537. Roger Walsh

Roger WalshRoger Walsh MD., Ph.D. DHL graduated from Queensland University with degrees in psychology, physiology, neuroscience, and medicine, came to the United States as a Fulbright scholar, and is currently a professor of psychiatry, philosophy, anthropology, and religious studies at the University of California. His research interests include psychological health and wellbeing, virtues such as love and wisdom, practices such as meditation that foster them, and the psychological roots of our current social and global challenges.

Roger’s books include Paths Beyond Ego, The World of Shamanism, and Essential Spirituality: The 7 Central Practices to Awaken Heart and Mind, and he recently edited the modestly titled volume, The World’s Great Wisdom. His research and writings have received over twenty national and international awards. He was formerly a circus acrobat, held world records in trampolining and high diving, and recently graduated from the San Francisco Comedy College and had an extremely brief and unsuccessful career as a standup comedian.

For more information, see drrogerwalsh.com

Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group.

Transcript of this interview

Interview recorded February 15, 2020.

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

YouTube Video Chapters:

  • 00:00:00 – Introduction: Buddha at the Gas Pump
  • 00:04:25 – A Shocking Revelation about Water
  • 00:08:32 – The Hidden Disciplines of Religion
  • 00:13:19 – Multiple Perspectives on Realization and Developmental Stages
  • 00:18:06 – Psychological Maturity and Spiritual Development
  • 00:22:12 – The Enlightenment and the Awakening to Pure Consciousness
  • 00:26:16 – The Limitations of Scientists and the Recognition of Pure Consciousness
  • 00:31:02 – Consciousness awakening through the nervous system
  • 00:34:19 – The Universe Becoming Conscious
  • 00:39:07 – Inherent growth dynamic in the psyche
  • 00:43:30 – The Transition to Post-Conventional Thinking
  • 00:47:33 – The Wisdom of Spiritual Practice
  • 00:51:30 – The Spiritual Gravity that Draws the Mind Within
  • 00:55:42 – Different Stages Reflecting Different Worldviews and Values
  • 01:00:23 – The Developmental Stages of Consciousness and Psychology
  • 01:04:38 – The Marrying of Technology and Spirituality
  • 01:09:31 – The Importance of Ethics in Spiritual Practice
  • 01:13:52 – The Dangers of the “Ends Justify the Means” Mentality
  • 01:17:21 – The Story of Narada and Maya
  • 01:21:01 – Motivation and Emotional Transformation
  • 01:25:14 – The Nature of Craving
  • 01:30:07 – The Dystopian Future of Addiction
  • 01:34:32 – The Race between Consciousness and Catastrophe
  • 01:38:40 – Surfing the Spiritual Wave
  • 01:42:53 – Mapping the Territory of Consciousness
  • 01:47:33 – Tapping into the Universal
  • 01:52:15 – Openness to Feedback and Understanding
  • 01:56:33 – Hanging Out with Kindred Souls
  • 02:00:07 – Practice and Transformation
  • 02:04:10 – Going Deeper into Ourselves and the World
  • 02:07:43 – A Conversation with an Expert