ABOUT THIS EPISODE
Desire is often misunderstood, sometimes seen in a negative light or, in certain traditions, portrayed as something to be avoided—characterized as sinful. However, the truth is that all our actions originate from desire. It propels us toward our goals, serves as inspiration, facilitates our pursuit of intimacy, and motivates altruism. What if we were to perceive human desire as an asset rather than a liability?
Is desire more profound than mere cravings for the latest gadgets or status-symbol possessions like houses, cars, or a significant other who might elevate our social standing? In this show we’ll examine how, by honestly examining our desires and responding to them with self-compassion, we could come to regard desire as a vital aspect of growth, and self-discovery.
Our interviewed guest, Gayan Macher offers perspectives that encourage us to cultivate, direct, and align with our desires, so that we may discover what we truly want from life. Scientist Mina Lebitz shares biological viewpoints that reveal that desire may be necessary for the evolution of life.
Guests
Gayan Macher is a companion and guide to those who are called to the courageous path of love. He has practiced and taught the universal Sufism of Hazrat Inayat Khan his entire adult life. He has also studied Buddhist practice, the Diamond Approach, and psychology.
Gayan leads group retreats and has guided scores of individual students including myself. He collaborated with Pir Zia Inayat Khan in designing Suluk Academy, whre he also taught for for eight years. Along with Taj Inayat Gayan founded New Rain, a laboratory for the process of awakening and spiritual maturation.
Among Gayan’s great loves is music. He plays guitar, and is a singer-song writer with several recordings of original music.
Mina Lebitz prides herself on being a lifelong learner. Her enthusiasm for science and talent for simplifying complex subjects have made her a sought-after educator. After a deep engagement in a PhD program, delving into cellular metabolism and fatty acid binding proteins, she began teaching high school and college levels, and became a premier tutor. Mina is a published author with two Advanced Placement test preparation books under her belt – biology and chemistry, both now in their 4th editions. For Mina, the world functions as her laboratory, and textbooks provide a realm of leisurely exploration. She’s also a dedicated omnologist - a passionate explorer of inner and outer realms.
Thanks to Paul Maier for the reading of the story of the emperor.
