Ep123: Master of Memory – Anthony Metivier
In this interview I am joined by Anthony Metivier, author and memory expert who’s life was unexpectedly transformed by the meditation practice of memorising long form Sanskrit texts.
Anthony recounts his childhood of familial chaos and extreme religion, and how a psychotic break at university saw him wrestle with his mental health for years while self-medicating with anti-psychotic drugs and alcohol.
A lifelong meditator, Anthony shares how applying his world-class memory skills to the practice of memorising and reciting long-form Sanskrit texts caused a series of profound spiritual experiences that revolutionised his perception of reality.
Now a world-renowned memory educator, Anthony also reveals his daily routine for optimal mental performance, and shares insights into the role of memory in identity formation and in spiritual awakening.
Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.
Topics include:
00:00 – Intro
00:58 – Childhood of chaos and extreme religion
02:46 – Exposure to meditation and memorising sanskrit texts
07:05 – Charismatic religious experiences
12:18 – Psychosis and self medication
21:07 – Psychedelics and Carlos Castaneda
25:48 – Past life regression
27:16 – Spiritual entities and rational skepticism
30:59 – Gary Weber and the effect of memorising long-form Sanskrit
35:15 – The essence of spiritual insight
39:25 – Plato and being vs non-being
41:45 – Sanskrit memorisation as a spiritual practice
49:18 – A profound spiritual experience
52:51 – Loss of the fear of death and the psychopathic danger
56:51 – Storytelling and identity
01:01:52 – Narrative drift and how memory works
01:07:34 – Anthony’s daily routine for optimal memory and productivity
To find out more about Anthony, visit:
Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James