524. Mark Nepo

Mark Nepo

Mark Nepo. Photo by Frank Berkhout

Mark has been called “one of the finest spiritual guides of our time,” “a consummate storyteller,” and “an eloquent spiritual teacher.” His work is widely accessible and used by many and his books have been translated into more than twenty languages. A bestselling author, he has published twenty-one books and recorded fourteen audio projects. In 2015, he was given a Life-Achievement Award by AgeNation. In 2016, he was named by Watkins: Mind Body Spirit as one of the 100 Most Spiritually Influential Living People, and was also chosen as one of OWN’s SuperSoul 100, a group of inspired leaders using their gifts and voices to elevate humanity. Mark has a regular columnist for Spirituality & Health Magazine. Recent books include Drinking from the River of Light; More Together Than Alone: Discovering the Power and Spirit of Community in Our Lives and in the World, cited by Spirituality & Practice as one of the Best Spiritual Books of 2018; Things That Join the Sea and the Sky, a Nautilus Book Award Winner; and The Way Under the Way: The Place of True Meeting, a Nautilus Book Award Winner. If you’d like more information about Mark, his books, or events, please visit MarkNepo.com or ThreeIntentions.com.

Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group.

Transcript of this interview

Interview recorded November 9, 2019.

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

YouTube Video Chapters:

  • 00:00:00 – Introduction to Buddha at the Gas Pump
  • 00:03:51 – Being a Conduit and a Membrane
  • 00:07:10 – Believing in Everything
  • 00:10:18 – The Diversity of Paths
  • 00:13:39 – The Story of Ganesh
  • 00:16:58 – The Addiction to Watching Things Fall Apart
  • 00:20:31 – The Two Tribes
  • 00:23:43 – The Paradox of Progress and Incarnation
  • 00:27:10 – The Essential Role of Music in Survival
  • 00:30:37 – Being the Poem and Breathing in Life
  • 00:34:04 – The Evolution of Creativity
  • 00:37:10 – The Disconnect and Epidemic of Mass Shootings
  • 00:41:05 – The Heart as a Gill
  • 00:44:35 – Looking Inward, Finding Contentment
  • 00:47:45 – The Power of Shared Consciousness
  • 00:51:31 – The Power of Connection and Resilience
  • 00:55:24 – The Wagon Wheel Metaphor and Community
  • 00:58:29 – The Power of Quotes from Presidents
  • 01:01:49 – Holding the Paradox of Being Jewish
  • 01:05:10 – Softening the Heart through Conversation
  • 01:08:19 – Feeling the Collective Consciousness
  • 01:11:50 – Distributing the Pain and Opening Our Hearts
  • 01:14:56 – The Wisdom of Suffering
  • 01:18:22 – The Continued Exposure of Misconduct and the Challenge of Enlightenment
  • 01:21:21 – Learning from Nature and Culture
  • 01:24:14 – Learning by Watching the Monkey
  • 01:27:12 – God’s Words on the Heart and a Compassionate Universe
  • 01:30:21 – The Little Worm and the Golden Web
  • 01:33:26 – The Unity of Creation and Interconnection
  • 01:36:38 – Starting the Day with Meaningful Rituals
  • 01:39:32 – Concluding Thoughts and Remarks