Mindrolling with Raghu Markus

Bringing indigenous wisdom into modernity, Italian writer Danielle Bolelli joins Raghu to talk about quality and restoring balance with the natural world.“We need that wisdom, indigenous wisdom. We need to bring back something that we have lost from our move into the industrialized last couple of centuries.” – Raghu MarkusThis time on Mindrolling, Raghu Markus and Daniele Bolelli converse about:Wisdom from Native American eldersThe balance with natureMoney and power strugglesCapitalism, Marketing, and what makes something successfulThe constant urge for more versus usefulness of resourcesWhat gives something qualityThe history of Crazy Horse, an extremely spiritual Lakota warriorAnswering to hopelessnessContentment and small disciplineThe promise of potential and handling sufferingLinks & Recommendations From this Episode:Raghu and Danielle discuss quality through the lens of Zen and The Art of Motorcycle MaintenanceDanielle suggests checking out the show Reservation Dogs to get a glimpse of real native lifeCheck out Danielle’s historical podcast, History on FireRaghu Suggests reading Altered Traits by Daniel GolemanAbout Danielle Bolelli:Danielle Bolelli is an Italian writer, philosopher, and professor of comparative religion. Currently living in Los Angeles, Danielle Bolelli is also a martial artist and podcaster. Learn more about Danielle Bolelli and his published works as well as his suggested reading list on Daniellebolelli.com.“There is something to be said about the ability to just find that spot where external reality doesn’t affect you so bad in any situation.” – Daniele BolelliSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Diving into treasured memories, Lama Tsultrim Allione, Krishna Das, and Raghu Markus explore the ways that the guru can move through a family.Ram Dass' Love Serve Remember Foundation and the Alan Watts Organization invite you to open your mind, open your heart, and tap into the living truth of Alan Watts and Ram Dass. Learn more about this special 4-week Virtual Course:"The Presence of the Way: The Dharma of Alan Watts and Ram Dass"In this episode from The 2023 Summer Mountain Retreat, Raghu Markus, Krishna Das, and Lama Tsultrim Allione explore:Being taken care of by the guruThe myth and magic of Maharaj-jiHealing traumatic relationshipsStories of Raghu & Krishna Das’ parents in IndiaThe transformations that came from meeting Maharaj-jiHow the guru moves through the familyLama Tsultrim Allione’s story of becoming a monkHow our entire family can be changed by our individual devotionTales of Dzogchen Master, Adzom Paylo RinpocheThe fierce grace of the guruBreaking the wheel of abuse “The guru is a physical embodiment of awakeness, of full awakeness.” – Lama Tsultrim AllioneAbout Lama Tsultrim Allione:Lama Tsultrim Allione is the bestselling author of Women of Wisdom (1984), Feeding Your Demons (2008), and Wisdom Rising Journey into the Mandala of the Empowered Feminine (2018). Lama Tsultrim is the founder of Tara Mandala, a 700-acre retreat center with the three-story temple and library dedicated to the divine feminine in the Buddhist tradition near Pagosa Springs, in southwest Colorado. She leads a vibrant international community with over forty groups around the world. Learn more about Lama Tsultrim Allione’s work at Tara Mandala“When we recognize the things we have done to ourselves, what our own karmas have impelled us to do and our own upbringing and we see how helpless we are, then we look at other people, even people who have supposedly hurt us, and we see they are also pushed around by their own karmas. That’s when we get some compassion. ” – Krishna DasAbout Krishna Das:Layering traditional Hindu kirtan with instantly accessible melodies and modern instrumentation, Grammy nominee, Krishna Das has been called yoga’s “rock star.” With a remarkably soulful voice that touches the deepest chord in even the most casual listener, Krishna Das – known to friends, family, and fans as simply KD – has taken the call-and-response chanting out of yoga centers and into concert halls, becoming a worldwide icon and the best-selling chant artist of all time. His album ‘Live Ananda’ (released January 2012) was nominated for a Grammy in the Best New Age album category.KD spent the late ’60s traveling across the country as a student of Ram Dass, and in August 1970, he finally made the journey to India, which led him to Ram Dass’ own beloved guru, Neem Karoli Baba, known to most as Maharaj-ji.Krishna Das now travels the world sharing his kirtan practice and wonderful stories of his life, of Maharaji-ji, of his life on the Path and discusses bringing chanting into our lives through retreats and workshops. To date, KD has released 15 well-received albums, most recently Trust in the Heart released in October 2017.For more on Krishna Das events, music, and other offerings visit: KrishnaDas.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Zach Leary, the host of the MAPS podcast, shares a conversation with Raghu about Ram Dass’ significant impact on the scientific exploration of psychedelics.This episode was originally recorded on the MAPS podcast.Two cultural icons. Two unique perspectives... One understanding of the presence of the way.Ram Dass' Love Serve Remember Foundation and the Alan Watts Organization invite you to open your mind, open your heart, and tap into the living truth of Alan Watts and Ram Dass. Learn more about this special 4-week Virtual Course:"The Presence of the Way: The Dharma of Alan Watts and Ram Dass" In this special MAPS feature on Mindrolling, Raghu Markus and Zach Leary discuss:Ram Dass’ ability to describe the ephemeralThe burgeoning scientific research on psychedelicsThe story of Neem Karoli Baba and LSDFinding a way to extend the psychedelic state into everyday lifeSelfish Altruism and the personal benefit of serviceMethods to experience GodHow we can remember the divinity within all of usHeartfulness, Loving Kindness, and Being Here NowThe first steps to starting a mindfulness practiceUpcoming Psychedelic SummitsNourishing our awe and wonder day-to-dayNeuroscience and changing our habitual patterns“Psychedelics give you a glimpse. We are connected. We are not separate. There is something; we can’t name it, but I completely experienced it.” – Raghu MarkusLinks & Recommendations From this Episode:Dive into the recently re-released book LSD, written by Richard Alpert and Sidney Cohen, with unique illustrations by Lawrence SchillerWatch Dying to Know to learn more about Ram Dass and Timothy LearyAbout Zach Leary: Zach is a speaker, writer, Dharmic realizer, and psychedelic advocate. He is also a journey facilitator at Evolution Retreats and Heroic Path to Light. Zach hosts the MAPS (Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies) Podcast where he explores an incredible treasure trove of audio archives sourced from the amazing talks, presentations, and panels that have taken place at past Psychedelic Science conferences and other unique events.Keep up with Zach on Instagram“Ram Dass didn’t stop doing psychedelics entirely. I think it’s just he found a way to (instead of going up and down) make it a lateral exploration. If you are doing this intense Sadhana and have a deep connection to spirit outside of psychedelics, it makes the use of it much more gentle.” – Zach LearySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Grief literary advocate Stephen Jenkinson connects with Raghu for a thought-provoking conversation on palliative care and dying wise.In this episode, Stephen Jenkinson and Raghu Markus peruse:The importance of storytelling and the human voiceFinding an alternative outlet for divinityExistential fear and dying wiseMoral and ethical dilemmas within the healthcare systemWhat constitutes care and the many gaps in medical practice wisdomMedical assistance in dying to relieve sufferingWhy limits and endings give life meaningThe wisdom and belonging of sadnessBargaining for more time instead of examining the quality of timeA better way to relate to the transition of life into deathThe idea of being ‘too late’ and the consequences of our perceptionsHope as a mortgage on life and the certainties we falsely rely onDeath as a deity that we should accommodateTwo cultural icons. Two unique perspectives... One understanding of the presence of the way.Ram Dass' Love Serve Remember Foundation and the Alan Watts Organization invite you to open your mind, open your heart, and tap into the living truth of Alan Watts and Ram Dass. Learn more about this special 4-week Virtual Course:"The Presence of the Way: The Dharma of Alan Watts and Ram Dass"“I think if we cultivated a capacity to be sad we would make enormous headroads into our propensity for fear. I think sadness is an absolutely compelling and legitimate alternative but it needs at least as much tuition as fear does. You have to learn to be afraid, obviously, and you have to learn sadness as well.” – Stephen JenkinsonAbout Stephen Jenkinson:Stephen Jenkinson is a cultural activist, international teacher, and author. He is the creator and principal instructor of the Orphan Wisdom School and has Master’s degrees from Harvard University (Theology) and the University of Toronto (Social Work). Apprenticed to a master storyteller when a young man, he has worked extensively with dying people and their families. He is the former program director in a major Canadian hospital and former assistant professor in a prominent Canadian medical school. Stephen is also a sculptor and traditional canoe builder.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Facing the truth of death, Roshi Joan Halifax and Raghu Markus delve into compassion, surrender, and self-less love.This time on mindrolling, Roshi Joan Halifax and Raghu Markus ponder:Soul and the Depth of CharacterRoshi Joan’s relationship with Ram DassKindness and Love across all spiritual traditionsTransforming from the we to the meHolding a loving space in the face of deathFundamental impermanence as an ultimate truthA.I., predictive responses, and a pseudo-realitySurrender, Joy, and starting practices early in lifeAwareness of one’s motivations and self-interestsRam Dass and opening up the path of loveA Buddhist story on facing the truth of old age, sickness and deathAcknowledging the past and honoring our ancestors“All of us little human beings, we grip onto this small-self identity that gives us a sense of security, but all of that will be let go of as we meet death and certainly if we let go into authentic love.” – Roshi Joan Halifax, Ph.D.Are you interested in contributing to the wildfire recovery efforts in Maui and in the most impacted areas of Canada? Check out these resources below to find out how you can help:Hawaii Community FoundationCanadian Red CrossLinks & Recommendations From this Episode:Check out Roshi Joan Halifax’s new contemplative card deckTo further the discussion on death and mindfulness, pick up a copy of Roshi Joan Halifax’s book, Being with DyingLearn more about joining The Buddhist Chaplaincy Training Program at the Upaya Zen CenterAbout Roshi Joan Halifax:Roshi Joan Halifax, Ph.D. is a Buddhist teacher, Founder and Head Teacher of Upaya Zen Center in Santa Fe, New Mexico, a social activist, author, and in her early years was an anthropologist at Columbia University (1964-68) and University of Miami School of Medicine (1970-72). She is a pioneer in the field of end-of-life care. She has lectured on the subject of death and dying at many academic institutions and medical centers around the world.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Meditation teacher and author Sharon Salzberg, along with Buddhist scholar and author Robert Thurman, join Raghu Markus on the podcast to discuss loving our enemies, transforming our lives, and bringing love into the world. They explore the concept of love as a source of strength, the importance of self-love, and the antidote to fear. They also delve into tough love, insightful patience, and the power of love in overcoming hatred and internalizing our enemies.

Paul Austin and Gagan Levy join Raghu Markus to discuss the origins of psychedelics in Western culture. They explore topics such as microdosing, spirituality, psychedelic literacy, set and setting, propaganda, the cultural context of the 1960s, indigenous roots, trip-sitting, intention in microdosing, and necessary spiritual practices for psychedelic integration.

This week on the Mindrolling Podcast, contemplative scientist Cortland Dahl and Raghu Markus discuss the Tibetan Buddhist perspective of a healthy mind and how to transition from rumination to exploration.In this conversation, Cortland Dahl and Raghu chat about:Cortland Dahl’s journey to mindfulness practiceYongey Mingyur Rinpoche and loving the worldBeing Human, meditation, and coping with anxietyEmbracing and Exploring the nature of our mindsLanguage Immersion and translating Tibetan textsThe story of Asanga and the Buddha NatureTransformation through compassionate actionWise-selfishness and looking at our motivationsTurning the narrative mind into a new directionGamma Oscillations and the ‘aha’ momentThe practice of non-referential compassionIntersections between science and mindfulnessLinks & Recommendations From this Episode:Raghu and Cortland talk about the book: In Love with the World: A Monk’s Journey Through the Bardos of Living and Dying by Yongey Mingyur RinpocheLearn more about Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche on Tergar.orgCheck out The Center for Healthy Minds and discover the fusion of science and mindfulnessDownload the Healthy Minds app for a guide to well-beingWhy We Meditate by Daniel Goleman and Tsoknyi RinpocheAbout Cortland Dahl:Cortland is interested in exploring the interface between the body, mind and brain, and especially in the question of how various forms of meditation may help us cultivate positive qualities like mindfulness, compassion and resilience. His current work focuses on studying the psychological and neural mechanisms of different families of meditation practice. He is also the creator of the Healthy Minds program, a well-being training program that integrates insights from scientific research with a comprehensive path of contemplative training.Cortland has an eclectic background and has spent years studying and practicing meditation in Asia, including eight years living in Tibetan refugee settlements in India and Nepal. He has published numerous collections of translations of classic works on meditation and Buddhist philosophy from the Tibetan tradition. In addition to his work with the Center, Cortland is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Tergar International, a global network of meditation groups and centers.Learn more at hminnovations.org“Instead of ruminating about our stressful day, we’re exploring the dynamics of our inner experience; and we just start to discover things the were always there, but we just hadn’t seen. The narrative and the conditioning just hadn’t been directed in that way.” – Cortland DahlSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Raghu shares a conversation with Susan Bauer-Wu, PhD, RN about climate crisis and our interconnection with all things.In this episode of the Mindrolling Podcast, Susan Bauer-Wu talks about her work as a teacher, clinician, and academic researcher and discusses the public meeting between His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Greta Thunberg that inspired her new book – A Future We Can Love.In this episode, Susan Bauer-Wu and Raghu speak about:Our interconnection with the natural world and all thingsThe need for humanity to move into better balance with our environmentHis Holiness the Dalai Lama’s public chat about climate crisis with Greta Thunberg – an inspiration for Susan’s new book, A Future We Can LoveRaising awareness about climate change within spiritual and faith-based communitiesLinks & Recommendations From this Episode:His Holiness the Dalai Lama In Conversation with Greta Thunberg and Leading ScientistsMind & Life InstituteThe Loka Initiative | Center for Healthy MindsIt Can’t Happen Here by Frank Zappa“Just imagine that we are these, these gems, these jewels, and in it, we are reflecting all the other gems that we’re connected to that in the universe that every single one of us is part of this. I just imagine these beautiful, you know, sparkling web of all of us that we’re not we are all we are who we are because of each other and we can’t, we don’t, exist in isolation.” – Susan Bauer-Wu, PhD, RNAbout Susan Bauer-Wu:Susan Bauer-Wu is a warm and gifted teacher with a distinctive background as a meditation practitioner and teacher, clinician, and academic researcher, is the president of the Mind & Life Institute. Prior to her recent appointment at Mind and Life, she was the Kluge Professor of Contemplative End-of-Life Care and director of the Compassionate Care Initiative at the University of Virginia (UVa) School of Nursing and associate faculty in the UVa Department of Religious Studies and member of the UVa Contemplative Sciences Center. Besides many academic publications, Susan is the author of the book for the lay public, Leaves Falling Gently: Living Fully with Serious and Life-Limiting Illness through Mindfulness, Compassion, & Connectedness.For Susan Bauer Wu’s dharma talks, click here.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Bestselling author Carol Sanford and Gagan (Jared) Levy sit down with Raghu Markus for an insightful conversation about transforming our cultural perception of death and infusing consciousness into all aspects of life.Carol Sanford has been an inspirational catalyst and guide, helping change agents and businesses around the world realize their aspirations to make a difference. Now she needs our help!Last fall, Carol learned that the cause of a suite of mysterious symptoms she’d been dealing with was amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig’s Disease)—an inexorably debilitating, ultimately fatal disease. Each month brings changing and expanding needs for multi-specialist medical attention, home retrofitting, access to 24-hour caregivers, special transportation for care, and increasingly sophisticated adaptive technologies and equipment to enable basic life functions – much of which is not covered by insurance.Carol’s incredible capacity for caring and giving has been a hallmark of her life. On behalf of all of us who love her, thank you in advance for anything that you can contribute to support Carol and her family through this challenging time: gofundme.com/f/critical-help-for-carol-sanfordIn this episode, Raghu and his guests discuss:Opening up our worldview by recognizing the paradigms that are in placeThe concepts of conscious living and conscious dyingTransforming the way we think and talk about the stages of dyingBringing mindfulness into the workplaceLinks & Recommendations From this Episode:The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying, translated by Sogyal RinpocheThe Regenerative Business & No More Gold Stars from Carol Sanford“I believe we need to change people’s worldview of death and dying and what its purpose is.” – Carol SanfordAbout Carol Sanford:Carol Sanford is a consistently recognized disruptor and contrarian working side by side with Fortune 500 and new economy executives in designing and leading systemic business change and design. Through her university and in-house educational offerings, global speaking platforms, best-selling multi-award-winning books, and human development work, Carol works with executive leaders who see the possibility to change the nature of work through developing people and work systems that ignite motivation everywhere.Learn more at carolsanford.comAbout Gagan (Jared) Levy:As former Co-chair of Social Venture Circle, one of the country’s most prestigious impact investor and social business communities, he leads the way to a next economy that is regenerative, just and prosperous for all. As a current board member to his prolific teacher Ram Dass’ Love Serve Remember Foundation, he has been instrumental in strategizing how to connect the greatest wisdom keepers of our time to a new generation. Learn more at WEAREGURUSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.