Born in London, Dr. Churchill's interest in psycho-spiritual development, Integral theory, Contemplative studies, Western Esotericism, and Mahayana Buddhism began in his adolescence,. During this time, John received the esoteric Planetary Dharma transmissions that would in time unfold as his contribution to a planetary fourth turning teaching.

Dr. Churchill spent 15 years training and teaching “Great Seal” meditation in an Indo-Tibetan Mahayana lineage under the mentorship of the late senior Western teacher, translator, respected author, and clinical psychologist Dr. Daniel P. Brown.

He is also a founding member of the Integral Institute led by esteemed Transpersonal/Integral philosopher, Ken Wilber.

John has received advanced training in: attachment therapy, hypnosis, positive psychology for peak performance, and the “Pointing Out” style of Mahamudra meditation.

For the last 25 years, John has developed a a Fourth Turning Planetary Dharma practice which includes the somatically based contemplative practice path; Embodying the Open Ground, that integrates psychodynamic healing, adult development and meditation.

John holds a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from William James College, and is a practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Married to his partner, Nicole since 2000, they are Co-Founders of Samadhi Integral, and Co-Directors of Karuna Mandala.

Book: Becoming Buddha: Buddhist Contemplative Psychology in a Western Context

Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group

Summary and transcript of this interview

Interview recorded January 29, 2023.

YouTube Video Chapters:

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

00:05:37 - The Different Dimensions of Mind and Cross-training the Mind

00:11:07 - The Path of the Bodhisattva

00:17:12 - Meeting the Needs of a Different Population

00:22:54 - Developing a Contemplative System in the West

00:27:53 - Examining Components and Creativity in Meditation Practices

00:33:32 - Understanding Different Types of Spiritual Practices

00:39:15 - Transcending Sacred Technologies Through Collaboration

00:44:40 - Allowing Our Natural Tendency to Unfold

00:50:08 - Describing the Experience of Brahman

00:55:41 - Gaia as a Multidimensional Being

01:01:41 - Perspectives and Metacognition

01:07:26 - Exploring the Fundamental Nature of Reality

01:12:26 - The Next Stage of Human Development

01:18:12 - Education and Spiritual Development

01:23:03 - Tiered Levels of Cognition and Development

01:28:02 - The Four-Year Contemplative Education

01:32:05 - The Plant Dimension

01:33:19 - The Sacred Tradition of Herbal Medicine

01:38:25 - Thoreau's Belief in Building Foundations

01:44:05 - A New Contemplative System with Psychedelics

01:49:43 - Legalization of Marijuana and Psilocybin

01:55:20 - Personal Experiences with the Law

02:00:07 - The Significance of a Skull Symbol

02:04:57 - Personal Connection and Future Meetup