Episode 19 with Redesigning The Dharma by Sahaja Soma is an enlightening conversation with Spring Washam, the founder of Lotus Vine Journeys.

Adrian and Spring catch up and discuss the evolution of Lotus Vine Journeys and its 10-year-long history of ayahuasca retreats blended with a Buddhist framework.

Spring shares her insights on the ever-changing nature of spiritual practices, the ethical considerations in shamanic traditions, and the deep healing she’s undertaken over the decade.

The discussion touches upon the importance of preparation and integration in plant medicine journeys, ethical tensions in traditional settings, and the benefits of incorporating sacred plant teachings with non-dual Buddhist principles. They also explore the possibility of sustainable practices with alternative plants like peganam harmala and the broader implications of psychedelics in shifting global consciousness.

Episode Highlights:

• 00:00 Introducing Spring Washam
• 04:30 Integrating Dharma and Plant Medicine
• 14:31 Ethics and Evolution in Plant Medicine Practices
• 21:13 The Role of the Maestro and Direct Connection
• 33:47 Honoring Ayahuasca Traditions While Embracing Change
• 38:10 Integrating Buddhism into Ayahuasca Ceremonies
• 44:53 The Importance of Psychedelic Preparation
• 52:45 Sustainability and Accessibility of Plant Medicines

Guest Bio:

Considered a pioneer in bringing mindfulness-based meditation practices to diverse communities; Spring Washam is a well-known teacher, healer, and visionary leader based in Oakland, California.

She is the author of A Fierce Heart: Finding Strength, Courage and Wisdom in Any Moment and The Spirit of Harriet Tubman: Awakening from the Underground.

Spring is one of the founding teachers at the East Bay Meditation Center, an organization that offers Buddhist teachings with attention to social action and multiculturalism. She is a member of the teacher’s council at Spirit Rock Meditation Center, offering teachings on Buddhist philosophy, Insight meditation and loving-kindness practices. Spring is also the founder of Lotus Vine Journeys, a one-of-a-kind organization that blends indigenous healing practices with Buddhist wisdom for transformative retreats in South America.

She has practiced and studied Buddhist philosophy in both the Theravada and Tibetan schools of Buddhism since 1999. Spring is also a shamanic practitioner and has studied indigenous healing practices since 2008.

Spring’s workshops, interviews, and writing can be found in mainstream media worldwide.

SPRING’S WEBSITE

SPRING ON INSTAGRAM

LOTUS VINE JOURNEYS WEBSITE

LOTUS VINE JOURNEYS ON INSTAGRAM