Buddha at the Gas Pump

Dean Sluyter (pronounced "slighter") has taught natural methods of meditation and awakening since 1970. His five highly acclaimed books include Natural Meditation: A Guide to Effortless Meditative Practice (Amazon #1 stress management bestseller, and Nautilus Gold Medal winner for best mind-body-spirit book) and Fear Less: Living Beyond Fear, Anxiety, Anger, and Addiction. Dean gives talks, workshops, and retreats throughout the United States and beyond, from Ivy League colleges to maximum-security prisons. His media appearances have included National Public Radio, The New York Times, New York Magazine, Coast to Coast AM, The Dr. Oz Show, and O, The Oprah Magazine. A grateful student of Eastern and Western sages in several traditions, Dean has completed numerous pilgrimages and retreats in India, Tibet, Nepal, and the West. He is known for conveying authentic teachings in forms that are relaxed, accessible, and down-to-earth. When not writing or teaching, he plays the ukulele and happily rides his Vespa through the streets of Santa Monica. Other books: The Zen Commandments: Ten Suggestions for a Life of Inner Freedom. Cinema Nirvana: Enlightenment Lessons from the Movies Why the Chicken Crossed the Road: & Other Hidden Enlightenment Teachings from the Buddha to Bebop to Mother Goose Website: deansluyter.com Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group. Transcript of this interview Interview recorded May 26, 2018. YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Buddha at the Gas Pump 00:06:06 - The Principle of Effortlessness 00:11:15 - The Effortlessness of Meditation 00:16:26 - Resting as Awareness and Mindfulness 00:21:18 - Finding Fulfillment within Ourselves 00:26:29 - Happiness and the Nature of Awareness 00:31:54 - The Illusion of an External Universe 00:37:26 - The Existence of the Moon and Reality 00:42:25 - Shifting Perspectives and the Materialistic Worldview 00:47:12 - The Paper Tiger 00:51:05 - The Stories We Read 00:55:00 - Finding the Divine in Unexpected Places 00:58:59 - Functioning from the Zone 01:02:52 - Support of Nature and Synchronicity 01:06:27 - The Intersection of Spirituality and Science 01:10:18 - The Misconception of Alpha Waves 01:13:57 - Relaxing at the Moment of Contact 01:17:29 - Sharing with the Sweetest Dog in the World 01:21:30 - Breaking the Habit of Worry 01:25:28 - Cessation of Suffering through Mind Control 01:29:20 - Arrival at the Villa of the Hippie Artist Commune 01:33:34 - Cultivating Devotion and Appreciation 01:37:30 - The Shaky Ground of Devotion 01:41:37 - Movies as Conduits of Higher Wisdom 01:45:28 - Einstein's Classroom in Princeton 01:49:03 - The Healing Power of Meditation and Conscious Contact 01:53:06 - Bill Wilson's Meditation Experience 01:57:04 - The Lord of Destruction 02:01:25 - Finding Liberation in Loss 02:05:48 - Cooperating with the Cosmic Purpose 02:09:24 - Ways to Support the Channel

Jason Shulman is an American spiritual teacher whose original work springs from his Judaic and Buddhist background. He is the founder of A Society of Souls: The School for Nondual Healing and Awakening, based in the United States and the Netherlands. There he teaches the distinctive body of nondual work he has developed to awaken the human spirit: Nondual Healing, Impersonal Movement and the Work of Return. Jason’s main concern has been to develop paths of healing the mind, body and spirit based on his own understanding of the difficulties inherent in the human condition. Through his studies and practice, Jason has developed a unique perspective on human consciousness and the nature of existence. His works seeks to translate this perspective into a replicable and clearly delineated path for other seekers of truth to follow. He has been especially interested in applying personal spiritual work into methods of transforming society at large. To that end, he has created the MAGI Process, a nondual method of working with conflicts between people, institutions and governments. He is the author of numerous monographs and books and several albums of his work as a singer and songwriter. More about his work can be found at societyofsouls.com. Books: The Instruction Manual for Receiving God The Kabbalah Monographs The MAGI Process: A Nondual Method for Personal Awakening and the Resolution of Conflict Ecstatic Speech: Expressions of True Nonduality Kabbalistic Healing: A Path to an Awakened Soul Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group. Transcript of this interview Interview recorded May 19, 2018. YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Buddha at the Gas Pump 00:03:47 - The Resolution of Non-duality 00:07:40 - Healing the Ego vs Transcending 00:11:49 - The Difficulty of Being an Individual in the Totality of Being 00:16:58 - Effort in Spiritual Development 00:21:06 - Welcoming Challenges and Being a Total Human Being 00:24:58 - The Ethics of Enlightenment 00:28:31 - The Four Universes and Non-Dual Shamanism 00:32:41 - The Ultimate Reality and Non-Duality 00:37:16 - The Aliveness of Everything 00:40:51 - Appreciating Divine Intelligence in Buddhism 00:44:39 - The Myth of Enlightenment and Freedom from Suffering 00:49:48 - The Work of Return and the Ego's Resistance to Change 00:53:44 - Secondary Suffering and the Fear of Death 00:58:21 - Doubts and Verification in Spiritual Practices 01:02:04 - The Intrigue of Extraterrestrial Life and Kabbalistic Healing 01:05:05 - A Teenage Adventure in Midtown Manhattan 01:07:25 - From Health Crisis to Teacher 01:09:59 - Awakening and Understanding 01:13:06 - The Limitations of Perception 01:16:34 - Developing Perception in Non-Dual Shamanism 01:21:36 - Loss and Spiritual Materialism 01:25:40 - Different Perspectives on God 01:28:58 - The Nature of the Universal God 01:32:33 - Mutual Co-arising and the Magi Process 01:38:01 - The Role of Spirituality in Solving Global Problems 01:43:32 - The Point of Phase Transition: Water to Steam 01:47:09 - The Purpose of Spiritual Search 01:50:46 - The Importance of Spiritual Education 01:53:47 - Working with David Shapiro 01:57:11 - The Nondual Shaman and Awakening the Self

Caverly Morgan is a meditation teacher, nonprofit leader, and visionary. She is the Founder and Guiding Teacher of Presence Collective, dedicated to igniting personal transformation and collective awakening. She is also the Founder and Guiding Teacher of Peace in Schools — a nonprofit which created the nation's first for-credit mindfulness class in public high schools. Peace in Schools is pioneering new depths in mindfulness education through teaching youth as well as training educators. Caverly blends the original spirit of Zen with a modern nondual approach. Her practice began in 1995 and has included eight years of training in a silent Zen monastery. She has been teaching contemplative practice since 2001. Prior to her pioneering efforts with Peace in Schools, Caverly formerly worked for nonprofits serving people with special needs. An artist and educator, she brings insight, passion, warmth, and humor to her transformative work with students of all ages and experience levels. Caverly leads meditation retreats, workshops, and online classes internationally. She has been a visiting teacher at Open Circle, the Science and Nonduality Conference, Insight Meditation of Seattle and Charlottesville, Against the Stream in San Francisco, MNDFL, and the New York Zen Center of Contemplative Care. Caverly also speaks publicly at conferences on topics including contemplative practice, social entrepreneurship, authentic leadership, and mindfulness education, and has been featured in publications such as Mindful Magazine and The New York Times. She is dedicated to actualizing possibility, serving love, and embodying the truth of interconnection. Website: caverlymorgan.org Facebook Instagram Caverly's presentation at the Science and Nonduality Conference Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group. Transcript of this interview Caverly in panel discussions on ethics and spiritual teaching. YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Buddha at the Gas Pump 00:03:44 - A Conversation about Consciousness 00:06:51 - Discovering Zen Monastery Life 00:10:19 - Discovering the Path of Meditation 00:13:53 - An Identity Crisis at the Monastery 00:17:50 - Being with Your Experience 00:21:34 - Cultivating a Mentality of Spiritual Seeking 00:26:05 - The Journey to Enlightenment 00:30:25 - The Middle Way on the Spiritual Path 00:34:25 - Compassionate Concessions and Meeting Others Where They Are 00:38:51 - The Reconciliation of the Absolute and the Relative 00:43:27 - Seeking Enlightenment and Addressing Perceptions of Separation 00:47:13 - The Nature of Humor in Spiritual Practice 00:51:25 - The Contrast of Perceiving the World as Ramana Maharshi 00:55:55 - Recognizing Negative Self-Talk 01:00:06 - Moving towards greater happiness 01:03:51 - The Danger of Blending Morality and Practice 01:07:52 - Energetic Effects of Spiritual Practice and Neuroplasticity 01:11:20 - The Importance of Discernment and Truth 01:15:48 - Ongoing refinement in the journey of self-discovery in Zen monastic lineage and Amma's influence 01:20:09 - Transformation in Teens 01:24:13 - Transformation and Connection in the Classroom 01:28:26 - Building a Supportive Community for Teenagers 01:32:18 - The Demand for the Program's Expansion in Portland 01:36:08 - Flourishing and the Tools for Growth 01:40:13 - The Disappointment of Enlightenment 01:44:12 - Lack of attunement and suffering 01:48:33 - The Power of Collective Conditioning 01:52:32 - Shifting Consciousness and Collective Transformation 01:56:54 - The Marriage of Activism and Spirituality 02:01:00 - Availability of Teachings for All

Lama Tsültrim Allione is an author, internationally known Buddhist teacher, and the founder and resident lama of Tara Mandala Retreat Center. She is the author of Women of Wisdom, national bestseller Feeding Your Demons: Ancient Wisdom for Resolving Inner Conflict, which is now translated into seventeen languages, and Wisdom Rising: Journey into the Mandala of the Empowered Feminine. Born in New England to an academic and publishing family, Lama Tsultrim traveled to India in her late teens and in 1970, at the age of twenty-two, was ordained as a Tibetan Buddhist nun by H. H. the Sixteenth Karmapa. After four years living as a nun in the Himalayan region, she returned her monastic vows, married, and raised a family of three children. She has a Master's degree in Buddhist Studies/Women's Studies from Antioch University. Her writings and teachings come from her sublime Tibetan lamas as well as her experience as a Western woman and mother. She is known for her ability to translate the wisdom of the ancient Tibetan Buddhist tradition into clear teachings that are relatable and relevant to Western audiences. Lama Tsultrim continues to guide Tara Mandala, as the resident lama, as well as thousands of students around the world. She was named Buddhist Woman of the Year in 2009 in Bangkok, Thailand. For more information on Lama Tsultrim Allione watch a documentary on her life, Feeding Your Demons, and visit the Tara Mandala website. Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group Transcript of this interview Interview recorded May 8, 2018. YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Buddha at the Gas Pump 00:02:58 - The Beginning of My Journey in India 00:06:36 - Discovering Joy in Dharamsala 00:10:08 - The Black Hat Ceremony and Buddhist Legends 00:13:26 - Witnessing a Lama's Miraculous Handprint 00:16:26 - The Rock Experiment and the Power of Faith 00:19:41 - The Dharma and Buddhist philosophy 00:22:32 - Meeting the Karmapa and Finding My Guru 00:26:04 - Ordained by His Holiness in Bhutan 00:29:36 - Physical Benefits of Prostrations 00:32:40 - The Decision to Leave Monasticism 00:36:12 - Dedication of Merit to Benefit All Beings 00:39:50 - Finding Compassion through Personal Loss 00:43:12 - Inequity between Men and Women in Buddhism 00:46:27 - Women and Nature in Religion 00:49:53 - The Reciprocal Relationship Between Nature and Human Beings 00:53:15 - The Divine Feminine and Immanent Presence in Creation 00:56:00 - The Radiance of the Phenomenal World 00:59:34 - The Divine's Discipline and Natural Disasters 01:03:32 - The Archetype of the Fierce Feminine 01:06:53 - The power of the mandala practice in transforming the mind 01:10:09 - Testimonials: Activism and Healing 01:13:19 - Ontological existence of the Daikinis 01:16:09 - Experiential Investigation and Integration with the Elements 01:19:22 - Empowerment through Dakini Mandala Practice 01:22:18 - Making Progress in the Good 01:25:11 - Holding Absolute and Relative Truths 01:28:03 - Recognition by Lamas in Tibet 01:31:29 - Working for Her 01:34:13 - Building on Past Life Development 01:37:11 - batgap.com and Links to Your Website

With over two-dozen published books translated in nearly as many languages, Ken Wilber has created what is widely considered the first truly comprehensive Integral Map of human experience. By exploring and integrating the major insights and conclusions of nearly every human knowledge domain in existence, Wilber created the revolutionary AQAL Integral Framework. In short, the Integral Approach is the coherent organization, coordination, and harmonization of all of the relevant practices, methodologies, and experiences available to human beings. Wilber states: “You can’t [realistically] honor various methods and fields, without showing how they fit together. That is how to make a genuine world philosophy.” He is the founder of the nonprofit think tank Integral Institute, co-founder of the transformational learning community Integral Life, co-founder of Source Integral exploring the nature of Integral Society, and the current chancellor of Ubiquity University. Ken's site: kenwilber.com Some of Ken's many books: The Religion of Tomorrow: A Vision for the Future of the Great Traditions Integral Buddhism: And the Future of Spirituality Integral Meditation: Mindfulness as a Way to Grow Up, Wake Up, and Show Up in Your Life Trump and a Post-Truth World Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group. Transcript of this interview. Interview recorded April 28, 2018. YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Welcome to Buddha at the Gas Pump 00:04:54 - From Graduate School to Writing a Book 00:10:43 - The Meditation Technique and Awakening Experience 00:16:03 - The State of Witnessing during Meditation 00:21:34 - The Witness and Radical Oneness 00:27:16 - The Illusion of Waking Up 00:32:41 - Overpowering Fear from Repressed Anger 00:38:16 - The Importance of "Cleaning Up" in Spiritual Practice 00:44:00 - The Role of Spirituality in Human Development 00:49:12 - The Three Major Groups of Development Lines 00:55:03 - The Different Levels of Growing Up 01:00:52 - The stages of moral development 01:05:50 - Honoring and Including Different Perspectives 01:10:54 - Expressing Authentic Enlightenment 01:15:57 - The Recent Discovery of Growing Up Levels in Spiritual Systems 01:20:35 - Development of Cognitive and Emotional Intelligence 01:25:31 - Different lines of development 01:30:57 - The need for waking up, growing up, and cleaning up in spiritual practice 01:36:40 - The Evolution of Spiritual Pursuit 01:41:39 - The Problem of Overthinking in Philosophy 01:46:27 - The Unity of Nirvana and Samsara 01:52:06 - Differentiating Relative and Ultimate States of Consciousness 01:57:23 - Dissolving into Oneness 02:03:03 - Working with Good Maps and the Importance of Spiritual Growth 02:07:07 - Aurobindo's Influence on Integral Yoga 02:13:38 - Spirit, consciousness, and the four quadrants 02:19:31 - Describing Ultimate Reality 02:25:19 - The Problem of Describing Ultimate Reality 02:30:58 - President Trump: A Sociocultural Analysis 02:37:36 - The Stages of Growing Up 02:42:14 - Exploring Ken Wilber's Books and Resources

Marjorie Hines Woollacott, a renowned neuroscientist and seasoned meditator, discusses her transformative journey from a strictly materialist view of the brain to embracing the profound realms of consciousness through meditation. She shares her impactful first meditation experience and the duality she navigates between rigorous scientific inquiry and spirituality. Woollacott also highlights fascinating topics like nonlocal consciousness, the intersection of ethics and ecology, and her efforts with the Academy for the Advancement of Post-Materialist Sciences.

Anne Baring, born 1931. MA Oxon. Jungian analyst. Author and co-author of 7 books. The ground of all her work is a deep interest in history and the spiritual, mythological, shamanic and artistic traditions of different cultures. Her website is devoted to the affirmation of a new vision of reality and the challenges facing us at this crucial time of choice. It includes her many talks, lectures and seminars as well as interviews and talks on YouTube. Books: The Dream of the Cosmos The Myth of the Goddess: Evolution of an Image The Divine Feminine: Exploring The Feminine Face of God Around The World The Mystic Vision: Daily Encounters with the Divine Soul Power: An Agenda for a Conscious Humanity Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group. Transcript of this interview Interview recorded April 14, 2018. YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Buddha at the Gas Pump 00:04:51 - The Beginnings of Interest in Religion and Studies 00:09:17 - Beings in Other Dimensions 00:13:26 - The Defense Mechanism of the Ego 00:18:00 - The Inner Quest and the Call to Adventure 00:23:26 - Christianity and the Blame Game 00:27:52 - Non-violent response vs. Fighting back 00:32:16 - Nature as a Participation with Brothers and Sisters 00:37:32 - The Disconnect between Conscious and Unconscious Mind 00:42:38 - The Catastrophic Consequences of Nuclear War 00:47:06 - The Capacity for Kindness and Love 00:51:16 - The Evil of Nuclear Weapons 00:55:55 - Trauma and the Human Condition 01:00:34 - The Awakening of the Soul of Humanity 01:04:54 - The Transition to an Enlightened Society 01:09:22 - Nassim Haramein and the Rediscovery of Ancient Civilizations 01:13:44 - The Divine Ground 01:17:59 - The Miracle of the Body and Consciousness 01:21:55 - The Soul and the Sea of Being 01:26:26 - Breaking Down the Firewall between Worlds 01:30:20 - The Council of Nicaea and the Feminine Aspect of the Holy Spirit 01:34:29 - The Power of YouTube for Communication and Support 01:38:46 - The Complex Business of Individuation and Spiritual Realization 01:43:32 - The Middle Way and Gentle Spiritual Practice 01:47:57 - The Alchemical Process of Purification 01:52:03 - The Myth of Eve and its Impact on Women 01:56:10 - Balancing Career and Family Life 02:00:42 - The Civilization of Old Europe with Marija Gimbutas 02:04:54 - Gaining Perspective on Life and Past Lives 02:09:38 - Finding the Ticket in the Sock Drawer 02:13:25 - Conclusion of Interview

Terry Patten was a philosopher, teacher, activist, consultant, social entrepreneur, and author. Over the last fifteen years he has devoted his efforts to the evolution of consciousness by facing, examining, and healing our global crisis through the marriage of spirit and activism. He co-wrote the book "Integral Life Practice" with Ken Wilber and a core team at the Integral Institute. As a teacher and consultant, he has worked on four continents, led a team at the HeartMath Institute that developed their first heart rate variability monitor, and is the founder of the “Beyond Awakening” teleseminar series. As a community builder, he founded Bay Area Integral. As a social entrepreneur, he founded Tools For Exploration, a consciousness technologies company, and currently, he's involved in restorative redwood forestry and fossil-fuel alternatives. His new book "A New Republic of the Heart: An Ethos for Revolutionaries--A Guide to Inner Work for Holistic Change" was released by North Atlantic Books on March 6th, 2018. Terry is also co-author of Integral Life Practice: A 21st-Century Blueprint for Physical Health, Emotional Balance, Mental Clarity, and Spiritual Awakening. Website: terrypatten.com Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group. Transcript of this interview Interview recorded April 7, 2018 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Buddha at the Gas Pump 00:03:47 - The Origins of the Cooperative Movement 00:08:39 - The Evolution of Inner and Outer Work 00:13:17 - Inner Work and Outer Application 00:17:42 - Experiences with Adi Da and Reflections on Cultic Tendencies 00:22:33 - Navigating Different States of Experience 00:28:11 - Adi Da: A Profound Spiritual Writing 00:32:58 - Multiple Threats to Humanity 00:38:32 - The Danger of Pessimism and Uncertainty in Climate Change Discussions 00:43:46 - Gut Intelligence and Precognitive Awareness 00:48:32 - Demanding Unity and Accountability 00:53:34 - Becoming a Superorganism for Social Change 00:58:26 - Living in Tune with Nature 01:02:56 - The Greatness of the Human Spirit and Miracles in Evolution 01:07:11 - The Awakening and the Influence of the Unseen World 01:11:19 - Awakening and Action in a Time of Fragmentation 01:16:10 - Living the Questions 01:20:59 - The Beauty of Culture and the Challenge of Racism 01:26:33 - Embracing Puzzling Challenges and Effective Change 01:30:57 - The Growth Arc Ahead of Us 01:35:14 - The Fierce Voice of the Heart 01:40:10 - The Paradox of Wisdom and Fellowship 01:45:18 - Uniting Activists for Rational Discourse 01:50:26 - The Juice of Religion and Spiritual Practice 01:55:01 - The Juicy Relationship to the Divine 01:59:42 - Non-dualists and their Devotion 02:04:21 - Traditional Values and the Evolution of Consciousness 02:08:55 - Whole Systems Change and Consciousness 02:13:40 - The Call to Greatness and Genuine Sense of Possibility 02:17:28 - Cashing the IOU of Consciousness 02:20:46 - An Interview with Anne Baring

Andrew B. Newberg, M.D. is a leading neurotheologist at Thomas Jefferson University, exploring the intersection of brain function and spirituality. He discusses how neuroscience can illuminate our understanding of mystical experiences. The conversation delves into the brain's creation of perception, the philosophical implications of enlightenment, and the complex mind-body relationship. They also tackle the limitations of brain imaging, the dynamics of free will, and the essential role of personal experiences in understanding consciousness and reality.

Lama Tsomo is an American lama, author, and co-founder of the Namchak Foundation. She followed a path of spiritual inquiry and study that ultimately led to her ordination as one of the few American lamas in Tibetan Buddhism. Lama Tsomo learned Tibetan to study with her teacher Tulku Sangak Rinpoche, and now shares the teachings of the Namchak lineage in the US and abroad. Lama Tsomo holds an M.A. in Counseling Psychology and is the author of the award winning Why Is the Dalai Lama Always Smiling? An Introduction and Guide to Tibetan Buddhist Practice. She is passionate about reaching young people and supporting those working for positive social change. Website: namchak.org Books: Ancient Wisdom for Our Times Tibetan Buddhist Practice Why Is the Dalai Lama Always Smiling?: A Westerner's Introduction and Guide to Tibetan Buddhist Practice The Lotus & the Rose: A Conversation Between Tibetan Buddhism & Mystical Christianity Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group. Transcript and summary of this interview Interview recorded March 25, 2018 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Buddha at the Gas Pump 00:03:53 - Becoming a Lama and the Responsibilities 00:08:24 - A Journey in Spiritual Exploration 00:13:06 - The Insubstantiality of Matter 00:17:29 - Conversations on Reincarnation and Mindstream 00:22:00 - The Three Bodies in Tibetan Buddhist Practice 00:26:37 - Parallels in Different Traditions and the Holographic Quality of the Universe 00:31:18 - Joining with the Whole Ocean 00:36:23 - The difference between anger and acting violently 00:40:14 - The Five Afflictive Emotions and Enlightenment 00:44:47 - Total Awareness Beyond the Nervous System 00:49:38 - The Subtle Body and Enlightenment in Buddhism 00:54:01 - The Antidote to the Three Poisons 00:59:03 - Different Branches of Buddhism 01:02:55 - Finding What Works and the Power of Sangha 01:07:29 - The Power of Connection and Community 01:11:21 - Starting Learning Circles and Traveling for Teachings 01:15:11 - The Importance of Live Instruction in Meditation 01:19:30 - Visualization and Familiarity 01:23:44 - The Mud Pit and Cleaning the Windshield 01:27:12 - The Importance of Guru Yoga 01:31:35 - The Purpose of Birth and Evolution 01:35:40 - Major Shifts in Spiritual Development 01:40:29 - Mother Nature's Wrath 01:43:58 - Exploring Self-Realization and the Use of Drugs 01:47:38 - Gamma Waves and Enlightenment 01:52:11 - Enlightenment and the Afterlife 01:56:12 - The complexity of the universe's intelligence 02:00:25 - The Two Truths in Buddhism 02:04:50 - Accessible Meditations and Additional Resources 02:08:43 - Conclusion and Farewell