Explore every episode of the podcast Spirit Matters- The Video Series

As longtime teachers and practitioners, and as co-founders of the Association for Spiritual Integrity, Jac O'Keeffe and Rick Archer have seen the good, bad, and ugly of contemporary spirituality. Here they dive into the need to promote ethical standards among spiritual teachers and ways to help seekers and students guard against spiritual abuse. Find out more about the Association for Spiritual Integrity Connect with Jac O'Keefe Ric Archer and Buddha at the Gas Pump Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Daaji, aka Kamlesh D. Patel, is the fourth and current spiritual guide of the Heartfulness Institute, a century-old lineage that used to be known as the Shri Ram Chandra Mission. The organization has taught Heartfulness Meditation to several million practitioners in 126 countries. In addition to teaching and overseeing an international organization, Daaji gives keynote addresses and conducts workshops around the world. Formerly a successful pharmacist in New York City for over three decades, he is also an author whose books include: The Wisdom Bridge; Designing Destiny; The Heartfulness Way; and his latest, Spiritual Anatomy: Meditation, Chakras, and the Journey to the Center.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Matthew Fox, the eminent theologian, author, and former Catholic priest, discusses his estrangement from the Church and his highly influential reframing of the Christian tradition with concepts such as Creation Spirituality and Original Blessing. A treasure trove of insights for everyone regardless of their path. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this first episode of the new Spirit Matters video series, we have a far-ranging, illuminating, and practical conversation with the renowned scholar of Buddhism, Robert Thurman. A close friend of the Dalai Lama and author of many books, including Wisdom is Bliss: Four Friendly Fun Facts That Can Change Your Life, Bob’s ability to communicate complex ideas in ways that everyone can understand and apply to their lives is on full display here – as is his playful wit. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The culmination of the ancient Vedic tradition, Vedanta represents the core teachings of what we call Hinduism. In its modern expression, it has had a huge influence on spiritual seekers around the world, and its impact continues to grow. In this interview, Swami Sarvapriyananda, the Minister and spiritual leader of the Vedanta Society of New York, and one of the primary proponents of Vedanta today, makes this profound and practical wisdom easily understandable and accessible. Vedanta Society of New York Swami Sarvapriyananda Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Connie Zweig, Ph.D., is a retired psychotherapist, a prolific author, and a practitioner and teacher of meditation for more than 50 years. Best known for her research and writing on Carl Jung's concept of the shadow, she's the co-author of Meeting the Shadow and Romancing the Shadow and the author of A Moth to the Flame (a novel about the life of the Sufi poet Rumi), the bestselling book on aging, The Inner Work of Age: Shifting from Role to Soul, and her latest book, Meeting the Shadow on the Spiritual Path: The Dance of Darkness and Light in Our Search for Awakening. About that book, the author says: "Within each of us is a spiritual longing that prompts us to unite with something greater than ourselves. Yet, no matter the spiritual path we choose, we inevitably encounter our own shadow." How to understand, recognize, and work effectively with our shadow is the main focus of this illuminating conversation.   Connie Zweig, Ph.D. Connect with Philip Goldberg Author, Speaker, Spiritual Counselor, Writing Coach Find books by Philip Goldberg and other MindBodySpirit.fm podcast hosts in the online store Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A penetrating conversation with the passionate and prolific expert on the world’s mystical traditions, Andrew Harvey. Andrew, the founder and director of the Institute of Sacred Activism, and author of more than 30 books, including Radical Regeneration, discusses the vital need for engaged spirituality in our times -- and much more.  Find out more about Andrew Harvey Find out more about Philip Goldberg- Author, Speaker, Workshop Leader and Spiritual Counselor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

[NOTE: Due to technical difficulties, Philip Goldberg is seen only in a still photo.] We explore deep and powerful spiritual lessons from the Christian mystics with one of the world's leading experts, Mirabai Starr. From John of the Cross and the dark night of the soul to the liberating teachings in the lives of female saints like Teresa of Avila, there are spiritual blessings to be gleaned. We also plunge into the heart of despair as Mirabai shares from personal experience how to grow spiritually following the heartbreak and grief of a painful loss. Connect with Mirabai Starr Find out more about author, spiritual teacher, counselor, and writing coach Philip Goldberg Find book from Philip Goldberg and other MindBodySpirit.fm podcast hosts in the online store Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We all have wounds. We've all struggled with pain, grief and loss. In this interview, the psychologist, contemplative teacher, and renowned author, James Finley, discusses what he calls "a path, a way of life, in which we human beings may be healed from all that hinders us from experiencing the steady, strong currents of divinity that flow on and on in the bitter-sweet alchemy of our lives." The author of "Merton's Palace of Nowhere," "Christian Meditation," and other books and audio series, Jim here draws on his latest book, "The Healing Path: A Memoir and an Invitation," pointing us to "the secret opening through which we pass into wholeness." Find out about James Finley and the Center for Action and Contemplation Connect with Philip Goldberg Author, Speaker, Spiritual Counselor, Writing Coach Find books by Philip Goldberg and other MindBodySpirit.fm podcast hosts in the online store Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, the interspiritual rabbi Rami Shapiro shows us the transformational value of exploring traditions other than our own. Listen as we discuss perennial teachings across boundaries, Rami's notion of "nondual aliveness," and much more. Find out more about award winning author Rabbi Rami Shapiro Connect with Philip Goldberg here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A deep and far-ranging conversation with the renowned spiritual teacher, poet, storyteller, and prolific author, Mark Nepo. Mark's 25 nonfiction books have sold more than a million copies. They include The Book of Awakening, which topped the New York Times bestseller list; More Together Than Alone; and most recently Surviving Storms: Finding the Strength to Meet Adversity. In addition, he just came out with a volume of his poetry titled The Half-Life of Angels. We'll learn about the link between creativity and spirituality, how to derive the greatest spiritual benefit from reading poetry, tips for surviving life's biggest challenges, and what we're called upon to do at this moment in history. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this deep conversation with renowned spiritual teacher Sally Kempton, author of Awakening Shakti: The Transformative Power of the Goddesses of Yoga and Meditation for the Love of It, we dive deeply into a variety of valuable topics, such as the practical implications of nonduality, the relational aspect of spirituality, working with personifications of the Divine, and meditation as play. And Sally leads us in a guided meditation.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices