Journey Into The Mystic

In this episode of 'Journey into the Mystic', host Rachel Pelletier welcomes Dr. David Luke, an associate professor of psychology at the University of Greenwich and Perrier Warwick, Senior researcher at Trinity College, Cambridge. They dive deep into the intersections of mystical states and Eros, exploring themes of liberation, healing, and connection. Rachel, an erotic practitioner with over 18 years of experience, discusses her exploration of mystical states through Orgasmic Meditation (OM) and psychedelics. Dr. Luke shares his research on transpersonal experiences, psychedelics, and altered states of consciousness, emphasizing the profound and often transformative impact of these experiences on mental health and wellbeing. They discuss the potential of psychedelics in therapeutic settings, the significance of mystical experiences in addiction recovery, and the broader implications for personal and societal growth.00:00 Introduction to the Mystic and Eros01:54 Introducing Dr. David Luke03:32 The Intersection of Psychedelics and Mystical States03:59 Orgasmic Meditation and Mystical Experiences06:40 David Luke's Journey and Research17:26 Exploring Lucid Dreaming and Precognition20:19 Intuition and Non-Ordinary Perception24:55 Exploring the Mystical Experience26:39 Impact of DMT on Spiritual Orientation27:37 Research Insights on DMT28:52 The Astonishing Nature of DMT Experiences30:06 Mapping the DMT Landscape32:34 Nature Connectedness and Psychedelics35:08 The Future of Psychedelics in Medicine44:40 Personal Reflections and Future Directions46:25 Conclusion and Farewell

In this episode of 'Journey into the Mystic,' host Rachel Pelletier invites Dr. Andrew Newberg, a renowned neuroscientist, to discuss the intersections between mystical experiences, meditation, and Orgasmic Meditation (OM). The conversation delves into the brain's role in mystical states, highlighting changes in brain regions like the parietal and frontal lobes. Dr. Newberg explains how practices such as meditation and OM can alter brain activities, leading to profound experiences of unity, clarity, surrender, and transformation. They explore the nuances of partnered practices versus individual ones, the role of sexuality in spiritual experiences, and how empathy can be cultivated through these practices. The episode concludes with reflections on the potential of sexuality as a legitimate path to mystical states and spiritual understanding.00:00 Introduction to Journey into the Mystic00:38 Exploring Mystical States01:29 Meet Your Host, Rachel Pelletier02:17 Introducing Dr. Andrew Newberg03:54 Understanding Mystical Experiences08:18 The Brain and Mystical States11:31 Orgasmic Meditation and Brain Research26:35 Sexuality and Spirituality37:12 The Role of Empathy in Mystical Practices

This podcast episode, hosted by Rachel Pelletier, delves into the intersections of mystical experiences and the concept of eudaimonia, or human flourishing. Pelletier discusses her journey from addiction to finding a deeper connection with life through experiential learning and meditation. Her guest, renowned meditation teacher Bob Roth, shares insights from his extensive experience in teaching Transcendental Meditation. They explore the idea of living a life aligned with one's true nature and discuss how mystical states induced by meditation and other practices can guide personal growth and well-being. The conversation touches on the power of Eros and creativity, the role of institutional change, and the natural alignment with one's purpose. Roth shares the significance of eudaimonia within Transcendental Meditation, and Pelletier reflects on her life's work of liberating Eros and the challenges faced in doing so. The dialogue underscores the transformative power of mystical states and the aspiration for a society where these inner resources are fully accessed and realized.00:31 Welcome to Journey into the Mystic02:20 Meet Bob Roth: Meditation Expert04:07 Exploring Eudaimonia: Human Flourishing09:06 The Essence of Eros and Connection13:21 Rachel's Personal Journey and Insights25:26 A Journey into Politics and Meditation26:38 The Dark Times and the Light of Meditation26:54 Rituals, Rites, and Mental Health29:00 The Concept of Tumescence32:03 Eudaimonia and Personal Growth33:25 Childhood Memories and ADHD35:56 Harnessing Eros and Creativity43:16 The Power of Mystical States46:27 Final Thoughts and Reflections

This podcast episode of 'Journey into the Mystic' delves into the intersection of mystical states and healing practices, featuring Dimitri Moujiannis, a harm reduction advocate and psychedelic practitioner. The discussion covers the transformative potential of mystical states achieved through psychedelics, meditation, and other practices, and their role in personal growth, healing, and societal transformation. Dimitri, known for his work with Ibogaine to treat heroin addiction, shares his journey and insights from over 500 Ibogaine ceremonies, including his own battle with addiction. The conversation also critiques the reductionist approach of modern psychiatry and emphasizes the importance of agency, spiritual experiences, and community-oriented healing frameworks. The episode illustrates how ceremonial practices from various cultures and the arts can create meaningful spaces for personal and communal healing.00:00 Introduction to the Mystic and Eros01:36 Guest Introduction: Dimitri Moujiannis04:01 Dimitri's Journey with Ibogaine05:01 Personal Struggles and Transformation09:30 Ibogaine Experience and Recovery19:53 Return to Greece and Ancestral Connection25:14 Initiation and Practice in Gabon32:23 The Medicalized Lie and Integration33:25 The Medical Gaze and Different Perspectives35:39 Healing Narratives and Mystical States38:18 The Christ Story and Mystical Healing41:30 Challenging Corrosive Systems with Psychedelics43:49 Creating a New Cultural Container for Healing52:42 The Importance of Contribution and Community56:23 Science, Mysticism, and the Role of Research01:05:41 Final Thoughts and Reflections

In this episode of 'Journey into the Mystic,' host Rachel Pelletier delves into the realms of the mystical and the erotic with guest Lama Mike Crowley, also known as the Psychedelic Lama. Lama Mike brings his extensive experience in Tibetan Buddhism and psychedelics to the discussion, exploring the symbolism of various deities, the intersection of mystical states with psychoactive substances like Amanita muscaria and Psilocybe cubensis, and the profound traditions within Vajrayana Buddhism. The conversation spans historical, mythological, and symbolic dimensions of mystical practices, offering deep insights into the spiritual and transcendent experiences fostered by these potent intersections. The conversation also touches on ancient Vedic texts, the mythology of Soma, and the historical similarities between the stories of Mahavira and the Buddha.00:00 Introduction to the Mystic Journey01:50 Meet Lama Mike Crowley: The Psychedelic Lama03:34 Exploring Ramati and Symbolism in Tibetan Buddhism04:39 The Mystical Significance of Amanita Muscaria05:18 Vajrayogini and Other Deities07:30 Padmasambhava and Tibetan Legends21:04 The Churning of the Ocean: Hindu and Buddhist Myths30:25 The Symbolism of the Peacock Parasol31:56 The Mystical Properties of Mushrooms41:35 Comparing Jainism and Buddhism44:23 Conclusion and Future Discussions

In this episode of 'Journey into the Mystic,' host Rachel Pelletier delves into the profound connections between mystical experiences and the energy of Eros with Lama Mike Crowley, a pioneering figure in the intersection of Tibetan Buddhism and psychedelics. Crowley, known as the Psychedelic Lama, shares his experiences and insights on the use of psychoactive substances in spiritual practices, recounting his personal journey and interactions with renowned Buddhist figures. They discuss the historical and spiritual significance of substances like soma and amrita, and the impact of psychedelics on perception and meditation practices. The conversation also touches on the challenges and insights of integrating these experiences into personal growth and well-being. Join them for an exploration of liberation, healing, and the quest for deeper understanding.00:00 Introduction to Journey into the Mystic00:48 Exploring Mystical States01:43 Meet Lama Mike Crowley04:26 Lama Mike's Early Encounters with Psychedelics05:21 Trungpa Rinpoche and LSD10:39 Meeting Radha Chimi Rinpoche19:21 Vajrayogini Practice and Psychedelics25:29 The Concept of Amrita in Buddhism28:49 Reconstructing the Original Soma30:25 The Vedas and Soma31:33 Soma and Cannabis: Clarifications32:50 Different Types of Soma34:46 Amrita and Soma in Buddhist Context38:12 Psychedelics in Tibetan Buddhism42:43 Modern Use of Psychedelics in Buddhism54:32 The Impact of Psychedelics on the Mind56:20 The Search for Emptiness and Ending Suffering01:01:21 Concluding Thoughts and Future Discussions

In this episode of 'Journey into the Mystic,' host Rachel Pelletier speaks with Bob Roth, an experienced meditation teacher and executive director of the David Lynch Foundation. The podcast uncovers the intersections between mystical states and the energy force Eros. Bob shares his journey into Transcendental Meditation, its profound impact on his life, and its potential for broad societal benefits. Topics include the purpose of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi in spreading TM, the significance of mystical states, scientific research on meditation, and personal stories highlighting the transformative power of meditation.00:00 Introduction to the Mystic and Eros01:36 Meet Your Host: Rachel Pelletier02:19 Introducing Bob Roth: Meditation Expert03:58 Bob Roth's Journey into Meditation04:53 The Impact of Transcendental Meditation06:06 Bob Roth's Early Life and Political Aspirations08:46 Discovering Transcendental Meditation12:58 The Science and Benefits of Meditation23:20 Personal Reflections on Meditation25:30 Embracing Oneness with the Universe26:08 The Power of Meditation in Daily Life27:01 Understanding Emptiness and Its Significance28:32 Addressing Misconceptions About Emptiness30:12 The Role of Meditation in Overcoming Fear32:20 Maharishi's Views on Psychedelics and Sexuality36:37 The Importance of Eudaimonia39:33 Meditation Programs and Their Impact43:20 A Heartfelt Story of Meditation's Power46:29 Closing Thoughts and Future Discussions

In this episode of 'Journey into the Mystic,' host Rachel Pelletier delves into the profound connections between mystical experiences and the energy of Eros. Joined by Dr. Andrew Newberg, a leading neuroscientist specializing in the study of spiritual experiences, they discuss the underlying brain mechanisms during mystical states. The conversation covers orgasmic meditation, the role of the autonomic nervous system, and the transformative power of these experiences on personal well-being. They also explore the challenges of interpreting and measuring enlightenment, highlighting the intersection of sexuality, spirituality, and neuroscience. This episode offers deep insights into how different practices, from meditation to psychedelics, can lead to profound states of unity and understanding.00:00 Introduction to the Mystic Journey00:41 Understanding Mystical States01:36 Meet Your Host: Rachel Pelletier02:19 Introducing Dr. Andrew Newberg03:27 Exploring Sexuality and Spirituality04:18 The Brain and Mystical Experiences05:28 Neurotheology: Bridging Science and Spirituality07:17 Impact of Mystical Experiences on Beliefs08:39 Research on Spiritual Experiences13:46 Orgasmic Meditation and the Brain28:42 The Role of Social Interaction in Mystical Practices35:11 General vs. Sexual Arousal in Mystical States42:43 The Universal Quest for Mystical Experiences45:47 The Challenge of Defining Mystical Experiences53:45 Can Enlightenment Be Tracked in the Brain?57:02 Conclusion and Future Directions