There are moments when the world feels unbearable—when corruption, ignorance, and suffering seem like the only reality. And there are moments when personal conflict feels inescapable—when the same painful patterns keep repeating, always with new people, always with the same familiar struggles.

But what if neither of these experiences are what they seem?

In this episode, we explore two key insights:

These teachings are drawn from two essays, which are available on my Substack if you’d like to read them in full.

The world doesn’t have to change for you to be free. But to see that, you have to be willing to do the work.

Listen in.

Memory updated

Here’s a description for the podcast episode:

Episode Title: Placing Peace First

Episode Description:

In this episode, Guru Mark Pifer revisits a profound group satsang from January 2021, exploring the central teaching of Placing Peace First. The discussion begins with the essay Mistaking Rest for Peace, which examines the difference between external rest and true, abiding peace.

Mark also reflects on We Get to Have Christ Moments, an essay highlighting Christ’s humanity and the surrender that leads to peace, and introduces a new essay, Placing Peace First, written to expand on this essential teaching.

Join us as we dive into these timeless lessons and explore how surrendering to the present moment can lead to the peace that is your birthright.

In this episode of In the Company of Truth with Guru Mark Pifer, we delve into two transformative teachings that serve as foundational practices for new students.

First, we explore Murder Your Abstract Self, a powerful essay and visualization exercise that introduces the essential insight: You are not your thoughts, nor the character in your mind's stories. This teaching offers practical tools to break free from anxious patterns and find relief in the present moment.

We then connect this to Joyously Futile, an essay that uncovers the hidden peace in surrendering the endless pursuit of happiness. Through embracing life as it is, without grasping for what feels missing, we discover the joy that has always been within reach.

Join me as we discuss how these insights can open the door to liberation and deepen your connection to the peace that is your birthright.

Polished versions of both essays are now available on my Substack for further reading. Let’s dive in.

In this episode of In the Company of Truth, we revisit a group satsang from June 2019, inspired by an essay from my book Accept What Is. Together, we explore the seven stages of knowledge, or Jnana Bhumikas, as described in Talks with Sri Ramana Maharshi. These stages, from the longing for peace in Stage 1: Desire for Enlightenment to the stillness beyond all words in Stage 7: Turyaga, offer a profound framework for understanding the path to liberation.

While rooted in Ramana Maharshi's teachings, this interpretation is my own pointer, presented through the lens of personal experience. Each stage is discussed with care, placing English translations alongside the original terms for clarity.

If this topic resonates, you can find further insights in my essay on Substack titled What a Student Might Expect to Experience on the Path from Stages 1 to 7.

Join me as we explore this timeless progression toward the peace that is your birthright. Let’s dive in.

Episode Title: Altered Traits: The Science of Meditation and Lasting Transformation

Description:
In this episode of In the Company of Truth, Guru Mark Pifer explores the groundbreaking insights from Richard Davidson and Daniel Goleman’s book, Altered Traits. Discover how meditation goes beyond fleeting moments of calm to create enduring changes in the brain and body.

From the neuroscience of mindfulness to the transformative power of compassion, Mark delves into the science-backed benefits of meditation that enhance focus, reduce stress, and foster emotional resilience. Learn why meditation is now a cornerstone of mental health practices and how it can lead to the peace that is your birthright.

Whether you’re new to meditation or a seasoned practitioner, this episode offers a compelling look at the profound ways meditation shapes our brains, lives, and relationships. Let’s dive in!

In this episode of In the Company of Truth with Guru Mark Pifer, we delve into Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor's groundbreaking model of the brain's 'Four Characters,' as introduced in her transformative book, Whole Brain Living. While honoring her profound contributions to understanding brain mechanics and perception, Guru Mark explores a key divergence: the role of balance versus dominance in the quest for liberation. Discover why prioritizing the Right Hemisphere as the seat of peace and clarity not only fosters liberation from the ego but also enhances daily life. Learn how mastering these Four Characters can help you unlock the profound peace that is your birthright. Let’s dive in.

In this episode of In the Company of Truth, Guru Mark Pifer explores the distinct ways the left and right cerebral cortices—located above the limbic system—shape our experience of reality and temper our interactions with the world. Drawing on insights inspired by Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor’s work, Mark shares his hypothesis that the Right Cerebral Cortex—Character 4—is the seat of the peace that transcends understanding.

This satsang, recorded in 2019, marks a foundational exploration of how the mind and spirit intertwine in spiritual practice. While Mark’s understanding of the brain has since evolved to include the nuanced roles of the two limbic systems, the timeless principles shared here invite you to take the first steps toward discovering the peace that is your birthright.

Episode 3: Inquiry – A Path to Liberation

In this episode of In the Company of Truth, Guru Mark Pifer explores the transformative practice of inquiry—a foundational skill for breaking free from limiting beliefs and reclaiming inner peace.

Based on an essay from his book Have You Suffered Enough and a group satsang recorded in November 2018, this episode dives deep into how we can examine the stories and thought patterns that dominate our minds, exposing their costs and dismantling their false promises.

This episode pairs perfectly with Episode 2, which covered the Pain Body, offering the next step in the journey toward freedom and self-awareness.

Tune in to learn how inquiry can help you step into a more examined and liberated life and reclaim the peace that is your birthright.