Buddha at the Gas Pump

Craig Pearson is Executive Vice-President of Maharishi International University (MIU) in Fairfield, Iowa, and a leader in Consciousness-Based education. He has spoken around the United States on this unique approach to education as well as on Maharishi Mahesh Yogi's programs to create world peace. He has held a number of positions at MIU, including Dean of Faculty, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, Dean of Students, Director of Freshman Composition, and Director of MIU Press. Dr. Pearson holds a Ph.D. in Maharishi Vedic Science from MIU. He is the author of two books, The Supreme Awakening: Experiences of Enlightenment Throughout Time - And How You Can Cultivate Them, available through MIU Press (free chapter available for download) or Amazon. and The Complete Book of Yogic Flying. He is also the co-author, with Brad Moses, of Peace on Earth, a collection of songs about enlightenment and world peace (available on iTunes). For video versions of these songs, see their YouTube channel. He lives on the MIU campus with his wife Melissa and son Soren. Transcript of this interview Interview conducted January 31, 2015. YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Buddha at the Gas Pump 00:04:23 - Panning for Gold in Unlikely Sources 00:07:42 - Seven States of Consciousness and Higher Spiritual Development 00:12:01 - Description of the Indescribable 00:16:47 - Profound Transformation and Universal Experience 00:22:38 - Wordsworth's Experience at Tintern Abbey 00:26:42 - Rest and Deep Rest 00:30:20 - The Universal Experience 00:33:59 - The Transformative Effects of Meditation 00:38:01 - The Link Between Coherence and Intelligence 00:42:50 - The Benefits of Brain Integration 00:50:14 - Transforming Consciousness for Harmony with the Planet 01:01:36 - Settling the Waves of the Mind 01:13:01 - Cultivation of Mind and Brain 01:26:05 - The Condition in Which I Function 01:38:45 - A Veil Lifted: A Vision of Glory and Universal Love 01:49:10 - Universal Love and Amma's Hugs 01:53:40 - Experiencing the Underlying Silence 01:57:21 - The Experience of Oneness 02:01:14 - Glimpsing the Higher States of Consciousness 02:04:45 - The Importance of Looking Within 02:09:01 - Researching Cosmic Consciousness through Brain Measures 02:12:39 - Understanding the Neurophysiology of Transcending 02:15:48 - Different Techniques and Brain Functioning 02:18:37 - Universality of Meditation Techniques 02:22:01 - Broadening the Possibilities 02:26:14 - The Special Atmosphere of Iowa City 02:29:26 - The Realities of Personal Growth 02:32:48 - Finding the Self Within 02:36:41 - Cultivating Transcendence 02:40:19 - Craig's Page on BatGap

Stephan Bodian is a teacher in the nondual wisdom tradition of Zen, Dzogchen, and Advaita Vedanta and the founder and director of the annual School for Awakening, an intensive six-month program of exploration and study. His offerings are noted for their humor, warmth, spontaneity, and intimacy and combine direct pointers, lively dialogues, silent sitting, and guided self-inquiry. He’s the author of several books, including Wake Up Now: A Guide to the Journey of Spiritual Awakening and Beyond Mindfulness: The Direct Approach to Lasting Peace, Happiness, and Love. Stephan spent a decade practicing Zen intensively as a monk but left the monastery because he sensed that the rigorous practice of meditation was obscuring the truth he was seeking. After studying Dzogchen for several years, he met his guru, Jean Klein, a European teacher of Advaita Vedanta, who told him to stop meditating and instead discover the meditator. Shortly after meeting Jean, he had a profound awakening to his true identity as timeless presence. After Jean’s death, Stephan met Adyashanti, and in 2001 Adya gave him Dharma transmission and invited him to teach. Trained as a psychotherapist, Stephan also offers individual spiritual counseling and mentoring sessions to people throughout the world. His approach blends direct, experiential, nondual wisdom with the insights of Western psychology to support students in realizing who they really are while inquiring into the stories and patterns of thinking and behaving that continue to cause suffering. Website: stephanbodian.org Other books: Meditation For Dummies, w/Audio CD (Also available in various languages.) Timeless Visions, Healing Voices: Conversations With Men & Women of the Spirit Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group. Transcript of this interview Interview recorded 1/24/2015 Second BatGap interview with Stehpan. YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction and Background of Stephen Bodian 00:03:31 - Embracing everything and the paradoxes of truth 00:07:36 - The Backward Step 00:10:46 - Cultivating Mindfulness and Discovering Innate Qualities 00:14:15 - The beauty of presence and mindfulness 00:17:47 - Discovering Rest as Awareness 00:21:43 - The Effects of Spiritual Practice on the Brain 00:25:09 - Finding our Way through Intense Experiences 00:28:27 - Embracing the Ego and Bringing Compassion 00:31:50 - The Importance of Mental Health Awareness 00:35:05 - The Mind and Stillness 00:38:26 - Finding Order in Chaos 00:41:01 - Spacious awareness versus detached observing 00:43:47 - The Misunderstanding of Witnessing 00:46:29 - Turiya: The Natural State 00:49:01 - Witnessing and Emotions 00:51:41 - The Pitfall of Suppressed Emotions in Mindfulness 00:54:22 - Psychotherapy and Awakening 00:57:09 - The Power of Resting as Awareness 00:59:41 - Evolution of Spirituality 01:02:27 - Moving Towards Perfection 01:04:53 - Learning from Life 01:07:28 - Emotions and Enlightenment 01:10:06 - Drawn into the Silence 01:12:54 - The Razor's Edge 01:15:54 - The Integration of Form and Emptiness 01:18:41 - Awakening and Influence 01:21:25 - The Misunderstanding of Awakening 01:24:07 - The Pitfalls of Intellectual Understanding in Non-duality 01:26:50 - The Mystery of Love 01:29:25 - Supporting the Channel with Donations

Kenneth Folk is a personal meditation trainer known worldwide for his innovative approach to secular Buddhist meditation. After twenty years of training in the Burmese Theravada Buddhist tradition of Mahasi Sayadaw, including three years of intensive silent retreat in monasteries in Asia and the U.S., Kenneth began to spread his own findings, successfully stripping away religious dogma to make meditation accessible to modern practitioners. Kenneth has been recognized by Wired Magazine as an influential voice in Silicon Valley’s tech culture, a "power player of the mindfulness movement." Website: kennethfolkdharma.com YouTube Channel Summary and Transcript of this interview Interview recorded 1/17/2015 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Kenneth Folk 00:04:30 - Degrees and Levels of Awakening 00:09:16 - The Diversity of Spiritual Perspectives 00:13:45 - The Constituents of Experience 00:18:39 - Debunking the idea of an awareness ground state 00:23:19 - The Meaning of Nibbana 00:27:53 - The Radical Idea of Nibbana 00:31:51 - The relevance of Buddhism for us 00:36:39 - The Witness State 00:41:34 - The Sublime Experience of the Witness 00:46:32 - Evaluating Different Experiences 00:51:08 - The Drive to Discover Deeper Reality 00:54:57 - What is Mindfulness and its relation to meditation? 00:58:19 - The Two Types of Meditation and the Importance of Mindfulness 01:01:13 - Awakening through Meditation 01:04:20 - The Benefits of Dedicated Practice 01:07:29 - Different Ways of Defining Awakening 01:11:07 - Varieties of Experience 01:14:11 - The Myth of Hercules and its implications in athletics and brain development 01:17:31 - The Finite Resource of Attention 01:20:44 - Understanding Mindfulness through Concentration 01:24:06 - The Relationship between Concentration and Enjoyment 01:27:27 - Filters and Objectification in Meditation 01:30:32 - The Developmental Window for Awakening 01:33:25 - Our Umwelt and the Experience of Reality 01:36:40 - The Pursuit of Sublime Experiences 01:40:24 - The Ultimate Union with Consciousness 01:43:32 - The Evolution of the Spiritual Scene 01:46:05 - Awakening and the Power of Grassroots Transformation 01:49:16 - Percolating Shifts in the Industry 01:51:53 - Appreciation for the Audience

Ram Das Batchelder passed away in 2023. He was born in Pennsylvania in 1961, had a spiritual awakening in his early twenties, and spent most of 25 years in India as a devotee of Amma, the “hugging saint.” He wrote four children’s books, which have been translated into several European languages, and also a novel in rhyming verse, three full-length plays, and 40 original songs. In 2012, he and his wife, Tarini Ma, wrote and co-taught a university course in Venezuela on Hinduism. He gave numerous talks and workshops about various aspects of spirituality in many locations around the world. “Rising in Love: My Wild and Crazy Ride to Here and Now, with Amma, the Hugging Saint" tells the story of Ram Das Batchelder’s powerful marijuana-fuelled spiritual awakening in America (which included meeting an angel), his two-year struggle with delusion and addiction, his subsequent renunciation of drugs, and his eventual discovery of Amma (the living Guru known in the West as “the Hugging Saint”). The narrative then covers the 27 amazing years he spent in quest of Enlightenment as Amma’s devotee, most of that time in India. It is a story of profound healing from drug addiction and despair into a joyfully fulfilled life, and is, therefore, a ray of hope for all who suffer from addiction or mental illness of one kind or another. The book is a suspenseful psychological thriller, “a real page-turner” (as more than one reviewer has said), yet there is so much humor in the narrative that it reads like a comedic novel. It describes his struggles with dysentery and sexual desire during his first several years at Amma’s ashram and also includes descriptions of numerous miracles he witnessed, a vision of Krishna, and the steady progression of his meditation, which has culminated in states of samadhi. It also discusses how the author left Amma’s ashram for a six-year period, visited numerous other Gurus, and then returned, with a fiancée, and was married by Amma in 2001. One chapter is dedicated to the difficulties he and his wife faced in their marriage, and the beautiful healing Amma gave them as a couple. There is also a section about the Asian Tsunami, which occurred when they were in Amma’s ashram; hundreds were killed in the surrounding area. “Rising in Love” will appeal to anyone interested in spirituality, Enlightenment, Hinduism, Saints or Gurus, as well as psychology, psychotherapy, angels or Jesus. Website: rising-inlove.org Other books: You Are The King- A Parable For Amma's Children Sathyaram Discovers the Mother of All Transcript of this interview Interview recorded 1/17/2015 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Ram Dass and Amma 00:04:17 - The Divine Hug 00:07:32 - The Divine Hug and Humanitarian Work 00:10:54 - A Divine Presence in Disguise 00:14:09 - Amma: The Embodiment of Divine Mother 00:17:30 - The Divine Mother Incarnate 00:20:44 - Comparing Amma with Lord Krishna 00:23:50 - Cultivating Personalities 00:26:58 - Bliss and Peace in the Ashram 00:30:19 - The Evolution of Meditation Journey 00:33:49 - Opening up into pure being 00:37:06 - The Dissolution of the Ego 00:40:14 - The Profound Experience of Sitting with a Saint 00:43:29 - A Global Celebrity and a Source of Charity 00:46:49 - Reaching out to Alleviate Suffering 00:49:48 - Serving the Suffering with Compassion 00:52:55 - Amma's Selfless Service 00:56:05 - Amma's Omniscience 00:59:36 - Epiphanies and Divine Encounters 01:06:24 - The Beginning of the Spiritual Path 01:09:44 - The Revelation of Alma's Identity as God 01:12:57 - Struggles with Relationships and Celibacy 01:16:05 - Reflections on Past Wrong Actions 01:19:15 - Celibacy and Determination 01:22:21 - Transition back to a normal married life 01:25:34 - Overcoming Difficulties in Marriage 01:28:52 - Amma's Divine Intervention 01:32:08 - Return to Amma and Charity Donation 01:35:17 - Organizing Tours and Contact Information 01:38:41 - Farewell and Thank You

Sandy Jones is the Literary Executor to the William Samuel legacy. In 1996, she was given his entire catalog of works and today is the spokesperson for William Samuel’s message- publishing and promoting the entire William Samuel catalog. In addition to being the registered agent for the works of William Samuel, she is the owner and mentor of the Woodsong Center for Self-Discovery located in Ojai, California. The Center hosts gatherings for readings and group discussions based on William’s message. Sandy is also the proprietor of Celestial Song Mystical Emporium a popular gift shop and gallery located in Ojai, CA. You can find more of her art and writings on her website woodsongjournals.com. Book: Barefoot at Heart: The Alchemy of Love and the Power of Light Email Sandy at: [email protected] William Samuel - September 2, 1924-May 22, 1996 William Samuel was a prolific writer and teacher. William Samuel was known as the “teacher’s teacher” perhaps because so many teachers came to study with him. There was an inordinate number of philosophers, theologians, and members of the academe. In the later years there came physicists and mathematicians. It seemed to William that he would get the most earnest and dedicated students of Truth. Quite a number of Taoists and Buddhists had found William’s message and came to study–even some who were called Masters. Many have gone from his study to become authors, writers and teachers. In some marvelous way his story has been found by the metaphysical and scientific elite of all the word–at least by a few. He said “When it is told perfectly, my whole world will hear.” Although, Mr. Samuel did not embrace the idea of being called a teacher, saying “I’ve been telling my own story–how it happened and what it has allowed me to understand–for over 30 years. That is not the same as being a teacher.” He was a genuine sage and mystic. He brought the message of non-duality, or as he called it the Subjective View in a simple heartfelt words that everyone interested in their Self-discovery can understand and profit from. A humble man who discovered true peace and tranquility that remains steady and true even during the changes and turmoil encountered in life. Never seeking to be well known or venerated himself, he has been widely recognized by many as a genuine true Master. William’s message is that he did not embrace the idea of being called a teacher, saying “I’ve been telling my own story–how it happened and what it has allowed me to understand–for over 30 years. That is not the same as being a teacher.” William Samuel was one of the first Americans to sit with Ramana Maharshi The story of his visit goes something like this: At 18 years old he graduated from Clemson and was immediately made captain of infantry and sent off to battle in China, during W.W.II While in China, William’s troops were doing battle along with the British and Indians near the Burmese border. It was during that time when William apparently was given some much needed R&R. He took advantage of that time and went to see Ramana Maharshi in Tiruvannamalai, South India. William, at that time, was only 21 years old. This two-week visit took place in April of 1944. It is believed that William was among the first American students to visit Sri Ramana. Up until then, the visitors were mostly Indian and British. Soon after William's visit, many more westerners began coming to see Sri Ramana. William was indeed a master teacher who had found a way to communicate honestly and clearly his insights on the Absolute and the premises of the metaphysical, subjective view now often called non-duality. Books: A Guide to Awareness and Tranquility The Awareness of Self-Discovery The Child Within Us Lives 2+2=Reality Website: williamsamuel.com Summary and Transcript of this interview Interview recorded 1/10/2015 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Sandy Jones and William Samuel 00:04:37 - The Silent Teacher's Identity 00:08:54 - The Mystical Answer Revealed 00:13:04 - The Roots of Bill's Beliefs and Military School Experiences 00:17:29 - Discovering Inner Grace and Peace 00:21:45 - Mr. Shea, the Tao of living, and the flower in the snow 00:25:48 - A Sweet Triangle of Love 00:29:41 - The Abundance of Intelligence and the Existence of God 00:33:53 - The Dark Night of the Soul Experience 00:38:02 - The Difficulty of Teaching Truth 00:41:34 - God's Perfection and Our Role in the Universe 00:46:16 - Trusting Your Own Heartfelt Listening 00:50:09 - The Last Book of David Shapiro 00:53:34 - Establishing Equanimity in Action 00:58:03 - The Understanding of Ego and True Identity 01:02:30 - The Two Birds on the Tree 01:06:11 - The Joy of Being Fully Yourself 01:10:04 - Discovering the Wholeness Within 01:13:51 - Embracing the Journey of Life 01:17:46 - The Journey of Growing Up 01:22:14 - The Beauty of the Illusion 01:25:58 - Appreciating the Beauty of Existence 01:28:26 - Love and Joy in Relationships 01:30:52 - Reme

Craig Holliday is both a Nondual teacher and Licensed Professional Counselor, offering Nondual Therapy and Meditation workshops, retreats and Satsang. His work is dedicated to the discovery of our innate Divinity through embracing our Humanity. He works in a way that addresses our everyday suffering as a doorway to our inherent freedom. He meets with individuals in Durango, Colorado and from around the world on Skype. At just 19, Craig began apprenticing under his teacher David in Southwest Colorado. David, a little-known meditation master, (who lives a private meditative life) guided Craig for 20 years, in the lineage of Sri Aurobindo. This relationship deeply shaped Craig’s life and teachings. During the last 10 years Craig also studied with Adyashanti who guided him through 4 profound awakenings (head, heart, Hara and Kundalini). Upon request from others, Craig began sharing these nondual teachings in Satsang. Over the years, Craig has received ongoing support with teaching and his personal life from David, Adyashanti, Lama Tsultrim and others. Despite profoundly awakening to the truth of his own being, Craig also understands the evolutionary nature of our souls and values the work of continually examining our humanity (both individually and with teachers), while surrendering to our Divinity in greater and greater ways. He shares this same invitation to others. Website: craigholliday.com Book: Fully Human Fully Divine, Awakening to our Innate Beauty through Embracing our Humanity Other BatGap episodes involving Craig: Craig Holliday in Panel at Sofia U. Part 1 | Part 2 Panel discussions on ethics and spiritual teaching SAND Panel Discussion on Sexual Misconduct, Money, Power, Trauma & Ethics in Spiritual Communities Transcript of this interview Interview recorded 1/3/2015 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Buddha at the Gas Pump 00:04:38 - Meeting the Teacher and Spiritual Experiences 00:08:45 - Meeting David Shapiro and his Teaching Journey 00:12:51 - Opening to Your Direct Experience of God 00:16:55 - The Guru-Apprentice Relationship 00:21:27 - Beyond Ego and Desires 00:25:53 - The Transcendent Awakening and Illusion 00:30:19 - The Embodiment Process and Overcoming Egoic Nature 00:35:21 - The Importance of Spiritual Practice and Surrender 00:40:13 - Being Present to What's Here Right Now 00:45:05 - Willingness to Feel Pain 00:49:36 - Opening Fully to Pain 00:54:16 - The Power of Pain and Bliss 00:59:06 - Trusting in Your Nature 01:03:39 - Experiencing Spaciousness in Everyday Life 01:07:58 - Falling in Love and Divine Orchestration 01:12:14 - God's Purpose in Terrible Things 01:16:49 - The Unfolding of Reality 01:21:17 - The Awakening and Impersonal Experience 01:26:58 - The Paradox of Pain and Bliss 01:31:54 - The Implosion of Personality into Divinity and the End of Seeking 01:37:05 - The Dynamic Aspect of God's Evolution 01:41:40 - The Individuality and Awakening 01:45:58 - Kundalini Awakening and Intense Experiences 01:50:50 - Resting in the Quiet Silence 01:55:46 - Kundalini Experiences and Practices to Avoid 02:00:38 - Embracing the Egoic Nature and the Collective Egoic Nature 02:05:42 - The Journey of Surrender to Divinity 02:10:31 - Different Awakenings and Personal Maturity 02:15:12 - Hope and Inspiration in Listening from the Heart 02:19:07 - Sign up for exclusive content Save Save

Mary O’Malley is an author, counselor, and awakening mentor in Kirkland, Washington. In the early 1970s, a powerful awakening set Mary on the path to changing her whole relationship with the challenges of her life, freeing herself from a lifelong struggle with darkness. Since that time, Mary has taught extensively throughout the United States, Canada, and Denmark. She is an inspirational speaker who leads retreats that transform people’s lives, including week-long retreats in beautiful places like Costa Rica and Hawaii. She also provides individual counseling and offers ongoing groups where people can come together to experience the miracle of Awakening. Mary’s new book, What’s In The Way IS the Way, is endorsed by Dr. Christiane Northrup, Jack Kornfield, Neale Donald Walsch, and Stephen Levine. Information about the book and Mary’s offerings can be found on her websites, maryomalley.com and whatsinthewayistheway.com. Book and CDs: What's in the Way Is the Way: A Practical Guide for Waking Up to Life The Gift of Our Compulsions: A Revolutionary Approach to Self-Acceptance and Healing Belonging to Life: The Journey of Awakening 6 CD Set: Being Healed By Our Compulsions: A Workshop in Washington, DC Transcript of this interview Interview conducted 12/27/2014 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Mary O'Malley 00:02:52 - The Assumptions of Fulfillment and Intelligence 00:05:07 - Immersed in an Ocean of Intelligence 00:07:37 - The Mechanics of Progressive Identification 00:09:44 - The Illusion of Thought and the Struggle of the Separate Self 00:12:27 - Awakening from the Dream of Separation 00:16:07 - The Unbalanced Conditioned Self 00:19:15 - Opening Around Discomfort 00:24:16 - The Tenacity of Impressions 00:28:03 - Finding Joy in Being 00:30:48 - Awaken to Curiosity, Compassion, and Openness to Life 00:33:40 - Opening up to Life 00:36:06 - The Journey to Awakening 00:39:09 - Awakening and the Power of Breath 00:42:15 - The Awakening Process 00:44:39 - A Journey of Pain and Healing 00:47:13 - The Power of Attention 00:49:28 - The Wisdom of the Heart 00:51:47 - Capacity for Oceanic Openness and Awakening 00:54:19 - Strengthening the Muscle of Attention 00:59:06 - Finding the Balance between Individual Will and Cosmic Intelligence 01:02:18 - The Gradual Surrender to Life's Flow 01:06:15 - Life's Purpose and Overcoming Trauma 01:09:46 - A Challenging Situation 01:12:06 - The Magic of the "You Turn" 01:14:50 - The Absolute View and Awakening 01:18:21 - The Yin and Yang Symbol Revealed 01:20:35 - The Cloud Bank of Fear 01:23:17 - The Connection Between Spirituality and the Environment 01:25:21 - Awakening to Healing 01:27:01 - Farewell and Thank You

Marie Manuchehri, RN, is a nationally known energy intuitive and Reiki Master who first discovered her gifts for energetic healing while working as a registered oncology nurse. In addition to her private practice in Seattle, Washington, which includes thousands of clients from across the world, she leads popular workshops and hosts “The Marie Manucherhri Show – Where Energy and Medicine Meet.” Marie is an author, public speaker, and teacher. Website: energyintuitive.com Books: Intuitive Self-Healing (book) Attuning to the Unseen World (Self-Guided Video Course) How to Communicate with Your Spirit Guides Transcript of this interview Interview recorded 12/20/2014 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Marie Manuchehri and the topic of spirit guides 00:04:21 - Unusual Experiences While Working as a Nurse 00:07:29 - Repressed Anger in the Liver 00:10:36 - Opening to Multisensory Experiences 00:14:09 - Following the Voices 00:17:29 - The Thinning Veil between Realities 00:20:56 - Guardian Angels vs Spirit Guides 00:24:16 - Gaining Insights into Energy Medicine 00:27:34 - Spirit Guides and Deep Mother Wounds 00:30:38 - A Funny Story About Rick's Mother at a Lecture 00:34:02 - Orchestration and Guidance from Spirit Guides 00:37:29 - Communication with Spirit Guides 00:40:45 - The Role of Spirit Guides in Reincarnation 00:44:06 - The Importance of Neutrality and Connecting to Guidance 00:47:33 - The Intelligence of the Universe and Spirit Guides 00:51:15 - Sensing Subtle Energies 00:54:36 - Connecting Vibrationally with Departed Loved Ones 00:58:00 - The Connection Between Emotions and the Second Chakra 01:01:05 - Kundalini and Freedom 01:04:42 - The Impact of Spiritual Growth on Relationships 01:08:10 - Lessons in Empowerment and Reincarnation Dynamics 01:11:39 - The Dark Place of the Earth Realm 01:15:16 - The Sacredness of Souls and Choices 01:19:16 - Individualization and Oneness 01:23:12 - The Enlightenment Plane and Spirit Guides 01:26:55 - Life Thriving on Different Levels 01:30:55 - Shifting Consciousness and the Changing World 01:34:59 - Loving and guiding the misled 01:38:42 - Intervening in Situations 01:42:12 - Embracing Our Magnificence 01:46:14 - Next Week's Guest: Mary O'Malley

Dale Borglum founded and directed the Hanuman Foundation Dying Center in Santa Fe, New Mexico, the first residential facility in the United States to support conscious dying. He has been the Executive Director of the Living/Dying Project in Santa Fe and since 1986 in the San Francisco Bay Area. He is the co-author with Ram Dass, Daniel Goleman, and Dwarka Bonner of Journey of Awakening: A Meditator's Guidebook and has taught meditation since 1974. Dale lectures and gives workshops on the topics of meditation, healing, spiritual support for those with a life-threatening illness, and caregiving as a spiritual practice. He has a doctorate degree from Stanford University. Website YouTube Channel Transcript of this interview Interview conducted 12/13/2014 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Dale Borglum: Death as an Opportunity for Awakening 00:04:14 - The Beauty of Americans on the Verge of Death 00:08:43 - Letting go into love and the culture of accumulation 00:12:58 - Letting Go and Resting in the Embrace with the Beloved 00:16:46 - The Fear of Death and Approaching Dying 00:21:02 - Fear of Death and Spiritual Practice 00:24:52 - The Experience of Pain 00:29:13 - Intense Pain after Hip Replacement Surgery 00:32:41 - Exploring the Nature of Pain 00:36:27 - The Power of Compassion 00:40:13 - Awakening Experiences and the Search for Fulfillment 00:44:45 - Developing Compassion through Difficulties 00:48:53 - The Foundation for an Open Heart 00:52:44 - The Holistic Definition of Enlightenment 00:56:42 - Building a foundation for compassion 01:01:11 - Groundedness in Nature and Everyday Life 01:05:19 - Understanding Groundedness 01:09:33 - The Clouds of Fear and Death 01:13:32 - Intimacy with Death and Life 01:17:36 - Embracing the Neurotic Self 01:21:17 - The Daily Routine of Spiritual Practitioners 01:25:27 - Being Present with Dying People 01:29:01 - The Transformation in Dying and Enlightenment 01:33:15 - Spiritual Awakening During the Dying Process 01:37:08 - Life Between Lives and Near-Death Experiences 01:41:21 - Ram Dass and Neem Karoli Baba Maharaj 01:45:33 - The Importance of Selfless Service and Seva 01:49:29 - Surrender and Faith in Maharajji 01:53:35 - Fundamental Assumptions and the Divine 01:57:42 - Online Streaming of Meditation Groups and Training to be with the Dying 02:00:55 - Preview of Next Week's Episode on Healing and Guardian Angels

Leonard Jacobson is an awakened spiritual teacher, healer and mystic who is deeply committed to guiding and supporting others in their journey towards wholeness. In 1981, he experienced the first of a series of spontaneous mystical awakenings that profoundly altered his perception of life, truth, and reality. Each of these enlightenment experiences revealed deeper and deeper levels of consciousness, filling his teachings and his writings with profound wisdom, clarity, love, and compassion. He has been running workshops, seminars, and retreats for over 30 years, offering inspiration and guidance to those on a path of awakening. He shares a simple and direct two-step path to awakening. The first step leads to the awakened state of Presence. The second step leads to mastery of the mind and ego. He lives near Santa Cruz, California and he is the founder of The Conscious Living Foundation, a registered nonprofit organization. His books have been published in many countries including the United States, Japan, China, Taiwan, Holland, Denmark, Poland, and Lithuania. You can learn more about Leonard at www.leonardjacobson.com Books: Journey Into Now: Clear Guidance on the Path of Spiritual Awakening Words from Silence: An Invitation to Spiritual Awakening Revised edition Embracing the Present: Living an Awakened Life Bridging Heaven & Earth In Search of the Light Transcript of this interview Interview conducted 12/7/2014 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Leonard Jacobson and his awakenings 00:04:46 - The First Spiritual Awakening 00:09:31 - Awakening and the Energy Shift 00:14:01 - Revelations on the Life of Jesus 00:18:05 - Peak Experiences and Radical Transformation 00:22:25 - The Power of Being Present 00:26:07 - Letting Thoughts Be 00:29:32 - The Essence of Presence and Pure Consciousness 00:33:25 - The Paradox of Existence 00:36:54 - Playing in the World of Time and Presence 00:40:38 - Awakening into a Transcendent State 00:44:26 - The Balance between the Ordinary and the Extraordinary 00:48:22 - The Distinction Between Longing from the Soul and from the Ego 00:52:06 - The Impact of Presence in a Community 00:55:55 - Living an Ordinary Life after Awakening 00:59:13 - Coming into Right Relationship with the Ego 01:02:23 - Recognizing the Distinction between Mind and Ego 01:05:48 - Overcoming the Resistance of the Ego 01:08:50 - Vasanas: Seeds in the Nervous System 01:11:59 - Applying the Teachings in Daily Life 01:15:12 - Resolving Emotional Baggage through Presence and Love 01:18:30 - Contributing towards the Best Outcome for Humanity 01:22:09 - The Energy of Acceptance and Liberating Anger 01:25:01 - The Healing Power of Feelings 01:27:52 - Healing through Feeling the Feelings 01:31:27 - Getting Lost in Others 01:34:43 - Living in Alignment with the Oneness of Everything 01:38:17 - Intense Experiences of Awakening 01:42:05 - The Ego and the True Master 01:45:01 - Dealing with Kundalini Awakening 01:48:35 - Accessing Past Interviews and Audio Podcasts

Nukunu was born in Odense, Denmark 1947. He left school 13 years old. He was declared hopeless so he was given no education certificate. He worked and trained as a house painter for the next 4 years. After 9 months of military service he started to study again, first secondary school, then college and the University. He holds a Bachelor in Philosophy and a Master in Psychology. In the end of his Master degree in 1979 he met Osho. Maybe the most important event in his life so far. He worked as a therapist in Poona and the West for the next 16 years. When Osho died in 1990, Nukunu was carried on to another Enlightened Master Poonja’ji in Lucknow. He spent 4 years with the great Master until he finally met the masters of the Sacha Lineage in 1994. On March 9, 1995 there happened spontaneously a shift in Nukunu's consciousness and a radical new way of viewing life was born. Since then all his work has been centered on helping people into the non-dual. Nukunu uses his background in meditation and therapy to invite you into who you are. His basic approach is that you are already what you are looking for. "Relax as awareness into this moment and it will reveal itself.” You cannot become Enlightened (since you are it already) you can be Enlightened. His Dharmadoors are all about going beyond the separation of “I” and the content of consciousness. He is offering Satsangs, Intensives, retreats, and training in Non-Dual Therapy. Website: nukunu.net YouTube Channel Book: True Rebellion, The: a Story of an Awakening Transcript of this interview Interview recorded 11/22/2014 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction and Personal Background 00:04:18 - Atom Bomb of Feelings 00:08:23 - Meeting Papaji in Pune 00:13:04 - The Shift in Perspective 00:17:20 - The Intensity of the Quest for Truth 00:20:32 - Meeting Jhanchi Mai and Maharaji in Rishikesh 00:25:17 - The Backdrop of Silence 00:29:14 - The Power of Projection and Taking Back Projections 00:32:47 - The Importance of Love and Projection 00:36:25 - Fulfillment beyond the body \\ 00:39:04 - Seeing Enlightenment in Sexuality 00:40:10 - Meeting Yourself Fully 00:44:14 - Creating a Womb for Spiritual Awakening 00:47:36 - The Value of Meditation and the Body as a Necessary Instrument 00:50:32 - The Three Stages of Fear 00:53:26 - The Dark Night of the Soul 00:56:01 - The Dark Night of the Soul 00:59:20 - The Power of the Present Moment 01:01:33 - Awakening and Cultivation 01:04:47 - The Importance of Deep Love and Dissolution 01:07:45 - The Difficulty and Innocence of Satsang 01:10:02 - The Cultivation of the Heart 01:12:46 - Creating an Atmosphere of Deep Change 01:15:32 - The Mind as a Cyclone 01:18:15 - Relaxing into Deeper Levels 01:21:28 - Permanent Change and Teaching Others 01:24:07 - Different National Consciousness 01:25:59 - Embracing the Divine Presence 01:28:55 - The Profoundness of the Divine 01:31:38 - Deep Understanding and Heart-oriented Connection 01:33:48 - The Role of the Interviewer 01:35:55 - Closing Remarks

In February of 2003, Tom published the My Big TOE trilogy (MBT) which represents the results and conclusions of his scientific exploration of the nature of existence. This overarching model of reality, mind, and consciousness explains the paranormal as well as the normal, places spirituality within a scientific context, solves a host of scientific paradoxes and provides direction for those wishing to personally experience an expanded awareness of All That Is. The MBT reality model explains metaphysics, spirituality, love, and human purpose at the most fundamental level, provides a complete theory of consciousness, and solves the outstanding fundamental physics problems of our time, deriving both relativity theory and quantum mechanics from first principles – something traditional physics cannot yet do. As a logic-based work of science, My Big TOE has no basis in belief, dogma, or any unusual assumptions. My Big TOE - The Complete Trilogy(printed version) My Big TOE - Free version on Google Books Tom's website: my-big-toe.com Tom's YouTube channel Interview recorded 11/14/2014. Transcript of this interview. YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Tom Campbell and his work 00:05:05 - The Process of Writing the Books 00:09:50 - The Consciousness as a Tool 00:14:42 - The Science in "My Big TOE" 00:19:12 - Consciousness as the Source of Quantum Mechanics and Relativity 00:23:41 - The Importance of Growth and Evolution in Consciousness 00:28:26 - The Limitations of Knowledge and Understanding 00:32:42 - The Connection Between Entropy and Information Systems 00:37:16 - The Nature of a Live System and Perfect Orderliness 00:42:03 - Becoming a Citizen of the Larger Consciousness System 00:46:26 - Perspectives on the Problem 00:51:12 - The Power of Love and Collaboration in Science 00:55:54 - The Relevance of Theory to Personal Life 01:00:26 - The Importance of Lowering Entropy Individually 01:05:07 - Changing from the Inside-Out 01:09:52 - Acting vs. Being, The Power of Intent 01:14:12 - Dealing with the Challenges of Life 01:18:49 - Overcoming Fear and Finding Happiness 01:23:37 - The Power of Intent in Creating Our Reality 01:28:09 - The Relationship Between Consciousness and Decision Space 01:32:27 - Functioning without fear and serving love 01:36:49 - The Confusion in the Scientific Community 01:40:54 - Reality as Information and Virtual Simulation 01:45:41 - Fear of Going Backwards 01:50:12 - The Nature of Consciousness 01:54:55 - Consciousness and the Intelligence of Rocks 01:59:09 - The Formation of Rocks and the Rule Set 02:03:31 - Unity of Ancient Philosophy and Modern Science 02:07:56 - Investigating the Possibilities of the Nature of Reality 02:12:07 - Exploring a Unique Model of Reality 02:16:22 - Check out the Forum and Sign Up for Notifications

T Jonathon Proctor is the creator of Being Real—Being Embodied. He works with individuals and groups to balance and integrate the “ascending” currents of awakening and the “descending” maturation of embodiment. T has a background in physical therapy and bodywork, Vipassana meditation and non-dual realization and has spent the last decade as a student of the Diamond Approach. His own journey, his work with others, and years of experience as a Hospice bereavement facilitator have inspired a deep appreciation for the individual narrative as a well of meaning; seeing self-understanding as a powerful movement of compassion. His orientation arises out of a heartfelt knowing that every aspect of our human experience is essential to the process of Awakening and Self-realization. Embodiment is functional awakening. Being Real—Being Embodied is designed to integrate the boundless presence of Essential Being into the ordinary life of the individual. Instant awakening(s) may occur but it is a myth that total ego annihilation and transformation certainly follow. This is demonstrated in the lives of gurus and teachers who, while undeniably awakened, make a mess of their own and others’ lives. Awakening and embodiment have a reciprocal relationship. Put in a simple way Awakening is absence and Embodiment is presence. Awakening reveals the emptiness of separate selfhood. We awaken from thoughts, emotion, relationship, history, roles and body as our ultimate identity. As these awakenings happen space becomes available for the various qualities and capacities of Being—intelligence, strength, discrimination, compassion, love and presence—to transform the individual. Embodiment calls us to transform our shadow; meaning our inner animal, wounded child, our hidden trauma, and even our drive for destruction. We are further enjoined to cultivate our capacity in the world—in work, in community, in love, and in play. The individual person becomes more real, a movement of unified reality rather than an island of ego. This is a process in time that requires devotion, sincerity, and humility. We as individual human beings live as the meaning of Being. Website: beingrealnow.org Transcript of this interview Interview recorded 10/26/2014 T Jonathon Proctor in panel discussion: Birthing Radiant Being into Our Humanity YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction: T. Proctor and Being Embodied 00:02:47 - The Experience of Not Being a Person 00:05:04 - Mental Pathologies and Fragmented Self 00:07:21 - Fragmentation and Integration 00:09:52 - The Power of Spiritual Practices 00:12:25 - Pathologies in Different Buddhist Traditions 00:14:41 - Overcoming Fear and Finding Stillness 00:16:53 - The Physiology of Enlightenment 00:19:31 - Embodiment and Transformation of Consciousness 00:21:59 - The Cycles of Integration and Transformation 00:23:59 - Awakening and Returning to the World 00:26:10 - Discovering My True Self 00:27:59 - The challenges of integrating spiritual practice with worldly life 00:29:53 - The Growth and Development of Awakening 00:31:43 - The Frustration of Connecting with Skeptics 00:34:01 - Awakening the Heart 00:36:19 - The Importance of Validation and Verification of Awakening Experiences 00:38:20 - The Two Specialties of Waking Up and Embodying 00:40:24 - Awakening and Enlightened Relationships 00:42:45 - Walking around with tombstones in their eyes 00:45:49 - A Global Awakening 00:47:59 - Living with a Prayer 00:50:21 - Coming Into Deeper Contact with Ourselves 00:53:01 - The capacity for integration and regulation 00:55:50 - Giving Away Your Power, Reverence, and Equality of Being 00:58:30 - The Total Equality of Being 01:00:40 - Leveling the playing field and standing on one's own responsibility 01:03:04 - Devotion and the Evolution of Religion 01:05:49 - The Importance of Embodiment 01:07:49 - Working on Relationships and Seeking the Truth of Being 01:10:09 - Introduction to batgap.com

Unmani is originally from the UK, but has lived a nomadic life in many countries around the world from the age of 18. Unlike most people, since she was a child, Unmani never identified with being a ‘person’ in the world, but she felt very lost and alone in a world that everyone else seemed to take so seriously. She spent years traveling around the world trying on different roles and identities to see if any of them fit. Disappointed with each role, she continued searching to find a way out of the pain she felt. She spent some time in the Osho centre in Pune, India, and there discovered meditation, free expression, and other insightful wisdom. But although this brought her more relaxation, it did not seem to get to the root of her search. Some years later she met the German Zen master, Dolano. With her, Unmani recognized that what she had been searching for had always been right here. She woke up to the dream, time stopped and the search ended. She no longer needed to try to fit in or be someone, because Unmani had finally acknowledged the truth of who she really is. Unmani began holding meetings and retreats 3 years later. She is the author of two books ‘I am Life itself’ and ‘Die to Love’ and is now writing a third book. Meeting with Unmani is meeting with yourself in the most real and alive way. It is not about chasing sweet spiritual experiences that come, and then sadly go. Dialogues with Unmani are a fundamental and intimate enquiry that cut through all philosophies and belief systems. Unmani encourages people to truly face their deepest fears, to no longer blindly buy into dreamy hopes, and to wake up to the reality of life. Unmani holds meetings and intensives all over the world, and also online. These are aimed towards people who are genuinely willing to risk losing what they think they know, to courageously take a step into the alive unknown. Website: die-to-love.com Summary and transcript of this interview Interview recorded 10/26/2014 1st Batgap interview with Unmani. YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to the Interview with Inmani 00:02:08 - The Evolution of Lived Experience 00:04:27 - Being an Instrument for People's Evolution 00:06:31 - The Role of an Ordinary Life 00:08:33 - Embracing Paradoxes in Life 00:11:04 - The Paradox of Human Experience 00:13:10 - Knowing the True Nature of Reality 00:15:56 - Embracing the Human Experience 00:17:24 - The rejection of the person and the journey back 00:19:04 - Embracing the Human Experience 00:21:07 - Letting Go to Know Real Love 00:23:15 - Moving from Description to Prescription in Spiritual Practice 00:24:54 - The Exhaustion with Holding onto Beliefs 00:26:48 - The Motivation for Practice 00:29:05 - Growing Attunement and Sensitivity 00:31:10 - Reading and understanding emotions 00:32:58 - The Importance of a Safe Container 00:35:12 - The Transformation of Ordinary Lives 00:37:26 - Discovering Your Inner Power 00:39:33 - The Pursuit of Profound Awakening 00:41:04 - The Nature of Awakening 00:43:07 - The Love of What Is True 00:45:04 - Unique Journeys to Enlightenment 00:46:49 - Recognizing Your Real Authority 00:49:03 - The Unique Expressions of Consciousness 00:51:06 - Unravelings and Adventures of Consciousness 00:52:43 - The Nature of Thought 00:54:20 - Living on the Move 00:55:29 - Catching Up with Unmani 00:56:56 - Buddha the Gas Pump Website Tour 00:58:35 - End

Gurucharan is a leader in the design and delivery of applications of meditation and controlled breathing. He is the author of several texts on yoga and meditation including 21 STAGES OF MEDITATION: Kundalini Yoga As Taught By Yogi Bhajan. He is currently Research Professor in Contemplative Science and Transdisciplinary Dialogue at Chapman University while continuing a broad-based consulting and clinical counseling practice. Whether in his clinical psychology practice or in training yoga teachers, he has been most interested in the application of simple, immediate and impactful tools that elevate well-being and solve the daily challenges of modern life. Gurucharan has a distinctive ability to teach from 45 years of personal meditation experience while maintaining the pragmatic approach of a clinician and the skeptical approach of a researcher. His doctorate in counseling psychology and his immersion in the study and understanding of classical eastern techniques have both served his commitment to the elevation of people. Gurucharan is an expert in Kundalini Yoga as taught by Yogi Bhajan and has been his interpreter and compiler of his teachings since they met in 1969. In addition to developing the 21 Stages, he co-authored with Yogi Bhajan Breathwalk: Breathing Your Way to a Revitalized Body, Mind and Spirit and The Mind: Its Projections and Multiple Facets. Karuna is a classically trained actress and former Ford model. She began teaching yoga professionally while at drama school in Bristol, England, and later helped develop The Life Centre’s yoga program in London. Karuna continued her journey of self-discovery as she studied Hinduism, Buddhism, and the Lakota Sioux healing tradition. As her exploration of spiritual practices continued to deepen, she attended a Kundalini yoga class in Los Angeles taught by Gurmukh Kaur Khalsa. Immediately, Karuna was captivated by this amazing technology—unlike any other yoga she had experienced—in which posture, breath, mantra, and meditation blend into a rich whole. Gurmukh invited Karuna to apprentice with her, a great honor, as Gurmukh was trained by Yogi Bhajan himself, whose teachings are the foundation of The Yoga of Awareness. Today, Karuna shares those treasured teachings with yoga students in Boulder and all over the world. Karuna teaches daily group yoga classes and private lessons, leads weekend intensives on varying themes including relationships, women’s issues, and mastering challenges, and conducts retreats internationally. She is an Associate Level Trainer in the Aquarian Trainer Academy and arranges teacher training programs and modules with Lead Teachers from the Kundalini Research Institute. In addition, she organizes special events featuring world-renowned Kundalini Yoga teachers, artists, and musicians under the Light On Kundalini banner. Site: lightonkundalini.com Book: The Light On Kundalini Yoga Manual FB page: http://facebook.com/lightonkundalini Twitter: LOKundalini Contact: [email protected] Transcript of this interview Interview recorded October 26, 2014, at the Science and Nonduality Conference. YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Yogi Bhajan and Kundalini Yoga 00:02:54 - Taking Off the Turban and the Essence of Kundalini Yoga 00:05:16 - Understanding Kundalini Energy 00:07:44 - Understanding Dharma and Kundalini 00:10:06 - The Playfulness of the Universe 00:12:19 - The Devotion of Kundalini Yoga 00:14:10 - Guru Deva Namo: Introduction to Mantra Meditation 00:15:42 - The Power of Kriya: Exploring Yourself 00:18:08 - Understanding Kundalini and the Goal of Kundalini 00:20:59 - Awakening the Guru through Stillness 00:23:38 - The Flow and Variance in Kundalini Yoga 00:25:51 - Individuality and Adaptability in the Practice of Yoga 00:28:07 - The Twists and Turns of the Path 00:30:12 - The Power of Sound and Music in Kundalini Yoga 00:32:12 - The Practice of Being Present and Cold Showers 00:34:41 - The Journey of Self-Discovery 00:37:50 - The Game of the Heart 00:39:58 - The Fun of Cow Staring 00:41:35 - Memories from Childhood and Spiritual Practice 00:43:41 - The Joy of Living in the Present Moment 00:45:38 - Engaging, Poetic Flowerings of Existence 00:47:48 - The Missing Core in People 00:49:37 - Discovering Kundalini Yoga 00:51:15 - Unexpected Encounter in Southern California 00:52:33 - The Real Deal 00:54:02 - The Moment of Recognition 00:55:38 - Beginnings of a Long Relationship 00:57:27 - Dedication to Consciousness and Science 00:59:05 - Connecting with Kundalini Yoga Resources 01:00:43 - Exploring the Menus and Categories 01:01:56 - Sat Naam

Author of crit­i­cally acclaimed new trans­la­tions of the mys­tics, and reflec­tions on the uni­fy­ing teach­ings at the heart of all spir­i­tual paths. Mirabai Starr uses fresh, lyri­cal lan­guage to help make time­less wis­dom acces­si­ble to a con­tem­po­rary cir­cle of seekers. Daugh­ter of the counter-culture, Mirabai was born in New York in 1961 to sec­u­lar Jew­ish par­ents who rejected the patri­archy of insti­tu­tion­al­ized reli­gion. Intel­lec­tual artists and social jus­tice activists, they were active in the anti-war protest move­ment of the Viet­nam era. As a teenager, Mirabai lived at the Lama Foun­da­tion, an inten­tional spir­i­tual com­mu­nity that has hon­ored all the world’s faith tra­di­tions since its incep­tion in 1967. This ecu­meni­cal expe­ri­ence. Mirabai has been an adjunct pro­fes­sor of Phi­los­o­phy and World Reli­gions at the Uni­ver­sity of New Mexico-Taos since 1993. Her empha­sis is on mak­ing con­nec­tions between the peren­nial teach­ings found at the heart of all the world’s spir­i­tual paths, in an effort to pro­mote peace and justice. Mirabai speaks and teaches nation­ally and inter­na­tion­ally on the teach­ings of the mys­tics and con­tem­pla­tive prac­tice, and is a cer­ti­fied bereave­ment coun­selor. She is avail­able for inter­views, speak­ing engage­ments, work­shops, and con­tem­pla­tive retreats. She lives in the moun­tains of North­ern New Mex­ico with her hus­band, Jeff Lit­tle (Ganga Das). Between them, Mirabai and Jeff have four grown daugh­ters and six grand­chil­dren. Mirabai’s youngest daugh­ter, Jenny, was killed in a car acci­dent in 2001 at the age of four­teen. On that same day, Mirabai’s first book, a trans­la­tion of Dark Night of the Soul, was released. She con­sid­ers this expe­ri­ence, and the con­nec­tion between pro­found loss and long­ing for God, the ground of her own spir­i­tual life. Books: Saint Francis of Assisi - Brother of Creation Saint Teresa of Avila - Passionate Mystic Teresa of Avila: The Book of My Life Saint John of the Cross - Devotions, Prayers, & Living Wisdom Hildegard of Bingen - Devotions, Prayers, & Living Wisdom Saint Michael the Archangel - Devotions, Prayers, and Living Wisdom Our Lady of Guadalupe - Devotions, Prayers, & Living Wisdom God of Love: A Guide to the Heart of Judaism, Christianity and Islam The Showings of Julian of Norwich: A New Translation Website: mirabaistarr.com Interview recorded 10/25/014 at the Science and Nonduality Conference. Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group. Transcript of this interview Second BatGap interview with Mirabai. YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction at Science and Nonduality Conference 00:03:02 - The Influence of Eastern Traditions on my Upbringing 00:05:23 - A Potpourri of Sufi and Indigenous Practices 00:07:15 - Education and Spirituality 00:09:12 - The Development of a Meditation Practice 00:12:23 - My Multifaith Journey 00:15:14 - Translating the Christian Mystics 00:17:41 - Translating Teresa of Avila and the Jewish Mourning Cycle 00:19:39 - The Deep and Quiet John of the Cross 00:20:56 - The relationship with the inquisitors 00:22:41 - Analogies and Cross-training 00:23:51 - The Birthright of Interspirituality 00:25:17 - Having a Spiritual Experience 00:27:06 - Embracing Different Lamps 00:29:13 - Understanding Fundamentalism 00:31:01 - Gradations of Spiritual Maturity 00:33:02 - Commonalities between traditions and the interspiritual response 00:34:34 - The Interfaith Movement and the Interspiritual Movement 00:36:31 - The Interconnected Web of Being 00:39:04 - Embracing a Multidimensional Spiritual Path 00:40:41 - The Illusion of Separation and the Non-dual State 00:42:31 - Embracing Oneness and Wholeness 00:44:16 - The Sophomoric Mind 00:46:01 - Mining the Jewels: Extracting the Essence from Religions 00:47:54 - Extracting the Good Bits from Established Religions 00:49:59 - The Prevalence of Spirituality and Heart Experience 00:51:51 - The Importance of Experience over Belief 00:53:51 - The Incomprehensible Intelligence of Cells 00:56:19 - The Beauty of Loss and Trauma 00:59:27 - Wrapping up with Gems of Wisdom 01:01:06 - Concluding Remarks and Preview of Next Interview 01:02:33 - Conclusion and Closing Remarks

From an early age Rupert Spira was deeply interested in the nature of reality. At the age of seventeen he learnt to meditate, and began a twenty-year period of study and practice in the classical Advaita Vedanta tradition under the guidance of Dr. Francis Roles and Shantananda Saraswati, the Shankaracharya of the north of India. During this time he immersed himself in the teachings of P. D. Ouspensky, Krishnamurti, Rumi, Ramana Maharshi, Nisargadatta and Robert Adams, until he met his teacher, Francis Lucille, in 1997. Francis introduced Rupert to the Direct Path teachings of Atmananda Krishnamenon, the Tantric tradition of Kashmir Shaivism (which he had received from his teacher, Jean Klein), and, more importantly, directly indicated to him the true nature of experience. Rupert lives in the UK and holds regular meetings and retreats in Europe and the USA. Books: The Transparency of Things: Contemplating the Nature of Experience Presence, Volume I: The Art of Peace and Happiness Presence, Volume II: The Intimacy of All Experience The Ashes of Love: Sayings on the Essence of Non-Duality The Light of Pure Knowing: Thirty Meditations on the Essence of Non-Duality Transparent Body, Luminous World: The Tantric Yoga of Sensation and Perception (Book and six MP3 CD Box Set - 30 Hours of Audio) The Nature of Consciousness: Essays on the Unity of Mind and Matter Being Aware of Being Aware (The Essence of Meditation Series) Rupert’s YouTube Channel. Interviews can be listened to here and watched here. Rupert lives in UK and holds regular meetings and retreats in Europe and USA. For all further information see http://www.rupertspira.com. Interview recorded 10/25/014 at the Science and Nonduality Conference. Transcript of this interview 1st BatGap interview with Rupert YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - The Self-Knowing Nature of Consciousness 00:03:58 - The Experience of Awareness 00:06:46 - Directing Attention Inward 00:09:32 - The Experience of Being Aware 00:13:08 - The Nature of Self-Abidance 00:19:37 - The Unnamable Reality of Experience 00:20:10 - Does consciousness need a mind or a nervous system to know itself? 00:23:45 - The Nature of Consciousness 00:26:14 - The Experience of Being Aware 00:28:31 - The Experience of Consciousness Being Aware of Itself 00:31:30 - Knowing Oneself and Consciousness 00:35:01 - Sinking Attention into its Source 00:38:26 - The Relaxation of Attention and the Shining of Peace 00:42:23 - The Illusion of Separate Self and the Fabrication of the World 00:45:10 - The Test of Reality 00:48:47 - Experience as a Coloring of Consciousness 00:52:40 - The Collapse of the Distinction between Consciousness and its Objects 00:55:43 - Compassion for those in difficult circumstances 00:59:33 - Matter as a Perception 01:02:13 - Living with Love and Awareness 01:05:21 - The Universal Feeling-Understanding 01:08:49 - Treating the World with Kindness 01:11:59 - The Longing for Happiness 01:15:16 - The Source of Longing for Happiness and Awareness 01:18:47 - Stepping in the Direction of Discovery 01:21:32 - The Mud Puddle and Living the Words 01:24:46 - The Natural Style of Functioning 01:28:01 - The Presence of Consciousness in Experience 01:32:10 - Trusting Experience and God's Infinite Being 01:35:33 - A Beautiful Gift to Humanity 01:38:07 - Listening during your commute

With Amoda Maa, Susanne Marie and T Jonathan Proctor. Today, as more people than ever before have awakening experiences, there is a need to know how the light of unbounded being-ness can be embodied. The conversation offered in this panel discussion points to the inclusion of the earthly dimension of life - especially emotions - in awakened perception. And this inclusion is an ongoing exploration of honest feeling and "telling the truth” that is never-ending. Amoda Maa is a spiritual teacher and author. Her teaching arises out of direct experience of awakened awareness and emanates the untamable fragrance of freedom whilst radically embracing the mystery and mess of human existence. She currently lives in the US and travels widely to offer Satsangs, Retreats & Private Meetings to a growing global community, as well as being a frequent guest speaker at conferences and events. www.amodamaa.com 1st BatGap interview. 2nd BatGap interview Susanne Marie has been interviewed on Conscious TV, Buddha at the Gas Pump, as well as other programs and is a regular presenter at the Science and Nonduality Conference. She provides spiritual mentoring support to people who are both seekers of truth as well as those who are now embodying and integrating realization. Susanne is a mother to two teens, and parents, teaches, and lives in Northern California. She holds an open hearted approach welcoming all aspects of Self to be seen and met in the heart. 'Feeling separate from the rest of life when not understood as itself being an aspect that is part of the whole, is an innocent misunderstanding which elicits suffering and which can be seen through.' Website YouTube Channel Other Batgap Interviews Individual interview In Panel at Sofia U. Part 1 | Part 2 In conversation with Adyashanti on the Falling Away of Self T Jonathon Proctor is the creator of Being Real—Being Embodied. He works with individuals and groups to balance and integrate the “ascending” currents of awakening and the “descending” maturation of embodiment. T has a background in physical therapy and bodywork, Vipassana meditation and non-dual realization. His own journey, his work with others, and years of experience as a Hospice bereavement facilitator have inspired a deep appreciation for the individual narrative as a well of meaning; seeing self-understanding as powerful movement of compassion. His orientation arises out of a heartfelt knowing that every aspect of our human experience is essential to the process of Awakening and Self-realization. Website Individual BatGap interview. Discussion recorded 10/24/2014 at the Science and Nonduality Conference. Transcript of this discussion YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to the Panel Discussion on Embodiment 00:03:06 - Questions on Spiritual Realization 00:05:23 - Themes for Discussion on Awakening and Embodiment 00:08:21 - Cultivating Presence and Resolving Human Patterns 00:11:21 - The Innate Tendency of the Mind 00:14:54 - Following our innate intelligence 00:18:02 - Cultivating a Beautiful Soul 00:20:56 - The Evolution of a Human Being 00:24:25 - The Seeking of Self 00:27:40 - The Illusion of Self and Inner Conflict 00:30:39 - The Exquisite Experience of Everything 00:33:23 - Embracing the Unknown Territory 00:36:42 - Incorporating the Paradox of Existence 00:39:30 - Embracing the Paradox of Boundness and Unboundness 00:43:43 - Embracing the Preciousness of Life 00:44:27 - Embracing Fear as Part of the Human Experience 00:47:29 - Embracing Fear in the Unknown 00:50:40 - Burning out and surrendering to fear 00:54:03 - Surrendering to Existential Fear 00:57:37 - Dissolvement of Existential Fear 01:00:16 - Finding Balance and Facing Mortality 01:02:43 - FACES: Flexibilidade, Adaptação, Coerência, Energia e Estabilidade 01:05:55 - Being Present with Others 01:09:13 - Writing the Book and Finding God in Everything 01:12:04 - Discovering Satsang in Silence 01:15:00 - The Experience of Awakening 01:18:12 - Disillusionment and Embodiment 01:21:14 - The Importance of Self-Reflection and Truth 01:24:36 - Embracing Authenticity and Freshness 01:28:09 - The Blessing of Being Cut Down 01:30:53 - Podcast, Donation, and Notifications Save Save

With Sally Kempton, Igor Kufayev, and Menas Kafatos. Sally Kempton is a deeply practiced teacher of meditation and spiritual philosophy, and the author of the books Meditation for the Love of It and Awakening Shakti: as well as the audio course Doorways to the Infinite, recently put out by Sounds True. A former swami in the Saraswati order of India, she has been practicing and teaching devotional contemplative tantra for more than 40 years. Her teaching is powerfully sourced in the eastern meditative traditions of yoga and Kashmir Shaivism, yet highly contemporary in her focus on evolutionary practice. She offers a powerful transmission of meditative experience. Books: Meditation for the Love of It Beginning Meditation Meditation for the Love of It Awakening Shakti: The Transformative Power of the Goddesses of Yoga Shakti Meditations Doorways to the Infinite: The Art and Practice of Tantric Meditation (audio program) Website: sallykempton.com 1st BatGap interview with Sally 2nd BatGap interview with Sally Dr. Menas Kafatos is The Fletcher Jones Endowed Professor of Computational Physics and Director of Excellence at Chapman University. He received his B.A. in Physics from Cornell University in 1967 and his Ph.D. in Physics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1972. After postdoctoral work at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, he joined George Mason University and was University Professor of Interdisciplinary Sciences there from 1984-2008. He has authored and co-authored numerous books including The Conscious Universe, The Non-local Universe, and Principles of Integrative Science. He is a recipient of the Rustum Roy Award from the Chopra Foundation, which “honors individuals whose devotion and commitment to their passion for finding answers in their field is matched only by their commitment to humanity” and the IEEE Orange County Chapter – Outstanding Leadership and Professional Service Award. He has been interviewed numerous times by national and international TV networks, newspapers and radio programs. Bio Wikipedia page Books: The Non-Local Universe: The New Physics and Matters of the Mind The Conscious Universe: Parts and Wholes in Physical Reality Looking In, Seeing Out: Consciousness and Cosmos BatGap interview with Menas Igor Kufayev was born in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. In his childhood, he had many episodes associated with awakening. At the age of thirty-six, Igor underwent a radical transformation of consciousness which subsequently blossomed into spontaneous unfoldment of Grace. Since April 2011, Igor and his family have been based in Costa Rica. He continues working with those who require guidance using various forms of communication. Website: igorkufayev.com Wikipedia page YouTube Channel: Flowing Wakefulness Other BatGap events with Igor: Igor Kufayev with David Loy Igor Kufayev with Jac O’Keeffe, and Francis Bennett Igor Kufayev, in Panel Discussion with John Hagelin and Mark McCooey Transcript of this discussion Discussion recorded 10/24/2014 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Exploring the Ultimate Reality in Kashmir Shaivism 00:03:04 - Non-dual contemplative devotional tantra 00:06:43 - Mathematics and Universal Consciousness 00:09:40 - The Veiling Principle in Shaivism and Quantum Physics 00:12:45 - The Limitation of Words and Perception 00:15:23 - The Veiling of Maya and the Principle of Vibration 00:17:53 - The Quantum Science of Consciousness 00:20:05 - The Continuum of the Quantum Field 00:22:29 - The Veiling Power of Language 00:24:53 - The Rhythmic Movement of Wholeness 00:27:03 - The Physical World Explanation of Subtle Realities in Physics 00:28:51 - Questions and Explanations 00:31:04 - One Mind, One Reality 00:32:49 - Levels of Sound from Para to Vicari 00:35:12 - The Unapologetic View of Indian Spirituality 00:38:12 - The Golden Age and the Loss of Language 00:41:00 - Exploring Subtle Experiences and Personal Truth 00:44:46 - The Self-Recursive Oneness and Shiva-Shakti 00:48:18 - The Primacy of Individual Consciousness in Shaivism 00:51:25 - The Fabric of Consciousness in Kashmir Shaivism 00:55:06 - Levels of Consciousness in Shaivism 00:58:18 - The Steerings of Consciousness 01:01:21 - The Levels of Manifestation 01:04:43 - Experiential Illustration of a Primordial Energy 01:08:05 - The Divinity in Nature and Scientists' Views on God 01:11:07 - The Divine Intelligence within Everything 01:14:20 - The Devastating Realization 01:17:23 - The Humble Realization 01:20:33 - The Sanskrit terms for consciousness 01:22:55 - The Role of Shakti in Spiritual Awakening

One spring afternoon in 2009, the last piece of the puzzle found its place, effortlessly. The simplicity of the information stared at me as I made my way back to the train station. While walking away from meeting Leo Hartong in Holland, his simple words “Yes, this is It,” had once and for all confirmed that I already knew the answers to the questions: “ Is it the Beingness of what we are?", "Is this what the search is all about?”, “Is this really It?”, “Is it really this simple?” It started as the trees lining the streets and the people walking and shopping. Nothing had changed and yet everything was different, direct, immediate. Not that I did not know this intimacy. I had been having Oneness experiences in which the little child, the adolescent, the adult disappeared, and the thing that remained was the field of awareness with sounds, sights, and smells in vibrant clarity. Only, it had taken a journey of 25 years to come to grasp that This is what it is all about. While I boarded the train, I wondered: “How come this obviousness had not been recognized before?”, “How can I have been so dense that I had failed again and again to notice it while it already stared at me right in the face all this time?” (Continued on Anamika's bio page.) Anamika's website: anamikaborst.com Book: Life at Zero distance: The freedom of being nothing and none The story of Anamika's owl. Interview recorded at the Science and Nonduality Conference, 10/23/2014 Wind noise may make parts of this interview difficult to hear. Here's a transcript that will help you follow it. Dutch transcript of this interview YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Welcome to Buddha at the Gas Pump! 00:01:32 - Dutch people and speaking English 00:02:46 - Travel through Nepal and India 00:04:14 - The core of Sri Aurobindo's teachings 00:05:47 - Wrong ideas about enlightenment and the teachings of Sri Aurobindo 00:07:28 - Brahma Realization and the Interpretation of Teachings 00:08:57 - Understanding the system 00:10:27 - Loss of personality and self-exploration 00:11:43 - Discovering an unknown result 00:13:19 - Misuse of non-dual teaching 00:15:03 - Meeting with Leo Hartong in the Netherlands 00:16:10 - Deconditioning and experiential reality 00:17:43 - The spiritual quest 00:18:58 - No choice, everything is encounter and impulse in the direction 00:20:34 - Preference for Chocolate or Vanilla 00:22:27 - The Longing for Truth 00:23:41 - Releasing energetic tension 00:25:03 - Acceptance of what is 00:26:20 - The natural tendency towards health 00:27:40 - Unity that decides 00:29:06 - The Oneness of Things 00:30:45 - Ideas about something 00:31:43 - A caution about the tendency to say 00:33:36 - Meeting with Leo Hartong 00:34:45 - The process of personal growth and change 00:36:22 - The origins of the book 00:37:35 - The Old Age Home in Pondicherry 00:38:57 - Service as a spiritual practice 00:40:29 - Openness and inclusivity in life 00:42:15 - Interrogating concepts and beliefs 00:43:35 - A conversation with Anamika

Adyashanti, author of The Way of Liberation: A Practical Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment, Resurrecting Jesus, True Meditation, and The End of Your World, is an American-born spiritual teacher devoted to serving the awakening of all beings. His teachings are an open invitation to stop, inquire, and recognize what is true and liberating at the core of all existence. Asked to teach in 1996 by his Zen teacher of 14 years, Adyashanti offers teachings that are free of any tradition or ideology. “The Truth I point to is not confined within any religious point of view, belief system, or doctrine, but is open to all and found within all.” He teaches throughout North America and Europe, offering satsangs, weekend intensives, silent retreats, and a live internet radio broadcast. Other Batgap interviews with Adyashanti: First interview with Adyashanti Adyashanti and Susanne Marie on the Falling Away of Self Adyashanti and Francis Bennett on "The Embrace of Jesus and Buddha" Website: adyashanti.org Francis Bennett was an ordinary, sociable young man who answered the call to a life of spiritual adventure as a contemplative in the monastery of the Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance, commonly known as Trappists. Thomas Merton, the pioneering Christian mystic of the 20th Century, was Francis’ inspiration and it was Merton’s influence that led Francis to explore the deepest reality of being, within the frameworks of Christianity, Buddhism, Advaita Vedanta and non-duality. Francis has worked with the sick and dying in parishes, hospitals, and hospices since he moved away from the monastic life. In 2010, while in the middle of mass, there came what Francis describes as, “a radical perceptual shift in consciousness”, which made it clear that the pure awareness at the heart of all is no different from the presence of God, which he had been seeking outside himself for so long. Other Batgap interviews with Francis Bennett: First BatGap interview with Francis. Francis Bennett and John Mark Stroud Francis Bennett, in Panel Discussion on Refined Perception Francis Bennett, with Jac O’Keeffe and Igor Kufayev at the SAND conference Francis Bennett in Panel at Sofia U. Part 1 | Part 2 Francis Bennett and Adyashanti on "The Embrace of Jesus and Buddha" Francis Bennett in panel discussion:: “Emptiness is also Form” Discussion recorded 10/23/2014 Transcript of this discussion. YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Adyashanti and Francis Bennett: Resurrecting Jesus 00:04:45 - The Magic of Christianity 00:07:58 - Rediscovering the Magic of Mystical Texts 00:11:59 - Jesus as a Model of Enlightened Consciousness 00:16:00 - The humanity of the Buddhist tradition 00:20:09 - The Pendulum of the Relative and the Transcendent 00:24:52 - The unique manifestation of mystical truth 00:30:03 - The Extraordinary Nature of Human Potential 00:34:53 - The Infinite Levels of Reality 00:39:33 - The Teaching of Jesus and Miracles 00:43:29 - The Dangers of Power and the Necessity for Wise Utilization 00:46:46 - Being a Servant of Truth 00:50:03 - True Leadership and the Counterintuitive Nature 00:53:18 - Being a Servant of the Universe's Evolution 00:57:03 - Sacrifice and Love in Divine Incarnation 01:00:45 - Different Strokes for Different Folks in Spirituality 01:04:04 - Reaching Out for Help 01:07:33 - Teaching on Spiritual Childhood and the "Little Flower" 01:10:58 - The Authentic Shifts in Radical Teachings 01:14:18 - The Importance of Individual Discernment 01:17:30 - The Importance of Humility and Guidance in Personal Growth 01:20:58 - The Physical and Spiritual Connection 01:24:39 - The Power of Stories 01:28:21 - The Mystery of Truth 01:31:37 - The Power of Silence 01:35:05 - Nonlinear Communication and Awakening Journeys 01:38:38 - Healing through Authority 01:41:56 - The Orchestrated Arrangement of Riches 01:45:24 - Human Desires and Awakening 01:48:52 - The Difference Between Relative Happiness and Absolute Happiness Save Save Save Save Save

Panache Desai is a contemporary thought leader and author whose message of love and acceptance has drawn thousands of people from around the world to his seminars and workshops. Not aligned with any religious or spiritual tradition, he empowers people to free themselves of pain, suffering, sadness, and self-limiting beliefs. After a profoundly transformative experience more than a decade ago, he has committed his life to being a spiritual teacher empowering humanity in the deepest states of connection and awareness and helping people everywhere to directly experience divine consciousness for themselves. A highly sought-after speaker featured regularly in print, broadcast media, and online, Panache has appeared with Oprah Winfrey on the Emmy® Award-winning OWN series, Super Soul Sunday and was featured on their 2013 season finale, Soul 2 Soul: Asking Life’s Big Questions. He is a featured speaker OMEGA Institute for Holistic Studies and the Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health; he has addressed the United Nations Enlightenment Society; and in Spring 2014 he was a featured speaker at The Third Metric Conferences, hosted by Arianna Huffington and Mika Brzezinski. Panache has also collaborated with internationally recognized spiritual teachers including Reverend Michael Bernard Beckwith, Elizabeth Lesser, Brian Weiss, MD, James Van Praagh, Ram Dass, Alan Cohen, James Redfield, Colette Baron-Reid and Neale Donald Walsch. In May 2014, he published his first book, Discovering Your Soul Signature: A 33-Day Path to Purpose, Passion & Joy. Website: panachedesai.com Interview recorded 10/18/2014. Transcript of this interview. YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Buddha at the Gas Pump Interview 00:04:03 - The Power of Presence and Vibrational Signature 00:07:32 - The Maturation of a Species 00:10:56 - The Revolution Within 00:14:30 - Participating at the Highest Level 00:17:48 - Impacting Others through Soul Signature 00:20:59 - Cultivating the "zombie-like" state in spirituality 00:24:25 - The Fluctuating States of Experience 00:27:48 - An All-Inclusive Awareness 00:31:44 - The Inclusive Nature of Hinduism 00:35:06 - Definition of an Avatar 00:38:24 - The Evolution of Humanity 00:41:50 - Falling from the Natural State 00:45:31 - The Underground Music Scene and Self-Discovery 00:48:56 - Profound Awakening and Life Changes 00:52:27 - Snoring in the Meditation Room 00:55:58 - Embracing the Divine Presence 00:59:33 - Shaking Out Fear and Density 01:02:57 - The Ultimate Energy Immersion Program 01:06:26 - Shifting Internal State and Accessing Peace 01:10:01 - Embracing All Aspects of Yourself 01:15:56 - Manipulation of Fear for Political Objectives 01:19:18 - Fear-Based Manipulation and Awakening to the Truth 01:22:42 - The World as a Cosmic Play 01:25:54 - Trusting Your Heart and the Power of Divine Recourse 01:29:15 - The Loneliness of Success 01:32:39 - Finding Balance and Acknowledging Growth 01:35:51 - Enlightenment and Scooby Doo 01:39:07 - The Infinite Intelligence within Everything 01:42:49 - Transcending Fear and Embracing Love 01:46:20 - The Structure of Soul Signature Save

Judith Blackstone is a nonduality teacher, spiritual psychotherapist, and co-founder of Nonduality Institute. She developed the Realization Process, a method of embodied nondual realization and psychological and relational healing. In the Realization Process, the radical openness of nonduality is based on deep contact with the internal space of one’s body. In this way, we discover an authentic, quality-rich experience of our individual being at the same time as we transcend our individuality. We realize ourselves as unified consciousness, pervading everywhere. When two people have both realized nonduality, they experience mutual transparency: a single expanse of consciousness pervading them both as a unity. Judith teaches workshops and teacher certification trainings in the meditation, embodiment, and spiritual psychotherapy aspects of the Realization Process. She is the author of Belonging Here The Realization Process: A Step-by-Step Guide to Embodied Spiritual Awakening An audio series of The Realization Process is available from Sounds True. The Intimate Life The Empathic Ground For information on Judith's teaching schedule, visit www.realizationprocess.org. To learn about Nonduality Institute, visit www.nondualityinstitute.org. Transcript of this interview Interview recorded 10/4/2014 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Judith Blackstone and the Realization Process 00:03:02 - Healing and attuning to oneself 00:06:06 - Seeking Healing and Letting Go 00:08:56 - A Journey of Healing and Spirituality 00:11:29 - Spiritual Awakening and Breakthroughs 00:13:58 - Discovering the Oneness of Everything 00:16:51 - The Awakening to Unified Consciousness 00:19:17 - Inhabiting the Internal Space of the Body 00:22:02 - The Nature of the Pervasive Space 00:24:50 - Total Integration of Body and Mind 00:27:37 - Being Present in the Body 00:30:57 - The Subtlety of Consciousness 00:33:32 - The Harm of Self-Erasure 00:36:32 - The Localization and Personalization of Experience 00:39:03 - Dismantling Childhood Constrictions 00:41:49 - Acquiring New Constrictions throughout Life 00:44:30 - Releasing Constrictions through Subtle Focus 00:47:11 - Penetrating Deep into the Internal Core 00:49:38 - Employing Nature's Intelligence in the Process 00:52:27 - The Healing Process 00:55:01 - Sexual Abuse and Spiritual Practices 00:58:07 - Sai Baba and the Mystery of His Influence 01:00:43 - Measuring Progress with Transparency and Bliss 01:03:30 - Acclimating to Extremes of Suffering and Happiness 01:06:05 - Attuning to the Innermost Core 01:08:37 - Retention rate of spiritual practices 01:10:49 - Teaching and Training Workshops 01:13:02 - Valuing Expertise and Compensation 01:15:12 - The Role of Spirituality in Modern Living 01:17:29 - Keeping Traditions Alive and Innovating 01:19:59 - Wrapping Up the Discussion

Mirabai Devi is an international spiritual teacher, facilitator for healer, author, and the founder of the Mirabai Devi Foundation. The Foundation is dedicated to her mission of raising world consciousness through the awakening and healing of humanity. Mirabai Devi is a new paradigm spiritual teacher. Her teachings emphasize the importance of spiritual practice for self-realization, combined with a commitment to personal growth. She recognizes the importance of people working through their patterns and issues by means of self-reflection with the aim of becoming impeccable. As a conduit for the Divine Feminine, Mirabai's approach is receptive and inclusive, rather than dogmatic. She favors interaction, rather than hierarchy. More... Website: mirabaidevi.org Books & CDs: Samadhi: Essence of the Divine Golden Light Ishta Devata: Divine Form Forgiveness Summary and Transcript of this interview Interview recorded 9/21/2014 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Buddha at the Gas Pump 00:02:15 - The Power of Consciousness in Fairfield 00:04:12 - Detoxing and Releasing Negativity during Light Transmission 00:06:22 - Returning to the Divine Light 00:08:17 - Remembering the State of Oneness 00:09:59 - Discovering the Realms of Light and Darkness 00:11:28 - Exploring Other Realms and Dimensions 00:12:52 - The Dimensions Within 00:14:20 - Traveling Between Dimensions 00:16:06 - Levels of Reality and the Illusion of the World 00:17:57 - Childhood Experiences and Suppression 00:19:57 - Shutting Down and Waking Up Again 00:22:28 - The Longing for the Beloved 00:25:08 - Seeking Enlightenment in India 00:27:20 - The Longing for God 00:29:19 - Meeting the Celestial Being and Awakening 00:33:08 - Learning to Function in Different Realms 00:34:57 - Burning and Purging in the Spiritual Awakening Journey 00:36:47 - Immersion into Everything 00:38:45 - The Integration of the Cosmic Self 00:40:20 - Amma, the Hugging Saint and Inner Masters 00:42:12 - Upgrading the Nervous System for Higher Frequencies of Light 00:44:14 - The Gift of Instantaneous Healing and Forgiveness Prayers 00:46:47 - The Purpose and Techniques of Prayer 00:49:40 - The Range of Spiritual Development 00:55:34 - The Need for Transformation 01:02:43 - Prophecy and the Path of Change 01:06:04 - The Light Within and Making a Difference 01:09:18 - Focusing on Love and Inner Transformation 01:11:46 - The Presence of Enlightenment

Barbara Marx Hubbard has been called “the voice for conscious evolution of our time” by Deepak Chopra and is the subject of Neale Donald Walsch’s book “The Mother of Invention: The Legacy of Barbara Marx Hubbard and the Future of YOU.” A prolific author of 7 books, visionary, social innovator and educator, she is founder of the Foundation for Conscious Evolution. Its purpose is to accelerate our conscious evolution. She is the producer and narrator of the award-winning documentary series entitled Humanity Ascending Series - OUR STORY. As a global ambassador for the conscious evolution movement she partnered with The Shift Network and formed a team to co-produce the world-wide multi-media event entitled, “Birth 2012: Co-Creating a Planetary Shift in Time” on Dec. 22, 2012 – a historic turning-point event; awakening the social, spiritual, scientific, and technological potential of humanity. Currently she is developing on-line courses on conscious evolution and co-creation on the Shift Network reaching many 1000s of students world-wide. She is activating The Wheel of Co-creation as a model for social synergy and whole system shift, with examples developing in Cairo, Egypt, in Monterrey, Mexico, as well as in Chicago and Tampa, Florida. Her seminal book “Conscious Evolution: Awakening the Power of Our Social Potential” will be republished in an updated version in January 2015. Also her new “Evolutionary Testament: An evolutionary vision of the future inspired by the Gospels, Acts and Epistles,” will be published on January 2015. In 1984 her name was placed in nomination for the Vice Presidency of the United States on the Democratic ticket, calling for a “Peace Room” to scan for, map, connect and communicate what is working in America and the world. She also co-chaired a number of Soviet-American Citizen Summits, introducing a new concept called “SYNCON to foster synergistic convergence with opposing groups. She is a co-founder of The Association for Global New Thought and The World Future Society. Website: evolve.org Other books: 52 Codes for Conscious Self Evolution Emergence: The Shift from Ego to Essence Transcript of this interview Interview conducted 9/13/2014 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Barbara Marks Hubbard 00:02:04 - Developing Online Courses and Co-Creators Rising 00:03:44 - The Awakening of Intelligence 00:05:32 - The Concept of a Conscious Force in the Universe 00:07:44 - The Universe's Direction and Purpose 00:09:36 - The Distortion of Religion 00:11:32 - Being a Co-Creator 00:13:30 - Directed chance and the freedom in the system 00:15:27 - The Wake-up Call 00:17:28 - The Meaning of Our New Power 00:19:24 - The Global Linkage of Technology 00:21:20 - The Shift to Zero-Point Energy and a New Economic System 00:23:08 - Evolution towards Higher Consciousness and Greater Freedom 00:25:12 - Social Synergy and Dysfunctional Systems 00:27:13 - The Nonlinear Exponential Interaction 00:29:28 - Shifting from win-lose voting to co-creation 00:31:21 - The Power of Connectivity 00:33:15 - Supra-sex and Co-Creativity 00:35:39 - The Ever-Fresh Experience of Sharing 00:37:45 - The Drama of the Moment and the Concept of Regeneration 00:39:48 - Continuity of Consciousness in New Forms 00:41:41 - Becoming a Universal Humanity 00:43:45 - Conscious Life Extension and Cosmic Beings 00:45:40 - Galactic Experience and Becoming a Universal Species 00:47:32 - Homo co-creator: The Emergence of a New Species 00:49:37 - The Caterpillar and the Butterfly 00:51:38 - The Metamorphosis of the Wet Winged Butterfly 00:53:28 - Motivation and Urgency in Making Contact with Extraterrestrials 00:55:06 - Different Levels of Reality 00:56:45 - Trusting Your Intuition and Avoiding Manipulation 00:58:21 - Conclusion and Farewell

Mukti, whose name means "liberation", is a teacher in the lineage of Adyashanti, her husband. Together they founded Open Gate Sangha in 1996 to cultivate the awakening of consciousness in those who yearn for truth, peace, and freedom. In teaching, Mukti brings flavors of feminine quietude and nurturing as well as kinesthetic, visual, and precise pointers to Truth. Many speak of her being particularly gifted in her offering of guided meditations. Her keen interest as a teacher is in the revelation of consciousness touching and transforming human experience. She is licensed in acupuncture and certified in yoga instruction. For sample teachings, audio clips and downloads, and further information, visit muktisource.org. Audio Book: The Self in Full Bloom Mukti in panel discussion:: “Emptiness is also Form” Transcript of this interview Interview conducted 9/6/2014 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction: Mukti, Teacher in the Lineage of Adyashanti 00:03:38 - The Transformative Power of Awakening and Release 00:07:37 - Addressing the Complexity of Awakening 00:11:20 - Dealing with Intensity after Awakening 00:15:07 - The Complexity of Suffering and the Breakdown of Black and White Models 00:18:25 - Unpacking the Desire to Compete 00:22:05 - The Shift to the Universal Body 00:26:03 - The Zoom Lens Perspective 00:30:03 - Awakening to the Divine Experience 00:34:26 - The Marvelous Intelligence of Creation 00:37:57 - The Trajectory of Embodiment 00:41:32 - The Perceived Finality of Awakening 00:44:49 - Mukti's Journey from Catholicism to Direct Path Teachings 00:48:09 - The Inspiration of Spiritual Examples 00:52:41 - Incarnating the Divine 00:56:45 - The Nourishment of Infinite Expressions 01:01:01 - The Value of Different Paths 01:04:37 - Attracting a Spiritual Partner 01:07:43 - A Deep Recognition 01:11:10 - Dating and Getting to Know Each Other 01:14:13 - Adjusting to Married Life 01:16:40 - The Influence of Trust and Connection in Spiritual Growth 01:21:35 - The Influence of Shakti and Transmission 01:24:10 - The Paradox of Simplifying Spiritual Practice 01:27:32 - Awakening and the Question of Stillness 01:31:26 - Turning Inside Out and Looking at Itself 01:35:15 - The Ego and its Transformation 01:38:42 - Enriching the Human Experience through Awakening 01:43:03 - Liberating the Self and Welcoming the Expression of Spirit 01:46:47 - Resources and Updates 01:49:11 - BatGap Platform Overview Save Save

Sally Kempton is a deeply practiced teacher of meditation and spiritual philosophy, and the author of the books Meditation for the Love of It and Awakening Shakti: as well as the audio course Doorways to the Infinite, recently put out by Sounds True. A former swami in the Saraswati order of India, she has been practicing and teaching devotional contemplative tantra for more than 40 years. Her teaching is powerfully sourced in the eastern meditative traditions of yoga and Kashmir Shaivism, yet highly contemporary in her focus on evolutionary practice. She offers a powerful transmission of meditative experience. Books: Meditation for the Love of It Beginning Meditation Awakening Shakti: The Transformative Power of the Goddesses of Yoga Shakti Meditations Doorways to the Infinite: The Art and Practice of Tantric Meditation (audio program) Website: sallykempton.com Sally Kempton in panel discussion on Kashmir Shaivism 2nd BatGap interview with Sally Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group. Transcript of this interview Interview recorded 8/23/2014 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Sally Kempton and her work 00:05:51 - The Miracles of Intelligence 00:10:48 - The Essentiality of Creativity in Consciousness 00:15:09 - Seeing the Energetic Field 00:19:17 - The Neurological System and Perception Shift 00:24:03 - The Subtle Quality in Consciousness 00:28:12 - The Miracle of Human Consciousness 00:32:41 - The Subtle World of Meditation 00:37:02 - The Division of Reality and the Subtle Realms 00:41:37 - Invoking Subtle Energies and Beings 00:46:27 - The Veiling and Revealing Process in Tantra 00:50:45 - The Consciousness of Beings and Celestial Bodies 00:55:01 - Science and the Dispelling of Goofy Notions 00:59:26 - The Journey and Contentment in the Present Moment 01:03:36 - The Importance of Dark Nights and Light Spots 01:07:59 - Holding Contradictory Ideas at the Same Time 01:12:38 - The Effort and Relaxation in Meditation Practices 01:17:15 - The Doorway to Open Awareness 01:21:35 - The Power of Mantras in Transforming Reality 01:25:52 - The Spontaneity of Surrender and the Power of Mantras 01:30:39 - Discerning Divine Guidance 01:35:01 - The Benevolent Forces of the Cosmos 01:39:13 - Understanding the Dynamics of Good and Evil 01:43:48 - The Deep Impact of Global Crisis 01:47:52 - Wesley Clark's Vision of the Future 01:52:02 - Symbolic Representations of Universal Forces 01:56:27 - Depicting Deities in Different Cultures 02:01:03 - Recognizing the Divine in All Forms 02:05:42 - The Divine Shakti and the Sacred Feminine 02:10:11 - Accessing Higher States of Consciousness through Practice 02:14:38 - Conclusion and Farewell

Shinzen Young became fascinated with Asian culture while a teenager in Los Angeles. Later he enrolled in a Ph.D. program in Buddhist Studies at the University of Wisconsin. Eventually, he went to Asia and did extensive training in each of the three major Buddhist traditions: Vajrayana, Zen and Vipassana. Upon returning to the United States, his academic interests shifted to the burgeoning dialogue between Eastern meditation and Western science. Shinzen is known for his innovative “interactive, algorithmic approach” to mindfulness, a system specifically designed for use in pain management, recovery support, and as an adjunct to psychotherapy. He leads meditation retreats throughout North America and has helped establish numerous mindfulness centers and programs. He also consults widely on meditation-related research, in both the clinical and the basic science domains. He often says: “My life’s passion lies in exploring what may arise from the cross-fertilization of the best of the East with the best of the West.” Websites: basicmindfulness.com (Phone-based retreats and classes) shinzen.org (Articles, CDs, onsite retreats) YouTube.com/user/expandcontract (Video talks) YouTube.com/user/ShinzenInterviews (Interviews with Shinzen) Blog Facebook Twitter Books: The Science of Enlightenment Science of Enlightenment CD series Natural Pain Relief The Five Ways to Know Yourself (Basic Mindfulness Practice Manual – Free PDF) What Is Mindfulness? – A Comprehensive Overview (Free PDF) Introduction to ULTRA (Free PDF) See, Hear, Feel (A basic introduction for beginners - Free PDF) And many more Second BatGap interview with Shinzen. Interview recorded 8/16/2014 Transcript of this interview. YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Shinzen Young: A Systematic Approach to Mindfulness 00:04:32 - The Alternative to Suicide 00:08:25 - Perspectives on Euthanasia 00:12:21 - A Journey into Japanese Culture 00:16:38 - Altered Experiences and the First Noble Truth 00:21:10 - Meeting a Catholic Priest at a Zen Retreat 00:26:02 - Brain Waves of Zen Meditators in Japan 00:30:13 - East-West Cross-Fertilization 00:34:56 - Accessing Equanimity with Physical Pain 00:39:36 - The Power of Physical Pain 00:43:00 - The Inherent Ambiguity of Enlightenment and Siddhis 00:47:53 - Paradigm Shift and the Sensory Experience of Self 00:53:06 - The Nature of Identity and Enlightenment 00:58:02 - The Dimensions of Enlightenment 01:02:56 - The Consequences of Ultimate Liberation 01:06:46 - Subjective perspective in the face of destruction 01:11:12 - The Dimensions of Growth 01:16:35 - Behavioral Guidelines for Enlightenment 01:21:57 - Behaviorally Oriented Accountability and Support Structure 01:26:15 - The Human Nervous System as the Ultimate Scientific Instrument 01:30:32 - The Lack of Uniform Experiences in Enlightenment 01:35:33 - Books and the neuroscience of enlightenment 01:40:31 - Accelerating Enlightenment and the Future of Humanity 01:45:34 - The Importance of Spirituality and Science Integration 01:50:36 - The Unpleasantness of Meditation 01:55:38 - Finding Opportunity in Challenges 02:00:55 - The 'divide and conquer' 02:05:29 - The Importance of Realistic Expectations and Personal Growth 02:09:50 - The Goals of Mindfulness Practice 02:15:04 - The Potential of Saving the World Save Save

I was born in Oxford, England, in 1946, and I’ve been a practicing Buddhist for 40 years. I began training with Zen, practicing with the Venerable Myokyo-ni, a teacher from the Rinzai school, at the Buddhist Society in London. This was my practice for more than five years, before travelling to Sri Lanka in 1980. Here I lived for three years as a Theravada monk under the guidance of the Venerable Dhammaloka Maha Thera. It was while I was in Sri Lanka that my spiritual breakthrough took place in 1981, and it is this that forms the framework of my first book, A Record of Awakening, published in 1999. There is an interview made for television by conscious.tv that covers this period of my training. There is also an edited transcription version on this website. On my return from Sri Lanka I matured my practice by essentially living on my own for a number of years in east London. At the time of my breakthrough in Sri Lanka my teacher told me I should travel and begin to teach, but it was to be around 20 years before I took that role when I began leading retreats at centres of the Triratna Community in the UK and abroad. My association with this movement came to an end in 2006, and the DharmaMind Buddhist Group started independently the following year. Other books: Blue Sky, White Cloud The Five Pillars of Transformation Dharma Mind Worldly Mind A Question of Dharma On July 31st 2015, Āloka peacefully passed away. His funeral service was in the Birmingham Buddhist Centre on August 13th. He wrote this farewell letter before he died and asked that it be read out at the funeral as his final words to his Sangha and Dharma friends. Summary and Transcript of this interview Interview recorded 8/9/2014 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Aloka David Smith 00:04:59 - The Path of Self-Development 00:09:35 - Seeking Guidance and Support 00:14:11 - Trusting Intuition and Taking a Leap of Faith 00:18:57 - The Experience of Cutting Open and Revealing Reality 00:23:46 - Breaking Up the Illusion of Self 00:28:21 - Burrowing Into Who You Are 00:32:51 - Choosing a Path to Self-Improvement 00:37:21 - The Natural Process of Awakening 00:42:35 - The Difference Between Commitment and Willfulness 00:46:57 - Letting go of distractions and finding stillness 00:51:24 - Cultivating Inner Strength and Patience 00:56:07 - Surrendering to the Support of the Divine 01:01:00 - Equilibrium and the Collapse of the Conditioned Mind 01:06:32 - Revelation of Reality in the Dhammakaya 01:11:55 - Understanding Quantum Physics Beyond Objectivity 01:16:33 - The Advancing Host 01:21:17 - The Nature of Experience and Unattachment 01:25:35 - The Paradox of Non-Dual Enlightenment 01:30:20 - The Subtleties of Enlightenment 01:34:49 - Breaking Taboos in Buddhism 01:39:55 - The Need for a Teacher and Emotional Support 01:44:10 - The Evolution of Buddhist Practice in the West 01:48:14 - The Importance of Traditional Form and Practice 01:52:46 - Practices and Techniques in Zen and Theravada 01:57:35 - The Rejection of True Nature in Buddhist Practice 02:01:42 - The Importance of Authentic Teachers 02:06:13 - Authenticating Awakening and Seeking Approval 02:11:03 - The Importance of Humility on the Spiritual Path 02:15:56 - Being Challenged and Avoiding Complacency 02:19:55 - Conclusion and Farewell

Dan Harris is the author of 10% Happier: How I Tamed the Voice in My Head, Reduced Stress Without Losing My Edge, and Found Self-Help That Actually Works--A True Story.The book was published in March 2014 and appeared number 1 on the New York Times Bestseller List. His most recent book is Meditation for Fidgety Skeptics: A 10% Happier How-to Book. He hosts the 10% Happier podcast. He was named co-anchor of ABC News' "Nightline" in October 2013. He is also co-anchor of the weekend edition of "Good Morning America," a position he has held since October 2010. As well, Harris files reports for "World News with David Muir," "Good Morning America," ABC News Digital and ABC News Radio. For four years, he anchored "World News Sunday." Harris joined ABC News in March 2000 and has covered many of the biggest stories in recent years. He reported on the mass shootings in Newtown, Connecticut, Aurora, Colorado and Tucson, Arizona, and natural disasters from Haiti to Myanmar to New Orleans. He has also covered combat in Afghanistan, Israel, Gaza, and the West Bank, and has made six visits to Iraq. He has traveled around the globe for ABC News, embedding with an isolated Amazonian Indian tribe, questioning drug lords in the lawless slums of Rio, and confronting the head of Philip Morris International over the sale of cigarettes to Indonesian minors. Harris has made it a priority to shine a light on the world's most vulnerable populations, producing stories about child slaves in Haiti, youths accused of witchcraft in the Congo and predatory pedophiles who travel from the U.S. to Cambodia. He has also covered endangered animals from such diverse datelines as Namibia, Madagascar, Papua New Guinea and Nepal. Domestically, Harris has led ABC News' coverage of faith, with a particular focus on the evangelical movement. He scored one of the first interviews with former pastor Ted Haggard after his sex and drugs scandal. He has also interviewed Mormon apostles, Roman Catholic cardinals, self-help gurus, and atheists. Harris has been honored several times for his journalistic contributions. He received an Edward R. Murrow Award for his reporting on a young Iraqi man who received the help he needed in order to move to America, and in 2009 won an Emmy Award for his "Nightline" report, "How to Buy a Child in Ten Hours." In 2013, he received the ASPCA's Presidential Service Award for Media Excellence. Summary and Transcript of this interview Interview conducted 8/3/2014 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to the Interview with Dan Harris 00:02:16 - The Train That Can't Be Stopped 00:04:40 - Mixed Reactions to the Video 00:06:21 - The Dark Path and Self-Medication 00:08:23 - The Connection between Adrenaline and Panic Attacks 00:10:18 - Diving into the World of Religion 00:12:45 - Introduction to Eckhart Tolle and His Book 00:15:15 - The Voice in Your Head 00:17:04 - The Claims of Tole and Weber 00:18:30 - The Confusing Nature of the Interviewee 00:20:18 - Persecution of Outliers in Society 00:22:02 - Challenging Our Subconscious Judgments 00:23:41 - The Limitations of Articulating Truth 00:25:19 - Frustration with the Self-Help Universe 00:27:00 - The Problem with Positive Thinking 00:28:45 - The Problem with "Positive Thinking" 00:30:39 - The Power of Cognitive-based Spiritual Practices 00:32:36 - The Science Behind Meditation and Overcoming Skepticism 00:35:06 - Deepak Chopra's Charisma and Likability 00:36:56 - Dive into Buddhist Meditation 00:39:05 - Discovering the Benefits of Meditation 00:41:42 - The Effects of Meditation on Happiness 00:43:59 - Getting Lost in Meditation 00:46:27 - Finding Ambition and Contentment 00:49:11 - Balancing Ambition and Acceptance 00:51:40 - Living in the Present and Letting Go of the Outcome 00:54:02 - Spirituality in the Lives of Regular People 00:56:37 - The Connection Between Individual Minds and Global Issues 00:58:44 - The Sacred Dimension of Existence 01:01:22 - Challenging Worldviews through Meditation 01:03:56 - About Batgap.com

Linda was born in Sydney in 1958. She had virtually no interest in meditation or spiritual matters until at the age of 37 she was introduced to Peter Jones, an enlightened man who became her first teacher. This meeting was an intense experience for her. There was a depth to the communication she had not experienced before, and it triggered a search for freedom, which was soon the major focus of her life. At this time she had two teenage children and was running a small business, but she managed to make time for intensive meditation. In 1997 she had a profound awakening during a ten-day retreat in northern New South Wales with Peter Jones. She later described the experience as ‘deeper than bliss’. She meditated with Peter Jones whenever she could, and also regularly spent time with the enlightened teacher Barry Long. During this time she met the Japanese Zen Master, Hogen Yamahata, who also impressed her with his deeply enlightened presence and humility. Early in 2003 Peter told Linda that she would reach the depth of enlightenment with or without a teacher. She still had a strong desire for extended periods of meditation practice, and at that time Peter was not able to offer this, so she started attending retreats led by Hogen Yamahata. For the next two years she practised with Hogen-san and attended his Zen retreats as often as possible. She was also in close contact with Peter. In 2004 she travelled to Japan and spent six weeks at a Zen monastery with Hogen-san’s Master, Harada Tangen Roshi, known as Roshi Sama. Her time with him was intense. She sensed she was close to the culmination of her journey. She returned to Australia in a deeply detached, peaceful state. Roshi Sama gave her the name Dai’an Jishin, which translates as ‘deep peace, compassionate heart/mind’. Her search ended during a ten-day retreat with Hogen-san at Springbrook, in the mountains behind the Gold Coast in Queensland. Website: simplemeditation.net Summary and Transcript of this interview Interview conducted 8/2/2014 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Linda Clare 00:04:26 - The Fear of Becoming Enlightened 00:08:09 - Confronting Fear and Enlightenment 00:12:40 - Facing fear and discomfort during meditation 00:16:30 - The Journey to Enlightenment 00:19:22 - The Shock of Awakening and Adjusting to the Absolute State 00:23:33 - Anesthesia and Enlightenment 00:26:29 - The Desire for Enlightenment 00:30:26 - Expanded Awareness and Perception 00:34:15 - The Whirlwind of Amma's Activity 00:37:41 - The Necessity of Meditation and Relationship with a Teacher 00:41:40 - The Shock of Realization and the Need for Preparation 00:46:06 - Physiological Transformation During Enlightenment 00:49:59 - Tapas: Burning off the Dross 00:53:44 - Appreciating the Absolute and Relative 00:58:01 - Living in the Present Moment 01:01:13 - The Overratedness of Thinking 01:04:48 - The Intelligence of the Body and Nature 01:08:27 - Love and Freedom from Fear 01:11:58 - The Experience of Connection and Oneness 01:15:16 - Student Enlightenment and the Beauty of Transformation 01:19:07 - Staying Aware and Avoiding Pitfalls 01:23:33 - Discovering the Teacher and the Path 01:27:30 - Peter Jones and Studying in Japan 01:31:02 - Gradual Realization of the Shocking Experience 01:35:03 - Overcoming Fear and Realizing the Unknown 01:39:09 - The Connection between Determination and Enlightenment 01:42:28 - The Impact on Relationships 01:46:13 - Opportunities for Retreats and Sessions 01:48:43 - Conclusion and Wrap-up 01:51:36 - Interview with Dan Harris

Without doubt, it is everyone’s potential and natural birthright to eternally experience the full knowledge and pure joy of Unbounded Awareness, where absolutely nothing is excluded, day to day, year after year. Universal-to-personal existence becomes revealed as layer after layer of Absolute intelligence, all eternally humming as my —and everyone’s—movement of pure consciousness. Eyes open or closed, submerged in an ocean of wholeness, where any stream of the love of my heart, the knowledge of my mind or flow of my senses is an obvious stir or expansion in the whole eternal sea of oneness. Here pure knowingness is so pervasive that there is nothing else that is known; but because it is pure knowledge, there is an experiencer, and this knower, by virtue of the internal structure of knowingness, naturally radiates infinite qualities to unboundedness, and thereby I—we—exist as eternal existence itself with our particular individuality and universality in complete connectedness. The entire field of our lives, from pure silence to the divine subtle levels, to our daily activity, is designed to be enjoyed, appreciated and known, all simultaneously, as the wonderful, unified totality of differences that it truly is. Book: The Landscape of Enlightenment: With Doors and Windows to Our World Websites: http://harriaalto.com http://aaltodesign.com Transcript of this interview Other interviews First BatGap interview with Harri. Third BatGap interview with Harri. Harri Aalto, in Panel Discussion on Refined Perception Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group. Interview recorded 7/19/2014 Recent note from Harri: Discussion Group Invitation I've been hosting consciousness discussion groups for several years and invite you to join. Learn more on my Facebook or website. These groups uniquely blend people experiencing realized states with seekers at various stages, accelerating everyone's growth. I've observed that simply discussing these experiences creates immediate positive shifts in participants' awareness. What makes our groups effective is the multi-perspective discussions that foster rich exchanges between participants. Participant Feedback: "The discussions have gradually opened me into both a felt sense and ever-deepening understanding of the eternal oneness." —RL "I feel more awake, alive and curious... increased power and stability in my Presence." —JB "I now appreciate that self-realization is not only natural and simple, but I have had this experience for quite some time and just didn't know it." —WH "I have recognized that I am in this surrounding love all the time in various degrees of clarity." —LVT "My primary insight was that I, and many seekers, have already realized the experience of the Self without being aware of it." —ATL For more content, visit my YouTube channel. YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction and Response to First Interview 00:05:01 - The Ocean of Consciousness and its Fluctuations 00:10:00 - Recognizing Consciousness 00:15:21 - The Speech of Enlightenment 00:19:34 - Unity of Pure Consciousness and Daily Life 00:26:07 - The Mechanics of Creation and the Nature of Consciousness 00:31:58 - The Continuum of Consciousness 00:37:26 - Infinite Intelligence in Creation 00:42:54 - The Continuum of Consciousness 00:47:36 - The Illusion of Subtle Layers 00:52:46 - The search for the self 00:57:43 - The Value of Experience Within the Self 01:03:10 - The Structure of Consciousness and Pure Consciousness 01:07:16 - The Silence of Pure Consciousness 01:12:24 - The Evolution of Consciousness and the Presence of God 01:18:04 - Connecting with the Growth of Love 01:23:31 - The Reverberation of Pure Consciousness 01:27:36 - The Function of Memory and Consciousness 01:32:30 - The Resonance of Truth 01:38:04 - The Universe and Consciousness 01:43:27 - The Question of Free Will and Determinism 01:48:44 - The Elephant Analogy and Overcoming Personal Challenges 01:54:29 - The Function of Subtle Levels of Creation 01:58:50 - The realization of being everything and writing a book 02:01:52 - The Potential for Self-Realization 02:05:33 - The Joy of Exploring the Possibilities Within Pure Consciousness 02:09:50 - The Unfolding of Experience 02:13:15 - Embracing Different Perspectives 02:17:17 - The Experience of Pure Consciousness and the I-ness 02:21:27 - Concluding Remarks 02:24:59 - Wrapping Up the Podcast

Bernardo Kastrup has a Ph.D. in Computer Engineering and has worked as a scientist in some of the world's foremost research laboratories, including the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) and the Philips Research Laboratories (where the "Casimir Effect" of Quantum Field Theory was discovered). He has authored many scientific papers and four philosophy books: Rationalist Spirituality, Dreamed up Reality, Meaning in Absurdity, and Why Materialism Is Baloney. This latter book is a grand synthesis of his metaphysical views. Bernardo has also been an entrepreneur and founder of two high-tech businesses. Today, he holds a managerial position in the high-tech industry. In parallel, he maintains a philosophy blog, an audio/video podcast, and continues to develop his ideas about the nature of reality. Bernardo has lived and worked in four different countries across continents. Books: Why Materialism Is Baloney: How True Skeptics Know There Is No Death and Fathom Answers to life, the Universe, and Everything Meaning in Absurdity: What bizarre phenomena can tell us about the nature of reality Dreamed Up Reality: Diving into the Mind to Uncover the Astonishing Hidden Tale of Nature Rationalist Spirituality: An exploration of the meaning of life and existence informed by logic and science More Than Allegory: On Religious Myth, Truth And Belief Website: bernardokastrup.com Youtube Channel Blog post written by Bernardo after our interview (and relevant to it). Important article: The Physicalist Worldview as Neurotic Ego-Defense Mechanism Transcript of this interview Interview recorded 7/12/2014 Second Batgap interview with Bernardo. YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction & Background 00:05:18 - The Path of Intellectual Discernment 00:10:39 - Defining Materialism and Consciousness 00:15:35 - Brain Function and Subjective Experience 00:20:22 - The Mistake of Materialists and the Localization of Mind 00:25:21 - Consciousness as the Ultimate Reality 00:30:37 - The Consciousness of a Glass of Water 00:35:26 - The Difference Between Water Flowing and Forming a Whirlpool 00:39:30 - The Glass of Water and Consciousness 00:43:46 - Materiality and Consciousness 00:47:56 - The Danger of Objectifying Consciousness 00:52:03 - The process of splitting off 00:56:06 - The Nature of Consciousness and Self-Recognition 01:00:07 - The Excitation of Mind and Self-Reflection 01:04:14 - The Dreamer and the Dream 01:08:13 - The Localization of Consciousness 01:12:10 - The Whirlpool and the Ripples 01:15:58 - The individuation of consciousness 01:20:18 - The Meaning of Reality and Consciousness 01:24:17 - A Hierarchy of Localization, a Hierarchy of Self-Reflection 01:28:23 - Mind as a Vibrating Membrane 01:32:40 - Existential Experience of Pure Unmanifest Existence 01:36:44 - The Illusion of Reality and the Nature of Mind 01:40:56 - The Truth in Illusions 01:45:04 - The Natural Unfolding Process 01:49:08 - The Battle between Intellect and Intuition 01:53:14 - The Crack in the Armor of the Ego 01:57:19 - Seeking Enlightenment through Different Paths 02:01:29 - Embracing the Unknown Journey 02:05:25 - Spiritual Awakening and Ordinary Perspective 02:09:27 - Harri Alto Returns by Popular Demand

Marlies Cocheret de la Morinière brings a potent invitation into the deep Silence that we are. She has been offering satsang and retreat since 2000 when her root teacher, Adyashanti, asked her to teach. Marlies is trained as a psychologist in The Netherlands and works as a certified Hakomi practitioner and a certified Tantric educator. She invites all seekers to live as the Divine in the body. She brings together Sensuality and the Silence of our Being. With love, directness and humor Marlies creates a safe place for seekers to discover and deepen into the Stillness and Love that is our True Nature. She works internationally and lives in Santa Cruz, California. Marlies' website: marliescocheret.com Transcript of this interview Interview recorded 7/5/2014 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction and Struggling with Pronunciation 00:04:51 - Discovering Osho and Going to India 00:08:44 - The Human Side of Gurus 00:12:52 - A Transformative Experience with Osho 00:16:20 - The Deep Silence of Adya 00:20:20 - The Power of Transmission and Silence 00:24:47 - Discovering Stillness and Silence 00:28:44 - The Importance of Practice 00:33:08 - The Solvent of Realizing True Nature 00:37:00 - Realizing Something Beyond the Human 00:40:07 - The Awakening Process and the Power of Stillness 00:44:35 - A Journey of Healing and Self-Discovery 00:48:43 - The Deepening Process of Awakening 00:53:05 - The Beauty of Beginner's Mind 00:57:00 - The Challenge of Calming the Nervous System 01:00:32 - Exploring Tantra with Sri M 01:04:33 - Sexuality and Tantra 01:09:06 - Shankara's Divine Intervention 01:12:56 - Sacred Sexuality and Healing 01:16:54 - Healing and Awakening 01:21:27 - Total Inclusiveness and Following Orders 01:24:38 - The Method of Realms Therapy and Mindfulness Experiments 01:27:36 - Studying with Sharon Lentrit and a Week-Long Retreat 01:30:55 - A new ingredient in the soup 01:34:44 - Embracing the Essence of All That Is 01:38:47 - Being Authentic as a Teacher 01:42:58 - Understanding Enlightenment 01:46:32 - Liberation and Enlightenment 01:49:52 - Overflowing Generosity and Gratitude 01:53:12 - Interview with Marlies Cocheret de la Mourinière 01:55:49 - Traveling Europe, UK, and Ireland

Peter holds degrees in theoretical physics, experimental psychology, and computer science from the University of Cambridge, England, where he was a student of Stephen Hawking. Following university he went to India, to study meditation and Eastern philosophy. In the 1970s, he pioneered the introduction of personal growth programs to corporations, running courses for senior management on creativity, stress management and sustainable development. He coined the term "global brain" with his 1980s bestseller of the same name in which he predicted the Internet and the impact it would have on humanity. His other books, which include Waking Up in Time: Finding Inner Peace in Times of Accelerating Change, and From Science to God: A Physicist's Journey into the Mystery of Consciousness, and his visual presentations and videos have won international acclaim and awards. Peter's work integrates Eastern and Western understandings of the mind, exploring their relevance to the world today and to humanity's future. Peter's website: peterrussell.com Peter's YouTube channel 2nd BatGap interview with Peter Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group. Interview conducted 6/28/2014 Transcript of this interview. YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction and Background 00:03:32 - The Fascination with Hydrogen and Consciousness 00:06:53 - The Dilution of Concepts and the Loss of Essence 00:10:24 - Challenging the Paradigm 00:13:41 - The Anomaly in the Existing Model 00:16:57 - The Anomaly of Consciousness 00:20:26 - The Mistake of Separating Consciousness 00:24:03 - The Construction of Reality 00:27:49 - The Universe as an Aware Field of Being 00:31:04 - The Field of Consciousness 00:34:34 - The Excitations of Consciousness 00:38:12 - Consciousness and the Experience of Reality 00:41:31 - Yoga: The Return to Connection 00:45:22 - Science and Spirituality 00:48:58 - Inner Exploration of Consciousness 00:52:07 - Exploring the Inner World with Scientific Approach 00:55:56 - The Importance of Inner Development and Balance 00:59:13 - The Impact of Human Consciousness 01:02:47 - The Collective Awakening and Access to Spiritual Wisdom 01:06:10 - The Catastrophic Risks of Climate Change 01:09:39 - Finding Peace Within 01:12:59 - Connecting with the Essence of the Cosmos 01:16:48 - The Marvel of Creation 01:20:23 - The Complexity of the Universe and the Purpose of Being 01:24:07 - Intelligence and Awareness in the Natural World 01:27:31 - Formation of Stable Structures 01:31:14 - The Processing of Information in Cells and Awareness 01:34:55 - The Mathematics Inherent in the Fabric of Creation 01:38:20 - The Fluidity of Understanding and the Openness to Change 01:41:37 - Concluding Remarks & Interaction Opportunities 01:45:12 - A Discussion with Peter

Richard Lang first saw who he really was in a workshop in 1970 with the English philosopher Douglas Harding, author of ‘On Having No Head’. Since then he has devoted his life to Seeing, and to sharing the simple, accessible Headless Way. He has published two books, several videos, and a CD, and travels widely giving workshops. Books by Richard Lang: Seeing Who You Really Are Open to the Source: Selected Teachings of Douglas E. Harding Website: headless.org A free e-course in seeing Who we really are YouTube Channel Other books by Douglas Harding: Religions of the World (Liberal Studies) Look for Yourself: The Science and Art of Self-Realization The Hierarchy of Heaven and Earth Head Off Stress The Little Book of Life and Death The Science of the 1st Person The Trial Of The Man Who Said He Was God The Spectre in the Lake Visible Gods Face to No-Face: Rediscovering Our Original Nature To Be And Not To Be, That Is The Answer Transcript of this interview. Interview recorded June 21, 2014 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Richard Lang and The Headless Way 00:03:18 - The Headless Way: Unpacking the Experience 00:06:46 - Layers of Being and Identity 00:10:15 - The Headless Body and the Visible Center 00:14:12 - Discovery of the Hierarchy 00:18:00 - Profound Impact of the Experiments 00:22:10 - Mechanical Self-Inquiry with Ramana Maharshi 00:26:33 - The Way of Seeing 00:30:18 - The Four Stages of Life: The Baby and the Child 00:33:35 - The Journey of Self-Identification 00:37:46 - Seeking to Rediscover the Whole 00:41:29 - The Process of Growing and Learning 00:45:28 - The Creative Process and the Great Void 00:49:06 - Embracing the Self in the Mirror 00:53:01 - The Experience of Nothingness and One Eye 00:57:18 - Awareness of Thoughts and Feelings 01:01:36 - Sense of Being Un-contained 01:06:26 - The Development of Separate Minds 01:10:36 - The Dual Awareness of Self 01:14:50 - The Essence and Expression of Beautiful Beings 01:18:37 - Awakening of the Senses 01:22:41 - The Perspective of Oneness and Love 01:26:23 - Inner Peace in Tumultuous Situations 01:30:26 - Recognizing Inner Nature and Taking Refuge in It 01:34:50 - The Capacity for Sensations and Nothingness 01:39:27 - The confidence of the One 01:43:17 - The Unity of Mind and Body 01:47:12 - Eating Mangoes and the Workshop Experience 01:50:42 - The Spree-cast and the Value of Sharing 01:54:33 - Concluding Remarks and Thank You 01:58:12 - Books by Richard and Douglas Harding Save

After experiencing two, close, broad-daylight UFO sightings, Darryl’s path led him to become a channel for an extraterrestrial entity called Bashar. Darryl has channeled Bashar internationally for the past 30 years, providing powerful methods by which people can change their lives in positive ways. Bashar’s information has been published in over 20 books in the U.S. and Japan and hundreds of CDs and DVDs have been distributed worldwide by April Rochelle, CEO of Bashar Communications. In addition to his channeling career, Darryl also has over 30 years of experience in miniature effects, storyboards, sets, and designs on three Star Trek films, Iron Man, The Aviator, Pirates of the Caribbean 3: At World's End, I Robot, Live Free or Die Hard and Flags of our Fathers among several others. Darryl is now writing, directing, and producing his own films, including "Dearly Departed" - a fictional documentary shot as if the crew took a camera into the afterlife and interviewed the spirits of people who've passed on to get their insights on life after death. Darryl is developing a number of other feature film projects along with his wife and co-producer, Erica Jordan, at their Los Angeles production company and is currently going into production with April at Bashar Communications on a documentary called “First Contact” that chronicles his encounters with Bashar and how the UFO sightings set him on the path to becoming a channel. Books: Bashar: Blueprint for Change: A Message from Our Future Quest for Truth: 100 Insights That Could Change Your Life Dearly Departed Contact Cards: An Extraterrestrial Divination System Tuning In The new meta-physics Website: bashar.org Transcripts of this interview English Spanish Interview recorded June 14, 2014. YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction and Skepticism vs. Cynicism 00:04:11 - Introduction to Channeling and UFO Sightings 00:07:36 - The Beginnings of Channeling 00:10:58 - The Evolution of Channeling 00:14:33 - Demonstrating the Brain Differences in Channeling State 00:17:54 - Channeling with the Right Education 00:22:01 - Negative Energy and Belief Systems 00:25:58 - The Positive and Negative Forces Within Us 00:30:22 - Internal Work and Higher Frequencies 00:34:22 - Bashar's Surprising Information 00:38:11 - The Inevitability of Probable Futures 00:42:14 - Free Will vs Destiny and the Experience of Existence 00:46:01 - Activation of the Merkaba 00:50:10 - The Multidimensional Universe 00:54:06 - Interconnection between Realities 00:57:55 - The Power of Acting on Excitement 01:01:51 - Following Your Excitement 01:05:28 - The Capacity of the Higher Mind 01:09:03 - Perspectives and Alignment with the Self 01:13:03 - Life as a Work in Progress 01:16:51 - Being Complete in the Present Moment 01:20:50 - The Power and Economy of Creation 01:25:07 - Perspectives on Time and Space 01:29:10 - Space-time Travel and Redefining Locational Variables 01:33:33 - Teleportation and Traveling in Sports Cars 01:37:03 - The Experience of Slippage in Space and Time 01:40:50 - The Opportunity in Negativity 01:44:34 - Different interpretations of a heavenly life 01:48:32 - The Validity of the Belief System 01:52:00 - Future Projects and Private Sessions 01:55:23 - Support and Appreciation

Daniel Ingram is the author of Mastering the Core Teachings of the Buddha: An Unusually Hardcore Dharma Book, is one of the founders of the Dharma Overground, has been a speaker and interviewee on Buddhist Geeks, and practices Emergency Medicine as a physician. He is highly influenced by the practices of Mahasi Sayadaw, but his interest in the dharma is much more pragmatic than dogmatic and draws on a wide range of sources. Longer, more tongue-in-cheek bio: Daniel is an extroverted Gen X intellectual. He is known for his pronounced enthusiasm, lip-flapping, grandiosity, eccentricity, and calling people on their stuff and shadow sides regardless of whether or not this is helpful or even accurate. He is an arahant and has a solid mastery of the basic concentration states from the first jhana to Nirodha Samapatti, including the Pure Land Jhanas. He also has a solid knowledge of Buddhist theory and the texts, and because of these three areas of expertise considers himself a qualified teacher. He was also authorized and encouraged to teach by a lineaged abbot of the Mahasi Sayadaw tradition. Website: The Dharma Overground Summary and transcript of this interview. Interview recorded 6/7/2014 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Daniel Ingram and his book 00:05:53 - Different Models of Awakening and Enlightenment 00:11:49 - The Importance of Being Present in all Aspects of Life 00:17:08 - The Serts Paradox and the Emptiness/Fullness Debate 00:22:33 - Vedic Tradition and Different Cognitive Abilities 00:28:02 - The Potential for Misdiagnosis and the Importance of Maps and Teachers 00:33:41 - The Danger of Diagnosing Friends and Family 00:39:30 - The Nature of Reality and Intuition 00:46:45 - The Importance of a Spiritual Renaissance 00:54:21 - The Power of Subtle Changes in Society and Technology 01:02:49 - Integrating Meditation into Religious Traditions 01:11:15 - Finding Balance and Wellness 01:15:35 - The Deepening Interest in Spirituality 01:19:48 - The Problem of Psychopaths and Power 01:24:54 - Selling Spirituality: The Challenges of Advertising Meditation 01:29:16 - Balancing Honesty and Salesmanship in the Spiritual Community 01:33:40 - The Persecution of Mystics 01:38:02 - Profound Experiences in Catholic Churches 01:42:25 - Perceiving Different Realms and Beings 01:45:54 - Enhancing Function and Mental States 01:48:33 - Luminous, intelligent entities 01:51:42 - Pragmatic and Experiential Perspectives on Supernatural Experiences 01:54:24 - Exploring stages of development and awakenings 01:57:57 - The Stages of Awakening 02:01:04 - Transformation and the Elimination of Rites and Rituals 02:05:20 - Dissolving the Sense of Self 02:10:00 - Questioning Enlightenment 02:13:55 - Embracing the Richness and Freshness of Life 02:18:02 - The Incredible Intelligence in the Universe 02:22:15 - The Wonder of Creation and Manifestation 02:25:26 - How to Support the Channel

Karen Johnson is a co-founder of the Diamond Approach as it is taught in the Ridhwan School, a contemporary original spiritual understanding and path, expressing timeless wisdom on self-realization using the insights of our time. She is a colleague and friend of Hameed Ali (A.H. Almaas). Her life is dedicated to the discovery of inner freedom and sharing the treasures with humankind. In this interview, we discussed how the Diamond Approach is evolving, what differentiates it from other traditions, and the most recent developments of the past 15 years, about which Karen and Hameed have only recently begun to teach, speak and write. Neither the depths of spirit nor the surface of the mundane world can adequately express what reality is and what is possible for each of us. How can our human lives be both the arena for spiritual practice and enlightenment, and the occasion for our true being to express its infinite possibilities? When we realize that we are each the miracle of matter and spirit and at the same time we are neither, our everyday ordinary experiences can become doorways to further possibilities of reality, of awakening to our spiritual potential in its endless possibilities. True Being lives through the particulars of our lives, utilizing them to reveal its potentialities. The Diamond Approach explores how to use our personal situations as occasions for practice and learning, and as opportunities for expression of our finer spiritual qualities. It enables people to work with their everyday experiences of work, relationships, play, creativity, love, sex and so on to learn to be the transcendent living a human life. Its students learn to employ each particular situation within this world to go beyond it in a way that includes it. Inclusive transcendence enables our human consciousness to view reality beyond the concepts of duality and nonduality. Each particular situation affords us the opportunity to use its energies and forces to liberate and optimize our experience. Following such path, it becomes natural to be of help to others and to life in general. Book: The Power of Divine Eros: The Illuminating Force of Love in Everyday Life Website: ridhwan.org Summary and transcript of this interview Interview recorded 5/31/2014 Karen Johnson and Hameed Ali (A.H. Almaas) on Nondual Relationships at the SAND conference. YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Karen Johnson and the Diamond Approach 00:03:14 - The Beginnings of Spiritual Awakening 00:05:53 - Childhood Experiences with Seeing Auras 00:09:03 - The Significance of Refined Perception 00:12:43 - Energy Information and Exchange 00:15:59 - The Essence of Spiritual Development in Ridwan School 00:19:19 - Meeting Hamid and the Beginning of a Journey towards Awakening 00:22:46 - Awakening of Presence 00:27:00 - The Evolution of the Working Relationship 00:31:46 - The Evolution of Work and Relationships 00:36:03 - Being's Guiding Intelligence 00:39:26 - The Energy of Mollusks in Teaching 00:42:46 - The Curriculum and Practices in the Ridwan School 00:48:48 - Different Perspectives and Dimensions of Spiritual Experience 00:54:24 - The Gray Night of the Soul 00:57:05 - Opening up the realm of the freedom vehicle 01:01:18 - The Development and Integration of Spiritual Experiences 01:04:54 - Acting Like a Normal Human Being 01:09:11 - The Deeper Realities and Fluidity of View 01:13:40 - Fluidity and Growth in Understanding Reality 01:17:14 - The Dynamism of Different Traditions 01:20:02 - The Possibilities of the Unimagined 01:23:33 - Discovering Freedom and Possibilities 01:26:31 - The Recognition of Life and Death 01:29:32 - The Individual and the Ocean of Consciousness 01:33:12 - Exploring Other Realms and Traditions 01:36:08 - The Experience of Featurelessness 01:39:19 - Varying Degrees of Impressionability 01:42:24 - Embracing Differences and Discernment 01:45:35 - Closing Remarks and Farewell 01:47:47 - Farewell and Closing Music

The iconography and texts of most spiritual traditions depict and describe realms of existence more subtle than ordinary sensory perception reveals. The most commonly portrayed phenomena are halos in paintings of saints. But in addition to this evidence of the human “subtle body”, the traditions are abundant with paintings and stories of subtle beings such as angels, gods, devas, demons, etc. Is this mere mythology or does it suggest that subtle perception is part of spiritual development? So far, the non-dual community has not discussed this at all. The New Age community has, but often in a fanciful way that the non-dual community has, perhaps wisely, chosen to eschew. Yet many who have had abiding awakenings that non-dual traditions predict and respect discover, in time, that subtle perception begins to dawn. They begin to perceive auras, angels, devas, and the like as routinely as most of us see other human beings. This panel discussion included five such people: Name Website Other Batgap Interviews Francis Bennett 8/4/2012, 4/21/2013* 10/26/2013*, 5/24/2014*, 10/23/2014*, 10/22/2015*, 10/21/2016, 10/25/2016* Harri Aalto harriaalto.com 3/22/2014, 7/19/2014, 11/12/2016 Kristin Kirk kristinkirk.com 11/2/2013, 10/22/2015* Ruffina Farrokh Anklesaria bestagainststress.com Facebook page Stan Kendz stankendz.com 12/2/2009 *Part of group discussion Transcript of this discussion Recorded 5/24/2014 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Refined Perception 00:06:23 - Reluctance to Participate and Cultural Norms 00:10:34 - Personal Experiences with Spiritual Beings 00:14:07 - Experiencing Consciousness as Everything 00:19:11 - The Sublime Area of Consciousness 00:23:24 - A Life-changing Experience 00:26:59 - The Transformative Experience and Past Lives 00:31:09 - Past Lives and Reincarnations 00:35:40 - Enlivening the Shakti 00:40:12 - The Richness of an Enlightened World 00:45:05 - The Kingdom of Heaven Within Us 00:49:33 - The Golden Hue of Consciousness 00:53:14 - Shifting Consciousness and Expanded Self 00:57:05 - Releasing Beings through Meditation 01:00:25 - Aging and the Laws of Nature 01:04:19 - The Recognition of Love and Compassion 01:08:27 - The Expansion of Consciousness 01:11:20 - The Unfoldment of States of Consciousness 01:14:40 - Parallels in Maps of Consciousness 01:17:13 - The Vast Range of Possibilities in Consciousness 01:20:01 - Universal Phenomenon of Consciousness Growth 01:22:12 - Shifting Awareness and Refined Perception 01:24:34 - Celestial Perception and Spiritual Awakening 01:26:48 - Unfolding States of Awareness 01:29:50 - Overpowering Experiences and Support 01:33:43 - The Journey of Unfolding Consciousness and Surrender 01:38:28 - Surrender and Devotion in Spiritual Practice 01:43:07 - The Phenomenon of Channeling 01:47:23 - Experiences of Lord Vishnu and Celestial Levels 01:51:40 - The Celestial Levels of Consciousness 01:56:24 - Concluding Remarks Save

Roger Housden is the author of 20 books, including the New York Times bestseller Ten Poems to Change Your Life. Housden’s work has been featured in O: The Oprah Magazine, The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, and The Huffington Post. He lives in Sausalito, CA. For more, visit rogerhousden.com. Other books: Keeping the Faith Without a Religion (book) Keeping the Faith Without a Religion (audio download) For Lovers of God Everywhere: Poems of the Christian Mystics Seven Sins for a Life Worth Living Risking Everything: 110 Poems of Love and Revelation Ten Poems to Open Your Heart Ten Poems to Say Goodbye Ten Poems to Change Your Life Again and Again Dancing with Joy: 99 Poems Summary and Transcript of this interview Interview recorded 5/17/2014 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction and Background 00:03:45 - Using Life's Circumstances for Growth and Reflection 00:07:14 - Visiting Karoli Baba's Ashram 00:10:39 - The Difference Between Faith and Belief 00:14:05 - Knowing Beyond Intellectual Belief 00:17:37 - The Voice in the Cave 00:21:36 - Functioning from a State beyond Mental Excitation 00:24:39 - The Benefits of Being with a Spiritual Teacher 00:28:13 - Resting in the Field of Awareness 00:31:40 - A Dimension of Awareness in Iran 00:34:40 - A Difficult Choice in a Vien Prison 00:37:48 - Clearing My Name and Debriefing 00:40:25 - The Intelligence in Randomness 00:43:05 - The Oneness of Everything 00:46:01 - Political Implications of Individualism vs Individuation 00:48:59 - The Narrow Gate of Hope and Despair 00:52:06 - Short-Term Thinking and Long-Term Vision 00:54:40 - Brutality and Imperfection in Organized Belief Systems 00:58:07 - Managing Imperfections and Organizational Clarity 01:00:34 - Trusting the Knowing 01:03:10 - Trust the Mystery and the Dark 01:06:31 - Remembering Something Larger 01:09:32 - Acknowledging Imperfection in the Aesthetics of Wabi-Sabi 01:12:23 - The Cathars and Perfection 01:15:48 - Moments of Beauty 01:18:44 - Kindness Towards Oneself 01:22:01 - The Difference between Materialist and Knowing Faith 01:25:43 - The Intelligence that Permeates the World 01:28:22 - The Pitfalls of Religious Beliefs 01:31:07 - Direct Experience and the Present Moment 01:33:05 - Website Features and Discussion Area

Jeddah Mali is the Executive Director and founder of Global Paradigm Ltd, which delivers training programs for individuals and organizations seeking a completely new approach to the age-old dilemma of how to make life, business and society work effectively and harmoniously. Jeddah’s unique approach identifies and maps the cohesive design underlying every system, from an individual person to a solar system. It reveals the hidden patterns within every aspect of life that are responsible for how things turn out. Jeddah provides an in-depth examination into the nature and function of this design, and the mechanics that make it work. Our understanding and use of these mechanics determine the extent to which we can produce consistent and reliable results. Jeddah is sought after for her precise understanding of human beings, the contribution each person makes individually and collectively and the impact this has on the world in which we live. Her work examines the link between our design as human beings and our hardwired predisposition towards peace, collaboration and contentment. Seeds of Enlightenment Changing the Paradigm Series An Interview With Jeddah Mali Jeddah's website Summary and Transcript of this interview Interview conducted 5/17/2014 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Jeddah Maul 00:04:52 - Strange Experiences in Childhood 00:09:00 - Expansion and contraction in the yoga sutras 00:12:49 - Childhood Challenges and Inner Life Disconnect 00:17:57 - Spiritual Experiences and Realizations in India 00:22:23 - Miraculous Support and Guidance 00:26:08 - Taking the Bodhisattva vow with the Dalai Lama 00:29:34 - Discovering Direct Access to Existence 00:33:23 - Direct Experience vs. Intermediaries 00:37:01 - The Presence of Jesus and Buddha 00:40:47 - The Residencies and Occupations of Ascended Masters 00:45:03 - Universal Assistance for All Beings 00:48:34 - The Existence of Higher Dimensions 00:52:24 - The Role of Corporations and the Bigger Picture 00:55:54 - Integration and Consciousness Shift 01:00:04 - Corporate Transformation for the Planet 01:04:07 - Working with CEOs for a Positive Impact 01:07:38 - Resistance to Understanding and Embracing Existence 01:11:13 - The role of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva in creation. 01:14:54 - Realization of Universal Consciousness 01:18:52 - The Spectrum of Existence 01:22:50 - The Reality of Different Dimensions and Consciousness 01:26:54 - Enlightenment and Conscious Choice 01:30:03 - Direct Access to the Energy of Existence 01:33:35 - Exploring Higher Frequency States 01:36:50 - Working with People and Achieving Results 01:39:45 - The Process of Freedom 01:43:27 - Embracing Challenges in Practical Life 01:47:44 - The Wisdom of Non-Physical Beings 01:50:58 - Wrapping Up the Interview 01:53:39 - Meeting and Farewell

Fax and Sharon Gilbert were among my first guests on BatGap (interview here). Recently, Fax has been interviewing a few people in Fairfield, Iowa under the auspices of Fairfield's Trillum Awakening group. In this interview, I neglected to adequately express my appreciation to the volunteers who make BatGap possible. Please see the Volunteers page for a list of some of them. Transcript of this interview Interview conducted 5/11/2014 Other talks by or interviews of Rick on BatGap: Interviewed by Angelo Dilullo SAND 2019 - Knowledge/Reality is Different in Different States of Consciousness 2018 SAND Conference Q&A and Interview by Shakti Caterina Maggi SAND 2017: "The Ethics of Enlightenment" Talk at Berkeley Open Circle Center SAND 2015: Science and Spirituality: Potential Allies in Discovering Truth Interviewed by Richard Miller YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to the Interview 00:03:50 - Awakening and Resistance 00:06:56 - From Fairfield to the World: Taking Buddha the Gas Pump Online 00:09:58 - Awakening and the Misconceptions of Enlightenment 00:13:24 - The Awakening Experience 00:16:49 - Awakening and the Physiology 00:20:59 - Awakening and Identity 00:24:39 - The Attitude of a Beginner and the Range of Possibilities 00:28:10 - Overcoming Challenges and Finding Bliss 00:31:49 - Personal Spiritual Journey 00:35:31 - The Beginning of My Meditation Journey 00:38:23 - The Importance of Meditation in Spiritual Practices 00:41:19 - Fulfillment and Devotion 00:44:20 - The BatGap Bump 00:47:20 - Impact and Service in Embodiment 00:50:55 - The Process of Interviewing 00:54:00 - Exploring Common Themes in Spiritual Maturity 00:57:43 - Subtle Beings and Refined Perception 01:00:51 - The Flow of Love and Divine Consciousness 01:04:29 - Scheduling Difficulties and Prioritization 01:07:53 - Awakening and Service 01:11:31 - Levels of Preparedness for Awakening 01:14:57 - The Definition of Awakening 01:18:33 - Possibilities in the Indian Tradition 01:22:44 - The Importance of Personal Verification 01:26:14 - Mutual Coexistence of Opposites 01:29:27 - The Rot: Dealing with Stagnation 01:32:18 - Evolving the Show and Engaging with the Audience 01:35:16 - Awakening and the Audience Evolving 01:38:03 - Healing and Discussion at the Retreat 01:41:04 - Farewell and Thank You

Neelam is a direct disciple of H. W. L. Poonja (Papaji), whose teacher was Sri Ramana Maharshi. Her unequivocal commitment to Truth helps us turn inward and release underlying patterns of conditioning which block the recognition of our True Nature. With the utmost tenderness while helping us to address all aspects of daily living, including past conditioning and trauma, she invites us into the same recognition of Truth that her teacher, Papaji, transmitted to her. Neelam’s website Transcript of this interview Interview recorded 5/3/2014 Her first Interview here YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction and Background 00:04:39 - Identity and Presence 00:08:59 - The Continuum of Presence 00:13:10 - The Experience of Consciousness 00:17:13 - The Ground of Knowing 00:21:14 - The Embodiment of Knowing 00:25:48 - Awakening vs Enlightenment 00:30:25 - The Role of Knowledge in Teaching and Living 00:34:20 - The Intelligence of Presence and Surrender 00:38:42 - Embracing Everything as Is 00:43:17 - Recognizing the Ground of Experience 00:47:14 - The Effect of Climate Change on Human Consciousness 00:50:21 - The True Nature of Being and Evolution 00:53:41 - Dualistic Perspectives and the Arising Universe 00:56:51 - The Tendency to Postpone Being Present 01:00:22 - Recogition of Tendencies and Un-reinforcing Them 01:03:29 - Managing Anger Through Self-Awareness 01:06:45 - The Importance of Being Present 01:10:06 - Authenticity and Congruence 01:13:19 - Seeking Congruence within and without 01:16:31 - Vigilance and the Escape of Vasanas 01:19:49 - Relationship as a Path to Freedom 01:23:02 - Unresolved past and relationships 01:26:14 - The Resonance of Change 01:29:13 - Life after Addiction 01:32:27 - Strengthening our Capacity for Change 01:35:26 - Deepening into Presence 01:38:39 - Seeing Deeply into Students' Makeup 01:41:36 - Inspiration and the Capacity to Be Here 01:44:49 - Concluding Remarks 01:47:43 - Positive Review and Appreciation

As an independent scholar, speaker, radio show host, published author, sacred tour leader and social justice activist, Karen's work for three decades has been inspired by her interests and passion for travel, comparative religions, ancient cultures, women's her story and the resurging interest in the rise of the Feminine Consciousness. Her work combines feminism, spirituality, and uplifting women, all of which are highlighted in her projects. Her first book, Sacred Places of Goddess: 108 Destinations has garnered prestigious endorsements, while her second book, Walking An Ancient Path: Rebirthing Goddess on Planet Earth, was a finalist in the National Best Books of 2008 Awards. Her newest book, Goddess Calling: Inspirational Messages & Meditations of Sacred Feminine Liberation Thealogy, out in the Spring of 2014 is already getting rave reviews from her mentors and peers. Her fourth book, the anthology Voices of the Sacred Feminine: Conversations to Re-Shape Our World, includes the wisdom of noted visionaries and scholars who she has interviewed. Karen’s work has been highlighted in the Los Angeles Times, Seattle Times and other major newspapers. She is interviewed regularly by the media and has hosted her own internet radio show for the last nine years, Voices of the Sacred Feminine Radio, considered a treasure trove of insight and wisdom for our time. Her work has segued into writing, producing and consulting on projects which bring the ideals and awareness of the Sacred Feminine into the mainstream world through television and film. She can be seen in the new documentary, Femme: Women Healing the World, produced by Wonderland Entertainment and actress, Sharon Stone. Karen’s website is karentate.net. Her web radio show: Voices of the Sacred Feminine Radio. Contact Karen at: [email protected]. Karen’s books can be ordered from on-line sellers including Amazon but if you prefer not to support multi-national corporations and ultra-conservative causes, order the book from a local bookseller or directly from the author using her website if you are in the U.S. Summary and transcript of this interview Interview recorded 4/26/2014. YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Karen Tate and the Sacred Feminine 00:03:10 - The Many Aspects of Goddess Spirituality 00:06:21 - The End Timers and Climate Change Deniers 00:08:56 - The Balance Between Utilizing and Exploiting Resources 00:11:12 - Nature as a template for living 00:13:06 - Using the Bible to Justify Oppression 00:15:19 - The Feminine Face of God and Awakening to Equality 00:18:12 - Domination and Hierarchy 00:21:17 - The Harm of Patriarchy and Oppression 00:24:57 - Finding Common Ground and Dissolving Divisions 00:29:22 - Polarities and the Greater Good 00:33:13 - The Needs of Oil Companies vs. Constituents 00:37:52 - The Meaning of Wealth and Service 00:40:56 - Creating Partnerships for a Win-Win Situation 00:43:39 - Talking about the Sacred Feminine 00:47:28 - The Warning from Nature and Interconnectedness 00:50:59 - The Unboundedness of Consciousness 00:53:44 - Goddess Ideals and Political Alignment 00:57:21 - The Nature of God and the Cosmic Dance 01:03:48 - Deepening Our Experiences and Expanding Consciousness 01:08:55 - The Evolutionary Quality of Growth 01:11:32 - The Importance of Balance in Society 01:15:33 - The Awakening of Change 01:18:59 - A Wake-up Call for Denial 01:22:34 - Catching the Wave of the Spiritual Bandwagon 01:25:10 - The Importance of the Feminine Frame of Mind 01:27:58 - Creating Balance in Society with the Divine Feminine 01:32:54 - Taking Action and Making a Difference 01:39:14 - The Power of Selfless Service 01:42:30 - The Power of Partnership 01:44:24 - Explore the Website Features

Adam C. Hall achieved the American Dream in all its glory and then woke-up to the nightmare of his own life condition. Once a financial power broker and real-estate developer, Adam undertook a life-changing metamorphosis that would ultimately alter his mind-set from Earth Conqueror to Earth-Keeper. To come this far, Adam had to come to terms with the misery that was at the center of his very privileged and comfortable life. He endured the loss of all that he treasured most. It was only then that he was finally able to open to discover the Creative Power of the Universe that is hidden within each of us. We have entered an era like none other in history. The economy of the Western world and the ecology of the entire planet are threatened with the possibility of imminent collapse. In the midst of these dire circumstances, a dramatic shift is occurring within human consciousness. The ancient prophecies of the Hopi, Maya, and Inca (among others) all point to this moment as the time when humanity will undergo a rapid evolution–within a single generation–that will affect all future generations. And evolve we must if we are to remain as a viable species on a healthy planet. The EarthKeeper: Undeveloping the Future intimately chronicles Hall’s remarkable journey and illuminates a path for others to follow. An Indiana Jones saga of exotic adventure and redemption, The EarthKeeper is a remarkable story of courage and conviction; and a roadmap to a better future–personally and collectively. Summary and Transcript of this interview Interview recorded 4/19/2014 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction with Adam C. Hall 00:02:58 - An Entertaining Story 00:05:40 - A Life in Need of a Course Correction 00:09:11 - Transformation and Metanoia 00:12:53 - Embracing the Unknown for Transformation 00:16:23 - The Adventure of Spiritual Seeking 00:20:19 - Pursuing the Sacred Earth 00:23:56 - The Journey of Separation 00:28:00 - Connecting with the Inner Voice and Angels 00:32:20 - The Power of Cultivating the Path 00:36:26 - Shamanic Traditions and Connectivity with Earth and Universe 00:40:30 - Riding the Wave of Spiritual Awakening 00:44:15 - The Interplay of Technology and Spirituality 00:48:11 - Being vs. Doing 00:52:56 - Levels of Consciousness and Enlightenment 00:56:03 - The Impulses of Intelligence in the Transcendental Field 01:00:01 - The Alchemy of Enlightenment 01:04:12 - Rewriting Our Software, The Dawn of the New Human 01:08:42 - The Awakening Giant 01:11:59 - Building Lasting Foundations 01:16:15 - Conservation, Preservation, and Restoration 01:20:23 - Manifesting Outer Beauty through Inner Wholeness 01:24:43 - The Three Levels of Non-Dual Reality 01:28:11 - Embracing Paradox and Ambiguity 01:31:46 - Creating Harmony with the Land 01:35:25 - Restoring Humanity's Connection to the Earth 01:39:15 - The Power of Inner Transformation 01:43:34 - The Beauty of Shedding Old Stories and Writing the New Story 01:47:19 - The Adventures of Gigi 01:50:48 - All Praise to Gigi 01:53:49 - Conclusion and Farewell

Prajna O'Hara (formerly Ginty), MA is the bestselling author of Edge of Grace: A Fierce Awakening to Love, (2014) and Resources for Living Awake (2016). Prajna embodies the “wisdom of no escape” and evokes through dialogue, inquiry, and presence the spirit of authenticity, courage, and kind acceptance while inspiring people to unleash core aliveness. Prajna carries a message that vividly charts the universal themes of “seeking” through the most humbling emotional ordeals to heartfelt satisfaction and stability. Her approach elicits a softening of the heart that allows struggle and false identity to relax into direct intrinsic knowing of who we are amidst laughter, tears, messiness, and beauty. As a teacher, therapist, and mother, she is known for her deep compassion and capacity to transmit powerful meditation experiences relevant to everyday life. Visit prajnaohara.com Prajna’s Journey: In 1986, after the death of her first teacher Eunice Zimmerman, Prajna was introduced to Satsang and Non-dual Wisdom Teachings of Ramana Maharshi, Anandamayi Ma, Nisargadatta Maharaj, Milarepa,... She had an immediate realization of True Self that led to seven years of Nirvikalpa Samadhi (a deep meditative absorption with Consciousness). “I watched my former identity as a separate individual vanish. I saw thought to be unreal—like a cloud passing in a clear sky. What I thought myself to be—was not. I disappeared like space.” In 1994 she gave birth to her first baby at home while enjoying the “honeymoon” phase of awakening. Two years later her twins were born three months early with severe complications. After an extended period of unrest, she was catapulted to the edge of a dark night that culminated with meeting her root teacher, Adyashanti. Adya clarified the dark night of the soul, as a threshold on the journey of surrendering our personal will to the will of the divine. A deeper transformation continues that includes gratitude for all of life and her children as endearing teachers. Prajna, an early student of Adyashanti, is professionally trained as a Hakomi—Body-Centered Therapist and Counselor. She draws upon three decades of mentoring, and an extra-ordinary life as a mother. On 9/11 she dedicated her life to the Bodhisattva vow and began to teach from her life experience. In 2104, after a break from public teaching, she began touring with her book. She is featured at Buddha at the Gas Pump, Conscious TV, KVMR Radio, Living from Love, One Magazine, and many others. Read about her embodiment journey in Edge of Grace. Transcript of this interview Interview recorded 4/12/2014 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Prajna Ginty's Spiritual Journey 00:03:53 - The Continuity of Existence 00:08:05 - The Journey Towards Spiritual Awakening 00:11:54 - From Church to Ashram to Pantry 00:15:37 - The Spiral of Uncomfortable Eating 00:19:56 - Absorption in Meditation 00:23:56 - Immersion in Advaita Vedanta and the Ribhagita 00:27:39 - The Unexpected Birth Journey 00:31:35 - The Impact of Discovering the Sonogram 00:35:56 - Finding Purpose in Adversity 00:40:21 - Neonatal Surgery and the Miracle of Intestinal Regrowth 00:43:46 - Devastation and Deep Okayness 00:47:40 - Detachment and the Dark Night 00:51:40 - A Near-Death Experience 00:55:37 - Guardian Angels and Dark Nights 00:59:38 - Spiritual Awakening and the Birth of a New Self 01:04:12 - Moving to Pennsylvania for a Waldorf School 01:07:56 - The Challenges of Being a Busy Teacher 01:12:04 - The Shift in Orientation: Listening and Responding 01:15:59 - The Power of Meditation and Collective Presence 01:20:05 - Returning to California 01:24:27 - The Shipibo Tradition and Plant Medicine 01:28:28 - The Holistic Intelligence of Plants 01:32:19 - Ayahuasca and Spiritual Healing 01:35:49 - Exploring the Healing Power of Plants 01:39:17 - Traditional Wisdom and Responsible Use of Plant Medicines 01:43:15 - The Controversy and Responsible Research 01:47:19 - Permaculture and Long-Term Consequences 01:51:16 - The Power of Living in the Present Moment 01:54:59 - London Contacts and Wrap-up 01:58:55 - BatGap Website Features

Sharon is a gifted intuitive and a spiritual teacher in the lineage of Adyashanti. Sharon has a devotion and great love of the Truth. Adyashanti asked her to teach 2003 and guide those genuinely drawn to the path of Truth. Since then, Sharon continues to deepen into and embody this Truth herself. She invites you to “Come home…” to That which you’ve always been. In her presence you’ll taste a palpable expression of love and intimacy that allows you to feel safe dropping into the deep vulnerability required to know yourself as the All. Sharon offers support for the required shift of identity that is both direct and tailored to each person's journey. Her teachings are based on her deep realization of silence and the way silence expresses itself in form. She notes, “Often there is still a thread that says the ‘me is going to get it; the ‘me’ is going to wake up. And it just isn’t true. It actually wakes up out of the ‘me’. “ So in her teaching, Sharon emphasizes how silence wakes up in the body and how the embodiment process is actualized. She is well qualified in this endeavor by her many years as an intuitive counselor. Since she has the ability to “read” the physical and energetic body, she is uniquely able to help unlock patterns that inhibit realization and the embodiment process that follows. Sharon Landrith offers Silent retreats, intensives in the US and Canada and dokusans over the phone and in person. Please see more info on her website: sharon-landrith.com. There's a chapter on Sharon in Ordinary Women, Extraordinary Wisdom: The Feminine Face of Awakening by Rita Robinson. Summary and transcript of this interview Interview recorded 4/2/2014. Her first BatGap Interview here. YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Sharon Lander and Buddha at the Gas Pump 00:04:23 - The Rise of Love and Humanness 00:10:12 - The Transmutation of Consciousness 00:14:17 - The Shift of Identity and Connection to Nature 00:18:22 - The Fuel of Morality and Consciousness 00:21:57 - Unity and Service 00:25:35 - The Self Reveals Itself 00:29:03 - The Vastness Within Consciousness 00:34:19 - The Possibility for Exploration and Discovery 00:37:46 - The Exquisiteness of this Moment 00:41:38 - Perspectives on Life, Enlightenment, and Existence 00:45:36 - The Deep Sense of Security 00:48:08 - The Fall of Written Words and Concepts 00:50:41 - Recognizing the Truth 00:52:46 - Living with Open Attention, Witness State, and Collapsing Awareness 00:56:07 - The Witness and Self-referral 00:59:11 - The Voice of God in Everything 01:03:11 - Understanding God as an Expression of Divinity 01:06:14 - Defining God and the Power of Transmission 01:10:32 - Mutual Reinforcement and Increased Grace 01:14:26 - The Importance of Stillness and Stability 01:17:31 - Reflections on Realization Experiences 01:21:39 - The Expression of God through Human Beings 01:26:14 - Being a Lightning Rod for Projections and Ideas 01:29:28 - The Power of Open Awareness in the Teaching Role 01:32:14 - Being a Washing Machine 01:33:43 - The Importance of Living Your Dharma 01:35:35 - Concluding Remarks and Reflections 01:38:06 - Exploring Dokusans and Deep Nature 01:41:12 - Geographical Index and Other Site Features 01:43:01 - Life Becoming Difficult

Robert E. Svoboda is the first white member of Kenya's Pokot tribe, and the first non-Indian ever to graduate from a college of Ayurveda and be licensed to practice Ayurveda in India, where he lived for more than a decade. During and after his formal Ayurvedic training he was tutored in Ayurveda, Yoga, Jyotish, Tantra, and other forms of classical Indian lore by his mentor, the Aghori Vimalananda. For a decade he was involved with thoroughbred horses as Vimalananda's Authorized Racing Agent. The author of more than a dozen books, since 1985 he divides his time between India and other lands. Website: drsvoboda.com Books: AGHORA, At the Left Hand of God (Aghora) (v. I) AGHORA II: Kundalini (Aghora) (Vol II) Aghora III: The Law of Karma The Greatness of Saturn: A Therapeutic Myth Prakriti: Your Ayurvedic Constitution Ayurveda: Life, Health, and Longevity Prakriti Vastu: Breathing Life into Space Ayurveda for Women: A Guide to Vitality and Health Tao and Dharma: Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda Interview recorded 3/29/2014 Interview transcript YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Robert Svoboda 00:06:18 - The Quest for the Soma 00:12:44 - The Appeal of Alcohol and Possession in Indian Religion 00:19:59 - Possession and Worship in India 00:25:55 - Possession and Disembodied Entities 00:31:51 - The Story of the Billiken 00:37:31 - Growing Up in Different Cultures 00:43:17 - The Battle of Positive and Negative Forces 00:49:37 - Potential Pathological and Bizarre Results of the Singularity and Transcendence 00:55:28 - The Concept of Her-ness and Femininity in Kundalini 01:02:14 - The Complexity of Human Organisms 01:08:11 - The Nature of Shakti and its Search for Supreme Reality 01:14:52 - The Supreme External and Internal 01:21:01 - The Meaning of Moksha and Enlightenment 01:27:30 - The Creation of Chakras 01:33:27 - Puberty and the Purpose of Reproduction 01:39:03 - The Role of Sexual Energy in Spiritual Awakening 01:44:36 - Humans as servants to other species 01:50:15 - Higher intelligence in other species 01:55:56 - Unleashing Kundalini and the Journey of Self-Discovery 02:01:42 - The Transformative Power of Kundalini and LSD 02:08:22 - The Awakening of the Prana Kundalini 02:13:45 - The Three Levels of Kundalini Energy 02:19:08 - The Price of Ignorance 02:24:21 - The beginning of the spiritual journey 02:30:18 - Surviving Difficulties and the Need for External Guidance 02:35:26 - The Guru and the Student's Dharma 02:41:04 - The Complexity of Historical Figures and Issues 02:46:25 - Materialism vs Consciousness 02:52:01 - Smiling on the Battlefield 02:57:17 - Join Our Mailing List Save

My family moved to Canada from Finland when I was five. I clearly remember an experience that started developing from this time, where I could see an unmoving sphere, or bubble, of comfortable light, or consciousness, that surrounded my body. If I moved my hand outside this safety net it looked somehow darker and I would draw it back to safety. In this space, I always felt that I could do no wrong since I was just flowing along without making any effort. As I grew older this experience expanded and remained abstract for many years. I, of course, thought nothing of it, even though it was obviously a very basic aspect of my existence. When I was about eight or nine years old, I started experiencing what can only be described as a mixture of intense energy and overwhelming happiness. Every day I would have to leave the house and run/walk around the block for several hours until it was manageable again. I would have long, grand insights that I felt completely unable to express out loud, along with apparently extended physical abilities, foresight, and streams of vision that I could not explain. The school I was attending at the time insisted that I demonstrate these physical abilities on stage; no one, including me, could understand how I could jump so high. People felt that I was in the air just a little too long for my own good. I noticed in high school that I never actually fell asleep at night and that nights and days just blended together uninterruptedly. This went on for years. When I would wake up in the morning I felt like I was falling asleep and when going to sleep at night I would seem to wake up. When I was a young adult I started Transcendental Meditation, and then my personal experience really took off. I started first intuiting—then hearing, and seeing—the subtle fabrics of the quietest levels of my own consciousness: pure abstract knowingness, from within its own nature, revealed its unified, wonderful structure of wholeness. About 30 years ago, I began to hear the hum of existence as layers of knowledge. I could see the divine heavens; I started experiencing the relationships that rendered everything experienced as one unified wholeness of multiplicity. And ultimately how, even daily life, far from being the football field of turbulent change, is nothing but the greatest expression of divine-to-Absolute-self-awareness. And yet here we all are, essentially no different from each other. Nothing much changes. My experience is that all this is true for everybody. The “sphere of consciousness” around me as a child, is still there but has expanded to include all the different layers of my awareness. Book: The Landscape of Enlightenment: With Doors and Windows to Our World Websites: harriaalto.com aaltodesign.com Other interviews 2nd BatGap Interview with Harri 3rd BatGap Interview with Harri Harri Aalto, in Panel Discussion on Refined Perception Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group. Transcript of this interview. Interview recorded 3/22/2014 Recent note from Harri: Discussion Group Invitation I've been hosting consciousness discussion groups for several years and invite you to join. Learn more on my Facebook or website. These groups uniquely blend people experiencing realized states with seekers at various stages, accelerating everyone's growth. I've observed that simply discussing these experiences creates immediate positive shifts in participants' awareness. What makes our groups effective is the multi-perspective discussions that foster rich exchanges between participants. Participant Feedback: "The discussions have gradually opened me into both a felt sense and ever-deepening understanding of the eternal oneness." —RL "I feel more awake, alive and curious... increased power and stability in my Presence." —JB "I now appreciate that self-realization is not only natural and simple, but I have had this experience for quite some time and just didn't know it." —WH "I have recognized that I am in this surrounding love all the time in various degrees of clarity." —LVT "My primary insight was that I, and many seekers, have already realized the experience of the Self without being aware of it." —ATL For more content, visit my YouTube channel. YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction and Response to First Interview 00:05:01 - The Ocean of Consciousness and its Fluctuations 00:10:00 - Recognizing Consciousness 00:15:21 - The Speech of Enlightenment 00:19:34 - Unity of Pure Consciousness and Daily Life 00:26:07 - The Mechanics of Creation and the Nature of Consciousness 00:31:58 - The Continuum of Consciousness 00:37:26 - Infinite Intelligence in Creation 00:42:54 - The Continuum of Consciousness 00:47:36 - The Illusion of Subtle Layers 00:52:46 - The search for the self 00:57:43 - The Value of Experience Within the Self 01:03:10 - The Structure of Consciousness and Pure Consciousness 01:07:16 - The Silence of Pure Consciousness 01:12:24 - The Evolution of Consciousness an