Born in London, Dr. Churchill’s interest in psycho-spiritual development, Integral theory, Contemplative studies, Western Esotericism, and Mahayana Buddhism began in his adolescence,. During this time, John received the esoteric Planetary Dharma transmissions that would in time unfold as his contribution to a planetary fourth turning teaching.
Dr. Churchill spent 15 years training and teaching “Great Seal” meditation in an Indo-Tibetan Mahayana lineage under the mentorship of the late senior Western teacher, translator, respected author, and clinical psychologist Dr. Daniel P. Brown.
He is also a founding member of the Integral Institute led by esteemed Transpersonal/Integral philosopher, Ken Wilber.
John has received advanced training in: attachment therapy, hypnosis, positive psychology for peak performance, and the “Pointing Out” style of Mahamudra meditation.
For the last 25 years, John has developed a a Fourth Turning Planetary Dharma practice which includes the somatically based contemplative practice path; Embodying the Open Ground, that integrates psychodynamic healing, adult development and meditation.
John holds a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from William James College, and is a practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Married to his partner, Nicole since 2000, they are Co-Founders of Samadhi Integral, and Co-Directors of Karuna Mandala.
Book: Becoming Buddha: Buddhist Contemplative Psychology in a Western Context
Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group
Summary and transcript of this interview
Interview recorded January 29, 2023.
Video and audio below. Audio also available as a Podcast.
YouTube Video Chapters:
00:00:00 – Introduction to Buddha at the Gas Pump
00:05:37 – The Different Dimensions of Mind and Cross-training the Mind
00:11:07 – The Path of the Bodhisattva
00:17:12 – Meeting the Needs of a Different Population
00:22:54 – Developing a Contemplative System in the West
00:27:53 – Examining Components and Creativity in Meditation Practices
00:33:32 – Understanding Different Types of Spiritual Practices
00:39:15 – Transcending Sacred Technologies Through Collaboration
00:44:40 – Allowing Our Natural Tendency to Unfold
00:50:08 – Describing the Experience of Brahman
00:55:41 – Gaia as a Multidimensional Being
01:01:41 – Perspectives and Metacognition
01:07:26 – Exploring the Fundamental Nature of Reality
01:12:26 – The Next Stage of Human Development
01:18:12 – Education and Spiritual Development
01:23:03 – Tiered Levels of Cognition and Development
01:28:02 – The Four-Year Contemplative Education
01:32:05 – The Plant Dimension
01:33:19 – The Sacred Tradition of Herbal Medicine
01:38:25 – Thoreau’s Belief in Building Foundations
01:44:05 – A New Contemplative System with Psychedelics
01:49:43 – Legalization of Marijuana and Psilocybin
01:55:20 – Personal Experiences with the Law
02:00:07 – The Significance of a Skull Symbol
02:04:57 – Personal Connection and Future Meetup
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