Redesigning the Dharma

In Episode 30 of Redesigning The Dharma by Sahaja Soma, Adrian Baker continues his conversation with Zen priest and Dzogchen practitioner, Kokyo Henkel. They discuss how he balances Zen and Dzogchen practices on a day-to-day basis—keeping ritual practices separate, and dive into his current hermitage life, his upcoming book, and the differences between between group and solitary retreat. This episode presents concrete advice onscheduling, exercise, reading/chanting, boundaries, weekly retreat days, and modern challenges like phone distraction and reintegration.

In Episode 29 of Redesigning The Dharma by Sahaja Soma, Adrian Baker interviews Zen priest and Dzogchen practitioner Kokyo Henkel on his decades of Sōtō Zen training, ordination and dharma transmission, study with Tsoknyi Rinpoche, and current retreat life at Bright Window Hermitage. In this conversation, Henkel recounts discovering Zen at Brown University, joining practice groups, and moving to Tassajara and Green Gulch, where short-term residency became nearly two decades of monastic-style life. They discuss differences between monastic and householder practice, Japanese versus Chinese/Korean monasticism, and how Japan shifted to bodhisattva-only precepts and married priesthood. Henkel describes being dr...

In Episode 28 of Redesigning The Dharma by Sahaja Soma, Adrian Baker interviews Buddhist meditation teacher Scott Tusa about spiritual materialism and Tsoknyi Rinpoche’s Fully Being teachings.

Tusa describes spiritual materialism as using spiritual practice to bolster ego-clinging, noting it can appear in obvious cultural trends and in subtle fixations on beliefs, identities, and “getting rid of” suffering; he recommends tools like mindfulness, hope-and-fear awareness, and curiosity.

He outlines Fully Being’s core somatic practices—dropping, vase breathing, and handshaking—developed to address modern disconnection between thinking and the “feeling world,” and explains how they relate to Mahamu...

Episode 27 of Redesigning The Dharma by Sahaja Soma features a conversation with Dr. Ian Baker, an experienced scholar, explorer, and author specializing in Vajrayana Buddhism. They discuss Dr. Baker's transformative journey into pilgrimage, beginning with his initial exposure to Asian culture and Tibetan Buddhism during college.

The conversation delves into the significance of pilgrimage in spiritual practice, including the concepts of outer, inner, and secret pilgrimage in the Tibetan tradition. Dr. Baker shares insights from his extensive experiences leading pilgrimages to sacred sites across the Himalayas, Bhutan, India, and beyond. They also explore contemporary pilgrimages...

Episode 26 of Redesigning The Dharma by Sahaja Soma features a conversation with Scott Tusa, a Buddhist meditation teacher and former monk with 23 years of experience. They discuss Scott's journey from encountering Buddhism at age 19, to living as a Buddhist monk ordained by the 14th Dalai Lama, and later returning to householder life. Scott shares insights from his experiences, including the importance of integrating personal practice with teaching, and practical advice on navigating challenges with social media and modern life. They explore different Buddhist traditions and techniques for dealing with like and dislike, craving, and the importance of maintaining equanimity...

Episode 25 of Redesigning The Dharma by Sahaja Soma features a conversation with Brazilian artist, Tiffani Gyatso, about her life and work in Tibetan Buddhist Thangka painting. Tiffani begins by sharing her fascinating journey, from her upbringing in a spiritual community in Brazil to her studies in sacred art and geometry. They discuss her studies at the Gandan Monastery in Mongolia and the Norbulingka Institute in India, as well as her contemporary art practices and sacred pilgrimages. The conversation delves into themes of spiritual anatomy, the power of imagination, and the intersection of art and spirituality. Tiffani also discusses her...

Episode 24 with Redesigning The Dharma by Sahaja Soma features a conversation with fiction writer and essayist, Sarah Kokernot. Sarah, who has practiced Tibetan Buddhism for 20 years, shares insights from her writing on Dharma practice and the creative process. Their dialogue begins with an overview of Sarah's spiritual journey and the profound impact of Dzogchen on her life. They explore the themes of Eros, love, and devotion in contemplative practice, highlighting the intersection of the erotic and spiritual fulfillment. Sarah also recommends resources for those interested in deepening their understanding of Dharma, including her Substack, Your Wild and Radiant Mind...

Episode 23 with Redesigning The Dharma by Sahaja Soma is part 2 of a conversation with Dr. Miles Neale. Dr. Miles Neale is a psychotherapist, Tibetan Buddhist teacher, and author. This episode continues with a discussion on the profound significance of inner, outer, and secret pilgrimages; the challenges and rewards of integrating these transformative experiences into everyday life; and the collective pilgrimage of humanity in the face of modern crises. Dr. Neale also shares personal insights from his move to Bali and his ongoing work, including his experiences leading international pilgrimages, and the launch of his newest book, Return with Elixir .<...

Episode 22 with Redesigning The Dharma by Sahaja Soma features a conversation with Dr. Miles Neale, a psychotherapist and Tibetan Buddhist teacher. They explore Dr. Neale's multi-disciplinary approach of integrating Eastern spirituality with Western psychology. The conversation dives into his latest book, 'Return with Elixir,' and delves deep into the concept of pilgrimage as a profound spiritual practice.

Dr. Neale shares insights from his years of experience leading pilgrimages to sacred sites around the world and discusses the transformational potential of these journeys. The discussion also touches on the integration of alchemical principles, the convergence of various...

Episode 21 with Redesigning The Dharma by Sahaja Soma features a conversation with Zahra Adloo, a Los Angeles-based mental health professional and psychedelic integrator who specializes in integrating Eastern philosophy with Western psychology. Zahra shares her unique approach to therapy, incorporating Reiki, trauma-informed yoga, and somatic practices to help individuals reconnect with their core identities and overcome challenges such as trauma, addiction, and anxiety.

The discussion delves deeply into Zahra's personal experience with psychedelics, particularly Ayahuasca and Ibogaine, and how these experiences facilitated her healing journey and informed her professional practice. The conversation also touches on...

Episode 20 with Redesigning The Dharma by Sahaja Soma features an inspiring conversation with Juliana Garces, the visionary artist behind Juliana Garces Art.

This episode explores the interplay between art, energy, and consciousness, and begins with a discussion on Juliana's background in meditation, yoga, and psychedelics.

She shares how her cross-cultural upbringing and DMT experiences have profoundly impacted her artistic creations and the inspiration behind using specific deities like Shiva and Shakti.

This episode also delves into the importance of psychedelic preparation and intention-setting when working with plant...

Episode 19 with Redesigning The Dharma by Sahaja Soma is an enlightening conversation with Spring Washam, the founder of Lotus Vine Journeys.

Adrian and Spring catch up and discuss the evolution of Lotus Vine Journeys and its 10-year-long history of ayahuasca retreats blended with a Buddhist framework.

Spring shares her insights on the ever-changing nature of spiritual practices, the ethical considerations in shamanic traditions, and the deep healing she’s undertaken over the decade.

The discussion touches upon the importance of preparation and integration in plant medicine journeys, ethical tensions in...

Episode 18 with Redesigning The Dharma by Sahaja Soma is the second part of a two-part conversation with Todd Norian, the founder of Ashaya Yoga®. The conversation centers on Tantra Yoga and how it offers a nondual and joyous framework for understanding life.

The episode picks up with Todd sharing his journey of integrating body, mind, and heart through Tantra Yoga. This opens the discussion on topics such as the metaphysics of Shaiva Shakta Tantra, concerns within traditional guru culture, how Tantra supports emotional agility, and the importance of courage and compassion when sitting with discomfort.

T...

Episode 17 with Redesigning The Dharma by Sahaja Soma is the first part of a two-part conversation with Todd Norian, the founder of Ashaya Yoga®. The conversation centers on Tantra Yoga and how it offers a nondual and joyous framework for understanding life.

Todd begins the discussion by debunking some misconceptions of Tantra and then dives deeper into some of the core tenets of the practice, including its view on suffering, the balance between transcendence and embodiment, and the value of embracing life's full spectrum of experiences and emotions.

This episode highlights a more integrated approach t...

Episode 16 with Redesigning The Dharma by Sahaja Soma features a conversation with Justin Kelley, PhD, the Executive Director at Tergar Institute and Tergar Schools. Raised in rural Massachusetts, Justin’s transformative journey began in Tibetan refugee communities in India and Nepal. This discussion dives into the role of the scholar-practitioner, his extensive research in Buddhist philosophy and meditation, his role as executive director in the Tergar community, the importance of balancing traditional and contemporary learning methods, and the challenges and adaptive strategies for transmitting Vajrayana Buddhism in the modern world.

Episode 15 with Redesigning The Dharma by Sahaja Soma features a conversation with Sara Lewis, PhD, LCSW, the co-founder and director of training and research at Naropa University’s center for Psychedelic Studies. This conversation explores the intersection psychedelic-assisted therapy, healing intergenerational trauma, building resilience in the face of adversity, and how having a background grounded in contemplative practices can support with the preparation and integration of using plant medicines like ayahuasca and soma for greater healing. The conversation delves into the diverse frameworks for psychedelic-assisted therapy and advocates to make these transformative experiences accessible and meaningful for a wide ra...

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Episode 14 of Redesigning The Dharma by Sahaja Soma features a conversation with writer, psychotherapist, and ayahuasca integration coach, Kerry Moran. Kerry shares her fascinating journey of living in Kathmandu and practicing Dharma, to becoming a psychotherapist with a private practice in Portland, and finally moving to Peru and working closely with ayahuasca for spiritual and therapeutic purposes.

The conversation delves into how her background in Dzogchen and depth psychology enhances her work with psychedelics, the transformative power of ayahuasca, and the importance of integration in psychedelic experiences. Listeners will learn about the feminine...

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Episode 13 of Redesigning The Dharma by Sahaja Soma features a conversation with poet, artist, and Zen meditation teacher, Brooke McNamara. The discussion centers on the intersection between art and Zen Buddhism and explores themes like the embodiment of Eros, the paradox of transcendence and intimacy, and the importance of uncertainty in spiritual practice. Brooke also reads one of her touching poems, 'Change the Lighting,' and discusses her perspective on poetry as a vehicle for transmitting life's vibrancy. The conversation touches on the influences of various Zen and Tantric masters and how their teachings intersect with creative...

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Episode 12 of Redesigning The Dharma by Sahaja Soma is features an insightful conversation with Jess McNally, an experienced Buddhist practitioner and facilitator in Minyak Rinpoche's Tergar Meditation Community. Jess shares her journey with Buddhism, from her academic beginnings at Stanford University to living and training at Zen Mountain Monastery, and eventually ordaining as a monastic in the Tibetan tradition. The conversation delves into the differences between secular meditation and traditional Buddhist practices, the significance of having a good meditation teacher, the value in contemplating life (and death), and the profound benefits of attending retreat.

Episode 11 of Redesigning The Dharma by Sahaja Soma is part two of a conversation with shamanic Reiki master healer, Danielle Rateau. This episode explores Danielle's holistic healing journey, including her work at an ayahuasca center in the Sacred Valley, Peru and her expertise in with Reiki. Adrian and Danielle dive into the the details of working with ayahuasca including the often-overlooked importance of preparation before ceremonies, the impact of relaxing and somatically connecting with the experience, the role of set and setting on ayahuasca journeys, and of course, the importance of community and integration post-ceremony.

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Episode 10 of Redesigning The Dharma by Sahaja Soma features a conversation with Danielle Rateau, a shamanic Reiki master healer who spent a year facilitating ayahuasca retreats in the Sacred Valley in Peru. This episode dives into Danielle’s experiences leading ayahuasca ceremonies, the importance of preparation and integration regarding psychedelic sessions, and how to work with fear or difficult emotions that may arise during the journey.

Episode 9 of Redesigning The Dharma by Sahaja Soma features a conversation with Aaron Paul Orsini, an autistic psychedelic educator, author, and researcher at Autism On Acid. This episode explores the intersection of psychedelics and neurodivergence, and specifically touches on the medicine’s impact on ADHD and autism. The discussion leans heavily into Orsini’s research and personal experiences with microdosing LSD for ADHD management, psychedelics and sensory awareness, the importance of foundational practices like meditation, exercise, and proper nutrition, and the potential for psychedelics to enhance self-understanding and connection.

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Episode 8 of Redesigning The Dharma by Sahaja Soma features a conversation with Erik Davis, an author and founding member of The Alembic at Berkeley. The discussion begins with an introduction to Davis’ recent work on an upcoming book about LSD blotter art and his Substack 'Burning Shore.' They delve into the contemporary dharma scene, the strengths and weaknesses of the younger generation of practitioners, and how psychedelics play a role in this landscape. Erik shares about the intersections between Zen practice, the non-dual awareness traditions, and psychedelics, emphasizing the importance of a pluralistic and open-minded approach to spirituality. Th...

Episode 7 of Redesigning The Dharma by Sahaja Soma features a conversation with Dr. Ian Baker from The Vajra Path, renowned Vajrayana Buddhism scholar, yogi, explorer, and author. They explore the origins, practices, and transformative potential of Tantra within both the Vajrayana Buddhism and non-dual Shaiva Shakta traditions. Dr. Baker breaks down the concept of Tantra, touching on its definition, historical emergence, and the non-dual essence of practice. Additionally, they touch on the use of psychoactive plants in tantric practices and the exciting potential for Vajrayana's future as it intersects with contemporary culture and beyond.

Episode 6 of Redesigning The Dharma by Sahaja Soma features part two of a conversation between Ryan Oelke from Buddhist Geeks and Adrian Baker. This episode talks about integrating awakening into modern culture through cultural, philosophical, and personal experiences. They discuss the distinction between proprietary dharma and open source dharma, the importance of personal development, societal structures, and the significance of embodying awakening. Oelke also shares his journey from traditional Vajrayana to studying with Judith Blackstone and the creation of his Integral Dharma course, emphasizing the essence and experiential aspects of awakening.

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Episode 5 of Redesigning The Dharma by Sahaja Soma features a conversation Ryan Oelke from Buddhist Geeks. In the first part of this two-part conversation, Adrian and Ryan talk about their personal experiences with Buddhism, specifically the practice of Dharma and the Vajrayana and Dzogchen traditions. They discuss their journeys becoming practitioners and teachers, and the impact of certain teachings and figures like Ken Wilber and Namkhai Norbu. This episode then dives into the importance of experimenting with different traditions, maintaining an open mind, and navigating the relationship with one's primary spiritual teacher or "Root Guru".

Episode 4 of Redesigning The Dharma by Sahaja Soma features a conversation with Lama Justin von Bujdoss from Yangti Yoga. Justin is an American Buddhist teacher and chaplain ordained in the Karma Kamtsang tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. Deeply invested in the preservation and adaptation of Tantric Buddhist tradition in the West, Justin shares his experiences as an ordained Repa, a position emphasizing householder tradition. He discusses his past work at the New York City Department of Corrections, the use of plant medicines in spiritual practice, and the importance of integrating meditation into everyday life. Justin also talks about his efforts...

Episode 3 of Redesigning The Dharma by Sahaja Soma features a conversation with Janeth Jaramillo from Pachanoi Retreats. This episode discusses the integration of indigenous medicinal practices with plants such as Ayahuasca and Huachuma, and meditation in the Insight Tradition. The conversation begins with Janeth’s personal journey into plant medicine and meditation and her experience with different ceremonies, retreats, and sacred medicines like San Pedro cactus, psilocybin mushrooms, DMT, and Kambo. Some topics discussed include: the use of plant medicine for healing, cultural differences in the practice of traditional wisdom, how plant medicine can complement a non-dual contemplative practice, an...

Episode 2 of Redesigning The Dharma by Sahaja Soma features a conversation with Chi Psilocybin from MushroomTao. This episode revolves around Chi's spiritual journey which began with meditation in the Theravada tradition and pivots to incorporate the use of psilocybin mushrooms. Chi provides insight on the intersection of Dharma and psychedelics and emphasizes how both practices were pivotal in addressing certain elements of his trauma and depression. Some topics explored include the multiple facets of mindfulness, addiction, fame, and how mushrooms can be a powerful mechanism for empowering people to make a change.

Episode 1 of Redesigning The Dharma by Sahaja Soma features a conversation with Vincent Horn from Buddhist Geeks. The episode explores progressive perspectives on understanding and adapting Buddhist teachings in the context of contemporary times. Some topics touched upon include The Dharma and its inclusion in the mindfulness movement, cultural differences in its practice and interpretation in different countries, the notion of awakening and how it influences the practice, and the role of Dharma in addressing social issues such as climate change and diversity, equity, and inclusion, and so much more.

Episode Highlights:

Episode 1 of Redesigning The Dharma by Sahaja Soma features a conversation with Vincent Horn from Buddhist Geeks. The episode explores progressive perspectives on understanding and adapting Buddhist teachings in the context of contemporary times. Some topics touched upon include The Dharma and its inclusion in the mindfulness movement, cultural differences in its practice and interpretation in different countries, the notion of awakening and how it influences the practice, and the role of Dharma in addressing social issues such as climate change and diversity, equity, and inclusion, and so much more.

Episode Highlights:

Episode 1 of Redesigning The Dharma by Sahaja Soma features a conversation with Vincent Horn from Buddhist Geeks. The episode explores progressive perspectives on understanding and adapting Buddhist teachings in the context of contemporary times. Some topics touched upon include The Dharma and its inclusion in the mindfulness movement, cultural differences in its practice and interpretation in different countries, the notion of awakening and how it influences the practice, and the role of Dharma in addressing social issues such as climate change and diversity, equity, and inclusion, and so much more.

Episode 1 of Redesigning The Dharma by Sahaja Soma features a conversation with Vincent Horn from Buddhist Geeks. The episode explores progressive perspectives on understanding and adapting Buddhist teachings in the context of contemporary times. Some topics touched upon include The Dharma and its inclusion in the mindfulness movement, cultural differences in its practice and interpretation in different countries, the notion of awakening and how it influences the practice, and the role of Dharma in addressing social issues such as climate change and diversity, equity, and inclusion, and so much more.

Episode 1 of Redesigning The Dharma by Sahaja Soma features a conversation with Vincent Horn from Buddhist Geeks. The episode explores progressive perspectives on understanding and adapting Buddhist teachings in the context of contemporary times. Some topics touched upon include The Dharma and its inclusion in the mindfulness movement, cultural differences in its practice and interpretation in different countries, the notion of awakening and how it influences the practice, and the role of Dharma in addressing social issues such as climate change and diversity, equity, and inclusion, and so much more.