Science & Wisdom LIVE Science & Wisdom Live

Neuroscientist Prof. Marjorie Woollacott, cognitive scientist Prof. John Vervaeke, and Swami Sarvapriyananda from the Advaita Vedanta tradition explore the Nature of Consciousness from diverse perspectives. 
They discuss the Nature of Consciousness, its role in manifesting the universe, and the mind-brain complex's function as a filter of our perceptual experiences.  They share Insights into meditation's impact on brain activity and its ability to expand awareness, offering a unique blend of scientific and spiritual viewpoints on consciousness and self-awareness.

This dialogue is moderated by Scott Snibbe, host and producer of the meditation podcast ‘a Skeptic’s Path to Enlightenment’.

This is an excerpt from a previous episode, listen to the full episode here. 

Show notes: 
0:00: Introduction 2:20: The Mind-Brain Complex3:57: Consciousness & Light5:52: Subjective vs Objective Reality9:19: Meditation & Wisdom12:56: Self-awareness15:06: The Unchanging Nature of the Seer18:01: Conclusion
Science & Wisdom LIVE brings meditation practitioners in conversation with scientists to address the problems of contemporary society and come to new possible solutions.

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Prof. Anil Seth, a leading researcher in consciousness studies, delves into how our brains construct our perception of reality and self. 

In "Consciousness and the Perception of Self" Seth challenges dualistic views, promoting a materialistic perspective that closely ties consciousness to brain processes. He describes our experience of reality as a 'controlled hallucination', crafted from diverse sensory inputs by the brain. Seth also touches on the relevance of quantum physics, suggesting a more nuanced understanding of matter and its relationship to consciousness.

This dialogue is moderated by Scott Snibbe, host and producer of the meditation podcast ‘a Skeptic’s Path to Enlightenment’.

This is an excerpt from a previous episode, listen to the full episode here.

Show notes:
0:00: Introduction0:40: Brain's Role in Conscious Experience1:09: Disputing Dualism in Consciousness2:44: Consciousness as Organizational Function3:40: Quantum Perspectives on Physical Reality6:42: The Illusion of Self10:38: Bodily Perceptions and Self-Identity14:28: Qualia and Conscious Experience17:45: Consciousness Science and Vitalism Parallel
Science & Wisdom LIVE brings meditation practitioners in conversation with scientists to address the problems of contemporary society and come to new possible solutions.

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Satish Kumar, a peace pilgrim, activist, educator, and former Jain monk, along with journalist and author Vicki Mackenzie, delve into the realms of ecology, non-violence, and the path to true happiness.

Their conversation weaves through Satish's journey from monkhood to global activism, shedding light on how personal transformation and environmental consciousness are pivotal to societal change. Exploring the intricate ties between spirituality and activism, they reveal how living in harmony with nature and embracing non-violence can lead to a deeper sense of fulfilment. 

This episode is part of the Lighthouse Dialogues, a collaboration between Science and Wisdom LIVE and Jamyang London Buddhist Centre.
This is an excerpt from a previous episode, listen to the full episode here.

Show Notes: 
0:00: Introduction0:42: Why People Die?1:52: Becoming a Monk: Seeking Answers to Mortality2:40: Understanding Death and Transformation4:36: From Monkhood to Activism4:52: The Peace Pilgrimage5:37: Encounters of Compassion and Challenge8:06: Philosophy of Non-Violence and Peace10:31: Human Evolution and Consciousness13:33: Nature and Spirituality
Science & Wisdom LIVE brings meditation practitioners in conversation with scientists to address the problems of contemporary society and come to new possible solutions.

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Three contemplative scholars and practitioners – Rev. Cynthia Carter Perilliat, Dr. Eva Natanya, and Dr. Nigel Hamilton – explore the difficult topic of mortality. They will discuss how we can deal skilfully with the inevitable fact of death, and what can death and dying teach us about life and living.

Our speakers delve into the Tibetan Buddhist perspective of the Bardo, the Christian understanding of meeting the divine, and the universal experience of transitioning into a higher consciousness. Whether you're interested in the spiritual, psychological, or philosophical aspects of life and death, this conversation offers a rich tapestry of thought-provoking insights.

Listen to the full episode here.

show notes :
0:41 - Near-Death Experiences: An Overview0:59 - Understanding the Bardo in Tibetan Buddhism1:20 - Stages of Consciousness Loss According to Tibetan Buddhism1:47 - The Experience of 'Fanaa' and Transitioning to Light2:43 - Exploring Identity and the Concept of 'I' at Death3:35 - The Cessation of Mental Consciousness in Deep Meditation4:41 - Encountering the Ground Core Conscious Awareness5:56 - Transition of Consciousness: A Christian Perspective9:02 - After Death: Comparing Different Spiritual Traditions13:35 - Sufi Perspectives on Death and the Unseen Light
Science & Wisdom LIVE brings meditation practitioners in conversation with scientists to address the problems of contemporary society and come to new possible solutions.

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Author Vicki MacKenzie enters in conversation with John Butler, a modern mystic and meditator.

In this dialogue, John will share his life’s journey and his experience of the sacred through meditation, discussing how silence and stillness can lead to feelings of presence, love, and connection with the divine. The simplicity of his words speaks directly to the heart, inviting us to journey deeper towards an inner peace that we always carry within ourselves.

Listen to the full episode here.

Show notes:
0:35: A Natural Beginning2:04: Dreams of Farming2:59: Adventures in Peru4:35: Discovering Meditation6:03: Love and Meditation7:37: Silence, Stillness, and Spirit9:36: The Great Adventure 11:36: Reconciling the Finite and Infinite
Science & Wisdom LIVE brings meditation practitioners in conversation with scientists to address the problems of contemporary society and come to new possible solutions.

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This enlightening talk, delves deep into the complex world of trauma and its healing processes, focusing on "Understanding Trauma and Recovery." Joined by a panel of esteemed speakers, including Deb Dana, Rob Preece, Dr David Robinson-Morris, and Scott Snibbe, we explore the multifaceted nature of trauma from both scientific and contemplative perspectives.

The conversation sheds light on how trauma affects the mind and body, highlighting the significance of connection, mindfulness, and the power of contemplative practices in the journey toward recovery. Each speaker brings their unique expertise to the table, offering valuable insights into the mechanisms of trauma, individual and communal healing, and the role of meditation and spirituality in addressing emotional wounds.

The dialogue is moderated by Scott Snibbe, who is also host and producer of a Skeptic’s Path to Enlightenment.

Listen to the full episode here.

Show notes:
0:30: Defining Trauma1:36: Fragmentation and Connection3:11: Communal Impact and Meditation5:01: Interruption as Invitation6:31: Body Awareness and Healing8:26: Compassion and the Nervous System10:51: Spiritual Bypass and Present Moment14:06: Suffering, Expansion, and Interconnectedness
Science & Wisdom LIVE brings meditation practitioners in conversation with scientists to address the problems of contemporary society and come to new possible solutions.

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