210. Miranda Macpherson

Miranda Macpherson is a spiritual teacher, counselor, and author of 'Boundless love'. Known for her depth of presence and refined capacity as a guide into direct experience of the sacred, Miranda teaches and transmits a powerful synthesis of self-inquiry, depth psychology, devotion, and meditation. Inspired by Ramana Maharshi, A Course in Miracles, and extensive study into the world's wisdom traditions, Miranda has over twenty years of teaching experience internationally. In 1996 she founded the groundbreaking 'Interfaith Foundation' in London, and during her 10 years as spiritual director, she trained and ordained over 600 ministers and spiritual counselors. She is now based in the San Fransisco Bay Area, and leads retreats and ongoing programs internationally for those wanting to substantially deepen their practice. Miranda offers an integrated and feminine approach to non-dual realization oriented at facilitating direct spiritual experience while providing a practical foundation for authentic transformation. Her clarity and love offer a deep holding in which to rest undefended in the present, taste deeper levels of consciousness and discover how to embody wisdom in daily life. Books: The Way of Grace - The Transforming Power of Ego Relaxation (Book) Boundless Love: Transforming Your Life with Grace and Inspiration CDs: The Way of Grace - The Transforming Power of Ego Relaxation (CD) Meditations on Boundless Love 'The Heart of Being' - Mantra CD 'Awakening the Soul' - Meditation CD Website: http://mirandamacpherson.com Second BatGap interview with Miranda. Miranda in SAND Panel Discussion on Sexual Misconduct, Money, Power, Trauma & Ethics in Spiritual Communities Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group. Interview recorded 12/21/2013 Transcript of this interview. YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Miranda Macpherson 00:03:04 - The Presence of God and Confusion with Religion 00:05:53 - Awakening to Boundless Love 00:09:03 - Formative Awakening and Spiritual Evolution 00:11:42 - The Interaction of the Soul with the Universe 00:14:43 - Soulful Spiritual Development and Healing Wounds 00:17:40 - Serving the Unchurched People 00:20:28 - An Encounter with Ramana Maharshi 00:24:12 - The Process of Integration and Identity Transformation 00:27:10 - Standing on the Edge of the Void 00:29:37 - Integration and Cultivating Trust 00:32:39 - Trusting the Beneficent Force 00:35:32 - Awakening in the Midst of Everyday Life 00:38:29 - The Elements of Devotion and Embodiment Practices 00:41:17 - Cultivating the Virtues 00:44:23 - The Power of Curiosity and Open-Mindedness 00:47:23 - Non-attack and the Ego 00:50:13 - Disengaging from the Ego 00:52:51 - The Ego as a Form of Thievery and Compassion 00:55:28 - The Relationship between Ultimate Reality and the Relative 00:57:57 - The Fullness and Diversity of Experience 01:00:21 - Walking with Great Suffering 01:03:19 - Genuine Spiritual Practice and Personal Choice 01:05:59 - The Importance of Spiritual Practice 01:08:28 - Gentle Effort and Mantras as a Way of Being 01:11:03 - Awareness during sleep and expanded perception 01:13:25 - Nectar-like Experiences in the Wilderness and the Presence of Deities 01:16:13 - A Nuanced Understanding of Possibilities 01:18:56 - Connections and Collaborations 01:21:14 - Building a Strong Foundation for Realization 01:23:45 - Where to Find More Content