Question - "How does Jhana meditation simplify experience to facilitate insight and cognitive flexibility?"

John Vervaeke is joined by Mark Miller, Rick Repetti, to explore the intersection of predictive processing, relevance realization, and embodied cognition in contemplative practices. They introduce PhD candidate Jonas Mago, who discusses his research on Jhana meditation and its impact on cognitive flexibility and insight. The conversation touches on contrasting Jhana practices with charismatic Christian traditions such as speaking in tongues. They also explore how Jhana states temporarily reduce the complexity of perception, allowing practitioners to observe the construction and deconstruction of their experiential models. The neuroscientific evidence provided, such as changes in brain responses during these states, adds depth to this exploration, illustrating how such simplification can lead to profound insights.

Mark Miller, a philosopher and cognitive scientist, holds a senior research fellowship at Monash University's Center for Consciousness and Contemplative Studies in Australia, with affiliations at the University of Toronto and Hokkaido University in Japan. His work, which dives into the interplay between human thought, technology's impact on well-being, and human-computer interaction, is at the forefront of integrating cognitive neuroscience with philosophical inquiry.

Rick Repetti is Professor of Philosophy at Kingsborough Community College, CUNY, USA. He is the author of The Counterfactual Theory of Free Will (2010), as well as several articles on Buddhism, meditation, free will, and philosophy of religion.

Jonas Mago is a cognitive neuroscientist and wellbeing aficionado, deeply invested in understanding the cognitive and neurobiological mechanisms underlying human flourishing. His research explores contemplative practices designed to cultivate wholesome states of mind—spanning meditation, prayer, collective cultural rituals, and psychedelic therapies. I approach these topics from an interdisciplinary perspective, integrating cognitive science, neurobiology, computational modeling, and phenomenology to investigate mechanisms of self-regulation and transformation. He is currently pursuing my doctoral studies in Neuroscience at McGill University under the supervision of Dr. Michael Lifshitz, with co-supervision from Prof. Dr. Karl Friston. His academic journey includes a master’s degree in Mind, Language, and Embodied Cognition from the University of Edinburgh (UK) and undergraduate studies in Liberal Arts and Sciences at University College Maastricht (Netherlands).

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Notes: 

• (0:00) Introduction to the Lectern. This is the beginning of The Predictive Processing Series

• (0:30) Mark Miller, Rick Repetti, and Jonas Mago joins John Vervaeke 

• (1:30) Predictive Processing and Meditation

• (4:00) Inside Jhanas Meditation

• (10:00) Phenomenology and Cognitive Functions of Jhanas

• (11:30) “Is Jhanas essential for the path of awakening?”

• (13:00) Predictive Coding and Cognitive Models

• (18:00) Jhana meditation and the transient nature of predictive models

• (25:00) Analysis of the risks and benefits associated with Jhana practice

• (30:00) EEG Studies on Jhana Practitioners

• (37:00) Jhana versus Pure Consciousness

• (45:00) High Arousal Contemplative States: Jhana and Christian prayer

• (54:00) The Importance of Context in Contemplative Practices

• (1:05:00) Final Words

 

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Ideas, People, and Works Mentioned in this Episode:

Predictive Processing

Epistemic Vulnerability

Metacognition

Absorption States

fMRI Studies

Sangha

EEG Studies

Relevance Realization

Embodied Cognition

Jhana Meditation

Thomas Metzinger

Michael Lifshitz

Alton

Ram Dass

Buddha

Tanya Luhrmann

Shaila Catherine

Metzinger, T. (2021). The Elephant and the Blind: Insights into pure consciousness experiences.

Lerman, T. (2012). When God Talks Back: A study on evangelical experiences of speaking in tongues.

 

Quotes:

 

“What we're trying in, in meditation is starting to model our predictive hierarchy of the brain opaque. So to notice that experience ultimately is not something that's, that's kind of a real grasp on reality, that all we have is this imprint of reality on our experiential or generative modeling, through this, this predictive hierarchy.”

 

"The interplay between micro and macro perspectives mirrors the flexibility we aim for in meditation and science."

 

"Epistemic vulnerability can be a doorway to growth if properly framed—or a risk without it."

Mark Miller: Website | X | Podcast | YouTube

Rick Repetti: Website | X | Facebook

Jonas Mago: Website | X | 

—

 

Thank you for Listening!

John Vervaeke engages in a profound discussion with James Filler, author of 'Heidegger, Neoplatonism, and the History of Being'. They examine the core arguments of Jame’s book, which emphasizes relationality as more fundamental than individual existence in understanding reality. The conversation explores Neoplatonism, Heidegger's philosophy, and the convergence of these ideas with contemporary physics and biology. James recounts his journey in developing his dissertation into a pivotal work aimed at reorienting ontological perspectives. John and James also discuss the trajectory of Western and Eastern Christian thought, touching upon relational ontology's scientific and ethical ramifications.

James Filler is the author of Heidegger, Neoplatonism, and the History of Being, a groundbreaking work exploring the philosophical underpinnings of relational ontology. His forthcoming book, Substance Ontology and the Crisis of Reason deepens the critique of substance thinking in Western philosophy.

Notes: 

• (0:00) Welcome to the Lectern

• (1:00) Core themes of Heidegger, Neoplatonism, and the History of Being

• (3:00) Background of James Filler

• (5:30) Core argument of the book

• (10:00) The philosophical debate between Parmenides and Heraclitus

• (15:00) Ontological relationality and its philosophical implications

• (25:00) Heidegger's dialogue with Asian philosophy and the Christian trinity

• (34:00) Western vs. Eastern Christianity - diverging paths

• (40:00) A critique of Process Philosophy 

• (48:30) The conceptual and ethical implications of historical Christian interpretations

• (51:30) Distinction between discursive and non-discursive reasoning

• (58:30) Substance ontology and the crisis of reason

• (1:03:00) Addressing the crisis of rationality in modernity

• (1:11:00) Final reflections on relationality and its broader impacts

 

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The Vervaeke Foundation is committed to advancing the scientific pursuit of wisdom and creating a significant impact on the world. Become a part of our mission.

 

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Ideas, People, and Works Mentioned in this Episode

Martin Heidegger 

Plotinus

Aristotle

St. Gregory 

Heraclitus 

Parmenides

Plato

Jordan Hall

Evan Thompson

Relationality 

Neoplatonism

Substance Ontology

Trinity

Process Philosophy

Virtue Epistemology

Humility

Dialogical Rationality

"Heidegger, Neoplatonism, and the History of Being" by James Filler

"Substance Ontology and the Crisis of Reason" by James Filler (upcoming book)

"Awakening from the Meaning Crisis" by John

"Recovering Plato: A Platonic Virtue Epistemology" by James Filler (published in Episteme)

"The Divine Matrix" by David Ray Griffin

"The One" by Paas

"Being and Time" by Martin Heidegger

"The Republic" by Plato

"The Enneads" by Plotinus

"Metaphysics" by Aristotle

 

Quotes:

 

"Relationality is itself more primordial, more fundamental to understanding the nature of reality."

 

"To be independent in the first place required a relation—because to be independent means there's something you're independent from."

 

"Our rationality operates best dialogically, not nomologically, which aligns deeply with relational ontology."

 

John Vervaeke and Evan Thompson continue the exploration of life, cognition, and consciousness, drawing from interdisciplinary collaboration and philosophical discourse. The discussion challenges reductionist perspectives in biology, examines organisms as autonomous agents, and questions the adequacy of current models to explain life's complexities. Consciousness is explored through presence and embodiment, while also debating the roles of large language models like ChatGPT in understanding cognitive processes. By integrating philosophical and phenomenological perspectives, the episode addresses the interconnectedness of consciousness, cognition, and life, transcending traditional mind-matter dichotomies and emphasizing the significance of embodiment in cognitive functions. 

Evan Thompson is a philosopher and author, specializing in the integration of cognitive science, philosophy of mind, and Asian philosophical traditions. Based at the University of British Columbia, his work, including his recent book 'The Blind Spot', examines the intersections of consciousness, experience, and reality through a comprehensive interdisciplinary approach.

 

Immerse yourself in the groundbreaking insights of Evan Thompson's thought-provoking book, "The Blind Spot: Why Science Cannot Ignore Human Experience”  

Notes: 

• (0:00) Introduction: Welcome to the Lectern

• (0:15) Evan Thompson's Background and the Book 'The Blind Spot'

• (2:10) The Blind Spot in Perception: Cognitive Science, Asian Philosophy, and Mystical Insight 

• (2:30) Revolution in Biology: Life, Cognition, and Consciousness

• (5:00) Autonomous Agents vs. Machines

• (11:30) Challenges to Newtonian Mechanics and Reductionist Ontology

• (22:00) Life as Self-Enabling, Not law-Entailing

• (32:00) Historical and Nomological Explanations in Biology

• (39:00) Epiphenomenalism

• (43:00) Debunking Computational Functionalism

• (45:00) Exploring Cognition and Relevance Realization

• (49:00) Limits of AI

• (51:00) The Energy and Social Costs of AI

• (1:00:00) Structures of Consciousness

• (1:08:00) The Primacy of Awareness and Embodiment

• (1:22:00) Concluding Thoughts and Future Discussions

 

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The Vervaeke Foundation is committed to advancing the scientific pursuit of wisdom and creating a significant impact on the world. Become a part of our mission.

 

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John Vervaeke: Website | Twitter | YouTube | Patreon

 

Evan Thompson: Website | Twitter | Facebook 

 

Ideas, People, and Works Mentioned in this Episode

 

The Blind Spot: Why Science Cannot Ignore Human Experience - book co-authored by Evan Thompson, Adam Frank, and Marcelo Gleiser

Waking, Dreaming, Being: Self and Consciousness in Neuroscience, Meditation, and Philosophy - book by Evan Thompson

Why I Am Not a Buddhist -  book by Evan Thompson

The Nature of Selection: Evolutionary Theory in Philosophical Focus by Elliott Sober

The Watchmen (comic series) by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons

The Relevance Realization (paper) by John Vervaeke and colleagues

Chalmers' work on consciousness works by David Chalmers

The Visible and the Invisible by Maurice Merleau-Ponty

Neoplatonism

Hegelian Philosophy

Immanuel Kant

Alfred North Whitehead

Douglas Harding

Marcelo Gleiser

 

Quotes:

 

“Organisms are autonomous agents, not machines.” -Evan Thompson (4:00)

 

“Consciousness has the order of priority in terms of intelligibility or meaning.” -Evan Thompson (1:04:00)

 

In this episode, John Vervaeke and Harvard professor Charles Stang explore the concept of the 'daimon’', stemming from Stang's book Our Divine Double. John and Charles discuss semi-autonomous entities in psychological and philosophical contexts, linking ancient wisdom and modern cognitive science. Key topics include Socratic 'daimonion', Platonic thought, phenomenology of visionary encounters, and cultural ontology. They emphasize the embodied, embedded, enacted, and extended nature of cognition, highlighting the relevance of understanding these phenomena amid emerging technologies like AGI and virtual realities. The episode calls for Socratic self-awareness to navigate these transformative potentials and risks.

Charles Stang is a Professor of Theology at Harvard Divinity School and Director of the Center for the Study of World Religions. His research focuses on ancient Mediterranean religions, Neoplatonism, and contemporary philosophy and spirituality. His research and teaching focus on the history of Christianity in the context of the ancient Mediterranean world, especially Eastern varieties of Christianity. More specifically, his interests include: the development of asceticism, monasticism, and mysticism in Christianity; ancient philosophy, especially Neoplatonism; the Syriac Christian tradition, especially the spread of the East Syrian tradition along the Silk Road; other philosophical and religious movements of the ancient Mediterranean, including Gnosticism, Hermeticism, and Manichaeism; and modern continental philosophy and theology, especially as they intersect with the study of religion.

Notes: 

• (0:00) Introduction: Welcome to the Lectern

• (2:30) Charles Stang, Background, Framework

• (4:45) John’s Experience and Dialogue with Hermes (IFS) 

• (7:45) IFS (Internal Family Systems) - a psychotherapy model that focuses on dialoguing with various parts of the self

• (10:00) Platonic Tradition and Daimonology

• (15:00) Socrates and the Concept of Daimonion in Plato's Apology

• (20:40) Real-Life Accounts of Felt Presence

• (28:00) Socrates' Complex Relationship with the Imaginal

• (33:00) Socrates' Authority vs. Rational Argument

• (41:30) Corbin's Notion of the Imaginal

• (46:30) Daimonology and Angelology - Encounters with the Higher Self

• (49:00) The Role of Hermes in Personal Encounters

• (54:30) Lucid Dreaming and Cognitive Science

• (1:03:30) The Interplay of Subjective and Objective Realities

• (01:12:00) Concluding Thoughts and Future Directions

 

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The Vervaeke Foundation is committed to advancing the scientific pursuit of wisdom and creating a significant impact on the world. Become a part of our mission.

 

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John Vervaeke: Website | Twitter | YouTube | Patreon

 

 

Ideas, People, and Works Mentioned in this Episode

 

• Plato, Apology

• Plato, Republic

• Charles Stang, Our Divine Double

• John Geiger, The Third Man Factor: Surviving the Impossible

• Henry Corbin, The Man of Light in Iranian Sufism

• Henry Corbin, Alone with the Alone: Creative Imagination in the Sufism of Ibn 'Arabi'

• Gregory Shaw, Theurgy and the Soul: The Neoplationism of Iamblichus

• Socrates

• Socratic philosophy

• Daimonion (Divine sign)

• David Gordon White, Daemons Are Forever: Contacts and Exchanges in the Eurasian Pandemonium

• Porphyry, Life of Plotinus

• Daimonology

• Paul VanderKlay

• Christopher Mastropietro

• Carl Jung

• Theurgy

• Internal Family Systems (IFS)

Quotes:

"Socrates’ daimonion was unique in that it only ever told him ‘no,’ which highlights its role as a dissuading force rather than a guiding one." — Charles Stang (13:30)

 

“One of the things that seems to be a requirement for rationality is a metacognitive ability, ability to step back and reflect, and know, become aware of your cognition so that you can redirect it. In fact, that seems to be an essential feature. If you don't have that, if your attention and intelligence couldn't ever do this reflective thing, then it's hard to know how you could ever be rational in the, in the way we seem to indicate like noticing bias or noticing fallacy or noticing misdirection.” — John Vervaeke (39:40)

 

In this presentation delivered at the "Metaphysics and the Matter with Things: Thinking with Iain McGilchrist" conference—a collaborative event by the Center for Process Studies (CPS) and the California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS) in March 2024—John Vervaeke explores the concept of "mattering" and its critical role in understanding the meaning of life. He contrasts "meaning in life" with the broader "meaning of life," emphasizing the importance of connectedness and belonging over mere purpose. Vervaeke draws on research to introduce "religio," a deep sense of connectedness that underpins our existence, and critiques materialism for overlooking the relational aspects of human life. Through cognitive science, biology, and philosophy, Vervaeke demonstrates how our intelligence and problem-solving abilities are deeply intertwined with our capacity to find what truly matters.

 

—

 

Metaphysics and the Matter with Things: Thinking with Iain McGilchrist was a collaborative conference put on by the Center for Process Studies (CPS) and the California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS) in March of 2024. This three-day conference brought leading process thinkers across various disciplines, including physics, neuroscience, psychology, philosophy, and theology, into critical dialogue with McGilchrist’s work in a collegial effort to assess, question, extend, and apply it. For more information on the conference and to purchase recordings, please visit https://ctr4process.org/mcgilchrist-conference/

 

Embark on a journey of personal growth and meaning with us. Join our Patreon Patreon community, where shared wisdom fuels transformation.

 

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0:00 Introduction to the Metaphysics of Mattering

1:05 Meaning in Life: Purpose, Coherence, Significance, and Mattering

6:40 Connectedness and Religio

10:10 Relevance Realization and General Intelligence

12:45 The Problem of Relevance Realization

21:20 Formalization and Ill-Defined Problems

27:10 Relationality and the Sacred

—

 

The Vervaeke Foundation is committed to advancing the scientific pursuit of wisdom and creating a significant impact on the world. Become a part of our mission.

 

Join Awaken to Meaning to explore practices that enhance your virtues and foster deeper connections with reality and relationships. 

 

—

 

Ideas, People, and Works Mentioned in this Episode

 

Matthew Segall

Richard Tarnas

Kelly-Ann Allen

Evan Thompson

Read Montague

Michael Levin

Aristotle

Zak Stein

Nietzsche

Iain McGilchrist  

Christopher Cherniak

Jerry Fodor

J.L. Schellenberg

Relevance Realization

Religio

Conformity theory

Duhem–Quine thesis,

Susan Wolf, Meaning in Life and Why It Matters

John Searle, The Rediscovery of the Mind

Catherine Pickstock, Aspects of Truth: A New Religious Metaphysics

Harold Brown, Rationality 

James Filler, Heidegger, Neoplatonism, and the History of Being: Relation as Ontological Ground

J. Jaeger, A. Riedl, A. Djedovic, J. Vervaeke, and D. Walsh, Naturalizing relevance realization: why agency and cognition are fundamentally not computational

Frank Martela and Michael F. Steger, Distinguishing coherence, purpose, and significance

 

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Thank you for Listening!

 

Kasra Mirzaie is a clinical researcher, psychotherapist, and university teacher. His work focuses on adolescents, examining the intersection of psychotherapy, dynamical systems theory, and the meaning crisis. Kasra is dedicated to exploring how self-organizing criticality and Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy can drive transformation and personal growth in young people.

Dr Robin Barre has over 30 years of experience working with adolescents. Her dissertation focused on trauma and the archetypal nature of adolescence. She runs a small psychotherapy practice and consults with parents, caregivers, and organizations to enhance adolescent well-being.

How does the intricate dance of self-organizing criticality relate to the turmoil and transformation of adolescence?

In this episode of "Voices with Vervaeke," John Vervaeke, Kasra Mirzaie, and Dr Robin Barre explore the transformative potential of Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy in addressing the meaning crisis and supporting adolescents on their developmental journey. The conversation delves into the complex interplay of IFS, dynamical systems, and the critical phase transition of adolescence. They discuss principles such as self-organizing criticality, entropy, and insight, explaining how these concepts drive change and present unique challenges and opportunities. The episode highlights cultural shortcomings, the significance of wisdom traditions, and the role of IFS as a modern initiation process.

 

Connect with a community dedicated to self-discovery and purpose, and gain deeper insights by joining our Patreon.

 

—

 

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introductions

02:45 Self-Organizing Criticality & IFS

07:20 Entropy and Insight in Change

20:20 Curiosity and Transformation

23:15 Adolescence and the Meaning Crisis

47:05 Culture's Disabling Effects

50:00 IFS Initiation for Adolescents

01:04:50 Remembering Adolescence and Navigating Mistakes

01:13:40 Communicating Conflict and Validating Adolescents

01:21:10 Embracing Transformation in Adolescence and the Meaning Crisis

   

—

 

The Vervaeke Foundation is committed to advancing the scientific pursuit of wisdom and creating a significant impact on the world. Become a part of our mission.

 

Join Awaken to Meaning to explore practices that enhance your virtues and foster deeper connections with reality and relationships. 

 

—

 

Ideas, People, and Works Mentioned in this Episode

 

Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy

Tatjana Schnell

Dr Kelly-Ann Allen

Bill Plotkin

James Hillman

Vygotsky 

Richard Frankel, The Adolescent Psyche National Scientific Council on Adolescence, Cultivating Purpose in Adolescence

 

Relevant Episodes

Engaging the Imaginal: Kasra Mirzaie on IFS and the Meaning Crisis

Is IFS a Path to Self-Knowledge or Self-Deception? Insights from Kasra MirzaieTransforming Identity: The Power of IFS Therapy and Ancient Wisdom | Paul Vander Klay

Inside the Mind: Marc Lewis on Transformative Healing with Internal Family Systems Therapy

Attachment Theory Beyond Therapy: Seth Allison on Wisdom and Connection

Exploring the Depths of Internal Family Systems with Seth Allison

Wisdom Through the Imaginal: IFS Insights with Seth Allison Part 3

 

Follow John Vervaeke: Website | Twitter | YouTube | Patreon

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Thank you for Listening!

 

 

Can we find meaning in a world without religion?

 

In this episode first released on Dissident Dialogues, Freddie Sayers hosts John Vervaeke and Alex O'Connor, formerly known as Cosmic Skeptic, to explore the deep question of meaning in an increasingly secular world. They discuss the historical role of religion in providing purpose and narrative, the modern challenges of finding meaning, and the rise of non-propositional forms of knowledge and practice. O'Connor and Vervaeke share personal anecdotes and philosophical insights, highlighting the timeless struggle for meaning, the limitations of relying solely on logical arguments, and the potential of emerging communities and practices to fill the void left by traditional religious structures. 

 

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Embark on a journey of personal growth and meaning with us. Join our Patreon Patreon community, where shared wisdom fuels transformation.

 

—

 

00:00 Introduction: The Loss of American Narrative

02:00 The Meaning Crisis in a Secular Age

04:32 Exploring Atheism and Meaning

07:35 Philosophical Perspectives on Meaning

12:35 The Role of Non-Propositional Knowledge

18:31 The Search for New Narratives

30:19 Conclusion: Emerging Communities and Future Prospects

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The Vervaeke Foundation is committed to advancing the scientific pursuit of wisdom and creating a significant impact on the world. Become a part of our mission.

 

Join Awaken to Meaning to explore practices that enhance your virtues and foster deeper connections with reality and relationships. 

 

Follow us:

 

John Vervaeke: Website | X | YouTube | Patreon

Alex O’Connor: YouTube

Freddie Sayers: X 

Dissident Dialogues: X | Instagram | Facebook

 

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Thank you for Listening!

 

Nicholas Janni is a pioneer in executive development, having co-founded Olivier Mythodrama Associates, where he created leadership programs based on Shakespearean stories. He continues to work globally with leaders and organizations through his consultancy, Core Presence, and his innovative 'Leader as Healer' program, which promotes integrated, conscious leadership.

How can the ancient practices of spirituality and modern leadership development intersect to create transformative experiences?

 

In this episode of “Voice with Vervaeke,” John Vervaeke and Nicholas Janni explore this question through a conversation about leadership, spirituality, and human connection. Nicholas shares his transformative journey, from his school days to his encounters with Tibetan Buddhism and immersive theater, which led him to develop a unique approach to spiritual and embodied leadership. They discuss the importance of leaders connecting with their bodies, emotions, and the transpersonal, and the role of practices like bodywork, deep breathing, and poetry in facilitating this connection. Their conversation also explores the metaphysical realm, including prayer and spiritual guidance, and their impact on leadership. John and Nicholas discuss the cultural implications of their work and stress the importance of leaders who can promote this holistic approach to leadership and foster supportive communities for transformative experiences. 

Dive deeper into the journey of personal growth and meaning by becoming part of our Patreon community, where shared wisdom fuels transformation.

 

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00:00 Introduction: Convergence of Spirituality and Leadership 

11:25 From Theatre to Leadership Consultancy

16:40 The Birth of 'Leader as Healer'

23:35 Reawakening Non-Propositional Thinking

43:40 The Transformative Power of Poetry

48:05 Therapy vs. Transformational Work

51:10 Integrating Awakening and Healing

01:02:55 Addressing the Modern Meaning Crisis

01:15:50 Embracing Prayer, Reverence, and Connectedness

01:24:30 Concluding Thoughts: The Imperative to Wake Up  

 

—

 

The Vervaeke Foundation is committed to advancing the scientific pursuit of wisdom and creating a significant impact on the world. Become a part of our mission.

 

Join Awaken to Meaning to explore practices that enhance your virtues and foster deeper connections with reality and relationships. 

 

—

 

Ideas, People, and Works Mentioned in this Episode

 

Nicholas Janni, Leader as Healer

Heinrich Päs, The One: How an Ancient Idea Holds the Future of Physics

Vivian Dittmar

Richard Olivier

Shakespeare's Globe Theatre

Shakespeare, W. Henry V.

Shakespeare, W. Julius Caesar.

Shakespeare, W. The Tempest.

Malidoma Somé 

Michael Meade

Patrick Connor

Charles Taylor

David Wyatt Mary Oliver, Wild Geese.

Plato

René Descartes

 

Relevant Episodes

Exploring the Transrational: A Journey into the Realms of Consciousness with Vivian Dittmar Transpersonal States: Awakening, Enlightenment, and the Ego | Vivian Dittmar Exploring Emotions and Transrational Wisdom with Vivian Dittmar  

Follow John Vervaeke: Website | X | YouTube | Patreon

 

Follow Nicholas Janni: Website | Email | LinkedIn 

 

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Thank you for listening!

 

Brendan Graham Dempsey is the director of Sky Meadow Institute and the author of the Metamodern Spirituality Series. He explores the evolution of spirituality and the integration of science and religion in contemporary culture. To learn more about his latest book release, "A Universal Learning Process," which is the first volume in his series "The Evolution of Meaning," please visit this link.

 

Can Metamodern Christianity breathe new life into ancient religious frameworks?

 

In this episode of "Voices with Vervaeke," John Vervaeke and Brendan Graham Dempsey continue their exploration of MetaModern Christianity in part two of their discussion. Building on their previous conversation, which addressed the potential for metamodern spirituality to rejuvenate the Christian faith, they delve deeper into the integration of ancient doctrines with contemporary thought. They tackle the limitations of traditional religious frameworks, explore the concept of ultimate reality and the sacred through a non-theistic lens, and emphasize the significance of dialogical relationships in meaning-making. Vervaeke and Dempsey connect these insights to broader philosophical and cultural themes, examining the evolution of spiritual maturity, the interplay between personhood and the universe, and the integration of scientific and mystical perspectives.

 

—

 

Embark on a journey of personal growth and meaning with us. Join our Patreon Patreon community, where shared wisdom fuels transformation.

 

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00:00 Introduction and Recap of Part One

00:45 Brendan's Work on Metamodern Spirituality

02:45 Ultimate Reality and the Sacred

13:25 Integrating Critiques: Schellenberg, Transcendence, and Non-Theism

16:50 Meaning and Learning in Sacred Evolution

29:20  Dialogical Relationship with the Sacred

41:45 God as Cosmic Self-Realization

50:00 Prayer and Maturation in Deep Time

54:30 Prayer and Transpersonal Dialogue

58:30 Prayer and Ultimate Reality

01:15:05 Conclusion: The Evolution of Meaning and the Sacred

 

—

 

The Vervaeke Foundation is committed to advancing the scientific pursuit of wisdom and creating a significant impact on the world. Become a part of our mission.

 

Join Awaken to Meaning to explore practices that enhance your virtues and foster deeper connections with reality and relationships. 

 

—

 

Ideas, People, and Works Mentioned in this Episode

 

J.L. Schellenberg

Gregg Henriques

Rudolf Otto 

Clifford Geertz

Carl Sagan

Meister Eckhart

Paul Tillich

Iain McGilchrist

Martin Heidegger

Michael Levin

Epicurus

Bobby Azarian

Kasra Mirzaie

Leonard Angel

Spinoza

John Hick

Dan Chiappe

Paul Tillich

Dionysus

Brendan Graham Dempsey, A Universal Learning Process (The Evolution of Meaning)

​​Matt Rossano, Ritual in Human Evolution and Religion

Joseph A. Bracken, The Divine Matrix: Creativity As Link Between East and West

Leonard Angel, Enlightenment East and West

 

Relevant Episodes

 

Reviving Faith with Metamodern Spirituality and the Future of Christianity | Brendan Graham Dempsey

 

Follow John Vervaeke: Website | X | YouTube | Patreon

Follow Brendan Graham Dempsey: Website | X | Facebook

 

—

 

Thank you for Listening!

 

Have we confined the true essence of sainthood within too narrow a boundary?

In this episode of 'Voices with Vervaeke,' John Vervaeke welcomes Christopher Mastropeitro and Andrew Sweeny for a discussion that delves into the philosophical and spiritual dimensions of their innovative project, the Philosophical Silk Road. Together, they challenge contemporary notions of sainthood and wisdom, drawing connections between Zen Buddhism, Neoplatonism, and Tantric practices. Through personal anecdotes and reflective dialogue, the trio examines the essence of saints and sages, the importance of humor and humility in spiritual journeys, and the delicate balance between our finite existence and the quest for transcendence. Join John, Chris, and Andrew as they share their spiritual paths and encounters with saintly figures, advocating for a renewed appreciation of the sacred in our modern world.

 

Andrew Sweeny is an educator, writer, musician, and podcaster. He teaches at Sciences Po University in Paris and is an editor at Parallax magazine. Sweeny explores Zen Buddhism, Tantric practices, and music through his media platform, Parallax, offering courses and podcasts.

Christopher Mastropietro is a philosophical writer fascinated by dialogue, symbols, and the concept of self. He is the executive director and an active contributor to the Vervaeke Foundation, collaborating on projects exploring wisdom, spirituality, and transformative dialogue.

 

Connect with a community dedicated to self-discovery and purpose, and gain deeper insights by joining our Patreon.

 

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00:00 Introducing the Guests and the Philosophical Silk Road

02:50 Andrew's Path: Zen, Tantra, and Music

05:05 Exploring the Philosophical Silk Road

07:00 Dialogos and Sacred Emergence

10:40 Setting the Stage: Connecting Zen, Neoplatonism, and Theurgy

21:40 Tantra's Influence in East and West

31:40 Reflections on Saintliness      

44:25 The Enigma of Crazy Wisdom and Non-Conformity

52:10 Understanding the Hidden Order and Profound Humanity of Saints

01:09:05 The Role of Romanticism and Humor in Sainthood

01:17:40 Pilgrimage and the Saintly Path

01:19:30 Final Reflections 

 

   

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The Vervaeke Foundation is committed to advancing the scientific pursuit of wisdom and creating a significant impact on the world. Become a part of our mission.

 

Join Awaken to Meaning to explore practices that enhance your virtues and foster deeper connections with reality and relationships. 

 

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Authors, Ideas, and Works Mentioned in this Episode

 

Kitaro Nishida

Alicia Juarrero

Friedrich Nietzsche 

James Filler

Erich Fromm

Chögyam Trungpa

Heidegger

Plato

Nagarjuna

Christianity

Neoplatonism

Socrates

Thomas Aquinas

Augustine

Joseph A. Bracken, The Divine Matrix: Creativity As Link Between East and West

Gregory Shaw, Hellenic Tantra: The Theurgic Platonism of Iamblichus

Shunryu Suzuki, Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind: Informal Talks on Zen Meditation and Practice 

Lotus Guru Padmasambhava, The Tibetan Book of the Dead

Albert Camus, The Plague

Fyodor Dostoevsky, The Brothers Karamazov; The Idiot 

Follow John Vervaeke: Website | Twitter | YouTube | Patreon

 

Follow Andrew Sweeny: Medium | Twitter | YouTube

 

Connect with Christopher Mastropietro

 

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Thank you for listening!

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Key Words:

Philosophical Silk Road, John Vervaeke, Andrew Sweeny, Christopher Mastropietro, Zen Buddhism, Neoplatonism, Tantra, dialogos, John Vervaeke podcast, Voices with Vervaeke, sacred journeys, spiritual growth, transformative dialogue, spiritual wisdom, cognitive science, psychology of religion, meaning crisis, philosophical podcasts, spiritual practices, Eastern and Western traditions, romanticism in spirituality, humor in spirituality, sacred and secular, spiritual transformation, evolutionary psychology