Buddha at the Gas Pump

Kim Sheridan is an award-winning author, naturopath, entrepreneur, and more. Her focus includes animals, the afterlife, health, the environment, veganism, and all topics related to compassion for humans and animals alike. She is a highly respected expert on life after death for animals, and much of her time is devoted to rescuing animals, caring for them, and providing hospice care for elderly animals making their transition to spirit. Kim is the author of Animals and the Afterlife and the founder of Compassion Circle, a non-profit organization with a mission to expand the circle of compassion to all beings. Compassion Circle is comprised of animal rescue, animal sanctuary, and a line of nutritional products for animals, all proceeds of which help fund the rescue and sanctuary. Kim has been listed in 2,000 Notable American Women, Who’s Who in Executives and Professionals, and Great Minds of the 21st Century. Her goal is to help make the world a better place, to provide comfort to those grieving the loss of a beloved animal, and to be a voice for the voiceless, teaching compassion and respect for all living beings. Website: animalsandtheafterlife.com Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group Interview recorded September 30, 2024

Four years ago, I experienced an awakening that opened up different worlds and granted me access to the Akasha through telepathy, leading to a higher state of consciousness. Since then, I have dedicated my time to integrating this experience and helping others identify past influences that hinder the realization of their soul's full presence. I also assist animals through telepathy. I conduct workshops on esoteric teachings gathered since my awakening, providing keys to help people find their way home. Website: lucasbergendahl.com Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group Interview recorded September 7, 2024

A lifelong student of philosophy and comparative religion, a practitioner of Shaiva Tantra in the Shaiva Siddhanta lineage, and recent entrant into the Ramakrishna lineage by his guru, Swami Sarvadevananda Puri, Nishanth Selvalingam shares an authentic, firsthand approach to the Sanskrit texts of the Tantrik scriptural tradition to expose audiences to the profoundly positive and transformative philosophies and practices that this tradition offers. Nishanth Selvalingam graduated from UCLA with a B.A. in Philosophy in 2024 and now lives in Westwood, Los Angeles where he hosts satsanghs with his wife, coaches middle school debate and lectures incessantly on all things Tantra and Non-Duality. Website: nishyoga.com Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group Interview recorded August 18, 2024

Tree works as a Spiritual Mentor, Kundalini Support, Certified Global TRE® Instructor, Transformational Bodyworker and a Healer from the Shamanic tradition. Tree believes healing trauma can precipitate spiritual awakening and it is from this precept she works. She works with the body releasing contraction and with the nervous system establishing balance - with the understanding that a disregulated nervous system can hold the beingness hostage. She believes enlightenment is achieved not by bypassing the body, but by going into the body. By addressing and releasing trauma bound in the flesh and stored in the nervous system. This is true freedom and the result is presence - embodied. Tree has been a devotee of Meher Baba since she was 21. She and her husband are establishing a Retreat Centre on the Far South Coast of New South Wales, Australia called Meher Farm Healing and Awakening Centre. Tree is the author of Hot Flush Dark Cave describing her healing and awakening journey through the portal of menopause. She is a devoted mother, grandmother and healer - her favourite past time is swimming in the river and the ocean and chanting to God. Website: awakeningthroughthebody.com.au Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group Summary and transcript of this interview Interview recorded August 3, 2024

Melinda Edwards, MD is a mother, writer and physician in Charleston, South Carolina, providing psychiatric care for underserved adults. She attended the Medical University of South Carolina and completed her residency in psychiatry at Stanford Medical Center. She has studied complementary and alternative medicine with Andrew Weil, MD, researched the effects of MDMA on PTSD with Michael Mithoefer, MD, and is a columnist for Autism Parenting Magazine. Dr. Edwards is the author of PSYCHE & SPIRIT: How a Psychiatrist Found Divinity Through Her Lifelong Search for Truth and Her Daughter’s Autism. As a child of medical missionaries, Melinda grew up in a Mayan Indian village in Guatemala, Central America. Early in life she experienced an inner pull to a deeper truth. Her journey has taken her through various spiritual practices including meditation retreats, guidance from spiritual teachers, travel to India, and living in spiritual communities. Her quest led to the ongoing discovery of the sacred in all. Inspired by her journey with her daughter Saachi, Dr. Edwards founded the 501c3 nonprofit organization Living Darshan to foster a deeper understanding of autism in the world. Website: melindaedwardsmd.com Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group Summary and transcript of this interview Interview recorded July 20, 2024

John R. Audette is the author of “Loved by the Light: True Stories of Divine Intervention and Providence”. He earned a Master of Science degree from Virginia Tech. A native of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, his professional career spans over three decades of senior executive positions in hospital and hospice administration and physician practice management, as well as the performing arts and public broadcasting. He contributed several scholarly chapters to various books by other authors about spiritually transformative experiences and non-local consciousness including works by Dr. Ervin Laszlo. He is also gratefully acknowledged in many other books on these subjects by various well-known authors whom he assisted dating back to 1974. His first work of fiction, a novel trilogy, will be published in 2025. John is the primary founder of the International Association for Near-Death Studies, Inc., (IANDS.org), with co-founders Raymond Moody, MD; Bruce Greyson, MD; Michael Sabom, MD; and Kenneth Ring, PhD. John now serves as CEO of Eternea, (eternea.org), which he co-founded with Eben Alexander, MD and Edgar Mitchell, Sc.D. He is also an honorably discharged veteran with over six years of voluntary service (both active and inactive duty) in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam era. Website: AffirmingGod.com Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group Summary and transcript of this interview Interview recorded July 7, 2024 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Buddha at the Gas Pump 00:04:46 - Edgar Mitchell and the Institute of Noetic Sciences 00:09:08 - Raymond's Integrity and a Missed Opportunity 00:12:45 - Validating Observations about the Nature of Reality 00:17:45 - The Ring of Destiny 00:20:22 - A Beautiful Near-Death Experience 00:24:02 - The Power of Nonsense 00:29:19 - The Meaning of Cigarettes and Traumatic Incidents 00:34:14 - The Lizard Beings 00:37:56 - Spiritualization of Material Life 00:41:58 - The Realization of True Divine Inspiration 00:46:14 - A Journey of Karma and Forgiveness 00:49:17 - The Realization of God's Existence and Transformation 00:54:14 - The Power of Experience and Spiritual Awakenings 00:57:45 - Wrestling with Chaos, Fear, and Confusion 01:01:31 - The God Void and Escaping Addiction to Heroin 01:05:51 - Moving Beyond Materialism 01:09:42 - The Eternea Concept 01:15:03 - The Purpose of All Religions 01:18:41 - Synerge with a GE and the Power of Cooperation 01:23:24 - Catalyzing a Global Spiritual Revolution 01:28:10 - Advancing Love and Light 01:31:54 - Emulating Saintliness 01:36:47 - The Continuum of Evil 01:41:27 - God's Reaction to Evil 01:44:32 - The Nature of Consciousness and Diversity 01:48:01 - Connectedness and Awareness 01:50:39 - The Role of Paradise and the Potential for a Perfect World 01:54:22 - The Power of Personal Epiphany and Transformation 01:57:15 - The Possibility of Publishing and Filming the Work

 Viivi Jokela facilitates awakening in people who are inclined in that way. She had a spontaneous, deep awakening to true nature in 2022, followed by a strange and at times intense acclimation, which she refers to as no self realization or simply the natural state. Viivi communicates a direct approach to realization, grounded on experiential insight on the aspects of awakening. She invites you to inquire into and recognize the awe-striking immediate, inherently awake radiance of your own being and of all being. Website: sensingradiance.com In this interview, Viivi Jokela shares her journey of spiritual awakening and self-realization. She discusses her early life, her struggles with suffering and alienation, and her eventual deep awakening to her true nature in 2022. She describes the intense acclimation process she went through, which she refers to as no self-realization or the natural state. Viivi also talks about her experiences with a yoga school that turned out to be a cult, her powerful Kundalini awakening, and the subsequent purification process. Throughout the interview, she emphasizes the importance of understanding the nature of experience and the difference between direct experience and mental interpretation. Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group Summary and transcript of this interview Interview recorded June 29, 2024 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Buddha at the Gas Pump 00:03:37 - Early Suffering and Alienation 00:07:22 - Finding Yoga in the Hospital 00:10:22 - The Powerful Kundalini Awakening 00:13:16 - The Journey of Purification 00:16:27 - Challenges after Kundalini Awakening 00:19:46 - Recommendation for Kundalini awakening practitioners 00:23:23 - Finding the Right Meditation Practice 00:26:55 - Defining Enlightenment and Liberation 00:30:16 - The Experience of Self 00:33:57 - Multi-Dimensionality of Life 00:37:16 - The Personal and Impersonal within a Larger Wholeness 00:40:18 - The Dance of Relative and Absolute 00:43:30 - Holding Multiple Perspectives Amid Conflicting Views 00:46:24 - Appreciating Different Perspectives 00:49:52 - Understanding the "I got it, I lost it" syndrome 00:53:22 - Extracting Instructions for Awakening 00:56:35 - The Beginner's Mind and Approaching with Curiosity 01:00:16 - Different Types of Meditation 01:03:58 - The Collapse of Fundamental Structures of Reality 01:07:38 - The Teacher and the Experience of Death 01:11:20 - Moments of Transcendence and Nothingness 01:14:34 - The Reality of the Deep Homecoming and Healing Through Realization 01:18:22 - The Disappearance of God 01:21:34 - Kundalini: The Most Powerful Energy 01:24:54 - The Relationship between Trauma and Relational Healing 01:28:34 - Dismissive Attitudes and Lack of Empathy 01:31:58 - The Contradictory Nature of the Experience 01:34:44 - The Importance of Having a Broad Perspective 01:38:40 - Exploring Aggression and Self-Respect 01:42:37 - Closing Remarks and Next Interview Preview

Philip Weber had a successful 35-year career as an executive in the hospitality industry. A member of Paramahansa Yogananda’s Self-Realization Fellowship since 1999, Phil is known for his highly ecumenical outlook, holding a deep appreciation for many of the world’s spiritual traditions and teachings, and often affirming his Guru’s adage: “Truth is one, paths are many.” Currently retired and residing in Carlsbad, California, Phil prefers a quiet, contemplative life. He is not a spiritual teacher and has no online or social media presence. For Phil’s book announcements, please go to his editor’s website. Books: Grace Happens: An Awakening of Consciousness Reflections of Consciousness: Essays on the Journey of Awakening and the Nature of Reality To Contact Phil please go the "Connect" page of his editor's website. Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group. Transcript of this interview Interview recorded June 16, 2024. YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Buddha at the Gas Pump 00:04:18 - The Joy of Helping Others 00:07:40 - The Birthright of Spiritual Awakening 00:11:10 - The Illusion of Point A and Point B 00:14:43 - The Journey of Awakening 00:19:15 - A Drunk on Energy: The Awakening 00:22:56 - Finding My Guru at Barnes and Noble 00:26:05 - The Infinite Possibilities of Awakening 00:29:22 - A Shift in Career Satisfaction and the Discovery of Wayne Dyer and Alan Watts 00:32:48 - Exploring Different Teachings 00:36:46 - Walking for Grounding and Safety 00:40:47 - Finding Help in Adyashanti's Talks 00:45:10 - Exploring Different Spiritual Paths 00:49:23 - Intensive Kriya Practice for Karma Mitigation 00:52:43 - The Fan Blades Stopping 00:56:30 - The Fulfillment of Awakening 01:00:42 - Awakening to Being Okay with What Is 01:04:35 - Not Letting Sports Ruin Your Day 01:08:30 - The Perfection of Suffering 01:12:31 - The Beauty of Life and Mystical Experiences 01:15:38 - Grateful Indifference and Mystical Experiences 01:20:02 - Profound Mystical Experience and Removal of an Astral Parasite 01:24:19 - Astral Entities and Energy Feeding 01:28:24 - The Glowing Orb of Energy 01:32:40 - Exploring Different Paths to Awakening 01:36:01 - The Short Path vs. Progress in Spiritual Growth 01:38:59 - Surrender and the Debate on Free Will 01:42:50 - Understanding God and Conscious Awareness 01:47:28 - A Conversation about Writing and Books 01:50:43 - The Changing Relationship with the Guru

 Since we have a gap in the schedule I thought I'd put up a recent video of Yvonne Kason of Spiritual Awakenings International (SAI) interviewing me. SAI is a non-profit worldwide network of individuals and groups who are interested in collaborating to raise awareness, network, and share personal experience relating to diverse types of Spiritually Transformative Experiences, to raise global spiritual awareness. From the description on their YouTube channel: "A Conversation with Rick Archer of Buddha at the Gas Pump" was presented to Spiritual Awakenings International on May 18, 2024. Rick Archer shares his personal spiritual journey from childhood, through the turbulent 1960's, his introduction to Transcendental Meditation, to the launch of his popular podcast on spirituality, Buddha at the Gas Pump. Rick shares his spiritual awakening story, starting with his complicated family life, learning to meditate in 1968, and his years as a Transcendental Meditation teacher. He describes his inspiration and motivation to start Buddha at the Gas Pump in 2009. He also shares insights and experiences he’s had while doing this now very popular spiritually focused podcast. Rick also talks about the importance of ethical behavior for spiritual leaders and the Association for Spiritual Integrity, which he helped found. Also, I was interviewed a few months ago by Amertat Cohn of Sunseed. He split it into three parts: Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 And another recent interview by James Plath of the The Institute For Advanced Astonishment. Summary and transcript Interview recorded May 18, 2024

Swamini Brahmaprajnananda Saraswati Ph. D has dedicated her life to serving the Vedic tradition by teaching Advaita Vedanta. A Hindu monk who currently lives in Mumbai (India) she is a teacher, podcaster, writer, creator who points to the suffix -er in all the roles as the abiding Atma in all beings. She offers regular Vedanta courses (online), Vedanta – the river of wisdom weekly podcast, insightful videos, workshops and retreats in India and abroad. Her teachings range from the depth and breadth of self-mastery to self-discovery. She is the author of ‘You matter – Insights from Vedanta.’ Swamini ji teaches three core courses at Hindu University of America. She has a Ph. D in Philosophy and her thesis on the Role of Ishvara in Advaita Vedanta is due to be published soon as a book. She is a direct disciple of Pujya Swami Dayananda Saraswati, having studied Vedanta, Sanskrit and Vedic chanting at Arsha Vidya Gurukulam in a residential, intensive three-year course in Coimbatore and Rishikesh, India. She studied with Swami Brahmavidananda for about twelve years while balancing her work commitments. Her last leadership role was as the Country Head (India) of an international organization which positively impacted the lives of 150,000 street children. She was formerly a psychologist. Website YouTube Channel Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group Summary and transcript of this interview. Interview recorded May 21, 2024 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Buddha at the Gas Pump 00:04:24 - Questioning Hinduism and Childhood Rebellion 00:08:21 - Becoming a Monk for Guru and Grace 00:12:20 - Neo-Advaita and Traditional Advaita 00:16:23 - The Importance of Traditional Teachings in Vedanta 00:20:16 - Contextualizing Vedic Literature and Manusmriti 00:24:03 - Vedanta: The Sixth Means of Knowledge 00:28:06 - Vedanta as a Means of Knowledge 00:31:58 - The Scientific Approach and Spiritual Development 00:35:52 - Science's Damage and Universal Values 00:40:00 - The Nature of Maya Shakti 00:43:44 - The Nature of Brahman and Self-Discovery 00:47:38 - The Strange Pursuit of Seeking and Harmony with the World 00:51:26 - The Nature of Consciousness and Seeking 00:55:09 - The Stages of a Seeker 00:58:59 - Transformation from Seeker to Knower 01:02:50 - The Process of Chipping Away and Shedding Ignorance 01:06:34 - Direct vs Progressive Approaches in Vedanta 01:10:15 - Direct and Progressive Understanding of Vedanta 01:14:09 - The Five Sets of Relationships 01:17:54 - The Meaning and Process of Puja 01:21:51 - Understanding the Law of Karma 01:26:03 - Karma and Free Will 01:29:36 - Expanding and narrowing our range of free will 01:33:24 - The Legacy of the Tradition and the Role of a Spokesperson 01:37:16 - The Importance of Dharma in Spiritual Growth 01:41:12 - Aligning with Dharma 01:45:07 - The Mirror of Dharma 01:48:56 - Maintaining Discernment in Spiritual Teachings 01:52:24 - The Power Within Us 01:56:08 - Recognizing our Sacred connection to God

 After a 14-year Meditation Journey, Philip experientially realized the nature of the True Self which referred to itself as Infinite Silence. In his former life, Philip was a Chartered Civil Engineer and Operating Group Director of a large business. In 2000 in response to dreaming about work on a skiing holiday Philip began Meditation. Ultimately, this led him to leave his old world behind in 2009 at the height of his career to focus on a deep inner calling. Since 2014 he has shared the gift of Self Realization with the world in ways led by Meditative Insight through direct experience of the Infinite Silence Meditation, Spiritual Inquiry, Infinite Touch and via his website and other outlets. His style is simple, compassionate and offers exquisite clarity. His sharing is all based on direct experience, is not rooted in any tradition and is ideal for the present era. Unexpectedly, Philip was both inspired and invited to offer events in person in the UK, Iceland, Greece (Corfu and Crete) and Amsterdam and globally online. Philip lives near the small but very beautiful Cathedral City of Ripon, North Yorkshire, England. With his Wife Sue, they have created a purpose-built Meditation space for events. He light-heartedly calls it the Universal Studio! Because of the misunderstandings and spiritual blocks that can be associated with them he has never been a fan of labels people have called him, including Guru, Teacher, and Master. Recently (late 2021) in meditation it was made clear the term Western Mystic was to be used. Whilst the ‘Western’ term is, in truth, superfluous the intention that was made clear was to draw out the fact that his sharing is all rooted in direct experience and is he is not ‘schooled’ in Eastern Teachings. Experience has shown that this has made the material accessible to a broad audience. His message focuses on helping people recognize, inquire into, and experience the absolute simplicity and power of the Infinite Silence that is our true essence. Website - includes: A link to a free Meditations Site Many free resources An Online Retreat in your own time for a nominal donation Insight Timer App - over 50 free Tracks - Includes a freely available LiveStream Self Realisation Programme with accompanying Infinite Silence Meditations (0.25 hours to 1.5 hours). YouTube Channel - Over 250 videos including many Live Streams, Short Insights and Shorts Podcast - Nothing Special with Philip Wade: Over 60 Episodes on many Self Realisation topics on all major platforms. LinkedIn - More recent addition (called for from the Silence) with a series of ‘journeys’ posts to invite people to explore. Facebook Instagram - A vast array of insights, articles, videos and quotes. Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group. Summary and Transcript of this interview Interview recorded May 4, 2024. YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction and Background 00:03:30 - Discovering the Benefits of Meditation 00:08:23 - The Birth of the Open Source Spheres Meditation 00:12:35 - The Experiential Realisation of Infinite Silence 00:15:12 - Intuition and Meditation 00:18:52 - Trusting Intuition and the Source of Wisdom 00:23:34 - The Spheres of Light-Formation 00:28:18 - The Multi-dimensional Nature of the Hiranyagarbha Sphere 00:33:33 - The Purpose of Creation 00:37:42 - The Gateway Location and the Infinite I 00:41:05 - Experiencing the Phenomena of Being through Silence 00:44:09 - Exploring Infinite Silence and Meditative Experiences 00:47:46 - Snapping into Expansion and Infinite Touch 00:51:50 - Childhood and Life Experiences 00:54:10 - Finding Peace in Everyday Life 00:55:59 - Peaceful Presence 00:59:05 - The Dissolution and Clearing of Energy 01:02:26 - The Importance of Having a Toolkit 01:05:03 - Accommodating Different Varieties of Human Beings

 From a childhood in a strict, religious Mennonite community, to leading a healing movement during his youth, to experiencing financial hardship and living in drug-filled slums, to becoming an advisor to heads of Fortune 500s and billionaires, to eventually working with one of the world’s most renowned private islands, Josh’s journey has been, unusual to say the least. Fueled by his yearning for awakening, his story is about embracing disillusionment as the pathway to enlightenment. Josh currently lives on the island of Tahiti with his wife and youngest son. TikTok YouTube Channel Instagram Summary and Transcript of this interview Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group. Interview recorded April 20, 2024 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Buddha at the Gas Pump 00:04:48 - Growing up in a conservative community 00:08:44 - Seeking a Spiritual Experience 00:12:23 - A Journey of Awakening and Disillusionment 00:16:17 - Living in a Horrific Apartment 00:19:34 - Finding Hope Amidst Difficult Circumstances 00:22:57 - Unexpected Help in Times of Need 00:26:39 - Trusting in Life's Plan 00:30:06 - Studying the Bible and its Figures of Speech 00:34:04 - The Essenes and their Mystical Teachings 00:38:08 - The Essenes and Jesus 00:42:25 - Disillusionment with Christianity 00:47:11 - A Shift in Spiritual Perspective 00:51:07 - Travels in India 00:54:47 - The Power of Belief Systems 00:58:34 - The Purpose of Business and Ethics 01:01:43 - The Special Place of Renewal and Regeneration 01:06:01 - Living in Harmony with the World 01:10:25 - Transitioning to a Different Technological Framework 01:14:19 - Different Generational Brackets 01:17:34 - The Birth Pangs of a Spiritual Renaissance 01:21:44 - The Power Behind a Global Societal Transformation 01:25:53 - Religion as a School Ground 01:29:51 - Teaching Love and Setting Rules 01:33:42 - The Practice and Effect of Love 01:37:01 - The Copper Scroll and Akhenaten's Influence 01:40:50 - Transition towards Community-led Governments 01:44:52 - The Messiah and Unity 01:49:15 - The Benefits and Challenges of Resolving Conflict in Places of Conflict 01:53:27 - The Power of Community in Spiritual Awakening 01:57:36 - Content Creation on Social Media Platforms

Dr. Anna Yusim is an internationally recognized, award-winning, Board-Certified, Stanford, and Yale-educated Mind Body Spirit Concierge Psychiatrist & Executive Coach with a Private Practice in New York, California, Connecticut, and Florida. She is the best-selling author of Fulfilled: How the Science of Spirituality Can Help You Live a Happier, More Meaningful Life. As a Clinical Assistant Professor at Yale Medical School, Dr. Yusim is presently creating a Mental Health & Spirituality Center at Yale. With clients including Forbes 500 CEOs, Olympic athletes, A-list actors and actresses, and the Chairs of academic departments at top universities, Dr. Anna Yusim helps influential people achieve greater impact, purpose, and joy in their life and work. After working as a neurobiology researcher with Dr. Robert Sapolsky Ph.D. and completing her studies at Stanford, Yale Medical School, and the NYU Psychiatry Residency Training Program, Dr. Yusim felt that something was missing from her life. In her quest to find it, she traveled, lived and worked in over 70 countries, while studying Kabbalah, learning Buddhist meditation, and working with South American shamans and Indian gurus. Dr. Yusim has published over 150 academic articles, book chapters, scientific abstracts, book reviews, and articles for the lay public on various topics in psychiatry. A frequent contributor to CNN, Fox News, ABC, and NBC, she has been a guest on hundreds of national and international TV shows, radio programs, and podcasts. As a highly sought-after speaker, Dr. Yusim gives keynotes for physicians and professionals all over the country and the world on topics related to mental health and spirituality, preventing burnout, physicians as meaning-makers, and resilience. For healthcare professionals, corporate leaders, and community members, she also conducts workshops to empower individuals to sharpen their intuition, cultivate authenticity, awaken self-compassion, enhance their capacity for empathy, and improve their ability to connect with others. Website: annayusim.com YouTube channel Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group. Summary and transcript of this interview Interview recorded April 14, 2024 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction and Background of Dr. Anna Yusim 00:03:35 - Defining Fulfillment 00:05:18 - Addictions and Improving Relationships 00:07:16 - Being in Flow with Life 00:09:53 - Overcoming the Impediments to Bliss 00:13:01 - The Complexity of Spiritual Ascension Processes 00:15:56 - The Importance of Professional Support in Spiritual Awakening 00:19:13 - The Challenges of Spiritual Practices in Psychiatry 00:21:36 - The Impact of COVID on Mental Health and Access to Treatment 00:24:05 - The Impact of Spirituality on Health, Addiction, and Suicide 00:26:33 - Roland Griffith's Work and Psychedelics 00:29:06 - The Birth of the Yale Mental Health and Spirituality Center 00:30:54 - Psychedelics as a Spiritual Practice 00:33:15 - Regular Use of Psychedelics and its Effects 00:35:46 - The potential dangers of nationwide legalization 00:37:58 - Integrating Body and Spirit in Psychiatry 00:40:29 - Psychics, Schizophrenics, and the Study of Voice Hearing 00:42:31 - Defining Spirituality and its Connection to Mental Health 00:44:53 - Purpose and Happiness 00:47:09 - Mass Psychology and Spirituality 00:50:06 - The Importance of Open Dialogue and Freedom of Speech 00:52:48 - The Power of Collective Healing 00:55:35 - Collective Healing for Trauma 00:57:42 - Mindfulness programs for children 01:00:03 - The Disconnect of Smartphone Addiction 01:02:35 - Safeguards for AI and the Future of Humanity 01:05:19 - Awakening or Death: Choosing Hope in Dark Times 01:07:20 - Factors for Spontaneous Remission and Overcoming Death Anxiety 01:09:36 - The Science of Miracles

 Constance Casey, MDiv, is an author and teacher providing spiritual guidance for those interested in living a gentle and peaceful life. Constance offers guidance for those entering deeper practice into the nature of reality and adjusting to a shift in consciousness. Her awakening occurred in 2008. She has been practicing in the contemplative arts for over 40 years-- first through her years in recovery, and then, as she deepened in Buddhist practice in 2007—which she shares in her memoir. She’s a graduate of the Spirit Rock Community Dharma Leader Program. Some of her teachers include Trudy Goodman and Jack Kornfield. Constance obtained a Master of Divinity focusing on religious studies and went on to do hospital chaplaincy work. As an interfaith hospital chaplain, she offered compassionate care for patients and families while embracing the spectrum of human experiences. She is also authorized by Naropa University to teach meditation. Constance’s practice is primarily informed by the suttas in Theravāda Buddhism where she has developed her own online classes, the most recent one is called Clearing Skies: Dispelling the Clouds that Hinder Us, and she leads support groups for dedicated meditation practitioners. Through her experience she respects and values your unique spiritual practice and journey while supporting you to find balance and significance in the face of adversity. Constance will encourage you to attune toward being more mindful and aware for release and serenity. Her first book called Time for Awakening: A Memoir shares her story of awakening and deeper meditation practice and is what brings her to our meeting today. She can be found at her website. On Substack On Instagram On Facebook And on Youtube Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group Summary and Transcript of this interview Interview recorded March 30, 2024 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Welcome to Buddha at the Gas Pump 00:05:13 - The Levels of Receptiveness to the Dharma 00:09:13 - "Just Who Do You Think You Are?" 00:13:05 - A Snowy Awakening 00:16:54 - Healing and Bonding with My Sons 00:20:17 - Parenting as a Spiritual Practice 00:24:11 - A Fly on the Wall 00:28:09 - Tools of Recovery 00:31:31 - Ethical Structure in Spiritual Circles 00:35:14 - The Vicious Cycle of Repressed Discomfort 00:40:09 - Seeking Further 00:43:44 - Simplifying and Finding Fulfillment Within 00:47:39 - Expressing Experiences Through Art 00:51:17 - Finding Balance in Self-Care 00:54:59 - Honoring the Need for Rest and Balance 00:58:35 - The Power of Meditation and Personal Growth 01:01:38 - Constance's Carpentry Journey 01:04:44 - The Importance of Speaking Out and Trauma (Conversation) 01:07:29 - Seeing the Teacher as a Human Being and the Absence of Hierarchy 01:10:27 - The Indescribable Experience of Awakening 01:14:19 - Following the Way 01:18:32 - Psychological, Theological, Sociological Perspectives 01:22:14 - The Power of Kindness in Movies 01:26:42 - The Intimacy of Stream Entry 01:30:45 - The Support of a Teacher 01:33:33 - The Association for Spiritual Integrity 01:37:43 - Factors of Enlightenment and the Hindrances 01:41:38 - Hindrances in Meditation Practice 01:45:49 - Cultivating Tranquility and Equanimity in Meditation 01:49:05 - The Benefits of Meditation and Inner States of Being 01:51:48 - Closing Remarks

Neil Theise is a professor of pathology at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine. Through his scientific research, he has been a pioneer of adult stem cell plasticity and the anatomy of the human interstitium. Dr. Theise’s studies in complexity theory have led to interdisciplinary collaborations in fields such as integrative medicine, consciousness studies, and science-religion dialogue. He is a senior Zen student at the Village Zendo in NYC. His life long Jewish practice has involved both traditional observances and formal academic study. In recent years, (to his surprise) he has also undergone shamanic initiation. Books: General Audience: Notes on Complexity: A Scientific Theory of Connection, Consciousness, and Being Of academic interest: Awakening: Exploring Spirituality, Emergent Creativity, and Reconciliation Transforming: Applying Spirituality, Emergent Creativity, and Reconciliation Website: neiltheiseofficial.com Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group Summary and transcript of this interview. Interview recorded March 9, 2024 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Buddha at the Gas Pump 00:04:25 - Complexity Theory and the study of life 00:08:34 - Dynamic Healing of the GI Tract 00:12:40 - Artificial Life and Complexity Theory 00:17:26 - Awakening through the Koan "Mu" 00:22:41 - The Fascinating Idea of Biocentrism and Organizing Complexity 00:25:45 - Discovering Complexity Theory 00:28:37 - The Illusion of Materiality and the Nature of Pure Awareness 00:33:37 - The Non-dual Fundamental Awareness 00:37:38 - Complementarity in Quantum Physics and Beyond 00:42:36 - The Quantum Field of the Body 00:46:29 - Direct experiences of quantum level reality 00:49:14 - The True Nature of Conscious Reality 00:53:25 - The Illusion of Reality 00:56:56 - The Mechanism of Human Consciousness 01:01:23 - Challenging Empirical Science and Promissory Materialism 01:04:51 - The Intimacy of Subject and Object in Quantum Science 01:08:53 - The Limitations of Mathematics and Empirical Science 01:13:30 - Gödel and Turing's Implications for Mystical Exploration and Consciousness 01:17:33 - Shifting Paradigms and the Nature of Consciousness 01:21:20 - Self-Organization and Complexity in the Universe 01:24:44 - Negative and Positive Feedback Loops 01:29:02 - The Adjacent Possibles and Creativity 01:32:16 - The Subtle Dimensions of Living Beings and the Universe 01:35:26 - Language Limitations and Perspective 01:39:02 - Awakening through Traumatic Experiences 01:42:35 - Wondering about Luck and the Beloved Name 01:45:28 - The Universe's Construction and Spiritual Practices 01:48:30 - The Divine Feminine and Unconditional Love 01:52:57 - The Nature of Reality and True Compassion 01:55:56 - Conclusion

Kimberley Theresa Lafferty is a seasoned teacher-practitioner specializing in constructive adult developmental psychology and Indo-Tibetan Buddhism. She completed over 12 years of intensive Indo Tibetan study including the required retreats. She leads both open and advanced adult educational cohorts aligning developmental psychology and Buddhist theory. Kimberley co-leads, with Terri O’Fallon, the penultimate Minds I year-long developmental course of Stages International. She is an active Board member for the Association for Spiritual Integrity. Kimberley is also a householder as a wife and mother, living in a remote valley of the North Cascades of North America which deeply impacts her worldview and practice. Website: The Confluence Experience | Making sense of what doesn't make sense Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group. Summary and Transcript of this interview Interview recorded February 10, 2024 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction and Welcome 00:03:33 - Finding Peace in the Forest 00:06:27 - A Blissful Awakening 00:11:15 - Deep Inner Resources and Spiritual Experiences 00:15:10 - Connecting with our Ultimate Selves 00:18:26 - The Wave and Ocean Metaphor 00:23:24 - Diving into Indo-Tibetan Buddhism 00:27:59 - Tantric Retreats and Solitary Meditation 00:32:26 - Experiences on the Retreats with Vajrayogini 00:35:33 - The Red Lady and the Retreat 00:40:01 - The Lesson of Treating Practice Seriously 00:44:18 - The Precious Gift of Tibetan Buddhism 00:47:58 - Spirituality and Integration 00:51:02 - Understanding the Intersection of Waking Up and Identity Change 00:55:31 - The Evolution of Perception and Consciousness 01:00:08 - Supporting Spiritual Teachers 01:03:59 - Shadow Work and Holistic Development 01:07:16 - The Integration of Wisdom and Compassion 01:10:57 - Waves of Human Becoming and Non-Duality in Daily Life 01:14:06 - Anomalous Experiences: Exploring the Extraordinary 01:18:57 - Anomalous Experiences and Meaning Making 01:23:49 - Anomalous Experiences and the Search for Answers 01:28:03 - The Cautionary Use of Psychedelics and the Self 01:32:01 - The Need for Spiritual Integrity among Teachers 01:35:58 - The Preciousness of a Spiritual Life 01:39:58 - Realizing Inner Bliss 01:43:44 - Experiencing Fulfillment in Tantra 01:47:41 - Finding Your Path in Spiritual Practice 01:52:16 - The Role of Spiritual Psychotherapists 01:56:28 - Strengthening Ourselves Psychologically and Spiritually 02:00:00 - Continuing the Conversation with Kimberly

After receiving his doctorate in the sensory neurosciences from The Ohio State University, Bob Davis, Ph.D., served as a professor for the State University of New York for over thirty years, where he conducted research in the behavioral and neurosensory sciences, taught, and held many high-level administrative roles. He published his research in over 60 articles in scholarly journals, and presented numerous lectures worldwide, which included invited lectures at Harvard, Cambridge, and Peking University. Bob was also awarded numerous grants by the National Science Foundation and The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health to conduct research in sensory neuroscience. Following retirement, Bob published several articles in the Journal of Scientific Exploration and Edge Science and presented lectures at national and international conferences on consciousness, spiritually transformative experiences, and unidentified aerial phenomena. Bob has also published three highly popular books: The UFO Phenomenon: Should I Believe? Life after Death: An Analysis of the Evidence, and, Unseen Forces: The Integration of Science, Reality and You. More recently, he has turned his recent book, Unseen Forces, into a planned documentary entitled - The Consciousness Connection - with Emmy Award winner Dave Beaty of Dreamtime Entertainment and Wilson Hawthorne of Eyeland Telemedia. Website: bobdavisspeaks.com Bob Davis is an administrator of the Facebook Site called: The Consciousness Connection Facebook group. Bob's email Bob says, "If you'd like to learn more about the film project or consciousness in general, please subscribe to the Consciousness Connection YouTube channel. Summary and Transcript of this interview Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group Interview recorded February 3, 2024. YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Buddha at the Gas Pump 00:04:35 - Types and Evidence of Extraordinary Human Experiences 00:08:03 - A Profound Shared Death Experience 00:12:21 - A Spiritual Awakening and Kundalini Awakening 00:15:53 - The Misdiagnosis of Spiritual Awakening 00:19:27 - The Unstoppable Spread of Information 00:23:58 - The Need for a Paradigm Shift in Understanding Consciousness 00:27:49 - The Evidence of White Crows in DMT Experiences 00:31:40 - Exploring Consciousness Beyond Traditional Science 00:36:04 - The Relationship Between Science and Spirituality 00:40:27 - Brain Development and Spiritual Transformation 00:44:35 - Humans as Light Beings and Quantum Mechanics 00:48:22 - Veridical Perceptions in Near-Death Experiences 00:52:34 - Near-Death Experiences and Perception 00:56:44 - Novel Interactions in the Brain 01:01:02 - Consciousness and the Bohmian Paradigm Shift 01:05:16 - Ego Dissolution and Positive After-Effects 01:09:03 - Spiritual Practices and Physiological Treatments 01:12:56 - Quantum Mechanics and Premonition 01:16:55 - ESP and Autistic Savants 01:21:20 - Photonic Emissions and Healing Abilities 01:26:00 - The Power of Spiritual Practice 01:29:26 - Personal Transformation and Spreading the Word 01:32:32 - Transformation in Beliefs and Experiences 01:36:00 - The Importance of Spiritual Development 01:38:40 - Tapping into the Language of Nature 01:42:11 - Conclusions about UFOs and their Spiritual Implications 01:45:57 - The Mystery and Wonder of the Universe 01:50:26 - The Long-Term Nature of Spiritual Development 01:54:04 - The Power of Changing Perspectives

Brad Laughlin is the author of Living with Enlightenment—A Journey of Love, which is about his 25-year life-partnership with Leslie Temple-Thurston, a teacher of enlightenment, and the profound spiritual transformation he experienced. With Leslie, he is co-author of two books, The Marriage of Spirit—Enlightened Living in Today’s World and Returning to Oneness—The Seven Keys of Ascension. Brad is dedicated to finding innovative ways of helping people to awaken spiritually and to find love, joy and inspiration during these times of great change. Using ancient Truth teachings, yogic practices and spiritual psychology, he offers simple yet powerful practices for dissolving old, limiting ego structures that keep us trapped in negativity, pain and fear. Brad’s transformative events are based on the principles of integration and unity consciousness, which help us to know our own inner Divinity—who we truly are. Brad and Leslie are co-founders of the nonprofits, CoreLight.org and Seeds of Light.org, CoreLight’s humanitarian arm, serving marginalized communities and AIDS orphans in South Africa. Brad has a bachelor’s degree from Duke University. He is an American by birth, considers himself a global citizen and lives in both South Africa and the United States. Anna Breytenbach is an internationally acclaimed professional interspecies communicator with over 20 years’ experience. Native to South Africa and currently based in Europe, she mentors and consults globally. Her focus is exclusively with wild places and beings, facilitating peaceful interventions and greater understanding. This includes predator research, wilderness protection, anti-poaching assistance, reforestation initiatives, wildlife management and rehabilitation. She is currently taking a sabbatical from her usual teaching and public appearances to write a book. Anna’s passion is raising awareness and advancing the relationships among human and nonhuman animals, on both the personal and spiritual levels. Her work is the subject of the documentary movie "The Animal Communicator”, watched by tens of millions of people (and a few of their pets), available on YouTube. Anna's website: The Animal Communicator | AnimalSpirit YouTube Channel Anna's first BatGap interview Brad and Anna’s online course is For the Love of Animals—A Call to the Heart Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group Summary and transcript of this interview Interview recorded January 28, 2024 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Buddha at the Gas Pump 00:03:56 - Introduction and Background 00:07:26 - From Cheetah Handler to Animal Communicator and Author 00:11:55 - Following Your Inner Calling 00:16:10 - Holding Space for Elephants 00:20:35 - Collective Consciousness and Communication 00:23:42 - The Collective Expressions of Consciousness and Earth Energies 00:27:34 - The Joy of Whales Breaching 00:31:16 - Rediscovering the Intelligence of Nature 00:34:08 - The Importance of Functioning with Intelligence in Society 00:38:08 - The Intelligence of Stones and Non-Moving Beings 00:42:05 - Cruelty to Vegetables and Choosing Love for Animals 00:47:06 - An Evergreen Online Course on Interspecies Communication 00:51:36 - Valuing Different Paths in Life 00:56:41 - Profound Mystical Experiences and the Search for Answers 01:01:07 - The Ball of Light and Healing Energy 01:05:42 - Transitioning into a Higher State 01:11:02 - Pure Joy and Presence 01:16:50 - Quantum Entanglement and Communication 01:19:46 - Perception and the Importance of Clearing Ego Noise 01:24:03 - Rethinking Human Love for Animals 01:27:32 - Animals' Compassion and Journey to Loving Humans 01:31:00 - Communicating with Plants and the Tragedy of the Rabbits 01:33:40 - The Oak Trees' Compassion and Rabbit Friendships 01:36:49 - The Sensitivity of an Enlightened Being

Swami Medhananda is a monk of the Ramakrishna Order and an academic philosopher, currently serving as Senior Research Fellow in Philosophy at the Vedanta Society of Southern California in Hollywood. He is also the Hindu Chaplain at both UCLA and the University of Southern California. He is Section Editor for the International Journal of Hindu Studies (Springer), overseeing submissions in Hindu and Cross-Cultural Philosophy of Religion. From 2010 to 2021, he was Associate Professor and Head of the Program in Philosophy at the Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Educational and Research Institute in Belur Math, West Bengal. He received his PhD in 2009 from the University of California at Berkeley, where he specialized in German aesthetics. He was also a Fulbright Scholar at the Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin (2006–7) and a Visiting Student at Oxford University (2000–1). His current research focuses on global philosophy of religion, the epistemology of mystical experience, cosmopsychism, Indian scriptural hermeneutics, and Vedāntic philosophical traditions, especially the philosophies of Sri Ramakrishna, Swami Vivekananda, and Sri Aurobindo. He is the author of three books: Swami Vivekananda’s Vedāntic Cosmopolitanism (Oxford University Press, 2022), Infinite Paths to Infinite Reality: Sri Ramakrishna and Cross-Cultural Philosophy of Religion (Oxford University Press, 2018), and The Dialectics of Aesthetic Agency: Revaluating German Aesthetics from Kant to Adorno (Bloomsbury, 2013). He is the editor of The Bloomsbury Research Handbook of Vedānta (2020) and co-editor, with Benedikt Paul Göcke, of Panentheism in Indian and Western Thought: Cosmopolitan Interventions (Routledge, 2023). He is also the editor of two special issues of the International Journal of Hindu Studies, one on “Swami Vivekananda as a Cosmopolitan Thinker” (2023) and one on “Vedāntic Theodicies” (2021). He has published over thirty articles in leading academic journals. He is currently working on two book projects: Karma and Rebirth in Hinduism (Cambridge University Press, under contract) and An All-Embracing Oneness: Sri Aurobindo’s Integral Advaita and the Legacy of Sri Ramakrishna (Oxford University Press, under contract). Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group Summary and transcript of this interview. Interview recorded January 22, 2024. YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Buddha at the Gas Pump 00:05:04 - Agnostic to Swami: My Spiritual Journey 00:09:28 - Conversations with an Atheist and Finding Common Ground 00:13:36 - The experience of mystics and the standards of proof 00:17:49 - The Pissed-off Response to Vedanta 00:22:01 - Anecdote about Eligibility in Advaita Vedanta 00:26:13 - Shankara's understanding of Brahma Satyam Jagat Mithya 00:30:16 - Different Paths to Realizing the Divine 00:34:00 - Contradictions in Shankara's writings 00:37:57 - The Vijnani's Perspective and the Colorful Chameleon 00:41:51 - Different Perspectives in Vedanta 00:45:59 - The Benefits of Science and Spirituality 00:50:07 - Embracing Christianity in Vedanta 00:54:30 - Shakti and the Manifestation of the World 00:58:16 - Manifestation of Brahman in the World 01:02:02 - The Validity of Personal Perception 01:05:22 - Epistemic Principles: Credulity and Perceptual Testimony 01:09:05 - The Importance of Critical Thinking on the Spiritual Path 01:12:45 - The Problem with Neo-Advaitins 01:16:54 - Panentheism and Spiritual Practice 01:21:02 - Vijnana Vedanta and the Path to Liberation 01:24:59 - Embracing the Dual Nature of God 01:29:27 - Ramakrishna's First-Line Response to the Problem of Evil 00:01:32 - The Doctrine of Karma and Rebirth 01:36:34 - The Challenge of God's Attributes 01:40:04 - Dissolving the Problem of Evil 01:44:58 - Gaudapada's doctrine of Ajatavada and the Difference between Jnani and Vijnani

David Doyle lives on the water in the island city of Alameda in the San Francisco Bay Area with his wife, their teenage son, and Merlin, a rambunctious Rat Terrier. At an early age he set upon a spiritual path and soon put down the books and turned inward. David’s path has been by most standards a very traditional inner practice, starting with Hatha Yoga and quickly moving to Raja Yoga. Meditation was his main practice, with asanas as an adjunct to meditation. Early on in his spiritual practice a teacher said that if you master the basics of yoga, and if you practice in earnest, all will unfold – everything you need will come to you. David took this to heart, beginning a life-long practice that for the most part was a solitary journey. At 20 years old his third eye opened in a dramatic unfolding, and from there came the never-ending gift of insight and abilities including: clairvoyance, clairsentience, clairaudience, precognition, telepathy and more. Some years later David joined the Berkeley Psychic Institute during its heyday and befriended the founder, Dr. Lewis S Bostwick, whom he considers to be his first great spiritual teacher, and friend. He spent over a decade with this group and at its many (at the time) institutes and thousands of students and teachers. In 2012, David came to an abiding awakening, and since that time, many changes have taken place in an ongoing process of daily and weekly energetic and auspicious unfoldings, many of which have left him nearly incapacitated. Since awakening, David has also become an adept Qi Gong Master under the guidance of Grand Master Shi Yong Yao, formerly an elite teacher-monk at the Northern Shaolin Temple in China. Additionally, many siddhis have developed as byproducts along The Way as well as a massive kundalini awakening and other extraordinary happenings. Now, with ten years having passed since awakening, David is ready to share experiences from his fifty+ year journey with a wider audience. He created Monk with Family, a 501c3 non-profit dedicated to the householder, but inclusive of anyone for whom The Way is their life’s focus. David leads a weekly Satsang open to all those interested, and is available for speaking engagements and other spiritual events. David A. Doyle: Inventor, entrepreneur, manufacturer, publisher, sailor, skier, burning man (burner), householder. Founder: Monk with Family Website Founding member of Shaolin Master Qi Gong, a 501c3 nonprofit dedicated to sharing the teachings of Master Yao. David is registered in China as the: Deputy Director of the U.S. Regional Department of Shaolin Fohanmen. Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group Interview recorded December 30, 2023 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction and Background 00:04:34 - Introduction to Monk with Family and David's Spiritual Journey 00:09:27 - The Serious Effects of Kundalini 00:14:08 - The Wall in Meditation 00:17:38 - Types of Meditation and Overcoming Resistance 00:22:14 - Meditation Tips: Finding the Center of the Head 00:26:49 - Proper Posture and Alignment in Meditation 00:30:03 - Energy Flying in Meditation Space 00:34:49 - Skiing in Cold Weather with a Surprising Warmth 00:38:48 - Tummo Practice and Yogis in Nepal 00:42:58 - The Bizarre Experience 00:47:01 - Telepathic Communication and Kundalini Experiences 00:51:01 - The Kundalini Experience 00:55:00 - Profound Spiritual Experiences 01:00:22 - The Unawareness of Our Own Abilities 01:03:35 - Energetic Phenomena and Thought Forms 01:06:45 - A Fortunate Tire Blowout and Unexpected Help 01:11:27 - The Spiritual Warrior and Negative Entities 01:16:56 - Dealing with the Demonic 01:20:42 - Unleashing Unnatural Abilities 01:25:54 - The Faint Remains of Ignorance 01:30:37 - The Changing Landscape of Work and Invention 01:34:27 - Women's Liberation Movement