Sacred Pilgrimage In The Age Of Distraction with Dr. Miles Neale (part 1)
- Author
- Adrian Baker
- Published
- Thu 14 Aug 2025
- Episode Link
- https://blubrry.com/3562394/147762784/sacred-pilgrimage-in-the-age-of-distraction-with-dr-miles-neale-part-1/
Episode 22 with Redesigning The Dharma by Sahaja Soma features a conversation with Dr. Miles Neale, a psychotherapist and Tibetan Buddhist teacher. They explore Dr. Neale's multi-disciplinary approach of integrating Eastern spirituality with Western psychology. The conversation dives into his latest book, 'Return with Elixir,' and delves deep into the concept of pilgrimage as a profound spiritual practice.
Dr. Neale shares insights from his years of experience leading pilgrimages to sacred sites around the world and discusses the transformational potential of these journeys. The discussion also touches on the integration of alchemical principles, the convergence of various religious and mystical traditions, and how pilgrimage can lead to inner and secret realizations. This enlightening conversation offers valuable perspectives for anyone interested in spiritual growth, therapeutic practices, and the intersection of ancient wisdom with modern life.
Episode Highlights:
- 00:00 Introduction to Dr. Miles Neale
- 01:52 The Intersection of Psychology and Tibetan Buddhism
- 06:41 The Role of Pilgrimage in Spiritual Practice
- 16:56 The Significance of Pilgrimage and Sacred Sites
- 24:01 Understanding the Pilgrimage Mindset
- 28:07 Pilgrimage as Transformational Travel
- 34:57 Personal Pilgrimage Experiences
- 42:11 Inner Pilgrimage and Psychedelic Journeys
Guest Bio:
Dr. Miles Neale is a psychotherapist in private practice, teacher of Tibetan Buddhism, founder of the Gradual Path for inner and outer journeys, author of Gradual Awakening, and co-editor of Advances in Contemplative Psychotherapy.
His latest book, Return with Elixir: Four Maps for the Pilgrimage of the Soul Through Death and Rebirth (Inner Traditions, 2025), integrates Joseph Campbell’s mythology, Carl Jung’s psychology, Tibetan Buddhist alchemy, and the precession of the equinoxes.
Over the past twenty-five years, Miles has fused Eastern spirituality with Western psychology. He earned a Masters in meditation research from New York University, a Doctorate in clinical psychology from the California Institute of Integral Studies, and trained in long-term mentor-student relationships with preeminent American Buddhist scholars Professor Robert Thurman, PhD, and Dr. Joseph Loizzo, MD, PhD as well as Tibetan master Geshe Tenzin Zopa.
He has taught psychology and meditation at the integrative medical clinics of Harvard, Columbia, and Cornell universities, designed and led the two-year Contemplative Studies Immersion certificate program based on the Tibetan gradual path (lam-rim), offers courses and workshops internationally including at the Tibet House, US, and has initiated service projects supporting nunneries in the Himalayan region.
Miles curates and leads life-changing pilgrimages to sacred sites around the world and lives between New York City and Bali, Indonesia.
