Episode 3 of Redesigning The Dharma by Sahaja Soma features a conversation with Janeth Jaramillo from Pachanoi Retreats. This episode discusses the integration of indigenous medicinal practices with plants such as Ayahuasca and Huachuma, and meditation in the Insight Tradition. The conversation begins with Janeth’s personal journey into plant medicine and meditation and her experience with different ceremonies, retreats, and sacred medicines like San Pedro cactus, psilocybin mushrooms, DMT, and Kambo. Some topics discussed include: the use of plant medicine for healing, cultural differences in the practice of traditional wisdom, how plant medicine can complement a non-dual contemplative practice, and ethical considerations that one must observe in the use of plant medicine. The discussion also delves into ethical considerations, power dynamics, and potential abuse within spiritual communities, alongside the importance of respect for indigenous knowledge and traditions.

Episode Highlights:

• 00:00 Introduction and Janeth’s Background
• 09:39 The Role of Emotions in Awakening
• 29:35 The Importance of Respect and Ethics in Plant Medicine
• 39:56 The Impact of Set and Setting on Psychedelic Experiences
• 53:52 The Power Dynamics and Shadow Aspects in Psychedelic Experiences
• 58:02 Tips for a Safe Journey in Plant Medicine
• 01:00:01 Introducing Pachanoi Earth Medicine Retreat

Guest Bio:

Janeth is an Ecuadorian medicine woman, plant medicine facilitator, and mindfulness practitioner.  She has extensive knowledge of plant medicine and has worked closely with indigenous Shipibo people from Peru for over a decade. Her journey with plant medicine began with an Ayahuasca ceremony in Peru in 2010 and she’s been organizing and facilitating retreats since 2014. Janeth continues to deepen her understanding through countless plant medicine ceremonies not only with Ayahuasca but with other Sacred Medicines such as San Pedro cactus, psilocybin mushrooms, DTM and kambo.

Janeth is also a passionate Buddhist practitioner, she has been part of several silent, multi-day meditation retreats, including a 3-month silent meditation retreat at IMS in Massachusetts and a  2-month retreat in Yangon-Myanmar. She is a certified Mindfulness Teacher and studied under the direction of the well-known teachers Jack Konrfield and Tara Brach.

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