In this episode, Jacob Kyle offers a curated selection of teachings from
Sādhana School, Embodied Philosophy’s year-long curriculum of contemplative study and practice. The episode weaves together reflections on states of consciousness, metaphysics, emotional transformation, and the pitfalls of spiritual bypassing, drawing deeply from Indian philosophical and Tantric traditions.
Jacob begins by exploring the concept of
Turiya, the “fourth state” of consciousness beyond waking, dreaming, and deep sleep, and its Tantric extension in
Turiyatita—a state where meditative awareness permeates ordinary perception. He connects these insights to
śānta-rasa, the
rasa of peace or equanimity, positioning it as the
rasa that can suffuse all other experiences when integrated through practice.
The episode offers a critique of materialist metaphysics, highlighting how modern scientism struggles to account for consciousness. Jacob contrasts this with Indian philosophical frameworks—including dualism, monism, and non-dualism—that offer richer ontologies for understanding consciousness and its relation to the world.
Finally, the episode delves into spiritual bypassing: the tendency to use spiritual ideals to avoid emotional challenges. Jacob presents
rasa theory as an antidote, showing how emotions—whether grief, fear, anger, or joy—are not obstacles but sacred expressions of consciousness. Through aesthetic contemplation (
bhāvanā), these emotions can be transmuted into
rasa, universalized flavors of awareness that guide the practitioner toward deeper Self-realization and the peace of
śānta-rasa.
To learn about the comprehensive contemplative curriculum in next year's Sādhana School (2025-2026), and to use coupon code
CHITHEADS250, go here:
https://enroll.embodiedphilosophy.com/ss-2025-2026-early-enrollmentOr to learn more and enroll in the
Kuṇḍalinī & Radical Embodiment Summer Retreat, go here:
https://enroll.embodiedphilosophy.com/kundalini-summer-retreatTo deepen your knowledge of yoga philosophy, grab our
Yoga Philosophy Reading List, a curated PDF of all the books that will give you a comprehensive overview of the yoga philosophical traditions.
GET YOUR LIST HERE: https://enroll.embodiedphilosophy.com/yp-list
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