Sounds of SAND

From a SAND Community Gathering in January 2024. You can watch the full video of this Community Gathering here: scienceandnonduality.com/event/bloodlines/ As many of us grapple with feelings of disillusionment, outrage, impotence and grief at the horrendous tragedy unfolding in Gaza, we gathered as a SAND community for an intimate conversation with meital yaniv, an ex-israeli soldier / ex-zionist fighter and Sulaiman Khatib, Palestinian co-founder of Combatants for Peace. With meital and Souli reflecting on their personal journeys of loss and transformation, we uncovered ancestral legacies of trauma and coping, belonging and indoctrination, individual and collective grief, awakening, and resilience. Their dialog was facilitated by Rae Abileah, a Jewish faith leader, social change strategist, and writer. Through sharing our stories, and engaging in open and compassionate conversation, may we find collective healing. Sulaiman Khatib is the Co-Founder of Combatants for Peace. Nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize, he has been recognized internationally for his contributions to promoting peace, social justice and equality for all. In 2006, he co-founded Al-Qud’s Association for Democracy and Dialogue, a program which works with youth in order to create effective and sustainable projects focusing on the promotion of peace, democracy and civic participation in the Palestinian Territories. For the last twenty years, he has been a committed advocate for peace in the Middle East and an active member of various programs aiming to promote a peaceful solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. He is the author of In this Place Together. meital yaniv was born into a sephardic and ashkenazi lineage of in/famous war heroes and pillars for the state of israel, meital is the author of bloodlines, an epic and intimate dive into the israeli apartheid regime from the perspective of an ex-israeli/ex-zionist soldier. In the book, meital yaniv traces their paternal family narrative from surviving the Holocaust of the second world war to migrating to Palestine and their subsequent indoctrination as zionist colonizers and defenders of the state of israel.  yaniv directs our attention to the cycles of history and how genocide not only repeats but grows monstrously in the crevices of state belonging. They see themselves as “a death laborer tending to a prayer for the liberation of the land of Palestine and the lands of our bodies.” Rae Abileah (she/her) is a Jewish faith leader, social change strategist, writer, and facilitator. For the past two decades, she has worked with nonprofits and social movements, from volunteer to executive director. Topics: 00:00 – Introduction 00:24 – Introduction with Gazan Musician, Haneen Sabbah singing Reem Banna (The Absence one) 04:16 – Introduction from Zaya and Maurizio Benazzo 06:52 – Rae Abileah Introduction 12:12 – Sulaiman Khatib 17:32 – Sulaiman’s Time in Jail 33:18 – meital yaniv’s Story 48:16 – Healing the Land Through Ancestors SAND's Helpful Resources on Israel/Palestine Support the mission of SAND the production of this podcast by becoming a SAND Member

Vuyi Qubeka is a seer, artist, multidimensional storyteller, & a transformative healing practitioner whose work is anchored by the wisdoms of indigenous knowledge systems and unconditional love. Vuyi considers herself a SoulSongSage and creates a container for individuals to remember the song of their soul through identifying the blockages keeping them from expressing their true nature by re-patterning childhood conditioning and trauma. Vuyi weaves together sound, ceremony, movement, visual art, and prose to conjure memory, activate healing and inspire truth seekers, creatives & pioneering leaders from all walks of life. Her work explores both feminine wisdom & the Mother Mind while confronting individual, familial & collective traumas, with a focus on sexual trauma, for our shared restoration. Vuyi offers one-on-one soul healing sessions, storytelling & speaking immersions, rites of passage ceremonies, retreat facilitation, workshops and explorative collaborations. Vuyi's long term intention is to create a rehabilitation oasis for child trafficking survivors, a home within nature where small people can restore their innocence, joy, dignity and reclaim their essence.   Website: www.vuyiqubeka.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/vuyiqubeka/ Email: [email protected] Topics: 00:00:00 – Introduction00:11:54 – Shamanism00:17:39 – Ancestors00:20:52 – Healing with Sound00:22:11 – Connection with Nature00:24:46 – The Authentic Self00:30:14 – South Africa and Gaza00:34:14 – Vuyi’s Message to Gaza00:39:39 – ”Don’t Die with Your Music Still Inside You”00:42:21 – TED Talk Excerpt00:50:44 – We Are the Song00:53:42 – ”Ancient Dreams” (AxisZulu Natural Mix) by Vuyi Qubeka01:01:16 – Coming Up for Vuyi01:13:12 – ”Moon Chant” by Vuyi Qubeka Support SAND by Becoming a Member

Join us for a conversation with Edward Frenkel, mathematician, Berkeley professor and author of the international bestseller Love and Math, as we explore the nature of reality and the fallacy of the naive ideas of determinism and computationalism. Drawing on the landmark achievements of modern mathematics and quantum physics, Frenkel makes the case that consciousness is not computational, that intuition and imagination cannot be captured by algorithms. A regular presenter at the SAND conferences, Frenkel has long argued that the debate about the capabilities and dangers of artificial intelligence can be traced to the question “Who am I?” Hence it creates an opportunity for us to go deeper on the path of self-inquiry. To facilitate this process, it is essential to let go of the misconceptions of the science of the 19th century and to update our worldview with the paradigms of the science of the 21st century. A mind-expanding dialogue about the Infinite nature of consciousness, limits of knowledge, and the alchemy of transformation. Edward Frenkel is a professor of mathematics at University of California, Berkeley, member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and winner of the Weyl Prize in Mathematical Physics. He is the author of the international bestseller Love and Math which has been published in 19 languages.   Links Website YouTube Edward’s SAND 2014 Talk Edward’s SAND 2015 talk Brian Grene’s interview quoted in this conversation Robert Sapolsky’s interview Jerome Feldman’s article about the incompleteness of current theories of neural computation Edward’s article “AI Safety: A First-Person Perspective“   Topics: 00:00:00 – Introduction 00:04:36 – Journey to Mathematics 00:11:06 – Pythagoras 00:17:15 – Going Against Dogma 00:19:15 – First-Person Perspective 00:22:12 – Dogmas in Modern Science 00:36:47 – Kurt Gödel 00:40:58 – Agency and Free Will 00:58:20 – On AI 01:07:44 – Brain and Consciousness (with Peter Russell)

Without form, without figure, without resemblance am I; Vitality of all senses, in everything I am; Neither attached, nor released am I; I am Consciousness, I am Bliss, I am Shiva, I am Shiva. —Adi Shankara, Nirvana Shatakam, Hymns 3–6   Timothy Owen Desmond, aka Tod, is a philosopher and author. He majored in Philosophy and Political Science at Boston College University. Dedicated to a life of study, his unconventional path led to a Ph.D. in Philosophy and Religion from CIIS. Desmond explores the intersections of holographic string theory and Jungian psychology, detailed in his 2018 book, Psyche and Singularity. In 2023, he launched an online course, "Immortality and the Unreality of Death," integrating insights from Joseph Campbell and Ernest Becker. Tod’s Course: Immortality and the Unreality of Death: A Hero’s Journey Through Philosophy, Psychology, and Physics Takeaways: The intersection of Jungian psychology, physics, and string theory offers a comprehensive understanding of the nature of reality. Near-death experiences and mystical experiences provide insights into the ultimate nature of existence. Plato's cave allegory and archetypes reveal the shadowy nature of the material world and the existence of higher forms. String theory and the holographic principle suggest that the universe is an inside-out black hole, and information is recorded on a two-dimensional surface. The concept of psyche as a singularity implies that each individual is a point of infinite density and contains the entire universe within. Exploring these ideas can lead to a deeper understanding of reality and the nature of consciousness. Understanding the eternal nature of the soul can help address the fear of death. Belief in God and performing heroically for God is important for the development of the human psyche. The journey towards singularity involves a ladder of understanding that leads to a belief in the ultimate idea of the good. Future explorations in physics, philosophy, and artificial intelligence can further deepen our understanding of the psyche and singularity. Topics: 0:00 – Introduction 5:50 – Jung’s Near-Death Experience 16:08 – Nondual Experiences: Dissolving Separateness 20:20 – Jungian Archetypes 23:46 – Platonic Philosophies 28:04 – Why there are seashells in the mountains? 33:30 – String Theory & Black Holes 43:16 – Infinity, Emptiness & Form 50:38 – Exploring the “why” of all of this? 🕉️ Support the production of the Sounds of SAND podcast by becoming a SAND Member ❤️

While Attachment Theory has offered many valuable insights, its foundations reflect certain limiting assumptions. Originally formulated based on white, Western nuclear family structures, Attachment Theory is rooted in White cis-het settler-colonizer patriarchal paradigms that hyper-emphasise dyadic relationships within a nuclear family. Yet we humans participate in relationships far beyond just our early caretakers. Many of us feel profound connections across generations – to ancestors, spiritual traditions, and cultural lineages. We also bond deeply with the living world around us, from animals and plants to rivers and forests. And in today’s complex global society, our close relational circles extend to friends, chosen families, and communities near and far. When we experience trauma, secure attachment with a handful of early caregivers alone cannot suffice to heal our deep relational wounds. We need a more expansive vision – one that engages the full web of relationships anchoring our lives. The connections we share run far deeper than any one theory can capture. What would it mean to reconceptualize secure attachment more holistically? How might embracing the relational richness of our multi-layered lives help transform isolation into belonging? These are some of the questions we will explore with Linda Thai, mental health clinician, storyteller, and educator. Topics: 00:00 – Introduction 01:20 – Orienting 07:45 – Linda's Journey 15:50 – Attachment Theory 22:00 – Grief 31:21 – Song at the Heart of Healing 47:40 – Ancestry

"If we knew how important it is to listen, to listen to our hearts, to listen to our loved ones, to birds, to animals… it’s the ability to listen that reconnects us to the all, the great spirit”—Katie Gray   Katie Gray is an author, singer, counselor, and elder caregiver devoted to helping people connect with feeling, presence and Self awareness. Inspired and compelled by her own self-recovery from a 17 year addiction to food and bulimia, Katie utilizes the gift of her voice and wisdom to help others unravel from shame, insecurity and suffering. Her work, The Empowered Heart, is a methodological approach that helps assist people through the process of identifying and healing emotional wounds and is the basis of understanding that infuses her work as an author, counselor, and facilitator.   Her new book is The Empowered Heart Guidebook   Topics: 00:00 – Introduction 03:08 – Connecting with SAND 07:03 – Listening 10:54 – Path to the Empowered Heart Guidebook 16:40 – Writing Process 19:34 – Circular Map 26:24 – The Rhythm of the Path 32:24 – Rushing Towards Solutions 40:20 – Remembering The Heart 48:38 – Healing in Community 53:22 – Empowered   Support the production of the Sounds of SAND podcast by becoming a SAND Member    

Join SAND co-founders Zaya and Maurizio Benazzo in conversation with Aboriginal elders and authors Uncle Paul Callaghan and Uncle Paul Gordon for a colorful community conversation, “On the Dreaming Path,” where we’ll explore some of the profound teachings shared in their latest book.   "Uncle" Paul Callaghan is an award-winning author and accomplished speaker. He has qualifications in a very diverse range of disciplines and a PhD in creative practice. He is also an Aboriginal story teller from the land of the Worimi people who has spent many years “out bush” listening and learning. He has life experience in many industries, Aboriginal culture and heritage and Aboriginal community services.   "Uncle" Paul Gordon is a Ngemba man. Born in Brewarrina, he grew up on the Barwon River in Northwestern New South Wales, Australia. Since 1983 he has spent most of his time with the Old Men learning about country and lore. Uncle Paul has dedicated his life to teaching and working with communities throughout Australia to support learning through lore and culture. For the past 15 years, he has been leading camps and workshops for Indigenous and non-Indigenous people to reconnect to culture. As a traditional knowledge holder and custodian of Aboriginal lore, he continues to share as part of his obligation to thousands of years of Aboriginal culture.   The underpinning foundation of the book is his journey through depression and the role Aboriginal culture, spirituality and philosophy had in not only enabling him to recover, but also empowering him to live life by his truth rather than everybody else’s expectations. The book has a number of exercises and models based on his experience aimed at assisting people from all walks of life to build the courage and skills to live a life of purpose, choice and wellbeing. You will find it is a combination of styles including textbook, self help, Aboriginal history, Aboriginal philosophy, Aboriginal spirituality and an autobiography of his journey through depression.   The Dreaming Path: Indigenous Thinking to Change Your Life Topics: 0:00 – Introduction 4:33 – Dreamtime 13:00 – Aboriginal Lore 20:26 – A Dreamtime Story 32:16 – Importance of Relationality 41:26 – 2023 Australian Indigenous Voice Referendum  

Welcome to the Sounds of SAND podcast and our final episode of the year. Today we present an Anthology episode culling poetry, song, talks and conversations from this podcast as well as Science and Nonduality conferences and events from the past decade. As the world around us quiets down and a blanket of stillness descends, we find ourselves at the heart of an ancient cultural and spiritual celebration – the winter solstice. People through out time have revered this moment of deep winter for its mystical powers of regrowth, healing, and hope that it’s always darkest before the light returns. Indeed many ancient civilizations noticed that the days were getting longer in the days just after the Winter Solstice. They celebrated the coming of longer days, the return of the sun in ancient Greece and Rome, Pagan religions and even the birth of Jesus in the Christian Religion all occurring in late December. These days with the polycrises of environmental collapse, cultural fragmentation, economic inequality and the brutal violence of wars in places like Gaza, Ukraine, and Sudan we are all entangled in the dark blanket of shared grief. We’ll hear from SAND speakers like Maya Luna, Lama Rod Owens, Gabor Mate, Adyashanti, Mirabai Star, and Michael Meade who touch into themes of the dark night of the soul, silence, and a prayer for light to return to our collective consciousness. You can find the full list of speakers with timestamps in the Topics section.  Please join us and settling in as we take a sonic journey as the season of silence is upon us. If you’re listening in the Southern part of the world, where the long days of summer are now expanding, I hope this episode finds you when deep winter arrives in June. Thank you for listening and being the shared light of awareness. Join SAND to support the mission and production of this podcast: TOPICS:  00:00:00 – Introduction 00:04:44 – Joan Tollifson 00:09:42 – Pamela Wilson 00:16:48 – Adyashanti & Gabor Maté 00:24:48 – Lama Rod Owens 00:26:30 – Vera de Chalambert 00:38:58 – Fred LaMotte 00:47:32 – Mirabai Starr 00:58:50 – Maya Luna 01:04:36 – Amoda Maa 01:24:06 – Michael Meade

A live recording from a recent SAND Community Gathers (Sept. 2023) hosted by Zaya and Maurizio Benazzo (co-founders of SAND). Along with their guest, Francis Weller, they explore themes of emptiness, individualism, self-help, separation, religion, belonging, relationality, and Francis's deep work with grief. Francis Weller, MFT, is a psychotherapist, writer and soul activist. He is a master of synthesizing diverse streams of thought from psychology, anthropology, mythology, alchemy, indigenous cultures and poetic traditions. Author of The Wild Edge of Sorrow: Rituals of Renewal and the Sacred Work of Grief; The Threshold Between Loss and Revelation, (with Rashani Réa) and In the Absence of the Ordinary: Essays in a Time of Uncertainty, he has introduced the healing work of ritual to thousands of people. He founded and directs WisdomBridge, an organization that offers educational programs that seek to integrate the wisdom from indigenous cultures with the insights and knowledge gathered from western poetic, psychological and spiritual traditions. Support the Sounds of SAND Podcast by becoming a SAND Member Episode Topics: 0:00 – Introduction 4:00 – Emptiness & Individualism 9:00 – Religion & The Original Trauma 13:43 – Self-help & Separateness 18:22 – Belonging 23:46 – Grief & Emptiness 28:57 – Rationality vs. Relationship 34:32 – Joy & Grief 44:20 – Buddhism & Emptiness 46:48 – Guided Meditation from Francis

Peter Russell is on the faculty of the Institute of Noetic Sciences, a fellow of The World Business Academy and The Findhorn Foundation, and an Honorary Member of The Club of Budapest, and President of Science and NonDuality. In 1982 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. Peter Russell Interviews his AI Clone Peter’s new book, Forgiving Humanity: How the Most Innovative Species Became the Most Dangerous Peter’s Course on SAND, Enjoying Meditation Topics: 00:00 – Introduction 03:23 – Peter’s AI Clone 08:56 – The Black Box 10:21 – Non-linearity 11:17 – The Global Brain 13:18 – Usefulness of GPTs 15:52 – Forms of Intelligence 17:38 – The Unexpected 29:00 – AI & Consciousness 31:32 – Digital Reality and Consciousness 35:42 – Importance for Society 50:48 – AI and Inequality 53:57 – A Digital Dark Age? 01:01:12 – The Future of AI

SAND co-founders Zaya and Maurizio Benazzo join Euphrasia “Efu” Nyaki for a community conversation on holistic healing from trauma. Efu has developed a method that integrates ancestral wisdom from her Snail Clan in Tanzania, somatic therapy, and family constellations. Her approach helps resolve PTSD, depression, addiction, chronic illness, and more by releasing trauma at the physical, emotional, and spiritual levels. Euphrasia (Efu) Nyaki was born and raised on the slopes of mountain Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, where she gained the essence and vital healing energy from her ancestors. The strength of her ancestors lead her to earn a Bachelor of Science degree, train as a science teacher, and later to train as a healer using holistic methods. Efu enjoys helping others and for this reason joined an International Catholic Missionary community called Maryknoll sisters of Saint Dominick. Having arrived in Brazil as a missionary in 1993, Efu worked for 5 years with women who suffered from violence using mental health programs in the periphery of the city of João Pessoa, Brazil. In the year 2000 she co- founded two NGOs, and in the past 20 years, Efu has offered bodyworker and herbal medicine trainings for community leaders. For the past 10 years Efu has been teaching Family Constellation (trans-generational trauma healing) and Somatic Experiencing® (SE™) for trauma resolution in Brazil and other parts of the world. Efu was also asked by Dr. Peter A Levine, the developer of SE™, to join his Legacy Faculty to assist him and teach his Master Classes. Efu’s new book: Healing Trauma through Family Constellations and Somatic Experiencing: Ancestral Wisdom from the Snail Clan of Tanzania (Sacred Planet) Support the Sounds of SAND Podcast by becoming a SAND Member

Without either diploma or culture, Éric Baret has no special competence. Touched by the non-dual tradition through Jean Klein's teaching, he suggests that one turn towards listening, free of any notion of gain. Nothing taught, no teacher. Meetings for the joy of being nothing. Let the Moon Be Free: Conversations on Conversations on Kashmiri Tantra Articles and writings from Éric on SAND’s Website Topics: 0:00 – Introduction 3:26 – Lineage 5:18 – Jean Klein 11:53 – Guru / Student Relationship 23:46 – Arc of Awakening 29:56 – Sleep 38:38 – Dream Consciousness 42:56 – Body 50:44 – Listening 57:33 – Let the Moon Be Free Episode Transcript

No statement, no words can speak to the immense human suffering, the devastation and the horrendous humanitarian crisis intensifying in the Middle East. The current tragedy is awakening existential fear, acute grief and deep despair. Unspeakable atrocities have left many in a state of deep shock and in need of support. Gabor Maté, M.D. is a renowned speaker, and bestselling author who is is highly sought after for his expertise on a range of topics including addiction, stress and childhood development. Rather than offering quick-fix solutions to these complex issues, Dr. Maté weaves together scientific research, case histories, and his own insights and experience to present a broad perspective that enlightens and empowers people to promote their own healing and that of those around them. Roots Run Deep Resources for Palestine / Israel Full Video Recording of this Episode Part two of this Roots Run Deep series live online with Dr. Gabor Maté, Dec 15, 9am PT

In this live SAND Community Gathering SAND co-founders Zaya and Maurizio Benazzo discuss Thomas’ new book Attuned: Practicing Interdependence to Heal Our Trauma. Thomas Hübl is a renowned teacher, author, and international facilitator whose lifelong work integrates the core insights of the great wisdom traditions and mysticism with the discoveries of science. Since the early 2000s, he has been leading large-scale events and courses that focus on the healing and integration of trauma, with a special focus on the shared history of Israelis and Germans. Over the last decade, he has facilitated dialogue with thousands of people around healing the collective traumas of racism, oppression, colonialism, genocides in the U.S., Israel, Germany, Spain, and Argentina. Learn more about Thomas’ new book is Attuned: Practicing Interdependence to Heal Our Trauma—and Our World.

Zaya and Maurizio Benazzo host this captivating conversation into divine and personal love with two modern-day mystics, held dear by SAND. Love, a powerful catalyst for transformation on the spiritual path, resonates at the core of our being. Through this dialogue, we will transcend the limitations of a narrow, individualized perception of love, immersing ourselves in the boundless realm of our true nature—a universal expression of pure love. Episcopal priest, writer, and internationally known retreat leader, Cynthia Bourgeault divides her time between solitude at her coastal home in Maine and a demanding schedule traveling globally to teach and spread the recovery of the Christian contemplative path. She is the founding Director of both The Contemplative Society and the Aspen Wisdom School. Hameed Ali (A. H. Almaas), Founder of the Diamond Approach, was born in the Middle East, but at age 18 he moved to the USA to study at the University of California in Berkeley. Hameed was working on his Ph.D. in physics, where he was studying Einstein’s theory of general relativity and nuclear physics, when he reached a turning point in his life and destiny that led him more and more into inquiring into the psychological and spiritual aspects of human nature. Hameed is the founder of the Diamond Approach®—a spiritual teaching that utilizes a unique kind of inquiry into realization.

Dr. Angel Acosta works to bridge the fields of leadership, social justice & mindfulness. He completed his Ed.D. in the Curriculum and Teaching Department at Teachers College, Columbia University. His research explored healing-centered education as a promising framework for educational leadership development and community care.  Angel is the director of the Wounded Healer Project. This portrait series captures the profiles of nine educators, community leaders and practitioners, all of whom have dedicated their lives to — in some shape or form — creating spaces for others to thrive, flourish and heal. Topics: 0:00 – Introduction 2:40 – Angel’s Background 10:54 – Spiritual Bypassing 17:06 – The Nuances of Race 21:42 – Wounded Healers 34:38 – The Power of the Voice 39:30 – A Unique Focus on the Teacher 44:41 – Reaction to the Wounded Healer Project 47:16 – Understanding “Systemic” 51:28 – What’s Coming Up for Angel

Mauro Zappaterra obtained his MD and PhD degrees from Harvard Medical School. He completed his PhD doing work with neuronal stem cells and the effects of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in brain development and in the adult. He is published in numerous scientific articles on the CSF and his work was chosen as the cover image for the prestigious Neuron Journal.  He was also featured in the New England Journal of Medicine in teaching medical students about living with life threatening diseases and in Psychology Today on an article titled “Joy: The art of loving life.” You can view the video version of this talk on SAND’s website: An upcoming course with Mauro presented by SAND: The Wisdom of Pain: an online course live with Mauro Zappaterra. In this course we will: Explore the definition of pain, and the difference between pain and nociception. Apply this understanding to developing strategies to better cope with chronic pain. Examine the difference between acute pain and chronic pain, the importance of acute pain for survival, and the phenomenon of chronic pain. Discuss phantom limb pain and complex regional pain syndrome. Survey the evolution of treatment strategies that help people live more fully with these types of pain. Mauro Zappaterra’s website: HoldingSpace.com Episode Topics: 0:00 – Introduction 4:36 – Meeting Mauro 9:14 – Connection to the Source 15:46 – Third Ventricle 18:18 – Where does this fluid come from? 22:22 – Our Ancestral CSF in the Sea 25:58 – Cleaning the Brain 32:06 – Water and Veda Austin 33:24 – De. Deep and NADI 38:38 – Movement and Light 43:34 – Breathwork and DMT 51:51 – Yogananda 53:14 – CSF and Energy

Rune Hjarnø Rasmussen is a Historian of Religion, Ph.d from Uppsala University in Sweden. His research into Afro-diasporic strategies for maintaining animist reality in the modern world has lead him towards reading North European cultural history from the perspective of rejected animist knowledge and practice. The objective is to recover Euro-traditioanl forms of landconnectedness ecological knowledge and kinship with the greater community of beings. Rune has lived in a number of countries in Europe, Africa North- and South America and presently runs the platform “Nordic Animism”. Links: Nordic Animism YouTube Instagram Topics: 0:00 – Introduction 2:39 – Christianity and Animism 5:13 – Heart of Nordic Animism 10:05 – Decolonization 12:39 – Animism in Academia 14:44 – Universal Animism 17:50 – Bio-ancestry 23:18 – Animism as a Spiritual Practice 41:50 – Animism and Societal Problems 48:00 – Animism and Trauma 55:24 – Getting Started with Animism

Recorded live at a Science and Nonduality Community Conversation hosted by Zaya and Maurizio Benazzo on July 12, 2023.Tyson Yunkaporta is an academic, an arts critic, and a researcher who is a member of the Apalech Clan in far north Queensland. He carves traditional tools and weapons and also works as a senior lecturer in Indigenous Knowledge at Deakin University in Melbourne. He lives in Melbourne, Australia. Topics: 0:00 – Introduction 4:54 – Walking in Two Worlds 13:07 – Identity 20:57 – Logical Fallacies 28:04 – Nonduality 33:59 – Lineage Based Identity

Judith Blackstone, Ph.D., is a psychotherapist and innovative teacher in contemporary spirituality. She developed the Realization Process®, an embodied approach to personal and relational healing and nondual realization. She is the author of Trauma and the Unbound Body, Belonging Here, The Intimate Life, The Enlightenment Process, and The Empathic Ground. For more, see realizationprocess.org. The Fullness of the Ground is a guide to embodied nondual realization and its profound effect on our senses, our ability to love, our experience of our own authentic existence, and our connection with other living beings. It distills Dr. Judith Blackstone’s decades of teaching into the essentials of the nondual spiritual path. Topics: 0:00 – Introduction 2:11 – Spiritual Path 7:16 – Grounded or Groundless? 12:06 – Realization Process 18:16 – Ancestors and Collective Trauma 23:02 – Attunement Practice 29:22 – Balancing and Striving 30:42 – Gradual vs. Direct Path 31:54 – Illusion of Separateness 34:06 – Upcoming Events 35:15 – Nondual Realization 36:52 – Guided Meditation Mentioned in the episode – #48 Ancestral Healing: Daniel Foor

Today on the podcast, we welcome two special guests, Science and Nonduality co-founders Zaya and Maurizio Benazzo. Zaya and Maurizio are both filmmakers and activists. They merged their lifelong passions for science and mysticism when they met in 2007, and their first project together was filming the documentary Rays of the Absolute on the life and teachings of Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj. This project sparked their next level of creation and collaboration: SAND, a global community inspired by timeless wisdom traditions, informed by modern science, and grounded in direct experience. In 2021 they released the acclaimed documentary The Wisdom of Trauma featuring Dr. Gabor Maté. And for the past year they have been traveling the globe working on their next documentary about indigenous cultures, resilience, and an expansion of what is meant by Nonduality and Science, all today on the Sounds of SAND Podcast. Topics: 0:00 – Introduction 3:09 – The Wisdom of Trauma 11:16 – Exploring at the Edge 14:34 – Genesis of the Next Film 19:06 – Expansion of Nonduality 22:04 – New Paradigms of Healing 25:54 – Expansion of Science 30:24 – Transformations 34:50 – Learning to Listen 44:28 – The Tree and the Whale 56:30 – What’s Next with the Film?

We wanted to create this episode highlighting some shimmering jewels from the first 50 episodes of the podcast. We know that getting into a podcast can be daunting when there are dozens of episodes to choose from. So we wanted to distill some of the varied guests from our previous episodes with some clips from the show. Consider becoming a member of SAND to support the production costs of this podcast. Thank you for listening and sharing the show. Guest Clips 3:18 – Peter Russell from #8 Evolving with Consciousness 7:04 – Monica Gagliano from #23 The Songs of Gaia 12:18 – Donald Hoffman and Rupert Spira from #38 Weaving the Eternal Golden Braid 21:00 – Gabor Maté and Resma Menaken from #24 Somatic Abolitionism 26:42 – Eriel Tchekwie Deranger from #14 Healing Relationships in Community and Ourselves 29:00 – Neil Theise from #34 Conversations on Complexity 33:40 – Joan Tollifson from #30 Here. Now. Being. 37:10 – Bayo Akomolafe and Sophie Strand from #6 New Gods at the End of the World 41:54 – Parvathy Baul from #47 What Shines

Mauro Bergonzi taught ‘Indian Religion and Philosophy’ from 1985 to 2017 at the University of Naples “L’Orientale”. About twenty years ago  - after 25 years of meditative practices -  a spontaneous fading out of his spiritual seeking just happened unexpectedly and only a radical non-dualism prevailed. From then on, he has been invited to hold regular meetings of ‘sharing of being’ (satsang). A survey of Mauro's non-dual communication is available in his book Il sorriso segreto dell’essere (Mondadori) and in his website.E-mail: [email protected] Some video talks from Mauro’s Appearances at SAND Italy: The Bottomless Pit Behind the Word "Consciousness" The Utter Simplicity of What Is Rays of the Absolute a film by SAND Topics 00:00:00 – Introduction 00:12:41 – The Story of Mauro 00:34:15 – Types of Awakening 00:47:20 – Vastness and Meeting Nisargadatta Maharaj 00:58:08 – Accessing the Felt Sense of Emptiness 01:09:55 – Awareness of Awareness 01:16:47 – The feeling of “I Am”

Dr. Daniel Foor is a ritualist and educator focused on helping others to reclaim their innate capacity to relate with their ancestors and with the greater web of other-than-human kin. He is the author of Ancestral Medicine: Rituals for Personal and Family Healing and an internationally respected teacher of ancestor reverence and ritual. Since 2004 Daniel has guided over one hundred multi-day ancestor-focused healing rituals in eight countries, reached thousands of participants through personal sessions and online courses, and mentored over 150 practitioners to facilitate the work of ancestral healing. Topics: 00:00:00 – Introduction 00:02:41 – Daniel’s Lineage and Ancestry 00:05:03 – Genesis of Ancestral Medicine 00:07:42 – Ancestor Work Along the Spiritual Path 00:11:36 – Trauma and Ancestors 00:18:00 – Animism 00:24:36 –  Descendants, Ancestors, and Captain Kirk 00:26:10 – How to Begin Ancestor Work 00:35:25 – Special and Not-so-special Ancestors 00:40:58 – The Role of Ritual 00:44:12 – Ancestor Work and Children 00:48:34 – Ancestors Living Through Us and Addictions 00:54:04 – Expanding Ancestry 01:00:33 – Epigenentics 01:05:14 – Connecting to Our Ancestral Lands 01:09:50 – How to Connect

Parvathy Baul is a practitioner, performer and teacher of the Baul tradition from Bengal, India. She studied closely with two of the most respected Baul Gurus of the previous generation, Sri Sanatan Das Thakur Baul and Sri Shashanko Goshai. ​According to her Guru's vision, Parvathy Maa has created Sanatan Siddhashram - as a place of learning, practicing and preserving the oral history of the Baul tradition. The poetry of Chandidas Song of the Great Soul by Parvathy Baul Topics: 00:00 – Introduction 02:27 – The Poet Chandidas 19:50 – Vibrational Transmissions 21:58 – Instruments of the Baul 30:02 – Surrender and Devotion 37:46 – Lineage of Baul Music 46:04 – Sacred Music in a Concert Setting 54:50 – One of Parvathy’s First Songs

Marlon Barrios Solano is an internationally recognized interdisciplinary artist and researcher specializing in software engineering, generative AI, dance improvisation, and mindfulness. His diverse work, ranging from AI-driven apps to digital therapeutics, manifests in web applications, interactive installations, multimedia performances, education, and consulting. His notable work with Sati-AI demonstrates the innovative integration of AI in mindfulness practices. Marlon lends his expertise to a variety of domains, guiding both individuals and organizations in leveraging AI technology. He is a researcher in residency at Lake Studios Berlin and Wisdom Labs (San Francisco), and has held research residencies and fellowships in Germany, Amsterdam, Switzerland, and the UK. He holds an MFA from The Ohio State University and graduated from the General Assembly Software Engineering Program in 2021. A Kernel Fellow Block5 2022, he also teaches Vipassana meditation to artists and technologists. His previous positions include a research associate role at the Inter-University of Dance/University of The Arts in Berlin from 2012-2016. A certified Vipassana/Mindfulness Meditation Teacher from Spirit Rock Meditation Center and lived at Insight meditation Society in Barre, MA from 20016 to 20121. Marlon continues to study and practice under Stephen Batchelor and is an Embodyoga® 200 Hour Certified Teacher. He has taught and developed projects worldwide. He is a fellow for the Mind and Life EUROPEAN SUMMER RESEARCH INSTITUTE (ESRI) 2023. Marlon’s Linktree Sati-AI Article on Sati-AI in Lion’s Roar Topics: 00:00 – Introduction 03:58 – Meditation Background 07:52 – Dance and Meditation 13:34 – The Importance of Practice 17:06 – The Sacred 25:40 – ”Mind-full-ness” and Practice 32:34 – Remembering to Remember 36:42 – Sati-AI 50:07 – Large Language Models 54:04 – AI and Art 57:48 – Dangers of AI 64:56 – Conclusions Special thanks to Lake Studios Berlin for hosting us and the equipment to record this conversation.

Two recent appearances of Sophie Strand at SAND. One was her Community Conversation with Zaya and Maurizio Benazzo the second a story she read called “Healing: A Ghost Story” with Bayo Akomolafe. Sophie’s course The Body is a Doorway at SAND Sophie Strand is a writer based in the Hudson Valley who focuses on the intersection of spirituality, storytelling, and ecology. But it would probably be more authentic to call her a neo-troubadour animist with a propensity to spin yarns that inevitably turn into love stories. Give her a salamander and a stone and she’ll write you a love story. Sophie was raised by house cats, puff balls, possums, raccoons, and an opinionated, crippled goose. In every neighborhood she’s ever lived in she has been known as “the walker”. She believes strongly that all thinking happens interstitially – between beings, ideas, differences, mythical gradients. Her first book of essays The Flowering Wand: Lunar Kings, Lichenized Lovers, Transpecies Magicians, and Rhizomatic Harpists Heal the Masculine is available now from Inner Traditions. Her eco-feminist historical fiction reimagining of the gospels The Madonna Secret will also be published by Inner Traditions. Her books of poetry include Love Song to a Blue God (Oread Press) and Those Other Flowers to Come (Dancing Girl Press) and The Approach (The Swan). Her poems and essays have been published by Art PAPERS, The Dark Mountain Project, Poetry.org, Unearthed, Braided Way, Creatrix, Your Impossible Voice, The Doris, Persephone’s Daughters, and Entropy. She has recently finished a work of historical fiction, The Madonna Secret, that offers an eco-feminist revision of the gospels.  She is currently researching her next epic, a mythopoetic exploration of ecology and queerness in the medieval legend of Tristan and Isolde. Follow her on Facebook or on Instagram @cosmogyny. sophiestrand.com Topics: 0:00 – Introduction 4:30 – We Must Risk New Shapes 14:24 – Disability and Sickness 26:50 – Collective Story Telling and Trance 39:16 – A Rescue Promise 44:20 – Healing: A Ghost Story

Martin Gray is a seasoned explorer, photographer and travel writer renowned for his profound insights into pilgrimage to sacred sites around the world. He created the World Pilgrimage Guide website in 1996, which has received more than 100 million visitors and shares lists of places, writings and photos of sacred sites in over 160 countries around the planet. In 2004 National Geographic published “The Geography of Religion” of his photos. In 2007 Sterling published Sacred Earth, a collection of 200 of photographs.  Sacred Sites / World Pilgrimage Guide Shortcut to Nirvana by Maurizio Benazzo and Nick Day Topics: 0:00 –  Introduction 2:52 – Background and interest in sacred sites 7:26 – Energetic experiences 15:30 – Pilgrimages 17:18 – Power places 24:42 – Map of sacred sites 29:54 – Tips for Western travelers at sacred sites 35:28 – Cumulative energy of sacred sites 37:24 – Sound at sacred sites 41:55 – Schewedegon pagoda soundscape 51:08 – Shortcut to nirvana 54:40 – Martin’s most personal sacred sacred sites

The full title of today’s episode is: “They thought they buried me; They did not know I am a seed” In this community conversation from June 2023, SAND co-founders Zaya and Maurizio Benazzo host Bayo Akomolafe and Chief Oluwo Fayemi peeling back the layers of history and tap into the wellspring of resilience that resides within us all. Weaving Bayo's wisdom and Chief Oluwo Obafemi's ancestral knowledge, they enture into this mystical landscape, navigating the intricacies of existence, embracing the profound beauty of the unfolding journey. Bayo Akomolafe (Ph.D.), rooted with the Yoruba people in a more-than-human world, is the father to Alethea and Kyah, the grateful life-partner to Ije, son and brother. A widely celebrated international speaker, posthumanist thinker, poet, teacher, public intellectual, essayist, and author of two books, These Wilds Beyond our Fences: Letters to My Daughter on Humanity’s Search for Home (North Atlantic Books) and We Will Tell our Own Story: The Lions of Africa Speak, Bayo Akomolafe is the Founder of The Emergence Network and host of the online postactivist course, ‘We Will Dance with Mountains’. He currently lectures at Pacifica Graduate Institute, California and University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont. He sits on the Board of many organizations including Science and Non-Duality (US) and Ancient Futures (Australia). In July 2022, Dr. Akomolafe was appointed the inaugural Global Senior Fellow of University of California’s (Berkeley) Othering and Belonging Institute. He has also been appointed Senior Fellow for The New Institute in Hamburg, Germany. He is the recipient of the New Thought Leadership Award 2021 and the Excellence in Ethnocultural Psychotherapy Award by the African Mental Health Summit 2022.    Chief Oluwo Obafemi Fayemi Epega is a world-renowned Babalawo and the founder of O.I.D.S.I. (Obafemi Institute for the Divine & Universal Study of Ifa). He was initiated as a priest of Obatala in 2004, and received his Tefa in 2005. He strongly believes that the restoration and preservation of African divine sciences and traditions can restore psychological balance and personal empowerment to all people. A lecturer, teacher and healer and the author of Who is Sambo?, Baba Femi has facilitated Ifa workshops all over the world. He has been invited to share his knowledge and insight on countless radio shows, major universities and colleges. In addition to overseeing more than 400 ceremonies and rituals, Baba Femi has either directly facilitated, or served as the principal liaison for the initiations of more than 50 Ifa and Olorisha priests. With the blessings of Olodumare, his ancestors, and Ifa, this life has allowed him to fully embrace and experience that which his heart has chosen. He is proud to be an African American man, native Houstonian, descendant of slaves, priest of Ifa, teacher, author, mentor, son, a friend to many, a loving husband, and most importantly, an honorable father. We invite you to connect further with Bayo Akomolafe in an immersive recording from the SAND co-presentation Three Black Men Trauma, Ritual & the Promise of the Monstrous live in Los Angeles from June 2023 with your guides: Bayo Akomolafe, Orland Bishop, and Resmaa Menakem for nearly six hours of talks, video, and explorations.

“The past is history. The future is mystery. The present moment is a gift”— Lama Lhanang Rinpoche Today’s guest are the authors of a new book out on Sounds True, The Tibetan Book of the Dead for Beginners: A Guide to Living and Dying. In this episode we go into Tibetan Book of the Dead’s cultural significance in the West, the West’s death phobic culture, the connections to Dream Yoga, what is meant by the Bardo, the history of the Tibetan Book of the Dead, karma and rebirth, and how their new book can support the living and the dead on our lives. Venerable Lama Lhanang Rinpoche is a teacher of Vajrayana Buddhism of the Nyingma lineage of Tibetan Buddhism. Born in Tibet, he currently directs the Jigme Lingpa Center in San Diego and teaches throughout the United States and internationally. For more, visit. Mordy Levine is president of the Jigme Lingpa Center and creator of the Meditation Pro Series that has taught meditation to more than 250,000 people. For more, visit Topics: 00:00 – Introduction03:10 – Genesis of the Book06:12 – TBD in the West13:24 – Tibetean Dream Yoga22:50 – Death Phobic Culture36:26 – Present Moment Gift39:18 – Role of Hearing and Listening50:58 – Karma and Rebirth

Hosted by SAND Co-founders Zaya and Maurizio Benazzo Deran Young is a licensed therapist specializing in racial trauma and legacy burdens. She is also a Co-Author of the New York Times Best Seller, You Are Your Best Thing, a retired military officer, & founder of Black Therapists Rock. Black Therapists Rock is a non profit organization with a network of over 30,000 mental health professionals committed to reducing the psychological impact of systemic oppression and intergenerational trauma. She obtained her social work degree from University of Texas, where she studied abroad in Ghana, West Africa for two semesters creating a high school counseling center for under-resourced students. Deran has visited over 37 different countries and her clinical experience spans across four different continents. Her passion for culture and people has led her to become a highly sought after diversity and inclusion consultant working with companies like BBERG, Facebook, Linked In, and YWCA. She resides in the Washington DC area with her 10 year old son.Topics00:00 – Introduction04:12 – Deran’s Journey12:54 – Joining the Military20:42 – Ghana31:50 – Intergenerational Trauma34:28 –  Black Therapists Rock42:24 – Racialized Trauma  

Spiritual guide and author, Shakti is known internationally as one of the most authentic and profound voices in contemporary spirituality. Presenting the message of Advaita and non-dual Tantra within a contemporary framework, Shakti offers, with compassion and great clarity, an inner technology for dissolving the contraction of suffering that traditionally accompanies each of our lives. Her invitation is to come to the space of inner peace and unconditional love which resides at the heart of us all. Her key teachings are the love for transcendence, or spiritual awakening, followed by its deep integration, into everyday living, so that each moment can be met as a precious opportunity for spiritual growth. Her students are left with the joy of an open heart and an authentic sense of freedom within the recognition of our being as one with everything. Shakti's Course on SAND Dwelling in the Heart Topics: 00:00 – Introduction02:20 – Awakening to Our True Nature05:21 – Letting Go Language08:04 – Emptiness13:08 – Authenticity15:07 – Experiencing with the Heart20:26 – Staying with the Paradox of Seperation29:52 – Seeing into our Listening37:16 – Nondual Tantra40:20 – Compassion and Suffering50:45 – Coming Up for Shakti

Lyla June in this illuminating community conversation with Zaya and Maurizio Benazzo shares ways in which indigenous food systems of the past and present teach us how to relate to our inner and outer world. These highly successful systems have been proven to operate based on respect, reverence, responsibility, and reciprocity. She explores, among others topics: How can we manifest these qualities within ourselves and into the world? How can ancient wisdom help with modern ills? How does inner life reflect in outer behavior? Stick around towards the end of the episode for an original song by Lyla. Dr. Lyla June Johnston is an Indigenous public speaker, artist, scholar and community organizer of Diné (Navajo), Tsétsêhéstâhese (Cheyenne) and European lineages from Taos, New Mexico. Her messages focus on Indigenous rights, supporting youth, traditional land stewardship practices and healing inter-generational and inter-cultural trauma. She blends undergraduate studies in human ecology at Stanford University, graduate work in Native American Pedagogy at the University of New Mexico, and the indigenous worldview she grew up with to inform her perspectives and solutions. Her internationally acclaimed presentations are conveyed through the medium of poetry, music and/or speech. She is currently pursuing a doctoral degree at the University of Alaska, Fairbanks in Indigenous Studies with a focus on Indigenous Food Systems Revitalization. Topics: 00:00 – Introduction 04:02 – Outer Landscapes / Indigenous Food Systems 16:30 – Hunting and Fishing 24:40 – Water 46:40 – Bamboo 56:02 – Inner Landscapes

“For now, what is important is not finding the answer, but looking for it.”― Douglas R. Hofstadter, Gödel, Escher, Bach: An Eternal Golden Braid  Donald Hoffman is a cognitive scientist and author of more than 100 scientific papers and three books, including  Visual Intelligence: How We Create What We See  (W.W. Norton, 2000). He received his BA from UCLA in Quantitative Psychology and his Ph.D. from MIT in Computational Psychology. He joined the faculty of UC Irvine in 1983, where he is now a full professor in the departments of cognitive science, computer science and philosophy. He received a Distinguished Scientific Award of the American Psychological Association for early career research into visual perception, the Rustum Roy Award of the Chopra Foundation, and the Troland Research Award of the US National Academy of Sciences. He was chosen by students at UC Irvine to receive a campus-wide teaching award, and to be included in Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers. Hoffman studies visual perception, visual attention and consciousness using mathematical models, computer simulations, and psychological experiments. His empirical research has led to new insights into how we perceive objects, colors and motion. His theoretical research has led to a “user interface” theory of perception, which proposes that natural selection shapes our perceptions not to report truth but simply to guide adaptive behavior; this is the subject of his TED Talk entitled “ Do we see reality as it is ?” and of an article in The Atlantic entitled “ The case against reality .”  It has also led to a “ conscious realism ” theory of consciousness—which proposes a formal model of consciousness and a new solution to the mind-body problem. Rupert Spira lives in the UK and holds regular meetings and retreats in Europe and the U.S. In these meetings he explores the perennial non-dual understanding that lies at the heart of all the great religious and spiritual traditions, such as Advaita Vedanta, Kashmir Shaivism, Hinduism, Buddhism, mystical Christianity, Sufism and Zen, and which is also the direct, ever-present reality of our own experience. It is a contemporary, experiential approach involving silent meditation, guided meditation and conversation, and it requires no affiliation to any particular religious or spiritual tradition. All that is needed is an interest in the essential nature of experience, and in the longing for love, peace and happiness around which most of our lives revolve. Rupert is author of The Transparency of Things – Contemplating the Nature of Experience (2008); Presence, in two volumes: The Art of Peace and Happiness and The Intimacy of All Experience (2012); The Light of Pure Knowing – Thirty Meditations on the Essence of Non-Duality (2014); The Ashes of Love (2016); and Transparent Body, Luminous World – The Tantric Yoga of Sensation and Perception (2017). Forthcoming titles include The Nature of Consciousness – Essays on the Unity of Mind and Matter (2017) and The Essence of Meditation – Being Aware of Being Aware (2017). Topics: 00:00:00 – Introduction 00:03:30 – What’s at the Your Current Edge? 00:10:35 – Is the Mind the Right Instrument for Exploring Consciousness? 00:18:52 – Resting in the Unknown and What Is Understanding, The Ultimate Science? 00:26:44 – What Does the Ego Want? 00:37:00 – Why Does the One Let Itself Go Unconscious? 00:52:00 – What Are The Limits of Language and Thoughts to Express Consciousness? 00:56:56 – The Amplitudhedron and Beyond 01:02:00 – How Can We Perceive Outside of Spacetime? 01:16:39 – Spiritual Bypassing: Awakening and Transcending –Previous Episode with Donald Hoffman and Rupert Spira hosted by Simon Mundie: The Convergence of Science and Spirituality | Donald Hoffman & Rupert Spira 

Orland Bishop is the founder and director of ShadeTree Multicultural Foundation in Los Angeles, where he has pioneered approaches to urban truces and mentoring at-risk youth that combine new ideas with traditional ways of knowledge. ShadeTree serves as an intentional community of mentors, elders, teachers, artists, healers, and advocates for the healthy development of children and youth. Orland’s work in healing and human development is framed by an extensive study of medicine, naturopathy, psychology, and Indigenous cosmologies, primarily those of South and West Africa. Find more about the Three Black Men: A Journey Into the Magical Otherwise series with Orland Bishop, Resmaa Menakem, and Bayo Akomolafe. Purchase tickets to watch the North American live web stream and download the recording of this event Topics: 00:00 – Introduction 03:17 – Part 1, Are We a Part of the Same Reality? 05:12 – ”I Give You My Word” 10:00 – Know Thyself 13:00 – Shared Inner Freedom & Trust 16:13 – Shared States of Consciousness 23:40 – Part 2, What Gives Form to Consciousness 30:44 – Light of Consciousness 37:35 – Collective and Racialized Trauma Questions from the Group 46:10 – Where Does History Go?

Mukti’s name originates in Sanskrit and is most often translated as “liberation,” a term used in Vedanta and Buddhism much the way the term “salvation” is used in Christianity. Mukti has been the Associate Teacher of Open Gate Sangha since 2004 and has been a student of her husband, Adyashanti, since he began teaching in 1996, when they founded Open Gate Sangha together. Previously, Mukti was raised and schooled in the Catholic tradition and also studied the teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda for over 20 years—two paths that have greatly informed her journeys into meditation, introspection, and prayer. She holds a master’s degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine, a license in acupuncture, and a Hatha Yoga teaching certification. These backgrounds in body awareness and the healing arts, as well as her years of study with Adyashanti, largely inform her presentation style, her recommended inquiry methods, and her interest in the energetic unfolding of realization and embodiment. Links:Open Gate Sangha  The Energetics of Awakening Course   The Center for Humane Technology   The One of Us: Living from the Heart of Illumined Relationship (Sounds True) Topics: 00:00 – Introduction 04:41 – Energetics of Awakening 11:45 – Spiritual Bypassing / Shadow / Integration 18:08 – Evolution / Deepening of Mukti’s Teaching 21:29 – Sacredness of Attention in the Attention Economy 30:07 – Importance of Spiritual Community 33:08 – The Spiritual Path of Paradox and the Shared Field of Awareness 50:11 – Holographic Being 55:36 – The Importance of the Fundamentals of Practice 57:59 – Being in a Dharmic Romantic Relationship

Dr. Rupa Marya illuminates the hidden connections between our biological systems and the profound injustices of our political and economic systems. What is deep medicine?  How can re-establishing our relationships with the Earth and one another help us to heal? The first part of the episode is taken from a live SAND Community Conversation hosted by SAND Co-founders Zaya and Maurizio Benazzo. The book Inflamed: Deep Medicine and the Anatomy of Injustice by Rupa Marya and Raj Patel is available now. In the second part of this episode, Rupa is part of a panel hosted by Dr. Gabor Maté as part of The Wisdom of Trauma film launch 'Talks on Trauma' series. This panel discussion is called: “How Trauma Literacy Can Transform Medicine” with MDs: Pamela Wible, Will Van Derveer, Jeffrey Rediger, Dr. Gabor Maté, and Rupa Marya. You can listen to this entire panel and 32 other talks as part of The Wisdom of Trauma All Access Pass. Dr. Rupa Marya is a physician, activist, writer, mother, and a composer. She is a Professor of Medicine at the University of California, San Francisco, where she practices and teaches internal medicine. Her work sits at the nexus of climate, health and racial justice. Dr Marya founded and directs the Deep Medicine Circle, a women of color-led organization committed to healing the wounds of colonialism through food, medicine, story, restoration and learning. She is also a co-founder of the Do No Harm Coalition, a collective of health workers committed to addressing disease through structural change. Dr Marya was recognized in 2021 with the Women Leaders in Medicine Award by the American Medical Student Association. She was a reviewer of the American Medical Association's Organizational Strategic Plan to Embed Racial Justice and Advance Health Equity. Because of her work in health equity, Dr. Marya was appointed by Governor Newsom to the Healthy California for All Commission, to advance a model for universal healthcare in California. She has toured twenty-nine countries with her band, Rupa and the April Fishes, whose music was described by the legend Gil Scott-Heron as “Liberation Music.” Together with Raj Patel, she co-authored the international bestselling book Inflamed: Deep Medicine and the Anatomy of Injustice. Topics: 01:00:00 – Introduction 01:03:16 – Part 1, SAND Community Conversation 01:04:28 – Rupa’s Personal Story and Childhood 01:07:58 – Patterns in Traditional vs. Western Medicine and the Writing of ‘Inflamed’ 01:11:10 – Influence of Collective and Individual Trauma of Health 01:12:49 – Colonial Power Structures in Medicine 01:15:39 – Climate Collapse and Global Health 01:17:27 – Indigenous Wisdom of the Interconnected Web of Life 01:21:11 – How Do We Heal in a Balanced Way? 01:31:33 – Part 2, How Trauma Literacy Can Transform Medicine with Gabor Maté 01:35:59 – Pamela Wilbe Introduction 01:38:37 – Jeffery Rediger Introduction 01:41:55 – Will Van Derveer Introduction 01:46:35 – Rupa Marya Introduction 01:51:15 – Jeffrey Rediger Introduction 01:54:17 – Overcoming Incurable Diseases 02:03:45 – The Science of How Society Gets Into Our Cells 02:36:39 – Conclusions

“We are not walking through the world; we are interwoven with it. In everything we do, we participate in complexity."–Neil Theise Neil Theise is a professor of pathology at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine. Through his scientific research, he has been a pioneer of adult stem cell plasticity and the anatomy of the human interstitium. Dr. Theise’s studies in complexity theory have led to interdisciplinary collaborations in fields such as integrative medicine, consciousness studies, and science-religion dialogue. Neil’s new book, which we discuss on the episode, is Notes on Complexity The book is “An electrifying introduction to complexity theory, the science of how complex systems behave—from cells to human beings, ecosystems, the known universe, and beyond—that profoundly reframes our understanding and illuminates our interconnectedness.” Mentioned in the episode: The Source by James A. Michener Everything Only Looks Like a Thing with Neil Theise at the Science and Nonduality Conference Chaos: Making a New Science by James Gleick Introduction to John Conway’s “Game of Life” Some examples of emergent patterns in the “Game of Life” Gödel, Escher, Bach: An Eternal Golden Braid by Douglas R. Hofstadter Topics: 00:00 – Introduction 02:15 – Neil’s Scientific and Spiritual Background 08:29 – Complexity and the Merging of Science and Spirituality 15:48 – Complex vs Complicated 22:14 – Chaos, Fractals, and Emergence 29:48 – Biological Emergence 36:44 – Incompleteness Theorem, Quantum Physics, and Consciousness 47:02 – Complexity and Resiliency

Mirabai Starr is an award-winning author of creative non-fiction and contemporary translationsof sacred literature. She taught Philosophy and World Religions at the University of NewMexico-Taos for 20 years and now teaches and speaks internationally on contemplative practiceand inter-spiritual dialog. A certified bereavement counselor, Mirabai helps mourners harness the transformational power of loss. Her latest book, WILD MERCY: Living the Fierce & TenderWisdom of the Women Mystics, was named one of the “Best Books of 2019”. She lives with herextended family in the mountains of northern New Mexico. Mirabai’s Online Greif Community: Holy Lament Topics: 02:31 – Inter-spirituality Practice and Mirabai’s Path10:30 – What is Mysticism?16:23 – Nondual Spirituality: Devotion and Surrender21:33 – Tikkun Olam (“to repair of the world”) and Being with the pain in the world29:14 – St. John of the Cross and the Dark Night of the Soul38:20 – Mirabai’s Dark Night of the Soul in Losing Her Daughter Jenny41:59 – The Portal into Grief47:23 – The Importance of Grieving in Community49:44 – Mirabai’s Online Grief Community

Cornelius Boots is a woodwinding pioneer, composer and root philosopher. He is a nanotheist and elemental-nature lover. After a 30-year career of high-caliber jazz, classical, rock and experimental music activities (on multiple woodwinds with a focus on the bass clarinet), Boots has now positioned himself at the crossroads of personal expression and divine revelation, exclusively playing bamboo shakuhachi  (jinashi/hotchiku) and its baritone brother, Taimu. He is the founder of Black Earth Shakuhachi School, and composes music for The Heavy Roots Shakuhachi Ensemble, the world’s first bass shakuhachi group. (For bass clarinet and Edmund Welles-related information, go here.) In 2018, he was a World Shakuhachi Competition finalist and featured at Sony PlayStation’s E3 (LA). Also in 2018, he performed at the World Bamboo Congress (Xalapa, Mexico) and the World Shakuhachi Festival (London).  In 2019, Boots founded the Heavy Roots Shakuhachi Ensemble, debuting at SF Music Day.  In 2020, the Boots received a Musical Grant Program Award from InterMusic SF to compose four movements of Wood Prophecy, a woodwind chamber saga for the Heavy Roots.  The music video for his composition “Green Swampy Water” won Best Music Video in the Tokyo International Short Film Festival in January 2021. Cornelius is a sought-after composer, performer, and teacher. He is reshaping the landscape of modern shakuhachi performance and teaching through introducing a robust body of new compositions and a set of expressive signature techniques. Music from Today’s episode by Cornelius Boots “Black Earth” from Sacred Root: Kung Fu Flute & Buddhist Blues (Shakuhachi Unleashed Vol. III) “IV. Dark Hallow” and “V. Wood Prophecy” from Wood Prophecy    

From the SAND Archives we present a conversation between SAND co-founder Maurizio Benazzo and biologist and writer Merlin Sheldrake from SAND’s Wisdom in Times of Crisis Series (2020). In this talk they discuss Merlin’s book Entangled Life: How Fungi Make Our Worlds, Change Our Minds & Shape Our Futures. Merlin Sheldrake is a biologist, writer, and speaker with a background in plant sciences, microbiology, ecology, and the history and philosophy of science. He received a Ph.D. in tropical ecology from Cambridge University for his work on underground fungal networks in tropical forests in Panama, where he was a predoctoral research fellow of the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute. He is a research associate of the Vrije University Amsterdam, works with the Society for the Protection of Underground Networks (SPUN), and sits on the advisory board of the Fungi Foundation. Merlin’s research ranges from fungal biology, to the history of Amazonian ethnobotany, to the relationship between sound and form in resonant systems. A keen brewer and fermenter, he is fascinated by the relationships that arise between humans and more-than-human organisms. He is a musician and performs on the piano and accordion.

Joan Tollifson is a writer and lifelong explorer of what is. Her background includes Buddhism, Advaita, nontraditional meditative inquiry, radical nonduality, martial arts, somatic work, addiction recovery, political activism, visual arts, and a devotion to both boundless presence and the beauty of the ordinary. Joan has held public and private meetings as well as occasional workshops and retreats since 1996. Her bare-bones approach is open, direct, down-to-earth, and rooted in the ever-fresh aliveness here and now. She encourages people to question the stories, beliefs and misunderstandings that create so much of our human suffering and confusion, especially our tendency to mistake conceptual maps for the living actuality. Rather than relying on outside authorities, traditional ideas, acquired knowledge or beliefs, this is about the immediacy of present experiencing, just as it is. Joan has been with many different teachers and non-teachers and was especially close with Toni Packer, a former Zen teacher who left that tradition behind to work in a simpler and more open way, but Joan does not identify with or represent any particular tradition or way of working. Joan describes her writings and meetings with people as explorations, "like a child exploring its toes or a lover exploring the beloved," and she adds, "There is no end to such explorations, all of which are forms of play." Joan is the author of Bare-Bones Meditation: Waking Up from the Story of My Life (1996), Awake in the Heartland: The Ecstasy of What Is (2003), Painting the Sidewalk with Water: Talks and Dialogs about Nonduality (2010), Nothing to Grasp (2012), and Death: The End of Self-Improvement (2019). Joan has lived in northern California, rural New York state, and Chicago, and currently resides in southern Oregon. Links: Joan’s website Joan’s substack SAND Talks with Joan: Death the End of Self Improvement The Freedom of Nothing to Grasp Being Just This Moment Emerging from the Dream of Separation

Kabir Helminski is co-director, with his wife, Camille Helminski, of the Threshold Society, a nonprofit organization dedicated to sharing the knowledge and practice of Sufism. He is the author of Living Presence and the translator of four volumes of Rumi’s poetry, including Love Is a Stranger and Rumi: Daylight. His new book which we discuss on the podcast is The Mysterion: Rumi and the Secret of Becoming Fully Human. Kabir's website: sufism.org Mentioned in the episode: Can a Computer Become Conscious by Federico Faggin from the SAND18 Conference.

From the SAND Archives we present two talks from Christian Mystic, Richard Rohr from two SAND Conferences recorded before live audiences. The two talks are entitled “Christianity and Unknowing” from SAND16 and “The Christian Meaning Of Enlightenment” from SAND11.    Richard Rohr, as a Catholic priest and Franciscan Friar, offers a concise history of how Western Christianity once had, soon lost, tried to retrieve, and now is roundly rediscovering its own traditional understanding of unitive consciousness (which was our word for non-dual thinking). The Christian contemplative mind was usually a subtext, and yet it was always clearly there too, and much closer to the surface, but only for those exposed to the mystical base that was revealed in the Gospel of John, the Desert Fathers and Mothers, the Celtic and monastic traditions, and what was generally referred to as the apophatic or wisdom stream of Christianity. These were our many saints and mystics. This possibility was brought to the fore by Thomas Merton in the middle of the last century, and is now flowing in many positive directions. It is now our task to rediscover the pre-Enlightenment Christianity that reveled in "the cloud of unknowing", what some called "learned ignorance", and the very notion of Mystery itself. Only when we got into competition with rationalism and secularism, did we adopt this rather recent mania for certitude and a very limited kind of scientific knowing. Almost the entire history of Protestantism emerged in this period, and thus the contemplative mind is an utterly new revelation for them, and frankly for all of us, as we again learn to be comfortable living on the edge of both the knowable and the unknown.   Fr. Richard Rohr is a globally recognized ecumenical teacher bearing witness to the universal awakening within Christian mysticism and the Perennial Tradition. He is a Franciscan priest of the New Mexico Province and founder of the Center for Action and Contemplation (CAC) in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Fr. Richard’s teaching is grounded in the Franciscan alternative orthodoxy—practices of contemplation and self-emptying, expressing itself in radical compassion, particularly for the socially marginalized. Fr. Richard is the author of numerous books, including Everything Belongs, Adam’s Return, The Naked Now, Breathing Under Water, Falling Upward, Immortal Diamond, and Eager to Love: The Alternative Way of Francis of Assisi.   https://cac.org/

By training, Gail Brenner is a licensed Ph.D. psychologist and trauma specialist with almost 30 years of experience offering individual sessions and group workshops. Her work as a therapist and teacher invites people to shed attachment to false identities, return to their essential wholeness, and realize the truth of who they are. In primarily group courses, she holds safe space for people to investigate patterns of early trauma that live in the mind, body, and heart—and are carried through family generations. And she welcomes celebration of the freedom that’s discovered when the attachment to these patterns falls away and there’s space for awakened living in everyday life. Her teaching is practical and accessible to all. She loves meeting with people who have tried everything and are still searching for an end to suffering. Gail received her B.A. from Carnegie-Mellon University and Ph.D. from Temple University. She completed a post-doctoral fellowship at the University of Florida and a clinical internship at the Veteran’s Administration Hospital in Palo Alto, CA. She has special expertise working with older adults and their families, bringing clear seeing and compassion to the transitions of aging, death, and dying. As a member of the clinical faculty at University of California, San Francisco, she helped physicians develop communication skills and learn to address psychosocial issues with their patients. She has authored numerous published articles on coping with stress and chronic medical illness. And, for 15 years, she consulted with staff of assisted living and skilled nursing facilities about aging, dementia, and caregiving and gave presentations to the community at large on these topics. Gail is the author of three books: The End of Self-Help: Discovering Peace and Happiness Right at the Heart of Your Messy, Scary, Brilliant Life, At the Core of Every Heart: Reflections, Insights, and Practices for Waking Up and Living Free, and Suffering Is Optional: A Spiritual Guide to Freedom from Self-Judgment and Feelings of Inadequacy. As a blogger, she has been featured on CNN, Huffington Post, Zen Habits, MindBodyGreen, Tiny Buddha, Inspire Me Today, and the Undivided Journal. She is on the board of Science and Nonduality (SAND).

After a PhD thesis on non separability and non locality in Quantum theory, Dr Vandana Shiva studied non separation between forests, soil and water, the Green revolution in Punjab and the relationship between violence against nature by chemical agriculture and emergence of violence in society. Since then, she has kept working on the link between seeds, plants, soil, climate, and biodiversity. This talk is hosted by Alnoor Ladha and Maurizio & Zaya Benazzo. This talk was recorded from the SAND series Wisdom of Time of Crisis from 2020 during the COVID-19 lockdown. Please excuse the audio quality of this recording. We hope you can listen past the audio glitches and low fidelity to the power of Dr. Shiva’s message.

Ash Canty (they/he) is a Death Walker & Psychic Medium. Their ancestors are Indigenous peoples of West Africa, Cherokee, Iroquois, Blackfeet and Northern European. They support and walk others in the threshold and ritual of their own unique death and dying process. They are led by spirit, ancestors, and nature in all that they do. They teach many programs that support others in the liberation of their soul and coming back to their spirit. Ash creates deep spaciousness for others to be able to step into a non-linear time space to hold conversations around being with the grief & praise of being alive. They provide virtual death care services to families and loved ones who are in the active stages of dying. They are regenerated by the earth and the land of the Kalapuya Peoples on which they live on through gardening, listening, canning, hand crafting, and indigenous practices of their ancestors. Instagram / Website

This conversation is from the Wisdom of Trauma Talks on Trauma Series (2021). Somatic Abolitionism is living, embodied anti-racist practice and cultural building —a way of being in the world. It is a return to the age-old wisdom of human bodies respecting, honoring, and resonating with other human bodies. It is not a exclusively a goal, an attitude, a belief, an idea, a strategy, a movement, a plan, a system, a political position, or a step forward. Resmaa Menakem is an American author and psychotherapist specialising in the effects of trauma on the human body and the relationship between trauma, white body supremacy, and racism in America. He is the author of “My Grandmother’s Hands: Racialized Trauma and the Pathway to Mending our Hearts and Bodies,” published in September 2017, which appeared on the New York Times bestseller list in May 2021 and "The Quaking of America: An Embodied Guide to Navigating our Nation's Upheaval and Racial Reckoning," published in 2022.He is also the founder of the Cultural Somatics Institute. Rather than offering quick-fix solutions to these complex issues, Dr. Gabor Maté weaves together scientific research, case histories, and his own insights and experience to present a broad perspective that enlightens and empowers people to promote their own healing and that of those around them. After 20 years of family practice and palliative care experience, Dr. Maté worked for over a decade in Vancouver’s Downtown East Side with patients challenged by drug addiction and mental illness. The bestselling author of four books published in over thirty languages, Gabor is an internationally renowned speaker highly sought after for his expertise on addiction, trauma, childhood development, and the relationship of stress and illness. His book on addiction received the Hubert Evans Prize for literary non-fiction. For his groundbreaking medical work and writing he has been awarded the Order of Canada, his country’s highest civilian distinction, and the Civic Merit Award from his hometown, Vancouver. His books include In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts: Close Encounters With Addiction; When the Body Says No; The Cost of Hidden Stress; Scattered Minds: The Origins and Healing of Attention Deficit Disorder; and (with Dr. Gordon Neufeld) Hold on to Your Kids: Why Parents Need to Matter More Than Peers. His next book, The Myth of Normal: Trauma, Illness & Healing in a Toxic Culture is due out on September 13, 2022. His second next book, Hello Again: A Fresh Start for Parents and Their Adult Children is expected in 2023. Gabor is also co-developer of a therapeutic approach, Compassionate Inquiry, now studied by hundreds of therapists, physicians, counselors, and others internationally. More on his books and programs can be found here.

Monica Gagliano is a research associate professor in evolutionary ecology and former fellow of the Australian Research Council. She is currently based at Southern Cross University, where she directs the Biological Intelligence Lab funded by the Templeton World Charity Foundation. She has pioneered the brand-new research field of plant bioacoustics, for the first time experimentally demonstrating that plants emit their own “voices” and detect and respond to the sounds of their environments. Her work has extended the concept of cognition (including perception, learning processes, memory) in plants. Her latest book is Thus Spoke the Plant (North Atlantic Books, 2018). / monicagagliano.com / Aware: Glimpses of Consciousness

“…In our daily lives, the body is seldom tasted as it is. We rarely listen to its language or allow it to simply unfold and blossom in its natural original intelligence.”—Ellen Emmet Ellen Emmet offers meetings and retreats in The Awakening Body, a direct exploration of experience sourced in the non-dual tradition of Kashmir Shivaism, Authentic Movement, and self-inquiry.  In addition, she has a private practice as a Psychotherapist with a Jungian orientation. More info about Ellen and her weekly sessions and private sessions – https://www.ellenemmet.com/ Ellen’s upcoming retreat in March – https://www.ellenemmet.com/retreat-at-the-eden-rise Shadow and Nonduality: A Cry of the Heart By Ellen Emmet  – https://www.scienceandnonduality.com/article/shadow-and-nonduality-a-cry-of-the-heart Ellen’s video at SAND – The Awakening Body – https://www.scienceandnonduality.com/video/the-awakening-body