In this episode Mark, Daizan and Russell discuss good and evil, ethics, values and morality. They explore the fluidity of moral decisions, the nuances of free will, and how mindfulness and Zen practices can aid in discerning wholesome (kusala) and unwholesome (akusala) actions. The conversation delves into how such practices can illuminate one's intentions and encourage compassionate, informed decision-making in daily life.'Consciousness Conversations' is a conversation between Daizan Skinner, a renowned Zen master and author, Dr. Russell Razzaque, an acclaimed psychiatrist and mindfulness advocate, and Dr. Mark Westmoquette, an astrophysicist turned yoga and Zen teacher.00:00 Introduction to Consciousness Conversations00:24 Meet the Hosts: Mark, Daizan, and Russell06:34 Exploring Ethics: Good, Evil, and Wholesomeness17:01 The Paradox of Free Will and Responsibility23:34 Intentions, Actions, and Mindfulness

Join us in this episode for an intriguing discussion about the nature of time, from scientific, philosophical, and Zen perspectives, that will challenge your very understanding of reality. During our conversation we explore the ways in which we perceive time, the idea of time being an entirely man-made construct, the basis of time in physics including Einstein's theory of relativity and quantum physics, the role and unreliability of memory, and how strong emotions change our perception of time.'Consciousness Conversations' is a conversation between Daizan Skinner, a renowned Zen master and author, Dr. Russell Razzaque, an acclaimed psychiatrist and mindfulness advocate, and Dr. Mark Westmoquette, an astrophysicist turned yoga and Zen teacher.03:50 Exploring the Concept of Time06:39 Scientific and Philosophical Perspectives on Time14:30 Personal Experiences and Meditation Insights23:44 Exploring the Concept of Infinity24:41 Memory28:39 Perception of Time and Reality31:27 Zen and the Nature of Time42:13 Human Intelligence vs. AI44:10 Final Thoughts and Reflections#daizanroshi #russellrazzaque #consciousness #spirituality #time #relativity #whatistime

'Consciousness Conversations' is a conversation between Daizan Skinner, a renowned Zen master and author, Dr. Russell Razzaque, an acclaimed psychiatrist and mindfulness advocate, and Dr. Mark Westmoquette, an astrophysicist turned yoga and Zen teacher.

In this episode, Daizan, Russell and Mark delve into the concept of "emptiness". Key topics include the essence of emptiness in both Buddhist and scientific contexts, and the implications of such metaphysical concepts on mental health. They also share some intriguing personal experiences that have, over the years, shaped each of their individual understanding of emptiness. The episode promises an enriching dialogue that offers insights into impermanence, the interconnectedness of all things, how we perceive our inner and outer worlds.

They conclude by inviting you, our listeners, to send in suggestions for future topics. Please submit a comment or get in touch directly.

02:19 Recent Projects and Achievements

06:11 Exploring the Concept of Emptiness

07:38 The Intersection of Science and Philosophy

20:01 Mental Health, Search for Meaning and the Importance of Understanding and Support

26:46 Personal Experiences and Meditation Insights: The Billiard Ball View of Life, The Verb vs. Noun Perspective and Emotions as Experiences, Not Identities

32:49 Awareness and the Ego

41:46 The Intersection of Science and Spirituality

43:24 Early Influences and Near-Death Experiences

Join Russell Razzaque, Mark Westmoquette, and Daizan Skinner in this episode of Consciousness Conversations as they delve into the topic of pain and its purpose in our lives.They share personal anecdotes and explain how facing pain can lead to greater empathy, personal growth, and better therapeutic relationships. This episode is an enlightening journey into the role of pain in expanding our awareness and transforming our lives.00:00 Introduction to Consciousness Conversations00:13 Meet the Hosts: Diverse Backgrounds01:33 Current Projects and Personal Updates08:22 The Purpose of Pain: An Exploration19:31 The Intensity of Pain and Consciousness Expansion20:22 Personal Experiences with Pain and Mindfulness21:04 The Role of Pain in Modern Society23:37 Mindfulness Practice and Professional Development26:49 Research on Mindfulness and Patient Outcomes28:48 The Purpose of Pain and Consciousness35:48 Therapy and Facing Pain38:08 Open Dialogue and Psychiatry39:25 Concluding Thoughts on Pain and Growth#daizanroshi #russellrazzaque #consciousness #spirituality #existentialism #pain #purposeofpain

In this episode, Russell, Daizan and Mark dive into the crux of the matter and ask "what's the point of it all?".

In this episode of Consciousness Conversations, Russell, Daizan and Mark discuss the concept of embracing uncertainty. They discuss how fear of the unknown manifests in human behaviour, the significance of not knowing in professional and personal contexts, and how mindfulness can help individuals tolerate uncertainty.

In this first episode, Russell, Daizan and Mark explore the concept of the ego, its development, and what lies beyond it. The discussion delves into the interplay between science, mindfulness, and Zen teachings, and they draw analogies and parallels from psychosis, quantum mechanics, and child development to illustrate their points. The conversation