Mindrolling With Raghu Markus

Reflecting on memories with Ram Dass, musician David Block joins Raghu to talk about interconnectivity, generosity, and The Great Way.David's single “The Great Way” featuring Ram Dass is AVAILABLE NOW: Click To ListenIn this episode of the Mindrolling Podcast, Raghu Markus and David Block discuss:Music and mantrasThe transactional nature of the world and noticing our interconnectionDavid’s relationship with Ram DassServing others instead of self-obsessionDavid’s process of creating a track for the Love Serve Remember VinylComplete attention as the greatest gift you can offer anotherThe beauty of being in the moment instead of analyzing the momentWelcoming our struggles and accepting our inner demonsHow being silent will lead us to presence and changes in perspectiveReminding ourselves of the mantra “I am loving awareness”“There was no Richard Alpert and no Ram Dass; we were just in this wonderful pool of molecular interconnection. And all I felt was, ‘How can you help me’. It was all about me. Nobody had paid

Duncan Trussell returns to Mindrolling to talk about transporting oneself out of the movie of me and into the movie of we.This week on Mindrolling, Raghu Markus and Duncan Trussell get into:Writing, producing, directing, and acting in the movie of our own livesBeing born againSitting around the fire as a metaphor for deep connectionHonesty and being ‘a fake’Transactional relationships and holding emotional debt against peopleThe fraudulent activities of the EgoGratitude giving birth to patienceFocusing on others and being in the spirit of the BuddhaRam Dass’ lesson on moving from the head to the heartThe deep seeded fear of interconnectionBoundaries within generosityTransforming our identity from me to weLiberating ourselves through brutal self-honestySnag your copy of Raghu and Duncan’s new book The Movie of Me to The Movie of We“We have an ability to be honest with ourselves, tremendously honest with ourselves. So, all of the fakery, all of the stuff that has any vestiges of manipulation or rampant des

Mindfulness teacher Oren Jay Sofer sits with Raghu to discuss keeping our hearts open through difficult times.In this episode, Raghu Markus and Oren Jay Sofer talk about:Oren’s path to mindfulnessThe influence of Vipassana MeditationHow mindfulness can be a resource to navigate the horrors of global conflictExpanding the capacity of our heartsThe potential that human beings have to move beyond ourselvesThe challenges we are currently faces as a speciesCompassion and the route to a better worldFamily and the importance of relationshipsHow the company we keep affects our spiritual practiceThe way that individual change can impact societyEcology and the abuse of earthYugas, cosmology, and building a future through our daily choicesSangha and witnessing another human being’s healingStories from experiences with MunindrajiThe importance of joy and gratitudeHow self-centeredness is being encouraged and exploited by technologyCourage and the willingness to be vulnerableA brief guided meditation around ease“Our heart

Pairing science and mysticism, Astrobiologist Dr. Bruce Damer visits Mindrolling for a sweeping discussion on the interconnected nature of the world.This week on Mindrolling, Raghu Markus and Dr. Bruce Damer dig into:Interconnected fields within natureGroup connection and relationshipPatterned memory in spaceAncestral memories, spirit, and the research of phenomenaBecoming the experience and playing with thought experimentsAlbert Einstein and scientific mysticismCollective intelligence and receiving downloadsThe operating system of the living worldRam Dass, Neem Karoli Baba, and mystical storiesMoving beyond the logical mind and tapping into possibilitiesGroup field as the antidote to separation, fear, and anxietyThe efficacy of psychedelic medicineThe revealing that comes after individual healingDr. Bruce Damer’s experience on AyahuascaDeath writing the code of lifeEmbodiment and the ‘gooeyness’ of being human About Dr. Bruce Damer:Dr. Bruce Damer is Chief Scientist at BIOTA Institute, UC Santa Cruz. He

Philanthropist Jeff Walker meets with Raghu Markus to discuss the emerging knowledge of psychedelics and energy work in the healthcare field.In this episode, Jeff and Raghu traverse these topics:Jeff’s journey from the financial world into mindfulness practiceApplying mindfulness and spirituality to the business worldThe efficacy of meditation as a healing practicePsychedelic therapies from the 70’s to the modern ageMusic and flow statesCommunity and the ‘we’ instead of the ‘me’Subtle energy and biofield healing practicesRemote healing and cancer researchChakras, Ayurveda, Sound healing and energy workBeing addicted to the experience of psychedelicsDeveloping trust into connectivity and intuitionFinding your Sangha and having trusting relationshipsSharing in happiness and sympathetic joyPsychedelic Health EquityTrauma from migration and meeting basic needsPolitical concerns, decriminalization, and the need for good therapistsLinks & Recommendations from this episode:Check out The System Catalysts&nbs

David Silver returns to the Mindrolling Podcast for a conversation on the four Yugas.This week on Mindrolling, David and Raghu look into:The four Hindu Yugas (Satya, Treta, Dwapara, Kali)How consciousness changes with the Yugas and vice versaOur current place in the Kali YugaThe White Buffalo Vision and similarities between religionsThe way our actions can manifest in the YugasThe four worlds spoken of by the HopiThe world events within this age of darknessGrief for the Israeli-Hamas conflictElon Musk, space travel, and how those with advanced abilities still need spiritualityStories of Yogananda, KC Tewari, and Neem Karoli BabaWhy exploring the Yugas can expand our consciousnessCoupling reincarnation with the YugasKirtan, Mantra, and navigating Kali Yuga with spiritual practiceHow remembering the Yugas can remind us of our connection to a bigger pictureDavid Silver returns to the Mindrolling Podcast for a conversation on the four Yugas.“If you couple the Yugas with the dynamic of reincarnation, you can see r

Mindfully infused with various Buddhist skills, this episode features a dialogue between Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo and Raghu Markus on the many opportunities for practice in our daily lives.This time on Mindrolling, Raghu Markus and Tenzin Palmo explore:Tenzin Palmo’s earliest experiences of connecting to The BuddhaThe imminence of deathTenzin’s Book, Reflections on a Mountain LakeWhat perfection is and how we can realize itTenzin’s journey to the guru in IndiaWomen on the path of BuddhismThe process of starting a nunneryNon-self, the ego, and Becoming nobodyRecommendations from the BuddhaTaming the mindStarting with ourselves when we cultivate compassionThe six paramitas (perfections) of the Bodhisattva pathOpportunities for practice in our daily livesDeath, letting people go, and expressing loveSpirituality as a path of joyA brief mindfulness meditation“During our daily life, we have so much opportunity to practice. To practice being generous, to practice being patient in the face of other people's pr

In an expansive discussion around Steve Kanji Ruhl’s book, Appalachian Zen, Steve and Raghu explore finding equilibrium through zen practice.“In Buddhism, the true home is that place within each of us, it’s an inner heartland. We can call it original Buddha Nature; it is accessible to all of us anytime and any place. It’s really a matter of finding this inner equilibrium and being in this moment, in this place, and being fully alive.” – Steve Kanji RuhlIn this episode, Raghu Markus and Steve Kanji Ruhl discuss:Cultural Transformation in AppalachiaSteve Kanji’s experience of violence and PTSDZen practice and finding our inner equilibriumEnduring a soul injury and the journey of healingThe teachers that shape us for better or worseMeeting Ram Dass and receiving sanctuaryThe concept of home and the path as the guruHolding self and other simultaneouslyZazen meditation practiceLiving deliberately and obstructions of the willBalancing intention with surrenderBreaking down the conditioning that prevents us

Bringing indigenous wisdom into modernity, Italian writer Danielle Bolelli joins Raghu to talk about quality and restoring balance with the natural world.“We need that wisdom, indigenous wisdom. We need to bring back something that we have lost from our move into the industrialized last couple of centuries.” – Raghu MarkusThis time on Mindrolling, Raghu Markus and Daniele Bolelli converse about:Wisdom from Native American eldersThe balance with natureMoney and power strugglesCapitalism, Marketing, and what makes something successfulThe constant urge for more versus usefulness of resourcesWhat gives something qualityThe history of Crazy Horse, an extremely spiritual Lakota warriorAnswering to hopelessnessContentment and small disciplineThe promise of potential and handling sufferingLinks & Recommendations From this Episode:Raghu and Danielle discuss quality through the lens of Zen and The Art of Motorcycle MaintenanceDanielle suggests checking out the show Reservation Dogs to get a glim

Diving into treasured memories, Lama Tsultrim Allione, Krishna Das, and Raghu Markus explore the ways that the guru can move through a family.Ram Dass' Love Serve Remember Foundation and the Alan Watts Organization invite you to open your mind, open your heart, and tap into the living truth of Alan Watts and Ram Dass. Learn more about this special 4-week Virtual Course:"The Presence of the Way: The Dharma of Alan Watts and Ram Dass"In this episode from The 2023 Summer Mountain Retreat, Raghu Markus, Krishna Das, and Lama Tsultrim Allione explore:Being taken care of by the guruThe myth and magic of Maharaj-jiHealing traumatic relationshipsStories of Raghu & Krishna Das’ parents in IndiaThe transformations that came from meeting Maharaj-jiHow the guru moves through the familyLama Tsultrim Allione’s story of becoming a monkHow our entire family can be changed by our individual devotionTales of Dzogchen Master, Adzom Paylo RinpocheThe fierce grace of the guruBreaking the wheel of abuse “The guru is a phy

Zach Leary, the host of the MAPS podcast, shares a conversation with Raghu about Ram Dass’ significant impact on the scientific exploration of psychedelics.This episode was originally recorded on the MAPS podcast.Two cultural icons. Two unique perspectives... One understanding of the presence of the way.Ram Dass' Love Serve Remember Foundation and the Alan Watts Organization invite you to open your mind, open your heart, and tap into the living truth of Alan Watts and Ram Dass. Learn more about this special 4-week Virtual Course:"The Presence of the Way: The Dharma of Alan Watts and Ram Dass" In this special MAPS feature on Mindrolling, Raghu Markus and Zach Leary discuss:Ram Dass’ ability to describe the ephemeralThe burgeoning scientific research on psychedelicsThe story of Neem Karoli Baba and LSDFinding a way to extend the psychedelic state into everyday lifeSelfish Altruism and the personal benefit of serviceMethods to experience GodHow we can remember the divinity within all of usHea

Grief literary advocate Stephen Jenkinson connects with Raghu for a thought-provoking conversation on palliative care and dying wise.In this episode, Stephen Jenkinson and Raghu Markus peruse:The importance of storytelling and the human voiceFinding an alternative outlet for divinityExistential fear and dying wiseMoral and ethical dilemmas within the healthcare systemWhat constitutes care and the many gaps in medical practice wisdomMedical assistance in dying to relieve sufferingWhy limits and endings give life meaningThe wisdom and belonging of sadnessBargaining for more time instead of examining the quality of timeA better way to relate to the transition of life into deathThe idea of being ‘too late’ and the consequences of our perceptionsHope as a mortgage on life and the certainties we falsely rely onDeath as a deity that we should accommodateTwo cultural icons. Two unique perspectives... One understanding of the presence of the way.Ram Dass' Love Serve Remember Foundation and the Alan Watts Organiza

Facing the truth of death, Roshi Joan Halifax and Raghu Markus delve into compassion, surrender, and self-less love.This time on mindrolling, Roshi Joan Halifax and Raghu Markus ponder:Soul and the Depth of CharacterRoshi Joan’s relationship with Ram DassKindness and Love across all spiritual traditionsTransforming from the we to the meHolding a loving space in the face of deathFundamental impermanence as an ultimate truthA.I., predictive responses, and a pseudo-realitySurrender, Joy, and starting practices early in lifeAwareness of one’s motivations and self-interestsRam Dass and opening up the path of loveA Buddhist story on facing the truth of old age, sickness and deathAcknowledging the past and honoring our ancestors“All of us little human beings, we grip onto this small-self identity that gives us a sense of security, but all of that will be let go of as we meet death and certainly if we let go into authentic love.” – Roshi Joan Halifax, Ph.D.Are you interested in contributing to the wild

Learning how to love our enemies and surpass hatred, Sharon Salzberg, Robert Thurman, and Raghu Markus talk about doing the work required to transform our lives and bring love into the world.“It’s out of compassion for ourselves in a way that we think, ‘what would it be not to just have this habitual relationship to anger, like it’s the only source of strength? Can I actually explore the domains of love and compassion as a source of strength?’.” – Sharon SalzbergIn this episode, we hear Sharon Salzberg, Robert Thurman and Raghu Markus discuss:Memories of Maui and prayers for LahainaLoving our Enemies no matter what they may doSelf-love and the instinct to obliterate the selfRemodeling our concept of love to be more empoweringCreating more harmony in our livesHaving motives to practiceWhy we should relish in the opportunity to be around our enemiesThe antidote to fearGiving in versus not being controlled/obsessed with the actions of othersThe self-destruction of hatred and internalizing our enemiesTough love a

Paul Austin joins Gagan (Jared) Levy and Raghu Markus in a discussion about the origins of psychedelics in Western culture.Together, they delve into the third wave of psychedelics and explore methods to enhance their effects through practices like microdosing and spirituality. In this episode , Paul Austin, Gagan (Jared) Levy, and Raghu explore:Paul Austin’s Calvinistic upbringingCannabis, rebellion, and having awe-inspiring experiences with psychedelicsMoving from atheism to spiritualityPsychedelic literacy and paradigm shiftsHeroic ingestion of hallucinogens versus microdosingHaving the right set and setting when using psychedelicsPropaganda and the western lineage with plant medicineThe Eleusinian MysteriesLSD and the cultural context of the 1960’sThe internet and computers as a result of psychedelicsIndigenous roots and a remembrance of the primal selfTrip-sitting and being a guide through the psychedelic experienceIntention & presence as a critical part of microdosingThe necessary spiritual practices

This week on the Mindrolling Podcast, contemplative scientist Cortland Dahl and Raghu Markus discuss the Tibetan Buddhist perspective of a healthy mind and how to transition from rumination to exploration.In this conversation, Cortland Dahl and Raghu chat about:Cortland Dahl’s journey to mindfulness practiceYongey Mingyur Rinpoche and loving the worldBeing Human, meditation, and coping with anxietyEmbracing and Exploring the nature of our mindsLanguage Immersion and translating Tibetan textsThe story of Asanga and the Buddha NatureTransformation through compassionate actionWise-selfishness and looking at our motivationsTurning the narrative mind into a new directionGamma Oscillations and the ‘aha’ momentThe practice of non-referential compassionIntersections between science and mindfulnessLinks & Recommendations From this Episode:Raghu and Cortland talk about the book: In Love with the World: A Monk’s Journey Through the Bardos of Living and Dying by Yongey Mingyur RinpocheLearn more about Yonge

Raghu shares a conversation with Susan Bauer-Wu, PhD, RN about climate crisis and our interconnection with all things.In this episode of the Mindrolling Podcast, Susan Bauer-Wu talks about her work as a teacher, clinician, and academic researcher and discusses the public meeting between His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Greta Thunberg that inspired her new book – A Future We Can Love.In this episode, Susan Bauer-Wu and Raghu speak about:Our interconnection with the natural world and all thingsThe need for humanity to move into better balance with our environmentHis Holiness the Dalai Lama’s public chat about climate crisis with Greta Thunberg – an inspiration for Susan’s new book, A Future We Can LoveRaising awareness about climate change within spiritual and faith-based communitiesLinks & Recommendations From this Episode:His Holiness the Dalai Lama In Conversation with Greta Thunberg and Leading ScientistsMind & Life InstituteThe Loka Initiative | Center for Healthy MindsIt Can’t H

Bestselling author Carol Sanford and Gagan (Jared) Levy sit down with Raghu Markus for an insightful conversation about transforming our cultural perception of death and infusing consciousness into all aspects of life.“What’s really needed right now is a major culture shift around how we look at death and know overall, it’s like we’re afraid to talk about it. It’s the one thing we all share that we’re all marching towards. We’re all walking each other home, yet we don’t talk about it.” – Gagan LevyIn this episode, Raghu and his guests discuss:Opening up our worldview by recognizing the paradigms that are in placeThe concepts of conscious living and conscious dyingTransforming the way we think and talk about the stages of dyingBringing mindfulness into the workplaceLinks & Recommendations From this Episode:The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying, translated by Sogyal RinpocheThe Regenerative Business & No More Gold Stars from Carol SanfordAbout Carol Sanford:Carol Sanford is

Author Andy Karr invites us to look into the mirror, speaking with Raghu about why it is so essential for each of us to develop the habits of self-reflection and mindfulness practice.In this week’s episode, Raghu speaks with Andy about:The themes of self-reflection, applied mindfulness and cultivating a personal practice that are explored in Andy’s newest book, Into The MirrorAndy’s connection to Ram Dass, Buddhism and his study under Chögyam Trungpa‘Crazy wisdom’ and the teachings of Chögyam TrungpaThe importance of holding a personal practice of some sort, and what that offers to our lives“There is no substitute, in my mind, for just developing the habit of practicing. I think alongside of that is perspective, because you see yourself and then it goes back to mindfulness. You see your resistance, your fear, your boredom, whatever it might be.” – Andy KarrLinks & Recommendations From this Episode:Zen in the Art of Archery by Eugen HerrigelCrazy Wisdom by Chögyam TrungpaWhy We Meditate 

For the 500th episode of the podcast, Mindrolling co-founder David Silver and old friend Danny Goldberg return!In this special episode, the group reflects on the question, “Are we living in the darkest hour of a dark age?” and explores different sources of light that can guide us through the darkness.In this episode, the group talks about:Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche’s belief that our era of human history is “the darkest hour of the Dark Ages”Looking towards spirituality and religion for the answers to humanity’s biggest problemsRam Dass and Alan Watts – and the theme of interconnectedness found at the heart of their teachingsPolitics, polarization and the manifestations of darkness that each generation must face"I think we have to look towards spirituality and religion for the answers to try to mediate unbridled materialism, which we know is a death trap." - Danny GoldbergLinks & Recommendations From this Episode:“In Search of the Lost Chord: 1967 a