Skeptiko.com - Mindrolling Podcast

Raghu and David invite Alex Tsakiris of Skeptiko.com to examine consciousness and those who deny its all-pervasive nature. Skeptiko.com is skeptic of skeptics…How do we know when we are dealing with the Truth? Bias seems to be more common than not in many forms of journalism. When ‘the facts’ are actually put to light, they don’t often shine so bright… The trio explores science, spirituality, mysticism and consumerism… a perfect treat for your yearly Christmas Eve inquiry…

Episode Outline:

Mr. Skeptiko (Skeptical, even of skeptics) – Alex encourages an assiduous examination of consciousness and those who deny it’s all-pervasive nature

Debunking the Debunker – How do we know when we are dealing with the Truth? Bias seems to be more common than not in many forms of journalism. When ‘the facts’ are actually put to light, they don’t often shine so bright

NDE (Not limited to the hospital) – Alex explains his takeaway from Eben Alexander’s book, ‘Proof of Heaven’. These experiences are ubiquitous, across many cultures, through many lifetimes. To truly study them requires a broad examination of the many ways in which they manifest

Imprinting – Many faces, many forms – All of which are manifestations of the One. Maharaji, a Hindu Guru, said to ‘meditate like Christ’

Science vs. Consciousness (Epiphenomenon of the Brain?) Science treats consciousness as a byproduct of the brain, in the same way that insulin is a byproduct of the pancreas. But when asked about the necessary precursors to consciousness, they aren’t able to pin it down. Science tends to resist the expansion of its current paradigm to encompass the mystery that is human consciousness

Psychedelics (Where do they fit in?) – Alex discusses some of the research being regarding the role of psychedelics in understanding consciousness. These compounds seem to be revealing more of what is already there, rather than simply skewing ‘normal’ reality

High-Minded Mysticism – Dave points out the prevalence of decidedly intelligent individuals among the outspoken proponents of many mystical and spiritual traditions. Unfortunately, much of Western culture is reluctant to let go of the ‘out of sight, out of mind’ mantra

Wrong Narrative (Have we all been duped?) – Who do we trust, and how do we trust them?

Science (Weak Samadhi) – The candle held by science seems to only reveal more darkness

Trust – (Being home, and knowing it) – The felt presence of direct experience is crucial, but science is unable to dissect it, and therefore diminishes its relevance

The Maharaji Connection – People, of all ages, all over the world, have been affected by Maharaji and his devotees. How could all of these individual experiences be mere coincidence?

Skeptical Mindrolling – There is a wonderful community unfolding online, with forward-thinking at its foundation. The access is unprecedented and will only continue to expand

Consumerism (A ‘natural’ byproduct of materialism) – Control seems to be at the center of this issue. “What better way to control your consciousness than to say it doesn’t exist?’ Much of what we take for granted in our culture is dependent upon this operating system

The Mindrolling Mission – Try not to espouse opinions or beliefs about occurrences you haven’t directly experienced