In the spring of 2011, I was cleaning a stove and quite suddenly the knob I was holding became the rag became my hand became the space became the stove as all lines between things between moments and between myself and the world dissolved. It was like the scales had fallen off my eyes! I had heard of no self but had never heard there were no things!

There was an intense psychological and physical relaxation, and I was amazed that my body didn't crumble to the floor! It was obvious that there was no one doing life, and that life wasn't happening to a me. It was the end of a lifetime propelled by hope and fear and need of a never arising next. It was as if time died. It was as if I had died, yet it was obvious that I had never existed, yet here I was!

This knowing feeling of seamlessness has not left for almost eight years.  It is always obvious... it kisses me awake in the morning and holds me as I drift off to sleep.... life is overwhelmingly beautiful and wondrous always, like edgeless liquid love.... no matter what it looks or feels like.

The longing to sing of this, knowing that it cannot be kissed with words paints my reflection with sky in sky.... I am not a teacher or guru, simply a lover of love.

Nancy's posts and poems (blog)

YouTube Channel

Books:

To Kiss What Cannot Be Kissed...: Love songs from the canyon

Liquid Eyes

This Is It, Coyote

Your Infinite Intimate Embrace: you have never left

Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group.

Summary and transcript of this interview

Interview recorded April 13, 2019.

YouTube Video Chapters:

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

00:05:06 - A Journey of Seeking and Glimpses

00:10:01 - The Search for the Elusive Goal

00:14:32 - The Terrifying Experience of Losing Beliefs

00:18:56 - The Burning of Personal Armageddon

00:23:35 - The Nature of Belief and Unknowing

00:28:42 - The Astonishing Nature of the Known World

00:33:30 - The Shift in Perception

00:38:00 - The Illusion of Separation and Thingness

00:42:20 - The Dream of Separation

00:46:47 - The Illusion of Separation in the Physical World

00:51:43 - The Unity of the House

00:57:01 - Life Doing Itself

01:00:45 - The Wholeness of the Universe

01:03:12 - The Shared Dream of Separation

01:06:19 - The Sword of Ignorance

01:09:41 - The Illusion of Self

01:13:24 - The Fear of False Evidence Appearing Real

01:18:10 - The Perception of an Actor

01:20:54 - Starting a Podcast & Creating a Website

01:24:13 - Awareness without perception

01:28:26 - Awareness in Deep Sleep

01:33:15 - Discussion on Paintings and Posters

01:36:23 - The Frustration of Seeking and Inner Transformation

01:40:29 - The Role of Spiritual Practices

01:44:55 - The Intensity of Desire and Love in Spiritual Practice

01:49:29 - The Co-dependency of the Seeker and the Teacher

01:53:23 - Embracing our Humanness

01:56:29 - Embracing the Flow of Thought and Emotion

01:59:53 - A Gentle Conversation

02:02:11 - Conclusion and Farewell

Rev. Peter Panagore, M.Div (Yale) has had two near-death experiences, the first while ice climbing in 1980 and the second in 2015 due to a heart attack. He recounts these in his book Heaven Is Beautiful: How Dying Taught Me That Death Is Just the Beginning, an Audible Best Seller available globally in nine editions. His best-selling second book, Two Minutes for God: Quick Fixes for the Spirit, is a collection of original inspirational devotional stories, many of which he told for 15 years on a daily TV show reaching 30 million viewers annually in Maine and New Hampshire. Previously, he served as a United Church of Christ minister and pastor in Maine and Connecticut. He published 150 sermons and many prayers in Homiletics, a leading clergy journal. He now runs a global spiritual counseling service for "closet mystics" and travels nationally as a public and inspirational speaker and teacher. He has been practicing Zazen/Centering Prayer and Kundalini/KriyaYoga for forty years.

Website: peterpanagore.love

Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group.

Summary and transcript of this interview.

Interview recorded April 6, 2019.

YouTube Video Chapters:

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

00:04:31 - Communicating with Deceased Loved Ones

00:09:07 - Meeting the Telepathic Elephant

00:13:54 - Meeting the Little Elephant and Journeying through the Night Sky

00:18:40 - Born with a Mystic Talent

00:23:21 - A Spiritual Experience on the Appalachian Trail

00:28:38 - Near-death experiences and the monastery's fire vision

00:33:00 - Angels, Elephants, and Divine Experiences

00:37:48 - Connecting to the Divine and Mysticism

00:42:22 - Ice Climbing Mishap

00:46:34 - A Desperate Descent

00:51:04 - The Ascenders Hitch and a Close Call

00:55:16 - Facing Death on the Edge

01:00:02 - The Infinite Darkness and Consciousness

01:04:47 - A Glimpse of the Infinite

01:09:37 - The Shame and Love in My Experience

01:14:24 - A Moment of Oneness and Absorption

01:19:43 - Coming Back to Life

01:24:17 - A Near-Death Experience and Its Aftermath

01:29:01 - Discovering Kindness

01:34:09 - Living in a Duality

01:39:03 - Seeking the Oneness Inside Myself

01:44:20 - Divine Experiences and the Oneness of Being

01:49:01 - The Perfection and Imperfection of Existence

01:54:16 - Seeing the Divine Presence in Everyday Life

01:58:42 - The Journey Within Multiple Levels of Heaven

02:03:10 - The Choice to Incarnate on Earth

02:08:17 - The Treasure of Love as the Reason

02:12:33 - The Role of Love in the Divine Experience

02:17:12 - Love as a Path to the Divine

02:21:12 - The Global Movement of Spiritually Transformed People

Anna Breytenbach is a South African-based professional animal communicator who has received advanced training through the Assisi International Animal Institute in California, USA. She’s been practicing for 18 years in South Africa, Europe and the USA with both domestic and wild animals.

Born and raised in Cape Town, South Africa, she holds a degree in Psychology, Economics and Marketing from the University of Cape Town. Trained in tracking and mentoring at the Wilderness Awareness School (USA), she also mentors children and adults in nature awareness based on the ways of the Native American and San Bushmen peoples.

Anna is a qualified and experienced master training facilitator, focusing on bringing forth participants’ skills through coaching and mentoring in a practical manner. She consults exclusively with wildlife and offers workshops around southern Africa, occasionally touring Australia, Europe and the USA. Her work includes working with wild dolphins and whales, leading animal communication safaris, interspecies projects at permaculture and organic farms, and giving numerous public talks. Her pro bono work focuses on conservation projects such as elephant management, anti-poaching assistance, baboon rehabilitation, whale and dolphin research and predator conservation. She is also the subject of the feature documentary movie "The Animal Communicator" on interspecies communication.

Website: animalspirit.org

Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group.

Summary and transcript of this interview

Interview recorded March 23, 2019

More videos:

Spirit The Black Leopard

Anna Breytenbach communicates with Great White Shark

YouTube Video Chapters:

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

00:04:30 - Telepathy Between Animals and Humans

00:08:54 - Presence and Awareness in Interspecies Communication

00:12:55 - Being Present and Centered in Animal Communication

00:16:48 - Interpreting Animal Communication

00:21:05 - Collective Consciousness and Biological Constellation

00:24:48 - Our Interconnectedness with Nature

00:28:59 - Communicating with the Essence of Nonhumans

00:33:11 - The Intelligence of Insects and Humans

00:36:53 - The Value of All Beings

00:40:47 - The Hierarchy of Values in Nature

00:44:43 - Interspecies Communication with Bees and Sunflowers

00:48:19 - Conscious Relating and Giving of Life

00:52:09 - Connection and Awareness through Nature

00:56:08 - Developing Telepathic Interspecies Communication

01:01:00 - Understanding the Leopard's Unhappiness

01:03:57 - Telepathy in Predators

01:07:22 - A Message of Apology and Change from the Humans

01:10:43 - Animal Communication and Hunting

01:14:20 - Nature's Forgiveness and Compassion

01:18:33 - The Unraveling of Systems and the Need for Change

01:22:31 - A Whole New Paradigm for Liberation

01:26:27 - Animals and Humans as Children and Teenagers

01:30:00 - Trusting Intuition and Deep Nature Connection

01:33:45 - Developing Telepathy with Animals

01:37:32 - Reunion of Leopards and their Former Companion

01:40:50 - Connection with Babies and Children

01:44:31 - Animal Communication and Psychic Arts

01:48:07 - Making Conscious Food Choices

01:52:01 - Connecting with Animals and Workshops in South Africa

01:55:03 - Conversation with Anna Breytenbach

Damien Echols is an artist and New York Times bestselling author of "Life After Death". In 2018, he published his first book on ceremonial magick: "High Magick: A Guide to the Spiritual Practices That Saved My Life on Death Row". He has been a practitioner of ceremonial Magick for over 20 years and leads classes on Magick across the country. He spent over 18 years on death row in Arkansas for a crime he didn't commit before gaining his freedom in 2011. Upon release, he, along with Peter Jackson produced the documentary film "West Of Memphis" which chronicled his legal battle. During his time in prison, he was ordained into the Rinzai Zen tradition of Japanese Buddhism. He lives in New York with his wife and three cats.

Other offerings:

Audio CD of "High Magick: A Guide to the Spiritual Practices That Saved My Life on Death Row"

Angels and Archangels

Royal Science of Angels

Life After Death

Yours for Eternity: A Love Story on Death Row

Almost Home

Damien's site: damienechols.com

Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group.

Summary and transcript of this interview.

YouTube Video Chapters:

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

00:05:30 - Growing Up in Poverty and Neglect

00:10:30 - False Confessions and Wrongful Convictions

00:15:20 - Satanism and Magick

00:20:03 - Life Inside Prison

00:24:50 - Morphic Fields and Collective Consciousness

00:29:25 - The Power of Meditation and Consciousness Alteration

00:34:04 - Alignment of Brain and Heart Electromagnetic Fields

00:38:27 - Ego and Karma in Enlightenment Practice

00:43:19 - Discovering Magick in Prison

00:48:06 - The Brutality in Prison

00:52:47 - The Power of Resilience and Endurance

00:57:49 - Balancing Polarities in Magick

01:03:01 - Balancing the energy centers

01:08:01 - The Disintegration of Self and the Trinity of Divinity

01:13:16 - Explaining the Concept of Archangels and Deities

01:18:00 - Magick as a Personal Journey

01:22:39 - Purifying Your Energetic Anatomy and Environment

01:27:29 - The Journey to Magick

01:32:31 - Adjusting to Life After Prison

01:37:02 - Magick and the Healing Power of Words

01:41:58 - The Misuse of Magick

01:46:28 - Working with Archangels and Negative Tendencies

01:50:55 - Talismans and Amulets: Harnessing the Power of Symbols

01:55:37 - Charging of Magick Items

02:00:14 - Surrendering and Relaxing

02:05:08 - The Importance of Relationships in the Awakening Process

02:09:39 - Unlocking the Collective Unconscious and Remembering Past Lives

02:14:31 - Expanding Psychic Perception, Overcoming Addiction, and Restructuring the Prison System

02:19:16 - The Problem with the US Prison System

02:23:40 - Check out the Impressive Documentaries

Rev. Bill’s life has been a spiritual journey, spanning slightly over 7 decades. His whole life has been a mystical trip in search of gurus, the paranormal, and self-discovery. He has written about his many spiritually transformative experiences and “near-death-experiences” including supernatural events during his combat tour of duty in the Vietnam War. In his books, he has shared some incredible spiritual events that are beyond both common understanding or explanation.

His autobiography “Warrior: A Spiritual Odyssey” takes us on a life quest for love, understanding, forgiveness, and enlightenment. His follow-up book “Alchemy of a Warrior's Heart" continues that mystical journey including four trips to India for even more profound experiences with holy men, miracles and his personal relationship with the Divine. What he knows for sure after all these years is that the only thing that is truly real is LOVE.

He is an author, an award-winning poet, international motivational speaker, artist, film advisor, veteran advocate, a Vietnam War veteran (Distinguished Flying Cross, The Bronze Star, The Purple Heart Medal, 14 Air Medals, The Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, etc.). He has spoken around the world including Germany, England, Wales, Bolivia, and India. He has been involved with a dozen films and documentaries. (Such as: “In the Shadow of the Blade”- showed on the History Network and “The Art of Healing” shown on PBS TV)

Rev. Bill has been on over 800 radio and TV shows over the last 18 years and has stories about his life featured in over a dozen books by other authors and in hundreds of magazine and newspaper articles. He has had articles in such diverse publications as “Parade Sunday Magazine” and “The Self-Realization Fellowship Magazine” as well as military magazines and new age magazines. His YouTube Channel has over 70 videos and had gotten over 550,000 views in its first 18 months.

He speaks publicly about the need to forgive and power of love. His mission in life is to inspire others to seek the Divine and he does that through his personal stories of his own life experiences.

He is a seeker but not just for himself. His “mission” is to allow others to experience his journey through his stories. He has had many near-death and near-death-like experiences and encounters with the supernatural. He is a friend to many - including famous celebrities and people in power positions in life but he treats everyone the same whether they are homeless or the President or a CEO. His beliefs are simple: There is but ONE GOD – and our only mission is to LOVE & SERVE ALL.

Rev. Bill McDonald was born In San Francisco and raised in California, Oregon, and Hawaii. He graduated from San Jose City College with an AA Degree in Labor Management and later from The University of San Francisco with a BA degree in Public Service Administration. He spent over 30 years working for the federal government and retired in 2001. He has spent his time since then working for 5 different non-profit organizations helping veterans while serving the purpose of world peace. He works with PTSD veterans and is an unpaid lobbyist for veteran issues in California. Has also has worked as a volunteer chaplain in Folsom Prison and worked for a time answering phone calls for The National Suicide Hotline. His life is filled with service. He has been married to his high school sweetheart Carol, since 1970. He has been living in Elk Grove, California since 1979.

Additional books by William “Rev. Bill” McDonald:

A Spiritual Warrior's Journey: The Inspiring Life Story of a Mystical Warrior – 2003

Purple Hearts: Poetry of The Vietnam War – 2003

Sacred Eye: Poetry In Search Of The Divine – 2004

 

Bill's guru, Yogiraj Gurunath Siddhanath

Bill's Website

Bill's email

Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group.

Summary and transcript of this interview

Interview recorded March 2, 2019.

After 20+ years of Buddhist and non-dual practice, in 2003 Tina Rasmussen, Ph.D., undertook a year-long solo retreat during which awakening occurred. She later ordained as a Buddhist nun with a world-renowned meditation master, became the first Western woman to attain that path, and was authorized to teach. Tina has been studied by Yale Neuroscience Lab for research on the effects of meditation on consciousness and the brain. Tina is co-author of Practicing the Jhanas: Traditional Concentration Meditation as Presented by the Venerable Pa Auk Sayadaw, and has been featured on Conscious TV and in Non-duality Magazine. She is also involved in the Diamond Approach to realization. Tina teaches students worldwide how to walk the path of the “urban mystic”—functioning from deep spiritual understanding while living a modern human life. Dr. Rasmussen has also worked in the field of human/organizational development as a consultant/coach for 25+ years, with several published books on humanistic leadership.

Website: luminousmindsangha.com

Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group.

Summary and transcript of this interview

Interview recorded February 23, 2019.

YouTube Video Chapters:

00:00:00 - Introduction and Previous Interviews Menu

00:06:01 - Exploring Meditation and Inquiry Techniques

00:10:50 - The Brain Changes with Meditation

00:15:41 - Overcoming Hindrances in Meditation

00:20:33 - Understanding Awakening

00:24:17 - Uniqueness and Awakened Beings

00:28:08 - Fine-tuning the Contraption

00:31:56 - Deep Retreat Experience

00:35:55 - Handling Intense Energy during Meditation

00:39:37 - The Awakening Journey

00:43:32 - Working with Awakening in Daily Life

00:47:39 - Different Paths for Different People

00:50:55 - The Hare and the Tortoise

00:54:33 - The Neo-Advaita Shift

00:57:59 - Moving from Distortions to Integration

01:01:55 - Awakening in the World

01:05:28 - A Vision of a More Enlightened World

01:09:30 - The Lack of Understanding and Emphasis on Awakening

01:13:38 - The Importance of Diligence and Discernment

01:17:18 - Exercising Discernment and Ethical Living

01:21:14 - Living in Alignment with Realization

01:24:32 - Manifestation and Meditation across Different Walks of Life

01:28:24 - The Balance of Effort and Letting Go

01:32:47 - The Continuity of Awareness and Identification with Instinctual Drives

01:36:54 - Understanding the Harm and Delusion in Spiritual Practice

01:40:26 - The Challenges After Awakening

01:45:05 - Awakening and Dealing with Personality Material

01:51:11 - Insight and Rigpa: Stages of Liberation

01:59:03 - The Ground of Awakening

02:06:22 - The Full Potentiality of the Human Experience

02:12:23 - End of Presentation

Mark Gober is a best-selling author, a Partner at Sherpa Technology Group in Silicon Valley, a former investment banker with UBS in New York, and former captain of the Princeton tennis team. His worldview was turned upside down in late 2016 when he was exposed to world-changing science which suggested that, contrary to mainstream assumptions, consciousness is not produced by the brain. After researching extensively, he wrote An End to Upside Down Thinking: Dispelling the Myth That the Brain Produces Consciousness, and the Implications for Everyday Life to introduce the general public to these cutting-edge ideas -- all in an effort to encourage a much-needed global shift in scientific and existential thinking.

Mark's book has been endorsed by leading thinkers such as former Harvard neurosurgeon Eben Alexander, Nobel Peace Prize nominee Dr. Ervin Laszlo, Pixar founder Loren Carpenter, Institute of Noetic Sciences Chief Scientist Dr. Dean Radin, University of Virginia professor of neurobehavioral sciences Dr. Ed Kelly, Dr. Rupert Sheldrake, Guru Singh, Chicken Soup for the Soul author Jack Canfield, actress Goldie Hawn, and many others.

Website: markgober.com

Summary and transcript of this interview.

Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group.

Interview recorded February 16, 2019

YouTube Video Chapters:

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

00:04:30 - Background and Transition into Writing

00:08:09 - A Shift in Worldview

00:11:50 - Paradigm Shifts and Anomalies

00:15:15 - Anomalies in Science

00:18:58 - The Fundamental Nature of Consciousness

00:22:42 - Understanding the Limits of Our Perceptual Systems

00:26:22 - Studies on Psychic Spies during the Cold War

00:29:55 - Repression in the Scientific Community

00:33:29 - The Importance of Publishing Studies on Psychic Phenomena

00:37:08 - Assumptions about Reality and their Impact

00:40:35 - The Illusion of Materialism

00:43:45 - The Connection between Materialism and Spiritual Practice

00:47:10 - The Consciousness of the Brain

00:50:37 - Reflection and Settled Mind

00:54:19 - Anomalous Occurrences and Spiritual Practices

00:57:53 - Humility and Open-Mindedness

01:01:36 - The Qualities of Consciousness

01:04:56 - Modulations of Consciousness

01:08:32 - Awareness independent of biology

01:12:20 - The Play of Consciousness

01:16:16 - Evaluating Anomalies and Questioning the Paradigm

01:19:56 - Free Will and Consciousness

01:23:58 - Research on Reincarnation at the University of Virginia

01:27:30 - Reincarnation and the Continuity of Consciousness

01:30:52 - Reincarnation and Continuity

01:34:32 - The Nature of Altruism

01:37:56 - Is Time Linear?

01:41:25 - Discussing Predicting the Future and Psychic Phenomena

01:45:02 - Nonlinear Effects and Shifting Consciousness

Prasannan had a fascination for Astronomy from an early age, having built his own telescope, and spent his teenage years studying the stars and planets. He was the president of the Astronomy, and Photography Clubs in high school. He always understood that what we see is only a tiny portion of the totality.

At Easter, in 1987, he attended a retreat which resulted in a spiritual awakening, leading him to conclude that he had always been on a spiritual path. As a result, he adopted a celibate (brahmacharya) lifestyle.

Having studied the teachings of Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, Ramana Maharshi, and Swami Sivananda, he heard about Mata Amritanandamayi (Amma), and met her during her 1990 North American tour. At the time, he held a senior management position in corporate finance but he had a natural motivation towards engaging in serving selflessly (Seva). The Sanskrit word "Seva" means helping others out of compassion, without a conscious thought of receiving personal benefit.

Prasannan moved to Amritapuri, India in 1992; on arriving he was placed in charge of the computer room, and developed a new accounting system, training the brahmacharins (monks) in its use; at the same time a Jyotish software program was acquired, which Prasannan became responsible for. At the direction of Amma, he began his practice of Jyotish, which continues to this day. He travelled around the world with Amma, providing Jyotish interpretations during her programs. At other times he conducted sessions in India, raising funds for Amma charities. After 19 years in India, he returned to Canada and established his independent Jyotish practice. After more than 2 decades of brahmacharya, he married Maya, the love of his life!

Prasannan has consulted with more than 60,000 clients throughout the world. He answers questions about all areas of life, material, familial, health, and well-being, as well as spiritual.

Website: prasannanjyotish.com

Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group.

Summary and transcript of this interview

Interview recorded February 9, 2019.

YouTube Video Chapters:

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

00:04:28 - The Journey to Jyotish Practice

00:08:11 - The Differences between Vedic and Western Astrology

00:11:53 - The Significance of the Birth Chart

00:15:16 - The Existence of Souls on the Astral Plane

00:18:54 - The Evolution of Jyotish

00:22:40 - The Power of Alignment and Eclipses

00:26:31 - Planets and their Qualities

00:30:30 - The Universe as Reflective Intelligence

00:34:36 - The Complexity of Karma and the Intelligent Universe

00:38:16 - Jyotish as a Road Map for Liberation

00:41:48 - Planetary Influences on Fertility

00:45:09 - Reincarnation and the Bible's removal of references

00:48:51 - The Battle Between Free Will and Divine Will

00:53:00 - Twins and Individual Lives

00:56:29 - Difficulties in Obtaining Accurate Birth Times in Kerala

00:59:55 - The Power of Stones

01:03:44 - Concerns about marriage and job prospects

01:07:23 - The Unpredictability of Life's Events

01:11:09 - Astrological Effects on Travel and Location Choices

01:14:26 - The Influence of Planetary Cycles

01:17:51 - The Complexity of Karma and Lottery

01:21:49 - The Impact of Planetary Alignment

01:25:35 - Awakening and Integration

01:29:29 - The Role of Jyotish in Circumventing Problems.

01:33:16 - Vedic Astrology and Prognostication

01:36:39 - Advancements in Computer Programs for Astrology

01:40:05 - The Importance of Data Backup+Privately Safeguarded Techniques

01:43:41 - Death and Enlightenment

01:47:09 - Personal Biases and Jyotish

Miranda Macpherson began her spiritual journey at the age of thirteen when, amidst a period of clinical depression, she was spontaneously opened into a profound state of boundless love. That experience initiated a lifelong dedication to spiritual practice, psychological depth, and the study of the world’s wisdom traditions. Her travels took her from her native Australia to the United Kingdom, where after completing seminary training, she founded the OneSpirit Interfaith Foundation in London, at the request of her teacher. Over the next decade, Miranda trained and ordained more than six hundred interfaith ministers and spiritual counselors.

In 2005, a seismic shift occurred that changed the course of Miranda’s life. While meditating in a cave in India that was once home to the revered sage Sri Ramana Maharshi, she experienced a direct transmission of the true nature of reality that required total surrender. In the wake of this, Miranda found herself again moving to a new continent, this time the United States. There, in the years it took to integrate this opening, a body of teachings on Grace and Ego Relaxation began to emerge that brings ancient wisdom alive for our changing times.

Today, Miranda is known for her depth of presence and gift for guiding others into direct experience of the sacred. Miranda leads the Living Grace sangha in Marin and Sonoma counties, holds retreats internationally, and offers online programs through the Shift Network. Unapologetically feminine, joyful, and down to earth in her way of being, Miranda is dedicated to loving people all the way back into the freedom and wholeness of their true nature. She lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband Bob Duchmann.

Books:

The Way of Grace - The Transforming Power of Ego Relaxation (Book)

Boundless Love: Transforming Your Life with Grace and Inspiration

CDs:

The Way of Grace - The Transforming Power of Ego Relaxation (CD or audio download)

Meditations on Boundless Love

'The Heart of Being' - Mantra CD

'Awakening the Soul' - Meditation CD

Website: http://mirandamacpherson.com

First BatGap interview with Miranda.

Miranda in SAND Panel Discussion on Sexual Misconduct, Money, Power, Trauma & Ethics in Spiritual Communities

Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group.

Summary and transcript of this interview

Interview recorded February 4, 2019

YouTube Video Chapters:

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

00:03:57 - The Relevance of Ancient Wisdom

00:07:52 - Ego Relaxation and the Sense of Time

00:11:39 - Introduction and Bio of Miranda Macpherson

00:15:25 - Awakening to the Fullness of Being

00:19:37 - The Infinite Ways of Realization

00:23:28 - The Window Panes of Ultimate Reality

00:27:11 - Healing and Transformation through Grace

00:31:19 - The Sweet State of Ego Relaxation

00:35:24 - Living in Alignment with Grace

00:39:38 - The Blessings of Grace

00:43:32 - Opening ourselves to beings of higher consciousness

00:47:27 - Perpetual Ascension and Spiritual Ego

00:51:23 - The Paradox of Spiritual Practice

00:55:04 - Cultivating Virtues: Trust and Humility

01:00:00 - The Fulfillment of Life and the Richness of Life

01:03:08 - Surrender and Accountability

01:06:54 - The Challenge of Surrender and Relaxation

01:10:57 - Surrendering to the Way

01:14:57 - Moving with Life

01:18:38 - Finding Stability in Uncertain Times

01:22:12 - Placing Faith in Humanity

01:26:13 - Relaxing into Truth

01:30:05 - The Partnership between Horse and Man

01:33:59 - The Healing Power of Forgiveness

01:38:02 - Right Action from Being

01:41:44 - The Paradox of Ego and Passivity

01:45:46 - Recognizing and Befriending Our Primal Drives

01:49:38 - Practical Meditation Techniques and Practices

01:53:07 - Resources and Online Courses

01:56:42 - Music Intro

Judy Cohen is a former clinical psychologist, former serial entrepreneur, former depressed, anxious, anti-depressant-taking, suicidal despairer. She used to be a seeker of Self Improvement. She used to be a Certified Facilitator of The Work of Byron Katie, and later a Certified Senior Facilitator-Trainer of the Living Inquiries. (** She's not certified in either method anymore.) She was desperate to feel better. Luckily, eventually, Judy came to see that the methods she was trained and certified in actually perpetuated, strengthened, the sense of self as damaged.

Several awakening experiences happened. Contrary to popular myth, they didn’t put an end to unpleasant feelings. So all that seeking, the inquiry, the desperation to shift, was for… what, then? Judy finally realized she could give up seeking because… This. Is. It. As it is. And what could any teacher or technique give her that wasn’t already here, that she didn’t already have? She came to see that every experience- good, bad, happy, or sad- is an awakening. She knew to give up seeking because there was nothing more to get. She'd had it all along. Much more fun, this no-Judy-to-fix, nothing-to-seek existence. Though of course, she's also still here as Judy. Because human continues. And paradoxically…That's better.

Website: irreverentmind.com

Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group.

Summary and transcript of this interview

Interview recorded January 26, 2019.

YouTube Video Chapters:

00:00:00 - Introduction and Background

00:05:01 - The Work and its Effects

00:09:43 - Perception and language distortion

00:14:08 - Words and Communication

00:18:45 - The Perpetuation of Stories

00:23:11 - Appreciating the Present Moment

00:27:46 - The Miserable Dream World

00:32:40 - Understanding vs Realization in Spirituality

00:36:51 - Embracing Paradox and Ambiguity

00:41:26 - Triggers and the Unpredictability of Human Experience

00:45:51 - Accepting "this is it"

00:50:33 - The Importance of Attitude in Education

00:54:59 - Surrendering Control and Finding Motivation

00:59:41 - Accomplishment and Spiritual Development

01:04:11 - Keeping the Mind Busy

01:09:08 - Finding Inner Peace and Bliss

01:13:23 - The Limitations of Language

01:17:33 - Preferences and Consciousness

01:21:40 - The Nature of Consciousness

01:25:55 - The Frog Desires Water, The Physician Disease

01:29:38 - The Infinite Versions of Bliss

01:33:24 - The Limits of Language and Metaphor

01:37:24 - Finding Peace in Pain

01:40:44 - Dissolving the Mind's Roadblocks

01:44:41 - The Trap of Reinforcing the Sense of Self

01:48:03 - Finding Intrinsic Happiness

01:51:14 - Emulating Teachers and Gurus

01:54:30 - The Contradiction of Perception and Guidance

01:58:22 - Relaxing into Oneness

02:02:13 - The Importance of Getting Out of the Dream

02:05:19 - Sparking New Ideas