Roger Walsh MD., Ph.D. DHL graduated from Queensland University with degrees in psychology, physiology, neuroscience, and medicine, came to the United States as a Fulbright scholar, and is currently a professor of psychiatry, philosophy, anthropology, and religious studies at the University of California. His research interests include psychological health and wellbeing, virtues such as love and wisdom, practices such as meditation that foster them, and the psychological roots of our current social and global challenges.

Roger’s books include Paths Beyond Ego, The World of Shamanism, and Essential Spirituality: The 7 Central Practices to Awaken Heart and Mind, and he recently edited the modestly titled volume, The World's Great Wisdom. His research and writings have received over twenty national and international awards. He was formerly a circus acrobat, held world records in trampolining and high diving, and recently graduated from the San Francisco Comedy College and had an extremely brief and unsuccessful career as a standup comedian.

For more information, see drrogerwalsh.com

Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group.

Summary and transcript of this interview

Interview recorded February 15, 2020.

YouTube Video Chapters:

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

00:04:25 - A Shocking Revelation about Water

00:08:32 - The Hidden Disciplines of Religion

00:13:19 - Multiple Perspectives on Realization and Developmental Stages

00:18:06 - Psychological Maturity and Spiritual Development

00:22:12 - The Enlightenment and the Awakening to Pure Consciousness

00:26:16 - The Limitations of Scientists and the Recognition of Pure Consciousness

00:31:02 - Consciousness awakening through the nervous system

00:34:19 - The Universe Becoming Conscious

00:39:07 - Inherent growth dynamic in the psyche

00:43:30 - The Transition to Post-Conventional Thinking

00:47:33 - The Wisdom of Spiritual Practice

00:51:30 - The Spiritual Gravity that Draws the Mind Within

00:55:42 - Different Stages Reflecting Different Worldviews and Values

01:00:23 - The Developmental Stages of Consciousness and Psychology

01:04:38 - The Marrying of Technology and Spirituality

01:09:31 - The Importance of Ethics in Spiritual Practice

01:13:52 - The Dangers of the "Ends Justify the Means" Mentality

01:17:21 - The Story of Narada and Maya

01:21:01 - Motivation and Emotional Transformation

01:25:14 - The Nature of Craving

01:30:07 - The Dystopian Future of Addiction

01:34:32 - The Race between Consciousness and Catastrophe

01:38:40 - Surfing the Spiritual Wave

01:42:53 - Mapping the Territory of Consciousness

01:47:33 - Tapping into the Universal

01:52:15 - Openness to Feedback and Understanding

01:56:33 - Hanging Out with Kindred Souls

02:00:07 - Practice and Transformation

02:04:10 - Going Deeper into Ourselves and the World

02:07:43 - A Conversation with an Expert