Ep. 200: Robert Anton Wilson's Cosmic Trigger
Ultraculture With Jason Louv
Welcome to the monumental 200th episode of the Ultraculture Podcast! In this special edition, Jason Louv revisits Robert Anton Wilson's "Cosmic Trigger" — a pivotal book that explores the frontiers of magical and mystical thought. This episode delves into the utopian visions and relentless optimism of the early days of the Magical Revival, qualities that Jason passionately seeks to reignite in today's occult circles. In this episode, Jason not only reflects on the book's impact on his own journey into the realms of magic and consciousness expansion but also discusses how its predictions and...
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Ep. 199: The True Quest of Magick
Ultraculture With Jason Louv
🌟 In today's episode of Ultraculture With Jason Louv, we delve into the transformative power of discovering and living your true will. Are you feeling stuck, as if life's demands are clouding your true path? This episode is your guide to clearing the debris and finding clarity in the chaos. 🌀 We explore the profound ways the Western Esoteric Tradition helps individuals uncover their life's purpose, distinct from the one-size-fits-all solutions offered by society. Learn about the blueprint every person carries within and how you can embark on a journey of self-discovery and realization....
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Ep. 198: Theocracy: Can We Not?
Ultraculture With Jason Louv
Join Jason Louv, author, podcaster, and teacher of Western esotericism, as he delves into the disturbing rise of religious extremism across the globe. From the theocratic pushes in the Middle East to the alarming trends in the United States, this episode addresses the critical choices facing humanity between progress and regression into a new Dark Age. Discover the implications of these movements on our freedoms and rights, backed by recent studies and examples from the U.S. and around the world. Stay informed about the very real threats of religious fundamentalism and what it means for the...
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Ep. 197: The Fall of Hyperion
Ultraculture With Jason Louv
A dramatic reading by Jason Louv of the 1819 poem "The Fall of Hyperion—A Dream" by John Keats, set to music by Jason. Not uncommon for the 19th century, it is awash in occult and Hermetic symbolism. Show Links The full text of the poem follows: "The Fall of Hyperion—A Dream" John Keats CANTO I Fanatics have their dreams, wherewith they weave A paradise for a sect; the savage too From forth the loftiest fashion of his sleep Guesses at Heaven; pity these have not Trac'd upon vellum or wild Indian leaf The shadows of melodious utterance. But bare of laurel they live, dream,...
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Ep. 196: Dark Dungeons: Magick, the Occult & Tabletop Role-Playing Games
Ultraculture With Jason Louv
Do tabletop roleplaying games lead to the occult? Spoiler: Yes. Dive into the mystical world of Role Playing Games (RPGs), where we explore the Top 5 Benefits of RPGs and unveil the Top 5 Occult RPGs of all time. Starting with the basics, we explain what RPGs are and how they can serve as powerful tools for enhancing imagination, visualization, connection, and communication. We delve into the rich history of RPGs, shedding light on the controversial association with occult and Satanism. We also reveal how this perception has evolved over the years, leading to widespread public...
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Ep. 195: Secrets of Santa Muerte
Ultraculture With Jason Louv
In this evocative episode of Ultraculture With Jason Louv, we delve into the enigmatic world of Santa Muerte – the saint of death who also embodies life. Our guest, Dr. Cressida Stone, an accomplished anthropologist with a profound connection to the spiritual and the esoteric, unravels the layers of mystery surrounding Santa Muerte, a figure revered by millions yet often misunderstood. Dr. Stone, armed with insights from her groundbreaking book and years of fieldwork in Oaxaca, Mexico, guides us through the syncretic origins and the vibrant, non-dualistic tradition of Santa Muerte worship....
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Ep. 194: Flight of the Bön Monks
Ultraculture With Jason Louv
In this captivating episode of Ultraculture With Jason Louv, we delve deep into the harrowing tales of survival, faith, and rebirth amidst the Chinese invasion of Tibet in 1950. Authors Harvey Rice and Jackie Cole join us to share the profound narrative of their latest book, providing an inside account through the voices of three persecuted monks whose lives embody the struggle and resilience of the Tibetan spirit. Discover the true story of Tenzin Namdak, Samten Karmay, and Sangye Tenzin, who, after the invasion, embarked on a perilous journey from the clutches of...
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Ep. 193: The Inversion: How We've Been Tricked Into a False Reality, With Kingsley L. Dennis
Ultraculture With Jason Louv
In this revealing episode of Ultraculture With Jason Louv, we dive deep with Kingsley Dennis, author of the new book "The Inversion: How We Have Been Tricked Into a False Reality." Dennis challenges our accepted reality, proposing that the world we live in is not what it seems, but a carefully crafted mirror-world, designed to keep us in a state of complacency and confusion. Kingsley meticulously unravels the myriad ways our perceptions are manipulated by a complex web of industrial, technological, and media influences, guiding us into a life that seems increasingly inverted from what is...
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Ep. 192: THEURGY, in Theory and Practice, With P.D. Newman
Ultraculture With Jason Louv
In this episode of the Ultraculture podcast, Jason Louv is joined by P. D. Newman, an expert in the fields of alchemy, Hermeticism, and theurgy, with over two decades of immersion in these esoteric traditions. Newman shares insights from his latest work, a profound exploration into the ancient practice of theurgy, tracing its origins beyond the commonly acknowledged timeframe back to the era of Homer. He highlights how theurgy, a magical practice aimed at divinizing the soul for mystical union with the divine, shares roots with shamanic soul flight practices and was articulated in the epic...
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Ep. 191: Magick for Beginners in 3 Steps (Or Less!)
Ultraculture With Jason Louv
In this episode, I return to the basics - the three core skills of becoming a magician. And no, there will be no LBRP, no sigils, no Golden Dawn, none of that stuff. Just pure skill. Whether you're brand new or decades in, dive in and reconnect with the core truths of your practice. Show Notes
info_outlineIn this episode, Jason gives a dramatic reading of the Diamond Sutra.
The Diamond Sutra, a Mahāyāna Buddhist text, is notable for its influence on East Asian Buddhism, especially within the Chan or Zen tradition. Translated across a wide geographic range, it's revered for its teachings on "perfection of wisdom." Historically significant, it's recognized as one of the earliest dated printed books, with its discovery tracing back to 868 AD; it was also the first book ever released with complete open rights, allowing it to be shared, distributed or copied by anyone. The text's cultural impact is mirrored in a rich tradition of commentary and veneration within East Asian Buddhist cultures, embodying a legacy of religious thought and practice that continues to resonate across the globe.
The sutra's title metaphorically relates to the Vajra, a powerful weapon, symbolizing wisdom that cuts through illusions to attain ultimate reality. The text's essence, promoting a deeper understanding of reality through wisdom, along with its historical value as an early example of printed literature, highlights its enduring relevance and esteemed position within the Buddhist tradition and world religion.
The Diamond Sutra had fostered a rich cultural milieu of artwork, veneration, and over 80 commentaries by the end of China's Tang dynasty, indicating a vibrant intellectual engagement with the text. Its teachings continue to inspire Buddhist practitioners and scholars, affirming its timeless value in exploring profound religious and philosophical themes.
The recording at the opening of the show is of monks chanting at the Buddhist stupa Swayambhunath in Kathmandu, Nepal.
Show Notes