Vladimir Miskovic was formerly Assistant Professor of Psychology and Integrative Neuroscience at Binghamton University (SUNY) and a research scientist at X: The Moonshot Factory, previously known as Google X. He is also a former novice monk. He is coauthor with Stephen Jay Lynn of Dreaming Reality: How Neuroscience and Mysticism Can Unlock the Secrets of Consciousness.

Vladimir explores Hesychasm, the mystical contemplative tradition of Eastern Orthodoxy centered on interior stillness, the Jesus Prayer, and the transformative process known as theosis. Drawing from both neuroscience and monastic experience, he discusses how practices such as nepsis (watchfulness) may reshape consciousness, regulate the default mode network, and cultivate deeper states of compassion, awareness, and spiritual embodiment. Miskovic also examines parallels between Eastern Orthodox mysticism, Sufism, Buddhism, Kabbalah, and other contemplative traditions while preserving the unique theological vision of Christian mystical life.

00:00:00 Introduction

00:06:15 Hesychasm and interior stillness

00:13:02 Image and likeness of God

00:16:41 Transformation and theosis

00:23:11 Nepsis and watchfulness

00:27:21 Default mode network and mystical practice

00:37:29 Jesus prayer and prayer of the heart

00:45:19 Neuroscience and transformed consciousness

00:46:31 Sufism and comparative mysticism

01:01:02 Conclusion

(Recorded on Friday, May 1, 2026)

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Published on May 25, 2026