Kundalini Splendor

This hour long interview is perhaps the best summing up of the interspiritual/mystical approach that one might find.  Mirabai Starr is that rarest of all beings, a truly wise women.  She explains in easily understandable language the difference between religion and spirituality, the meaning of "interspiritual" as opposed to "interfaith."  The former refers to the uncovering and experiencing of the essence of various traditions, whereas in interfaith presentations, representatives of various religions meet and explain the perspective of their own faith beliefs to others so that these may have a better understanding.

She firmly believes that experience is indeed primary over thought constructs.  Thus the practices of many diverse lineages can bring the practitioner closer to the goal of divine union than can discussion about or attempts at definition of such notions as " duality vs. nondual."  She feels that nondualism is itself a dualistic concept.  For the mystic, union with the beloved is the goal, a state to be experienced, not intellectualized.

She asserts that deep meditative states (of many kinds) lead naturally to a dedication to service to better the state of the world.  Thus outer action is an outgrowth of inner transformation in a natural process.

Mirabai comes to her present interspiritual perspective as a product of her family background and her exposure as a child to many, many faiths.  Her mother and father were (secular) New York Jews (hippies) who transplanted the family to Taos, New Mexico, where many faiths intermingled and existed in harmony.  Nearby was Ram Dass' Lama foundation where diverse faiths and beliefs systems were represented.  Mirabai was thus exposed to many systems of thought and religious traditions. When Mirabai was in school in Taos, her teachers included many well known spiritual leaders such as Pema Chodron and others of that rank.  Her English teacher was Natalie Goldberg ("Writing Down the Bones").

Mirabai has done many translations of great spiritual beings who were themselves profound mystics.  She herself learned much from these teachers.  She said that when she translated St. Teresa of Avila, she felt a deep connection with Teresa's spirit and inner being.

I rate Mirabai Starr as one of the major spiritual teachers of our time.  The opportunity to listen to her as she reveals her inmost beliefs in this way is a rare chance to learn from a truly wise woman.  I cannot recommend this presentation highly enough.  Make it a top priority on your list!  And listen more than once if you can.  It is packed with jewels to be had for the taking.

The interview is available as video and audio at Buddha at the Gas Pump through ITunes.