About this episode
Ann has been practising yoga and meditation for nearly 20 years and has since completed her Masters in the Traditions of Yoga and Meditation from SOAS University with ongoing Sanskrit training. Ann was inspired from an early age by her father’s anecdotal experiences with Kuṇḍalinī and his involvement in experiments with Zen priest and transpersonal scientist, Dr Motoyama. Her own experiences have pointed her towards a phenomenological investigation of the parallels between spontaneous Kuṇḍalinī awakenings and Buddhist paths to enlightenment. Her previous research focuses on the phenomenology of Buddhist and Yogic experiences through practice. Ann is currently researching spontaneous Kuṇḍalinī arousals and how these experiences map onto the path of realisation within Indian Buddhist and Yogic traditions as well as cutting-edge consciousness theory. Her mission is to gain a deeper understanding of the psychological processes that can arise from spontaneous transpersonal experiences or deep meditation practice and how we can safely support others walking this path towards greater wholeness. Website: annmathie.com Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group. Transcript of this interview Interview recorded October 8, 2022 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction and Background 00:04:25 - Kundalini and Theosophy 00:08:29 - Questioning Mainstream Sanity 00:11:53 - Exploring Different Religious Practices 00:16:02 - The Complexity of Traditions and Spiritual Paths 00:19:48 - The Path of Compassion and Moral Behavior 00:23:46 - The Three Components: Rajasic, Sattvic, Tamasic 00:27:39 - Breakthroughs and Trauma in Spiritual Experiences 00:31:07 - The Arhat and Enlightenment in Buddhism 00:34:34 - The Four Stages to Arhant-hood 00:38:12 - The Power of Insight in Teaching and Evaluation of Teachers 00:41:58 - The Importance of a Healthy Guru-Student Relationship 00:45:47 - Spiritual Integrity and Money in Modern Society 00:49:19 - Contrasting skillful means and direct realization 00:53:05 - The Benefits of Meditation Practice 00:56:57 - Dissolving the Illusion of Self-Personality 01:00:27 - Awakening Without Practice 01:04:25 - The Manifestation of Kundalini Energy 01:08:35 - Spontaneous Body Movements and Kriyas 01:12:06 - Letting Go of Stored Emotions 01:15:40 - The Relationship Between Shaking and Psychological Processes 01:19:28 - Managing Kundalini Energy for Individuals with Weak Neural Networks or Trauma 01:23:07 - The Consequences of Mind-Shattering Experiences 01:27:04 - The Challenges of Running a Marathon 01:30:51 - The Path to Enlightenment and Psychological Health 01:34:49 - The 10 Impurities of Insight 01:38:41 - The Importance of the Whole Path 01:42:18 - Finding Balance on the Spiritual Path 01:46:27 - Importance of Cultivating Right Intention 01:50:29 - The Importance of Compassion and Kindness 01:54:14 - A Conversation with Ann Mathie