Ann has been practising yoga and meditation for nearly 20 years and has since completed her Masters in the Traditions of Yoga and Meditation from SOAS University with ongoing Sanskrit training. Ann was inspired from an early age by her father’s anecdotal experiences with Kuṇḍalinī and his involvement in experiments with Zen priest and transpersonal scientist, Dr Motoyama. Her own experiences have pointed her towards a phenomenological investigation of the parallels between spontaneous Kuṇḍalinī awakenings and Buddhist paths to enlightenment. Her previous research focuses on the phenomenology of Buddhist and Yogic experiences through practice.

Ann is currently researching spontaneous Kuṇḍalinī arousals and how these experiences map onto the path of realisation within Indian Buddhist and Yogic traditions as well as cutting-edge consciousness theory. Her mission is to gain a deeper understanding of the psychological processes that can arise from spontaneous transpersonal experiences or deep meditation practice and how we can safely support others walking this path towards greater wholeness.

Website: annmathie.com

Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group.

Transcript of this interview

Interview recorded October 8, 2022

YouTube Video Chapters:

00:00:00 - Introduction and Background

00:04:25 - Kundalini and Theosophy

00:08:29 - Questioning Mainstream Sanity

00:11:53 - Exploring Different Religious Practices

00:16:02 - The Complexity of Traditions and Spiritual Paths

00:19:48 - The Path of Compassion and Moral Behavior

00:23:46 - The Three Components: Rajasic, Sattvic, Tamasic

00:27:39 - Breakthroughs and Trauma in Spiritual Experiences

00:31:07 - The Arhat and Enlightenment in Buddhism

00:34:34 - The Four Stages to Arhant-hood

00:38:12 - The Power of Insight in Teaching and Evaluation of Teachers

00:41:58 - The Importance of a Healthy Guru-Student Relationship

00:45:47 - Spiritual Integrity and Money in Modern Society

00:49:19 - Contrasting skillful means and direct realization

00:53:05 - The Benefits of Meditation Practice

00:56:57 - Dissolving the Illusion of Self-Personality

01:00:27 - Awakening Without Practice

01:04:25 - The Manifestation of Kundalini Energy

01:08:35 - Spontaneous Body Movements and Kriyas

01:12:06 - Letting Go of Stored Emotions

01:15:40 - The Relationship Between Shaking and Psychological Processes

01:19:28 - Managing Kundalini Energy for Individuals with Weak Neural Networks or Trauma

01:23:07 - The Consequences of Mind-Shattering Experiences

01:27:04 - The Challenges of Running a Marathon

01:30:51 - The Path to Enlightenment and Psychological Health

01:34:49 - The 10 Impurities of Insight

01:38:41 - The Importance of the Whole Path

01:42:18 - Finding Balance on the Spiritual Path

01:46:27 - Importance of Cultivating Right Intention

01:50:29 - The Importance of Compassion and Kindness

01:54:14 - A Conversation with Ann Mathie