Dr. Justin Sledge, creator of the Esoterica channel, joins the Mystery College podcast to discuss the difference between esoteric and exoteric religious practices, the role of intellectual humility, and the importance of philosophy and language learning in understanding mysticism. He shares insights from his academic journey, practical advice for self-learners, and his vision for accessible community-focused education. Topics range from spirituality vs. religion, neurophilosophy, and the limits of scientific and experiential knowledge to the future of education and his work with Esoterica.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheEsotericaChannel

Website: https://www.justinsledge.com/esoterica

00:00 - Introduction to Dr. Justin Sledge & Esoterica

01:00 - Defining Esoteric vs. Exoteric Practices

02:30 - Mysticism in Major Religions & Occultism

04:00 - Dr. Sledge’s Approach to Belief, Religion & Intellectual Humility

06:00 - Symbolism, Myths & Navigation of Reality

09:00 - Sensory Experience and Prayer

11:00 - Language Learning for Religious Studies

13:00 - The Importance of Reading in Original Languages

15:00 - Science, Mathematics & Logic in Truth-Seeking

17:00 - The Limits of Propositional & Experimental Knowledge

18:30 - Phenomenology, Meaning, and Experience

20:30 - Qualities for Rigorous Phenomenology

22:00 - Interdisciplinary Approach: Neuroscience, Philosophy & Religion

27:00 - Learning, Intellectual Humility, and Psychological Development

34:00 - Belief vs. Knowledge: Navigating Mystical Experience

40:00 - Hubris, Memory, and Experiencing ‘Truth’

44:00 - Dr. Sledge’s Philosophy on Education

48:00 - Expanding Esoterica: Future Projects & Community Engagement

52:00 - How to Connect with Dr. Sledge & Closing Thoughts

Join us at: https://www.mysterycollege.com/courses

Our ever-growing course library holds some of the most advanced spiritual topics you can find available online.

Join us for an in-depth podcast interview with Leigh Brasington, renowned teacher and author, as he demystifies the practice of Jhana (meditative absorption) in the Buddhist tradition. Leigh shares his personal journey, pivotal milestones, and practical guidance for both beginners and seasoned meditators. We cover the essential stages of Jhana practice, integrating deep meditation into daily life, misconceptions, the role of neuroscience and feedback loops, common challenges, and much more.

▶ Leigh's website: leighb.com

Join Jake as he welcomes renowned spiritual teacher Gangaji to explore direct self-inquiry, radical presence, and what it means to truly let go. Gangaji offers illuminating insights into moving beyond rote “practices” into the living experience of awareness and spontaneous being. This dialogue delves into how to meet everyday life, emotions, and even self-criticism from the ground of unchanging presence and freedom.

Gangaji is an internationally respected teacher and author whose work centers on self-inquiry and the realization of one’s true nature. Her teachings invite seekers to discover the peace and fulfillment that is already alive within them. You can find her books, retreats, podcasts, and more at her official website: gangaji.org

0:02 – Welcome and introduction to Gangaji

1:09 – The roots and real meaning of self-inquiry: willingness, not technique

2:25 – Making inquiry a living, spontaneous experience

5:31 – The radical invitation: just stop, drop the mental activity, discover what’s always here

7:49 – Living in the world: bringing presence to ordinary life moments

12:04 – The “stateless state” and discovering what never comes and goes

27:05 – Recognizing presence in both good and bad moments

31:09 – Gangaji’s own journey: meeting Papaji, learning to “just stop”

34:57 – Cultivating vigilance and love for the unchanging awareness

43:08 – Last words: vigilance as the “golden key” and what freedom really means

Join us at: https://www.mysterycollege.com/courses

Our ever-growing course library holds some of the most advanced spiritual topics you can find available online.