Mindrolling With Raghu Markus

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

South African Shaman John Lockley returns to the Mindrolling podcast to share his experiences as a Sangoma in the Xhosa tradition and speak with Raghu about bringing indigenous wisdom into the modern world and opening the doors of our perception.In this episode, Raghu speaks with John Lockley about:Different methods for opening the doors of one’s own perceptionHow plant medicine is used in the Xhosa traditionShamanism as a path for exploring the ineffable experiences had through inner work and psychedelicsWorking with dreams and the spirit realm“The next part of the circle is going into the wilderness and seeing what needs to be done to stretch consciousness and help bring more healing. To maintain some mindfulness is extraordinarily important, which includes meditation and walking.” – John LockleyLinks & Recommendations From this Episode:Sharon Salzberg’s new book, Real LifeJohn Lockley’s NewsletterShift Network Courses (new course with John Lockley coming soon)See Privacy Policy at https://art

Tim Burkett joins Raghu to chat about his journey and the lessons along the way of writing his book, Enlightenment Is an Accident.Tim joins Raghu to shine light on:Stories of studying zen with Suzuki Roshi The various perceptions of the term, “enlightenment”“Idiot compassion,” spiritual bypassing, and authentic generosity The amygdala’s role in our behavior The Japanese concept of wabi-sabi, and manifesting non-dual feelingCheck out Enlightenment Is an Accident hereExplore Suzuki Roshi’s books hereAbout Tim Burkett:Tim Burkett began practicing Zen Buddhism in San Francisco in 1964 with renowned teacher Shunryu Suzuki (author of Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind). After completing his BA at Stanford University, Tim and his family moved to Minnesota.Tim’s first book, Nothing Holy About It, discusses how Zen’s core teachings unfold within the ordinary comedies and tragedies of everyday life. In his books, as in his life, Tim reveals how to live in the world with a deep joy that comes from embracing t

Dr. Sylver Quevedo and Raghu jam on psychedelic preparation and integration, the MAPS MDMA studies, a Ram Dass ketamine story in India, and how 'love, serve, remember' connects to Indigenous wisdom.“One of the cardinal features that's been learned in the second psychedelic renaissance in the clinical trials has been the importance of two things that were not really understood that well in the 1960s—that is, preparation and integration. By contrast, one of the things that really was discovered early on and articulated very well by Ram Dass and Timothy Leary, was the importance of 'set and setting.' That has survived. It was figured out early on, never went away, and has been rediscovered over and over again.” – Dr. Sylver Quevedo Raghu and Sylver dive into:Taos, New Mexico; the Pueblo people; and the Neem Karoli Baba Ashram in Taos which houses the radiant and emotive Hanuman murti who jumped the ocean from India with Ram Dass and friends back in the day Working with MAPS (The Multidisciplinary Association for

Comedian, Mike Finoia, joins Raghu to share his difficult patch with mental health and the tools that have helped him cultivate inner peace.“I realized that there’s only two ways of operating: It’s either from a place of love or a place of fear. If you're operating from a place of fear, you really can’t be open to the love there is around us. But if you’re operating from a place of love, fear doesn’t stand a chance.” – Mike FinoiaMike and Raghu go deep about:Anxiety and finding the tools that work to manage itBeing vocal about the rough patches on Mike's public platformPractices for changing our internal landscapesBuddhist perspectives on anger, fear, good-enoughness, and emptinessHaving a sense of humor about our “self-cherishing”"Mother recognition," or the essence of motherly compassion“It takes way more courage to break through the constriction that we have in this society. And it takes courage to say, ‘I need some help.’” - Raghu MarkusConnect with Mike on his website or on social media @mikefinoiaLearn

Exploring the wisdom of Selfistry, Sarah Marshank joins to share her spiritual journey through the lens of Ram Dass's teaching of "from role to soul.""There is a place that's always here that's in us and that holds us, that is 'okayness.' It's a relief to finally land there. And from there, to feel happy and sad, and witness the horrors as well as the exquisite beauty of the world, and feel okay with all of it. It's that dance—to know that everything is fundamentally okay and to address all the fucked up things in the world at the same time. Those are not mutually exclusive." – Sarah MarshankIn this episode, Raghu and Sarah mindfully explore:Stories and themes from Sarah's new memoir, Being Selfish: My Journey from Escort to Monk to Grandmother Sarah growing up in the religious container of Judaism, and how meditation helped her come to spirituality Ram Dass's teachings of role to soul, and cultivating the witness How Sarah came up with the term "selfistry" through playing with self and no-self Opening to the

Raghu is joined by singer and songwriter Kesha to talk about living authentically, finding happiness, and bringing spiritual practice into our busy lives.Check out Kesha's new record, Gag Order, featuring a heartful interlude from Ram Dass.Kesha joins Raghu on Mindrolling to chat about:Her experiences with Ram Dass’s teachings and her inspiration to sample him on her track, Ram Dass Interlude from her new album, Gag Order The emptiness Kesha felt from outward seeking, the world of fame, and feeling unaligned with her truth Feeding people to transform from “me land” to “we land” Having the space to work from a state of authenticity Motivations in the record business  The habitual patterns surrounding our spiritual practices Reincarnation and Ram Dass’ manifestations after death The surprising catalyst of Kesha's spiritual awakening Humor as an essential quality of the spiritual path"You’re making enough space to serve yourself to get calm enough to be able to then give to others." - KeshaRaghu's book

"The Hidden Artists podcast is about people who haven't been discovered yet—entrepreneurs, musicians, someone who is creative in what they do. People have all these talents, but they don't all have an opportunity to be known for what they do. I just want to give these people a chance to be able to do what they love for a living." – Natalie DayanIn this episode, Raghu and Natalie dive into:What it's like for Natalie being born Jewish, being raised in India, and now living in Los AngelesExploring the various parts of your identityThe inspiration behind starting her podcast, The Hidden Artists, which helps artists and entrepreneurs get discoveredObtaining her Masters degree in Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative MedicineWorking with feeling lost in life, and using fear as a way to motivate yourselfThe similarities and crossovers between Hinduism and JudiasmHow we are not our thoughts, we are not our storyRaghu's adventures through India, and learning Sab Ek (All One) wisdom from Maharaj-jiHaving faith that the un

Raghu’s longtime friend, Daniel Goleman, returns to Mindrolling to catch up on his book co-authored with Tsoknyi Rinpoche, Why We Meditate.“There’s more than normal consciousness. There are other possibilities that have their own kind of richness. There are paths to those possibilities.” – Daniel GolemanIn this episode of Mindrolling, Raghu and Daniel chat about:Wild stories at Raghu’s family farm when they returned to the West  How Danny’s wife, Tara Bennet-Gorman’s book, Emotional Alchemy, along with traditional Tibetan practices served as Tsoknyi’s inspiration for addressing the things that get in the way of our lives, particularly as Westerners  Tsoknyi’s various methods for mindfulness: the handshake method, dropping practice, and more How Ram Dass came up with the term, “little shmoos” Cultivating a sense of “okayness” with things as they are The different types of love on the spectrum of “essence love”“These kinds of practices get integrated into your being. They're a resource for that i

Dr. Shamini Jain connects with Raghu Markus to discuss harmonizing our autonomic nervous system via an integration of the mind and body.“What we know now is that our emotions have a deep effect on our physiology; they're very interconnected. We can create health simply with our breathing, with our connection with energy, with our connection with a deeper core of who we are.” – Shamini Jain, Ph.D In this episode of Mindrolling, Raghu talks with Dr. Shamini Jain about:The multiple ways to experience God within our consciousnessJainism and the main tenant of non-violenceThe nature of vibration and its relationship to the healing processPsychoneuroimmunology (PNI) and the mind-body connectionHow we can prevent disease by harmonizing our autonomic nervous systemThe subtlety of sound and Dr. Shamini's research on using music to healReiki, Chi Gong, meditation and other traditions of vibrational practices“If you transform polarization inside yourself, you probably transform the development of cells that are in&

On a mission to connect hearts all over the world through Indigenous wisdom, Anita Sanchez illuminates her new book, The Four Sacred Gifts, with Raghu.Sign up for Ram Dass's Yoga of Heartfulness Course, starting May 15th, at RamDass.org/heart“Out of the beingness that is whole, loving, collaborative, and grateful, then we do the doing. Wellbeing inspires well-doing.” – Anita Sanchez, Ph.DThis time on Mindrolling, Raghu talks with Anita Sanchez about:Receiving wisdom, dreams, and prophecies passed down by indigenous eldersThe healing path and how indigenous wisdom paved Anita’s way Creating harmony in the heart, mind, body, and spirit to radiate it to the world‘The Hoop of Life’ as an emblem for unityForgiveness as a pathway to freedom, a pathway to love fully, and the passcode to your own divinityPutting ‘wise hope’ into action“It’s a good day to heal. It's a good day to forgive. It’s a good day to be in unity. It’s a good day to have more dreams and more hope in action.” – Anita Sanchez, Ph.DA

In this special episode, Raghu, RamDev (Dale Borglum), and Jackie Dobrinska weave the tapestry for heartfulness as a way of life.Sign up for Ram Dass's Yoga of Heartfulness Course, starting May 15th, at RamDass.org/heart“The development of heartfulness will help—we expect—to transform the polarity that we’re living in within ourselves and in our society and culture.” – Raghu MarkusIn this episode of Mindrolling, Raghu, RamDev, and Jackie tap into:The path for cultivating heartfulnessThe abundance of ways that one can be in the presence of the divineRaghu meeting Ram Dass for the first timeNavigating suffering with an open heartPractices for developing the heart-mindThe antidote for isolation and separatenessA heart-awakening meditation guided by RamDev“The heart begins to reveal how spacious it is, how connected it is. It's as vast as the sky. It's boundless.” – RamDev“To hold our humanity in the context of our divinity, that’s the work.” – RamDevAbout RamDev:Dale Borglum is the founder and Executive Director

Author, musician, and astrologist, Ahad Cobb dissects his new memoir, Riding the Spirit Bus, with Raghu Markus.“The very fact of living in cooperative community on the earth together is itself a gift to many people in our culture.” – Ahad CobbThis time on mindrolling, Raghu Markus and Ahad Cobb discuss:Ahad Cobb's background with Ram DassMaharaj-ji's graceWriting Riding the Spirit BusThe Lama Foundation and becoming groundedCommunal livingWalking in the forest as meditationAbout Ahad Cobb: Ahad is the author, editor, and publisher of six books, including Image Nation and Early Lama Foundation. A musician and leader of Dances of Universal Peace, he has also served as a continuing member, officer, and trustee of the Lama Foundation. He studies and teaches Jyotish (Vedic astrology). He lives in Albuquerque, New Mexico.Check out Ahad's new memoir about spiritual awakening and Ram Dass, Riding the Spirit Bus, HERESee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https:

Teacher, translator, and Rumi Scholar, Kabir Helminski, gets together with Raghu to discuss Sufi mysticism and his new book, The Mysterion."In Sufism, sincerity would be understood to be something like doing whatever you do for the sake of God; not for anyone's approval, not for attention, not for pleasure." – Kabir HelminskiIn this episode of Mindrolling, Raghu Markus and Kabir Helminski chat about:Kabir's encounter with Ram DassThe tradition of RumiSufism and sincerity The sense of self in the Sufi traditionPresence as a single field of awarenessRelief from judgment and the power of laughterAbout Kabir Helminski: Kabir has been translating Rumi and writing about spirituality for more than forty years. He is a respected teacher, a Shaikh of the Mevlevi Order, which traces back to Rumi. Kabir Helminski is co-director, with his wife, Camille Helminski, of the Threshold Society, a nonprofit organization dedicated to sharing the knowledge and practice of Sufism. He is the author of Living Presence and the t

Making friends with death, David Silver and Raghu Markus explore Tibetan Traditions and the wisdom of death and dying."'Mindfulness is the path to the deathless, headlessness is the path to death. The mindful do not die, but the headless are as if dead already.' If you are not mindful through the flow of your earthly life, that will bring death and its fury." – David Silver quoting/commenting on the Dhammapada In this episode, David Silver joins Raghu Markus to explore:Death and dying in the Tibetan traditionIndividual success within the collective Viewing death as an adventureThe ego as a servant instead of a masterSurrendering the bubble of separation "Certainly a cause of sickness is the way we guard ourselves and the way we act in the world from this separated place. That's why you do not need to be old to get any benefit from some of the incredible wisdom of the Tibetan culture." – Raghu Markus About David Silver:David Silver is the former co-host of the Mindrolling podcast. He i

Integrating the self, identity, and belonging; mindfulness researcher, Dr. Dan Siegel, joins Raghu Markus to explore his new book, IntraConnected."From a mathematical point of view, the modern construction of a separate solo self is actually a violation of a complex system's ability to adapt and learn." – Dr. Dan SiegelIn this episode Raghu Markus and Dr. Dan Siegel ponder:The integration of self, identity, and belongingRadical Trauma and losing the sense of selfScience and contemplative wisdomThe Optimal Flow of HarmonyDeath as a space of possibility Being a part of a wholeAbout Dr. Dan Siegel:Dr. Siegel is a Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at the UCLA School of Medicine and the founding co-director of the Mindful Awareness Research Center at UCLA. An award-winning educator, he is a Distinguished Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association and recipient of several honorary fellowships. Dr. Siegel is also the Executive Director of the Mindsight Institute, an educational organization, which offer

In a discussion on transcendence, Raghu Markus and Zen Priest Hozan Alan Senauke describe embodying zen practices and having a stable mind."What really impressed me about the Chinese/Japanese poetry was that there was a sense of the ordinary. There was something marvelous and transcendent in ordinary perceptions." – Hozan Alan SenaukeIn this episode Raghu Markus and Hozan Alan Senauke explore:The practice of ZenMagic within the ordinary Meeting spiritual teachers and guidesSeeing both sides of everything and finding balanceEmbodiment and putting our practice into the worldBeing Happy and being in the moment Hozan Alan Senauke:Hozan Alan Senauke is a Soto Zen priest, folk musician, poet and the Abbot of Berkeley Zen Center in California. As a socially engaged Buddhist activist, Hozan has worked closely with the International Network of Engaged Buddhists and Buddhist Peace Fellowship since 1991. In 2007, he founded Clear View Project, developing Buddhist-based resources for relief and social

Scholar Michael Meade sits down with Raghu Markus for a mythical episode on storytelling, symbolism, and human nature."Myth is about vertical imagination. Myth opens up the connections we have to the heavens and the connections we have to the underworld... On the surface a myth is false, but it carries deeper truths than you can find anywhere else." – Michael MeadeIn this episode Raghu Markus and Michael Meade converse about:Michael's induction into the realm of myth Storytelling with musical instrumentsOral and literary traditions in mythologyFinding truth within imaginationLife, death, and renewalThe mythic nature of humans and dreamsA connection between endings and beginnings  The African myth of the eagle and the child About Michael Meade: Michael Meade is a renowned storyteller, author, and scholar of mythology, anthropology, and psychology. He combines hypnotic storytelling, street-savvy perceptiveness, and spellbinding interpretations of ancient myths with a deep know