A live Internet broadcast with Drs. Maysa Alavi and Charles L. Raison, hosted by Alejandro Chaoul, Ph.D.

Are you curious about how ancient spiritual practices and cutting-edge science are converging to transform our understanding of mental health? Join us as two pioneers at the forefront of psychedelic research explore the therapeutic use of psilocybin and compare its transformative potential with the ancient Tibetan practice of “dark retreat,” a meditative journey into complete darkness lasting up to 49 days. The groundbreaking conversation bridges centuries of wisdom and the latest clinical research. Whether you’re a meditation practitioner, a mental health professional, or simply someone fascinated by the intersection of science and spirituality, this event promises to illuminate how ancient methods are finding new life in modern mental health therapies, offering hope and insight for all who seek healing and deeper self-understanding.

The broadcast can be viewed here on this page. If the livestream doesn’t appear above at the scheduled time, try refreshing the page. Other viewing options: View on Facebook | View on the CyberSangha Community App | Explore or join the app now.

Meet the Presenters

Maysa Alavi, M.D., is a visionary physician-leader dedicated to advancing the ethical and evidence-based use of psychedelic medicine. As medical director at Usona Institute, she leads clinical methodology and safety strategy for groundbreaking drug development programs, including 5-MeO-DMT and PSIL-301, helping to shape the future of psychedelic therapies. Dr. Alavi is also the founder and chief medical officer of the Center for Functional-Psychedelic Medicine in New Orleans, where she oversees a multidisciplinary team providing ketamine-assisted therapy, functional medicine, cannabis education, and clinician training. Her hands-on experience includes serving as both site physician and study therapist in pivotal clinical trials for MDMA and psilocybin in the treatment of depression. Trained at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston and with residencies at Harbor-UCLA and USC-California Hospital, Dr. Alavi is committed to emotionally intelligent care, innovative research, and the integration of consciousness medicine into mainstream mental health.

Charles L. Raison, M.D., is an internationally recognized expert in psychiatry, human ecology, and the science of well-being. A professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, he directs clinical and translational research at Usona Institute and leads behavioral health innovation at Vail Health. Dr. Raison’s pioneering research investigates the novel mechanisms of depression, the mind-body connection, and the healing power of compassion. He has played a key role in developing psychedelic medicines as potential treatments for major depression, and his influential work has earned him global recognition — including being named one of the world’s most influential researchers by Web of Science for the decade 2010-2019. Dr. Raison’s commitment to both scientific rigor and compassionate care has been honored by awards such as the Raymond Pearl Memorial Award and Emory University’s Science on Spiritual Health Torch and Trumpet Award. He is co-author of The New Mind-Body Science of Depression, a definitive text on the evolving science of mental health.

Alejandro Chaoul, Ph.D. (host) serves as director of research for Ligmincha International. He has studied in the Tibetan traditions since 1989, and for nearly 30 years in the Bön Tradition with Yongdzin Tenzin Namdak Rinpoche, His Holiness Lungtok Tenpai Nyima Rinpoche, and Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche. He holds a Ph.D. in Tibetan religions from Rice University and is scholar and founding director of the Mind Body Spirit Institute at the Jung Center of Houston. For the last 20 years he has been teaching and researching the benefits of Tibetan mind-body practices for people touched by cancer. He is a Contemplative Fellow at the Mind & Life Institute, and is the author of Chöd Practice in the Bön Tradition (Snow Lion, 2009), Tibetan Yoga for Health & Well-Being (Hay House, 2018), and Tibetan Yoga: Magical Movements of Body, Breath, and Mind (Wisdom Publications, 2021).