Gin And Tantra

In this episode we continue with the discussion on meditative techniques to deal with a mischievous mind, visualization. We break down the concept of a Yiddam, tantric meditation, overcoming mundane appearances and conceptions and what to do when you are getting your ass kicked.

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We continue our dive into the world of Daoism and specifically the '9 things that can f*ck up your life' as we lovingly call them. In this episode we discuss reveling in the clarity of one's mind, using specific tools to coalesce one's rampant thoughts and a mythical formula of invocation.

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In this episode we discuss the mischievous mind and meditative techniques to transform it into something palatable. We further discuss using pleasure as a motivation towards meditation and as a vehicle to getting to the core of who you are.

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In this episode we discuss the some of the effects that our work has on us and our identity. Perhaps more importantly the effects that is can have on our personal development and relationships, or lack thereof. We also discuss the drive to be recognized and marketing oneself, the Geography of Genius and creating a tool that measures suffering.

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In this episode we start out discussing one of the obstacles that can derail your life... only then to be rerouted by the spontaneity of the moment. We get into talking about the characters in our collective story, questioning the meaning of love and connection, Confucianism vs Daoism, the psychological applications of Carl Rogers, holding space and form for the expression of energy!

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In this episode we reflect on the last 4 years and the variety of effects that time period has had on our lives today and moving forward. We are happy to have conversations that are not being had anywhere else.

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In this episode we have on friend of the show, Fayda Shantel and we discuss a whole range of topics including living 'the lifestyle', finding and early interest in the human body, expressions of sexuality and numbing oneself, being honest about who you are, open relationships, unicorns and swingers compension and much more.

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In this episode we are very pleased to have with us Dr. Neil Theise, author of, 'Notes on Complexity', A Scientific Theory of Connection, Consciousness and Being.

Dr. 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.  

During the course of our conversation we discuss his early life and spiritual influences, being a generation of survivors from the Holocaust, being a body vs a group of cells as a Zen Koan, the Divine Mother, investigating the thingness of stuff and the relationship between Shamanism and Dark Matter...

Link to Notes on Complexity for purchase

https://www.neiltheiseofficial.com/books

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In this episode we continue our discussion on the obstacles to development via the lens of the Daoist tradition by highlighting one of the obstacles... the pressure from our families. We also discuss facing responsibility with an authentic response and developing passion as a tool for self-esteem.

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In this episode we discuss the Taoist idea of nine obstacles to our development... YOLI? Insecurity, shame and belief as an antidote to facing your fears.

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In this episode we discuss the idea of people, books, life experiences and yourself as teachers, windows of transition in our lives, epiphanous moments, reframing religious Monogamy and having an awareness of the trajectory of your life.

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In this episode we have Dr. Rory Hiltbrand joining us.

Dr. Rory received his doctorate in Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine from Daoist Traditions College of Chinese Medical Arts. Additionally, Rory spent a semester in China treating stroke patients at Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine Teaching Hospital.  He has spent the last decade studying under Grandmaster Sung Baek, the 75th Grandmaster of the Korean Daoist Lineage the Dong Han Clan. Rory also holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematical Economics from the University of Richmond. While at Richmond, Rory did Chaos Theory Research for the NSF. Rory has a profound passion for decoding the timeless wisdom of the Dao through the lens of modern Mathematics and Physics.  Rory holds a utility patent for a molecular water structuring device which benefits a wide range of biological processes. He is one of the first Chinese Medicine Doctors to corner professional fights on UFC Fight Pass, including EBI and Polaris.  Rory actively trains in Brazilian Ju Jitsu and finds grounding and peace of mind through martial arts.

During the episode we discuss his practice and study of Daoist Numerology, Multi-Dimensional math, 5 element theory and application, Western science leading to Eastern thought, using the narrative to bring about a physiological change and going from self-improvement to an act of devotion.

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In this episode we ask the question, if the myth of a culture doesn't hold, will it break? We Also discuss religion and rationality, filling the belief vacuum, finding a unified theory of everything and building a life that is meaningful.

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In this episode we tackle what we see as a problem with Jesus, metaphysical beliefs and abilities, Indigo Children, emanations of enlightenment and a practical Tantra.

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In this episode we discuss Carl Jung's Transcendent function, emanations of wisdom, Christian ethics, insolvable polarities, the culture creating its divinity, the Gospel of John, expressing wrath, the Thunder Prophet Mind and the work of wisdom.

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Differentiating oneself from the masses and the mundane, individuation, touching your own archetypes, inner experiences, being moved by your external reality and being reminded of who we really are.

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In this episode we discuss living your life as an analytic meditation, Carl Jung's active imagination and transcendental functions, having concern for the expression of our ideas, integrating with your own mind connecting with our objective psyche, free association as an acknowledgement of our continual flow of thoughts, the obstacles and potential solutions to meditation and journeying while working with our own tendencies psyche and mindscapes.

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In this episode we rethink patience, loyalty and virtue and challenge conventional truths. We discuss the deep influence of Saturn on the Old Testament and subsequently society as a whole (spoiler, it isn't for the positive). We take a look at 'the rules' and the separation of the Divine from the Feminine.

"God is a concept by which we measure our pain" - John Lennon

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In this episode we dive into the later work of Carl Jung and his ideas surrounding The Book of Job and Jung's psychoanalysis of God via this story. We also discuss the deep influence of religion on society, Alfred Adler, the alchemy of union and a deep twist on a classic tale and stay until the end, it's a doozy!

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In this episode we discuss orienting your life around and enlightening lifestyle, love as an alchemy for change, Carl Jung's dreams and guidance, holding space for possibility and relationship anarchy.

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In this episode we discuss the crisis of the day, the revaluing of human life and the seemingly unavoidable desire to pick a side on topics that are very complicated. We rarely get into current events but given the scope of what we are currently seeing and experiencing right now we could not even fathom talking about anything else. Instead of choosing a particular villain or victim we discuss the cultivation of a different viewpoints, the underlying compassion that runs throughout the deep work in this lifetime for those who choose to engage and the vacillating emotionality of the standard issue human being.

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In this episode we discuss building a life that reflects your own point of view, love as an alchemical process, the exclusivity principle and the red thread of passion.

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In this episode we discuss what does it mean to have your life 'together', re-writing cultural myths for yourself, conventional and ultimate truths, believing in Enlightenment and functioning in the machine, biological materialists and seeking out help.

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In this episode we discuss finding a purpose in life and soul level connections with others, the 5 aggregates, the harshness of a standard issued life, direction arising from the ground of Being and the personalization of your own stages of development.

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In this episode we discuss not being ashamed about whom you love and what that says about your life, karmic soulmates, merging with the intention of the universe, having a discussion with your inner divinity, George Harrison and Eric Clapton and being supportive when it is not easy.

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This episode has been about 3 years in the making for Eric and thus we dive deep into the inner working of one Mr. Eric Baker. We not only discuss something that is near and dear to his heart but also sex w/Shakespeare, consulting with a chorus of Buddhist Goddesses, a re-frame of the term 'soul mate', non-conformist relationships Esther Perel's view's on unique and exclusive orientations and love challenging who you are.

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In this episode Eric previews his big reveal and we discuss parallels to creativity, how to agree to disagree, societal conflicts, ways to steal your thunder back, a deep embrace of one's authentic self, family, relationships and the perspective of time, finding non-concordance between self and environment and adaptation as a counter to creativity.

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In this episode we once again have on friend of the show, Remy and his wife Ashley. Together they own and operate Kumankaya. A healing and retreat center just outside of Tulum, in Mexico. We not only go over what they are offering at their center but a story on how they began their path and how they ended up selling everything they had and left the comforts of their lives to follow the call of the Medicine and all the beautiful twists and turns that followed as they embraced their path. We also discuss some of their personal and professional work with some sacred plant medicines as a search for self discovery and connection, giving oneself space, overcoming what they refer to as 'Sacred Terror', pushing the boundaries of rationality to gain a different life perspective and experiencing self-love as an act of self-service.

Kumankaya.com

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In this episode we discuss some of the views of psychologist Otto Rank, a student of Freud, and his views on working with the past to improve the present, optimizing the positive, UN-learning one's past, a person's experience during birth as a blueprint for future evolutionary events and how neuroticism is a struggle against external forces.

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In this episode we have a discussion around and a deep dove into one of Eric's most cringeworthy memories from his childhood and what he attributes as pieces to his recovery from it. We also discuss the inner drive one has to express their unbound self and fear as an opposition to authenticity.

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In this episode we continue to discuss Carl Jung, the loves' of his life, connecting the inner and outer realities, accepting our inner judge, a brief history of MK Ultra, having contrast with the ethics of our current culture and how our partners stimulate deep aspects of ourselves.

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In this episode we continue to discuss Carl Jung and some personal tales of synchronicity in addition to the flexibility of space and time.

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In this episode we discuss some of Carl Jung's clinical observations and the sort of 3 pillars of a functioning self from a psychological standpoint. We also discuss hierarchical organizations and being cuts of from one's inner archetype.

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In this episode Eric gives a story about inherited fear and we then discuss making the unconscious conscious and how we can transcend the primal urge.

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We continue our discussion on Esther Perel in this episode and get into how the causes and conditions of one's life effect who you are. We also highlight the importance of one's spiritual tribe, energy coming before form, the affairs of affairs, body image and sexual education.

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In this episode we are discussing the relationship therapist and New York Times best selling author Esther Perel. We discuss her thoughts on using love as an antidote to death, identification of Relational roles, monogamy being the new frontier, the Romantic Model and the things hiding in annals of our subconscious.

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In this episode we discuss some case studies from people in our lives and their experience in monogamous relationships, Esther Perel and boundaries, the idea of emotional infidelity and long term bonding, a personal tale of divorce and seeing your story as a positive tale of existence.

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In this episode we discuss the idea of society's emotional plague as outlined in Wilheim Reich's book, "The Mass Psychology of Fascism". We dive in the idea of living one's life artistically and falling through the cracks of society, personality types and the various forms of intrinsic motivation and the ways in which we effectively apply self-help. We also talked about a research study by Jonathan Haidt.

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In this episode we continue our discussion on the ideas of Wilheim Reich, who is credited with the genesis of the 'sexual revolution'.. IE society's shifting views on pre-marital sex, divorce and other related relationship issues. We also discuss the 7 year itch, serial monogamy, the emotional plague and the disconnect between one's fire and water.

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In this episode we begin the deep dive in the work of one Wilhelm Reich, Austrian doctor of Medicine and psychoanalyst who was a student of Freud. What Reich wanted to understand was the body, why you might escape or subdue it and why it remains an untapped source of joy and power. We discuss his ideas on the psyche and soma, repression and its effects on our personalities, the physical manifestations of emotions, TMJ, suppression and rumination, tension juxtaposed to pleasure and getting cut off from one's source of joy.

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In this episode we continue our discussion on Freud and the idea of our repression of our desires and Christopher Ryan's view on the biological effects of long-term monogamy. We also talk about humans as electromagnetic beings, approaching cultural taboos, redirecting repression and Ester Perel's ideas on dynamism, nourishment and closeness in relationships.

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In this episode we begin the deep dive into our much teased, longly awaited series about love, our lives, the various forms and influences that it has upon us and what that means for those who may or may not be aware of it all. We begin with looking at the psychological aspects of love and today we have Sigmund Freud on deck. We discuss the globus hystericus, being afraid of lonliness, building our own prisons and repression.

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In this episode we finalize our discussion around the various views of the Ego, Mind and Reality from the Mind Only School of Buddhist thought.  We discuss the mind and its relationship to the external world, dependent, impuded and perfect nature's, dealing with distraction and focus and our collective Uncle Carl!

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In this episode we take a deep dive into the Mind Only School of Asian Philosophy and Spirituality.  We discuss experiencing your mind and external reality, the 6 consciousnesses, overcoming your own obstacles and accumulated energetic imprints.

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In this episode we continue our discussion on the E.G.O.S. and how it is that we can begin to work with this aspect of ourselves.  Through investigation and identification arises the ability to diagnose our own psyche, tendencies, defenses and life adaptations to aid in our ability to be free to choose how we act.  Not simply re-act.

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Based on some recent reading I have come to some conclusions about the nature of some aspects of our personas, ie our EGOS.  I give my definition of this term and compare it to the general understanding in everyday language and in psychology in hopes of illuminating a facet of ourselves in a new and meaningful way.

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In this episode we circle back to a topic that we talk about a lot... Enlightenment!  We do give the Buddhist ideology but we also go into detail about the practice of Shamanism and its correlates to other traditions, how they influence our lives and how we can be drawn towards one path or another.  Additionally we discuss the 4 main aspects of the Transcendent form... The Natural State, The Wisdom State, The Enjoyment State and the Emanating State.  Fascinating to be a part of!

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In this episode we discuss magical times of year as practiced by a number of traditions.  Inspired by the Western cultures' openness to change at the new year we wanted to look at some other cultures views on various times of year and what they can inspire.  We also take a look at rituals around the moon, the podast's year in review, setting intentions and obstacles to success from a Buddhist perspective.

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In this episode we again have on friend of the show, Priscilla Peach Lang to discuss the details of what we believe to be a pair of deep facets of our mental and emotional lives... the feeling of boundary and vulnerability.  I would be remiss of I did not also take the opportunity to discuss the inter-connectedness of everything at the outset of our conversation.  However we move from deeper philosophical discussion to a more practical and personal approach to these ideas and give working definitions and insight into both.  The episode concludes with a brief inquiry on what is known as 'holding space'.  

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In this episode we have on friend of the show Joe Barhoumeh.  Joe is the owner and operator at D2 Fitness. D2 Fitness offers training and nutrition coaching online and in person in the northern suburbs of Chicago, Illinois.  His passion for this work started with a  self-transformation process that began over twelve years ago.  With each step he grew to be more confident and soon started  to fall in love with the process. He soon realized his true happiness  was found in teaching others the many things he had learned. That is  when D2 Fitness came to life. D2 fitness prides itself on treating its  clients like family and building lasting relationships.

Given the New Year is upon us, we take the opportunity to discuss something that the culture talks about basically once a year... Change!  Yes, the one time a year that some self reflection is discussed on a broad level we thought it would be apropos to discuss some of the difficulties and obstacles surrounding the best laid plans for our betterment that always seem to be just out of reach.

We discuss Gabor Mate's new book The Myth of Normal and some Daoist ideas on winter.  We highlight the differences between choice and habit as well as emphasizing the aspects of personal happiness as laid out in the aforementioned book,  'The Myth of Normal'.

We wish you the best of luck on your journey at any time of the year!

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In this episode we have on friend of the show, Priscilla Peach-Lang once again.  We begin the episode by discussing the book, The Book of Awakening by Mark Nepo.  We discuss a particular passage in which the author makes reference to looking out onto the horizon during turbulence to help aid in one's perspective during difficult life moments... However this was merely the runway to the HEART of the episode as Priscilla details the story of her daughter's journey as a young child needing a heart transplant and the numerous Spiritually and emotionally trying moments as a mother witnessing it all.  Priscilla bravely details how her shifts in perspective were key in her acceptance of the outcome of her and her daughter's tale.  Fascinating and heart-warming, literally.

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In this episode we talk about Yule!  What is it?  Where does it come from?  We get into the separation of city and rural, followers and heathens and doing things to excess this time of year as a celebration of the Return of the Sun! aka the winter solstice.  Mary Kay gives examples and explanations of  some Archeo-Asctonomy sites across the world.  We also discuss seeing the Sun and much of the Universe as a Living organism and animism as a whole.

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We continue our discussion from our previous episode on the Dalai Lama's take on enlightenment.  We discuss how believing IS being and again how meditation is a dress rehearsal.  We go over discovering your natural state and how that can facilitate a more comfortable and effective way of being.  We also highlight the aspect of us that is transcendent of space and time in addition the parts of us that can appear and seen by what normally lies beyond veil of daily existence.

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In this episode we give the down low on the Dalai Lama.. a little bit of his history and such.  We more poignantly highlight his views on meditation as a rehearsal for enlightenment.  We discuss the idea of a sudden vs a gradual approach to enlightenment, self-improvement and other forms of realization.  We create a new term... SHENGASM! and talk about love as a tool to connect to the Supreme Source.

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In this episode we bring in friend of the show, Todd Love Ball Jr.  Todd is known as so much to so many... author of a new book, Kasia's Love Purpose,  husband of 20 years, father of two, professional fitness trainer and coach, , bodybuilder and a pillar of international relations.  We not only detail the story of his new book but we discuss interracial love, cross-cultural experiences, connecting parts of our identity and the power of love in one's life.  

Book Link for Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/Kasias-Love-Purpose-Todd-Ball/dp/1682357473/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3IQ4PR53494QV&keywords=kasia%27s+love+purpose&qid=1668989821&sprefix=kasia%27s+love+%2Caps%2C91&sr=8-1

You can reach Todd and his wife from their Facebook page listed below.

https://www.facebook.com/ball4training

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In this episode we continue our debate and discussion on the notion of human existence being viewed as a combination of hardware and software.  The body as the hardware and the Psycho-Spiritual aspects as the software.  This came up in our last episode as a sort of reference but it drove the conversation in a meaningful way and thus we wanted to do it justice and give it a little more air time as we continue our deep dive into the Supreme Source, or Kunjed Gyalpo as a continuation on the 3 aspects of Enlightenment.

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In this episode we continue our discussion of the Buddhist view of the deeper aspects of ourselves and the enlightened states.  We give a brief story of a historical TIbetan Buddhist figure, Padmasambhava.  We discuss pure and total consciousness as the source of all.  Ironically we spar a bit over the Hardware/Software debate of the human condition...Are we more than just our bodies? And either way how do we know?

The Book we discuss is the Kunjed Gyalpo or The Supreme Source.

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In this episode we discuss some different takes on reality, God, The Holy Spirit and Original Sin.  We then move our discussion to the main topic of this episode, mainly that of the story of the 6th Zen Master and The Platform Sutra.  It was a fascinating story with some deep lessons for us all.

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In this episode Daniel is recording live from Florence, Italy.        As a sort of continuation on our discussion and breakdown of the 3  aspects of our Enlightenment/Buddha Nature we address the notion of  Killing the Buddha... But why?  We discuss this and more!

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In this episode we continue our discussion on the practice of Enlightenment but we also go into some experiences we have had recently around this topic.  

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In part of an ever growing conversation and inquisition on enlightenment and developing the self we take a deep look at some of what the various traditions say about Enlightenment.  We then look more deeply into how the Tibetan Buddhist tradition views this and how they describe the various aspects or dimensions of Enlightenment and the abilities that it has to manifest itself through various beings and in various forms.  This is a really fascinating discussion if you have never heard about these theories before.   The three terms we discuss towards the end of the episode are the Nirmanakaya, Sambhogakaya and the Dharmakaya.

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We continue our discussion on the Tibetan Book of the Dead or the Book of the Bardo as its known.  We continue to illuminate the deeper aspects of the conscious and subconscious states of our human condition, known as the 8 dissolutions.  We covered the initial aspects or dissolutions as they are known in a previous episode with a similar title (Separation of Yin and Yang) for those who haven't listened I would go back and listen to that one first.  In this episode we will finalize the theory to its conclusion covering the deepest parts of one's consciousness or prana and then discuss the primordial facets of our embodied awareness... Yin, Yang, Emptiness and Unity.  

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In this episode Daniel is joined by friend of the show Priscilla, acupuncturist, Yogi and mother of two for a breakdown of a passage from the book, The Prophet written by Khalil Gibran.  The passage that we will be breaking down is featured below.

"Then a mason came forth and said, Speak to us of Houses.
     And he answered and said:
     Build of your imaginings a bower in the wilderness ere you build a house within the city walls.
     For even as you have home-comings in your twilight, so has the wanderer in you, the ever distant and alone.
     Your house is your larger body.
      It grows in the sun and sleeps in the stillness of the night; and it is  not dreamless. Does not your house dream? and dreaming, leave the city  for a grove or hill-top?

Would that I could gather your houses into my hand, and like a sower scatter them in forest and meadow.
      Would the valleys were your streets, and the green paths your alleys,  that you might seek one another through vineyards, and come with the  fragrance of the earth in your garments.
     But these things are not yet to be.
      In their fear your forefathers gathered you too near together. And that  fear shall endure a little longer. A little longer shall your city  walls separate your hearths from your fields.

And tell me, people of Orphalese, what have you in these houses? And what is it you guard with fastened doors?
     Have you peace, the quiet urge that reveals your power?
     Have you rememberances, the glimmering arches that span the summits of the mind?
     Have you beauty, that leads the heart from things fashioned of wood and stone to the holy mountain?
     Tell me, have you these in your houses?
      Or have you only comfort, and the lust for comfort, that stealthy thing  that enters the house a guest, and then becomes a host, and then a  master?

Ay, and it becomes a tamer, and with hook and scourge makes puppets of your larger desires.
     Though its hands are silken, its heart is of iron.
     It lulls you to sleep only to stand by your bed and jeer at the dignity of the flesh.
     It makes mock of your sound senses, and lays them in thistledown like fragile vessels.
     Verily the lust for comfort murders the passion of the soul, and then walks grinning in the funeral.

But you, children of space, you restless in rest, you shall not be trapped nor tamed.
     Your house shall be not an anchor but a mast.
     It shall not be a glistening film that covers a wound, but an eyelid that guards the eye.
      You shall not fold your wings that you may pass through doors, nor bend  your heads that they strike not against a ceiling, nor fear to breathe  lest walls should crack and fall down.
     You shall not dwell in tombs made by the dead for the living.
     And though of magnificence and splendour, your house shall not hold your secret nor shelter your longing.
      For that which is boundless in you abides in the mansion of the sky,  whose door is the morning mist, and whose windows are the songs and the  silences of night."

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In this episode we continue our discussion on Empowerment.  We discuss the potential for the development of oneself to best help others.  We highlight how this path is designed for passionate people, for curious people and for those who have great desire to know...  Additionally, we get into some of the afflictions of our human experience such as anger, attachment and desire.

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In this episode we discuss empowerment... What is it?  Why it is practiced?  For reference, we can say that it is a radical learning opportunity.  Additionally we talk about cultural initiations, admiring the Will of the compassionate beings and coalescing minds.

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In this episode we continue our discussion on the finite nature of our human existence as we bring a little focus on some formal contemplation on dying from the Buddhist tradition.  We highlight the vulnerability of our bodies,  the impermanence of our things, loved ones, ourselves and more.  If everything seems to be of a such a transitory state, what stands the test of time?  Tune in and find out!

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In this episode we discuss our expiration, but more specifically the physical degradation that can occur and the ways in which we can be of service to those whom are going through that process in the ways we know how.  This life is finite, these bones hollow and our flesh mortal... we highlight the raw experiences of this process with our loved ones and bring to light the everyday heroism of those who aide in the most unique experience of our lifetimes... the end.

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One of the members of our GNT community has had a personal loss so just in recognition of that, and as moral support, we wanted to do a

special episode on dealing with loss.  We had done some things on this before, but it is a deep subject and is always worth taking a revisit.

A quote from Nietzsche, " Those with a why can endure almost any how . . ."

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In this episode we discuss the film, Everything Everywhere All at Once.  We ask the question, where do we go for philosophical cohesion?  And discuss using kindness to overcome and living in a culture without transcendence.

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What do YOU think?

In this episode we discuss the again define Biological Materialism and Secular Humanism and specifically their takes on the difficulties that we face in this lifetime. We ask the question, What do you think? We also discuss Phenomenology which is just a fantastic word in general, and we also highlight some of the tools that these modern philosophies apply as a salve to ease the wounds of the modern-material matrix we call today.      

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In this episode we discuss not following God’s rules, the battle of your internal instincts against your will power, natural versus moral evil, religious structures and Spiritual practice, free will and the energy of activation.

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In this episode we are talking with Remi Delaune, and is one of the co-founders, along with his wife Ashley, of the Kumankaya Healing Retreat Center in Quintana Roo, Mexico.

Remi and Ashley, the co-founders of Kumankaya, met in June  2016 in the Amazon jungle of Iquitos, Perú. During the full moon, summer  solstice of 2017, they were spiritually married and began a new path  together. In a quest to live the synthesis between their faith and  healing practices, they bought 25-acres of pristine Mayan jungle in  Quintana Roo, Mexico where they built Kumankaya. Their dream is to  reconnect people with their spiritual selves not by preaching their  faith or knowledge but by living truthfully all those teachings that  matter most to us.

Kumankaya.com

https://www.facebook.com/kumankaya/

https://www.instagram.com/kumankaya/

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In this episode we beakdown dukkha, dissatisfaction.  We try and provide a diagnosis as to highlight potential causes.  We discuss the kabalistic idea of Tikkun, finding grace in pain, the impact of local negative forces, the infinite conspiracy, not following God's laws and randomness!

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In this episode we continue our discussion on suffering and The Four Noble Truths.  We highlight the various means of learning and the presence or lack of a Universal Guiding force and the problem with Intelligent Design.  Eric drops a line from Rakim!

Book mention:  Scalpel and the Soul

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In this episode we continue our conversation around dissatisfaction, or Dukkha in Sanskrit. We highlight the 8 types of Suffering as taught in Buddhist philosophy as well as the 5 aggregates or compositional factors of our human experience.

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We discuss the role of society and sexuality, trauma and openness, the Kabbalist Bread of Shame, Jiminy Cricket, The fine line between innocence and naiveté, the role of spirituality in love and sexuality, sexually charged places and experiencing curiosity as a passion for experience.

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In this episode we converse with Chicago based artist and healer Lady India.  We discuss many aspects of her life including growing up in a haunted house in Hinsdale Illinois, Mirror gazing and memories of being in the womb.  We get into details of her life that aided her in building toughness and how she learned to use art as a friend.  Lady India also bravely discusses an abusive relationship, the threats of death and isolation and how she broke this cycle and learned to trust again.

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In this episode we begin our dive into Dukkha, or what can be referred to as stress, suffering, unhappiness and the like.  We try and re-frame suffering and discuss the three types of suffering that is taught in Buddhism.  We take a quick peek at Jordan Peterson in the process and talk about Warrior Martyrdom.

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We continue our breakdown of karma in this episode.  We discuss the effects of negative emotions, positive and negative forces on one's Karmic tendencies, insight and intention, rules, freedom and the potential corruption of one's environment on a local level. 

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In this episode we begin to dive into the idea and philosophy of Karma.  We highlight paying things forward, cause and effect, Non-linear causality and more.  I enjoyed this discussion as I do all of our discussions and I hope you will as well. 

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In this episode we continue our conversation on the Gnostic idea of different levels of being but we take a more relational approach and highlight the potential changes to one's relationships as they begin to experience shifts in their viewpoints and outlook on the world. 

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Hey  Fellow GNTers! So, this is first of My Solo “Shot Of Spirit,” shorter episodes where Daniel and I get to share a little bit more about aspects  of Spirituality With A Twist.🍸  In this one, I do a “guide-through” of Zen Master Hakuin’s Meditations  for “Taxation”—Basically Just Being Over-Worked!—and Who Couldn’t Use That? Because who isn’t overworked in this Modern World? . . . Trick Question: No One! So, it is a meditation for Health and Longevity, but also for Psycho-Spiritual Understanding. Hakuin says it can even help you solve all those Crazy Zen Riddles those Zen Masters are always talking about . . . Does A Tree Falling In The Woods Really Make A "Sound" If No One's There To Hear It?  What IS The Sound Of One Hand Clapping Anyways?  Does A Dog Have A Buddha Nature?!  . . . Questions, Questions!  Enjoy The Episode 🍸

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In this episode we further our discussion on Gnosticism and tie in some other traditions and their ideas on suffering, reality and what to do about it.  We also begin to look at what is known in Tantra as Divine Pride and Divine Appearance.

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In this episode we discuss the idea of perennial philosophy, or as I playfully label it, Spiritual promiscuity, and its presence in our work, our lives and in our pursuit for understanding.  We highlight the idea of Spirit being immersed in matter, the transcendent nature of the Self and as the question; Is there a pure source of Being?  The answer might just lie in something that is beyond the obvious...

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In this unique episode we talk about the adventures of Gnostic Jesus, Mary Magdaline, Sophia and Wisdom being a female entity.  We highlight feminity, Dakinis, the Prajna Paramita and Meta-Fictional Stories.

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In this episode we begin to discuss the history of Gnosticism and give further insight to our interview with podcaster Miguel Connor of Aeon Byte.  We mention Elaine Pagels and her work the Gnostic Gospels, Heresy Hunters and the Discovery at Nag Hammadi.  We also discuss Gnostic concepts of spirits entering matter, freeing the spiritual sparks and we give the listeners a little quiz at the end that we will pay off in the next episode. 

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In this episode dive into the classic Zen text, the Yasenkana, translated roughly as 'Chatting on a Boat at Night'.  We highlight the relevant parts from our previous episode and take the deep dive into the lessons learned from the author, Hakuin.  We share the meditation that he was given and its profound uses.  Additionally we get into a deep discussion on the state of Yoga in the West and the pitfalls that are inevitable when trying to package something that has to fit in one's schedule.     

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