Summary: In this episode, I take a look at the “ultimate questions” of religion and philosophy: Who are we? Where are we going? How does one live a meaningful life in a world that is marked by loss and death, but also goodness and beauty? <br> Throughout history, humanity has come up with many different and often conflicting answers to these questions. Early humans perceived a spirit world where the ancestors were present and available. Traditional cultures posited a transcendent reality – Godhead or Nirvana – with death as an opportunity for liberation from evil and suffering. Modernity deconstructed religion and spirit but produced the insights of psychology, as well as countless therapies for personal growth.<br> The integral approach is to embrace them all and to be illuminated by multiple truths. In that spirit I created this episode by talking to four of my smartest integral colleagues about their views of the ultimate questions:<br> <br> * <a href="https://drkeithwitt.com/">Dr. Keith Witt</a>, integral psychotherapist for over 50 years, talks about the psychotherapeutic approach to trauma and grief.<br> <br> <br> * Integral teacher and coach <a href="https://www.practicalintegral.com/nomali-perera">Nomali Perera</a> shares the story of the death of her father and the metamorphosis of meaning it sparked in her.<br> <br> <br> * Buddhist priest and integral teacher <a href="https://www.dianemushohamilton.com/">Diane Musho Hamilton</a> offers guidance on the meditative approach of compassion and soothing presence.<br> <br> <br> * And integral philosopher <a href="https://www.stevemcintosh.com/">Steve McIntosh</a> brings a theistic perspective, seeing death as a passage in one’s infinite cosmic journey of divine perfection.<br> <br> I feel better – and a little bigger – having had these conversations. I hope they help you expand a bit as well!<br> – Jeff Salzman<br>
