537. Roger Walsh - a podcast by Rick Archer

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.comDiscussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group.

Transcript of this interviewInterview recorded February 15, 2020.

Video and audio below. Audio also available as a Podcast.Chapters:


00:00:00 - Introduction: Buddha at the Gas Pump00:04:25 - A Shocking Revelation about Water
00:08:32 - The Hidden Disciplines of Religion00:13:19 - Multiple Perspectives on Realization and Developmental Stages
00:18:06 - Psychological Maturity and Spiritual Development00:22:12 - The Enlightenment and the Awakening to Pure Consciousness
00:26:16 - The Limitations of Scientists and the Recognition of Pure Consciousness00:31:02 - Consciousness awakening through the nervous system
00:34:19 - The Universe Becoming Conscious00:39:07 - Inherent growth dynamic in the psyche
00:43:30 - The Transition to Post-Conventional Thinking00:47:33 - The Wisdom of Spiritual Practice
00:51:30 - The Spiritual Gravity that Draws the Mind Within00:55:42 - Different Stages Reflecting Different Worldviews and Values
01:00:23 - The Developmental Stages of Consciousness and Psychology01:04:38 - The Marrying of Technology and Spirituality
01:09:31 - The Importance of Ethics in Spiritual Practice01:13:52 - The Dangers of the"Ends Justify the Means"Mentality
01:17:21 - The Story of Narada and Maya01:21:01 - Motivation and Emotional Transformation
01:25:14 - The Nature of Craving01:30:07 - The Dystopian Future of Addiction
01:34:32 - The Race between Consciousness and Catastrophe01:38:40 - Surfing the Spiritual Wave
01:42:53 - Mapping the Territory of Consciousness01:47:33 - Tapping into the Universal
01:52:15 - Openness to Feedback and Understanding01:56:33 - Hanging Out with Kindred Souls
02:00:07 - Practice and Transformation02:04:10 - Going Deeper into Ourselves and the World
02:07:43 - A Conversation with an Expert

Further episodes of Buddha at the Gas Pump

Further podcasts by Rick Archer

Website of Rick Archer