Bernardo has launched a new organization, #EssentiaFoundation, and has produced some wonderful short videos that can be viewed at https://youtu.be/Nls4o_mR-sY and https://youtu.be/wJG6yL4ncK8.

Bernardo is launching a new organization, #EssentiaFoundation, and has produced some wonderful short videos that can be viewed at https://youtu.be/Nls4o_mR-sY and https://youtu.be/wJG6yL4ncK8.

Here he explains that the many tests performed with regard to Bell’s Theorem in physics have now clearly demonstrated that what we conventionally consider the objective world does not exist independent of our own observations. This is a serious problem for metaphysical materialism. However, it is easily reconciled by the metaphysics of the nineteenth century [...]

Here he explains that, 200 years ago, Arthur Schopenhauer was independently articulating a philosophy very similar to that of both Buddhism and Advaita Vedanta. He was a friend of Goethe and was responding to the arguments of Kant and Hegel. Kastrup argues that Schopenhauer’s metaphysics (incidentally, very similar to his own) can resolve the “hard [...]

Here he explains the difference between subjective and objective idealism — and also distinguishes idealism from dual-aspect monism. He describes the roles played by Berkeley, Kant, and Schopenhauer in the development of idealistic philosophy. While this viewpoint was once considered mainstream in philosophy, it is now out-of-favor. He argues that fads and fashions in philosophy [...]

Here he explains how the analogy of dissociative identity disorder (or multiple personality disorder) can help us to understand how separate, individual conscious entities emerge from a single, universal mind. He also highlights the implications of idealist metaphysics for gaining an appreciation for the inherent meaning of life. He contrasts this with the materialist push [...]

Here he suggests that it is possible to develop spiritual principles on the basis of logic — starting with the premise that existence is meaningful and the observation that all exists within consciousness. He draws upon information theory to deduce that unbounded consciousness, as postulated by philosophical idealism, in order to actualize its full potential [...]

Here he describes a process of examining the mind deeply to discover the inner realities that exist at layers deeper than our cultural conditioning and personal psychology. He enumerates various approaches including meditation, biofeedback, breathing, and psychedelic drug use. Then he describes several experiences of his own after each of which he recorded detailed notes. [...]

Here he reviews a number of nonsensical events ranging from bizarre UFO encounters to religious miracles to psychedelic visions and dreams. He suggests that there are certain common themes that run through dreams, fantasies, and reports of paranormal occurrences — and that they all speak to us symbolically. He also proposes that the deep archetypes [...]

Here he maintains that the literal interpretation of religious myths does harm to both the myth and to ourselves. For centuries, people have understood that myths can be meaningful when interpreted metaphorically. However, more than that, religious myths can, and sometimes do, serve as pointers to states of consciousness that transcend the intellect. He compares [...]

Here he explains his own nuanced brand of philosophical idealism. He distinguishes his perspective from that of the British empiricist, Bishop George Berkeley, and notes that he draws inspiration from the German idealist, Arthur Schopenhauer. He claims that the logical contradictions ensuing from materialism can all be resolved. He also describes a series of findings [...]