In this wide-ranging conversation, rebooted from 2018, Jorge and Jeff share their memories and reflections about a wide range of mystical paths. The discussion focuses on the relative merits of following set instructions from a guru to seek mystical insights. Another perspective comes from the literature concerning spontaneous awakening of consciousness. Jorge explains why he [...]

Here he notes that many people have reported contacts with spiritual entities of both a positive and negative nature. He describes several of his own experiences. He also acknowledges the difficulty in determining if these experiences involve autonomous entities, independent of his own consciousness. He advocates a post-colonial research approach in which scientists will work [...]

Here he maintains that many spiritual seekers engage in one-sided approaches that do not incorporate an appreciation of the human body. In fact, certain traditions disparage the body as being animalistic and unspiritual. He advocates a revised version of the Bodhisatva Vow (for Buddhists and non-Buddhists) that emphasizes the enlightenment of all parts of the [...]

Here he shows that the same pluralistic approach that he takes toward mystical paths can also be applied in the arena of human relationships. He describes mainstream western culture as “mono-normative” — meaning that sexual monogamy is the primary standard. However, he acknowledges that this leads to various complications — particularly widespread adultery. A variety [...]

Here he explains that “scientism” (the religion of science) is very different from actual scientific practice. Scientific methodology, he claims, does not require that one hold to a particular world view. He suggests that phenomena that are labelled “supernatural” are actually part of the natural world that science can and does study. He believes that [...]

In this wide-ranging conversation, Jorge and Jeff share their memories and reflections about a wide range of mystical paths. The discussion focuses on the relative merits of following set instructions from a guru to seek mystical insights. Another perspective come from the literature concerning spontaneous awakening of consciousness. Jorge explains why he believes that the [...]

Here he describes the origins of transpersonal psychology, focusing on the work of Abraham Maslow and Stanislav Grof. He notes that the “first wave” of thinkers in this field embraced the notion of a “perennial philosophy” or, in other words, an underlying unity to the world’s mystical and spiritual traditions. As a second wave theorist, [...]