Mindrolling Podcast

Jack Carroll is  a 16 year old comedian/seeker who has had outstanding media success in Britain. He happens to have cerebral palsy, but you would be hard put to find a young dude who is more cerebrally on top of things than Jack.  We talk about comedy, Hare Krishna, Russell Brand, Bob Marley, kindness and madness –  and personal inner peace.

Mindrolling Podcast - Episode 84 - Jack Carroll

Is positive thinking always positive?  Conversely, do we repeatedly talk ourselves into a nasty, negative self-image?  R & D drill deep into some new - and scientific - views on all this mental manipulation.  And how does mindfulness affect our ability to ameliorate how we think and behave?  Along with this, Raghu waxes all medical and recommends a book to improve our gut feeling about…our gut.

Mindrolling Podcast - Ep. 85 - Mindset Manipulation

Our guest is teacher David Wagner, and we talk with him about cultivating versatile wisdom, the role of psychedelics in finding a path, trauma as gateway, and, once again, Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche.  This podcast fuses practical living and spiritual aspiration, with an unpretentious dude, always looking for ways to help, leaving his pride at the door, traveling on the inner plane both on and off his Harley...

Mindrolling Podcast - Ep. 86 - David Wagner

Ram Dass talks with the Mindrollers about NDE, the safety of death, light beings, the Soul Pod, the Tibetan Book of the Dead…and G-d’s extensive wardrobe. He ends with describing his joy at witnessing the awakenings of so many people he has influenced.

Mindrolling Podcast - Ep. 87 - Ram Dass On The Near Death Experience

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…


Mindrolling - Ep. 88 - Quantum, Siddhas, Selflessness

The gang hangs with Duncan Trussell for the first of many live podcast taking place on the Be Here Now Network. 

Mindrolling Podcast – Ep. 89 – A Hangout with Duncan Trussell

David and Raghu discuss the frozen baba’s upcoming cremation…followed by genuine insights from a questionable politician: Do seemingly nefarious actions preclude individuals from benevolent intuitions? The ‘Us vs. Them’ conundrum, Holiday Hustle and excess, and the idea of ‘sticky desire’ makes this episode the perfect accompaniment to that rum-spiked eggnog (served in a BPA-free mug, of course…)

Episode Outline:

*NY Times article referenced throughout this episode: 

• 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




Mindrolling Podcast - Ep. 90 - Abundance

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

Mindrolling Podcast - Ep. 91 - Skeptico

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 its 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!

Mindrolling Podcast - Ep. 92 - Hanging with Jack Carroll

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.

Mindrolling Podcast - Ep. 93 - Buddhism Inc

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

Mindrolling Podcast - Ep. 94 - Open Your Heart in Paradise with Duncan Trussell

Mindfulness doesn’t heal everything? Seems that way. We’re talking about the proper limits of meditation and the fusion with good therapy. Old wounds die hard and sometimes we need to talk about just that with a pro listener. All this plus genetic phobias and to finish with – how to deal with madness on the planet…isn’t that enough for one podcast?

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Recommendations 

Bringing Home the Dharma: Awakening Right Where You Are by Jack Kornfield

Referenced Articles:

The Telegraph: Phobias may be memories passed down in genes from ancestors

Truth-Out.org: The McMindfulness Craze: The Shadow Side of the Mindfulness Revolution

Commentary on the Eight Verses of Thought Transformation by His Holiness the Dalai Lama

 Episode Outline:

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.
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.


Mindrolling Podcast - Ep. 95 - McMindfulness

Laurence Carroll aka U-Dhammaloka was a free-thinking atheist alcoholic Irishman born in Dublin in the late 1800's.Ian Lawton joins David and Raghu to answer the question, "who was this dude?"

Mindrolling Podcast - Ep. 96 - Dharma Bums

Mindrollers interviewed by the free thinking, free spirited Michael Donovan.  Forgiveness, death, politics, violence, love, death, grieving, non-attachment, environment, fashion – yes, fashion – consumerism, the guru, and a whole lot more.  From the Lower East Side of New York City, a Michael, David & Raghu verbal adventure…

Mindrolling Podcast - Ep. 97 - Walking Home

Psychedelic therapy and its mystical grasp in the 21st Century – R & D explore the newer, fresher science of psilocybin and LSD studies along with David’s fish eyes acid empathy and Raghu’s not quite mindful crashing his car into a ditch.  Plus Maharaji memories of pure wisdom trumping the deepest trip imaginable…

Mindrolling Podcast - Ep. 98 - Deeper Default Mode

Massive transformation, noetic feeling, absolute healing – Bhava Ram (aka Brad Willis) tells his life story from his harrowing NBC war correspondent days through huge suffering and addiction finally to emergence as a full blown yogi and exemplar of optimism, grit and perennial practice. Podcast 99 tells a miraculous tale.

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Recommendations:

BhavaRam.com

Bhava Ram’s Book: Warrior Pose: How Yoga (Literally) Saved My Life

Episode Outline:

• Finding a Voice – Bhava Ram chronicles his journey in discovering an outlet for his frustrations and concerns regarding the social and political turmoil that permeated the 1960’s
• Dark Nights of the Soul – A true tale of transformation, after many years, and several unsuccessful attempts to push through his pain, both physical and emotional
• “I’m In” (Turning Obstacles into Opportunities) – Bahava Ram points to the Mind-Body clinic he was recommended as a major catalyst for his recovery and subsequent transformation. His introduction to yoga was paramount, and he soon discovered that he had a major role to play in his own healing process
• Compelled to Compassion (A Sign of the Times) – The horrors encountered in his immersion based approach to journalism led to a profound sense of urgency in bringing these stories to light.
• Everyday is the Journey – It took time, but he eventually recognized the profound spiritual journey he had embarked on many years prior. It’s an ever evolving experience, and his practice continues in the everyday
• Embrace the Darkness (Aversion Feeds the Demons) – All the great tales seem to tell of the same journey, from darkness to light. We learn to work with our demons, find a cause that’s bigger than our egos, and move into a selfless space of awareness
• The Great Guru (Is Inside of You) – When we take the time to go deeply inside ourselves, we hear the whispers of wisdom. It’s a sacred place that opens when we approach it with devotion rather than desire
• Yoga (The Work) – Find a practice that works for you, and cultivate your own inner alchemy

Mindrolling Podcast - Ep. 99 - Bhava Ram

Mary O’Malley takes us through her concept of the spells that we had imposed on us as we grew into our “ego” bodies-
R&D discuss with Mary the anti-dote to the spells and the self talking storytelling that crowds our minds all the day long!
Real practical how to info for the stretched and compressed lives we live. And Mindrolling celebrates our 100th Podcast! 

Mindrolling Podcast - Ep. 100 - Dispel the Spells with Mary O'Malley

David and Raghu investigate the unusual Shambala Sun cover story by Norman Fischer. Our mindrollers present their own version of how to deal with life – stop blaming people, the world is upside down-turn it over, everything is the path including your step-mother, overcome self-interest as in Dave’s fixation with a certain European sport and confusion is the Buddha- not to be confused by our guys’ continuing lifetime journey to awareness.

The image for this episode is of the deity Mahakala, who is a defender of the dharma “truth” – one of his protective qualities is the power to overcome life’s struggles – and to eliminate one’s obstacles and impediments.

Mindrolling – Ep. 18 – Life is Tough, Deal with It

Talking holistic radical radio with airwaves innovator Alan Hutner – conspiracy chemtrail entertainment, bhakti broadcasting, Arlo Guthrie…

Mindrolling – Ep. 49 – Whole Brain Radio

Meet Dennis McKenna and take in reflections upon his early life, his brilliant brother Terence, and their pioneer explorations of all manner of psychedelic substances. No question, the McKennas together changed the way we looked at altered, expanded consciousness.

Also, be sure to pick up a copy of Dennis' new book, "The Brotherhood of the Screaming Abyss" by going through our Amazon portal.

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Mindrolling Podcast

Mario Díaz