Redesigning the Dharma

Episode 27 of Redesigning The Dharma by Sahaja Soma features a conversation with Dr. Ian Baker, an experienced scholar, explorer, and author specializing in Vajrayana Buddhism. They discuss Dr. Baker's transformative journey into pilgrimage, beginning with his initial exposure to Asian culture and Tibetan Buddhism during college.The conversation delves into the significance of pilgrimage in spiritual practice, including the concepts of outer, inner, and secret pilgrimage in the Tibetan tradition. Dr. Baker shares insights from his extensive experiences leading pilgrimages to sacred sites across the Himalayas, Bhutan, India, and beyond. They also explore contemporary pilgrimages, blending traditional practices with modern exploration, and the importance of cultivating a pilgrim’s mindset. Episode Highlights:00:00 Introduction to Dr. Ian Baker05:43 The Hidden Lands and Spiritual Practices08:48 Integrating Stillness and Movement15:38 The Concept of Outer, Inner, and Secret Pilgrimage26:50 Embracing Discomfort and Exploration32:42 The Hero's Journey and Ego Death34:14 Psychedelics, Religious Traditions, and Cultural Exchange On The Silk Road47:53 Pilgrim's Mindset vs. Tourist Mindset51:32 Mongolia vs Bhutan vs India & Upcoming OfferingsGuest Bio:Designated by the National Geographic Society as one of 7 “Explorers for the Millennium,” Ian Baker is an anthropologist, historian and author of multiple books on Tibetan and Himalayan art, culture and environment including The Heart of the World: A Journey to the Last Secret Place, Celestial Gallery, The Tibetan of Art of Healing, and The Dalai Lama’s Secret Temple, a collaborative work with His Holiness The Dalai Lama that illuminates Tantric Buddhist meditation practices.He completed graduate work at the University of Oxford and received his PhD after extensive fieldwork in Myanmar among contemporary practitioners of Buddhist alchemy. He subsequently worked with tantric Buddhist adepts in Bhutan, leading to his critically acclaimed book, Tibetan Yoga: Principles and Practices. Ian is an executive board member of Himalayan Consensus Institute and serves internationally as a consultant and lecturer in environmental and cultural heritage conservation. From 2011 until 2016 he collaborated with London’s Wellcome Trust, curating an exhibition of Himalayan art entitled ‘Tibet’s Secret Temple: Body, Mind and Meditation in Tantric Buddhism’ to which he also contributed texts, photography, and film.Ian leads pilgrimages and scheduled travel seminars in India, Tibet, and Bhutan with The Vajra Path, Caravanza, and on his own. He has also designed and conducted academic travel programs in Tibet, Bhutan, and Nepal for Smithsonian Institution, Boston Museum of Fine Arts, and National Geographic Society. Through the Hidden Lands Trust, he works actively to preserve indigenous cultures and ecosystems in the eastern Himalayas, based on local models of environmental conservation that ensure sustained benefit to local communities.DR. IAN BAKER’S WEBSITEEXPLORE INNER AND OUTER JOURNEYS WITH THE VAJRA PATHART PILGRIMAGES WITH CARAVANSACONNECT WITH IAN ON SOCIALREACH OUT VIA EMAIL

Episode 25 of Redesigning The Dharma by Sahaja Soma features a conversation with Brazilian artist, Tiffani Gyatso, about her life and work in Tibetan Buddhist Thangka painting. Tiffani begins by sharing her fascinating journey, from her upbringing in a spiritual community in Brazil to her studies in sacred art and geometry. They discuss her studies at the Gandan Monastery in Mongolia and the Norbulingka Institute in India, as well as her contemporary art practices and sacred pilgrimages. The conversation delves into themes of spiritual anatomy, the power of imagination, and the intersection of art and spirituality. Tiffani also discusses her art retreats at Atelier YabYum in Brazil, her global pilgrimages, and the importance of embracing both duality and non-duality in spiritual practice.Episode Highlights:00:00 Introduction to Tiffany Gyatso04:56 Discovering & Training In Traditional Tibetan Thangka Art12:59 Expanding With Sacred Art and Geometry22:58 How Art Transforms Perception And Helps Open Consciousness34:45 The Power of Imagination And The Erotic in Buddhism41:31 Duality In Life, Art, and Buddhism49:50 How To Balance Conceptual and Experiential Learning58:30 The Value of Pilgrimage and Upcoming OfferingsGuest Bio:Tiffani Gyatso is a Brazilian artist born in 1981. She studied graphic design in Munich, Germany and later specialized in Thangka Painting (Tibetan Buddhist Art). She was introduced to sacred arts at the Gandam monastery in Mongolia and completed her studies at the Norbulingka Institute, in India (2003-06). In 2016/17/19 she enrolled in several courses in sacred geometry and Islamic patterns at the Prince School (PSTA) in London, UK.From 2007 to 2012 she undertook the large-scale project to paint a complete Tibetan temple (CEBB) in traditional form in south of Brazil. She teaches Thangka painting since 2006 all over Brazil and South America, opening in 2016 the first school and art retreat in Brazil dedicated to this art form, the Atelier YabYum. Alongside her traditional practice, Tiffani explores a more intuitive and contemplative artistic language in her contemporary work. Horses, symbols of vitality and freedom that have accompanied her since childhood, are the main inspiration behind her paintings. Her contemporary works have been exhibited in Brazil and New York.In 2015, she published Life and Thangka, and she continues to contribute writings to Buddhistdoor Global.Tiffani has been leading annual art pilgrimages to India and Tibet since 2013, and in 2017, she co-founded Mystic Art Retreats to make the practice more accessible.She works today at her studio Atelier YabYum at the inner state of São Paulo and teaches all over the country and South America. She lectures traditional Thangka painting and also gives Immersions on Creative art, self expressions and Art therapy groups which she developed based in body awareness, movement and contemplative arts.TIFFANI GYATSO’S WEBSITECONNECT WITH TIFFANI ON SOCIALEXPLORE MYSTIC ART RETREATS

Episode 23 with Redesigning The Dharma by Sahaja Soma is part 2 of a conversation with Dr. Miles Neale. Dr. Miles Neale is a psychotherapist, Tibetan Buddhist teacher, and author. This episode continues with a discussion on the profound significance of inner, outer, and secret pilgrimages; the challenges and rewards of integrating these transformative experiences into everyday life; and the collective pilgrimage of humanity in the face of modern crises. Dr. Neale also shares personal insights from his move to Bali and his ongoing work, including his experiences leading international pilgrimages, and the launch of his newest book, Return with Elixir .Episode Highlights:00:00 Introduction to Dr. Miles Neale03:31 Therapy as a Form of Pilgrimage05:44 The Challenges of Integration11:31 The Collective Pilgrimage of Civilization17:20 The Importance of a Guided Path23:34 The Illusion of Quick Enlightenment32:43 Personal Journey: Moving to Bali40:02 Upcoming Pilgrimages and Final ThoughtsGuest Bio:Dr. Miles Neale is a psychotherapist in private practice, teacher of Tibetan Buddhism, founder of the Gradual Path for inner and outer journeys, author of Gradual Awakening, and co-editor of Advances in Contemplative Psychotherapy.His latest book, Return with Elixir: Four Maps for the Pilgrimage of the Soul Through Death and Rebirth (Inner Traditions, 2025), integrates Joseph Campbell’s mythology, Carl Jung’s psychology, Tibetan Buddhist alchemy, and the precession of the equinoxes.Over the past twenty-five years, Miles has fused Eastern spirituality with Western psychology. He earned a Masters in meditation research from New York University, a Doctorate in clinical psychology from the California Institute of Integral Studies, and trained in long-term mentor-student relationships with preeminent American Buddhist scholars Professor Robert Thurman, PhD, and Dr. Joseph Loizzo, MD, PhD as well as Tibetan master Geshe Tenzin Zopa.He has taught psychology and meditation at the integrative medical clinics of Harvard, Columbia, and Cornell universities, designed and led the two-year Contemplative Studies Immersion certificate program based on the Tibetan gradual path (lam-rim), offers courses and workshops internationally including at the Tibet House, US, and has initiated service projects supporting nunneries in the Himalayan region.Miles curates and leads life-changing pilgrimages to sacred sites around the world and lives between New York City and Bali, Indonesia.DR. MILES NEALE’S WEBSITEREAD “RETURN WITH ELIXIR”EXPLORE PILGRIMAGES ON THE GRADUAL PATHDR. MILES NEALE’S INSTAGRAM

Episode 21 with Redesigning The Dharma by Sahaja Soma features a conversation with Zahra Adloo, a Los Angeles-based mental health professional and psychedelic integrator who specializes in integrating Eastern philosophy with Western psychology. Zahra shares her unique approach to therapy, incorporating Reiki, trauma-informed yoga, and somatic practices to help individuals reconnect with their core identities and overcome challenges such as trauma, addiction, and anxiety.The discussion delves deeply into Zahra's personal experience with psychedelics, particularly Ayahuasca and Ibogaine, and how these experiences facilitated her healing journey and informed her professional practice. The conversation also touches on themes like non-attachment, surrender, the importance of self-awareness, and maintaining a healthy balance between productivity and personal well-being. Additionally, Zahra shares her interest in biohacking and longevity as part of a holistic approach to mental health and personal growth.Episode Highlights:00:00 Introduction to Zahra Adloo01:56 Zahra's Psychedelic Journey13:17 The Transformative Power of Stillness27:04 Integrating Psychedelic Experiences34:08 Releasing The Ego & Discerning True Purpose40:04 Karmic Visions and Ayahuasca52:45 Embodying Healing As A Psychedelic Facilitator1:03:04 Biohacking and Plant Medicine For LongevityGuest Bio:Zahra Adloo is a dedicated mental health professional and wellness host based in Los Angeles, specializing in helping individuals find meaning and purpose by uncovering their authentic selves. Through her unique, integrative approach, Zahra assists clients in navigating personal challenges and reconnecting with their core identities, fostering clarity, direction, hope, and healing.Her clinical work blends Eastern philosophy with Western psychology, incorporating Reiki, energy healing, trauma-informed yoga, and somatic practices. Zahra’s therapeutic focus on self-compassion and empowerment has transformed the lives of those struggling with trauma, addiction, anxiety, depression, OCD, and body image issues.Zahra is also an expert in psychedelic integration, particularly in the use of Ibogaine for addiction recovery. As a Certified Psilocybin-Assisted Therapist through Fluence, she offers compassionate, informed care through every stage of the psychedelic healing process.Beyond private practice, Zahra curates transformational wellness events across Los Angeles, where she creates safe and inspiring spaces for individuals to connect deeply with themselves and each other. Her events are rooted in themes like building community, reclaiming authenticity, nervous system healing, and integrating spiritual and mental well-being.Trained at Palo Alto University in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Marriage and Family Therapy, Zahra also draws personal inspiration from yoga, hiking, creative writing, travel, and her work as a podcast host and speaker. Her passion for cross-cultural connection and holistic transformation makes her an invaluable guide for those seeking soul-aligned mental health and growth.ZAHRA’S WEBSITEZAHRA’S INSTAGRAM

Episode 19 with Redesigning The Dharma by Sahaja Soma is an enlightening conversation with Spring Washam, the founder of Lotus Vine Journeys.Adrian and Spring catch up and discuss the evolution of Lotus Vine Journeys and its 10-year-long history of ayahuasca retreats blended with a Buddhist framework.Spring shares her insights on the ever-changing nature of spiritual practices, the ethical considerations in shamanic traditions, and the deep healing she’s undertaken over the decade.The discussion touches upon the importance of preparation and integration in plant medicine journeys, ethical tensions in traditional settings, and the benefits of incorporating sacred plant teachings with non-dual Buddhist principles. They also explore the possibility of sustainable practices with alternative plants like peganam harmala and the broader implications of psychedelics in shifting global consciousness.Episode Highlights:00:00 Introducing Spring Washam04:30 Integrating Dharma and Plant Medicine14:31 Ethics and Evolution in Plant Medicine Practices21:13 The Role of the Maestro and Direct Connection33:47 Honoring Ayahuasca Traditions While Embracing Change38:10 Integrating Buddhism into Ayahuasca Ceremonies44:53 The Importance of Psychedelic Preparation52:45 Sustainability and Accessibility of Plant MedicinesGuest Bio:Considered a pioneer in bringing mindfulness-based meditation practices to diverse communities; Spring Washam is a well-known teacher, healer, and visionary leader based in Oakland, California.She is the author of A Fierce Heart: Finding Strength, Courage and Wisdom in Any Moment and The Spirit of Harriet Tubman: Awakening from the Underground.Spring is one of the founding teachers at the East Bay Meditation Center, an organization that offers Buddhist teachings with attention to social action and multiculturalism. She is a member of the teacher’s council at Spirit Rock Meditation Center, offering teachings on Buddhist philosophy, Insight meditation and loving-kindness practices. Spring is also the founder of Lotus Vine Journeys, a one-of-a-kind organization that blends indigenous healing practices with Buddhist wisdom for transformative retreats in South America.She has practiced and studied Buddhist philosophy in both the Theravada and Tibetan schools of Buddhism since 1999. Spring is also a shamanic practitioner and has studied indigenous healing practices since 2008.Spring’s workshops, interviews, and writing can be found in mainstream media worldwide.SPRING’S WEBSITESPRING ON INSTAGRAMLOTUS VINE JOURNEYS WEBSITELOTUS VINE JOURNEYS ON INSTAGRAM

Episode 17 with Redesigning The Dharma by Sahaja Soma is the first part of a two-part conversation with Todd Norian, the founder of Ashaya Yoga®. The conversation centers on Tantra Yoga and how it offers a nondual and joyous framework for understanding life.Todd begins the discussion by debunking some misconceptions of Tantra and then dives deeper into some of the core tenets of the practice, including its view on suffering, the balance between transcendence and embodiment, and the value of embracing life's full spectrum of experiences and emotions.This episode highlights a more integrated approach to the householder path and encourages listeners to view life, including its challenges, as part of their awakening journey.Episode Highlights:00:00 Introducing Todd Norian03:03 Defining Tantra Yoga and Clearing Up Misconceptions12:10 The Balance Between Transcendence and Immanence17:56 Questioning Perfection and the Guru Tradition23:46 Embracing The Discomfort of Challenging Emotions Like Loneliness and Grief33:39 Three Guiding Questions For Spiritual Awakening and Empowerment Through TantraGuest Bio:Todd Norian, E-RYT 500, YACEP, internationally acclaimed yoga teacher, founder of Ashaya Yoga, author of Tantra Yoga: Journey to Unbreakable Wholeness, A Memoir, musician, acharya in Blue Throat Yoga, and a Kripalu Legacy Faculty, teaches classes, workshops, retreats, and teacher trainings both live in-person and online, for students and teachers all over the world.A student of yoga since 1980, Todd brings a depth of inner strength, devotion, vulnerability, and an unapologetic sense of humor to everything he does. Todd seeks to awaken others to their inherent potential for healing and joy by integrating the body, mind, and heart through Ashaya Yoga and meditation.In 2012, Todd founded Ashaya Yoga®, an alignment-based, heart-centered practice which uses the five elements and the teachings from the Nondual Tantra tradition to build strength and flexibility while giving students access to a universe of power within. He is a guest teacher at many renowned spiritual centers and conferences including Kripalu Center, Omega Institute, Esalen, and the Toronto Yoga Show. As a classically trained jazz musician, Todd created several music albums for yoga and relaxation, including the world-renowned Bija: Soothing Music and Mantras for Yoga and Meditation.ASHAYA YOGAASHAYA YOGA ON INSTAGRAMASHAYA YOGA ON FACEBOOK

Episode 15 with Redesigning The Dharma by Sahaja Soma features a conversation with Sara Lewis, PhD, LCSW, the co-founder and director of training and research at Naropa University’s center for Psychedelic Studies. This conversation explores the intersection psychedelic-assisted therapy, healing intergenerational trauma, building resilience in the face of adversity, and how having a background grounded in contemplative practices can support with the preparation and integration of using plant medicines like ayahuasca and soma for greater healing. The conversation delves into the diverse frameworks for psychedelic-assisted therapy and advocates to make these transformative experiences accessible and meaningful for a wide range of individuals.Episode Highlights:00:00 Introducing Sara Lewis, PhD, LCSW03:07 The Intersection of Psychedelics and Dharma08:54 Somatic Experiencing Why Groundedness Is Important When Using Psychedelics14:33 How To Integrate Insights After Ceremony25:44 Traditional vs Modern Approaches For Psychedelic Use42:52 How Psychedelics And Buddhism Can Support With Healing TraumaGuest Bio:Sara Lewis, PhD, LCSW is co-founder and Director of Training and Research at Naropa University's Center for Psychedelic Studies. Sara earned her PhD at Columbia University in medical anthropology and public health; her research sits at the intersection of religion, culture and healing with an emphasis on non-ordinary states. As a Fulbright scholar, she conducted long term ethnographic research in India, culminating in her book, Spacious Minds: Trauma and Resilience in Tibetan Buddhism, which investigates how Buddhist concepts of mind shape traumatic memory and pathways to resilience. Sara has also published research on ayahuasca and spiritual emergencies. As a contemplative psychotherapist, she specializes in intergenerational trauma and healing through Somatic Experiencing and psychedelic-assisted therapy. She is an Associate MDMA-Assisted Therapy Training Consultant for Lykos Therapeutics and provides ketamine-assisted psychotherapy in her private practice in Boulder, CO.CONNECT WITH SARASARA AT NAROPA UNIVERSITYSARA ON LINKEDIN

Episode Summary:Episode 13 of Redesigning The Dharma by Sahaja Soma features a conversation with poet, artist, and Zen meditation teacher, Brooke McNamara. The discussion centers on the intersection between art and Zen Buddhism and explores themes like the embodiment of Eros, the paradox of transcendence and intimacy, and the importance of uncertainty in spiritual practice. Brooke also reads one of her touching poems, 'Change the Lighting,' and discusses her perspective on poetry as a vehicle for transmitting life's vibrancy. The conversation touches on the influences of various Zen and Tantric masters and how their teachings intersect with creative expression and wraps up with a summary of her current work as an artist and with Dragon Lake Zen, a meditation community based in Colorado.Episode Highlights:00:00 Guest Introduction02:03 Exploring the Intersection of Zen, Meditation, and Creativity19:27 Embracing Uncertainty and Aliveness in Zen25:37 Erotic and Creative Energies in Zen and Poetry36:35 The Importance of Ethics in Transgressive Practices39:51 Poetic Reflection and Closing ThoughtsGuest Bio:Brooke McNamara, MFA, is a poet, dance-theater artist, teacher, and Zen dharma holder. She has published two books of poems: Bury the Seed (2020) and Feed Your Vow (2015). For her poetry, she is the recipient of the Charles B. Palmer prize from the Academy of American Poets. Brooke has taught at Naropa University in Yoga Studies and at the University of Colorado, Boulder in Dance, and she is co-director with Lauren Beale of Eunice Embodiment, an organization that offers cutting edge performances, embodiment education, and creative practice workshops and retreats. Brooke is creator and instructor of the online courses Write to the Heart of Motherhood, Summoning the Unseen, Cultivate: Creative Practice (with Lauren Beale), and Women’s Ritual of Renewal (with Lisa Gibson). She is a long time Zen student of Diane Musho Hamilton, Roshi, and empowered as a dharma holder. Brooke lives with her husband, Rob, and their two wild, adorable sons, Lundin and Orion. CONNECT WITH BROOKEBROOKE ON INSTAGRAMDRAGON LAKE ZEN MEDITATION COMMUNITY

Episode 11 of Redesigning The Dharma by Sahaja Soma is part two of a conversation with shamanic Reiki master healer, Danielle Rateau. This episode explores Danielle's holistic healing journey, including her work at an ayahuasca center in the Sacred Valley, Peru and her expertise in with Reiki. Adrian and Danielle dive into the the details of working with ayahuasca including the often-overlooked importance of preparation before ceremonies, the impact of relaxing and somatically connecting with the experience, the role of set and setting on ayahuasca journeys, and of course, the importance of community and integration post-ceremony.Episode Highlights:00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest05:21 Meditation, the Nervous System and Preparation Before Ayahuasca Ceremonies14:01 Surrendering and Having Faith In The Medicine22:50 Set and Setting in Psychedelic Experiences33:33 Balancing Silence and Music in Ceremonies37:23 Community and Connection in IntegrationGuest Bio:Danielle Rateau has been dedicated to the path of holistic healing since 2017. After two years living and working at an eco yoga community in Australia, she traveled the world exploring different healing modalities. In 2022, she worked at an Ayahuasca retreat in the Sacred Valley of Peru, where she deepened her understanding of Shamanism and healing with plant medicine. As a Shamanic Reiki master practitioner, Danielle offers distance healings through her practice, Soul Embodied Reiki & Energy Healing. Through YouTube, she shares videos about personal growth, spirituality, holistic healing, and Reiki/ASMR.CONNECT WITH DANIELLEDANIELLE ON YOUTUBEDANIELLE ON INSTAGRAMREIKI ASMR ON YOUTUBE

Episode 8 of Redesigning The Dharma by Sahaja Soma features a conversation with Erik Davis, an author and founding member of The Alembic at Berkeley. The discussion begins with an introduction to Davis’ recent work on an upcoming book about LSD blotter art and his Substack 'Burning Shore.' They delve into the contemporary dharma scene, the strengths and weaknesses of the younger generation of practitioners, and how psychedelics play a role in this landscape. Erik shares about the intersections between Zen practice, the non-dual awareness traditions, and psychedelics, emphasizing the importance of a pluralistic and open-minded approach to spirituality. The dialogue encapsulates a rich discussion on the challenges and opportunities within modern spiritual practices, the evolving landscape of psychedelic experiences, and the balance between tradition and innovation.Episode Highlights:00:00 Introduction, Guest Background, Erik’s Current Projects02:18 Insights From The Alembic: Observations on Young Dharma Practitioners12:16 Disenchantment and Enchantment in Psychedelic Experiences30:42 The Participant Observer: A Journey of Discernment and Non-Duality44:10 The Open Source Approach to Spirituality and Its Challenges50:55 Embracing Pluralism and Mystery in Spiritual PracticeGuest Bio:Erik Davisis an author, award-winning journalist, sometimes podcaster, and popular speaker based in San Francisco. He is the author of five books, including High Weirdness: Drugs, Esoterica, and Visionary Experience in the 70s; Nomad Codes: Adventures in Modern Esoterica; The Visionary State: A Journey through California’s Spiritual Landscape; and the 33 1/3 volume Led Zeppelin IV. His first and best-known book remains TechGnosis: Myth, Magic, and Mysticism in the Age of Information, a cult classic of visionary media studies that’s still in print.Erik’s scholarly and popular essays on California, music, technoculture, drugs, and spirituality have appeared in scores of books, magazines, and journals, and his writing has been translated into over a dozen languages. Davis has spoken widely at universities, conferences, retreat centers, and festivals, and has been interviewed by CNN, the BBC, NPR, and the New York Times. He graduated from Yale University in 1988, and earned his PhD in religious studies at Rice University in 2015. He currently writes the Substack publication Burning Shore.CONNECT WITH ERIKSUBSCRIBE TO BURNING SHORETHE ALEMBICSEE ALL EPISODES

Episode 6 of Redesigning The Dharma by Sahaja Soma features part two of a conversation between Ryan Oelke from Buddhist Geeks and Adrian Baker. This episode talks about integrating awakening into modern culture through cultural, philosophical, and personal experiences. They discuss the distinction between proprietary dharma and open source dharma, the importance of personal development, societal structures, and the significance of embodying awakening. Oelke also shares his journey from traditional Vajrayana to studying with Judith Blackstone and the creation of his Integral Dharma course, emphasizing the essence and experiential aspects of awakening.Episode Highlights:00:10 Introduction and Guest Background01:21 Exploring Proprietary Dharma vs Open Source Dharma08:55 Transition from Traditional Vajrayana to Integral Practices11:13 The Role of Therapy in Spiritual Growth17:09 The Concept of Integral Dharma30:06 Closing Remarks and Future PlansGuest Bio:Ryan is an Executive Coach at Stagen, an Integral Leadership Academy based in Dallas, Texas; co-founder and teacher at Buddhist Geeks; and a Senior Teacher in Judith Blackstone’s Realization Process. He has an MSEd in counseling psychology and 20+ years experience in meditation, particularly in the Tibetan Buddhist and Dzogchen lineages.Ryan teaches an integral path of embodied, responsive presence and invites others into the mystery of their own lived experience and embodiment. His approach is grounded in the foundation of waking up, and includes cleaning up (healing), growing up, and showing up in the world.He also has a BA in Spanish, 3 years of graduate study of classical Tibetan and translation, and is a passionate learner and teacher of languages.CONNECT WITH RYANRYAN’S WEBSITERYAN’S LINKEDININTEGRAL LIFEAWAKENING IN LIFE FOUNDATIONBUDDHIST GEEKSSEE ALL EPISODES

Episode 4 of Redesigning The Dharma by Sahaja Soma features a conversation with Lama Justin von Bujdoss from Yangti Yoga. Justin is an American Buddhist teacher and chaplain ordained in the Karma Kamtsang tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. Deeply invested in the preservation and adaptation of Tantric Buddhist tradition in the West, Justin shares his experiences as an ordained Repa, a position emphasizing householder tradition. He discusses his past work at the New York City Department of Corrections, the use of plant medicines in spiritual practice, and the importance of integrating meditation into everyday life. Justin also talks about his efforts in preserving Tantric Buddhist tradition through innovative methods, one of which is his aligning of Vajrayana teachings with social justice causes and environmental activism.Episode Highlights:00:00 Introduction and Justin’s Background04:44 The Role of Monasticism and the Alternative As A Householder11:46 The Paradox of Renunciation in Householder Practice19:03 The Power of Tantra and Its Contrast with Dzogchen and Mahamudra23:19 The Profundity of the Ordinary Moment in Practice35:19 Integrating Teachings with Plant Medicines such as Iboga42:49 The Role of Plant Medicine in Vajrayana Buddhism55:53 The Importance of Shorter Meditation Sessions in the Integration of Practice In Daily Life01:03:00 The Inevitability of Death and the Practice of DharmaGuest Bio:Justin von Bujdoss is an American Buddhist teacher and chaplain.He was ordained as a repa in the Karma Kamstang tradition of Tibetan Buddhism by His Eminence Goshir Gyaltsab Rinpoche in 2011 and given the name Repa Dorje Odzer.From 2012 until 2017 Justin served as the resident-lama and executive director of New York Tsurphu Goshir Dharma Center, an urban dharma organization which functioned as an affiliate of Palchen Chosling Monastic Institute, Ralang, Sikkim, India. Up until last year, Justin worked as the first dedicated Staff Chaplain for the New York City Department of Correction, providing spiritual support for the 13,000 employees, both uniformed and non-uniformed, who work through out the New York City Corrections system.Justin is the author of Modern Tantric Buddhism: Authenticity and Embodiment in Dharma Practice published by North Atlantic Books, and a contributor to Buddhism and Whiteness: Critical Reflections published by Lexington Books. He is also a co-founder of Bhumisparsha, an experimental Buddhist sangha along with Lama Rod Owens, and Yangti Yoga, a retreat center rooted in the practice of dark retreat along with Dr. Nida Chenagtsang.CONNECT WITH JUSTINJUSTIN’S WEBSITEBHUMISPARSHA SPIRITUAL COMMUNITYYANGTI YOGA RETREAT CENTERROOT HEALING PORTUGAL RETREATSEE ALL EPISODES

Episode 2 of Redesigning The Dharma by Sahaja Soma features a conversation with Chi Psilocybin from MushroomTao. This episode revolves around Chi's spiritual journey which began with meditation in the Theravada tradition and pivots to incorporate the use of psilocybin mushrooms. Chi provides insight on the intersection of Dharma and psychedelics and emphasizes how both practices were pivotal in addressing certain elements of his trauma and depression. Some topics explored include the multiple facets of mindfulness, addiction, fame, and how mushrooms can be a powerful mechanism for empowering people to make a change.Episode Highlights:00:09 Introduction and Chi's Journey into Meditation11:23 The Impact of Mushrooms on Chi's Life and his Approach to Guiding Others On Psychedelic Journeys19:42 Buddhism’s Impact Perspective and Value Shifts26:10 The Negative Impact of Social Media and The Desire For Fame31:54 Humility, Gratitude, and Power Dynamics in the Guru Role36:43 The Value of Embodying Teachings, Connecting to the Heart, and Encouraging Self-RelianceGuest Bio:Chi Psilocybin is a facilitator, connector, and mentor for journeyers at every stage of the psilocybin initiation, from curious seekers to experienced guides and growers. He supports journeyers in managing expectations, letting go of rigid ideas, avoiding common pitfalls, and approaching psychedelic experiences with a long-term perspective. He is the co-founder of MushroomTao.Com, TripSitters.Org, and PsychEdCR.Org.CONNECT WITH CHISEE ALL EPISODES