Simplest State

Simplest State
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The recognition of higher states of consciousness is a recurring theme that is evident in all cultures throughout history. What is the basis of our conscious experience—the cycle of waking, dreaming, and sleeping? The simplest state of awareness is a self-referral state. It is a field of all possibilities. As the physicist Eddington said, "The stuff of the world is mind stuff." The ancient Yoga Vasistha likewise teaches that this world appears material, but is ultimately pure consciousness. These profound insights infer that consciousness is all there is, and we are not in the world; the world is within us. Welcome to Simplest State where we examine these understandings and explore the very nature of consciousness and self-realization.

Episodes

  1. Strength in Stillness: Bob Roth's Meditation Insights for a Stress-Free Life

    25 JAN

    Strength in Stillness: Bob Roth's Meditation Insights for a Stress-Free Life

    A cheerful and enlightening conversation for anyone interested in the transformative power of meditation. In this episode of Simplest State, host Ron welcomes Bob Roth, the CEO of the David Lynch Foundation and author of the New York Times bestselling book, 'Strength in Stillness: The Power of Transcendental Meditation.' Join us as Roth discusses his journey into meditation, which began in the 1960s, and how it has evolved his understanding of spirituality. He explains how meditation has helped him achieve a deeper sense of spirituality and inner stillness. He elaborates on the science behind meditation and its impact on the brain as he delves into the physiological and psychological benefits of meditation, particularly its impact on stress, PTSD, and overall neurological function. Roth also talks about the benefits of meditation for at-risk youth, veterans, and first responders, highlighting its role in improving sleep, reducing anxiety, and enhancing creativity and productivity. Additionally, he touches on meditation's potential collective benefits for society and its role in education. The conversation concludes with Roth emphasizing that meditation and the development of consciousness can lead to a more peaceful and connected world.     Music by Lesfm. Track “In the Forest”

    1h 7m
  2. Swami Lakshmanjoo and Kashmir Shaivism: A Conversation with George Barselaar

    14/12/2025

    Swami Lakshmanjoo and Kashmir Shaivism: A Conversation with George Barselaar

    ----more---- Subscribe to our newsletter at: https://simplest-state.kit.com Join us in this captivating episode of Simplest State as we welcome George Barselaar, who details his study with Maharishi Mahesh Yogi and his move to Kashmir, India, to deepen his understanding of the Shiva Sutras. George shares his deep experiences and insights from studying with the revered saint Swami Lakshmanjoo, since 1981. He delves into the transformative teachings of Kashmir Shaivism, the profound implications of the Shiva Sutras, and his dedication to the tradition. The discussion covers a range of fascinating topics, including the nature of consciousness, the interplay between Shiva and Shakti, the philosophy behind the Sanskrit alphabet, the concept of time in Vedic philosophy, and practical wisdom imparted by Swami Lakshmanjoo. Furthermore, Barselaar reflects on the challenges and revelations of his spiritual journey, emphasizing the importance of keeping life simple and maintaining regular practice to realize one's divine nature. This episode is a rich exploration of spirituality, meditation, and the essence of self-realization.     Music by Lesfm. Track “In the Forest”

    1h 31m
  3. Timeless Wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita with Dr. William Sands

    12/11/2025

    Timeless Wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita with Dr. William Sands

    In this insightful episode, we explore the profound teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, a revered text that addresses the universal themes of duty, righteousness, and the true purpose of life. Our guest is Dr. William Sands, an esteemed academic and researcher. Dr. Sands, a Sanskrit scholar, highlights the significance of the Gita across various cultures and philosophical traditions. Dr. Sands explains the crucial distinction between the practice of yoga and the state of yoga, the relevance of concepts like dharma, alongside insights on personal growth, consciousness, and the practical applications of Gita’s teachings in modern life. He explains the historical and allegorical elements of the Gita, discusses the importance of experiencing higher states of consciousness, and offers practical advice on how to apply its teachings in everyday life. Join us as we uncover the timeless wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita and its relevance in today's complex world.

    1h 40m
  4. Supreme Awakening with Dr. Craig Pearson

    02/10/2025

    Supreme Awakening with Dr. Craig Pearson

    In this engaging conversation, Ron speaks with Dr. Craig Pearson, a distinguished scholar and PhD in Vedic Science. Dr. Pearson discusses his book 'The Supreme Awakening' which explores the universality of experiences of enlightenment across different cultures and eras, and has been praised by prominent figures like David Lynch. Dr. Pearson shares his motivation, rooted in his practice of Transcendental Meditation, and the extensive research process behind the book, which involved sifting through hundreds of texts to find first-hand experiences of higher states of consciousness. He explains the stages of consciousness described by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, emphasizing the natural progression beyond the typical human development as it is defined by modern psychology. Dr. Pearson and Ron explore the fascinating experiences of well-known figures such as William Wordsworth, Eugene O'Neill, Billie Jean King, and Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj.  Dr. Pearson emphasizes that these profound experiences are accessible to everyone, and reflects on how Transcendental Meditation can systematically cultivate these states.  The discussion highlights the spontaneous and diverse ways these states are experienced, and their significance in achieving full human potential. Dr. Pearson also addresses the impact of individual transcendence on global issues, promoting the idea that cultivating higher consciousness can lead to global peace and enhanced creativity. The conversation concludes with reflections on how anyone, regardless of their background or daily life, can achieve these profound experiences and contribute to a better world.   Music by Lesfm. Track “In the Forest”

    1h 20m
  5. Consciousness and Physiology with Dr. Keith Wallace

    29/09/2025

    Consciousness and Physiology with Dr. Keith Wallace

    In this episode of Simplest State, Ron interviews Dr. Robert Keith Wallace, a pioneering researcher on the physiology of consciousness. The discussion moves from subjective experiences of higher states of consciousness to their objective, measurable correlates in the physiology. Dr. Wallace shares his journey and groundbreaking research on Transcendental Meditation (TM) starting with his research at UCLA and Harvard, which demonstrated significant findings such as increased alpha brain wave activity, reduced oxygen consumption,  decreased blood lactate levels and decreased anxiety. He elaborates on how these changes reflect a unique state of restful alertness, differentiating TM from other meditation techniques. The conversation also explores the implications of meditation on gene expression, and the profound implications for overall health and longevity. Dr. Wallace reflects on his remarkable experiences with Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, and highlights the integration of modern scientific understanding with ancient Vedic knowledge. He discusses the growing interest and research in spirituality and higher states of consciousness and makes a compelling case for the continued objective study of subjective experiences. The dialogue concludes with thoughts on the future avenues of research and the importance of a healthy lifestyle together with meditation practice. Join us to explore how meditation enhances creativity, intelligence, and wellbeing, and its evolving role in modern medicine.     Music by Lesfm. Track “In the Forest”

    57 min
  6. George Barselaar - Instructor on the traditions of Vedanta and Kashmir Shaivism

    10/01/2023

    George Barselaar - Instructor on the traditions of Vedanta and Kashmir Shaivism

    George Barselaar was born in the south of Holland and grew up in Sydney, Australia. At the age of 18, George took a keen interest in Yoga, which inspired him to learn Transcendental Meditation (TM), and eventually, to become a teacher of TM. He went deeply into Vedic Science and Sanskrit, and  developed a keen interest in Kashmiri Shaiva Philosophy. George was immediately struck by the very first verse of the Shiva Sutras, as translated by Lakshmanjoo, which says, "Consciousness is everything." Feeling an irresistible pull, George went to India to study under the guidance of Swami Lakshmanjoo, who was the last living Master of the oral tradition of Kashmir Shaivism. George recalls the time that one aspirant told Swami Lakshmanjoo that he did not feel he was making much progress with his meditation, and Lakshmanjoo explained that the passion for self-knowledge (enlightenment) must be as strong as the overwhelming passion he felt the first time he fell in love. With regard to the turmoil we see in the world, George was optimistic and said that, "Sometimes the world gets shaken-up in order to wake up." He added that meditation creates ripples that affect others in a positive way. When we create coherence in our own consciousness, it affects everyone in our environment. George was given permission to transcribe all of the Swami’s recorded lectures, and it took almost 20 years to complete the English transcriptions of all of Swami Lakshmanjoo’s recorded teachings. George now lives in Northern California, where he and his partner, Claudia, work full-time for the Universal Shaiva Fellowship and Lakshmanjoo Academy. They often spend the summer months in Kashmir, and George connected with us for this interview from Kashmir, India, at the ashram of Shaivacharya Swami Lakshmanjoo Maharaj. About Kashmir Shaivism, Swami Lakshmanjoo said that it is the three-fold science of man and his world, and is a philosophy meant for any human being without the restriction of caste, creed, color or gender. For more information on Swami Lakshmanjoo and Kashmir Shaivism, please see the following websites: Kashmir Shaivism: www.universalshaivafellowship.org Lakshmanjoo Academy: www.lakshmanjooacademy.org Ishwar Ashram Trust founded my Swami Lakshmanjoo: https://www.ishwarashramtrust.com/     Music by Lesfm. Track “In the Forest”

    1h 4m
  7. John Cowhig - TM teacher and author

    21/06/2022

    John Cowhig - TM teacher and author

    With only a few precious hours left on earth–a miracle–a donor organ becomes available! His heart stopped for 6 minutes during surgery, but John's will was strong and he's here today to share profound insights into his Catholic upbringing, the expansion of his horizons at that mecca of the psychedelic counterculture–Haight-Ashbury, the realization that drugs did not provide the answers he was seeking, and his subsequent pursuit of higher knowledge and enlightenment with Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. John describes in compelling detail the drama and emotion of his illness, his last days and hours, and the series of miraculous events that gave him "a 30-year extension to his train ticket," and an ethereal meeting with his donor. We'll hear from John how these experiences have shaped his current perspective and we look forward to the release of his memoir, Bohemian U, which is the first volume of his upcoming autobiography, Satsang Junkie.       Music by Lesfm. Track “In the Forest”

    1h 5m
  8. Don Arney - Entrepreneur, inventor, and philanthropist that has practised meditation for 5 decades.

    04/05/2022

    Don Arney - Entrepreneur, inventor, and philanthropist that has practised meditation for 5 decades.

    The Bambi Bucket, used in aerial firefighting in more than 115 countries, is a life-saving device that allows pilots to drop water on wildfires with precision. It was even used to fight the post-explosion fires after the tragic blast at the Port of Beirut, Lebanon and also to cool the nuclear reactor after the Tsunami tragedy in Fukushima, Japan. Don Arney, the man who invented it, is our guest today. Don is a resident of British Columbia, Canada, and is just the 14th Canadian to be inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame, in Washington, DC He is an inventor, a helicopter pilot, and noted philanthropist that has practised meditation for 5 decades to develop his mental potential and creativity. Entrepreneur, inventor, helicopter pilot, and a noted philanthropist, Don has practised meditation for 5 decades to develop his mental potential and creativity. Don describes how diving deep in meditation has allowed him to find the infinite value in solutions and see that each part of the solution contains the entirety. He adds that everyone has the opportunity to do the same. Meditation has revealed to Don the interconnectedness of our active world, and he says, “The beauty of mind-stuff is the lack of boundaries.” Don describes how “Being happy for no reason,” is one of the greatest gifts of his expanded vision. The profundity of solutions is in their simplicity, says Don, as he relates how solving engineering problems is ultimately a journey of self-discovery. Learn more about Don at Donarney.com     Music by Lesfm. Track “In the Forest”

    54 min
  9. James Hoggan - Best-selling author, climate activist, and advocate of ethics in public discourse

    18/03/2022

    James Hoggan - Best-selling author, climate activist, and advocate of ethics in public discourse

    A fascinating discussion with James Hoggan, author of I'm Right and You're an Idiot - The Toxic State of Public Discourse and How to Clean it Up. Hoggan recalls his meeting with the Dalai Lama, and how the esteemed Buddhist monk, Thích Nhất Hạnh, taught him about compassionate listening and the inner ecology, advising James to, "Speak the truth, but not to punish." This lively exchange touches on many timely subjects, including tribalism in public discourse, propaganda, and the growth of unreasonableness. Hoggan relates how the inner work on one's character and consciousness is necessary to effectively participate in social and political processes. Learn more about James Hoggan at: https://www.hoggan.com/ and https://www.imrightandyoureanidiot.com/   Music by Lesfm. Track “In the Forest”

    53 min
  10. Vesey Crichton - meditating pioneer of the personal computing industry

    03/03/2022

    Vesey Crichton - meditating pioneer of the personal computing industry

    Educated at Eton College and the University of East Anglia, Vesey Crichton was one of the early players in the burgeoning personal computer industry. Vesey learned meditation as a student and experienced remarkable benefits from the practice, which inspired him to become a teacher of Transcendental Meditation (TM). He relates the sense of privilege and sanctity he felt when he eventually had the opportunity to work directly with Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. From the abstract and sublime, Vesey shifted his attention to the world of logic and commerce and became a senior executive with Compaq Computers, which later merged with HP, and he was integral in the set up of Alta Vista–one of the Internet's pioneering search engines–in Europe. He describes his successes with Compaq and Alta Vista, remarking on the luck and support of nature that he attributes to his practice of meditation. Vesey went on to become Vice-President for Europe, the Middle East and Africa for Palm Inc, which, at the time was the world-leading provider of Personal Digital Assistants (PDA's) and smartphones.  He describes how the development of consciousness dwarfs all other skills and lessons in his life, and he now wishes to take a step back from his activities to pursue the accelerated development of consciousness.     Music by Lesfm. Track “In the Forest”

    40 min
  • 10 Episodes

About

The recognition of higher states of consciousness is a recurring theme that is evident in all cultures throughout history. What is the basis of our conscious experience—the cycle of waking, dreaming, and sleeping? The simplest state of awareness is a self-referral state. It is a field of all possibilities. As the physicist Eddington said, "The stuff of the world is mind stuff." The ancient Yoga Vasistha likewise teaches that this world appears material, but is ultimately pure consciousness. These profound insights infer that consciousness is all there is, and we are not in the world; the world is within us. Welcome to Simplest State where we examine these understandings and explore the very nature of consciousness and self-realization.

Information

  • Creator
    Simplest State
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    10
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2022 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Simplest State