Mindrolling With Raghu Markus

Jaymee Carpenter returns to Mindrolling for an expansive talk with Raghu on addiction, luminous darkness, and loving the mystery in it all.In this episode of Mindrolling, Jaymee Carpenter and Raghu Markus explore:Jaymee’s work with addiction counselingAdding to our own suffering / the second arrow in BuddhismHow Jaymee’s struggles with addiction have become doorways to connect with peopleHanuman, Christ, and love of the divineThe high of being on a retreatFinding light within the darknessSweat lodge ceremonies and being rebornBeing beyond identity when dealing with addictionRaghu’s experience with the charnel ground in IndiaGetting comfortable with the unknownMother energy and unconditional caringAll of the possibilities included in the mysteryRelationships and being secure in loveNavigating through our traumasAbout Jaymee Carpenter:Jaymee Carpenter is a highly revered spiritual teacher and psychospiritual counselor based in Ojai, CA, with a background of 13 years of multi-faceted professional experience in t

Taking us through her 3 near-death experiences, Michelle Clare joins Raghu to talk about the afterlife, mediumship, and finding true purpose.This time on Mindrolling, Michelle and Raghu have a conversation about:Michelle’s experience growing up catholic and praying to saintsMichelle’s first experience connecting to loved ones who have passedNear-death experiences (NDEs) and sensing peace and perfectionHow the religion we believe in will be what we are greeted by in the afterlifeTelepathic communication and the soul’s ability to travelMichelle’s second NDE and meeting Jesus in an operating roomThe parallels between psychedelics and NDEsSoul planning and understanding our dharmaRaghu’s psychic experiences with Neem Karoli BabaOur spirit team and the web of love that supports usIntuition, the gift that each one of us carriesAbout Michelle Clare:Michelle Clare is a certified medium, psychic, energy healer, and life coach. She is guided by spirit and uses her gifts to heal, enlighten, encourage, and inspire others

This week, we take a look back at a conversation that Raghu had with Gabor Maté about trauma, desire, addiction, and getting honest with ourselves.In this remastered episode, Gabor explores these struggles through the lens of the Hungry Ghost Realm of saṃsāra.To learn more about all six realms of saṃsāra and the Wheel of Life in Buddhist tradition, check out this episode of the Mindrolling Podcast with Buddhist teacher, David Nichtern: Ep. 168 Awakening from the DaydreamGabor Maté is a renowned speaker and bestselling author. After 20 years of family practice and palliative care experience, Gabor worked for over a decade in Vancouver’s Downtown East Side with patients challenged by drug addiction and mental illness. The bestselling author of four books published in over thirty languages, Gabor is sought after for his expertise on addiction, trauma, childhood development, and the relationship between stress and illness. His latest book, released in 2022, is titled the Myth of Normal: Trauma, Ill

Explaining the concept of mirror eye, Loch Kelly chats with Raghu about non-self and effortless mindfulness.Click HERE for some complimentary resources from Loch Kelly to deepen your experiential exploration into Effortless Mindfulness.This week on Mindrolling, Loch and Raghu get into:How mindfulness can be effortlessLoch’s transformative experience in NepalA down-to-earth explanation of no-self or ‘mirror-eye’Sustaining the state of awakeningPsychedelics as treatment for PTSDEgo dissolution and other dimensionsReturning home through mindfulness practiceKarma yoga and realizing our self-interested motivationsA guided meditation from Loch“If you ask someone or take the time to feel the mirror-eye that’s listening to these words, and then feel where is it located in your body. Most people will feel it in the middle of their head behind their eyes. Feel that location and thank it for all its hard work. Appreciate its functionality and ask it for some space and then open to a mindful witness of this mir

Expanding our notions of love to a universal state, ecologist and peace-pilgrim, Satish Kumar, joins Raghu to talk about his new book, Radical Love.Get your copy of Radical Love HEREThis time on Mindrolling, Satish and Raghu journey through these topics:How Gandhi was a great influence on Satish’s lifeLoving people with whom we do not agreeThe ultimate love, knowledge, and heroism we receive from our mothersThe feminine motherly quality we can find in gurusSatish’s experience in the Jain traditionNegative consequences from materialism, consumerism, and the industrial way of lifePollution, global warming, and harm to bio-diversity as our collective karmaWhy everyone should take a Hippocratic oathRemembering we are all human beings and can all practice love as our primary religionScience, gravity, and the capacity to understand the non-physical realityHow love holds together the spiritual worldUnilateral love and not waiting to love another until they love usGandhi’s concept of Sarvodaya, or

Raghu’s original Mindrolling partner, David Silver, returns for a beautiful homage to the genius of Aldous Huxley.Learn more about Aldous Huxley HEREThis week, David and Raghu talk about:How Aldous Huxley showed Ram Dass and Tim Leary the Tibetan Book of the DeadDavid Silver’s initial reading of Brave New World and the prophecy it heldAldous Huxley’s backgroundHuxley’s Doors of Perception and Heaven and HellHuxley’s perspective on non-dualism and childrenRam Dass’ and Aldous Huxley’s friendshipAldous Huxley’s end-of-life experience with entheogensSystematic reasoning versus direct perceptionThe fear that can arise when we have a mystical experienceThe transformational power of psychedelics in the field of mental healthJim Morrison, The Doors, and Ram DassAbout David Silver:David Silver is the former co-host of the Mindrolling podcast. He is a filmmaker and director, most recently coming out with Brilliant Disguise. Brilliant Disguise tells the unique story of a group of

Sarah Anderson joins Raghu to explore her new book, The Lost Art of Silence, and how we can reconnect to the beauty of quiet.Get your copy of Sarah’s book HEREIn this episode, Sarah and Raghu delve into:How crucial and nurturing silence can beSarah’s childhood traumaSilence’s relationship to the inner journeySarah’s investigation into the art of silenceSilence as the link between so many religions and traditionsThe way that being quiet makes us a better listenerRaghu’s story of meeting Ram DassHow nature can teach us about silenceThe fear caused from sensory deprivationsBecoming aware of God through silent meditationConcerns for our youth and the loudness of technologyAbout Sarah Anderson:Sarah Anderson founded the Travel Bookshop in London in 1979, the shop later featured in the film Notting Hill. She studied Chinese at the London University college of SOAS, and at Heythrop, where she earned an MA in the psychology of religion. She has taught travel writing at City University, writes regular t

Philosopher, author, and activist Peter Singer joins Raghu to chat about his new book, The Buddhist and the Ethicist.Pick up your copy of Peter Singer’s book HEREThis week on Mindrolling, Peter and Raghu have a comprehensive conversation on:Singer’s coming of age in the 60’sThe background of Venerable Shih Chao-HweiThe ethical outlook of utilitarianismExamining the consequences of our actionsThe problems that come with not thinking about the futureThe Bodhisattva traditionBhakti Yoga and merging with the supreme beingHaving compassion for those that suffer, human and non-humanLooking at theories of human nature and basic goodnessKarma’s compatibility with utilitarianismThe ways that we leave traces in the worldAbout Peter Singer:Peter Singer is an Australian moral philosopher and Professor of Bioethics at Princeton University. He also is also an author, and is best known for his writings about poverty and liberating animals. He wrote the book Animal Liberation, in which he argues for vegetarianism a

Indigenous healer Paul Callaghan teaches us about aboriginal wisdom and being a part of the collective story of humanity.Check out Paul’s book, The Dreaming Path, to learn more about contentment, purpose, healing, and reconnecting with your story—and ultimately the universe.In this episode of Mindrolling, Paul and Raghu get into:Aboriginal Dreamtime storiesThe creation myth of mother earthBeing still in nature to receive insightsHow acute anxiety and a mental health crisis lead Paul to a life changeWhy reconnecting to his aboriginal roots lead to Paul’s healing and self-discoveryDefining the dreaming path and promoting individualityHow does relying on nature and living sustainably allow one to slow down?Finding power in unity and getting resources to all peopleExamining whether we add or take away from the collective story of humanitySelf-care and finding out who we really areGoing with the flow of lifeAbout Paul Callaghan:Paul Callaghan is a First Nations custodian in the land now called Australia

Focusing on the uniqueness of each of our brains, Dr. Nicole Tetreault sits down with Raghu to discuss her book, Insight into a Bright Mind.Get your copy of Dr. Nicole’s book HEREThis week on Mindrolling, Nicole and Raghu go over:Nicole’s devotion to Maharaj-ji and her background in neuroscienceNicole’s research in Parkinsons and AutismHow cancer influenced Nicole’s life course as a scientistFixing models of healing versus bearing witnessComing to terms with death and sufferingImpermanence and remembering to be presentChanging our karmas through shifting into compassionThe definition of neurodiversity and advocatingNeuroplasticity and the capacity for changeHallucinogens and opening a doorway for learningLetting go of our self-critical voiceMirror neurons and empathyThe pros of anxietyThe gut-brain connection and the microbiomeAbout Dr. Nicole Tetreault:Dr. Nicole Tetreault is a compassion-based neuroscientist, international speaker, author, and meditation teacher, fusing ancient Asian meditati

Nina Rao and Chandra Easton join Raghu to talk about embodying the goddess Tara through chanting.Interested in seeing Nina and Chandra? Here are two upcoming events on the East Coast: Tibet House, NYC, May 11 and Kripalu, MA, May 12-17Raghu, Nina, and Chandra spend this episode discussing:Chandra’s Buddhist upbringingThe deity Tara and the sacred feminineNina and Chandra’s collaboration with chanting and mantrasAn acapella chant offered from NinaTara for harmonyTantra and spirituality for the peopleThe 21 praises to TaraDurga, Saraswati, and other feminine deities we can invoke through mantrasThe eighth Tara as a fierce and invincible embodimentThe mara of doubtAbout Nina Rao:Nina Rao is a devotional singer. She tours with Krishna Das, playing cymbals, singing, and acting as his business manager. Nina has two of her own albums, “Antarayaami – Knower of All Hearts” and “Anubhav”. Nina regularly leads kirtan, workshops, and retreats in her hometown of Brooklyn, New York and be

Exploring the Jewish psychedelic underground, Madison Margolin joins Raghu to talk about Ram Dass, psychedelics and her new book, Exile and Ecstasy.Get your copy of Exile and Ecstasy HEREIn this episode, Raghu and Madison have an expansive discussion about:Madison’s upbringing in the Ram Dass communityInfluences of psychedelic culture and eastern mysticismMadison’s intrinsic connection to her Jewish roots‘Hinjewism’ and honoring multiple traditions at onceThe ways that Madison struggled with the overuse of ‘be here now’Ram Dass’ Jewish legacyHow journalism school enabled Madison to connect orthodox Judaism and psychedelicsJudaism as a container for psychedelic experiencesDiscovering altered states without psychedelicsThe history of the Baal Shem TovTreatment of women in Judaism and the divine feminineHow Rainbow Gathering changed Madison’s lifeAnchoring ourselves through practiceAbout Madison Margolin:“I’m a journalist straddling California, New York, and Israel-Palestine, focused on psychedeli

Raghu Markus and Duncan Trussell share the story behind their new book, The Movie of Me to the Movie of We. Snag your copy of The Movie of Me to The Movie of WeThis week on Mindrolling, listen to Raghu and Duncan chat about:Spiritual emaciation in a world of excessThe meaning of ‘the movie of me’Pyromania within humanitarianismReflecting on caricatures of the self for brutal self-honestyMeditation and experiencing our true selvesOur inheritance of being humanSpiritual community and moving from student to teacherThe perspective of non-judgement throughout The Movie of Me to the Movie of WeParadoxes of spiritual materialism About Duncan Trussell:Duncan Trussell is a stand-up comedian, podcaster, and actor. His popular podcast, The Duncan Trussell Family Hour, has been downloaded over 25 million times and is known for its blend of humor, fringe ideas, eclectic guests, and great interviews. The DTFH is the foundation for Duncan’s Netflix animated series, The Midnight Gospel, which he co-create

In a discussion on Buddhism and wellness, author George Pitagorsky joins Raghu to explore his new book, The Peaceful Warrior’s Path.Get your copy of George’s book HEREIn this episode, Raghu and George explore:George’s history with yoga and meditationThe clear canon of Buddhism and Non-dualismCompassion beyond the egoThe continuous dance between the relative and the absoluteCultivating patienceCreating new patterns to replace our habitsHope in neuroplasticity and changing behaviorsWhat is behind witnessingRemaining open to all skillful meansThe current suffering in the worldOpportunities to practice self-awarenessLinks & Recommendations From this Episode:Check out this Hanuman statue from the NKB Ashram mentioned by RaghuJoseph Goldstein’s book on MindfullnessAbout George Pitagorsky:George Pitagorsky, PMP, is a master of process who understands the way process, technology and people come together to accomplish objectives. He has advised organizations on the implementation and impro

Focusing on the climate crisis, Author Susan Murphy joins Raghu to talk about her new book, A Fire Runs Through All Things.Susan Murphy and Raghu discuss:Susan’s background and growing up in touch with the earthApplying the fierce love and protection of parenthood to the earthSusan’s journey through meditation to zen practiceThe realities of the climate crisis and forest firesOur tendency to ignore and reject discomfortLessons from indigenous eldersA mindfulness practice to connect with the earthSocial action through heartful connectionHow humility and not knowing leaves room for creative solutions“The experience of it, basically it was like a graveyard spread out over enormous swaths of land and burnt hills. All to say is, this is part of our plight, I think, in terms of waking up.” – Raghu MarkusAbout Susan Murphy:Susan Murphy is an Australian Zen teacher whose passionate feeling of kinship with the natural world began dueing her early childhood years living near the Great Barrier Reef and the Gon

Wrapping up 2023, Thanissara and Raghu discuss how we can use mindfulness to relate to and make sense of the times we are living in.Thanissara and Raghu examine these topics:The depth of the illusions we have built our civilization onThe shifts that need to happen to enable us to live sustainablyPolitical positioning and moral stancesBecoming desensitized to the chaos and pain of the worldTaking social action to create a better future for the next generationHow mindfulness can be a huge part of the path forwardBeing receptive to how it is and taking small steps in our practiceFears that can be awakening versus the habit of fearCollectively working on a shift in consciousnessThe sangha as the coming BuddhaLinks & Recommendations From this Episode:Dive deeper into Kabir’s book that Raghu recites from for more mystical poetryCheck out The Movie of Me to the Movie of We, the audio-book collaboration between Duncan Trussell and Raghu MarkusAbout Thanissara:Thanissara is a teacher, poet, climate

Author and spiritual teacher, Hameed Ali, joins Raghu to discuss seeking truth and the boundlessness of our inner consciousness. Raghu and Hameed discuss:How an accident and out of body experience inspired Hameed’s Diamond ApproachHameed’s move from science to spiritualityBasic trust being the fundamental platform for people to go inside of themselvesWorking with others on trustThe boundless dimensions of our inner consciousnessSoul as the one who experiencesThe meaning of non-dual divine loveRaghu’s non-dual experience with Neem Karoli BabaA Jabba the Hutt metaphor to describe greed and disconnectionGeneral versus specific grace and tapping into the miracle of our existenceFocusing on our good nature to improve the state of the world“I wanted the truth, but I wasn’t going to get it through studying matter. I was going to get it by going inward.” – Hameed AliAbout Hameed Ali:Hameed Ali is a writer who operates under the pen name A.H. Almaas. Hameed is the founder of the Diamond Approach to Self

Coming together at the 2023 Love and Renewal Retreat, Raghu Markus, Jack Kornfield, Duncan Trussell, and Krishna Das discuss alleviating suffering and finding grace.In this recording from the 2023 Love & Renewal retreat, Raghu, Jack and Duncan, and Krishna Das come together to discuss:Samsara and returning home to familyWorking with cynicismHow depression blocks us into one side of a storyHumor as a coping mechanismPersonal and collective responsibilityThe Bodhisattva vowExploring our own identity and sufferingEmotional PyromaniaLiberating ourselves from the movie of meRam Dass’ lesson on serving others while fixing our own heartAbout Jack Kornfield:Jack Kornfield trained as a Buddhist monk in the monasteries of Thailand, India, and Burma, studying as. a monk under the Buddhist master Ven. Ajahn Chah, as well as the Ven. Mahasi Sayadaw. He has taught meditation internationally since 1974 and is one of the key teachers to introduce Buddhist mindfulness practice to the West. Jack co-founded the In

Raghu and his son Noah talk with Joseph Goldstein about the necessity of embracing suffering in order to activate compassion.Raghu, Joseph, and Noah explore these topics:Empathy and compassion for global sufferingFixing your own heart in order to offer compassion to othersLessons from Tsoknyi Rinpoche on “California Compassion”Checking in with our motivations and intentionsThe tendency to avoid sufferingHow a willingness to look at suffering is a precursor to compassionRenunciation and the willingness to let go of our own comfortReminding ourselves that it is okay to feel the unpleasantUsing suffering to learn something meaningfulThe suffering that comes along with agingMeditating on the our finitenessA guided Mudita practice with Joseph“Compassion arises when we’re willing to come close to suffering. That’s the cause for compassion, and if we don’t have that willingness, it’s not going to arise because the compassion is in response to the suffering in the world, in other people, even in ourselves.” – Joseph

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