligence (AI) can feel emotions & empathy or if it merely replicates humans  * Why reading social cues is essential for emotional effectiveness and healthy interpersonal relationships * Reflecting on the teachings and stories of K.K. Sah as practical examples of emotional intelligence in action * Highlighting the Dalai Lama's role as a global symbol of compassion, empathy, and altruism * Bringing in mindfulness to change our emotional patterns  * The importance of developing an inner-awareness of our emotions  * How self-awareness and emotional intelligence can positively impact a workplace * Maintaining a positive outlook despite life’s numerous challenges  Take the opportunity to support Ram Dass’ Love Serve Remember Foundation and step into another dimension with a one-of-a-kind pair of custom Midnight Gospel sneakers. Hand-crafted by The Shoe Surgeon to replicate the iconic shoes worn by Clancy himself in the groundbreaking animated series by Duncan Trussell and Pendleton Ward. All proceeds benefit the Love Serve Remember Foundation and their work to preserve and continue the teachings of Neem Karoli Baba and Ram Dass. CLICK HERE [https://gate.sc/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fevent.auctria.com%2Ffaa15113-bba3-49ab-80ab-92a9147a4844%2Fa780d600ec2e11e9ae081db830846aa5%3F2bd25550ec3411e98fdeb3a273cf08d8%252Fq%3D%262bd25550ec3411e98fdeb3a273cf08d8%252FcurrentPage%3D0%262bd25550ec3411e98fdeb3a273cf08d8%252FselectedItem%3D532f87dd-ba4a-430f-a5b6-fb87a75f48b4&token=f1df54-1-1749240086525] to bid on the shoes and find more exciting one-of-a-kind collector’s items at the LSRF Auction HERE [https://event.auctria.com/faa15113-bba3-49ab-80ab-92a9147a4844/a780d600ec2e11e9ae081db830846aa5?2bd25550ec3411e98fdeb3a273cf08d8%2Fq=&2bd25550ec3411e98fdeb3a273cf08d8%2FcurrentPage=0]. Recommendations from this Episode: Grab yourself a copy of Daniel Goleman and Tsoknyi Rinpoche’s book, Why We Meditate [https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Why-We-Meditate/Daniel-Goleman/9781982178468]. Learn how the mind can heal the heart with the book Emotional Alchemy [https://www.amazon.com/Emotional-Alchemy-Mind-Heal-Heart/dp/0609809032] by Tara Bennett-Goleman. Consider creating an emotionally intelligent team with this book [https://www.amazon.com/Emotionally-Intelligent-Team-%20Collaborative-Outperform-ebook/dp/B0C9N3W9Q5]by Vanessa Urch Druskat. About Daniel Goleman: Daniel is an internationally known psychologist and author. His New York Times bestselling book, Emotional Intelligence [https://smile.amazon.com/Emotional-Intelligence-Matter-More-Than/dp/055338371X/ref=sr_1_3?crid=W1ETIUJQ477H&dchild=1&keywords=emotional+intelligence&qid=1604973234&sprefix=emotional+intel%2Caps%2C224&sr=8-3], was named one of the 25 “Most Influential Business Management Books” by TIME Magazine. Daniel is also a board member of the Mind & Life Institute, an organization that fosters dialogues and research collaborations among contemplative practitioners and scientists. Daniel has organized a series of intensive conversations between the Dalai Lama and scientists, and further merged Dharma and science, coauthoring Altered Traits: Science Reveals How Meditation Changes Your Mind, Brain, and Body [https://smile.amazon.com/Altered-Traits-Science-Reveals-Meditation/dp/0399184392/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=altered+traits&qid=1605034969&sr=8-1]. Learn more about Daniel’s work at danielgoleman.info [http://www.danielgoleman.info/] 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/] “The good news about emotional intelligence, unlike IQ, is that you can learn it. It's learnable at any point in life. You can always improve. Your IQ pretty much stays the same throughout life, emotional intelligence can get better and better, if you care, if you want.” – Daniel Goleman 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].

From psychedelic breakthroughs to breaking the boundaries of compassion, Duncan Trussell and Raghu Markus offer unfiltered wisdom on the messy magic of waking up. Take the opportunity to support Ram Dass’ Love Serve Remember Foundation and step into another dimension with a one-of-a-kind pair of custom Midnight Gospel sneakers. Hand-crafted by The Shoe Surgeon to replicate the iconic shoes worn by Clancy himself in the groundbreaking animated series by Duncan Trussell and Pendleton Ward. All proceeds benefit the Love Serve Remember Foundation and their work to preserve and continue the teachings of Neem Karoli Baba and Ram Dass. CLICK HERE [https://gate.sc/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fevent.auctria.com%2Ffaa15113-bba3-49ab-80ab-92a9147a4844%2Fa780d600ec2e11e9ae081db830846aa5%3F2bd25550ec3411e98fdeb3a273cf08d8%252Fq%3D%262bd25550ec3411e98fdeb3a273cf08d8%252FcurrentPage%3D0%262bd25550ec3411e98fdeb3a273cf08d8%252FselectedItem%3D532f87dd-ba4a-430f-a5b6-fb87a75f48b4&token=f1df54-1-1749240086525] to bid on the shoes and find more exciting one-of-a-kind collector’s items at the LSRF Auction HERE [https://event.auctria.com/faa15113-bba3-49ab-80ab-92a9147a4844/a780d600ec2e11e9ae081db830846aa5?2bd25550ec3411e98fdeb3a273cf08d8%2Fq=&2bd25550ec3411e98fdeb3a273cf08d8%2FcurrentPage=0]. This time on Mindrolling, Duncan and Raghu connect over: *  The Good Friday psychedelic experiment  * New MDMA research with octopuses and insights into social neuroscience * Brain scans of Tibetan monks practicing loving-kindness (Metta) meditation * ‘Making the most’ of the neuroplasticity that can occur during a psychedelic experience  * The most powerful issue we have to deal with: identity  * Transactional compassion versus offering genuine love and care to all  * Reversing our own neurosis and breaking through the self-created boundaries of compassion * Embracing spiritual discipline through the daily grind of practice * Moving through what the Buddhists call ‘the original heart of sadness’  * Maladaptive behaviors that we develop to mask the pain of humanity  * Alcohol as the west’s faulty ‘ayahuasca’ and initiation practice  * Self-compassion and allowing ourselves to be human Today's episode is sponsored by Psychedelic Science 2025 & Reunion: Join the most important psychedelic gathering of the year......bridging science, spirit & society at Psychedelic Science 2025: THE INTEGRATION, hosted by the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies. Be part of the movement that will shape the next era of mental health, medicine, and consciousness. Featuring speakers like Paul Stamets, United States Representative Tim Ryan, Rick Doblin, founder of Internal Family Systems (IFS) Richard Schwartz, Pilar Guzman, CEO/Medical Director of the APA Marketa M. Wills, Raghu Markus, comedian Reggie Watts, musicians TYCHO & Jim James, and many more! Listeners get 15% off tickets to the 5-day event with our promo code LSRF15 at PsychedelicScience.org [https://www.psychedelicscience.org/] 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/] About Duncan Trussell: Duncan Trussell is a stand-up comedian, podcaster, and actor. His popular podcast, The Duncan Trussell Family Hour [https://www.duncantrussell.com/], has been downloaded over 25 million times and is known for its blend of humor, fringe ideas, eclectic guests, and great interviews. The DTFH is the foundation for Duncan’s Netflix animated series, The Midnight Gospel [https://www.netflix.com/title/80987903], which he co-created with Pendleton Ward in 2020. To learn more about Duncan’s work, visit his website at duncantrussell.com [https://www.duncantrussell.com/]. “What do you do when you're passing strangers in the street and you love them completely? It's not bullshit. You feel about them the way you feel about someone you love, like your mother. What happens when the boundary of compassion breaks through and there is no longer this person deserves compassion, this person doesn't. It's like a dam broke." – Duncan Trussell 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].

Neuroscientist Gül Dölen explores how psychedelics paired with mindful integration can reopen the brain’s sensitive learning windows to rewire habits, heal trauma, and expand consciousness. Join the 2025 MAPS conference this June in Denver, Colorado and be a part of the movement that will shape the next era of mental health, medicine, and consciousness. MAPS, The Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies, is a nonprofit organization that provides public resources and leadership as we work together to create legal, responsible, evidence-based pathways to psychedelics. Learn more about the conference and use the coupon code LSRF15 for a special promotion at https://www.psychedelicscience.org [https://www.psychedelicscience.org/register] In this episode of Mindrolling, Gül and Raghu chat about: *  Gül’s research on psychedelics and how we can translate animal studies into human neuroscience  * Looking to Octopuses for sociological answers using MDMA * Critical periods—windows when the brain is most open to learning and environmental influence. * Psychedelics as the master key to reopening critical periods, especially when paired with therapy * Inducing metaplasticity with psychedelics, reshaping harmful patterns, and promoting transformation. * Non-substance methods to reopen critical periods, like sensory and social deprivation * How mystical practices such as meditation and silent retreats can trigger a “beginner’s mind” state for deep insights * How psychedelics propose a learning model rather than a biochemical imbalance model towards approaching depression, addiction, or PTSD * Focusing on post-trip integration to harness long-term benefits from the psychedelic experience  * Maximize the integration period to cement insights gained during psychedelic journeys * The social and psychological changes we go through as we age and adapt to new environments/situations  * The importance of “set and setting” and how it can influence psychedelic experiences and the formation of helpful or harmful habits 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/] About Gül Dölen: Dr. Gül Dölen is a Professor and the Bob & Renee Parsons Endowed Chair in the Department of Neuroscience, and Department of Psychology, the Berkeley Center for the Science of Psychedelics and the Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute at the University of California, Berkeley. Dr Dölen also maintains an Adjunct Professorship in Neuroscience and Neurology at the Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine. Dr. Dölen researches the role psychedelics may have in unlocking critical periods in Dölen Lab [https://www.dolenlab.org]. She is the recipient of several prestigious awards.  “It turns out that our results really suggest that psychedelics are those master keys that we have been looking for all this time.” – Gül Dölen 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].