Buddha at the Gas Pump Rick Archer

Constance Casey, MDiv, is an author and teacher providing spiritual guidance for those interested in living a gentle and peaceful life.

Constance offers guidance for those entering deeper practice into the nature of reality and adjusting to a shift in consciousness. Her awakening occurred in 2008.
She has been practicing in the contemplative arts for over 40 years-- first through her years in recovery, and then, as she deepened in Buddhist practice in 2007—which she shares in her memoir.

She’s a graduate of the Spirit Rock Community Dharma Leader Program. Some of her teachers include Trudy Goodman and Jack Kornfield.

Constance obtained a Master of Divinity focusing on religious studies and went on to do hospital chaplaincy work. As an interfaith hospital chaplain, she offered compassionate care for patients and families while embracing the spectrum of human experiences. She is also authorized by Naropa University to teach meditation.

Constance’s practice is primarily informed by the suttas in Theravāda Buddhism where she has developed her own online classes, the most recent one is called Clearing Skies: Dispelling the Clouds that Hinder Us, and she leads support groups for dedicated meditation practitioners.

Through her experience she respects and values your unique spiritual practice and journey while supporting you to find balance and significance in the face of adversity. Constance will encourage you to attune toward being more mindful and aware for release and serenity.

Her first book called Time for Awakening: A Memoir shares her story of awakening and deeper meditation practice and is what brings her to our meeting today.

She can be found at her website.
On Substack
On Instagram
On Facebook
And on Youtube 

Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group

Transcript of this interview

Interview recorded March 30, 2024

Video below. Audio coming soon.


YouTube Video Chapters:


00:00:00 - Welcome to Buddha at the Gas Pump
00:05:13 - The Levels of Receptiveness to the Dharma
00:09:13 - "Just Who Do You Think You Are?"
00:13:05 - A Snowy Awakening
00:16:54 - Healing and Bonding with My Sons
00:20:17 - Parenting as a Spiritual Practice
00:24:11 - A Fly on the Wall
00:28:09 - Tools of Recovery
00:31:31 - Ethical Structure in Spiritual Circles
00:35:14 - The Vicious Cycle of Repressed Discomfort
00:40:09 - Seeking Further
00:43:44 - Simplifying and Finding Fulfillment Within
00:47:39 - Expressing Experiences Through Art
00:51:17 - Finding Balance in Self-Care
00:54:59 - Honoring the Need for Rest and Balance
00:58:35 - The Power of Meditation and Personal Growth
01:01:38 - Constance's Carpentry Journey
01:04:44 - The Importance of Speaking Out and Trauma (Conversation)
01:07:29 - Seeing the Teacher as a Human Being and the Absence of Hierarchy
01:10:27 - The Indescribable Experience of Awakening
01:14:19 - Following the Way
01:18:32 - Psychological, Theological, Sociological Perspectives
01:22:14 - The Power of Kindness in Movies
01:26:42 - The Intimacy of Stream Entry
01:30:45 - The Support of a Teacher
01:33:33 - The Association for Spiritual Integrity
01:37:43 - Factors of Enlightenment and the Hindrances
01:41:38 - Hindrances in Meditation Practice
01:45:49 - Cultivating Tranquility and Equanimity in Meditation
01:49:05 - The Benefits of Meditation and Inner States of Being
01:51:48 - Closing Remarks

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. He is a senior Zen student at the Village Zendo in NYC. His life long Jewish practice has involved both traditional observances and formal academic study. In recent years, (to his surprise) he has also undergone shamanic initiation.

Books: 

General Audience:

Notes on Complexity: A Scientific Theory of Connection, Consciousness, and Being


Of academic interest:

Awakening: Exploring Spirituality, Emergent Creativity, and Reconciliation
Transforming: Applying Spirituality, Emergent Creativity, and Reconciliation



Website: neiltheiseofficial.com

Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group

Summary and transcript of this interview.

Interview recorded March 9, 2024

Video and audio below. Audio also available as a Podcast.


YouTube Video Chapters:


00:00:00 - Introduction to Buddha at the Gas Pump
00:04:25 - Complexity Theory and the study of life
00:08:34 - Dynamic Healing of the GI Tract
00:12:40 - Artificial Life and Complexity Theory
00:17:26 - Awakening through the Koan "Mu"
00:22:41 - The Fascinating Idea of Biocentrism and Organizing Complexity
00:25:45 - Discovering Complexity Theory
00:28:37 - The Illusion of Materiality and the Nature of Pure Awareness
00:33:37 - The Non-dual Fundamental Awareness
00:37:38 - Complementarity in Quantum Physics and Beyond
00:42:36 - The Quantum Field of the Body
00:46:29 - Direct experiences of quantum level reality
00:49:14 - The True Nature of Conscious Reality
00:53:25 - The Illusion of Reality
00:56:56 - The Mechanism of Human Consciousness
01:01:23 - Challenging Empirical Science and Promissory Materialism
01:04:51 - The Intimacy of Subject and Object in Quantum Science
01:08:53 - The Limitations of Mathematics and Empirical Science
01:13:30 - Gödel and Turing's Implications for Mystical Exploration and Consciousness
01:17:33 - Shifting Paradigms and the Nature of Consciousness
01:21:20 - Self-Organization and Complexity in the Universe
01:24:44 - Negative and Positive Feedback Loops
01:29:02 - The Adjacent Possibles and Creativity
01:32:16 - The Subtle Dimensions of Living Beings and the Universe
01:35:26 - Language Limitations and Perspective
01:39:02 - Awakening through Traumatic Experiences
01:42:35 - Wondering about Luck and the Beloved Name
01:45:28 - The Universe's Construction and Spiritual Practices
01:48:30 - The Divine Feminine and Unconditional Love
01:52:57 - The Nature of Reality and True Compassion
01:55:56 - Conclusion

Kimberley Theresa Lafferty is a seasoned teacher-practitioner specializing in constructive adult developmental psychology and Indo-Tibetan Buddhism. She completed over 12 years of intensive Indo Tibetan study including the required retreats. She leads both open and advanced adult educational cohorts aligning developmental psychology and Buddhist theory. Kimberley co-leads, with Terri O’Fallon, the penultimate Minds I year-long developmental course of Stages International. She is an active Board member for the Association for Spiritual Integrity. Kimberley is also a householder as a wife and mother, living in a remote valley of the North Cascades of North America which deeply impacts her worldview and practice.

Website: The Confluence Experience | Making sense of what doesn't make sense

Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group.

Summary and Transcript of this interview

Interview recorded February 10, 2024

Video and audio below. Audio also available as a Podcast.


YouTube Video Chapters:


00:00:00 - Introduction and Welcome
00:03:33 - Finding Peace in the Forest
00:06:27 - A Blissful Awakening
00:11:15 - Deep Inner Resources and Spiritual Experiences
00:15:10 - Connecting with our Ultimate Selves
00:18:26 - The Wave and Ocean Metaphor
00:23:24 - Diving into Indo-Tibetan Buddhism
00:27:59 - Tantric Retreats and Solitary Meditation
00:32:26 - Experiences on the Retreats with Vajrayogini
00:35:33 - The Red Lady and the Retreat
00:40:01 - The Lesson of Treating Practice Seriously
00:44:18 - The Precious Gift of Tibetan Buddhism
00:47:58 - Spirituality and Integration
00:51:02 - Understanding the Intersection of Waking Up and Identity Change
00:55:31 - The Evolution of Perception and Consciousness
01:00:08 - Supporting Spiritual Teachers
01:03:59 - Shadow Work and Holistic Development
01:07:16 - The Integration of Wisdom and Compassion
01:10:57 - Waves of Human Becoming and Non-Duality in Daily Life
01:14:06 - Anomalous Experiences: Exploring the Extraordinary
01:18:57 - Anomalous Experiences and Meaning Making
01:23:49 - Anomalous Experiences and the Search for Answers
01:28:03 - The Cautionary Use of Psychedelics and the Self
01:32:01 - The Need for Spiritual Integrity among Teachers
01:35:58 - The Preciousness of a Spiritual Life
01:39:58 - Realizing Inner Bliss
01:43:44 - Experiencing Fulfillment in Tantra
01:47:41 - Finding Your Path in Spiritual Practice
01:52:16 - The Role of Spiritual Psychotherapists
01:56:28 - Strengthening Ourselves Psychologically and Spiritually
02:00:00 - Continuing the Conversation with Kimberly

After receiving his doctorate in the sensory neurosciences from The Ohio State University, Bob Davis, Ph.D., served as a professor for the State University of New York for over thirty years, where he conducted research in the behavioral and neurosensory sciences, taught, and held many high-level administrative roles. He published his research in over 60 articles in scholarly journals, and presented numerous lectures worldwide, which included invited lectures at Harvard, Cambridge, and Peking University. Bob was also awarded numerous grants by the National Science Foundation and The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health to conduct research in sensory neuroscience.

Following retirement, Bob published several articles in the Journal of Scientific Exploration and Edge Science and presented lectures at national and international conferences on consciousness, spiritually transformative experiences, and unidentified aerial phenomena. Bob has also published three highly popular books:

The UFO Phenomenon: Should I Believe?
Life after Death: An Analysis of the Evidence, and,
Unseen Forces: The Integration of Science, Reality and You.

More recently, he has turned his recent book, Unseen Forces, into a planned documentary entitled - The Consciousness Connection - with Emmy Award winner Dave Beaty of Dreamtime Entertainment and Wilson Hawthorne of Eyeland Telemedia.

Website: bobdavisspeaks.com
Bob Davis is an administrator of the Facebook Site called: The Consciousness Connection Facebook group.
Bob's email
Bob says, "If you'd like to learn more about the film project or consciousness in general, please subscribe to the Consciousness Connection YouTube channel.

Summary and Transcript of this interview

Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group

Interview recorded February 3, 2024.

Video and audio below. Audio also available as a Podcast.


YouTube Video Chapters:


00:00:00 - Introduction to Buddha at the Gas Pump
00:04:35 - Types and Evidence of Extraordinary Human Experiences
00:08:03 - A Profound Shared Death Experience
00:12:21 - A Spiritual Awakening and Kundalini Awakening
00:15:53 - The Misdiagnosis of Spiritual Awakening
00:19:27 - The Unstoppable Spread of Information
00:23:58 - The Need for a Paradigm Shift in Understanding Consciousness
00:27:49 - The Evidence of White Crows in DMT Experiences
00:31:40 - Exploring Consciousness Beyond Traditional Science
00:36:04 - The Relationship Between Science and Spirituality
00:40:27 - Brain Development and Spiritual Transformation
00:44:35 - Humans as Light Beings and Quantum Mechanics
00:48:22 - Veridical Perceptions in Near-Death Experiences
00:52:34 - Near-Death Experiences and Perception
00:56:44 - Novel Interactions in the Brain
01:01:02 - Consciousness and the Bohmian Paradigm Shift
01:05:16 - Ego Dissolution and Positive After-Effects
01:09:03 - Spiritual Practices and Physiological Treatments
01:12:56 - Quantum Mechanics and Premonition
01:16:55 - ESP and Autistic Savants
01:21:20 - Photonic Emissions and Healing Abilities
01:26:00 - The Power of Spiritual Practice
01:29:26 - Personal Transformation and Spreading the Word
01:32:32 - Transformation in Beliefs and Experiences
01:36:00 - The Importance of Spiritual Development
01:38:40 - Tapping into the Language of Nature
01:42:11 - Conclusions about UFOs and their Spiritual Implications
01:45:57 - The Mystery and Wonder of the Universe
01:50:26 - The Long-Term Nature of Spiritual Development
01:54:04 - The Power of Changing Perspectives

Brad Laughlin is the author of Living with Enlightenment—A Journey of Love, which is about his 25-year life-partnership with Leslie Temple-Thurston, a teacher of enlightenment, and the profound spiritual transformation he experienced. With Leslie, he is co-author of two books, The Marriage of Spirit—Enlightened Living in Today’s World and Returning to Oneness—The Seven Keys of Ascension.

Brad is dedicated to finding innovative ways of helping people to awaken spiritually and to find love, joy and inspiration during these times of great change. Using ancient Truth teachings, yogic practices and spiritual psychology, he offers simple yet powerful practices for dissolving old, limiting ego structures that keep us trapped in negativity, pain and fear. Brad’s transformative events are based on the principles of integration and unity consciousness, which help us to know our own inner Divinity—who we truly are.

Brad and Leslie are co-founders of the nonprofits, CoreLight.org and Seeds of Light.org, CoreLight’s humanitarian arm, serving marginalized communities and AIDS orphans in South Africa. Brad has a bachelor’s degree from Duke University. He is an American by birth, considers himself a global citizen and lives in both South Africa and the United States.

Anna Breytenbach is an internationally acclaimed professional interspecies communicator with over 20 years’ experience. Native to South Africa and currently based in Europe, she mentors and consults globally. Her focus is exclusively with wild places and beings, facilitating peaceful interventions and greater understanding. This includes predator research, wilderness protection, anti-poaching assistance, reforestation initiatives, wildlife management and rehabilitation. She is currently taking a sabbatical from her usual teaching and public appearances to write a book.

Anna’s passion is raising awareness and advancing the relationships among human and nonhuman animals, on both the personal and spiritual levels. Her work is the subject of the documentary movie "The Animal Communicator”, watched by tens of millions of people (and a few of their pets), available on YouTube.

Anna's website: The Animal Communicator | AnimalSpirit
YouTube Channel
Anna's first BatGap interview

Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group

Summary and transcript of this interview

Interview recorded January 28, 2024

Video and audio below. Audio also available as a Podcast.


YouTube Video Chapters:


00:00:00 - Introduction to Buddha at the Gas Pump
00:03:56 - Introduction and Background
00:07:26 - From Cheetah Handler to Animal Communicator and Author
00:11:55 - Following Your Inner Calling
00:16:10 - Holding Space for Elephants
00:20:35 - Collective Consciousness and Communication
00:23:42 - The Collective Expressions of Consciousness and Earth Energies
00:27:34 - The Joy of Whales Breaching
00:31:16 - Rediscovering the Intelligence of Nature
00:34:08 - The Importance of Functioning with Intelligence in Society
00:38:08 - The Intelligence of Stones and Non-Moving Beings
00:42:05 - Cruelty to Vegetables and Choosing Love for Animals
00:47:06 - An Evergreen Online Course on Interspecies Communication
00:51:36 - Valuing Different Paths in Life
00:56:41 - Profound Mystical Experiences and the Search for Answers
01:01:07 - The Ball of Light and Healing Energy
01:05:42 - Transitioning into a Higher State
01:11:02 - Pure Joy and Presence
01:16:50 - Quantum Entanglement and Communication
01:19:46 - Perception and the Importance of Clearing Ego Noise
01:24:03 - Rethinking Human Love for Animals
01:27:32 - Animals' Compassion and Journey to Loving Humans
01:31:00 - Communicating with Plants and the Tragedy of the Rabbits
01:33:40 - The Oak Trees' Compassion and Rabbit Friendships
01:36:49 - The Sensitivity of an Enlightened Being

Swami Medhananda is a monk of the Ramakrishna Order and an academic philosopher, currently serving as Senior Research Fellow in Philosophy at the Vedanta Society of Southern California in Hollywood. He is also the Hindu Chaplain at both UCLA and the University of Southern California. He is Section Editor for the International Journal of Hindu Studies (Springer), overseeing submissions in Hindu and Cross-Cultural Philosophy of Religion. From 2010 to 2021, he was Associate Professor and Head of the Program in Philosophy at the Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Educational and Research Institute in Belur Math, West Bengal. He received his PhD in 2009 from the University of California at Berkeley, where he specialized in German aesthetics. He was also a Fulbright Scholar at the Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin (2006–7) and a Visiting Student at Oxford University (2000–1). His current research focuses on global philosophy of religion, the epistemology of mystical experience, cosmopsychism, Indian scriptural hermeneutics, and Vedāntic philosophical traditions, especially the philosophies of Sri Ramakrishna, Swami Vivekananda, and Sri Aurobindo.

He is the author of three books: Swami Vivekananda’s Vedāntic Cosmopolitanism (Oxford University Press, 2022), Infinite Paths to Infinite Reality: Sri Ramakrishna and Cross-Cultural Philosophy of Religion (Oxford University Press, 2018), and The Dialectics of Aesthetic Agency: Revaluating German Aesthetics from Kant to Adorno (Bloomsbury, 2013). He is the editor of The Bloomsbury Research Handbook of Vedānta (2020) and co-editor, with Benedikt Paul Göcke, of Panentheism in Indian and Western Thought: Cosmopolitan Interventions (Routledge, 2023). He is also the editor of two special issues of the International Journal of Hindu Studies, one on “Swami Vivekananda as a Cosmopolitan Thinker” (2023) and one on “Vedāntic Theodicies” (2021). He has published over thirty articles in leading academic journals.

He is currently working on two book projects: Karma and Rebirth in Hinduism (Cambridge University Press, under contract) and An All-Embracing Oneness: Sri Aurobindo’s Integral Advaita and the Legacy of Sri Ramakrishna (Oxford University Press, under contract).

Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group

Summary and transcript of this interview.

Interview recorded January 22, 2024.

Video and audio below. Audio also available as a Podcast.


YouTube Video Chapters:


00:00:00 - Introduction to Buddha at the Gas Pump
00:05:04 - Agnostic to Swami: My Spiritual Journey
00:09:28 - Conversations with an Atheist and Finding Common Ground
00:13:36 - The experience of mystics and the standards of proof
00:17:49 - The Pissed-off Response to Vedanta
00:22:01 - Anecdote about Eligibility in Advaita Vedanta
00:26:13 - Shankara's understanding of Brahma Satyam Jagat Mithya
00:30:16 - Different Paths to Realizing the Divine
00:34:00 - Contradictions in Shankara's writings
00:37:57 - The Vijnani's Perspective and the Colorful Chameleon
00:41:51 - Different Perspectives in Vedanta
00:45:59 - The Benefits of Science and Spirituality
00:50:07 - Embracing Christianity in Vedanta
00:54:30 - Shakti and the Manifestation of the World
00:58:16 - Manifestation of Brahman in the World
01:02:02 - The Validity of Personal Perception
01:05:22 - Epistemic Principles: Credulity and Perceptual Testimony
01:09:05 - The Importance of Critical Thinking on the Spiritual Path
01:12:45 - The Problem with Neo-Advaitins
01:16:54 - Panentheism and Spiritual Practice
01:21:02 - Vijnana Vedanta and the Path to Liberation
01:24:59 - Embracing the Dual Nature of God
01:29:27 - Ramakrishna's First-Line Response to the Problem of Evil
00:01:32 - The Doctrine of Karma and Rebirth
01:36:34 - The Challenge of God's Attributes
01:40:04 - Dissolving the Problem of Evil
01:44:58 - Gaudapada's doctrine of Ajatavada and the Di...