In this episode we discuss, overcoming mundane conceptions, coming to terms with yourself, the ground, path and result, the three treasures and the 5 Aggregates from the Buddhist traditions.

In this episode we have on Sureya Leonara. Sureya is a Holistic Sex & Relationship Coach. Most of the work Sureya does today is the result of buried passions, which she has discovered through my her own healing process. This journey inspired her and gave her the tools, compassion and experience to help others along similar journeys.

In this episode we discuss psychedelics as an introduction to Tantra religious trauma and being rejected by God, healing with plant medicine and Lyme disease, Chinese medicine changing one's perspective, learning the somatic language and learning to be able to trust herself. We also discuss experiencing sex without an agenda.

Sureya can be found at https://www.sureyaleonara.com/

In this episode we discuss working with shame and guilt, keeping it real, cultivating internal congruency , finding out where your values lay , aspects of emancipation and a cringe story from Daniel's life.

We discuss the role of society and sexuality, trauma and openness, the Kabbalist Bread of Shame, Jiminy Cricket, The fine line between innocence and naiveté, the role of spirituality in love and sexuality, sexually charged places and experiencing curiosity as a passion for experience.

In this episode we converse with Chicago based artist and healer Lady India.  We discuss many aspects of her life including growing up in a haunted house in Hinsdale Illinois, Mirror gazing and memories of being in the womb.  We get into details of her life that aided her in building toughness and how she learned to use art as a friend.  Lady India also bravely discusses an abusive relationship, the threats of death and isolation and how she broke this cycle and learned to trust again.

In this episode we continue our conversation with Keith Brewer as we dive further into his story and discuss learning through living, teaching self-defense, stripping the business from religion, finding authenticity and becoming the Monk without the Funk! A little on Keith...  as a child, several doctors told him that a congenital spinal and shoulder misalignment was going to have him in a wheelchair by the age of 13.  He was determined to prove them wrong and eventually stumbled on something called qigong,, and practiced it diligently.  QiGong is a meditational self-healing art from Ancient China.  Many years later, not only is Keith mobile and healthy, but is also an expert fighter and martial arts instructor. His passion today is teaching people how they can remain independent and healthy in addition to becoming stronger and more fit than they ever thought possible. He uses proven Eastern methods and the latest Western science to show his clients how to trigger their body’s innate healing ability so they can live a longer, more fulfilling life. Keith is a Level III Advanced Instructor certified by the American Tai Chi And Qigong Association and is currently deepening his knowledge of East Asian medicine. https://monkwithoutthefunk.com/

In this episode we have on Keith Brewer and discuss some of the many influential experiences in this life from childhood Bible meditations, to contemplating what it is to be an empty vessel and listening to the voice of Spirit as he ventured into the woods night after night as a young child.  We discuss tapping into one's natural store of knowledge and Keith's out of body experiences.  A little on Keith...  as a child, several doctors told him that a congenital spinal and shoulder misalignment was going to have him in a wheelchair by the age of 13.  He was determined to prove them wrong and eventually stumbled on something called qigong,, and practiced it diligently.  QiGong is a meditational self-healing art from Ancient China.  Many years later, not only is Keith mobile and healthy, but is also an expert fighter and martial arts instructor. His passion today is teaching people how they can remain independent and healthy in addition to becoming stronger and more fit than they ever thought possible. He uses proven Eastern methods and the latest Western science to show his clients how to trigger their body’s innate healing ability so they can live a longer, more fulfilling life. Keith is a Level III Advanced Instructor certified by the American Tai Chi And Qigong Association and is currently deepening his knowledge of East Asian medicine. https://monkwithoutthefunk.com/

In this episode we begin our dive into Dukkha, or what can be referred to as stress, suffering, unhappiness and the like.  We try and re-frame suffering and discuss the three types of suffering that is taught in Buddhism.  We take a quick peek at Jordan Peterson in the process and talk about Warrior Martyrdom.

We continue our breakdown of karma in this episode.  We discuss the effects of negative emotions, positive and negative forces on one's Karmic tendencies, insight and intention, rules, freedom and the potential corruption of one's environment on a local level. 

In this episode we begin to dive into the idea and philosophy of Karma.  We highlight paying things forward, cause and effect, Non-linear causality and more.  I enjoyed this discussion as I do all of our discussions and I hope you will as well. 

In this episode we continue our conversation on the Gnostic idea of different levels of being but we take a more relational approach and highlight the potential changes to one's relationships as they begin to experience shifts in their viewpoints and outlook on the world. 

Hey  Fellow GNTers! So, this is first of My Solo “Shot Of Spirit,” shorter episodes where Daniel and I get to share a little bit more about aspects  of Spirituality With A Twist.🍸  In this one, I do a “guide-through” of Zen Master Hakuin’s Meditations  for “Taxation”—Basically Just Being Over-Worked!—and Who Couldn’t Use That? Because who isn’t overworked in this Modern World? . . . Trick Question: No One! So, it is a meditation for Health and Longevity, but also for Psycho-Spiritual Understanding. Hakuin says it can even help you solve all those Crazy Zen Riddles those Zen Masters are always talking about . . . Does A Tree Falling In The Woods Really Make A "Sound" If No One's There To Hear It?  What IS The Sound Of One Hand Clapping Anyways?  Does A Dog Have A Buddha Nature?!  . . . Questions, Questions!  Enjoy The Episode 🍸

In this episode we conclude our discussion from the previous episode, Levels of Reality but specifically here we are dissecting Gnosticism and the Gnostic idea that there are different potentialities for various personas via the Gnostic lens of the human being.  We compare that to psychological and Ayervedic models and try to find the places in which there is some truth to this as well as highlight the issues with labeling people as one way or another.

In this episode we bring the conversation back to the emotional plague or as we called it, the contagion of ideas. We discuss how external forces create a false self, talking to the Matrix, living life as an artist and killing your creativity.

In this episode we further our discussion on Gnosticism and tie in some other traditions and their ideas on suffering, reality and what to do about it.  We also begin to look at what is known in Tantra as Divine Pride and Divine Appearance.

In this episode we discuss the idea of perennial philosophy, or as I playfully label it, Spiritual promiscuity, and its presence in our work, our lives and in our pursuit for understanding.  We highlight the idea of Spirit being immersed in matter, the transcendent nature of the Self and as the question; Is there a pure source of Being?  The answer might just lie in something that is beyond the obvious...

In this unique episode we talk about the adventures of Gnostic Jesus, Mary Magdaline, Sophia and Wisdom being a female entity.  We highlight feminity, Dakinis, the Prajna Paramita and Meta-Fictional Stories.

In this episode we begin to discuss the history of Gnosticism and give further insight to our interview with podcaster Miguel Connor of Aeon Byte.  We mention Elaine Pagels and her work the Gnostic Gospels, Heresy Hunters and the Discovery at Nag Hammadi.  We also discuss Gnostic concepts of spirits entering matter, freeing the spiritual sparks and we give the listeners a little quiz at the end that we will pay off in the next episode. 

In this episode dive into the classic Zen text, the Yasenkana, translated roughly as 'Chatting on a Boat at Night'.  We highlight the relevant parts from our previous episode and take the deep dive into the lessons learned from the author, Hakuin.  We share the meditation that he was given and its profound uses.  Additionally we get into a deep discussion on the state of Yoga in the West and the pitfalls that are inevitable when trying to package something that has to fit in one's schedule.     

We begin the episode by discussing Zen Master Hakuin and his work, the Yasenkana.  Eric then highlights a couple of the schools in Zen, specifically Soto and Rinzai.  We then put on our clinician hats and get into detail on the nature of burnout and taxation from an Eastern and Western perspective.

In this episode we catch up with Eric after he has been out for a couple weeks.  We then discuss addressing anger, the Zen Master Hakuin, the 4 types of teachers and squeezing the value out of traumatic situations.

In this episode we have on friend of the show, Priscilla Peach Lang... Yogi, Acupuncturist, Craniosacral Therapist, mother of two and so much more.  She joins this unique episode as I share a recent experience involving some aspects of one's deeper awareness.  We discuss recognizing the more subtle layers of our minds and how we can work to see that in others.  The meaning and use of the term namaste.  The language divide that separates speakers and listeners and describing the indescribable.  I have also provided a link to a course I will be teaching in February.  For more information you can follow the link or send us an email @ ginanttantra@gmail.com

Link to upcoming class in Feb 2022.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/shamanic-introductory-course-tickets-237222166887

In this episode we bring in friend of the show, Todd Love Ball Jr.  Todd is known as so much to so many... husband of 20 years, father of two, professional fitness trainer and coach, author, bodybuilder and a pillar of international relations.  Todd openly details his life's path from the streets of Englewood California to running a charity with his wife aiding villages in Kenya and everything in between.  Todd currently resides just outside of Chicago with his family and in addition to running his own business he writes books in his free time and conducts wedding ceremonies for interested parties as a dedication to Todd's love of love.

You can reach Todd and his wife from their Facebook page listed below.

https://www.facebook.com/ball4training

This is a recording for a talk I was asked to give for a group who was looking to better navigate the tumultuous political, financial and emotionally charged time we are living in.  It is an honor to be able to speak to what I believe can help.  There is no right answer for what ultimately will bring someone from a state of seeming despair to place of assumed prosperity but I hope to provide a bit of an outside opinion and maybe echo some things we have all heard before, be grateful... take a deep breath.  How to find balance and perspective in these tumultuous times?

Breathing practice from the episode:  Inhale:exhale 1:2 (example given is inhale 4 seconds, exhale 8 seconds).  The duration of the inhale can change but keep the exhale twice as long as the inhale for this technique.  

In this episode we discuss the preparations needed for the journey, but the journey to what? For what... and the why. We also discuss conditions of worth, having the freedom to choose and the possibility for radical change.

In this episode we continue and conclude our discussion on our authentic psychology and again return to the work of Carl Rogers and his concepts of Self-Actualization and the conditions of self worth.  We discuss being a good mirror - acceptance, understanding and honesty- in addition to highlighting how to develop natural immunity to one's self-concept.

In this episode we discuss the idea of there being a Universal plan...  What would that be?  Is that even a thing?  We take one approach to that question from a Kabalistic viewpoint in addition to other philosophies as well.  We also discuss soul contracts and much more!

In this episode we discuss the authentic psychology of yourself.  We take a look at the work of Carl Rogers and his ideas on becoming  a person, phenomonology and self-actualization.  

In this episode we dive into the Why of existence and ask the question, Are we trapped?  We debate and clarify our thoughts and positions in relation to this idea of being Spirits in Material.

This is the second part of our discussion on Spirits with friend of the show, Mary Kay Ryan.  Mary Kay shares a couple stories from her life that are seemingly beyond belief... if they weren't true.

In this episode we once again have on  friend of the show, Mary Kay Ryan... anthropologist, Chinese Medical doctor, Shamanic practitioner and teacher, mother and friend to many.  She and Eric ask Why  are people in general and spiritually inclined people specifically, so  reticent or downright unwilling to talk about spirits and ghosts?  How  did Spirits get taken out of spirituality?

2. How do we and/or different cultures feel about what happens after  death and how does that affect our thoughts/feelings about ghosts and  the dead?

3. What do we think Spirits are?

4. Why is Halloween associated with Ghosts and Spirits?

This was recorded just before Halloween so allow yourself to be transported to that time of the year when the Spirits are beginning to flow as the leaves turn and we bring our attention and energy inwards after the exuberance of the summer.

This is the second part of a two part episode with Miguel Conner, host of Aeon Byte; Gnostic Radio, a popular show that  takes audiences from ancient mysteries to a modern meaning. He has written articles  and fiction that have appeared in such publications as The Gnostic Journal, The Heretic, Mindscape, Reality Sandwich, and many others including being an Author of the Month for Graham Hancock’s website.

His books include the critically acclaimed Voices of Gnosticism  and Other Voices of Gnosticism (Bardic Press) and the post-apocalyptic vampire epic series, The Dark Instinct Trilogy (Warner Books/AB Press), as well as fantasy novel, The Executioner’s Daughter (Solstice Publishing).  A podcast on Gnosticism and so much more.

Miguel's life quest is to inspire others so they may find their authentic selves and artistic potential.

In this episode we discuss the beginnings of his creative work and discuss the Gnostic History of the Universe.  We discuss how we are own own system of suppression and how imagination is our divine spark.  We also discuss Miguel's new book '10 Snackable Meditations to Get You Through Any Shitty Day'.

Aeon Byte Podcast - https://thegodabovegod.com/

10 Snackable Meditations - https://thegodabovegod.com/10-snackable-meditations-2/

This is the first part of a two part episode with Miguel Conner, host of Aeon Byte; Gnostic Radio, a popular show that  takes audiences from ancient mysteries to a modern meaning. He has written articles  and fiction that have appeared in such publications as The Gnostic Journal, The Heretic, Mindscape, Reality Sandwich, and many others including being an Author of the Month for Graham Hancock’s website.

His books include the critically acclaimed Voices of Gnosticism  and Other Voices of Gnosticism (Bardic Press) and the post-apocalyptic vampire epic series, The Dark Instinct Trilogy (Warner Books/AB Press), as well as fantasy novel, The Executioner’s Daughter (Solstice Publishing).  A podcast on Gnosticism and so much more.

Miguel's life quest is to inspire others so they may find their authentic selves and artistic potential.

In this episode we discuss Miguel's dichotomous roots growing up in Mexico, attempting to escape reality, spiritual hitch hiking, the cynacism of the 90's, the metaphorical mind, Gnosticism and a spiritual constitution. 

Aeon Byte Podcast - https://thegodabovegod.com/

In this episode we the continue the breakdown of Zen and how to practice an authentic Zen meditation.  We discuss the how to's on the body, breath and mind as well as overcoming mental obstacles.

In this episode we begin our dive into the nuts and bolts of Zen meditation.  We also approach the unique aspects of meditation overall in today's culture we we attempt to find the woven thread of authenticity and personal experience.  We also discuss some of the physical components of meditation, Yoga and Samadhi.

In this episode we discuss the Taoist ideas on Health, Longevity and Immortality and what that means for our lives today. As this series continues we had wanted to take the opportunity to discuss the obstacles to authenticity and spontaneity in a more broad way.

We continue our conversation on the various methods to which different people may be drawn to different techniques of meditation.  We begin by discussing the Kaballah, Let-ers, spell casting and the power of language, identification, a meditation on the body and mindfulness.

Our meditation adventure continues as we peel back the layers on the term meditation and discuss more in depth how one can find a more applicable and enjoyable means to meditation.  We also discuss a desire for openess, uncovering oneself, connecting with the Tao and we ask the question... What is the difference between suspending disbelief and having faith?

This is the second part of our series on meditation,  we hope to have a sort of meditation encyclopedia but would be remiss if we did not highlight some reasons as to which one would even travel down the windy cobblestone pathway to infinity that is meditation.  We discuss using meditation as a means of connection to the deeper aspects of oneself and an external source.  We break down the analogy of what is referred to as the 'monkey mind' and look at some wrestling moves for your ego.  We also cover some visualizations and the inclusion of movement into one's practice.

This is the first in a series we are doing on meditation.  The whats, the whys and why nots in a lead-up to episodes on specific types of meditation.  In this episode we discuss Zen training,  authentic teachings and teachers who share their own experience, natural vs human controlled meditation, the free-floating mind (known also as Shikantaza), Zen riddles, a gradualistic approach and sudden, epiphenous moments of deep realization, psychedelics and being receptive versus being projective.  

In this episode we continue our conversation with Mary Kay Ryan.  She and Daniel detail Shamanic experiences of interacting with what are perceived as divine forces.  Mary Kay mentions the show Lucifer and its many humurous perspectives on various traditional views on the relationships between God and his family.  She also shares a story of meeting a Daoist Immortal... in Chicago!  Also we detail wisdom as a process of remembering, seeing the world as divine and communicating the feeling of an experience through storytelling.

In this episode we dive headfitst in nuance as we discuss perfectionism as a philosophical movement, a moral standard and a psychological impediment.  We discuss a journey to perfection experienced by Mary Kay and how she feels that a lot of therapy is about finding out who is at fault for why you are the way you are.  Mary Kay also discusses using Shamanic techniques for healing and asking oneself, what is the point of my life?

In this episode we share our thoughts and illuminate some of the aspects of the Robert Thurman episode, Rebel WITH a Cause.  We  go into  further detail about the 8 fold Path and Professor Thurman's book, Wisdom is Bliss and also dive deep into what is referred to as emptiness or as PRofessor Thurman calls it, freedom.

This is the second part of our conversation with Professor Robert Thurman and we get into a lot!  We start out by highlighting how it can be easy to feel overmatched by life and the oft difficulties in finding happiness, Einstein's spooky action at a distance, the human potential and the challenge of conquering oneself, rebelling against your surroundings and challenging conventional education.  We examine secularism and make the point that one cannot see what is dark... nor what is transparent.  We are very grateful to have Professor Thurman on again with us, enjoy the episode.

In this episode we share our thoughts and illuminate some of the aspects of the Robert Thurman episode, CTFU.  We  go into detail about wisdom and ignorance, science and realism, bliss and having fun, a dive into the Ground Path and Result, working on seeing beyond the mundane and experiencing everyday as its own life.

In this episode of Gin and Tantra we discuss Professor Thurman's New Book, Wisdom is Bliss and a link can be found in the description of this video if you are interested in it.   We do a sort of verbal Rorschach  with Professor Thurman and get his thoughts on a wide variety of topics in the book and so much more including...the importance of education and the suffering of change, experiencing all gain and NO pain, having fun on the spiritual path, happiness pushing people away from positions of power, the orgasmic potency and some plans for West Virginia.

 https://www.amazon.com/Wisdom-Bliss-Friendly-Facts-Change/dp/1401943438

In this episode we discuss Ecstatic Kabbalah and the works of Abraham Abulafia, hunting for the sparks of life, using bliss as a curative factor, the removal of Spirituality and the 72 names.

In this episode we conclude our conversation with Ashely around the chapter in her book titled, Dark Night of the Soul, a quote from Joseph Campbell.  We discuss the hero's journey, embodying all of the aspects of one's story and much more...

https://www.amazon.com/BETWEEN-ZEN-NOW-Journey-Shamanic-ebook/dp/B09DK8N1RY/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3CHN5187P1J6R&dchild=1&keywords=between+zen+and+now&qid=1632075513&sprefix=between+zen+and+now%2Caps%2C196&sr=8-1

In this episode we discuss Ashley’s beginnings and some driving forces in her life as well as understanding one’s experience’s and caring about people. Ashley also give the story around how she discovered ‘The Five Questions’…

A link to Ashley's book!

https://www.amazon.com/BETWEEN-ZEN-NOW-Journey-Shamanic-ebook/dp/B09DK8N1RY/ref=sr_1_1?crid=7S0BGN5EKJCB&dchild=1&keywords=between+zen+and+now+ashley+tomasino&qid=1632069160&sprefix=between+zen%2Caps%2C204&sr=8-1

In this episode we begin the discussion on meditation, connecting to one's deepest nature, the default mode network and people with highly refined senses.