581. David Lorimer

David Lorimer, MA, PGCE, FRSA is a writer, lecturer, poet, and editor who is a Founder of Character Education Scotland, Programme Director of the Scientific and Medical Network, and former President of Wrekin Trust and the Swedenborg Society. He has also been editor of Paradigm Explorer since 1986 and completed his 100th issue in 2019. He was the instigator of the Beyond the Brain conference series and has co-ordinated the Mystics and Scientists conferences every year since the late 1980s. Originally a merchant banker then a teacher of philosophy and modern languages at Winchester College, he is the author and editor of over a dozen books including Radical Prince: The Practical Vision of the Prince of Wales. His new book of essays, A Quest for Wisdom comes out in March 2021. David is the originator of the Inspiring Purpose Values Poster Programmes, which has reached over 350,000 young people all over the world. David is also Chair of the Galileo Commission which seeks to widen the science of consciousness beyond a materialistic world view. Books: Resonant Mind: Life Review in the Near-Death Experience Radical Prince: The Practical Vision of the Prince of Wales Quest for Wisdom: Inspiring Purpose on the Path of Life Prophet for Our Times: The Life & Teachings of Peter Deunov In this conversation, we discuss whether consciousness fundamental or an epiphenomenon of brain functioning. If it is fundamental (our view), how can this become the accepted paradigm? If it did so, how would this change the world? Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group. Summary and transcript of this interview. Interview recorded December 19, 2020 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Buddha at the Gas Pump 00:05:49 - Exploring Deep Human Experiences of Consciousness and Near-Death Experiences 00:11:13 - The Field Phenomenon of Consciousness 00:16:03 - Unpacking Ideas 00:20:36 - The Dominance of the Mechanistic Metaphor in Biology 00:25:18 - The Galileo Commission and the Fear of Challenging Paradigms 00:29:38 - The tension between the priest and the prophet 00:33:46 - The Hierarchy of Initiates in the Cathar Religion 00:38:32 - Understanding and Manipulation 00:42:53 - The Implications of a Materialistic Worldview 00:47:10 - Empathetic Resonance and Consciousness Awareness 00:51:50 - The Universal Self 00:56:33 - The Impact of Military Expenditure on the Economy and Infrastructure 01:00:55 - The Flourishing of Creativity and Diversity 01:05:16 - Upgrade Needed 01:10:06 - The correlation between the human mind and the universe 01:14:46 - The Importance of a Cultural Grounding in Education 01:19:19 - The Power of Personal Experience 01:23:30 - The Unseen Forces of Change 01:27:44 - The Influence of Meditation on Atmosphere 01:32:11 - The Subtle Atmosphere of a Sacred Place 01:36:29 - The Coarsening Effect of the Physical World 01:40:55 - The Nobel Prize Winner's Courage 01:45:18 - A Shift in Attitude and the Potential for Change 01:49:38 - Embracing Change and the Power of Imagination 01:53:54 - Manifestation of Ideas and Subtle Activism 01:58:43 - The Role of Covert Operations and Power Over People 02:03:25 - Rainmaking and the Power of Ceremony 02:08:02 - Natural Law and Consciousness 02:12:19 - The Closing Ceremony and Final Thoughts 02:17:09 - Conclusion and Thanks