Mindrolling with Raghu Markus

• Exploring Death (It’s all the rage) - The truth is that we have no idea what happens when we drop our body, so it’s hard to say whether any particular reaction is appropriate or not. The sooner we face the reality of our mortality, the more time we have to approach it • Heart to Heart - Buddha was one heart, and turned on many. As we go deeper into ourselves we radiate that frequency to the world around us. We find balance and share what we learn. • Finding Balance (Change your conscious) - Even systems like capitalism can function, but only if there is balance. All we can bring to the present situation is greater consciousness • Sharon Salzberg (Official Badass) - Sharon did the work, and it shows. We all have different approaches to experiment with, but they all involve doing what is necessary to get free. Where we are is just an accumulation of our innate experiential wisdom • Protective Fashion - Styles of dress can be an attempt to associate oneself with a certain mode of thinking, but can also serve as a simple reminder to stay true to what you value • Modern Kindness -¬ Raghu and Dave remark on the encouraging level of consideration among the current youth. The greater exposure to the true connectedness of our lives seems to be generating a greater concern for and appreciation of our collective future • Family Ties (The ties that bind) - Michael points to the influence of tradition and spoon-fed comfort that can perpetuate nefarious actions within powerful families or corporations. What to do? Angry protests, or perhaps more mindfulness oriented actions? • The Reality of Love (The only reality) - Kindness, compassion - these are the only religions. It doesn’t eliminate suffering, but it allows us to se through it, and to move toward relieving it • Ganesh (The gateway drug) - We often need to use something to focus our attention on. The deeper we move into the practice, the more we understand that it’s what these objects represent that we are seeking. The best methods seem to self destruct See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

• Bums United - Ian explains how he was introduced to the mindrollers, and discusses some of his early transformers, including the discovery of transcendental meditation, and subsequently Buddhism • Don’t be a Buddhist (Be a Buddha) - There are no rules in Buddhism, just suggestions, which point in the direction of awakening. We can all have unique methods that move us closer to that state of awareness. Ian makes it a point to include Metta as part of his practice, citing it as a major shift on his path. Raghu highlights the synergistic effects of Vipassana in combination with the practice of Metta - Quiet the mind, invoke the heart • The Last Irish Monk - Ian talks about his initial discovery of U Dhammaloka, and the subsequent inspiration that led to his current film project, through which he hopes to rescue the great sage from obscurity • ‘Warning to Buddhists’ (Choice words from U Dhammaloka) Ian reads from some of the more controversial work of the late Irish monk, and expresses his deep admiration for the courage displayed throughout his mysterious existence - Engaged Buddhism is underated • Down with Dogma - U Dhammaloka was well known for his proactive and outspoken nature. His disappearance from history is not so surprising, given his proclivity for exposing untruths that undermine the established order • Cultural Considerations - Dave inquires about potential parallels between the struggles of Theos Bernard and those of U Dhammaloka in being accepted into these cultures. Raghu explains the greater acceptance in places like Burma, as opposed to the stricter standards of Tibet • Bum Support - Help Ian share this lost wisdom by donating to his current crowd funding campaign • Timeless Message - The actions taken by this little known Irish monk are as applicable today as they were in his time - Make your life your message See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

• Phobias Formed (Blame our ancestors) - Science points to direct experiences in forming phobias that can be found further down the genetic line. Raghu rattles off some of the more interesting fears in the modern age - does ignorance play a role in many of these irrational fears? • Mindfulness vs. Therapy (Head to Head) - Spiritual circles sometimes frown upon psychoanalysis, citing its potential to perpetuate thought patterns. We have to keep in mind that meditation alone can’t always provide the healing one might need. Some of the deeper wounds and unconscious fears can linger beyond meditations reach. Raghu agrees, and offers some of his own personal experience with therapy, advising to find someone who isn’t attached to any one school of thought. Dave highlights the unique brand of modern neuroses, which may require a multifaceted approach • Wounds (Deep Cuts) - Dave highlights the unique brand of modern neuroses, which may require a multifaceted approach. Can meditation and therapy adapt to the ever-evolving market of suffering? • Embrace, Explore and Understand - Working with your shadow is a difficult task, regardless of how you approach it. It requires a deep commitment to be honest and loving with yourself • Prolonging Mourning Meditation - At times, your practice may be preventing you from fully addressing your suffering. Try to avoid the spiritual bypass of pushing these issues away • Emancipatory Meditation (Choiceless Awareness?) - “Involves intimacy with oneself as an extraordinary and vital activity in which one attends to whatever one is experiencing without any preconceived conclusions, and without trying to get rid if it” - Don’t encourage, but be aware, without judgment • Ogre as Guru - Dave comments on one of the ‘Eight Verses of Thought Transformation’ by Kadampa Geshe Langri Tangpa. Through practice we learn to transform what we detest - The teachings are everywhere and everyone. But, how do we actually apply this to real life horror, and when is it appropriate to act? Dave points to the current terror of ISIS, and draws on the teachings of the Dalai Lama in sorting this mess out • Taking Up Arms (With Brothers in Arms) - How can we remain mindful when using force, and play out our roles without attachment. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Recorded live at the 2014 ‘Open Your Heart in Paradise’ retreat in Maui, Raghu is joined by fellow Mindpod patron, Jack Kornfield, as well as the podcast guru himself, Duncan Trussell. The power trio chats about Duncan’s initiation into the Satsang, the sustainability of Dharma power, and the technology-fueled future of spirituality. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Can even Buddhist teachings become commercialized, homogenized and…lost? Or is it a quasi-tantric situation where desire is the fuel? A look at the delightful idea of “If you can’t eat it or fuck it, piss on it.” David & Raghu circle around concepts and contradictions within modern absorption of ancient teachings. And it always seems to end in the simplicity and depth of “kindness.” See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sam Harris (In the self-help section) - The gang weighs in on Mr. Harris, and his attempt to make an ‘intellectual case for those skeptical of the whole enterprise’. How should we approach his demand for validation regarding spiritual experiences The Media’s Role - Dave comments on the media’s false claim that the current youth is rejecting all religion, despite all the evidence that points to an increased interest in yoga, meditation, mysticism and psychedelics. Religion can’t be limited to specific guidelines Jack discusses his fluctuating stance regarding religion and it’s practices. In the end, a direct personal experience is difficult to disqualify. Can we definitively answer these questions? The Debate Rolls On - There appears to be an endless, ‘Us versus them’, quality to these discussions. The heated debates aren’t even limited to those in opposing fields of study. The good news is that more and more individuals seem to be open to all sides of the argument ‘Self’-Help - Who is really benefiting, and how? These books can sometimes be a distraction from dealing with our true sources of distress Adaptive Spirituality – Previous civilizations, with far less knowledge of the working universe, espoused certain religious views in an attempt to understand their role. Many of these belief systems are still at work, though clearly limited in scope. An open and contemplative approach toward the truth is crucial in avoiding dogmatic doctrine. If certain facets are proven to be flawed or unsound then we have to accept, and even embrace, the need for change The Real Initiation (Break your head) – Raghu recounts the story of a Maharaji devotee, and his personal encounter with the profound presence of direct experience. It’s a change in vantage point, not a lobotomy Judging Faith (Spiritual discrimination) – What about the folks who haven’t experienced the mind melting effects of these mystical encounters? Are they to simply trust those that make these claims? When we calm our mind, through meditation or other practices, our awareness deepens and we are better able to identify with the true Self. From this place, we seem less likely to be fooled or manipulated, in forming beliefs. Where Are You Coming From? – Rachael describes her recent experience in India, pointing to the heart-centered nature of the culture, as a whole. To them, family is everything, and this shows in their attitudes and traditions. Unfortunately, this sentiment has somewhat dissipated in the cities, and is beginning to resemble the more fractured relationships that are so predominant in the West People Are the Problem – These age-old arguments have been commonplace for as long as civilization has existed. How can we bridge the seemingly endless gap? Practice, practice, practice! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mr. Skeptiko (Skeptical, even of skeptics) - Alex encourages an assiduous examination of consciousness and those who deny it's all-pervasive nature Debunking the Debunker - How do we know when we are dealing with the Truth? Bias seems to be more common than not in many forms of journalism. When 'the facts' are actually put to light, they don't often shine so bright NDE (Not limited to the hospital) - Alex explains his takeaway from Eden Alexander's book, 'Proof of Heaven'. These experiences are ubiquitous, across many cultures, through many lifetimes. To truly study them requires a broad examination of the many ways in which they manifest Imprinting - Many faces, many forms - All of which are manifestations of the One. Maharaji, a Hindu Guru, said to 'meditate like Christ' Science vs. Consciousness (Epiphenomenon of the Brain?) Science treats consciousness as a byproduct of the brain, in the same way that insulin is a byproduct of the pancreas. But when asked about the necessary precursors to consciousness, they aren't able to pin it down. Science tends to resist the expansion of its current paradigm to encompass the mystery that is human consciousness Psychedelics (Where do they fit in?) - Alex discusses some of the research being regarding the role of psychedelics in understanding consciousness. These compounds seem to be revealing more of what is already there, rather than simply skewing 'normal' reality High-Minded Mysticism - Dave points out the prevalence of decidedly intelligent individuals among the outspoken proponents of many mystical and spiritual traditions. Unfortunately, much of Western culture is reluctant to let go of the 'out of sight, out of mind' mantra Wrong Narrative (Have we all been duped?) - Who do we trust, and how do we trust them? Science (Weak Samadhi) - The candle held by science seems to only reveal more darkness Trust - (Being home, and knowing it) - The felt presence of direct experience is crucial, but science is unable to dissect it, and therefore diminishes its relevance The Maharaji Connection - People, of all ages, all over the world, have been affected by Maharaji and his devotees. How could all of these individual experiences be mere coincidence? Skeptical Mindrolling - There is a wonderful community unfolding online, with forward-thinking at its foundation. The access is unprecedented and will only continue to expand Consumerism (A 'natural' byproduct of materialism) - Control seems to be at the center of this issue. "What better way to control your consciousness than to say it doesn't exist?' Much of what we take for granted in our culture is dependent upon this operating system The Mindrolling Mission - Try not to espouse opinions or beliefs about occurrences you haven't directly experienced See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

• Frozen Baba - Ashutosh Maharaj and his sub-zero Samadhi. Does the quality of one’s practice reveal itself in the often-remarkable deaths of great beings? • Genuine Insights (From a questionable politician) - Do seemingly nefarious actions preclude individuals from benevolent intuitions? Highlights the ongoing, ‘Us vs. Them’, conundrum. We are all complex beings, and we have to remain open to allow space for acceptance • Dave Finds Love (For an unlikely candidate) • Abundance Without Attachment (The holiday hustle) Prosperity and materialism are a common theme during the often-excessive holiday season. It’s attachment to money, not money itself that is the problem. How to get free? 1. Collect experience, not things. 2. Steer clear of excessive ‘usefulness’. 3. Get to the center of the wheel - What is the transcendental truth at the center of your wheel? Find it and focus. For Raghu and David this comes through the understanding and experience of God, Guru, and Self as One. Their material world revolves around this fundamental truth • Just Do It (For the sake of doing) - Mindfulness and joy result when our actions are motivated by the process rather than the result • ‘Sticky Desire’ - Our ‘desperate grasping’ fueled by fear of separation from our objects of desire (relationships, social status etc.) • Welfare (Farewell?) - The distribution of wealth in modern times is staggering and unprecedented. How do we approach this issue without bias? • The Mindrolling Mission - All these issues come back to the central question of finding balance, and cultivating an all-inclusive attitude toward our lives See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The gang hangs with Duncan Trussell for the first of many live podcast taking place on Mindpodnetwork.com.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Quantum entanglement leads us to parallel mysticism, synchronicity and selflessness. A strange brew, yes, but interconnectedness is happening whether we know it or not, and seems ultimately is a conscious doorway to freedom. Raghu praises David for not getting enraged at noisy drunkards in a restaurant. We toss around the business of not killing bugs, and Dave’s pet, Boris the Spider. And what it is to see yourself as the lowest person as opposed to pride of selfhood. Tons of chewable subject matter here, no kidding… See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.