Ep72: Tantra, Neuroscience, & True Enlightenment - Shinzen Young & Chelsey Fasano
In this episode I host a conversation between Shinzen Young, a meditation teacher and neuroscience research consultant, and Chelsey Fasano, a Columbia University neuroscience student.
We take an inside look as Chelsey consults Shinzen on her current research project, a review of the neuroscience literature that examine states of self-identification and non-dual awareness.
In the course of the discussion, Shinzen details the many meanings and connotations of the word ‘tantra’ (including its connection to karmamudra) and discusses the importance of definitions.
Chelsey asks if all traditions lead to the same end, or if different techniques lead to different types of enlightenment, and Shinzen reveals what the gurus of the world must learn from the culture of science.
Topics Include:
0:00 – Intro
0:52 – Chelsey introduces her research project
2:20 – Shinzen asks Chelsey about herself
4:14 – Chelsey’s background in meditation and academia
8:20 – Chelsey’s ultimate dream
10:26 – Shinzen discusses the importance of words
13:40 – Shinzen on the adjective ‘tantric’
17:39 – What does Chelsey mean by the word ‘tantra’?
19:38 – Shinzen describes Buddhist tantra’s central innovation
28:31 – The s*xual practices of Buddhist tantra
29:55 – What isn’t tantra, and tantra’s cultural context
36:41 – Do all traditions lead to the same end point or not?
40:03 – How Shinzen clarifies his thinking and teaching
43:12 – What the gurus have to learn from science
44:56 – Liberation and service, the two sides of practice
50:16 – Studying states of nondual awareness in advanced practitioners
51:51 – Is it possible to resolve the terminology issue?
54:09 – Chelsey’s five theories
Previous Interview with Shinzen Young:
To find out more about Shinzen, visit:
www.shinzen.org
To find out more about Chelsey, visit:
www.chelseyfasano.com
Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James