537. Roger Walsh

Roger Walsh MD., Ph.D. DHL graduated from Queensland University with degrees in psychology, physiology, neuroscience, and medicine, came to the United States as a Fulbright scholar, and is currently a professor of psychiatry, philosophy, anthropology, and religious studies at the University of California. His research interests include psychological health and wellbeing, virtues such as love and wisdom, practices such as meditation that foster them, and the psychological roots of our current social and global challenges. Roger’s books include Paths Beyond Ego, The World of Shamanism, and Essential Spirituality: The 7 Central Practices to Awaken Heart and Mind, and he recently edited the modestly titled volume, The World's Great Wisdom. His research and writings have received over twenty national and international awards. He was formerly a circus acrobat, held world records in trampolining and high diving, and recently graduated from the San Francisco Comedy College and had an extremely brief and unsuccessful career as a standup comedian. For more information, see drrogerwalsh.com Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group. Summary and transcript of this interview Interview recorded February 15, 2020. YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction: Buddha at the Gas Pump 00:04:25 - A Shocking Revelation about Water 00:08:32 - The Hidden Disciplines of Religion 00:13:19 - Multiple Perspectives on Realization and Developmental Stages 00:18:06 - Psychological Maturity and Spiritual Development 00:22:12 - The Enlightenment and the Awakening to Pure Consciousness 00:26:16 - The Limitations of Scientists and the Recognition of Pure Consciousness 00:31:02 - Consciousness awakening through the nervous system 00:34:19 - The Universe Becoming Conscious 00:39:07 - Inherent growth dynamic in the psyche 00:43:30 - The Transition to Post-Conventional Thinking 00:47:33 - The Wisdom of Spiritual Practice 00:51:30 - The Spiritual Gravity that Draws the Mind Within 00:55:42 - Different Stages Reflecting Different Worldviews and Values 01:00:23 - The Developmental Stages of Consciousness and Psychology 01:04:38 - The Marrying of Technology and Spirituality 01:09:31 - The Importance of Ethics in Spiritual Practice 01:13:52 - The Dangers of the "Ends Justify the Means" Mentality 01:17:21 - The Story of Narada and Maya 01:21:01 - Motivation and Emotional Transformation 01:25:14 - The Nature of Craving 01:30:07 - The Dystopian Future of Addiction 01:34:32 - The Race between Consciousness and Catastrophe 01:38:40 - Surfing the Spiritual Wave 01:42:53 - Mapping the Territory of Consciousness 01:47:33 - Tapping into the Universal 01:52:15 - Openness to Feedback and Understanding 01:56:33 - Hanging Out with Kindred Souls 02:00:07 - Practice and Transformation 02:04:10 - Going Deeper into Ourselves and the World 02:07:43 - A Conversation with an Expert