Varela 2026: A Conversation with Michael Pollan (Part 9)
About this episode
This episode features a conversation between Joan Halifax and Michael Pollan discussing the value and limits of mystical experience.
In Part 9 of the Varela Contemplative Science Retreat, Roshi Joan Halifax introduces a pre-recorded conversation with author Michael Pollan on the value and limits of mystical experience. Drawing on William James’s pragmatic test — treat mystical insight as a hypothesis, not proof — Pollan traces what these states teach us: chiefly, that self and consciousness can be disaggregated. Source
People in this episode
Host: Joan Halifax
Guest: Michael Pollan
Topics covered
- mystical experience
- consciousness
- self
- contemplative science
- pragmatic test
Keywords
- mystical experience
- consciousness
- self
- William James
- Varela Retreat
Mentioned in this episode
Books & works: William James
More episodes of Upaya Zen Center's Dharma Podcast
- The Open Gate
- Varela 2026: Closing Q&A (Part 11)
- Varela 2026: Panel Discussion – AI, Experience, and Ethics (Part 10)
- Varela 2026: Ethical Considerations in an Age of AI – Panel Discussion (Part 8)
- The Metta Sutta: What’s Love Got to Do with It?
- Varela 2026: In the Grove of Mortality (Part 7)
Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Upaya Zen Center's Dharma Podcast podcast page.