Mark has been called “one of the finest spiritual guides of our time,” “a consummate storyteller,” and “an eloquent spiritual teacher.” His work is widely accessible and used by many and his books have been translated into more than twenty languages. A bestselling author, he has published twenty-one books and recorded fourteen audio projects. In 2015, he was given a Life-Achievement Award by AgeNation. In 2016, he was named by Watkins: Mind Body Spirit as one of the 100 Most Spiritually Influential Living People, and was also chosen as one of OWN’s SuperSoul 100, a group of inspired leaders using their gifts and voices to elevate humanity. Mark has a regular columnist for Spirituality & Health Magazine. Recent books include Drinking from the River of Light; More Together Than Alone: Discovering the Power and Spirit of Community in Our Lives and in the World, cited by Spirituality & Practice as one of the Best Spiritual Books of 2018; Things That Join the Sea and the Sky, a Nautilus Book Award Winner; and The Way Under the Way: The Place of True Meeting, a Nautilus Book Award Winner. If you’d like more information about Mark, his books, or events, please visit MarkNepo.com or ThreeIntentions.com.

Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group.

Summary and transcript of this interview

Interview recorded November 9, 2019.

YouTube Video Chapters:

00:00:00 - Introduction to Buddha at the Gas Pump

00:03:51 - Being a Conduit and a Membrane

00:07:10 - Believing in Everything

00:10:18 - The Diversity of Paths

00:13:39 - The Story of Ganesh

00:16:58 - The Addiction to Watching Things Fall Apart

00:20:31 - The Two Tribes

00:23:43 - The Paradox of Progress and Incarnation

00:27:10 - The Essential Role of Music in Survival

00:30:37 - Being the Poem and Breathing in Life

00:34:04 - The Evolution of Creativity

00:37:10 - The Disconnect and Epidemic of Mass Shootings

00:41:05 - The Heart as a Gill

00:44:35 - Looking Inward, Finding Contentment

00:47:45 - The Power of Shared Consciousness

00:51:31 - The Power of Connection and Resilience

00:55:24 - The Wagon Wheel Metaphor and Community

00:58:29 - The Power of Quotes from Presidents

01:01:49 - Holding the Paradox of Being Jewish

01:05:10 - Softening the Heart through Conversation

01:08:19 - Feeling the Collective Consciousness

01:11:50 - Distributing the Pain and Opening Our Hearts

01:14:56 - The Wisdom of Suffering

01:18:22 - The Continued Exposure of Misconduct and the Challenge of Enlightenment

01:21:21 - Learning from Nature and Culture

01:24:14 - Learning by Watching the Monkey

01:27:12 - God's Words on the Heart and a Compassionate Universe

01:30:21 - The Little Worm and the Golden Web

01:33:26 - The Unity of Creation and Interconnection

01:36:38 - Starting the Day with Meaningful Rituals

01:39:32 - Concluding Thoughts and Remarks