Edge of Mind Podcast

Edge of Mind
Edge of Mind Podcast

Andrew will be tapping into the many connections he has made around the world with spiritual teachers, scientists, scholars, and experts to offer you the latest from leaders in lucid dreaming and the study of mind.

  1. 11 DÉC.

    Bridging Science, Spirituality, and the Modern Path: A Conversation with Courtland Dahl Ph.D.

    Courtland Dahl, a leading expert in mindfulness meditation and contemplative science, joins Andrew to discuss his work bridging science and spirituality. He emphasizes the importance of cultural translation and the integration of scientific insights into meditation practices. Dahl highlights the Healthy Minds app, which uses data from 200+ practices to show that even short, active meditations can significantly improve well-being, with improvements of 20-30% in just a month and up to 50-60% with long-term use. He also discusses the need for modern adaptations of traditional practices, balancing comfort and discomfort, and the role of compassion and curiosity in navigating contemporary challenges.  Cortland and Andrew delve into the role and significance of shamatha (stability) in Mahamudra and Dzogchen traditions, noting that while it is foundational, it is not the end goal. The conversation highlights the debate within these traditions about the necessity and extent of shamatha practice, with some arguing it is unnecessary. They emphasize the importance of nature of mind and bodhicitta, suggesting that these practices provide stability and should be prioritized over shamatha.  They also discuss the potential pitfalls of meditative experiences (nyam) and the distinction between nirodha (cessation) and nirvana, concluding that the view one holds during practice is crucial.

    1 h 36 min
  2. 9 SEPT.

    Bridging East & West: Gregory Shaw Explores the Resonances Between Neoplatonism & Tantric Spirituality

    Gregory Shaw joins Edge of Mind with a rare and insightful glimpse into the profound wisdom traditions of Western esotericism. Too often, spiritual seekers in the West feel they must look to the East to find depth and authenticity in their practices. However, this dialogue between Andrew and Gregory powerfully demonstrates the richness and relevance of the Neoplatonist and theurgic lineages that are foundational to the Western philosophical and mystical canon. Listeners will be captivated by the scholar's ability to draw parallels between these ancient Greek teachings and the transformative practices of Eastern tantra. Concepts like alignment, embodiment, and the role of the "daimon" or divine presence within the soul are explored with nuance and clarity. This cross-pollination of ideas not only expands one's understanding of both traditions, but also points the way towards an integrative spirituality that can help address the fragmentation and disconnection so pervasive in the modern world. Whether one is already steeped in Neoplatonism or new to this rich vein of Western esotericism, this podcast offers a rare opportunity to learn from two brilliant thinkers who are deeply immersed in these lineages. The discussion is sure to inspire listeners to delve deeper into the wisdom that has been present in their own cultural heritage all along, waiting to be rediscovered and brought to life.

    1 h 31 min
  3. 28 MAI

    A Discussion on the Nature of Reality, Mind, and Death with Bernardo Kastrup

    Join the esteemed philosopher and computer scientist Bernardo Kastrup in a wide-ranging exploration of the nature of mind and reality. The conversation begins with a look at the implications of idealism, the view that reality is essentially mental. If reality is like a dream, how do we accurately derive meaning from this collective dream and avoid the trap of projecting meaning onto it? Can we interpret disease in a meaningful way, and how do we read this form of sign language? Is there a connection to this world view with the Buddhist teaching on Mahamudra, or the tradition of the “Great Symbol”? Bernardo shares his innovative view of cancer and speaks about the compassion we should direct to our diseases. If disease is a form of dissociation, can we look at the meta-crises facing the world today as a meta-disease, and reduce the meta-crises to irreducibly simple principles? Does karmic theory have a place in the origin of phenomena? Dr. Kastrup shares his liberating view of death as the end of dissociation, not the end of consciousness. How do the contents of our mind contribute to “mind at large” when we die? What kind of “contribution” does someone like Hitler make? Intertwined with this discussion is the role of development, and the place of identity. What is our irreducible identity that is untouched even by death? The conversation turns to viewing the unconscious mind as the obfuscated or obscured mind. What is the main source of obfuscation, and where does dark retreat fit in? Is the light of meta-cognition a form of obfuscation? What about the relationship of light to mind, and to reality, altogether? Bernardo proclaims that philosophy must be lived if it is to be genuine. He shares two major ways his view of reality has positively affected his life, and two ways he has been challenged by his own views. What does Dr. Kastrup most want to know? See for yourself why Bernardo is a major figure in the world of philosophy, and a leading voice in the arena of nondual spirituality.

    2 h 59 min
  4. 3 MAI

    Exploring Darkness Retreats: Scott Berman’s Perspective on Inner Work, Fear, and Spiritual Growth

    Join Scott Berman, founder of the dark retreat center Sky Cave, for a look at this ancient practice that is finding its way into the modern world. How did Scott get into this unusual business, and what is dark retreat all about? Scott explores the many reasons why people are clamoring to get into dark retreat, the things you do when you’re in the dark, and what constitutes a successful retreat. We explore the indications and contraindications of dark practice, and the profiles of those who tend to thrive in the dark, and the profiles of those who struggle. “Spiritual types,” or those with long meditation histories, often have a harder time than those who enter with the “beginner’s mind.” Dark retreat is feminine in nature, and women tend to do better than mind. Why is that? And what actually constitutes a dark retreat? How long do you go in? Do you have emotional or spiritual support if you need it? How do you get your food?  We discuss how to work with the challenges that tend to arise in the dark, especially anxiety and fear. Scott talks about dissociation, the importance of embodiment, and the role of body work before, during, and after retreat. How does one best prepare for the dark, and how does one integrate the experience into daily life? How important is proper motivation when going into dark retreat, and why is honesty towards your experience more important than positivity? What are some of Scott’s biggest surprises in guiding over 350 people through dark retreat? We talk about the new field of darkness therapy, and the overall therapeutic potential of dark retreat. With dark retreat, you may not always get what you want, but you tend to get what you need. How do you handle those “needs,” and the revelations that unfold in darkness? See for yourself why dark retreat is being touted by celebrities, ranging from famous authors, to athletes, to business executives, and if this unusual practice is right for you.

    1 h 28 min
4,6
sur 5
42 notes

À propos

Andrew will be tapping into the many connections he has made around the world with spiritual teachers, scientists, scholars, and experts to offer you the latest from leaders in lucid dreaming and the study of mind.

Vous aimeriez peut‑être aussi

Pour écouter des épisodes au contenu explicite, connectez‑vous.

Recevez les dernières actualités sur cette émission

Connectez‑vous ou inscrivez‑vous pour suivre des émissions, enregistrer des épisodes et recevoir les dernières actualités.

Choisissez un pays ou une région

Afrique, Moyen‑Orient et Inde

Asie‑Pacifique

Europe

Amérique latine et Caraïbes

États‑Unis et Canada