Banyen Blog

Dorothy Maclean was one of the founders of the Findhorn Community, which is now the largest ecovillage in the UK.  A writer and educator on spirituality, she was best known for her descriptions of contacts with consciousnesses of nature which she called ‘devas’.

Born in Guelph, Ontario, she explored the Sufi teachings of Hazrat Inayat Khan and the work of mystic Sheena Govan before meeting Peter and Eileen Caddy, with whom she would found Findhorn.  In 1954 Dorothy had her first experience of the God within, which she called a “vast unity.”  She began a regular practice of meditation to connect with this voice, which led her to the belief that love must be practical.

In this Banyen conversation, Sarah Edmondson—whistleblower who denounced the cult of NXIVM founded by Keith Raniere—opens up about her experiences and healing journey, and describes some of the red flags of cult behaviour we can watch out for. She has released a new book entitled 'Scarred: The True Story of How I Escaped NXIVM, the Cult that Bound My Life'.

In this Banyen conversation, Yogacharini Maitreyi illuminates the true meaning of—and debunks popular misconceptions about—Yoga and Tantra. Maitreyi discusses the qualities of commitment, spiritual maturity and discernment that help us to evolve along the path. She also delves into issues around the teacher-student relationship, including how to protect against false gurus who are abusing their power.

Watch the video here:

Diana Beresford-Kroeger, world recognized author, medical biochemist and botanist, speaks passionately about climate change and offers concrete actions we can do to help. She also explains the practice and healing benefits of forest bathing. Beresford-Kroeger brings together a visionary understanding of contemporary scientific research with traditional concepts of the ancient world.

Watch the video here:

Ram Dass
April 6, 1931 – December 22, 2019

Ram Dass, born Richard Alpert, was an American spiritual teacher, academic, clinical psychologist, and author of many books, including the seminal 1971 book, Be Here Now.  In 1961 he joined Timothy Leary in researching and experimenting with the potentially therapeutic effects of hallucinogenic drugs such as psilocybin and LSD-25. He also assisted in the 1962 “Good Friday Experiment” with theology students, the first controlled, double-blind study of drugs and the mystical experience. Alpert and Leary co-founded the International Federation for Internal Freedom in 1962 in order to carry out studies in the religious use of psychedelic drugs. In 1963 Leary and Alpert were formally dismissed from Harvard.