Alon Mark
An expert on the sense of nonsense in spiritual traditions
Israel
English, Hebrew
Lecturer, author, translator, and meditation teacher. An expert on modern spirituality. Graduate of the Department of East Asian Studies and Philosophy, and holder of a Master's degree in Religious Studies from Tel Aviv University. I passed the International Program for the Studies of the Religious Roots of Europe at the University of Oslo. My book "Laughing at the Buddha" explores Zen Buddhism's humor as a mechanism for spiritual liberation. The PhD thesis I am writing on the topic "The Sword of Wisdom: Buddhism and the Martial Arts" has not yet been completed. I have taught an in-depth course on the paradox between combat and meditation at Tel Aviv University.
The Archetype of the Trickster
In this lecture, we will discuss the archetypal figure of the trickster in the world's traditions—the sacred clown who mocks his own religion for a higher cause. The trickster pokes fun at laws, rules, and teachers in order to prevent spirituality from becoming too strict and turning into a rigid and lifeless ritual. We will explore the traditions of "crazy wisdom," and examine colorful figures—shamans, lamas, and Zen masters—crazy clowns who use every means at their disposal in order to lead their students towards spiritual awakening.
Modern Shamanism? An Introduction to Psychedelic Thought
Albert Hofmann, the scientist who accidentally discovered LSD, referred to it as "my problem child" but also saw it as a tool that opens a portal to authentic religious experience. During the tumultuous 1960s, many believed it was the cure for all the world's problems, only to discover that it wasn't so simple.
Today, the modern spiritual world has begun to turn its gaze towards the jungles of Central and South America in search of sacred mushrooms and consciousness-altering potions. In this lecture, we will explore the immense attraction to the psychedelic experience, its inherent dangers, and discuss whether it could lead to a "shamanic renaissance" in the Western world.
Did the Buddha Pick His Ear? A Guide to Overcoming Excessive Spirituality
The world is experiencing a spiritual awakening, which encourages an alternative perspective on contemporary challenges. However, sometimes, the spiritual path is actually a detour, stemming from a desire to bypass emotional depth and engagement with the world. Why do spiritual statements sound so irritating sometimes? When is meditative contemplation not always helpful or even harmful? And how does a humorous perspective help bring the spirit from the heights of a vision back to the world of senses and desires?