In the lead up to our epic Buddhist pilgrimage to Nepal and India in October 2022 led by Tibetan Master Geshe Tenzin Zopa I wanted to curate a series of interviews with scholars and guides to help shed light on the ancient practice of journeying to scared sites and its relevance to a post pandemic world. Nat Geo has recently said pilgrimage will be the next travel trend after Covid as people search for new meaning to help restore their lives. I could not be more delighted in this, our inaugural episode of the Wisdom Keeper Podcast, to host mythologist and multi award winning author Phil Cousineau. 

PHIL COUSINEAU is prolific writer and filmmaker, teacher and editor, lecturer and travel leader, storyteller and TV host. His fascination with the art, literature, and history of culture has taken him from Michigan to Marrakesh, Iceland to the Amazon, in a worldwide search for what the ancients called the “soul of the world.” With more than 35 books and 15 scriptwriting credits to his name, the “omnipresent influence of myth in modern life” is a thread that runs through all of his work. His books include Stoking the Creative Fires, Once and Future Myths, The Art of Pilgrimage, The Hero's Journey, Wordcatcher, The Painted Word, The Oldest Story in the World, The Book of Roads, and The Accidental Aphorist. 

Phil Cousineau’s website: https://www.philcousineau.net 

Phil and I Discuss: 

The purpose of pilgrimage from its ancient roots to modern times 

The power of physical places whether they be sacred or secular sites 

The importance of reconnecting, remembering, and revitalizing our lives after centuries of fragmentation and disconnection from spirit 

The Long Discussion, Phil’s approach to taking the art of conversation on a deep into the heart of vulnerability. 

Phil also describes contemplation on the road, how a multi sensory experience can be internalized through intention and attention. 

Phil discusses his relationship with his mentor Joseph Campbell, and the need to innovate the epic hero’s journey from a mostly male rite of passage to a more collective, inclusive myth.

We discuss the difference between taking from and giving back when on pilgrimage 

The Wisdom Keeper Podcast is available on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Youtube and Spotify.

For Courses, Community and Buddhist Pilgrimage visit the Contemplative Studies Program

More about Dr. Miles Neale on his website https://www.milesneale.com/

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