Podcast appearances and mentions of robert forman

As a professor of religion, Robert Forman acquired a stellar reputation for his pioneering work on spiritual experiences and the study of mysticism. Some of the eleven books he wrote or edited became classics in academia, including: The Problem of Pure Consciousness; The Innate Capacity; and Mysticism, Mind, Consciousness. He's also written non-academic books such as Enlightenment Ain't What It's Cracked Up to Be. After retiring from academic life, Robert founded the Forge Institute for Spirituality and Social Change and The Forge Guild of Spiritual Leaders and Teachers. He later became a hospital chaplain, retiring from that in 2023. We talked about what he's learned from those diverse careers and the book he's currently working on, about how "mystics on the margins" are reinventing Christianity by finding meaning and community even when they don't accept key doctrines and beliefs.    Connect with Robert Foreman Meet Philip Goldberg Author, Speaker, Spiritual Counselor, Writing Coach Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We've all heard of spiritual experiences – moments of feeling intense awe and deep love and connection. People who've had them – and it's a lot more than you might think – see them as some of the most profound moments of their lives. Moments that change them for the better in enduring ways. But what's going on in our brains when these experiences happen? Do you even need religious beliefs to have them? And, if you're so inclined, how might you start? Episode Guests: David Yaden is Assistant Professor at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. Find out more about his research here. Robert Forman is a former Professor of Religion and author of many books about spirituality. Find out more about his work here.

Did Neoplatonism influence Kabbalah? Exploring the reception of Neoplatonism in Early Kabbalah via three themes: Negative Theology, Unio Mystica and Emanationism. 00:00 Three Themes from Neoplatonism to Kabbalah 00:37 Collab shout out 01:01 What is Emanationism & the Theory of the Forms? 05:12 What is Unio Mystica? 05:56 What is Negative Theology? 06:45 Disclaimers: Pitfalls of Comparison 08:09 The Jewish Neoplatonists 12:44 Mystical Union in Early Kabbalah 17:02 Philo tho… 21:19 Negative Theology in Early Kabbalah 28:29 The Tension 33:43 An Esoteric En Sof 36:51 Sefirot & Emanation in Early Kabbalah 45:36 Exogenous vs Endogenous 47:22 A Human Question 52:10 Summary 53:28 Shout out and Thank you Sources and Further Reading • Adam Afterman, “And They Shall Be One Flesh,” On the Language of Mystical Union in Judaism, BRILL (2016), pp. 25-7, 79-101, 130-50 • Daniel Matt, “Ayin: The Concept of Nothingness in Mystical Judaism,” in The Problem of Pure Consciousness: Mysticism and Philosophy by Robert Forman (ed.), New York, 1990, pp. 121-159 • Gershom Scholem, Kabbalah (Jerusalem, 1974), p. 88 • Gershom Scholem, Origins of the Kabbalah, 1950, pp. 265-71, 431-45 • Moshe Idel, “Jewish Kabbalah and Platonism in the Middle Ages and Renaissance” in Lenn Goodman, Neoplatonism and Jewish Thought, State University of New York Press, 1992, pp. 325-27, 338-340 • Moshe Idel, Metamorphoses of a Platonic Theme in Jewish Mysticism, pp. 67-8 • Moshe Idel, Absorbing Perfections: Kabbalah and Interpretation (New Haven: Yale University Press, 2002), pp. 239–49 • Moshe Idel, Kabbalah: New Perspectives, 1988, pp. 31-2 • Sarah Pessin, “Jewish Neoplatonism: Being above Being and Divine Emanation in Solomon Ibn Gabirol and Isaac Israeli” The Cambridge Companion to Medieval Jewish Philosophy, edited by Daniel H. Frank and Oliver Leaman, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 2003, pp. 91–110 • Raphael Jospe, "Chapter Three. Jewish Neoplatonism: Isaac Israeli and Solomon ibn Gabirol". Jewish Philosophy in the Middle Ages, Boston, USA: Academic Studies Press, 2009, pp. 79-131 Join us: https://discord.gg/EQtjK2FWsm https://facebook.com/seekersofunity https://instagram.com/seekersofunity https://www.twitter.com/seekersofu https://www.seekersofunity.com Thank you to our beloved Patrons: jXaviErre, Eny, Kim, Michael, Kirk, Ron, Seth, Daniel, Raphael, Daniel, Jason, Sergio, Leila, Wael, jXaviErre, Simona, Francis, Etty, Stephen, Arash, William, Michael, Matija, Timony, Vilijami, Stoney, El techo, Stephen, Ross, Ahmed, Alexander, Diceman, Hannah, Julian, Leo, Sim, Sultan, John, Joshua, Igor, Chezi, Jorge, Andrew, Alexandra, Füsun, Lucas, Andrew, Stian, Ivana, Aédàn, Darjeeling, Astarte, Declan, Gregory, Alex, Charlie, Anonymous, Joshua, Arin, Sage, Marcel, Ahawk, Yehuda, Kevin, Evan, Shahin, Al Alami, Dale, Ethan, Gerr, Effy, Noam, Ron, Shtus, Mendel, Jared, Tim, Mystic Experiment, MM, Lenny, Justin, Joshua, Jorge, Wayne, Jason, Caroline, Yaakov, Daniel, Wodenborn, Steve, Collin, Justin, Mariana, Vic, Shaw, Carlos, Nico, Isaac, Frederick, David, Ben, Rodney, Charley, Jonathan, Chelsea, Curly Joe, Adam and Andre. Join them in supporting us: patreon: https://www.patreon.com/seekers paypal: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=RKCYGQSMJFDRU

(Encore Show) Much of our work as spiritual beings has been in the realm of self-help, where we've focused on discovering our own authenticity, listening to our inner voice, and finding our individual way. In this interview, Dr. Robert Forman discusses the next challenge in spiritual life--going from "Spirituality in the I" to "Spirituality in the We" so that we can create spiritual communion without relinquishing our hard won autonomy.

Much of our work as spiritual beings has been in the realm of self help, where we've focused on discovering our own authenticity, listening to our inner voice, and finding our individual way. In this interview, Dr. Forman discusses the next challenge in spiritual life going from Spirituality in the I to Spirituality in the We so that we can create spiritual communion without relinquishing our hard won autonomy.

(Encore Show) Much of our work as spiritual beings has been in the realm of self-help, where we've focused on discovering our own authenticity, listening to our inner voice, and finding our individual way. In this interview, Dr. Robert Forman discusses the next challenge in spiritual life--going from "Spirituality in the I" to "Spirituality in the We" so that we can create spiritual communion without relinquishing our hard won autonomy

Much of our work as spiritual beings has been in the realm of self help, where we've focused on discovering our own authenticity, listening to our inner voice, and finding our individual way. In this interview, Dr. Forman discusses the next challenge in spiritual lifegoing from Spirituality in the I to Spirituality in the We so that we can create spiritual communion without relinquishing our hard won autonomy.

Much of our work as spiritual beings has been in the realm of self help, where we've focused on discovering our own authenticity, listening to our inner voice, and finding our individual way. In this interview, Dr. Forman discusses the next challenge in spiritual lifegoing from Spirituality in the I to Spirituality in the We so that we can create spiritual communion without relinquishing our hard won autonomy.

The Christine Upchurch Show: Forging Spirituality in the We with Dr. Robert Forman

This week, you lucky listeners get two episodes for the price of one! Unusually for the podcast, we recorded two episodes back-to-back in just two days and for this reason they are kin, intimately connected, and shall go forth into the world as such. Each one shares the same intro, but don't panic, it's relatively short. Both conversations were less structured than usual. I did have questions, but allowed both conversations more space to evolve and flow, and there may even be a bit of rambling on both sides from time to time, but never enough to bore: We are exploring new creative spaces after all! Our two guests are at opposite ends of the career spectrum and their interests and concerns mirror generational shifts towards contemplative practices. Zachery Walsh is finishing up a Ph.D. programme, while Robert Forman has retired from teaching Religious Studies at University. Robert Foreman isn't a typical guess for the podcast. Much of our work has been critical of Western spirituality and explorative of more philosophically leaning themes and aimed towards constructing divergent ways of imagining Buddhism, spirituality, contemplation, and notions of path tradition and outcomes. Robert spent much of his career exploring themes that have come up on our podcast episodes uniting his spiritual bent with academic writing on topics including mysticism non-duality pure consciousness and even ending up in a debate with Stephen T. Katz on whether mystical experience is socially constructed, or an innate universal capacity. Robert is a long-term practitioner of TM, that's transcendental meditation, and we start off our discussion by talking about this controversial practice. We get into a range of topics covering his interests and non-academic writings including his recent “Enlightenment ain't what it's cracked up to be.” I do my best to lead the conversation towards more academic topics, but I'm only partially successful. I hope that the attempts to do so make for an interesting conversation all the same, and it must be said that Robert is game throughout our chat and generous with his time. Either way, our conversation remains loosely connected to the academic theme we have this year. My conversation with Zack Walsh was quite different, but not necessarily devoid of the personal or traces of Mystical enquiry, although perhaps he or I would use slightly different language to refer to such. Zach is currently working in the Institute for advanced Sustainability Studies in Germany exploring the relationship between contemplative practices and ecology. He has written some great work that resonates with many of my own concerns, insightful critiques of mindfulness and meditation culture using a variety of lenses that deserve wider attention, and has more recently developed what he calls the Contemplative Commons, which becomes a central topic of our discussion. We also look at the interplay of social justice, activism and contemplative practices, future directions for the development of spirituality firmly grounded in the imminent world, Metamodernism, and transcendence, and we even get into discussing modern day China, and there is film reference to boot. Enjoy this tandem cycle through different lives and minds as the Imperfect Buddha Podcast continues its journey onwards through destinations unknown. Music for these episodes is provided by the Bristol-based artist Hundred Strong, this time in collaboration with Cali Phoenix, a singer from Scotland. Check out her work on the usual sites including Bandcamp and her latest album Voices. Matthew O'Connell is a life coach and the host of the The Imperfect Buddha podcast. You can find The Imperfect Buddha on Facebook and Twitter (@imperfectbuddha). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, you lucky listeners get two episodes for the price of one! Unusually for the podcast, we recorded two episodes back-to-back in just two days and for this reason they are kin, intimately connected, and shall go forth into the world as such. Each one shares the same intro, but don't panic, it's relatively short. Both conversations were less structured than usual. I did have questions, but allowed both conversations more space to evolve and flow, and there may even be a bit of rambling on both sides from time to time, but never enough to bore: We are exploring new creative spaces after all! Our two guests are at opposite ends of the career spectrum and their interests and concerns mirror generational shifts towards contemplative practices. Zachery Walsh is finishing up a Ph.D. programme, while Robert Forman has retired from teaching Religious Studies at University. Robert Foreman isn't a typical guess for the podcast. Much of our work has been critical of Western spirituality and explorative of more philosophically leaning themes and aimed towards constructing divergent ways of imagining Buddhism, spirituality, contemplation, and notions of path tradition and outcomes. Robert spent much of his career exploring themes that have come up on our podcast episodes uniting his spiritual bent with academic writing on topics including mysticism non-duality pure consciousness and even ending up in a debate with Stephen T. Katz on whether mystical experience is socially constructed, or an innate universal capacity. Robert is a long-term practitioner of TM, that's transcendental meditation, and we start off our discussion by talking about this controversial practice. We get into a range of topics covering his interests and non-academic writings including his recent “Enlightenment ain't what it's cracked up to be.” I do my best to lead the conversation towards more academic topics, but I'm only partially successful. I hope that the attempts to do so make for an interesting conversation all the same, and it must be said that Robert is game throughout our chat and generous with his time. Either way, our conversation remains loosely connected to the academic theme we have this year. My conversation with Zack Walsh was quite different, but not necessarily devoid of the personal or traces of Mystical enquiry, although perhaps he or I would use slightly different language to refer to such. Zach is currently working in the Institute for advanced Sustainability Studies in Germany exploring the relationship between contemplative practices and ecology. He has written some great work that resonates with many of my own concerns, insightful critiques of mindfulness and meditation culture using a variety of lenses that deserve wider attention, and has more recently developed what he calls the Contemplative Commons, which becomes a central topic of our discussion. We also look at the interplay of social justice, activism and contemplative practices, future directions for the development of spirituality firmly grounded in the imminent world, Metamodernism, and transcendence, and we even get into discussing modern day China, and there is film reference to boot. Enjoy this tandem cycle through different lives and minds as the Imperfect Buddha Podcast continues its journey onwards through destinations unknown. Music for these episodes is provided by the Bristol-based artist Hundred Strong, this time in collaboration with Cali Phoenix, a singer from Scotland. Check out her work on the usual sites including Bandcamp and her latest album Voices. Matthew O'Connell a life coach and the host of the The Imperfect Buddha podcast. You can find The Imperfect Buddha on Facebook and Twitter (@imperfectbuddha). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, you lucky listeners get two episodes for the price of one! Unusually for the podcast, we recorded two episodes back-to-back in just two days and for this reason they are kin, intimately connected, and shall go forth into the world as such. Each one shares the same intro, but don’t panic, it’s relatively short. Both conversations were less structured than usual. I did have questions, but allowed both conversations more space to evolve and flow, and there may even be a bit of rambling on both sides from time to time, but never enough to bore: We are exploring new creative spaces after all! Our two guests are at opposite ends of the career spectrum and their interests and concerns mirror generational shifts towards contemplative practices. Zachery Walsh is finishing up a Ph.D. programme, while Robert Forman has retired from teaching Religious Studies at University. Robert Foreman isn’t a typical guess for the podcast. Much of our work has been critical of Western spirituality and explorative of more philosophically leaning themes and aimed towards constructing divergent ways of imagining Buddhism, spirituality, contemplation, and notions of path tradition and outcomes. Robert spent much of his career exploring themes that have come up on our podcast episodes uniting his spiritual bent with academic writing on topics including mysticism non-duality pure consciousness and even ending up in a debate with Stephen T. Katz on whether mystical experience is socially constructed, or an innate universal capacity. Robert is a long-term practitioner of TM, that’s transcendental meditation, and we start off our discussion by talking about this controversial practice. We get into a range of topics covering his interests and non-academic writings including his recent “Enlightenment ain’t what it’s cracked up to be.” I do my best to lead the conversation towards more academic topics, but I’m only partially successful. I hope that the attempts to do so make for an interesting conversation all the same, and it must be said that Robert is game throughout our chat and generous with his time. Either way, our conversation remains loosely connected to the academic theme we have this year. My conversation with Zack Walsh was quite different, but not necessarily devoid of the personal or traces of Mystical enquiry, although perhaps he or I would use slightly different language to refer to such. Zach is currently working in the Institute for advanced Sustainability Studies in Germany exploring the relationship between contemplative practices and ecology. He has written some great work that resonates with many of my own concerns, insightful critiques of mindfulness and meditation culture using a variety of lenses that deserve wider attention, and has more recently developed what he calls the Contemplative Commons, which becomes a central topic of our discussion. We also look at the interplay of social justice, activism and contemplative practices, future directions for the development of spirituality firmly grounded in the imminent world, Metamodernism, and transcendence, and we even get into discussing modern day China, and there is film reference to boot. Enjoy this tandem cycle through different lives and minds as the Imperfect Buddha Podcast continues its journey onwards through destinations unknown. Music for these episodes is provided by the Bristol-based artist Hundred Strong, this time in collaboration with Cali Phoenix, a singer from Scotland. Check out her work on the usual sites including Bandcamp and her latest album Voices. Links O'Connell Coaching: oconnellcoaching.com Post-Traditional Buddhism: posttraditionalbuddhism.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/imperfectbuddha Twitter: twitter.com/Imperfectbuddha

This week, you lucky listeners get two episodes for the price of one! Unusually for the podcast, we recorded two episodes back-to-back in just two days and for this reason they are kin, intimately connected, and shall go forth into the world as such. Each one shares the same intro, but don’t panic, it’s relatively short. Both conversations were less structured than usual. I did have questions, but allowed both conversations more space to evolve and flow, and there may even be a bit of rambling on both sides from time to time, but never enough to bore: We are exploring new creative spaces after all! Our two guests are at opposite ends of the career spectrum and their interests and concerns mirror generational shifts towards contemplative practices. Zachery Walsh is finishing up a Ph.D. programme, while Robert Forman has retired from teaching Religious Studies at University. Robert Foreman isn’t a typical guess for the podcast. Much of our work has been critical of Western spirituality and explorative of more philosophically leaning themes and aimed towards constructing divergent ways of imagining Buddhism, spirituality, contemplation, and notions of path tradition and outcomes. Robert spent much of his career exploring themes that have come up on our podcast episodes uniting his spiritual bent with academic writing on topics including mysticism non-duality pure consciousness and even ending up in a debate with Stephen T. Katz on whether mystical experience is socially constructed, or an innate universal capacity. Robert is a long-term practitioner of TM, that’s transcendental meditation, and we start off our discussion by talking about this controversial practice. We get into a range of topics covering his interests and non-academic writings including his recent “Enlightenment ain’t what it’s cracked up to be.” I do my best to lead the conversation towards more academic topics, but I’m only partially successful. I hope that the attempts to do so make for an interesting conversation all the same, and it must be said that Robert is game throughout our chat and generous with his time. Either way, our conversation remains loosely connected to the academic theme we have this year. My conversation with Zack Walsh was quite different, but not necessarily devoid of the personal or traces of Mystical enquiry, although perhaps he or I would use slightly different language to refer to such. Zach is currently working in the Institute for advanced Sustainability Studies in Germany exploring the relationship between contemplative practices and ecology. He has written some great work that resonates with many of my own concerns, insightful critiques of mindfulness and meditation culture using a variety of lenses that deserve wider attention, and has more recently developed what he calls the Contemplative Commons, which becomes a central topic of our discussion. We also look at the interplay of social justice, activism and contemplative practices, future directions for the development of spirituality firmly grounded in the imminent world, Metamodernism, and transcendence, and we even get into discussing modern day China, and there is film reference to boot. Enjoy this tandem cycle through different lives and minds as the Imperfect Buddha Podcast continues its journey onwards through destinations unknown. Music for these episodes is provided by the Bristol-based artist Hundred Strong, this time in collaboration with Cali Phoenix, a singer from Scotland. Check out her work on the usual sites including Bandcamp and her latest album Voices. Full inks and bios for each guest can be found at posttraditionalbuddhism.com Links O'Connell Coaching: oconnellcoaching.com Post-Traditional Buddhism: posttraditionalbuddhism.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/imperfectbuddha Twitter: twitter.com/Imperfectbuddha

How can we honestly explore and navigate through change in the most authentic way? How can we learn to trust? Dr. Robert Forman returns to the show for a time of heartfelt reflection. Bob is the creator of the SoulJazz program, Founder and Director of the Forge Institute for Spirituality & Social Change and one of the top experts on Mysticism in the world. He is the author of the highly acclaimed memoir Enlightenment Ain't What It's Cracked Up to Be: A Journey of Discovery, Snow and Jazz in the Soul, an exploration of his fascinating 40+ year spiritual journey. Bob has 20+ years experience as a Professor of Comparative Religions, with a PhD from Columbia University and professorships at City University of New York and Vassar College. He is the author of over ten books, as well as the Co-Founder of the Journal on Consciousness Studies. He also provides one-on-one assistance through his spiritual counseling practice and is a hospital chaplain. The lessons Bob has to share are always vital and real, straight from the heart. Bob's web sites: SoulJazzOnline.com EnlightenmentAint.com To learn more about The Frontier Beyond Fear broadcast, now in its 6th year, visit FrontierBeyondFear.com. Frontier Beyond Fear music copyrighted by Grammy award winner Larry Seyer, www.larryseyer.com, included in this podcast with his permission.

How can we be chaplains for one another? How can we connect honestly as our authentic selves? A hospital chaplain himself, Dr. Robert Forman is the creator of the SoulJazz program, Founder and Director of the Forge Institute for Spirituality & Social Change and one of the top experts on Mysticism in the world. He is the author of the highly acclaimed memoir Enlightenment Ain't What It's Cracked Up to Be: A Journey of Discovery, Snow and Jazz in the Soul, an exploration of his fascinating 40+ year spiritual journey. Robert has 20+ years experience as a Professor of Comparative Religions, with a PhD from Columbia University and professorships at City University of New York and Vassar College. He is the author of over ten books, as well as the Co-Founder of the Journal on Consciousness Studies. The life lessons Robert has to share are straight from the heart, beautifully personal and authentic. He provides one-on-one assistance through his spiritual counseling practice. Robert's web sites: SoulJazzOnline.com EnlightenmentAint.com To learn more about The Frontier Beyond Fear broadcast, visit FrontierBeyondFear.com and follow the show on Facebook & Twitter. Frontier Beyond Fear music copyrighted by Grammy award winner Larry Seyer, www.larryseyer.com, included in this podcast with his permission.

To grow aloud is to truly BE, openly. The greatest gift we can give to ourselves and to others is to BE who we truly ARE, more and more completely. Dr. Robert Forman is one of the top experts on Mysticism in the world, as well as the creator of the SoulJazz program, bringing soul to life and relationships. He is the author of the highly acclaimed memoir Enlightenment Ain't What It's Cracked Up to Be: A Journey of Discovery, Snow and Jazz in the Soul, an exploration of his fascinating 39+ year spiritual journey. The Founder and Director of the Forge Institute for Spirituality & Social Change, Robert has 20 years experience as a Professor of Comparative Religions, with a PhD from Columbia University and professorships at City University of New York and Vassar College. He is the author of over ten books, as well as the Co-Founder of the Journal on Consciousness Studies. The life-changing lessons Robert has to convey are intensely authentic, personal and heartfelt. He also provides one-on-one assistance through his spiritual counseling practice. Robert's web sites: SoulJazzOnline.com  (The next SoulJazz webinar begins October 26, 2014 - or be sure to check out the schedule if listening to this podcast at another time.) EnlightenmentAint.com   Frontier Beyond Fear music copyrighted by Grammy award winner Larry Seyer, www.larryseyer.com, included in this podcast with his permission.

How can understanding the synergy between mysticism and intimacy (and not implying sexuality) enhance your close relationships? Dr. Robert Forman is one of the top experts on Mysticism in the world, as well as the creator of the new Soul Jazz program, bringing soul to life and relationships. He is also the author of the highly acclaimed memoir Enlightenment Ain't What It's Cracked Up to Be: A Journey of Discovery, Snow and Jazz in the Soul, an exploration of his fascinating 39+ year spiritual journey. The Founder and Director of the Forge Institute for Spirituality & Social Change, Robert has 20 years experience as a Professor of Comparative Religions, with a PhD from Columbia University and professorships at City University of New York and Vassar College. He is the author of over ten books, as well as the Co-Founder of the Journal on Consciousness Studies. The life-changing lessons Robert has to convey are intensely authentic, personal and heartfelt.  He provides one-on-one assistance through his spiritual counseling practice. Robert's web sites: SoulJazzOnline.com EnlightenmentAint.com   Frontier Beyond Fear music copyrighted by Grammy award winner Larry Seyer, www.larryseyer.com, included in this podcast with his permission.  

Learn how to enrich relationships to experience a deeply lived life in this interview with Dr. Robert Forman.

Is enlightenment truly what we seek? Dr. Robert Forman, author of the highly acclaimed memoir Enlightenment Ain't What It's Cracked Up to Be: A Journey of Discovery, Snow and Jazz in the Soul, explores insights from his fascinating 39+ year spiritual journey.  The Founder and Director of the Forge Institute for Spirituality & Social Change, Robert is one of the world's leading experts in the study of Mysticism. The lessons Robert has to convey are intensely personal and heartfelt, yet also reflect his 20 years experience as a Professor of Comparative Religions, with a PhD from Columbia University and professorships at City University of New York and Vassar College. He is the author of over ten books, as well as the Co-Founder of the Journal on Consciousness Studies. Robert recently launched the new Soul Jazz program, bringing soul to life and relationships. He provides one-on-one assistance through his spiritual counseling practice. Robert's web sites: EnlightenmentAint.com SoulJazzOnline.com   Frontier Beyond Fear music copyrighted by Grammy award winner Larry Seyer, www.larryseyer.com, included in this podcast with his permission.

Are you ready to discover true intimacy in life, whether in deeply satisfying friendships or romantic relationships? How do you find the courage, how do you allow the vulnerability, to take the risks? How do you recover from wounded trust in the past? How do you find the trust to "be real" in the present? Dr. Robert Forman, Founder and DIrector of the Forge Institute for Spirituality & Social Change, recently launched the new Soul Jazz program, bringing soul to life and relationships. One of the world's leading experts in the study of Mysticism, as well as a spiritual counselor, Robert returns to the show to talk honestly and spontaneously with host Susan Larison Danz. A reflection of his fascinating 39-year journey of personal spiritual enlightenment, Robert's highly acclaimed memoir Enlightenment Ain't What It's Cracked Up to Be: A Journey of Discovery, Snow and Jazz in the Soul, was praised as "definitely chicken soup for the spiritual seeker's soul" by Jack Canfield. The lessons Robert has to convey are intensely personal and heartfelt, yet also reflect his 20 years experience as a Professor of Comparative Religions, with a PhD from Columbia University and professorships at City University of New York and Vassar College. He is the author of over ten books, as well as the Co-Founder of the Journal on Consciousness Studies. Robert's web sites: EnlightenmentAint.com SoulJazzOnline.com Frontier Beyond Fear music copyrighted by Grammy award winner Larry Seyer, www.larryseyer.com, included in this podcast with his permission.

Tara Sutphen will interview Robert Forman - Author "Enlightenment Aint What It's Cracked Up To Be". Robert's curiosity and confusion about his early spiritual breakthroughs led him to a Ph.D in Comparative Religions, focusing on spiritual experiences (Columbia U). He’s often been called “one of the leading voices in the academic debates on mysticism," because of his work in the international scholarly debate about mystical experiences.

Are you ready to connect with others soul to soul? Are you ready to embrace and reveal true authenticity? Dr. Robert Forman, Founder and Director of the Forge Institute for Spirituality & Social Change and one of the world's leading experts in the study of Mysticism, returns to the show to talk honestly and spontaneously with host Susan Larison Danz. Robert just launched the new Soul Jazz program, bringing soul to life and relationships. A reflection of his fascinating 39-year+ journey of personal spiritual enlightenment, Robert's highly acclaimed memoir Enlightenment Ain't What It's Cracked Up to Be: A Journey of Discovery, Snow and Jazz in the Soul  was praised as "definitely chicken soup for the spiritual seeker's soul" by Jack Canfield. The lessons Robert has to convey are intensely personal and heartfelt, yet also reflect his 20 years experience as a Professor of Comparative Religions, with a PhD from Columbia University and professorships at City University of New York and Vassar College. He is the author of over 10 books, as well as the Co-Founder of the Journal on Consciousness Studies. Robert's web sites:  SoulJazzOnline.com    EnlightenmentAint.com   Frontier Beyond Fear music copyrighted by Grammy award winner Larry Seyer, www.larryseyer.com, included in this podcast with his permission.

01/03/2014 - Enlightenment Ain't All It's Cracked Up To Be - Part 2 with guest Robert Forman

01/03/2014 - Enlightenment Ain't All It's Cracked Up To Be - Part 2 with guest Robert Forman

12/06/2013 - Enlightenment Ain't All It's Cracked Up To Be - with guest Robert Forman

12/06/2013 - Enlightenment Ain't All It's Cracked Up To Be - with guest Robert Forman

Are you ready to stop being an expert in yearning and make some real changes? Are you ready to take a stand for your own life? Dr. Robert Forman, Founder and Director of the Forge Institute for Spirituality & Social Change and one of the world's leading experts in the study of Mysticism, returns to the show for another honest, heart-based discussion. Robert just launched the new Soul Jazz program, bringing soul to life and relationships. A reflection of his fascinating 39-year journey of personal spiritual enlightenment, Robert's highly acclaimed memoir Enlightenment Ain't What It's Cracked Up to Be: A Journey of Discovery, Snow and Jazz in the Soul was praised as "definitely chicken soup for the spiritual seeker's soul" by Jack Canfield. The lessons Robert has to convey are intensely personal and heartfelt, yet also reflect his 20 years experience as a Professor of Comparative Religions, with a PhD from Columbia University and professorships at City University of New York and Vassar College. He is the author of over ten books, as well as the Co-Founder of The Journal on Consciousness Studies. Robert also offers one-one-one assistance through his spiritual counseling. Web sites: SoulJazzOnline.com EnlightenmentAint.com   Frontier Beyond Fear music copyrighted by Grammy award winner Larry Seyer, www.larryseyer.com, included in this podcast with his permission.

How do you discover, with an open heart, the mystery, surprise and depth of a soul-to-soul relationship with another person? How do you allow yourself to enter a space of vulnerability and trust? How do you truly begin to listen? Dr. Robert Forman, Founder and Director of the Forge Institute for Spirituality & Social Change and one of the world's leading experts in the study of Mysticism, returns to the show for another honest, heart-based discussion. Robert is unveiling the new Soul Jazz program this Fall, an opportunity to truly bring relationships to life. A reflection of his fascinating 39-year journey of personal spiritual enlightenment, Robert's highly acclaimed memoir Enlightenment Ain't What It's Cracked Up to Be: A Journey of Discovery, Snow and Jazz in the Soul was praised as "definitely chicken soup for the spiritual seeker's soul" by Jack Canfield. The lessons Robert has to convey are intensely personal and heartfelt, yet also reflect his 20 years experience as a Professor of Comparative Religions, with a PhD from Columbia University and professorships at City University of New York and Vassar College. He is the author of over ten books, as well as the Co-Founder of The Journal on Consciousness Studies. Robert also offers one-one-one assistance through his spiritual counseling. Web sites: SoulJazzOnline.com EnlightenmentAint.com   Frontier Beyond Fear music copyrighted by Grammy award winner Larry Seyer, www.larryseyer.com, included in this podcast with his permission.

What does it mean to be intimate, to share our deeper selves with another person? Dr. Robert Forman, Founder and Director of the Forge Institute for Spirituality & Social Change and one of the world's leading experts in the study of Mysticism, returns to the show to talk honestly and spontaneously with host Susan Larison Danz. (And note that the type of intimacy we are talking about does not imply sexual intimacy.) We often look for it and fear intimacy at the same time. How do we know when to foster it? How do we know when to trust? How can we be both discerning and empathic? How do we deal with the emotional risks? A reflection of his fascinating 39-year journey of personal spiritual enlightenment, Robert's highly acclaimed memoir Enlightenment Ain't What It's Cracked Up to Be: A Journey of Discovery, Snow and Jazz in the Soul was praised as "definitely chicken soup for the spiritual speaker's soul" by Jack Canfield. The lessons Robert has to convey are intensely personal and heartfelt, yet also reflect his 20 years experience as a Professor of Comparative Religions, with a PhD from Columbia University and professorships at City University of New York and Vassar College.  He is the author of over ten books, as well as the Co-Founder and Executive Editor of The Journal on Consciousness Studies.  He is also a spiritual counselor. Robert's web sites: GoDeeperTogether.com EnlightenmentAint.com     Flute music segues freely distributed under several licenses, including GPL.

What if you spent years of your life seeking spiritual enlightenment but were looking in the wrong place? Dr. Robert Forman, one of the world's leading experts in the study of Mysticism, returns to the show to talk honestly with host Susan Larison Danz about enlightenment, mystical experiences and his fascinating 39-year journey of personal spiritual exploration.  During the last part of the show, you won't want to miss the discussion of why so many of us yearn for deeper connections with one another and how to navigate the powerful energy and emotions we can experience in the process. Robert's highly acclaimed memoir Enlightenment Ain't What It's Cracked Up to Be: A Journey of Discovery, Snow and Jazz in the Soul was praised as "definitely chicken soup for the spiritual seeker's soul" by Jack Canfield. The lessons Robert has to convey are intensely personal and heartfelt, yet also reflect his 20 years experience as a Professor of Comparative Religions, with a PhD from Columbia University and professorships at City University of New York and Vassar College. The author of multiple books, Robert is the Founder and Executive Director of the Forge Institute for Spirituality & Social Change. Robert's web sites: EnlightenmentAint.com GoDeeperTogether.com   To learn more about this program, visit FrontierBeyondFear.com. Flute music segues written and performed by Colin Ross and freely distributed under GPL (www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl.html).      

Dr. Robert Forman, inspirational author of the award-winning book Enlightenment Ain't What It's Cracked Up to Be, returns to reflect with host Susan Larison Danz on our yearning to leave "the game" behind.  If we no longer choose to live by the old rules of ambition, what then? Robert has spent 39 years exploring enlightenment in the midst of some of the top spiritual wayshowers in the world - and he is one of them!   His highly acclaimed memoir was praised as "definitely chicken soup for the spiritual seeker's soul" by Jack Canfield. The lessons Robert has to convey are intensely personal and heartfelt, yet also reflect his  20 years experience as a Professor of Comparative Religions, with a PhD from Columbia University and professorships at City University of New York and Vassar College.  He is one of the world's leading experts in the study of Mysticism. The author of multiple books, Robert is the Founder and Executive Director of the Forge Institute for Spirituality and Social Change.  Robert's web site: EnlightenmentAint.com   To learn more about The Frontier Beyond Fear, visit FrontierBeyondFear.com and follow the show on Facebook. http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Colin_Ross_-_Etherea.ogg, written and performed by Colin Ross and freely distributed under several licenses, including GPL (www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl.html).

Dr. Robert Forman, inspirational author of Enlightenment Ain't What It's Cracked Up To Be and a popular regular guest, has made a special request:  He would like to talk more deeply with host Susan Larison Danz about her journey, focusing on transformative moments that have changed her life, including her experiences with both evangelical Christian and New Age paths. Robert's approach to spirituality is based on 39+ years of exploring spiritual enlightenment - from his beginnings as a Transcendental Meditation teacher training in the presence of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, the guru of the Beatles, to his 20 years experience as a Professor of Comparative Religions.  Robert has a PhD from Columbia University focused on Mystical Experience and professorships at City University of New York and Vassar College. Robert's highly acclaimed memoir was praised as "definitely chicken soup for the spiritual seeker's soul!" by Jack Canfield.  Robert's web site:  EnlightenmentAint.com To learn more about The Frontier Beyond Fear radio program, including ways you can help support the show, visit: FrontierBeyondFear.com Flute music segues appearing on "The Frontier Beyond Fear" originate from http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Colin_Ross_-_Etherea.ogg, written and performed by Colin Ross and freely distributed under several licenses, including GPL (www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl.html).  

Are you disillusioned with goals unreached? Dr. Robert Forman, author of the award-winning book Enlightenment Ain't What It's Cracked Up to Be, returns for a heartfelt, honest discussion of goals not quite being what they are cracked up to be. From his 39 years exploring spiritual enlightenment to his 20 years experience as a Professor of Comparative Religions, Robert shares a deeply insightful, personal perspective whenever he talks with host Susan Larison Danz on the show.  A popular regular guest on The Frontier Beyond Fear, this is Robert's fifth appearance on the program.  Visit The Frontier Beyond Fear web site for links to Robert's earlier shows. Robert's web sites: EnlightenmentAint.com GoDeeperTogether.com Flute music segues appearing on "The Frontier Beyond Fear" originate from http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Colin_Ross_-_Etherea.ogg, written and performed by Colin Ross and freely distributed under several licenses, including GPL (www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl.html).  

Dr. Robert Forman, author of the award-winning book "Enlightenment Ain't What It's Cracked Up to Be", and a popular regular guest, returns to share deeper insights on the nature of mystical experience and how such experiences can impact our lives personally. Robert has spent 39 years exploring enlightenment in the midst of some of the top spiritual wayshowers in the world (and he too is a wayshower for us all).  Robert has 20 years experience as a Professor of Comparative Religions, with a PhD from Columbia University focused on Mystical Experience and professorships at City University of New York and Vassar College.  Robert also shares the depth of his insight and understanding on a personal level as a spiritual counselor. Visit Robert's web sites: www.enlightenmentaint.com www.godeepertogether.com Flute music segues appearing on "The Frontier Beyond Fear" originate from http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Colin_Ross_-_Etherea.ogg, written and performed by Colin Ross and freely distributed under several licenses, including GPL (www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl.html).  

Author of several books including 'Enlightenment Ain't What It's Cracked Up to Be' and Director of 'The Forge Institute for Spirituality and Social Change', Dr Forman talks about his spiritual search and how the 'pot of gold' he longed for was not what it was cracked up to be. But in time he realised that it was of a kind and nature, wholly different than anything he could have known, or wished for. He also discovered that transformation at that level comes by grace and not by self-adjustment. He says: 'It is time we stopped mistaking the content for the awareness that beholds it. Vastness issues a challenge: tell the truth so completely that there is nothing left to be afraid of.'

Dr. Robert Forman, inspirational author of "Enlightenment Ain't What It's Cracked Up to Be", shares heartfelt insights into dealing with spiritual disillusionment and disappointment in the midst of unexpected grace.  [Note: Don't be deterred by some sound issues early in the show, as they resolve themselves later.] Robert's highly acclaimed memoir was praised as "definitely chicken soup for the spiritual seeker's soul!" by Jack Canfield. The lessons Robert has to convey are intensely personal, yet also reflect his 20 years experience as an esteemed Professor of Comparative Religions, with a PhD from Columbia University focused on Mystical Experience and professorships at City University of New York and Vassar College. Robert's approach to the spiritual path is based on 39 years of exploring spiritual enlightenment.  From his beginnings as a Transcendental Meditation teacher training in the presence of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, the guru of the Beatles, to his reflecting on mystical experience with Ram Dass, you will appreciate the depth of wisdom Robert has to share from his fascinating journey. Robert is currently the Executive Director of The Forge Institute. Robert's web sites: http://EnlightenmentAint.com     http://GoDeeperTogether.org   http://www.TheForge.org Flute music segues appearing on "The Frontier Beyond Fear" originate from http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Colin_Ross_-_Etherea.ogg, written and performed by Colin Ross and freely distributed under several licenses, including GPL (www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl.html).

Dr. Robert Forman, acclaimed author of "Enlightenment Ain't What It's Cracked Up to Be" returns to the Frontier to share his authentic, humorous and poetic approach to the spiritual path, based on his 39 years of exploring spiritual enlightenment. The lessons Robert has to share are intensely personal.  Even so, one cannot help but mention his 20 years experience as a Professor of Comparative Religions, with a PhD from Columbia University focused on Mystical Experience and professorships at City University of New York and Vassar College.  We will talk a bit about Mystical Experience from multiple perspectives, given the depth of his expertise and experience.  When Robert speaks from the heart, you will realize that this is a Professor who is not at all afraid to show us how to explore and reveal our deeply authentic selves. Visit Robert's web site: http://enlightenmentaint.com/

Dr. Robert Forman, award-winning author of "Enlightenment Ain't What It's Cracked Up To Be: A Journey of Discovery, Snow and Jazz in the Soul", will share how to embrace "the human messiness" of one's path.  Based on his 39 years of exploring enlightenment, Robert's courageously authentic, humorous and poetic insights offer new directions for people looking for a sane and healthy spiritual pathway in our increasingly confusing world.  Robert has 20 years experience as a Professor of Comparative Religions, with a PhD from Columbia University focused on Mystical Experience and professorships at City University of New York and Vassar College. If you can relate to the disillusionment so often encountered on one's spiritual journey, whether you have found a way to transcend it or if you are feeling stuck, you will greatly appreciate the depth of Robert's insightful conversation with host Susan Larison Danz. Visit Robert's web sites: http://enlightenmentaint.com/ http://www.godeepertogether.com

Robert Forman comes back to be with us today to talk about his ideas about Jazz in the Soul in which relationship becomes real and soulful. Robert is the author of “Enlightenment Ain't What It's Cracked Up to Be: A Journey of Discovery, Snow and Jazz in the Soul” carries a profound awareness of what it is like to live life in touch with soul. When it comes to relationship, we tend to think that the other party is our soul. They represent our happiness, our security, our hope and often we think that we cannot live without some of our relationships. Well perhaps we never live without them, but that's not the question. The question is how much of our relationship is soul and how much operates as if it is separate from the soul? If you want to learn how to make yours into a soulful relationship, don't miss this show.

Have you been spending years of your life seeking spiritual enlightenment? Perhaps you're looking in all the wrong places. It's happening right now, to millions of seekers around the world. Are you one of them? Dr. Robert Forman, author of, Enlightenment Ain't What It's Crakced Up To Be, offers new direction for people looking for a sane and healthy spiritual pathway in our increasingly confusing world. Are you: Convinced you don't have the right stuff to achieve enlightenment in this lifetime . . . Disillusioned by spiritual teachers who don't live up to their lofty self portraits . . . Worried that choosing a spiritual life means leaving your everyday life behind . . . Hungry for a different way to be, but unable to express it? There is newfound hope for spiritual seekers everywhere. A lifetime of personal mystical experience, internationally renown for his books, articles and workshops about spiritual experience and the path, Dr. Robert Forman joins us for a very informative and enlightening discussion providing guidance that is truly illuminating, entertaining and impactful.

You know there are a lot of people out there talking about enlightenment, what it means and how to get it. The biggest hype about it is that if you are enlightened you are living in a constant state of bliss. But can most people really attain that? A better question is: Is that what enlightenment is really all about? Well our guest today is going to answer that question. He is Robert Forman, PhD, author of the book Enlightenment Ain't What It's Cracked Up To Be: A Journey of Discovery, Snow and Jazz in the Soul, in which he exposes his own journey to enlightenment in some very enlightening ways. The book is so candid as to become an opening in the psyche of the reader to allow room for the affirmation of one's own journey, while simultaneously busting some of the mythology about enlightenment. If you are on your own journey to enlightenment, you are not going to want to miss this show.