Ep153: Kundalini & The Occult - Mary Shutan Guru Viking 2022-06-10 | In this episode I am joined by Mary Shutan: author, occultist, and spiritual teacher. Mary shares her journey from a traumatic early childhood to adoption into an upper-middle class family, and how spiritual overwhelm in her teenage years, and a subsequent kundalini awakening, drove her to in-depth study of spiritual themes.Mary details her own kundalini experience, including challenging side effects, kundalini traps, and the role of sacrifice on the spiritual path.Mary also discusses her love of reading and magical realism, recounts her time as a ritual magician working with the dark feminine, advises on encounters with entities and extra-terrestrials, and describes the different types of spiritual protection employed by institutions and public figures.…www.guruviking.com/podcast/153-mary-shutan-kundalini-and-the-occultAlso available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.…Topics include: 00:00 - Intro01:03 - Prolific publications01:41 - Mary’s writing process02:35 - Upper-middle class upbringing as an adoptee 04:56 - Early childhood trauma 08:28 - Spiritual overwhelm during teenage years13:03 - Magical realism and Mary’s writing influences 17:29 - Spiritual truths in fiction 18:41 - Pan’s Garden, elementals, and Clive Barker 20:34 - Magic in art 22:37 - Mary’s kundalini awakening26:04 - What is kundalini?28:04 - Challenging side-effects of Mary’s kundalini awakening32:35 - Active vs passive surrender 34:49 - Common misconceptions about kundalini 37:59 - What triggers kundalini awakening?40:58 - Spontaneous kundalini awakenings 42:46 - Direct methods to awaken kundalini 45:40 - Kundalini traps 48:07 - Sacrifice on the spiritual path 49:48 - Losing martyrdom and other identity markers 52:31 - Years in ritual magic and occultism 55:31 - Misogyny in Western Occultism and the dark feminine 59:01 - How to know if an occult ritual has worked01:01:29 - Are occultists hired by governments and celebrities?01:07:12 - Types of spiritual protection employed by institutions and public figures01:09:09 - Mary’s near death experience01:12:23 - Working with non-corporeal teachers and other entities01:14:39 - Voluntary possession practices 01:18:06 - Encounters with extra-terrestrials 01:20:25 - Adi Da’s ‘Knee of Listening’01:22:38 - Working with Mary …To find out more about Mary Shutan, visit:- http://maryshutan.comFor more interviews, videos, and more visit:- www.guruviking.comMusic ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James
Ep276: Canadian Tulku Translator - Tulku Sherab Dorje Guru Viking 2024-10-18 | In this episode I am joined by Tulku Sherab Dorje, Buddhist teacher, translator, and author of scholarly and popular books about Tibetan Buddhism.Tulku Sherdor recounts his unusual childhood and past-life proclivities, his graduation from Columbia Law School and subsequent elite level law practice, and years of spiritual retreat under masters of Tibetan Buddhist lineages.Tulku Sherdor explores the creative tension between cynicism and devotion, the use of humour in scripture and spiritual teaching, and the importance of reinvesting one’s merit with the inspiration of bodhicitta. Tulku Sherdor also reflects on what it takes to be an effective translator, whether critical scholarship is a threat to religious faith, and the pros and cons of the tulku system from his position as a recognised reincarnation. …guruviking.com/podcast/ep276-canadian-tulku-translator-tulku-sherab-dorjeAlso available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.…Topics include:00:00 - Intro01:34 - Why write about one’s spiritual life?04:48 - Humour and literary conventions of self-diminishment06:20 - Self promotion and the marketplace of ideas08:33 - Cynicism, devotion, and humour in relationship with gurus11:46 - Buddha’s humour in the sutras 13:53 - Tulku Sherdor’s family background and unusual childhood behaviours15:20 - Jewish diaspora and resonance with the Tibetan diaspora17:36 Awakening of existential questioning18:57 -Child psychologist’s advice to Tulku Sherdor19:54 - Past life explanation and how to invest your merit 24:24 - How to use your freedoms and advantages25:22 - Tulku Sherdor expresses gladness about his life’s work26:52 - Are there dedicated practitioners? 27:49 - Tulku Sherdor’s unique combination of successes 28:53 - Benefits of being a well trained lawyer29:46 - Important writing lessons learned at Columbia Law School and during law career32:59 - Hypercriticism of other translators34:00 - Serving the lineage with high standards35:44 - Praise for Erik Pema Kunsang and Thinley Norbu 38:11 - Advice for writers and translators 41:12 - Dual-language immersion42:23 - Translator disillusionment and historical perspective 46:46 - Cultural naivety and the published word48:41 - Is critical scholarship a threat to sacred texts and religious faith?53:16 - Advice about how to learn Tibetan55:31 - Pros and cons of training at Harvard University and the Rangjung Yeshe Institute56:46 - Advice for graduates of elite academic programs01:00:39 - Sanskrit and Chinese01:02:33 - The Amazon monster and Tulku Sherdor’s books01:05:10 - Remembering past lives 01:08:44 - Carrying qualities into your next life01:09:15 - Tulku Sherdor reflects on his childhood Dharmic tendencies01:10:55 - Being a tulku01:14:21 - Tulku Sherdor reflects on the tulku system01:15:58 - Concluding remarks …To find our more about Tulku Sherdor, visit:- blazingwisdom.org/tulku-sherab-dorje …For more interviews, videos, and more visit:- guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James
Ep275: I Was A Tantric Disciple - Khandro Kunzang Dechen Chodron 2 Guru Viking 2024-10-11 | In this episode I am once again joined by Khandro Kunzang Dechen Chodron, teacher of Tibetan Buddhism and executive director of Saraswati Bhawan Publications.Khandro Kunzang details her apprenticeship in Nepal under renowned ngakpa Kunzang Dorje Rinpoche, outlines the course of her training from yidam practice to tummo and beyond, and reflects on the profound trust involved in the guru-disciple dynamic. Khandro Kunzang shares stories about Kunzang Dorje’s psychic powers, his testing the honesty and obedience of potential students and even other lamas, and the price he paid for adhering to his yogic ideals by refusing involvement in politics and religious institutions.Khandro Kunzang explains the value of a close relationship with a guru, what it takes to be a worthy student to a spiritual master, and considers the differences between those who teach dharma with or without lineage authority.…Link in bio.Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.…Topics include:00:00 - Intro01:06 - Finding the guru 02:08 - US Tour with Lama Dawa 06:13 - Personal time and teachings with Lama Dawa 08:08 - Insistence on ngondro 09:16 - Proposing a consort relationship14:23 - Meeting Kunzang Dorje Rinpoche in Nepal16:46 - Past life test 20:48 - Receiving Dudjom Tersar 3 Roots Empowerment 22:00 - Challenged to drink alcohol as a nun24:41 - Kunzang Dorje Rinpoche agrees to become Khandro’s teacher25:23 - Further ngondro and 6 month retreat 27:01 - Kunzang Dorje Rinpoche’s clairvoyance and psychic powers28:51 - How Kunzang Dorje Rinpoche tested seekers and students30:29 - Exposing infidelity between a student and lama31:23 - The importance of honesty and trust 32:23 - A pride offering34:13 - Follow-through and other conditions of samaya36:40 - A disobedient student 38:28 - Kunzang Dorje Rinpoche’s attitude towards high lamas 40:51 - The price of purity 42:52 - Exploitation of Westerners 44:15 - Ngakpas don’t form groups45:20 - Faith in the guru47:03 - Challenged by Kunzang Dorje Rinpoche49:11 - Arguing with Lama Dawa50:09 - The value of having a close relationship with a teacher52:12 - Wrathful teaching vs abuse53:57 - 2 dimensions of mentorship55:08 - Motivation and lama wannabes 57:29 - Critique of bad lamas who come to the West59:20 - What makes a real student?01:00:27 - Importance of work ethic and personal sacrifice01:02:30 - Self interest and hidden agendas01:04:14 - Who is authorised to teach the lineage?01:07:07 - Selecting a lineage holder01:08:37 - Different levels of teacher01:10:02 - The burden of being enthroned01:12:56 - Khandro details her training under Kunzang Dorje Rinpoche01:14:28 - Generation stage for ḍākinī, lama, and yidam01:16:02 - Tummo and completion stage practices 01:19:40 - Rare pipe practice01:23:23 - Private and public enthronements01:25:28 - Further completion stage practices and Vajrakīlāya …Previous episode with Khandro Kunzang Dechen Chodron:- guruviking.com/podcast/ep268-sitting-with-terror-khandro-kunzang-dechen-chodron To find our more about Khandro Kunzang Dechen Chodron, visit:- phurbathinleyling.org/khandro-kunzang …For more interviews, videos, and more visit:- guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James
Bonus Episode: Open Sangha Foundation Dhammarato & Michael Guru Viking 2024-10-08 | In this bonus episode, Dhammarato and Michael offer a lively and humorous tour of their new Buddhist social media website: Open Sangha Foundation.Dhammarato calls this the “Buddhist Facebook” and it is a place where people can create a profile, join discussions and forums, access a multimedia and article library, and find Buddhist centres all around the world on their searchable sangha map. …Link in comments.Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.…Topics include:00:00 - Intro01:24 - Who is Michael?03:29 - The Buddhist Facebook05:58 - Bhikkhunī page and other special pages07:15 - Literature and multimedia archive09:06 - Groups, forums, and messaging 12:44 - Guided site tour 13:10 - Bikkhu Buddhadasa and the Dalai Lama15:59 - Sangha maps18:20 - Dhammarato’s house20:51 - Finding teachers and friends21:49 - Bhikkhunī directory24:59 - Add your own facility26:16 - Detailed searches and beneficiaries of the Open Sangha Foundation32:54 - FAQ page33:52 - Library page35:30 - Slideshows and photo archive36:25 - Article archive37:56 - Groups and discussion forum39:34 - Customise your personal profile page41:57 - What makes this site different43:37 - How you can help44:54 - Concluding thoughts Join the Open Sangha Foundation at:- opensanghafoundation.orgWatch previous Dhamamrato episodes:- guruviking.com/search?q=dhammarato For more interviews, videos, and more visit:- guruviking.comMusic ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James
Ep274: Poetry & the Sacred - Henry Shukman & John Brehm Guru Viking 2024-10-04 | In this episode I host a dialogue between Henry Shukman, British poet, Zen teacher, and author of ‘One Blade of Grass; a Zen memoir’; and John Brehm, American poet and author of ‘The Dharma of Poetry’.Henry and John share the story of their formations as poets, compare the similarities as well as the marked differences in their backgrounds, and reveal the powerful forces that inspire the creative process.Henry and John discuss the purpose and process of writing poetry, reflect on poetry as a means of contact with the sacred, and contrast the richness of poetry with attentional practices such as mindfulness and Zen.Henry and John also perform and discuss several of their poems, including “Walk the Talk”, “Swifts”, “Yahrzeit”, and “Finis Ter”. …guruviking.com/podcast/ep274-poetry-the-sacred-henry-shukman-john-brehmAlso available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.…Topics include:00:00 - Intro 00:56 - Henry’s early interest in poetry 03:45 - Poetry and spiritual practice06:04 - What is it to be alive?06:30 - Searching for the charge06:51 - First profound experience of writing poetry 08:17 - Poetry that awakes09:25 - John’s unliterary family background12:00 - John’s psychedelic experiences in the 1970s13:23 - Poetry as a way to evoke luminosity 14:37 - Contact with the sacred15:11 - Henry reflects on John’s early life15:57 - Henry’s unusual parents17:23 - Inner freedom and childhood trauma18:01 - Imagist and Tang dynasty poets20:08 - The Beat poet and a different way of living20:54 - Intimacy and rediscovering landscape22:26 - Seeing beauty in the ordinary and discarded24:41 - It’s about quality of attention26:01 - Attracted to the neglected29:25 - The curse of being a public poet30:09 - No allies and no encouragement32:01 - John’s first poetry teacher33:08 - The audience34:40 - Poetry only works without purpose 35:32 - Recognising the false note36:54 - Henry’s process of composition and revision38:24 - Great poets of the past as audience 39:43 - A R Ammons an writing for an audience40:20 - Henry’s dream for his poetry41:52 - The chore of mindfulness43:09 - Remembering your True Self43:31 - The sacred pause44:28 - Temporary enlightenment45:31 - Poetry is richer than mindfulness 47:28 - Beauty beyond mere mindfulness49:28- Focusing on what you love 49:59 - Using language to go beyond language50:54 - Autopoiesis and memetic fulfilment 53:25 - Poet as conduit 55:32 - Radical awakening57:00 - Banishing the beautiful 58:13 - Seamus Heaney on poetry as redress 59:24 - Collective awakening of consciousness01:00:20 - Reciprocity and post-medieval alienation01:01:20 - Hospicing modernity01:02:30 - Why publish poems?01:04:27 - John reads “Walk the Talk”01:06:03 - Reflecting on success as poets 01:09:08 - John reads “Swifts”01:12:48 - Henry reads “Yahrzeit”01:18:22 - Henry reads “Finis Ter”01:19:26 - Appreciation and gratitude …Previous episodes with Henry Shukman:- guruviking.com/search?q=shukman Previous episode with John Brehm:- guruviking.com/podcast/ep230-the-dharma-of-poetry-john-brehm …Find out more about Henry Shukman:- henryshukman.com- http://thewayapp.com Find out more about John Brehm:- johnbrehmpoet.com …For more interviews, videos, and more visit:- guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James
Ep273: Spirit Conjuration - Dr Ben Joffe Guru Viking 2024-09-27 | In this interview I am once again joined by Dr Ben Joffe, anthropologist and scholar practitioner of Tibetan Buddhism. Dr Joffe leads a deep dive into the Western magickal tradition of spirit conjuration, traces their diverse forms through the centuries, and considers the range of beings described, from the land sprites of localised traditions to the high angels of the Enochian system of Renaissance polymath John Dee. Dr Joffe reflects on the origin and changing usage of terms such as “demon” and “devil”, laments the prevalence of dangerously lax invocation practices, considers the cultural impact of the grimoire tradition, compares the systems of demonology found in world religions, and notes striking similarities between Buddhist tantric mystic Padmasambhava and King Solomon.Dr Joffe also shares his own occult experiences including tales of spirit contact, servitor creation, dream visitations from the recently deceased, and ritual workings in several magickal systems. …guruviking.com/podcast/ep273-spirit-conjuration-dr-ben-joffeAlso available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.…Topics include:00:00 - Intro01:12 - Western Esotericism 04:42 - Spirit conjuration and the grimoire tradition 05:49 - Analysing spirit conjuration tropes in horror movies09:46 - Diverse magical practice 10:51 - Professor Ronald Hutton’s history of Western Esotericism12:05 - History of spirit conjuration from Ancient Egypt to today14:49 - Mesopotamian laws against witchcraft 16:08 - The status of magick in the Abrahamic traditions16:58 - Clerical underground of wizards 18:20 - Literacy and the power of a magickal book21:03 - Prioritising of the book and of language itself23:08 - Gathering one’s magickal tools25:00 - Preparation is key26:20 - Do spirits find humans repulsive?30:29 - Self-purification and strategies for self-deification 31:24 - Similarities between Padmasambhava and King Solomon32:43 - Dzamling Chi Sang and subjugating spirits33:41 - The Testament of Solomon and subduing spirits35:34 - Magick and frat-boy fantasy37:47 - John Dee and the quest for knowledge 39:40 - Christian ceremonial magick and Jesus as a sorcerer41:55 - Pre-Christian Pagan European spirit traditions 43:09 - Magick vs religion45:12 - Hamlet and old spirit frameworks 48:03 - Arguments for and against the grimoire tradition53:56 - Cultural impact of the grimoire tradition56:05 - Wisdom of the past 58:33 - Different types of spirits and supernatural beings01:02:33 - Muslim views of Iblīs (the devil) and djinn.01:04:22 - Evil spirits in Christianity and Tibetan Buddhism01:06:01 - Different ideas of the Devil01:07:17 - What is a demon?01:07:50 - Lazy demonology 01:15:05 - The perspective of nondual Tibetan tantra01:18:31 - Limitations of dualistic cosmology01:20:56 - Angels and pre-modern Christian views 01:25:03 - Why demons are useful for practical magick01:27:47 - Ben’s personal reflections on working with spirits01:31:17 - Rites of passage and creating servitors01:33:00 - Ben explains the Goetia 01:34:16 - Ben reflects on his magickal career01:36:45 - Summoning spirits at 12 years old01:43:11 - ADHD approach to magick01:44:09 - Ben recalls powerful, unexpected spirit contacts 02:00:51 Group corroboration 02:02:17 -Dream visitations from the recently deceased 02:04:56 - Are these experiences real?02:07:30 - The social aspects of magickal practice02:10:48 - Ben’s relationship with an invented spirit02:15:42 - Wyatt the servitor 02:21:02 - Models of magick and questions of purity02:29:09 - The two wolves inside of Ben 02:31:25 - Universal principles or relative frames?02:34:33 - Artisanal magick and honing attention02:36:18 - Is magickal training reliable?…Previous episodes with Dr Ben Joffe: - guruviking.com/search?q=joffe To find out more about Dr Ben Joffe, visit:- perfumedskull.com- http://www.skypressbooks.com…For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James
Ep272: Mystical Path of Sufism - Professor William Rory Dickson Guru Viking 2024-09-20 | In this episode I am joined by Dr. William Rory Dickson an associate professor of Islamic Religion and Culture at The University of Winnipeg and author of “Dissolving into Being: The Wisdom of Sufi Philosophy”.Professor Dickson recalls his Christian upbringing, teenage atheism, and how powerful psychedelic experiences saw him embark on a religious search. Professor Dickson recounts his initial explorations of Tibetan Buddhism, his conversion to Islam, and how his dissatisfaction with conservative and Salafi revivalist trends saw him embrace the Sufi path.Professor Dickson also explains the history of Sufism; considers the influence of Ancient Egyptian, Persian, and Neo-Platonic thought; reflects on the role of language proficiency in the study of religions; and addresses common misconceptions about Sufism and Islam. …guruviking.com/podcast/ep272-mystical-path-of-sufism-professor-william-rory-dicksonAlso available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.…Topics include:00:00 - Intro00:59 - Upcoming book01:42 - Religious upbringing03:39 - Becoming a precocious atheist04:36 - Late teen mystical experiences05:29 - Rebellious teen years and interest in Japan06:29 - Working as a social worker in child protection07:57 - Drawn to academia 08:29 - Returning to graduate school in late 20s09:58 - Becoming a professor11:02 - Psychedelics as spiritual doorways 13:10 - Lessons from trauma14:24 - Spiritual reading and engaging with Tibetan Buddhism17:42 - Passion for reading18:42 - From Tibetan Buddhism to Islam20:44 - Dissatisfaction with local mosque Islam22:50 - Friends and family reactions to conversion to Islam23:52 - Involvement with Salafi Muslim revivalist movements 24:53 - First flush of fundamentalism26:26 - Burning out, renewed spiritual exploration, and seeking a teacher28:37 - Meeting Ngak’chang Rinpoche of the Aro gTer31:32 - Gradual or sudden conversion to Islam?32:23 - The role of Arabic language study35:05 - Is source language study necessary to really understand and practice religions?37:08 - Three idiots on an island38:04 - Language skills and scholarship 40:21 - Decay of language skills in academia41:59 - Shift from textual study to lived religion44:56 - Elite vs popular Sufism47:44 - Common misconceptions about Sufism and Islam49:53 - Rich mystical philosophy and the post-colonial dilemma51:17 - Meeting Sufi teachers and the question of Islamic identity53:26 - Origin story of Sufism57:515 - Historical perspective of Sufism and connections to Ancient Egypt, Neo-Platonism, and Persia58:35 - Enoch as a progenitor of the mystical tradition 59:51 - Inner circle perspective 01:00:52 - Evolution and methods of Sufism01:03:43 - Diversity of Sufi forms through cultural adaptation01:06:28 - Ibn ‘Arabi 01:07:58 - Methods and metaphors01:09:11 - Overwhelmed by the visceral presence of love…To find our more about Professor William Rory Dickson, visit:- uwinnipeg.ca/experts-guide/william-rory-dickson.html …For more interviews, videos, and more visit:- guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James
Ep271: Zen Confessions - Brad Warner & Shozan Jack Haubner Guru Viking 2024-09-13 | In this episode, I host a dialogue between Brad Warner, Zen teacher, Youtuber, and best-selling author of “Hardcore Zen”; and Shozan Jack Haubner, ex-Zen Monk, Youtuber, and prize winning author of the memoir “Zen Confidential: Confessions of a Wayward Monk”. Brad and Jack explore their own journeys as writers, the humorous and confessional elements in their work, and the complications of writing about real life events that involve other people. Brad and Jack reflect on what they see as the politicisation of American Zen, describe how religious institutions can compromise their principles when faced with financial and political pressure, and explain their own efforts on Youtube and elsewhere to challenge hegemony and encourage a return to essential Zen. Brad and Jack also discuss facing criticism as public figures, consider some of their more controversial videos and views, and reveal how they stay centred amidst the polarising forces of today’s internet and social media world. …guruviking.com/podcast/ep271-zen-confessions-brad-warner-shozan-jack-haubnerAlso available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.…Topics include:00:00 - Intro01:10 - Radical self disclosure02:49 - Why Brad began writing about Zen05:59 - Hardcore Zen and success06:48 - Noah Levine’s Dharma Punx07:50 - Jack’s initial Zen writing10:43 - Complications of being ordained12:34 - When people find out13:40 - Protecting others’ identity16:29 - Compromise thru affiliation with Zen organisations18:08 - Selling meditation as a product21:03 - Austrian Zen and hard retreat 22:44 - Mainstream mindfulness 23:37 - Wearing Zen robes24:55 - Why Brad stopped teaching in the USA25:45 - Hostility in NYC27:50 - Zen apprenticeship and closing the doors30:53 - Boomer hippy ideals vs real Zen31:45 - US Zen hegemony 35:11 - Politicised Zen and 80s televangelists 36:20 - Bullying and fixed views37:25 - Sasaki Roshi’s scandal and encounters with boutique Zen teachers 39:02 - Politicisation of US Zen 41:07 - Financial pressure and running an institution44:59 - Brad on Sasaki Roshi47:16 - Sweeping Zen48:08 - Challenging socio-political trends in American Zen50:08 - Hijacking Zen 56:06 - The Jack Kornfield problem59:20 - Attacked from both sides01:01:16 - Right wing Zen01:03:54 - Demonising the other side and facing your shadow01:09:40 - Abuse and pushing your buttons01:12:10 - Being too nice 01:13:28 - Self-justification 01:14:57 - Co-opting Zen01:16:09 - Sasaki beats a lazy student01:19:06 - The danger of Zen practice01:23:06 - Patron priest corruption01:24:58 - Dealing with negative feedback on social media01:33:24 - Internet radicalisation and keeping your head01:38:52 - Watching your equilibrium01:39:49 - Jordan Peterson vs Zen01:43:07 - Teachings vs entertainment01:46:00 - Why Rinzai is evil and Soto sucksPrevious episode with Brad Warner:- www.guruviking.com/podcast/155-hardcore-zen-brad-warner Previous episodes with Shozan Jack Haubner:- guruviking.com/search?q=haubner …To find out more about Brad Warner, visit:- http://hardcorezen.info- youtube.com/c/HardcoreZen To find our more about Shozan Jack Haubner, visit:- youtube.com/channel/UCt9Q74t3o7AUCJ_bKTc5CgA …For more interviews, videos, and more visit:- guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James
Ep270: Wandering Monk - Jina Kusala Guru Viking 2024-09-06 | In this episode, filmed on location in Kathmandu, Nepal, I am joined by Jina Kusala, originally from Norway and now a wandering Theravada monk. Jina tells the story of his traumatic childhood, the mental suffering and instability it caused, and how the Buddhist path provided a means to reckon with the pain.Jina shares encounters with religious leaders such as Mingyur Rinpoche, recounts meeting previous podcast guest Bhante Jason and reflects on the profound time he spent under Bhante’s instruction. Jina recalls his Himalayan wanderings and cave retreats, discusses the power of the 4 foundations of mindfulness, details the differences between Hīnayāna and Vajrayāna realisations, and explains why with incremental progress one may aim for sainthood.…guruviking.com/podcast/ep270-wandering-monk-jina-kusala Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.…Topics include:00:00 - Intro00:56 - Background and recent travels in the Himalayas01:40 - How to work with hardship03:09 - Upbringing in Norway and traumatic childhood04:30 - Healing trauma06:21 - Redeeming trauma and helping others07:42 - Chasing satisfaction10:22 - Finishing high school and seeking13:25 - Discerning the wholesome vs unwholesome14:46 - First encounter with Buddhism in Norway15:44 - Travel to Sri Lanka and attempts at meditation17:17 - Jina suggests a location change17:57 - Meeting Bhante Jason19:19 - Sophisticated use of the 4 Foundations of Mindfulness22:46 - Entering the 4 jhānas, clearing emotional blockages, 23:34 - Mechanism of gaining insight 24:31 - The Buddhist path in brief24:59 - 3 kinds of delusion25:35 - The 4 noble truths29:14 - When the mind lets go31:55 - Leaving Bhante Jason’s hermitage35:21 - Making Jina’s broken mind functional38:25 - A scripture parade38:45 - A period of chaos and profound uncertainty40:05- Stabilising and improvement of functionality40:59 - Interpersonal difficulties and wounds of mistrust42:52 - Manifestation of unprocessed trauma 43:55 - Becoming a cure for trauma44:53 - Himalayan Buddhism as Jungian shadow work45:49 - Jina’s karmic background with Himalayan Buddhism 47:02 - Differences between the realisations of early vs later Buddhist forms 49:16 - Formless states vs true nirvāṇa52:25 - A private meeting with Mingyur Rinpoche and 5 month retreat in caves54:40 - Plans for India55:21 - Reflections on the wandering life57:05 - Developing intuition and accessing the magical mind 58:59 - Reflections on the path, meaning, and ennobling character 01:00:43 - Learning from your mistakes01:02:29 - Incremental improvement01:02:32 - Aiming for sainthood …Kathmandu Interviews playlist:- youtube.com/playlist?list=PLlkzlKFgdknwvU82dU487LhF_mF4AkGek&si=gFGJpi-fnLtxeyZ5 Previous Episode with Bhante Jason:- guruviking.com/podcast/ep12-bhante-jason-guru-viking-interviews …For more interviews, videos, and more visit:- guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ and ‘Meditation’ by Steve James
Ep269: When Qigong Goes Wrong - Damo Mitchell Guru Viking 2024-08-30 | In this episode I am once again joined by Damo Mitchell author, teacher, and student of the internal arts of Asia including Tai Chi and Daoist Inner Alchemy.Damo draws on his background in the qi arts, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Western psychology to reveal the causes and symptoms of various types of qi and meditation related problems, including dragon sickness, nihilism and depression, scorched nervous system, entity possession, and more.Damo explains the two most common triggers for qi illnesses, expresses warnings about working with spirits and reservations about tantric practices of deity and guru yoga, and differentiates true meditation from mere mental cultivation. Damo shares his own spiritual encounters, considers whether or not it is wise to explain mystical experiences to students, and offers recommendations for those facing energetic or existential upset.…guruviking.com/podcast/ep269-when-qigong-goes-wrong-damo-mitchellAlso available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.…Topics include:00:00 - Intro 01:03 - Damo comments on Dr Willoughby Britton’s work03:04 - Is meditation dangerous?04:31 - Mediation vs qigong illnesses 06:15 - The illness threshold07:06 - Why qigong illnesses are common07:38 - Hunting sensation and hyper-stimulation of the nervous system11:12 - Releasing the nerves11:45 - Teachers who disclose vs those who withhold 1534 - Making progress or losing ground?19:19 - Combining Eastern and Western psychological methods 23:00 - Meditation vs mere mental work26:27 - Fascination with one’s own psychology27:12 - Damo’s definition of mental illness28:07 - Is mental work a preliminary to or distraction from meditation?30:39 - Chinese terms for meditation vs mental work32:23 - Comparisons with Patanjali’s 8 limbs of yoga34:10 - Identity attachment34:55 - Why teaching hurts your training35:55 - Freedom vs negligence as a teacher38:01 - Psychiatry vs traditional medical and religious models41:03 - Two common triggers for qi deviations42:34 - The dangers of going inside43:32 - Qi side effects44:14 - Advice for qigong teachers45:19 - Scorching the nervous system 46:37 - Dragon sickness47:43 - A case of dragon sickness that ended in suicide50:04 - 5 types of qigong illness51:38 - Entering into fire to encourage demons52:39 - Nihilism from meditation53:05 - Poison fire infecting the heart54:19 - Criticism of sexual practice58:06 - Contamination of the heart mind01:00:25 - Love in the spiritual arts01:01:49 - Demon possession or psychological disorder?01:03:51 - How entity possession happens 01:06:27 - Lighting up the body 01:07:22 - A story about possession 01:08:58 - Seeking contact with entities through Falun Gong and tantra01:11:56 - Don’t trust spirits01:15:07 - Evolution away from shamanism 01:17:15 - Tulkus, dead gurus, and terma01:20:05 - The cult of Avalokiteśvara and the Dalai Lama01:21:07 - Risks associated with contacting ascended masters01:23:42 - Reflections on deity yoga 01:25:15 - Quan Yin worship and personification of deities01:27:52 - Premature ejaculation and sexual imbalances 01:31:36 - Damo’s mystical experience in a Bhutanese temple01:35:19 - Questioning one’s own position01:36:39 - Kundalini syndrome vs qi sickness01:38:40 - What is kundalini syndrome?01:39:55 - Commenting on Gopi Krishna’s kundalini account01:41:26 - Karmic illnesses 01:43:39 - Pilgrimage and confession01:44:30 - How to fix qi deviations01:46:28 - Complicated cases and overpowering the incorrect patterns01:47:22 - How extreme cases develop01:48:43 - Scaremongering and the value of lineage01:52:02 - Combining psychedelics with qigong practices01:55:24 - Potency and risk…Previous episode with Damo Mitchell:- guruviking.com/podcast/ep174-daoist-inner-alchemy-damo-mitchell To find out more about Damo Mitchell, visit:- damomitchell.com For more interviews, videos, and more visit:- www.guruviking.comMusic ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James
Ep268: Sitting with Terror - Khandro Kunzang Dechen Chodron Guru Viking 2024-08-23 | In this episode I am joined by Khandro Kunzang Dechen Chodron, teacher of Tibetan Buddhism and executive director of Saraswati Bhawan Publications.Khandro Kunzang recalls her childhood samadhi experiences and communications with animal spirits, her meetings with great gurus, and her own path of mystical experiences.Khandro Kunzang recounts stories about Lama Dawa and Kunzang Dorje Rinpoche including tales of mirror divination, precognitive dreams, chulen mastery, and other yogic feats.Khandro Kunzang also explains how to work with terror and collapse of the Self, how to hold a place in one’s practice for uncertainty, and the importance of the student’s capacity when working with a guru. …guruviking.com/podcast/ep268-sitting-with-terror-khandro-kunzang-dechen-chodronAlso available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.…Topics include:00:00 - Intro00:52 - Early life and connection to nature03:06 - Exposure to Eastern religion and samadhi experiences05:38 - Powerful experience with a Buddha statue at 14 years old 08:07 - Initial Buddhist seeking09:44 - Involvement in New Age 10:03 - Transformative resonance with Yeshe Tsogyal’s biography12:42 - Collapse of the Self structure14:11 - Active Buddhist involvement 16:31 - Taking refuge and life falling apart18:34 - All in for Dharma20:29 - Meeting Lama Dawa and open discussion of the spirit realm 26:29 - Karmic affinity with Lama Dawa28:16 - Invitation to meet Kunzang Dorje Rinpoche29:59 - Accompanying Lama Dawa on a 9 month tour33:10 - The influence of Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo34:10 - Childhood communication with nature spirits and interest in environmental activism38:20 - Dreams of guardian angel / dharma protector40:42 - Feelings of alienation and other awakening experiences44:58 - Past life as a Kagyu retreat master 47:00 - New Age interpretations 50:17 - Time as a sound healer53:00 - More than mere appearances54:13 - Trauma and the subtle body 55:52 - Lama Dawa’s yogic emphasis on experience58:42 - Lama Dawa’s criticisms of scholars 59:55 - Bad death of a geshe 01:00:29 - Lama Dawa’s skill in debate01:02:06 - Disillusionment with scholarship and social status01:03:25 - Using the body to process trauma and “stuff” on retreat01:05:21 - Intense experiences on retreat01:07:18 - Discipline and music01:09:08 - Constructive criticism and student capacity01:11:27 - History of Lama Dawa and Kunzang Dorje Rinpoche01:18:40 - Mastery of stone chulen and other yogic feats 01:23:12 - Mirror divination and other prognostication01:31:21 - Living with a collapsed Self 01:33:16 - Sitting with terror and holding the place for uncertainty01:36:14 - Working with the edge …To find our more about Khandro Kunzang Dechen Chodron, visit:- phurbathinleyling.org/khandro-kunzang …For more interviews, videos, and more visit:- guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James
Ep267: American Chan Master - Gilbert M Gutierrez Guru Viking 2024-08-16 | In this episode I am joined by Gilbert M Gutierrez, Chan Buddhism teacher and a dharma heir of Master Sheng Yen.Gilbert recounts his early childhood mystical and meditation experiences, his deep-dive into closed-door internal martial arts and nei gong systems, and the special abilities he both witnessed and unlocked.Gilbert describes the unusual circumstances leading up to meeting Taiwanese Chan master Master Sheng Yen, and how an arduous meditation retreat and a powerful encounter with Quan Yin changed his life forever. Gilbert also discusses exorcisms, ghosts, and vexing spirits, and tells stories of the pitfalls of using spiritual healing to sustain terminally ill patients. …guruviking.com/podcast/ep267-american-chan-master-gilbertm-gutierrezAlso available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.…Topics include:00:00 - Intro00:52 - Childhood bardo memories03:28 - Early meditation experiences 06:05 - A “roaming” Catholic and asking questions10:26 - Studies at UCLA11:37 - Studying closed-door martial arts systems12:44 - Chinese master vs Japanese karateka 15:23 - Things are not as they appear17:45 - Visionary experiences across time19:37 - Nāgārjuna’s refutation of time and space 20:32 - True meaning of “no thought” 24:27 - The first level of Chan practice 25:53 - Nei gong studies and building chi 29:07 - Developing Wu Nien and related abilities33:13 - Demonstrating abilities 34:52 - Meeting a qigong master and becoming his successor39:52 - Healing abilities of the master42:32 - Meeting masters and cracking the code44:15 - Asking why we practice45:33 - The dangers of using entities to empower your practice 50:39 - Meeting Master Sheng Yen54:01 - Master Sheng Yen psychically anticipates meet Gilbert58:59 - Suffering at first retreat with Master Sheng Yen01:02:44 - Prostrating to Quan Yin and finding life’s purpose01:06:37 - Metta, Karuna, and Henry Shukman01:08:44 - Unconditional compassion01:11:21 - True meaning of the Heart Sutra01:18:45 - Moving from qigong to Chan01:25:57 - Exorcisms, ghosts, and vexing spirits 01:29:42 - Buddha-perception and seeing other realms01:31:10 - How do the Buddhas see the world?01:35:33 - A vision of Quan Yin…To find our more about Gilbert M Gutierrez, visit:- youtube.com/@chanmindwork/playlists - mind-work.mn.co/ - riversidechan.org/ …For more interviews, videos, and more visit:- guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James
Ep266: Meeting of Masters - Guo Gu & Meido Roshi Guru Viking 2024-08-09 | In this episode, I host a dialogue between Guo Gu, Chan Buddhist teacher and scholar and author of ‘Silent Illumination: A Chan Buddhist Path to Natural Awakening’, and Meido Roshi, Rinzai Zen Abbot of Korinji Monastery and author of ‘Hidden Zen: Practices for Sudden Awakening and Embodied Realisation’.Guo Gu and Meido Roshi reflect on their long friendship, recall their first meeting in 1989 at a meditation retreat led by Master Sheng Yen, and extol the virtues of dharma friendship.They challenge common misconceptions about awakening, explain how to train the body in Chan and Zen practice, and reveal the suprising results of an integrated body-mind.They also describe the enlightened field of a true master, the power of being close to one’s teacher, and how to master energy, time, and space. …guruviking.com/podcast/ep266-meeting-of-masters-guo-gu-meido-roshiAlso available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.…Topics include:00:00 - Intro00:58 - Meido and Guo Gu reflect on their friendship since 198908:20 - What is a dharma friend? 11:36 - Sharing experiences in Chan vs Zen 14:28 - Half baked experiences and marking history16:25 - Keeping a practice journal20:16 - Dreaming about Master Sheng Yen24:30 - Developing as a teacher28:30 - Embodying the master31:04 - Master Sheng Yen’s sharp humour and private sarcasm34:01 - Face to face training and being an attendant35:55 - Drawbacks of online training39:22 - The teacher as friend41:46 - Dharma projections43:16 - The resonant field of a master47:42 - Embodied practice and interdependence of being51:47 - The power of the retreat container52:39 - The silent influence of one’s practice57:33 - Learned bodily aptitude 58:39 - How to train the body01:01:44 - Content and clear01:04:32 - Mastering energy, time, and space01:06:57 - Everyone is different01:09:33 - The body-supporting experience01:10:46 - Working with injuries01:13:47 - Zazen emerges organically01:15:20 - How to use the teacher’s influence01:17:09 - Learning to let go01:20:39 - “Put it down”01:25:40 - Delusion is baked into the body01:31:24 - Mind and body conditioning01:34:20 - Solving problems 01:36:40 - Integrating the body-mind01:30:01 - The entire universe is the true human body01:38:30 - Putting down awakening01:39:11 - Effort vs allowing01:40:47 - Concluding remarksPrevious episodes with Guo Gu:- guruviking.com/search?q=guo Previous episode with Meido Roshi:- guruviking.com/podcast/ep98-meido-roshi-hidden-zen …To find out more about Guo Gu, visit:- guogulaoshi.com To find our more about Meido Roshi, visit:- korinji.org …For more interviews, videos, and more visit:- guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James
Ep265: Occult Experiments - Duncan Barford Guru Viking 2024-08-02 | In this episode I am joined by Duncan Barford, occult practitioner, counsellor, and author of ‘Occult Experiments in the Home’.Duncan discusses his own journey into the occult including reality-bending experiments with Chaos Magick, invocation of his holy guardian angel, identifying and relating to entities, and meeting his long-time collaborator, the magician and spiritual teacher Alan Chapman.Duncan recalls his first encounter with Daniel Ingram’s “Mastering the Core Teachings of the Buddha”. He explains how he combined Daniel’s approach with Western occult methods and rituals to attain arhatship for himself. Duncan declared his enlightenment on the internet and began teaching awakening in a short-lived venture called “Open Enlightenment”. Duncan reflects on the strongly negative reactions that both his declaration and teaching project received.Duncan also comments on demonic affliction, both his own experiences as well as those of recent podcast guest Mattias Daly, the influence of social class and geographic location, navigating kundalini crisis, the intersection of mysticism and magick.…guruviking.com/podcast/ep265-occult-experiments-duncan-barford Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.…Topics include:00:00 - Intro01:19 - Occult experiments in the home02:38 - Duncan comments on Mattias Daly’s demonic affliction04:34 - Demonic or kundalini awakening? 06:27 - - Duncan’s own kundalini crisis08:44 - Seeking guidance from Tara Springett11:39 - Identifying entities14:19 - Duncan’s specialism in counselling those having unusual occult experiences17:05 - Finding the best paradigm19:38 - Does Duncan prescribe magickal practice?21:50 - Spirituality vs everyday life 24:42 - Meeting Alan Chapman and sustained interest in the occult26:59 - Invocation of the Holy Guardian Angel 27:57 - Encountering Daniel Ingram and bringing awakening back to magick30:31 - Duncan’s childhood interest in the supernatural and strange 33:13 - Gothic horror and psychoanalysis33:52 - Beginning to explore magickal practice35:03 - Moving from intellect to feeling and emotion36:32 - Abandoning a PhD, meditation frustration, and life crisis44:12 - Encountering Chaos Magick and leaning to bend reality46:26 - Envy of Daniel Ingram and reception in the Chaos Magick community49:40 - Are mysticism and spirituality compatible with magick?51:09 - Using magick to induce mystical experiences 52:44 - Declaring arhatship and attaining the four paths 57:45 - Powerful experience with Andrew Cohen01:01:43 - Advice from Christopher Titmuss 01:03:50 - Dreaming of Gary Numan 01:05:25 - Is arhatship the end of enlightenment?01:07:09 - Duncan asks Steve’s opinion01:09:07 - Did Duncan and Alan keep pace in their awakening path?01:10:03 - The 3 doors and awakening with visions 01:13:39 - Fire kasina retreat with Daniel Ingram01:16:26 - Why did Duncan declare arhatship?01:17:59 - Ego inflation through magickal practice01:19:08 - Negative responses to declaration of enlightenment 01:19:54 - Failure of Open Enlightenment and the compulsion to share one’s awakening01:24:49 - Is UK conducive to spiritual and magickal work?01:27:27 - Reflections on being working class01:28:33 - Travellers vs locals01:29:15 - Comments on the spectrum of entities 01:31:09 - Discount code for the Baptist Head Compendium…To find our more about Duncan Barford, visit:- duncanbarford.uk...View Mattias' Daly interview about demonic affliction here:- guruviking.com/podcast/ep263-possessed-by-a-demon-mattias-daly-3…For more interviews, videos, and more visit:- guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James
Ep264: Vajrayana & Performance Art - Naljorma Tsüldzin Guru Viking 2024-07-26 | In this episode, filmed on location in Boudhanath, Kathmandu, I am joined by Naljorma Tsül'dzin, an internationally acclaimed performance artist and ordained apprentice in the Aro gTer sect of Tibetan Buddhism.Tsül'dzin recalls her childhood in rural Ireland, early cultural and occult explorations, substance abuse and recovery, and her international career as a performance artist under the name “Kira O’Reilly”.Tsül'dzin traces her history with the Aro gTer sect of Tibetan Buddhism, from first encounter to full ordination, reveals her religious robes and the reactions they provoke, and explains her ongoing fascination with the Great Stupa in Kathmandu. Tsül'dzin also considers the intersection of art and religious expression, the tension between practice and performance, ritual and spectacle, and reflects on her long-standing work with Serbian conceptual and performance artist Marina Abramović.…guruviking.com/podcast/ep264-vajrayana-performance-art-naljorma-tsldzinAlso available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.…Topics include:00:00 - Intro01:04 - Inspiring example of Jomo Samphel Dechen Rinpoche06:30 - Working with body and physicality as a practitioner09:34 - Childhood in Catholic rural Ireland11:55 - The 80s goth scene12:43 - Linda Montano’s insight on Tsül'dzin and subcultures14:07 - Occult explorations15:09 - Substance abuse and entering recovery 16:29 - Studying fine art at university17:36 - Encountering the Aro gTer Buddhist sect 20:22 - Group practice format in the Aro gTer22:44 - Attraction to the Aro gTer23:37 - Internationally acclaimed performance art career29:08 - Deepening Buddhist practice30:47 - Ordination and Kathmandu 31:28 - Performance art and religious ritual 32:50 - Meeting Marina Abramović35:25 - The Golden Bough and ritual as performance art36:16 - Working with Marina Abramović37:50 - Performing at Marina Abramović’ recent London retrospective at the Royal Academy of Art 39:16 - West/East influence 41:34 - Marina Abramović as a teacher 43:45 - Wearing religious robes 44:48 - Conversations arising from wearing robes in public47:08 - Explaining the colour scheme49:56 - Robes and participation 53:00 - Fasting and preparing for the 12-day Royal Academy performance57:41 - Street Dog Care 58:43 - Reflecting on spiritual experiences 01:00:20 - Time and space01:02:27 - Why spend so much time in Boudha?01:06:22 - Practice vs spectacle 01:07:15 - Prostrations 01:08:08 - Art and the Aro gTer01:09:44 - Secular vs religious art01:12:04 - Disappointment with Western Buddhist art01:14:08 - Recommendations for when visiting Boudha01:14:36 - How to have impromptu conversations …Boudhanath Interviews playlist:- youtube.com/playlist?list=PLlkzlKFgdknwvU82dU487LhF_mF4AkGek&si=gFGJpi-fnLtxeyZ5 …To find our more about Naljorma Tsül'dzin, visit:- instagram.com/naljormatsuldzin - kiraoreilly.com …For more interviews, videos, and more visit:- guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James
Ep263: My Demon Exorcism - Mattias Daly 3 Guru Viking 2024-07-19 | In this episode I am once again joined by Mattias Daly, Taoist practitioner and translator of ‘Taoist Inner Alchemy’, published by Shambala.Mattias tells the story of his affliction by a malevolent entity, a demon attached to his ancestral line for generations. Mattias details the progression of his symptoms and his terror as the being began to take deeper hold on his body and mind.Mattias recounts several attempts at exorcism, working with ritualists from Taoist, Catholic, Tibetan Buddhist, Spiritualist, and Māori traditions in increasingly desperate attempts to rid himself of the entity.Mattias also explains various theories of demonology, the steps he now takes to avoid contact with such forces, and reveals the surprising reasons why he is sharing his story now, for the first time in public. …guruviking.com/podcast/ep263-possessed-by-a-demon-mattias-daly-3Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.…Topics include:00:00 - Intro01:02 - Arriving in New Zealand03:49 - Searching for a mentor04:23 - Intense and unusual spontaneous meditation experiences11:48 - Teacher’s advice 13:02 - Extreme experiences reach a crescendo14:54 - Martial movements and speaking in tongues17:34 - Self healing powers 20:26 - Meeting a new Qi Gong teacher 26:01 - Lead up to the exorcism35:06 - Exorcism #1: Taoist37:33 - Failure of the exorcism 42:06 - Exorcism #2: Catholic 50:18 - Challenge to Mattias’ materialistic world view55:03 - Return to meditation practice and involvement with Tibetan Buddhism58:38 - The demon returns01:02:13 - Teacher advises to stop practice01:04:37 - Exorcism #3: Tibetan Buddhist01:09:26 - Demon breaks through and takes possession of Mattias01:13:33 - A deeper level of affliction01:15:47 - Isolation and worsening symptoms01:20:20 - Exorcism #4: Spiritualism 01:24:14 - Fear of full possession01:25:35 - Exorcism #5: Māori01:38:06 - Māori tohunga’s explanation of the exorcism01:49:03 - Origin of the demon and ancestral ties01:50:54 - Why did the demon try to take possession of Mattias?01:54:11 - Care and safety around malevolent entities01:59:19 - Contact with other entities01:59:48 - Should you learn exorcism?02:02:23 - Sleep schedule and dreams02:03:16 - Chinese demonology02:07:15 - Ghost sightings02:10:38 - Why is Mattias sharing this story now?…Watch the previous episodes with Mattias Daly:- guruviking.com/podcast/ep244-taoist-adventures-mattias-daly - guruviking.com/podcast/ep251-taoist-inner-alchemy-mattias-daly-2 To find our more about Mattias Daly, visit:- shambhala.com/authors/a-f/mattias-daly.html …For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - guruviking.com …Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James
Ep262: Life of Liberation - Dorje Guru Viking 2024-07-12 | In this episode, filmed on location in Boudhanath, Kathmandu, I am joined by Dorje, an American Vajrayana practitioner born in 1947.Dorje recounts his childhood in the American South, his move to San Francisco in 1968, and his involvement in the early days of the gay liberation movement. He recalls the arrival of AIDS in 1981, the traumatic deaths of his close friends, and the impact of his own HIV diagnosis.Dorje explains his conversion to Buddhism in the midst of a chaotic and stressful life, his 25 years as an ordained monk, the power of Yamantaka practice, and his understanding of the spiritual path. Dorje also explores the deep relevance of the core teachings of Buddhism to his experience of the AIDS crisis, describes the rhythms of grief and death, and shares what he has learned about helping the dying. …guruviking.com/podcast/ep262-life-of-liberation-dorjeAlso available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.…Topics include:00:00 - Intro01:03 - Dorje’s upbringing02:07 - Dorje as a boy02:59 - Career aspirations and becoming a lawyer04:16 - Arriving in San Francisco in 196804:38 - Involvement in the civil rights movement06:28 Early days of the gay liberation movement09:13 - The Cockettes11:48 - Gay political organising in Atlanta14:02 - Arrival of AIDS in 1981 15:21 - Deaths of Dorje’s close friends 16:10 - Dorje’s HIV diagnosis16:45 - Stages of grief18:50 - Dorje’s HIV related legal and political work20:39 - Activism vs realpolitik23:06 - Encountering Buddhism25:08 - Reading DT Suzuki and Evans-Wentz25:46 - Shamata in a highly stressful of life28:29 - Drawn to Tibetan Buddhism30:39 - The life of the Buddha33:57 - Modern insulation from sickness and death36:14 - The Buddha’s quest for enlightenment39:18 - 4 noble truths and the core of Buddhism42:26 - How to develop wisdom44:10 - The spiritual path 47:38 - Ordaining as a Buddhist monk52:12 - The 3 jewels of refuge 54:05 - Challenges of living as a monk56:14 - Moving to Nepal57:48 - Why were some people slow to recognise the danger of HIV01:02:25 - Helping the dying01:03:27 - The rhythm of grief01:06:43 - Actors and magicians01:08:42 - Facing his own death01:10:01 - The power of Yamantaka practice01:12:10 - Living with an HIV diagnosis01:17:06 - Leaving monasticism and solo retreat during Covid01:19:28 - Aspiration to help those newly diagnosed with HIV 01:23:19 - How to help those with a new diagnosis01:24:10 - Side effects of medication 01:25:31 - Climate change in Kathmandu 01:25:42 - Hippy trail and changing fashions01:26:35 - Experimentation with psychedelics01:27:51 - Unsung heroes of civil rights01:28:53 - Dorje’s Great Stupa kora practice 01:30:07 - Compassion and the goal of practice 01:31:33 - Kora around the Great Stupa01:32:34 - Developing compassion for others …Boudhanath Interviews playlist:- youtube.com/playlist?list=PLlkzlKFgdknwvU82dU487LhF_mF4AkGek&si=gFGJpi-fnLtxeyZ5 …For more interviews, videos, and more visit:- www.guruviking.comMusic ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James
Ep261: Original Love - Henry Shukman Guru Viking 2024-07-05 | In this episode I am once again joined by Henry Shukman, award-winning poet, Zen teacher, and author of ‘One Blade of Grass; a Zen memoir’ and the new book ‘Original Love’. Henry discusses the surprising writing process of ‘Original Love’, the importance of love in spiritual practice, and how to release the heart.Henry describes the 4 major areas of spiritual development, his own first and subsequent awakenings, and the purifying effects of deep jhana practice. Henry also talks about his own journey from head to heart, his personal challenges of heartbreak and neurological illness, and his love for St Augustine’s ‘Confessions’. …Link in bio.Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.…Topics include:00:00 - Intro00:50 - Writing Original Love06:01 - 4 major areas of spiritual development07:47 - The importance of love09:27 - The example of mindfulness11:06 - Henry’s neurological illness13:37 - Letting go14:39 - An epiphany in Venezuela 18:35 - Migrating from head to heart 20:53 - Heartbreak of awakening22:31 - What is awakening? 26:56 - Henry’s first awakening28:35 - Subsequent awakenings and the place of love29:50 - The two wings of practice30:41 - Release of the heart32:50 - Does awakening change the experience of suffering?36:53 - Resistance and suffering38:37 - Unwrapping the gift of life39:38 - Training jhana with Stephen Snyder48:31 - Purification and catharsis in jhana49:42 - Jhana vs awakening53:54 - Encouragement to those seeking awakening 01:03:55 - Henry’s love for Augustine’s ‘Confessions’01:06:44 - Henry’s mother01:10:03 - A resurgence in interest in awakening01:14:15 - The original face 01:15:50 - Henry’s meditation app …Previous episodes with Henry Shukman:- guruviking.com/search?q=shukman To find out more about Henry Shukman, visit:- henryshukman.com- thewayapp.com…For more interviews, videos, and more visit:- www.guruviking.comMusic ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James
Ep260: Boudhanath Kora with Lama Glenn Mullin Guru Viking 2024-06-28 | During a recent trip to Nepal, I met with frequent podcast guest Lama Glenn Mullin, spiritual teacher, Tibetologist, and author of over 30 books on Buddhism. Glenn was in Kathmandu to lead a group of over fifty pilgrims into tantric retreat in the nearby mountains and graciously agreed to film with me at various sacred sites before and after their retreat.In this video, we join Glenn before his retreat as he carries out his early morning circumambulation of the Great Stūpa of Boudhanath. As we walk, Glenn explains the story and significance of the renowned holy site, reveals the esoteric symbolism of stūpa design, and discusses the healing and spiritual power of pilgrimage.Glenn also reflects on his own life experiences in Kathmandu, recalls his early dharma training, interacts with people around the stūpa, and considers the implications of Kālacakra prophecies for recent history and current events. …guruviking.com/podcast/ep260-boudhanath-kora-with-lama-glenn-mullinAlso available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.…Topics include:00:00 - Intro01:06 - Glenn’s early dharma training02:54 - The sacred land of Nepal03:28 - Movement of Buddhist masters and lineages from India through Nepal04:30 - A local offering ritual04:59 - History of Boudha05:53 - History of the Tibetan exile community in Nepal10:22 - Shechen Gompa and Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche11:44 - An enlightened being12:26 - Walk to the stūpa13:16 - Stūpa architecture and its symbolism16:59 - Morning circumambulation17:43 - Glenn and students18:53 - How to do kora circumambulation 22:59 - Kora in Dharamsala 24:21 - Why morning kora?25:51 - Clockwise or counterclockwise?28:51 - Healing power of pilgrimage 31:32 - Anecdote of life extension through kora33:24 - The power of pilgrimage33:49 - The meaning of ‘ani-la’34:49 - Many temples of Boudhanath and city migration38:02 - Kangyur recitation 39:11 - Cakravartin or spiritual teacher?41:45 - The story of the Great Stūpa 43:32 - An auspicious lineage44:12 - Misconceptions about Buddhism in Tibet45:37 - Damage and renovation of stūpa 47:08 - Making a donation 48:45 - Walking around the stūpa49:50 - Prophecy of Buddhism coming to the West?54:37 - Kālacakra prophecy about age of darkness or golden age55:56 - Buddhist and Newari art 01:01:46 - Glenn’s favourite monastery in Boudhanath01:03:25 - Walking around the stūpa …Previous episodes with Lama Glenn Mullin:- guruviking.com/search?q=glenn%20mullin To find out more about Lama Glenn Mullin, visit:- http://www.glennmullin.com- facebook.com/Maitripa.Glenn…For more interviews, videos, and more visit:- www.guruviking.comMusic ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James
Ep259: Questioning Enlightenment - Dr Justin Sledge 2 Guru Viking 2024-06-21 | In this episode I am once again joined by Dr James Justin Sledge, a professor of philosophy and religion specialising in the Western Esoteric tradition and founder of the popular Esoterica Youtube channel.Dr Sledge begins by explaining his position on enlightenment, why he’s not interested in becoming enlightened but still finds the concept interesting, and whether or not enlightenment claims are linked to traits of narcissistic personality disorder.Dr Sledge also reveals his own ethical orientation, considers various theories of morality, the role of tradition vs subjective experience, and what he calls the ”meaning famine”.Dr Sledge also takes aim at postmodernism and deconstructionism, retrieves the overlooked philosophers of antiquity and the Renaissance, and offers recommended reading lists for the autodidact interested in the esoteric. …guruviking.com/podcast/ep259-questioning-enlightenment-dr-justin-sledge-2Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.…Topics include:00:00 - Intro01:01 - Don’t want to be enlightened02:20 - Belief, practice, and tradition04:17 - Magick and the quest for power06:42 - Judaism without belief in God09:34 - Origins of moral authority12:43 - Is belief in God necessary?14:44 - Natural law and utilitarianism 16:07 - Dr Sledge’s personal ethics16:40 - Virtue ethics19:05 - The danger of existential questions21:59 - Intellectual and spiritual hazing22:31 - The meaning famine25:35 - Dr Sledge on deconstruction and post-modernism 31:43 - Cancelling the canon33:51 - Classics reading list for the autodidact 38:43 - Why get enlightened?40:34 - Too lazy?41:27 - Is enlightenment worth it?44:48 - Enlightened narcissists 45:56 - Criticism of Dr Sledge46:56 - Danger of unthinking fealty50:05 - Questioning tradition and existential crisis53:09 - Pros and cons of mystical experiences 57:27 - The mystic’s mistake58:24 - Hyperfixation on baseline consciousness59:42 - Hallucinations of the recently deceased01:02:13 - Upsetting both sides01:04:19 - Truth and other epistemologies01:10:02 - Overlooked philosophers 01:12:05 - Telling the whole story of philosophy01:13:25 - Dishonesty of academic philosophy01:14:06 - Spiritual Renaissance philosophy and depriving 01:15:49 - The loss of awe and beauty 01:18:59 - Chasing awe with psychedelics, astronomy, and community01:23:39 - Tactical religion and joining communities of value01:27:19 - Huge influx of new converts to Judaism01:28:43 - Recommended reading for Western Esotericism and overlooked philosophy01:34:59 - Dr Sledge’s go-to book…Previous episode with Dr Justin Sledge:- guruviking.com/podcast/ep248-esoterica-academia-dr-justin-sledge To find out more about Dr Justin Sledge, visit:- justinsledge.com- youtube.com/@TheEsotericaChannel …For more interviews, videos, and more visit:- www.guruviking.comMusic ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James
Ep258: Demonology of Tibet - Dr Ben Joffe Guru Viking 2024-06-14 | In this interview I am once again joined by Dr Ben Joffe, anthropologist and scholar practitioner of Tibetan Buddhism. Dr Joffe begins an interview series on demonology with a discussion about the spirit ontology of Tibet and the Himalayas. Dr Joffe explores the pre-Buddhist frameworks of relating to spirits and considers the degrees to which the arrival of Buddhism in Tibet erased, modified, or even incorporated those frameworks.Dr Joffe explains the unique methods of spirit domination, missionary geomancy, and other magickal techniques found in Buddhist Tantra and how these means were used to establish Buddhism in Tibet.Dr Joffe also discusses the inevitability of spirit contact for Tantric practitioners, what to do about predatory demons, the misunderstandings of Buddhist converts about the paranormal, and recalls his own stressful experiences with the spirit world.…guruviking.com/podcast/ep258-demonology-of-tibet-dr-ben-joffeAlso available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.…Topics Include:00:00 - Intro01:06 - 3 part demonology03:31 - Interaction with imported Indian cosmology04:32 - A scholarly caveat05:47 - Pre-Buddhist Tibetan entity and spirit frameworks10:16 - Land spirits12:23 - Drawbacks of secularisation and psychologising of Buddhism14:34 - Right relationship with entities18:16 - Origins of dedicating the merit 18:16 - The arrival of tantra in Tibet and Padmasambhava’s spirit domination22:30 - The essence of Buddhism24:12 - Did Buddhism weaken Tibet?26:11 - Tantric missionary technology of spirit domination 32:32 - Degrees of Buddhist integration with Tibetan practices and rituals40:00 - Dr Robert Mayer’s work to reevaluate the terma tradition43:30 - Beyul and opening sacred sites47:10 - Offering practices and Chod50:47 - Spirit mediumship and offending spirits54:13 - Geomancy 56:41 - Staking the demoness of the land01:01:03 - Dark tantra and the ethics of subjugation01:05:59 - What is a demon?01:06:57 - Facist tantra and Western occultists01:09:12 - The role of compassion01:10:07 - Tantra as institutional shamanism?01:13:11 - Interviewing protector deities01:15:15 - Perceiving spirits01:18:07 - Misunderstandings of Western Buddhist converts0:24:54 - Buddhism and the cultural substrate01:25:47 - IFS and shamanism 01:27:55 - Completion stage practice and the logic of yoga01:30:49 - Are spirits just your own mind?01:35:09 - Dudjom Lingpa’s demon encounter in a dream01:39:09 - Brahma, Buddha, and various levels of beings01:40:44 - Are yidams just archetypes?01:42:19 - Paradoxes of protection from spirits01:45:35 - Predatory demons01:48:29 - Many faces of Buddhism01:50:05 - Outer, inner, secret01:52:08 - Dream yoga and visionary sex01:57:35 - Inevitability of spirit contact01:58:09 - Ben’s stressful experiences with the spirit world02:06:10 - Alien abduction experiences02:11:42 - Night terrors02:13:30 - Cognitive dissonance of tantric practitioners02:15:30 - Priestly class mindset02:18:09 - Real tantric training02:22:05 - Logistical challenges of creating tantric adepts02:23:57 - Ben’s magickal training...Previous episodes with Dr Ben Joffe: - guruviking.com/search?q=joffe To find out more about Dr Ben Joffe, visit:- perfumedskull.com- http://www.skypressbooks.com…For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James
Ep257: Let Meditation Be Your Medicine - Dr Nida Chenagtsang Guru Viking 2024-06-07 | In this interview I am once again joined by Dr Nida Chenagtsang, Buddhist teacher, doctor of Tibetan Medicine, and author of ‘Let Meditation Be Your Medicine: The Timeless Healing Wisdom of Tibet’.Dr Nida discusses his latest book, the practicality of the Yuthok Nyingthik meditation system, and why it is important to choose a meditation style that suits one’s typology. Dr Nida explains why he opens the book with a tribute to the Ancient Greek physician Hippocrates, recounts how he came to a deep appreciation of the roots of European culture, and parses the difference between intellectual and experiential spirituality.Dr Nida also calls for a moving beyond conditioned views, explains how to appreciate culture and religion without being limited by them, considers attachment theory and guru-disciple dynamics, and reveals how transformative retreat experience brought him beyond conceptual limitations.…guruviking.com/podcast/ep257-let-meditation-be-your-medicine-dr-nida-chenagtsangAlso available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.…Topics Include:00:00 - Intro01:04 - Sowa Rigpa Forum14:41 - Appreciation of Western culture18:05 - Know your roots19:47 - Dr Nida’s journey to open up to European culture 22:55 - Déjà vu when first coming to Rome25:37 - Similarities between Ancient Greek medicine and Tibetan medicine28:48 - European meditation traditions 32:01 - Grabbing the devils34:09 - A dream of facing the devil36:50 - Inner dialogue meditation39:51 - The essence of meditation44:20 - The roots of meditation 47:37 - Becoming more open49:07 - Intellectual vs experiential spirituality50:33 - Dr Nida’s transformational experience on retreat56:18 - Freedom from conditioning59:00 - Yuthok’s open-mindedness01:01:16 - Choosing the right meditation for your typology01:05:05 - Anger management and Guru Yoga meditations01:07:26 - Attachment theory and guru-disciple dynamics01:13:131 - Beyond fixation and appreciating culture 01:16:31 - Adjusting to different life circumstances01:18:36 - Learning languages01:20:35 - Bonsai vs bambooPrevious episodes with Dr Nida Chenagtsang: - guruviking.com/search?q=nida To find out more about Dr Nida Chenagtsang, visit:- facebook.com/DoctorNida- http://www.skypressbooks.com…For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - guruviking.comMusic ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James
Ep256: Newar Buddhism - Prajwal Ratna Vajracharya 2 Guru Viking 2024-05-31 | In this interview I am once again joined by Prajwal Ratna Vajracharya, a tantric priest in a centuries old Newari Buddhist family lineage and master of the religious dance tradition of Charya Nritya.Prajwal Vajracharya explores the history of Newar Buddhism, a rich form of Varjayana practiced in the Kathmandu Valley of Nepal. Prajwal Vajracharya recounts the history of the religion, from its periods of suppression and secrecy up to its complex modern day interactions with 1960s hippies and Tibetan Buddhist refugees.Prajwal Vajracharya details the distinctive ritual practices of Newar Buddhism, which contain cultivation practices for ten paramitas, and explains the use of sacred sounds and the alphasyllabry. Prajwal Vajracharya also reveals distinctive mudra and mantra practices, explains the many esoteric uses of the mala prayer beads, and decodes the rich deity artwork for which the region is renowned .…guruviking.com/podcast/ep256-newar-buddhism-prajwal-ratna-vajracharya-2Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.…Topics include:00:00 - Intro01:05 - Suppression of Newar Buddhism for 800 years03:56 - Secret family lineages04:52 - Distinctive ritual practices of Newar Buddhism06:23 - 10 Paramita system09:05 - Why perform daily ritual?09:48 - Learning to perform ritual11:28 - The power of ritual13:00 - Sacred sounds and the alphasyllabary14:54 - Decoding the symbolism of sacred deity art16:50 - Daily practice 17:34 - History of Nepal’s Buddhist textual tradition20:08 - Buddha’s birth and past life activity in Nepal21:56 - Lost in Tibetan translation23:14 - Guru Rinpoche activities in Nepal24:18 - Secret practices under Gorkha rule25:42 - Frustrations publishing about Charya dance26:55 - Gendun Chophel27:55 - Lack of scholarly evidence and destruction of Buddhism in Nepal28:49 - Modern revival 29:44 - History of the Tibetan refugee community in Nepal31:54 - Opening to the hippies in the 60s33:17 - Lack of interest in Newar Buddhism among Tibetan lamas in Nepal36:03 - Sectarian rivalry and racism 39:33 - How to use a mala 40:44 - Subtle anatomy and mudra41:08 - Elemental and energetic significance of each finger43:38 - Mudra uses the whole body 44:44 - The 3 important mudras46:50 - Inner mudra47:32 - The flower mudra48:08 - Making mudra into meditation49:32 - A gradual path51:18 - Future mudra discussions51:56 - A call for more research into Newar Buddhism…To find out more about Prajwal Ratna Vajracharya, visit: - dancemandal.com For more interviews, videos, and more visit:- www.guruviking.comMusic ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James
Ep255: Memory Secrets for Language Learning - Dr Anthony Metivier Guru Viking 2024-05-24 | In this episode I am once again joined by Dr Anthony Metivier, author and internationally renowned memory expert who’s meditation practice is reciting sacred Sanskrit texts from memory.Anthony shares his own language learning journey, including his childhood struggles learning French, to later success with languages such as German, Mandarin, Latin, Hebrew, and Sanskrit. Anthony describes the 5 levels of processing and reveals how he uses his expertise in the art of memory to fast track language acquisition, including strategies to optimise progress in vocabulary, grammar, and comprehension.Anthony challenges popular theories of comprehensible input, criticises gamified language learning apps, and reveals his number one secret to success in foreign language study.…guruviking.com/podcast/ep255-memory-secrets-for-language-learning-dr-anthony-metivierAlso available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.…Topics include:00:00 - Intro 00:55 - Anthony’s struggles with English03:09 - Early life aversion to language learning04:06 - Learning Hebrew as a revenge language05:20 - Moving to Germany and unlocking the secrets of language learning06:45 - Passing level 3 in Mandarin and other studies08:55 - Impressive Hebrew progress10:23 - Grammar tables and the importance of extensive reading 11:30 - Criticism of comprehensible input theories12:30 - 5 levels of processing14:20 - Key metrics to avoid overwhelm16:54 - Advice for beginners and intermediates19:02 - Frequency lists20:53 - Working with native speakers 22:19 - A powerful reading regime24:38 - Movie mixing26:33 - Speaking and yogic exercises28:28 - Latin grammar approaches32:03 - Don’t need to learn grammar?33:44 - Anticipatory reading35:40 - Latin and Sanskrit vs German and Mandarin37:38 - Disillusionment after fluency 39:55 - Breaking through to German fluency with extensive reading43:46 - Problems with the language learning industry46:40 - The tragedy of gamified apps49:26 - Fast tracking vocabulary acquisition56:39 - Linguistic deskilling58:15 - Pros and cons of tests and exams01:02:04 - Maintaining multiple languages 01:05:28 - The power of laddering …Previous episodes with Anthony Metivier:- guruviking.com/search?q=metivier To find out more about Anthony Metivier, visit: - youtube.com/c/AnthonyMetivierMMM- magneticmemorymethod.com For more interviews, videos, and more visit:- guruviking.com…Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James
Ep254: Adventures in Vajrayana - Jason Miller 2 Guru Viking 2024-05-17 | In this episode I am joined by Jason Miller, occultist, author, and teacher of magick.Jason shares his explorations in Tibetan Buddhism, including life changing encounters with Lama Vajranatha and famed ngakpa Kunzang Dorje Rinpoche. Jason recalls his months spent in Nepal during which he received esoteric empowerments, conducted cave and charnel ground practice, and refused the offer of discipleship under a spiritual master.Jason discusses encountering the goddess Hekate and beginning to teach a magickal system associated with her. Jason also compares Western ritual magick to the tantric sorcery of the Himalayas, and considers the role of natural talent in spiritual accomplishment.…guruviking.com/podcast/ep254-adventures-in-vajrayana-jason-millerAlso available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.…Topics Include:00:00 - Intro00:53 - Meeting Lama Vajranatha 04:27 - Experiments in Voodoo and psychedelic insights07:23 - Beginning studies in Buddhism10:31 - Travel to Nepal and meeting Kunzang Dorje Rinpoche14:12 - Cave practice of Vajrakilaya 16:38 - Refusing Kunzang Dorje’s offer of traditional training20:01 - Charnel ground practice and introduction to the nature of mind22:37 - Realising rigpa 23:56 - Memories of empowerments in Nepal30:30 - Powerful encounter with Hekate 36:26 - Choosing Western Magick over Tibetan Buddhism37:37 - Communication with Hekate 40:53 - Grimoire culture of the early 2000s42:45 - Beginning to teach the Hecate system44:01 -Success of the Sorcery of Hekate online courses45:56 - Why collect Buddhist empowerments?49:19 - Illusory body and connections between systems 51:00 - Empowerments and further adventures in Nepal57:01 - Himalayan vs Western Magick59:17 - The truest wizard Jason has ever met01:01:22 - What makes a powerful wizard?01:02:46 - Old vs new systems 01:09:08 - Are some people supernaturally or spiritually gifted?01:18:34 - Spiritual duds 01:19:41 - Senders vs receivers01:20:17 - How to relate to spiritual experiences 01:23:11 - Astral projection and guitar playing…Previous episode with Jason Miller:- guruviking.com/podcast/ep235-strategic-sorcery-jason-miller To find out more about Jason Miller, visit:- strategicsorcery.net For more interviews, videos, and more visit:- guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James
Ep253: The Buddhist Path - Leigh Brasington Guru Viking 2024-05-10 | In this episode I am once again joined by Leigh Brasington, Buddhist meditation teacher and author of ‘Right Concentration, A Practical Guide to the Jhanas’.Leigh discusses his latest book, ‘Gradual Training: The Buddha’s Step-by-Step Guide for Awakening’, in which Leigh lays a 13 step training which culminates in enlightenment.Leigh explains the scriptural origins of this formulation, why it is so crucial for meditation success, and speculates as to why it is so rarely taught by Buddhist teachers in America.Leigh also emphasises the importance of moral precepts, wrestles with contradictions in the Buddhist scriptures, considers how the scriptures have been altered over the centuries, and reveals his opinion of Buddhist claims to psychic powers. …guruviking.com/podcast/ep253-the-buddhist-path-leigh-brasingtonAlso available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.…Topics Include:00:00 - Intro 00:53 - Leigh’s latest book02:09 - A life changing meditation encounter03:00 - The gradual training05:05 - Training in insight practice under Ayya Khema05:49 - Leigh’s insight journey07:31 - Why isn’t gradual training taught in Western Buddhism? 07:55 - Buddhist teacher schtick 09:00 - People don’t teach the suttas09:47 - 13 steps to awakening12:23 - Origin and evolution of the 13-step Gradual Training13:23 - The Buddhist scriptures have been tampered with15:23 - Evolution of the doctrine of 12 links of dependent origination16:34 - Philological implications 17:51 - Did the Buddha have supernatural powers? 21:59 - Contradictions in Buddhist scripture24:11 - Early vs late suttas 26:20 - When were the suttas composed?29:39 - When was the gradual training devised?31:11 - Gradual training vs Lamrim 32:35 - Fruits of the spiritual life36:38 - Keeping the precepts40:08 - Guarding the senses 42:41 - Mindfulness and clear comprehension 44:47 - Contentment with little47:04 - Overcoming hinderances 49:12 - Are psychic powers real?50:14 - Meditation or morality?54:13 - Consequences of skipping ethics58:05 - Do the precepts spoil the fun of life?01:01:19 - What makes practice life changing?01:02:36 - Enjoyment without attachment01:04:17 - The power of motivation to change habits01:06:19 - How Leigh gave up pot and sweets01:08:19 - How to do insight practice 01:09:08 - Future writing projects 01:13:30 - Why Leigh publishes his books for free…Previous episodes with Leigh Brasington:- guruviking.com/search?q=brasington To find our more about Leigh Brasington visit:- http://www.leighb.com For more interviews, videos, and more visit:- guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James
Ep252: Religion & Psychiatry - Dr Chencho Dorji & Dr Caroline Van Damme Guru Viking 2024-05-03 | In this episode I host a dialogue between Dr Chencho Dorji, Bhutan’s first psychiatrist and the Professor of Psychiatry at Khesar Gyalpo University of Medical Sciences, and Dr Caroline Van Damme, an adult psychiatrist and family and systemic psychotherapist specialising in chronic psychotic disorders.Drs Dorji and Van Damme dialogue about their experiences as psychiatrists in very different countries, Bhutan and Belgium. They compare their experiences treating religious psychosis in which patients believe they are Jesus or Padmasambhava, address mental health stigma, and examine the interaction of supernatural beliefs such as spirit possession with modern psychiatry. The Drs discuss the emerging mental health laws in Bhutan, including forced treatment laws, innovative treatment models, and pressures from pharmaceutical companies.The Drs also consider the pros and cons of religion to both society and the individual, examine three levels of Bhutanese Buddhism, and reflect on the dire consequences of the death of Christianity in Europe.…guruviking.com/podcast/ep252-religion-psychiatry-dr-chencho-dorji-dr-caroline-van-dammeAlso available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.…Topics include:00:00 - Intro01:16 - How they met03:44 - Dr Chencho’s visit to the Night Hospital in Belgium05:12 - Dr Chencho’s side of the story06:07 - Fascination with the ‘Night Hospital’ model08:33 - Sharing models between countries09:39 - Not trying to cure12:36 - Mental health challenges in developed vs developing countries15:04 - Psychiatry is a simple science17:26 - Negligence of psychotic patients19:01 - Stigma around mental illness 23:03 - Pressure from pharmaceutical companies25:53 - Mental health laws in Bhutan30:17 - Forced treatment laws in Belgium 39:15 - Complications of supernatural beliefs in Bhutan41:28 - Getting the family on side45:02 - Anti-psychiatry beliefs46:57 - Psychosis or spirit possession?49:25 - Dangers of marijuana55:38 - Padmasambhava’s proscription against smoking58:00 - Religion at societal and personal level59:47 - Religious psychosis 01:01:23 - 3 levels of Buddhism 01:02:27 - Pros and cons of religious belief01:06:25 - Treating psychotic Padmasambhavas 01:08:06 - Patients who hear God01:11:00 - Fading of Christianity in Europe01:13:03 - Spiritual void and fading of religion in Bhutan01:13:55 - Today’s Buddhist monks’ failings01:16:00 - Learning from the fall of European religion01:21:17 - Science vs religion01:22:05 - Spiritual void and suicide01:24:04 - Is religion needed?01:26:38 - Lack of priests01:29:40 - Uniqueness of psychiatry 01:31:25 - Reflections on inter-cultural collaboration01:33:53 - Dr Caroline praises Dr Chencho’s accomplishments…Previous episodes with Dr Chencho Dorji:- guruviking.com/search?q=chencho Previous episode with Dr Caroline Van Damme:- guruviking.com/search?q=damme To find out more about Dr Chencho Dorji, visit: - facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057403100633 To find out more about Dr Van Damme, visit:- sowarigpainstitute.org/dr-caroline-van-damme …For more interviews, videos, and more visit:- guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James
Ep251: Taoist Inner Alchemy - Mattias Daly 2 Guru Viking 2024-04-26 | In this episode I am once again joined by Mattias Daly, Taoist practitioner and translator of ‘Taoist Inner Alchemy’, published by Shambala.Mattias recounts the unusual circumstances that saw him travel to a remote monastery to meet Abbess Liu Yuanhui, under whom he would begin intensive training in meditation.Mattias discusses Taoist meditation and its relationship to magical powers, psychic abilities, and other unusual meditation experiences.Mattias then pulls back the veil to reveal the history and evolution of Taoist inner alchemy, referencing classical texts to contextualise and explain the Golden Elixir, differing ideas of the goal of alchemy, and the various ways in which the practice was undertaken.…Link in bio.Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.…Topics include:00:00 - Intro00:54 - Meeting Abbess Liu Yuanhui 03:23 - Recruited to rescue a wealthy son 08:10 - Miraculous cure through Buddhist ritual 11:38 - First visit to Abbess Liu’s monastery 13:05 - Initial intensive training with Abbess Liu16:19 - Attachment to unusual meditation experiences 19:05 - Siddhi and magical power in Taoism 24:00 - Influence of Kung Fu novels 26:06 - Ge Guolong’s commentary Huang Yuanji’s The Oral Record of the Hall of Joyous Teaching 30:30 - History and evolution of Taoist inner alchemy 34:58 - Sexual interpretations of Taoist inner alchemy36:30 - Disagreement about the goal of inner alchemy39:29 - What about physical immortality?42:08 - Mechanism of alchemy45:43 - The Nameless Master and physical secretions48:26 - Text alteration and philological considerations52:02 - Achieving the Goku moment52:53 - Why close reading of classical texts is a necessity for practitioners56:34 - How to read early texts 58:24 - Is facility in Classical Chinese necessary?01:00:50 - What is the Golden Elixir?01:03:48 - Mattias shares some of his translations about Golden Elixir 01:06:07 - Decoding alchemical symbols and metaphors 01:10:08 - Confusion about sex 01:12:09 - How to go about practicing?…Watch the previous episode with Mattias Daly:- guruviking.com/podcast/ep244-taoist-adventures-mattias-daly To find our more about Mattias Daly, visit:- shambhala.com/authors/a-f/mattias-daly.html …For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - www.guruviking.com …Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James
Ep250: When Meditation Goes Wrong - Dr Willoughby Britton Guru Viking 2024-04-19 | In this interview I am joined by Dr Willoughby Britton, an Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Human Behaviour at Brown University Medical School, an Associate Professor of Behaviour and Social Sciences in Brown University’s School of Public Health, the Director of Brown’s Clinical and Affective Neuroscience Laboratory, and founder of Cheetah House which provides support to those experiencing meditation-related difficulties.Dr Britton recounts her unusual childhood interest in consciousness, why a friend’s suicide drove her to meditation, and how a psychedelic peak experience changed her view of the world.Dr Britton considers the overlaps between spiritual experience and mental illness, why deconstructing the sense of self in search of enlightenment can lead to lasting psychological damage, and questions if experiences of fear are a necessary part of the meditative path.Dr Britton also covers the neurobiology of attention, reveals the hidden religious messaging woven into mindfulness techniques such as Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), and shares how she deals with the negative responses from meditation enthusiasts towards her work. …guruviking.com/podcast/ep250-when-meditation-goes-wrong-dr-willoughby-brittonAlso available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.…Topics include:00:00 - Intro01:15 - Dr Britton’s upbringing and early interest in consciousness03:58 - Friend’s suicide and a life crisis 05:02 - Powerful high dose psychedelic experiences08:46 - Influence of peak experiences 09:28 - Operative mechanism of Dr Britton’s epiphany11:04 - Is redefinition of the self necessary for awakening?11:50 - What is the ‘self’?13:31 - A caveat14:19 - Many possible modifications to the sense of self and identity18:18 - What do Buddhists really mean when they talk about no-self?19:01 - Surprising disagreement between Buddhist sects 19:48 - Lack on consensus about the end goal in Buddhism20:47 - Awakening or mental illness?24:01 - Cultural differences in what constitutes mental health24:58 - Cultural influences and personal goals 26:39 - When meditation goes wrong28:35 - When no-self experiences lead to negative outcomes 30:46 - The importance of connection 32:14 - Strategic ambiguity of enlightenment34:34 - The enlightenment fantasy35:23 - Absorbing a world view from meditation instructions 36:31 - How to assess your meditation practice39:04 - Stealth Buddhism40:31 - Hidden frames of meditation techniques 41:37 - Metaphysics of MBSR 45:18 - Market forces and religion as product47:50 - Negative reactions to Dr Britton’s work51:48 - Does Dr Britton’s work threaten meditators?54:39 - Nasty emails and internet comments56:08 - Is Dr Britton upset by the negativity?57:31 - What is the goal of Dr Britton’s work?59:51 - Why look for problems?01:01:07 - How often do meditation related problems happen?01:03:03 - Founding Cheetah House to help meditators in crisis 01:04:29 - Is fear necessary on the spiritual path?01:06:20 - The neurobiology of attention01:07:43 - Attention and arousal 0110:12 - The phenomenology and meaning of fear in Buddhist meditation01:11:46 - Is fear part of the path?01:13:10 - Buddhism doesn’t have its story straight01:14:30 - The desire for a comprehensive world view …To find out more about Dr Willoughby Britton, visit:- cheetahhouse.org- https://www.brown.edu/public-health/mindfulness/people/willoughby-britton-phd…For more interviews, videos, and more visit:- www.guruviking.comMusic ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James
Ep249: Kalachakra Tantra - Lama Glenn Mullin Guru Viking 2024-04-12 | In this interview I am once again joined by Lama Glenn Mullin, spiritual teacher, Tibetologist, and author of over 30 books on Buddhism.Glenn discusses the mysterious Kālacakra ‘Wheel of Time’ Tantra, exploring its history, and uncovers its unique esoteric characteristics,Glenn recounts his own connection to the Kālacakra tantra, including his memories of the Dalai Lama’s first ever public Kālacakra empowerment given to hundreds of thousands of people in Bodhgaya, and discusses the surprising pros and cons of mass public initiations.Glenn reveals the subtle body yogas of the Kālacakra, compares its methods to other highest yoga tantras such as Cakrasaṃvara and Guhyasamāja, and considers the Kālacakra prophecies of Śambhala and a coming age of darkness over the world.…guruviking.com/podcast/ep249-kalachakra-tantra-lama-glenn-mullinAlso available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.…Topics include:00:00 - Intro00:56 - Kālacakra03:01 - Glenn’s history with the Kālacakra04:25 - Dalai Lama’s first public Kālacakra empowerment08:18 - Coney Island of the mind08:49 - Blavatsky and Theosophical Society’s interest in Kālacakra and Śambhala10:25 - Dreams and other signs during tantric empowerment14:24 - Why give public tantric empowerments?15:35 - Outer, Inner, and Secret levels 18:14 - Exclusively secret traditions 18:38 - History of public Kālacakra empowerments20:06 - Tantric vows 21:07 - Śambhala prophecies and the Laṅkāvatāra Sūtra23:48 - Today’s signs of fulfilment of prophecy 26:30 - Origin of Kālacakra in the Buddha’s teaching career32:42 - Time capsule wisdom teachings 35:09 - Highest Yoga Tantra’s characteristics 36:29 - Cross-fertilisation with Himalayan shamanism 37:30 - Later ways of categorising tantric systems 40:20 - Unique and common aspects of the Kālacakra yogas42:30 - 7 initiations of entering like a child46:48 - Kālacakra completion stage 48:18 - Subtle body yogas and rainbow body53:35 - Misunderstandings about Śambhala55:15 - A century of Russian interest in Kālacakra01:00:27 - Limits of Helena Blavatsky’s understanding 01:01:38 - Blavatsky’s world legacy 01:06:50 - Why is Kālacakra so little practiced?01:15:10 - How to receive teachings from Glenn…Previous episodes with Lama Glenn Mullin:- guruviking.com/search?q=glenn%20mullin To find out more about Lama Glenn Mullin, visit:- http://www.glennmullin.comfacebook.com/Maitripa.Glenn……For more interviews, videos, and more visit:- www.guruviking.comMusic ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James
Ep248: Esoterica & Academia - Dr Justin Sledge Guru Viking 2024-04-05 | In this episode I am joined by Dr James Justin Sledge, a professor of philosophy and religion specialising in the Western Esoteric tradition and founder of the popular Esoterica Youtube channel.Dr Sledge recounts how his working class upbringing profoundly influenced both his view of academia and his work ethic within it. He recounts his early fascination with philosophers and mystics, and recalls his studies in religion, philosophy, and the occult.Dr Sledge discusses the importance of language learning in academic study of religion and shares his own practical strategies for achieving competency in several ancient and modern languages including Latin, Hebrew, German, French, Akkadian, and more. Dr Sledge also shares his views on education, diagnoses its problems and offers solutions, gives advice to the self-learner, and reveals his surprising view on whether attaining enlightenment is worth the effort. …guruviking.com/podcast/ep248-esoterica-academia-dr-justin-sledgeAlso available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.…Topics include:00:00 - Intro01:07 - Working class upbringing in Misissipi03:03 - Limited access to education 04:13 - Exploitation in academia 05:20 - Fascination with Aristotle 08:55 - Accidentally entering college11:28 - Dr Sledge’s experience in college12:58 - Double majoring in religious studies and philosophy while working full time1408 - Studying Western Esotericism in Amsterdam, Holland15:44 - Bad reputation of Western Esotericism in academia18:07 - Lessons learned studying in Amsterdam20:37 - Distaste of punching down21:44 - Surprising difference between USA and European education 24:47 - Toxicity in American academia 25:57 - How should we educate ourselves?28:42 - Intellectual aristocracy or a cartel?29:50 - Educating through Youtube31:47 - How would Dr Sledge fix the American education system?34:42 - The importance for scholars to read French and German 37:28 - Learning Latin and Hebrew, reading the Bible in the original language 39:50 - How to learn ancient languages41:56 - Philology and the dirty secret of The Key of Solomon 43:56 - Copying out texts and scrolls 46:46 - Dr Sledge shows scrolls he has copied by hand49:59 - Dr Sledge’s highly structured work and study life58:24 - Common mistakes when learning Latin and other languages01:01:21 - Pedagogical data and living Latin01:05:48 - Dr Sledge’s advice for young students who wish to go to University01:06:56 - Advice for the autodidacts 01:09:54 - The importance of education01:13:30 - Why Dr Sledge doesn’t want to become enlightened 01:15:10 - The horror of heaven 01:16:15 - How Dr Sledge wants to die 01:16:47 - Enlightenment isn’t worth it…To find out more about Dr Justin Sledge, visit:- justinsledge.com- youtube.com/@TheEsotericaChannel …For more interviews, videos, and more visit:- www.guruviking.comMusic ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James
Ep247: A Life in Reading - Steve Donoghue Guru Viking 2024-03-29 | In this episode I am join by Steve Donoghue, writer, nationally published book critic, and popular Youtuber. Steve details his remarkable daily routine in which he sleeps 90 minutes a night and devotes vast amounts of time to reading and writing. He recalls his Jesuit education and reveals the intellectual doctrines at the heart of the religious order famed for its rigour and learning.Steve reflects on the healing power of high states of concentration, the art of memory and how to train it, and considers the threats posed to human attention by social media and smartphones. Steve considers strategies for more effective reading, how to grapple with difficult texts, and how to engage in criticism without losing appreciation.Steve also offers his views on religion, shares his fascination with religious writing, and expresses his passion for the Gospel of Luke and the works of Erasmus and St Augustine.…guruviking.com/podcast/ep247-a-life-in-reading-steve-donoghueAlso available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.…Topics include:00:00 - Intro01:03 - Background and career in book reviewing03:54 - A Jesuit education 06:28 - The brain is a muscle 09:50 - Learning and reading Ancient Greek and Latin13:15 - A breakthrough moment in Latin15:48 - Steve’s favourite Latin authors 18:06 - Common misunderstandings about memorisation20:06 - What is the point of memorisation?21:46 - Can memory be trained?23:22 - Memory palaces and other ancient memory techniques25:51 - Advice for those who wish to improve memory27:01 - 21st century attacks on human attention28:29 - A simple test of concentration32:00 - The healing power of concentration33:26 - People don’t know what they’re missing37:18 - Experiences of transcendence and intrinsic reward38:47 - The value of boredom and rest 42:00 - Meditation as rest taken too far?44:02 - Generational changes in attention 46:08 - Meditation as attention training 47:00 - Steve’s amazing sleep and reading schedule52:39 - Sleeping 90 minutes a night55:19 - The joy of starting a new book57:20 - Grappling with a text59:27 - Sub-vocalising slows you down01:03:32 - Difficulties in discussion religion01:04:36 - Steve’s view on religion 01:06:00 - Steve’s admiration for religious people01:11:37 - Steve’s fascination with religious writing and texts 01:14:52 - Philosophers are priests01:15:29 - Faith based on texts?01:17:07 - The danger of criticism without appreciation01:22:07 - Reluctance to examine scripture01:23:01 - Cynical critics 01:24:28 - A Christian meme of losing one’s faith01:30:36 - The thrill of engaging with religious texts even without belief 01:32:37 - Following the thread 01:33:05 - The Gospel of Luke01:34:10 - Steve’s love for St Augustine and Erasus01:36:36 - Luke vs the other Gospels01:38:25 - St Augustine’s Confessions 01:40:40 - In Praise of Folly and mocking religious hypocrisy 01:45:40 - Concluding remarks on faith and religion …To find out more about Steve Donoghue, visit:- youtube.com/channel/UC1B9FfvVLRt8s6scUa79oag- stevedonoghue.com …For more interviews, videos, and more visit:- www.guruviking.comMusic ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James
Ep246: Subtle Art of a Cat - John Maki Evans 2 Guru Viking 2024-03-22 | In this interview I am once again joined by John Maki Evans, teacher of Japanese swordsmanship and several esoteric spiritual disciplines, and author of ‘Kurikara: The Sword and the Serpent’.John discusses his time at Oxford University, his depression as a student, and why it took him years in a monastery and extensive training in Japan to undo the effects of academic study on his mind. John shares his insights into ‘The Subtle Art of a Cat’, a little known, centuries old Japanese text with a potent message about spiritual cultivation, true art, and complete spontaneity.John tells the story of the text and explores its hidden meanings, including how to maintain awareness during dynamic action, access freedom and flow, and move beyond self consciousness.John also reflects on his powerful near-death experience, the art of teaching, and how to harmonise the primal forces of Thanatos and Eros, death and desire.…guruviking.com/podcast/ep246-subtle-art-of-a-cat-john-maki-evans-2Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.…Topics include:00:00 - Intro01:09 - Getting into Oxford University04:30 - John’s experiences at Oxford University 07:57 - Struggles with depression09:12 - Bad effect of Oxford on John’s mind10:25 - Stultification and John’s personality 11:04 - Time at the monastery and releasing inner stuckness 13:26 - Time in Japan and developing a different personality 17:28 - How John learned Japanese18:43 - Study arc for reading Japanese classics 21:19 - Gaining practice value from texts 23:37 - Accessing the real thing27:22 - The Subtle Art of a Cat33:17 - The polarising ego 35:14 - Spontaneity and beyond self consciousness37:09 - Neti neti 39:12 - Spontaneous action and the spiritual side of martial arts41:35 - Freedom and flow43:09 - Maintaining awareness and complete spontaneity45:47 - John’s life changing near-death experience 54:20 - Hara power, the unconscious, and the survival instinct58:16 - True martial cultivation01:00:06 - Common mistakes and hurting oneself01:04:11 - Complete body-mind participation 01:05:43 - Evaluating quality of movement and being01:07:46 - Duende and art 01:09:18 - England and the old white male01:10:24 - Learning to be with Thanatos and Eros 01:12:39 - The Gate of Killing and Death01:15:39 - Harmonising intuition and manipulation01:16:16 - Egotism in the martial arts 01:18:00 - Becoming exposed and the art of teaching01:21:39 - Letting go of feeling good…Previous episode with John Maki Evans:- guruviking.com/podcast/ep231-esoteric-arts-of-japan-john-maki-evans To find out more about John Maki Evans, visit:- battodo-fudokan.co.uk Read ‘The Subtle Art of a Cat’- https://terebess.hu/zen/neko.pdf …For more interviews, videos, and more visit:- www.guruviking.comMusic ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James
Ep245: Padmasambhava Psychosis - Dr Chencho Dorji 2 Guru Viking 2024-03-15 | In this episode I am once again joined by Dr Chencho Dorji, Bhutan’s first psychiatrist and the Professor of Psychiatry at Khesar Gyalpo University of Medical Sciences.Dr Dorji reveals the challenges he faced establishing modern psychiatrist in Bhutan, a culture heavily invested in a supernatural model of mental illness. He recounts stories of patients possessed by ghosts, local avatars of Shiva, reincarnations of Padmasambhava and more. Dr Dorji explains the role of religion and superstition in stigmatising mental illness, and considers whether shamanistic rituals and other traditional healing methods can co-exist with modern medical practices.Dr Dorji also warns that mental illness in general, and borderline personality disorder in particular, is on the rise on Bhutan and shares his vision for a greater collaboration between modern medicine, the clergy, shamans, and Sowa Rigpa healers.…guruviking.com/podcast/ep245-padmasambhava-psychosis-dr-chencho-dorji-2Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.…Topics include:00:00 - Intro01:04 - Return to Bhutan to establish psychiatry 05:40 - Programme to train primary healthcare staff06:18 - Advocating for community based mental health services 10:38 - DANIDA funding and mental health survey 12:07 - Collaboration with and educating traditional healers13:47 - Locating and treating cases in remote communities 18:13 - What kinds of mental illness is commonly found in Bhutan? 19:29 - Challenges identifying depression21:16 - The stigma of epilepsy 22:50 - Community fear of contagion of mental illness26:55 - Culture of taboo and about mental illness in Bhutan29:00 - Impact of the pandemic30:29 - Using social media to educate 31:22 - Psychological first aid35:09 - Why is South Asian psychology and psychology training weak?37:41 - Mental health as a luxury for the rich40:40 - Borderline personality disorder encounters43:36 - Rise in cases of BPD in Bhutan45:05 - Social changes in Bhutan causing rise in mental illness49:10 - Chronic psychosis and social disturbance51:26 - Lack of compassion for BPD52:17 - Economic aspiration and the rat race 54:36 - Overlap and clash with religious professionals 56:21 - Buddhism and shamanism in Bhutan58:05 - Use of rituals in healing mental illness59:00 - Personal indifference towards Buddhism01:00:19 - Challenges engaging with Sowa Rigpa practitioners 01:02:39 - Educating Sowa Rigpa doctors about mental health01:03:34 - Do traditional healing modalities have a role in modern medicine?01:04:17 - Different kinds of monk01:05:41 - Religious control of the population01:07:33 - Difficulties communicating with clergy01:09:58 - Karma and the importance of openness01:10:56 - Navigating patients’ supernatural world views 01:14:42 - Example of a manic patient claiming to be Guru Rinpoche01:17:18 - Impact on families 01:18:05 - Cases of entity possession and mass hysteria01:24:38 - Possession by Lord Shiva 01:29:58 - Advice for working with traditional healers and shamans01:31:01 - Future challenges of mental health in Bhutan01:34:41 - Explosion of mental illness, obesity, and substance abuse01:35:43 - Neglect of the elderly01:37:31 - A model for the third world…Previous episode with Dr Chencho Dorji:- guruviking.com/podcast/ep237-bhutans-first-psychiatrist-dr-chencho-dorji To find out more about Dr Chencho Dorji, visit: - facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057403100633 For more interviews, videos, and more visit:- guruviking.comMusic ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James
Ep244: Taoist Adventures - Mattias Daly Guru Viking 2024-03-08 | In this episode I am joined by Mattias Daly, Taoist practitioner and translator of ‘Taoist Inner Alchemy’, published by Shambala.Mattias reveals how youthful delinquency and substance abuse problems saw him kicked out of the University of Chicago and drove him to seek out martial arts and meditation instruction under a Taoist master.Mattias shares his travels to China and unusual training adventures there including bodily purification through tree slapping, encounters with religious cults, and experiences with profound spiritual masters.Mattias also discusses having a generational demonic possession exorcised by a Māori Tohunga in New Zealand and warns of the danger of incorrect internal practice such as psychosis, premature ejaculation, and more.…guruviking.com/podcast/ep244-taoist-adventures-mattias-dalyAlso available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.…Topics include:00:00 - Intro00:57 - Why translate Taoist Inner Alchemy04:58 - Trying not to be a scumbag 06:50 - Attraction to Buddhism09:06 - Meeting Red Pine and mentoring relationship 11:59 - Red Pine’s influence and friendship 14:02 - Chaos Elemental15:01 - Professor father and blue collar mother 18:34 - Childhood delinquency 24:07 - Model of masculinity 24:14 - Entry into the martial arts 26:27 - Male role models and discipline28:57 - Did UFC destroy traditional martial arts?31:34 - How to win a fight33:34 - Limits of Chinese Kung Fu schools35:31 - Rock bottom and kicked out of University of Chicago38:09 - Return to martial arts and finding a Taoist master41:17 - Initial Taoist training45:01 - Buddhist vs Taoist cultivation 49:26 - Possession by demonic entity55:58 - Generational demonic possession 59:50 - Learning Chinese 01:01:49 - Finding teachers in China01:04:19 - Powerful purification experiences in Taoist cultivation 01:09:58 - Encountering a spiritual cult leader01:17:04 - Reflections on spiritual charlatans in China01:18:43 - Discovering the power of the empty state01:22:13 - Practicing Taoist Inner Alchemy01:25:17 - Move to Taiwan and walking away from Chinese medicine01:27:36 - The dangers of meditation and internal cultivation 01:32:52 - Premature ejaculation and the lower Dantian01:33:39 - Qigong and Tai Chi delusions01:35:53 - Psychosis and Qigong fever01:36:40 - Being in the presence of powerful teachers 01:38:07 - The heart of the path …Pre-order Mattias’ new book at a 30% discount with the promo code ALCHEMY30 at shambhala.com/ten-discourses-on-daoist-alchemy.html. Valid through March 11th.To find our more about Mattias Daly, visit:- shambhala.com/authors/a-f/mattias-daly.html …For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - www.guruviking.com …Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James
Ep243: Scholar Practitioner - Charles Manson Guru Viking 2024-03-01 | In this episode I am joined by Charles Manson, author of ‘The Second Karmapa Karma Pakshi’ published by Shambhala, and librarian for the Tibetan Collections at the Bodleian Library (Oxford University) and the British Library.Charles begins by discussing the remarkable life of Karma Pakshi, the second Karmapa, Tibet’s oldest continuous reincarnation lineage. Charles traces Karma Pakshi’s adventures as a yogic trainee, personal guru to Mongol Khans, figure of political intrigue, and reformer of monasteries.Charles goes on to tell the story of his own life, from brutal treatment at elite British boarding schools to undergraduate studies at the renowned Columbia University. Charles recounts how arrest and deportation saw his academic prospects dashed. After a period of homelessness, he became a master woodcarver training under craftsmen in England and Germany. Charles recalls his encounter with Buddhism, his contact with spiritual teachers such as the 16th Karmapa, his reckoning with the untimely death of his son’s mother, and details his experiences undertaking 8 years of closed retreat including challenging group dynamics, the painful complications of energetic yogas, and the mechanisms of spiritual transformation.Charles also discusses his remarkable time with the terton Karma Rinpoche, receiving sacred chulen instructions and witnessing the mahasiddha miraculously press a footprint into rock; as well as Charles’ own return to academia, with postgraduate studies at Harvard and longstanding work at Oxford University and the British Library.…guruviking.com/podcast/ep243-scholar-practitioner-charles-manson Also on iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.…01:48 - Karma Pakshi, the 2nd Karmapa07:57 - Summoned by the Khan 15:26 - Persecution and imprisonment by Kublai Khan25:58 - The tulku tradition of Tibetan Buddhism 33:18 - Interested in Karma Pakshi and the tulku tradition35:12 - The difficulties of Karma Pakshi’s memoirs 39:02 - Childhood in Venezuela 43:49 - Brothers in oil45:28 - Suffering at boarding school49:34 - Institutional cruelty and formation for empire 52:07 - Coping strategies and intellectual rebellion54:33 - Attraction to Buddhism56:18 - Love of reading and research 59:11 - Attraction to religion 01:02:08 - Study at Columbia01:04:42 - Changes in the UK private school system 01:05:33 - Opportunities at Columbia 01:07:30 - The social and political scene at Columbia01:08:36 - Joining the Black Panthers01:09:30 - Psychedelic experimentation01:12:21 - Arrest and deportation01:16:34 - Homeless in London 01:20:32 - Resilience and free-wheeling01:22:30 - Searching accentuated 01:23:18 - Druidry, Zen, and karate01:24:22 - Career as a woodcarver and training in Germany01:28:07 - Unplanned pregnancy 01:28:41 - Finding Buddhism01:31:07 - Seeking Chogyam Trungpa01:35:06 - Samye Ling 01:36:17 - 16th Karmapa and beginning ngondro01:37:48 - Regrets about Sherab Palden 01:39:33 - Early days at Samye Ling and meeting Kalu Rinpoche01:41:04 - First retreats and extensive reading 01:45:12 - The charisma of the 16th Karmapa 01:46:26 - What is charisma?01:49:40 - How to develop spiritual power01:51:37 - Lineage transmission01:53:21 - Time with the 16th Karmapa01:55:09 - Maggie’s cancer and a sacred pilgrimage 01:59:06 - Struggles around the treatment process02:01:53 - Charles’ regrets 02:03:54 - Maggie’s death and the aftermath02:07:44 - Entering into long-term retreat02:09:26 - Preparation for long-term retreat 02:13:20 - Were the 3-year retreats successful?02:23:29 - Group dynamics and structural challenges 02:26:26 - Charles’ experience on extended retreat 02:26:57 - Spiritual obstacles 02:30:47 - Should 3-year retreatants call themselves ‘Lama’? 02:37:24 - Advice for those coming out of retreat02:39:23 - Reintegrating into society 02:40:46 - Terton Karma Rinpoche 02:42:58 - What is chulen?02:44:06 - Karma Rinpoche’s siddhi 02:50:50 - Journeys to Tibet 02:52:34 - Mountain yogis in Tibet02:56:40 - Chulen retreat in Nepal and Scotland03:00:34 - Harvard and return to academia03:06:46 - British Library and the Bodleian03:07:38 - PhD work at Oxford and Paris03:08:33 - Writing a book about Karma Pakshi, the 2nd Karmapa 03:09:05 - 1000 year old Tibetan documents at the British Library 03:11:16 - The Bodleian collection and the John Stapleton Driver project03:14:27 - Why physical libraries are important in the digital age03:16:19 - Charles’ teaching activities and other work 03:21:10 - Objections and religious arguments 03:22:51 - Contacting Charles …To find our more about Charles Manson, visit:- shambhala.com/authors/the-second-karmapa-karma-pakshi.html- uk.linkedin.com/in/charles-manson-07420911 - charles.manson@bodleian.ox.ac.uk…For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - www.guruviking.com …Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James
Ep242: Soothing the Longing Heart - Stephen Snyder Guru Viking 2024-02-23 | In this episode I am once again joined by Stephen Snyder, Buddhist meditation teacher and author of several books including ‘Buddha’s Heart’, ‘Trust in Awakening’, and his up-coming release ‘Soothing the Longing Heart’.Stephen talks about the importance of working with one’s personality material especially after awakening. He points to an idealisation of the Buddha and other blindspots in Buddhism that he believes have led to the various behavioural scandals that have surrounded so many famous Zen masters.Stephen discusses how to work with fear and anger, how to heal one’s core wound, how to convert the superego into Absolute guidance, and reflects on the pros and cons of American culture’s interaction with the Buddhist religion. Stephen also reflects on how he approaches leading meditation retreats, why he does not enforce strict Zen schedules, the deleterious effect of electronics on concentration power, and the subtle power of taking a dharma name.…guruviking.com/podcast/ep242-soothing-the-longing-heart-stephen-snyderAlso available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.…Topics include:00:00 - Intro01:07 - Stephen teaching in-person retreats in 2024 in Europe and the US03:53 - Relaxed vs rigorous retreat approaches 06:10 - Treating students like adults 08:23 - Why Stephen cooks for his retreats10:00 - Reworking the precepts 11:40 - The damaging effect of electronics on concentration power 13:03 - Stephen’s interview schedule on retreat13:37 - Receiving full Zen dharma transmission to be recognised as a sensei 17:00 - Combing Zen with Theravada practice18:10 - Post-awakening problems with personality issues 19:06 - Examples of post-awakening triggered behaviour and the core wound23:08 - Working with anger and fear 27:42 - Quickly resolving karma 29:09 - Do meditation peak experiences heal the personality?29:30 - Blindspots and scandals in Zen Buddhism 31:41 - Going beyond cultural bias 33:52 - How much cultural transfer is necessary in Buddhist practice?35:36 - Stephen’s experimental teaching approach 38:00 - America’s contribution to Buddhism 40:57 - British class system42:23 - Indian caste system43:53 - How Buddhism assimilates indigenous cultural and religious forms45:28 - Gregorian style Zen chanting 46:50 - The importance of your dharma name47:49 - Working vs wallowing in emotional material 52:16 - What is your core wound?54:52 -The personality as a shield 56:44 - The tyranny of the superego01:00:39 - Transforming the superego into Absolute guidance 01:02:07 - True vs false01:04:32 - Common compassion misunderstanding 01:06:12 Parenting mistakes around compassion 01:08:08 - Should we tell stories of awakening?01:09:47 - The importance of doubt and trust 01:11:59 - Stephen’s advice to practitioners …Previous episode with Stephen Snyder:- guruviking.com/search?q=Stephen%20Snyder To find our more about Stephen Snyder, visit:- awakeningdharma.org …For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - guruviking.com …Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James
Ep241: Meditation Myths - Dhammarato Guru Viking 2024-02-16 | In this episode, I am once again joined by Dhammarato: a lineage teacher in the Thai Buddhist tradition who is known for his unique, 1-1 teaching style conducted over Skype. Dhammarato challenges what he sees as the widespread misconceptions about meditation practice, focusing in particular on American Buddhism and the Goenka and Mahasi methods. Dhammarato discusses issues such as the dangers of meditation retreats, the problems with sleep deprivation and other austerities, and recounts stories of men he has known who crippled themselves through obsessive meditation practice in damaging seated postures.Dhammarato also calls for a return to the original teaching of the Buddha, advises on how to find and keep spiritual friends, and shares his perspective on how to meditate well.…guruviking.com/podcast/ep241-myths-of-meditation-dhammaratoAlso available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’....00:00 - Intro00:53 - Challenging Western Buddhism 03:54 - Drawbacks of Goenka Vipassana retreats04:14 - Buddha’s advice for meditation06:21 - Common meditation mistakes 07:28 - How to see dukkah08:16 - Coming out of victimhood09:28 - Drawbacks of the Mahasi method11:21 - The problem of pain on meditation retreats13:48 - Following the Ānāpānasati Sutta and jhana practice16:18 - Western practitioners who destroyed their knees and legs while meditating17:47 - Sleep deprivation 18:38 - Take it easy and be gentle19:18 - Dangers of meditation retreats20:31 - Essence of Buddhism22:01 - Misunderstandings about meditation posture 28:16 - Magical body postures and siddhi powers32:29 - The Donald Trumps of Buddhism 33:56 - What attracts people to extreme asceticism and psychedelics?35:23 - Does Dhammarato’s approach merely suppress suffering?43:00 - The myth of life enhancing meditation 47:24 - Dhammarato’s advice for regular practice50:22 - The value of noble friends55:49 - The Open Sangha Foundation59:23 - Getting out of magical thinking01:01:08 - How to make Dhamma friends…Dhammarato Episode Playlist- guruviking.com/search?q=DHAMMARATO …To find out more about Dhammarato, visit:- Email: dhammaratog@gmail.com - Discord: discord.gg/epphTGY - dhammaratoblog.wordpress.com- youtube.com/channel/UCjxg5GJFsRqnS-YLTzyrjLQ…For more interviews, videos, and more visit:- www.guruviking.com…Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James
Ep240: Foundations of Sowa Rigpa - Dr Nida Chenagtsang Guru Viking 2024-02-09 | In this interview I am once again joined by Dr Nida Chenagtsang, Buddhist teacher, doctor of Tibetan Medicine, and author of ‘Foundations of Sowa Rigpa: A Guide to the Root Tantra of Tibetan Medicine’.Dr Nida discusses the traditional Tibetan medical system of Sowa Rigpa and reveals its core doctrines such as health as balance, pulse and urine analysis, and how to discover your body’s typology.Dr Nida also delves into the esoteric side of Sowa Rigpa, including Tibetan demonology, the crossovers with tantra, and the use of magic rituals and spells to treat mental and physical illness.Dr Nida also discusses the similarities between Sowa Rigpa and Ancient Greek medicine, the importance of sleep, the toxicity of emotion, and offers a direct warning to spiritual people around the world.…guruviking.com/podcast/ep240-foundations-of-sowa-rigpa-dr-nida-chenagtsangAlso available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.…Topics Include:00:00 - Intro00:53 - What is Sowa Rigpa?03:27 - Connecting to the European medical tradition07:02 - Pros and cons of modern medical science10:05 - How Dr Nida’s teaching changed after integration into European culture12:46 - Cultural conditioning in Asia vs Europe17:58 - Similarities between Ancient Greek medicine and Sowa Rigpa21:19 - 8th century international medical conference in Tibet 24:21 - A universal medicine 25:14 - What is medical tantra? 27:33 - The ‘4 Tantras’ 30:34 - Why study an 8th century medical text today?32:34 - A new translation by Dr Ben Joffe35:47 - Compiling Dr Nida’s commentary 36:56 - Sowa Rigpa Institute 37:47 - The core of Sowa Rigpa 41:11 - How to understand your typology 44:15 - Healthy sleep45:03 - 3 methods of diagnosis in Sowa Rigpa46:27 - Urine analysis47:57 - 3 levels of pulse reading52:03 - How to receive to the body’s signals54:15 - Bedside manner56:58 - Connecting to the unconscious mind01:00:03 - Art of conversation 01:02:54 - Buddhist influences on Sowa Rigpa 01:07:48 - Emotional toxins 01:11:02 - Toxic energy 01:14:49 - 3 nyepas and the 3 doṣas01:18:18 - Monastics vs ngakpas 01:22:36 - The esoteric specialisms of the village ngakpa 01:27:44 - Tibetan demonology 01:29:21 - How spirits cause health problems 01:33:57 - The esoteric side of Sowa Rigpa 01:36:37 - Dr Nida’s warning to spiritual people 01:38:37 - Dangers of materialism ...Previous episodes with Dr Nida Chenagtsang: - guruviking.com/search?q=nida To find out more about Dr Nida Chenagtsang, visit:- facebook.com/DoctorNida- http://www.skypressbooks.com…For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - www.guruviking.comMusic ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James
Ep239: Gurus I Have Known - Ralph White 3 Guru Viking 2024-02-02 | In this interview I am once again joined by Ralph White holistic learning pioneer, international speaker on cultural transformation and the history of the Western esoteric tradition, and co-founder of the New York Open Centre.Ralph reflects on his decades at the centre of the American spirituality and human potential movements and discusses the life and works of figures such as poet Robert Bly, Ram Dass, Colin Wilson, RD Laing, and Rupert Sheldrake and tells personal anecdotes of his time spent with each.Ralph also reflects on today’s psychedelic renaissance, the pros and cons of AI, and why he is more motivated than ever before to bring about an enlightened cultural shift.…guruviking.com/podcast/ep239-gurus-i-have-known-ralph-white-3Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.…Topics Include:00:00 - Intro02:14 - Ralph on Robert Bly07:48 - Bly as a source of spiritual strength 08:35 - Where did Bly get his depth of insight?09:48 - The Rag and Bone Shop of the Heart11:06 - Spiritual Athlete in an Orange Robe13:29 - The mysterious Colin Wilson 18:49 - RD Laing’s wildness20:04 - RD Laing’s alcoholism 22:53 - British vs USA approaches to the esoteric 24:27 - Rupert Sheldrake and the psychedelic renaissance28:35 - Do psychedelics affect one’s credibility?31:05 - Ralph on Ram Dass and Timothy Leary35:30 - Was the 60s psychedelic movement good or bad?37:13 - Reconnecting to the earth and existential crisis41:13 - Is civilisational utopia naive? 46:33 - The rise of the religious right in America49:34 - Engage with society or withdraw into the ark?54:14 - Ralph’s work organising international conferences 56:29 - Indigenous Peoples’ Resistance To Globalisation57:56 - Techno utopian attitudes of Silicon Valley01:00:39 - Revitalising the Western Esoteric tradition 01:04:09 - Ralph on the current frontiers of human potential and culture …Previous episodes with Ralph White: - guruviking.com/podcast/ep140-quest-for-a-life-of-meaning-ralph-white - guruviking.com/podcast/ep202-mission-to-tibet-ralph-white To find out more about Ralph White, visit: - ralphwhite.netFor more interviews, videos, and more visit: - www.guruviking.com…Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James
Ep238: Alchemy the Divine Work - Katarina Falkenberg & Tommy Westlund Guru Viking 2024-01-26 | In this episode I am joined by Katarina Falkenberg & Tommy Westlund, alchemists, practitioners of Western Esotericism, and authors of ‘Alchemy, The Divine Work’.Katarina and Tommy recount the history of Western alchemy from Egypt, through Ancient Greece, the Islamic golden age, Renaissance Europe, to today and consider critiques of alchemy as mere proto or indeed pseudo-science.. Katarina and Tommy reveal the language of the birds, the hidden language of symbol and intuition used among initiated practitioners. The detail the stages of inner transformation that the alchemist ascends in his quest for spiritual evolution and compares them to the stages of other meditative traditions. Katarina and Tommy also discuss today’s changing cultural mores around masculinity and femininity and their implications for the metaphors used by the alchemical tradition to express polarity and the union of opposites.…guruviking.com/podcast/ep238-alchemy-the-divine-work-katarina-falkenberg-tommy-westlundAlso available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.…Topics include:00:00 - Intro01:04 - Writing ‘Alchemy, The Divine Work’05:56 - The language of the birds and hidden language 09:14 - Are alchemical symbols specific to certain cultures?11:13 - Alchemy vs other esoteric traditions and religions14:20 - Intuition vs intellectual study19:39 - People have changed in the last 5 years 21:03 - Me too movement & the pandemic24:42 - Are masculine-feminine paradigms of polarity still relevant?29:47 - Polarity is essential to alchemy30:55 - Tommy’s hopes for masculinity and femininity in culture 35:32 - History of Western alchemy 41:57 - Spiritual alchemy vs metallurgical techniques 46:47 - Proto-science or pseudo-science? 49:17 - The relationship between the outer and the inner 56:56 - Who is attracted to study alchemy?01:01:24 - The role of experimentation 01:03:44 - Collaboration with the egregore of the tradition01:05:26 - Katarina and Tommy’s collaboration 01:09:32 - Greek philosophical influence on alchemy 01:11:40 - The first element of creation 01:12:52 - Pythagoras 01:15:44 - Cosmogony and alchemical application01:18:01 - Metaphilosophy01:18:47 - The prima materia 01:20:48 - The principle of love01:22:24 - Gnosticism and alchemy01:25:04 - The gnostic revolution 01:29:26 - Religious traditions as living metaphors01:31:00 - Alchemical stages 01:35:44 - The dark nights of the mind and soul01:41:47 - Blissful stages and beyond…To find out more about Katarina Falkenberg & Tommy Westlund, visit: - https://www.alkemiskaakademin.se/eng/about-us/ For more interviews, videos, and more visit:- www.guruviking.comMusic ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James
Ep237: Bhutan’s First Psychiatrist - Dr Chencho Dorji Guru Viking 2024-01-19 | In this episode I am joined by Dr Chencho Dorji, Bhutan’s first psychiatrist and the Professor of Psychiatry at Khesar Gyalpo University of Medical Sciences in Bhutan.Dr Dorji recalls his traumatic childhood growing up in Bhutan with a psychotic, alcoholic father. He describes the impact of living in constant fear of violence on he and his siblings, the resultant psychotic breakdown of his elder brother and the extreme methods used by the shamans, lamas, and traditional doctors who were recruited to heal them.Dr Dorji also recalls his arduous progress through medical training, special placements for psychiatry in Sri Lanka and Australia, compares Bhutanese and Western societies, and begins to consider the interaction between modern psychiatry and traditional Bhutanese approaches to mental health. …guruviking.com/podcast/ep237-bhutans-first-psychiatrist-dr-chencho-dorjiAlso available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.…Topics include:00:00 - Intro00:56 - Life in Bhutan before modernisation 03:23 - Community and family networks05:26 - Ashi Kunzang Choden 07:08 - Radical social change in Bhutan08:45 - Living in fear with a psychotic father 12:00 - Father’s traumatic background 17:23 - Elder brother’s breakdown and psychosis20:31 - Devastated by brother’s illness21:44 - Attempting to cure Nima’s psychosis through shamanic and religious rituals26:30 - Supernatural vs modern approaches to mental health29:58 - The limits of modern medicine 32:48 - Struggles and successes in education 37:28 - Deciding to become a psychiatrist to help family 41:42 - Lost opportunity to pursue psychiatry 47:00 - Studying psychiatry in Sri Lanka49:03 - Fever and depression 52:22 - First experience of holiday55:32 - One year clinical placement in Australia 57:40 - Problems in Australian society and healthcare system01:00:56 - A challenging case01:03:24 - All societies have problems01:04:40 - Children’s schooling experience in Australia 01:09:15 - Warning to young Bhutanese emigrating to Australia01:13:06 - Return to Australia and hosting Bhutanese migrants 01:14:28 - Social impact on Bhutan of large scale emigration 01:18:14 - Time travel and predicting the future01:19:47 - Interactions between psychiatry and traditional medical models01:21:16 - Praise for Dr Caroline Van Damme01:24:59 - Reflections on the US healthcare system…Previous Bhutan episodes playlist:- guruviking.com/search?q=bhutan To find out more about Dr Chencho Dorji, visit: - facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057403100633 For more interviews, videos, and more visit:- guruviking.comMusic ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James
Celebrating 20,000 subscribers! 🎉 Guru Viking 2024-01-13 | Celebrating 20,000 Youtube subscribers! 🎉 Thank you to all who have subscribed! 🙏🏻To celebrate, I will record an AMA video in which we turn the tables and I answer your questions. (DM 📜 on IG to @guruviking or email to steve@guruviking.com)‘AMA’ means ‘ask me anything’ (it’s a Youtube/Reddit thing 😂). Don’t worry, this is just a fun milestone video and won’t become a regular thing!
Ep236: Art of Dying - Lama Lhanang 2 Guru Viking 2024-01-12 | In this interview I am once again joined by Lama Lhanang, a spiritual teacher of the Nyingma Longchen Nyingthig lineage of Tibetan Buddhism and an expert in meditation, geomancy, art, cultural and historical studies, and Tibetan medicine.Lama Lhanang discusses the Tibetan Buddhist and traditional Tibetan medical beliefs about death, including a detailed description of the death process itself, physical signs of imminent death, and the system of divination and omens that can indicate that one’s life will soon end.Lama Lhanang reveals the methods and mechanisms of the yogic death practices of phowa, tukdam, and rainbow body, and tells stories of his own role in guiding his students through the death process. Lama Lhanang also gives his heart advice to those facing death and to those who are supporting the dying, and explains how to die well.…guruviking.com/podcast/ep236-art-of-dying-lama-lhanang-2Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.…Topics include:00:00 - Intro00:58 - What is the Tibetan Book of the Dead?06:52 - Practice for the living and the dead 08:22 - A story of a Lama performing phowa for a woman11:11 - Phowa, a magical meditation 12:24 - Who can perform phowa for others?14:26 - Lama Lhanang performed phowa for a dying student17:52 - How to perform phowa for others 21:49 - Omens of impending death25:56 - The three energies of life and how to retrieve life force27:01 - Asking a demon about death 29:25 - Predicting life and death 32:12 - Signs of imminent death 34:50 - The process of death 41:19 - Beyond the Western scientific point of death48:18 - Advice for when being around dying people 51:19 - Fake tukdam 54:06 - What is tukdam?56:32 - How to achieve tukdam 59:54 - The crazy yogi 01:01:10 - How to recognise a Buddha01:03:40 - Tukdam vs rainbow body (jalu)01:06:48 - Story about Lama Lhanang’s teacher who achieved rainbow body01:09:15 - What it means to be a yogi 01:12:43 - Advice for facing death 01:19:42 - The secret to having peace at death 01:20:19 - A woman who died well…Previous episode with Lama Lhanang:- guruviking.com/podcast/ep226-nyingma-master-lama-lhanangTo find out more about Lama Lhanang, visit: - buddhistsandiego.comFor more interviews, videos, and more visit:- www.guruviking.comMusic ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James
Ep235: Strategic Sorcery - Jason Miller Guru Viking 2024-01-05 | In this episode I am joined by Jason Miller, occultist, author, and teacher.Jason discusses how to judge authenticity in the occult, considers the different levels of magickal practitioner in the world today, and whether it is more efficacious to curse your enemies or to pray for them.Jason also reveals the origin and unfolding of his passion for the occult, considers the role of talent in successful spell casting, and recounts his astral awakening.Jason also shares the art of protection magick, gives his advice on occult protection for political candidates, and explains the steps he would take to extend magickal protection for a client if hired to do so.…guruviking.com/podcast/ep235-strategic-sorcery-jason-millerAlso available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.…Topics Include:00:00 - Intro00:50 - Dilettantes and the spirit of the age 05:03 - Levels of magickal practitioner in the world08:01 - How to judge authenticity 11:35 - Holding claims to account 15:38 - Results now or over lifetimes?20:50 - Jason’s passion for the occult 25:53 - Professionalising one’s meditation practice28:20 - Jason’s priorities29:34 - A major flaw in today’s meditation teachings 31:52 - Shambala’s marketing campaign34:01 - Effects of advanced practice on negative emotions36:46 - Kunzang Dorje’s human failings38:41 - The origin of Jason’s fascination with magick39:24 - Visitation experiences 41:08 - Discovering an aptitude for magick 44:04 - Early success with spells45:20 - Summoning spirits and other early studies51:09 - Jason’s astral awakening53:49 - Jason’s father’s psychic experiences 55:49 - The role of natural talent in magick01:02:44 - Delusions about meditation skill01:05:08 - The importance of practicing idle time 01:10:23 - Steve’s śamatha practice01:12:07 - Why do people study magick?01:18:00 - Feeling the call to be spiritual01:18:39 - How magic really works01:22:24 - Wiccans against Trump01:26:20 - Curse your enemies or pray for them?01:31:17 - Jason’s advice on magickal protection for political candidates 01:36:38 - What Jason would do if hired to protect a politician 01:41:07 - Isolating the workings from your environment …To find out more about Jason Miller, visit:- strategicsorcery.net For more interviews, videos, and more visit:- guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James
Ep234: Dzogchen Valley - Aro gTér Sangha Guru Viking 2023-12-29 | In this episode I travel to deepest of Wales to visit Drala Jong, the headquarters and retreat centre of the Aro gTér sect of Tibetan Buddhism. I first interviewed the leaders of the sect, Ngakchang Rinpoche and Khandro Déchen, several years ago in an intimate interview in their home during which they recounted the origin of their treasure-revealed lineage and discussed subjects such as crazy wisdom, mahasiddhas, and compassion as appreciation. In this episode, Ngakchang Rinpoche and Khandro Déchen give a tour of the grounds of Drala Jong, discuss the esoteric geomancy of the site, and reveal the methods used to identify and propitiate the local spirit of the land. Ngakchang Rinpoche and Khandro Déchen detail the methods and practices of the Aro gTér, guide practice sessions in the Dzogchen meditation of sky gazing and other techniques, and tell stories of their lamas such as Kunzang Dorje Rinpoche, Chimé Rigdzin Rinpoche, Dudjom Rinpoche, and more.I also meet the ordained caretakers of the centre, witness the sangha in their daily rituals of chanting and song, and receive a lesson in their physical movement system of Kum Nye from lineage specialist Sang-gyé A-tsal. …guruviking.com/podcast/ep234-dzogchen-valley-aro-gtr-sanghaAlso available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.…Topics Include:00:00 - Intro01:23 - Tour of the grounds04:01 - Geomancy of the site05:07 - Appeasing the land spirits 10:17 - The right wing 13:47 - Plans for a statue of Dudjom Rinpoche 17:31 - Plans for the left wing 25:37 - The requirements and procedure of Aro gTér ordination 32:57 - Pilgrimage and normalising Vajrayana religion35:38 - The main house42:57 - The shrine room45:59 - Ritual practice at Drala Jong46:56 - Range of Aro gTér practices 48:16 - Shiné vs śāmatha 51:19 - The 4 Naljors and approaching Dzogchen 56:20 - Practices of shiné and lhagtong59:44 - Showing the ritual objects, statues, and thangkas 01:11:08 - Attention to detail and creating a lineage place 01:14:05 - The role of personal shrine rooms and care for ritual objects01:16:35 - Caring for people 01:18:19 - Weapon collection01:24:57 - Role of prostrations 01:26:13 - Ngakchang Rinpoche’s reflections on his 70th birthday 01:28:17 - Drala and the practice of relating the natural world 01:31:30 - Why Wales is good for Dzogchen practice01:35:48 - Ancient woodland 01:37:36 - The caretakers Jagyür and Métsal01:39:52 - Tour of Jagyür and Métsal’s accommodation 01:44:21 - Living at Drala Jong01:45:36 - Daily practice regime 01:48:35 - Recent ordination of disciples 01:50:52 - Ngakpa vs Naljorpa ordination 01:52:21 - Origins of Aro gTér ordination lineages 01:54:05 - Weather making for Chime Rinpoche01:58:31 - Lunchtime song 01:59:54 - Ngakchang Rinpoche gives sky gazing instruction (namkha arte)02:04:52 - The 21 semdzin of Dzogchen02:08:28 - Reflecting on having a retreat centre after 30 years02:09:40 - Meditation on sound 02:10:56 - On the practice of retreat 02:13:06 - 3 part approach and the practice of suspension 02:16:12 - Markers of progress in spiritual practice 02:20:10 - A story of Dungse Thinley Norbu Rinpoche 02:21:48 - Anecdote about Dzogchen shouts02:22:42 - Dreams of Dudjom Rinpoche02:24:52 - Sang-gyé A-tsal introduces Kum Nye02:27:29 - Steve receives a Kum Nye lesson02:31:42 - Post exercise meditation02:32:50 - Prowling Tiger 02:34:33 - Rising Eagle02:35:44 - Walking Lion 02:38:18 - Further thoughts on Kum Nye02:39:04 - Earth Lion Ying'khor02:43:10 - Space Garuda 02:46:26 - The drinking song of Dudjom Rinpoche 02:49:19 - Wine drinking mudra of Chimé Rigdzin Rinpoche02:50:41 - Is Dzogchen a religion?02:52:51 - Taking Dzogchen out of Buddhism 02:56:21 - Imitating culture02:59:05 - Religion is ‘bigger than me’03:00:52 - Providing community 03:02:53 - Belonging to a sangha03:05:26 - Organised religion 03:06:12 - Structure and rules 03:09:46 - Starting new religions vs being part of a lineage 03:11:48 - Unthinking use of language 03:13:23 - The value of being contained by religion 03:14:38 - Inspiration between teacher and student …Previous episodes with the Aro gTer:- youtube.com/playlist?list=PLlkzlKFgdknxvlIXraR8zs4j4vNebA8os&si=BJvxADcKcGuUPOSc To find out more about Drala Jong, visit:- drala-jong.org For more interviews, videos, and more visit:- guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James
Ep233: Blessing Power of the Buddhas - Naomi Levine 4 Guru Viking 2023-12-22 | In this episode I am once again joined by Naomi Levine, author, under her birth name Norma Levine, of several books including ‘The Miraculous 16th Karmapa’, ‘A Quest For The Hidden Lands’, and ‘Chronicles of Love and Death: My Years With The Last Spiritual King of Bhutan’.In this interview, Naomi discusses her first book ‘Blessing Power of the Buddhas’, an account of her 3 year investigation into the sacred relics and holy men of Himalayan Buddhism and the field of supernatural happenings that surround them. Naomi recounts her insider meetings with Tibetan Lamas such as the polarising Dzongsar Khyentse, the reclusive Tarthang Tulku, and the wrathful Orgyen Tobgyal; and recalls stories of talking statues, sky metal magical implements, and the necessity of a female consort for certain tantric workings.Naomi also talks about the naive faith of the fresh convert, what it’s like to be burned by a guru, and how to survive the waning of the honeymoon phase in one’s religious devotional life.…guruviking.com/podcast/ep233-blessing-power-of-the-buddhas-naomi-levine-4Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.…Topics Include:00:00 - Intro01:08 - Evolution of Naomi’s faith and writing03:19 - Writing her first book06:04 - The esoteric side of Tibetan Buddhism07:33 - Naive faith of the neophyte 09:35 - Interviewing the who’s who of Tibetan clergy12:27 - Hunting down sacred objects18:13 - Getting burned by the guru 21:55 - Saved by the lineage blessings 24:44 - Quest for the hidden25:55 - When devotion matures28:30 - Guru scandals and Vajrayana vows 31:48 - You can’t return to the honeymoon phase of religiosity 37:34 - Corporate Buddhism and today’s guru circuit 44:21 - Naomi’s impressions of Dzongsar Khyentse 50:11 - Meeting the enigmatic Tarthang Tulku 56:41 - Meeting the wrathful Orgyen Tobgyal 59:43 - Stories of sky metal 01:05:57 - Sacred objects of Tibetan Buddhism01:10:04 - Categories of sacred objects and hidden treasures01:13:17 - Rethinking how to get explanations about reality01:15:37 - True meaning of ‘hidden’01:16:25 - Talking statues and other miracles01:21:43 - The necessity of the female consort 01:24:37 - The mysterious phenomenon of rangjung …Previous episodes with Naomi Levine:- guruviking.com/podcast/ep190-love-death-in-the-himalayas-naomi-levine- guruviking.com/podcast/ep208-karmapa-tales-naomi-levine-2 - guruviking.com/podcast/ep223-the-spiritual-odyssey-of-freda-bedi-naomi-levine-3To find out more about Naomi Levine, visit:- facebook.com/naomilevine111- amazon.com/stores/Norma-Levine/author/B001K86LZ4?ref=ap_rdr&store_ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true For more interviews, videos, and more visit:- guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James
Ep232: Dzogchen Devotion - Joe Evans 2 Guru Viking 2023-12-15 | In this episode I am once again joined by Joe Evans, founder of the Rangdröl Foundation and teacher of Dzogchen under the name Jigme Rangdröl.Joe explains the significance of the guru-disciple relationship in Dzogchen, details the various forms it may take, and reveals his own special relationship with Dzogchen master teacher Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche.Joe considers the power of devotion, describes the practice of guru yoga, advises on how to assess a Dzogchen teacher’s authenticity and motivation.Joe also discusses his own journey as a Dzogchen teacher, reflects on the significance of the endorsements he has received from his gurus Dungse Rigdzin Dorje Rinpoche and Acharya Malcolm Smith, and offers his heart advice to those who wish to practice Dzogchen. …guruviking.com/podcast/ep232-dzogchen-devotion-joe-evans-2Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.…Topics Include:00:00 - Intro00:57 - A significant evolution in Joe’s practice05:39 - Establishing a relationship with Namkhai Norbu05:55 - Guru-disciple relationship in Dzogchen 11:15 - Does your teacher need to know who you are?13:03 - A common Dzogchen confusion 14:35 - Sudden or gradual?16:27 - 1-1 time with Namkhai Norbu18:20 - Namkhai Norbu’s powers of knowing 20:21 - The role of bodhicitta 22:18 - The practice of guru yoga 27:35 - How to assess a Dzogchen teacher32:27 - The power of following instructions33:47 - The most significant teaching Joe has received36:31 - Being a hidden yogi 37:28 - Insufficient practice 39:38 - Simple advice for the Dzogchen aspirant41:24 - Namkhai Norbu’s three pieces of advice 44:00 - Facing difficulty and mistakes on the path 46:51 - The power of devotion 50:39 - Meeting Dungse Rigdzin Dorje Rinpoche56:38 - Meeting Acharya Malcolm Smith 01:01:53 - The period of internet message boards about Buddhism01:04:52 - Flame wars and schisms01:05:51 - Joe’s unusual endorsements to teach Dzogchen 01:13:20 - Joe’s reason for teaching 01:16:06 - Joe examines his own motivation 01:19:16 - What does an endorsement to teach Dzogchen mean?01:24:03 - Why Joe uses the title ‘Lama’ 01:26:31 - Demystifying the experience of teaching the Dharma01:29:26 - Joe’s heart advice to those interested in practicing Dzogchen 01:31:34 - Where does Joe’s confidence in Dzogchen come from?…Previous episode with Joe Evans:- guruviking.com/podcast/ep224-american-dzogchenpa-joe-evans To find out more about Joe Evans, visit:- rangdrolfoundation.org For more interviews, videos, and more visit:- guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James
Ep231: Esoteric Arts of Japan - John Maki Evans Guru Viking 2023-12-08 | In this interview I am joined by John Maki Evans, teacher of Japanese swordsmanship, practitioner of several syncretic esoteric Japanese disciplines, and author of ‘Kurikara: The Sword and the Serpent’.John recalls aspects of his intense training in Japan, traces his lifetime spent uncovering the higher esoteric dimensions of the Japanese arts, and details the 9 stage journey from novice to master.John maps the subtle body and its correspondences to the five elements and the dragon king protectors known as nāgarāja, explains the demands of following the inner path of transformation, and considers the special role of the sword in religious life.John also reflects on the process of opening the body and mind, recovery from severe back and brain injuries, and on the dangers of reaching your spiritual goals. …guruviking.com/podcast/ep231-esoteric-arts-of-japan-john-maki-evansAlso available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.…Topics include:00:00 - Intro01:05 - John’s 3 practitioner names 02:30 - Prescience of John’s sensei 04:21 - John reflects on his qualities 06:19 - Pros and cons of personal characteristics 07:48 - The process of opening up 09:09 - The danger of reaching your spiritual goals11:19 - John’s 3 phase grading system12:30 - 3 levels of transmission 18:26 - 5 elements, 9 Stages22:01 - The power of the sword25:29 - Nakamura Sensei’s special forces combat experience 28:53 - Taking up the sword30:39 - Back injury and meeting Shandor 32:47 - Healing serious back injuries33:40 - A powerful sexual awakening36:19 - Japanese tantric and esoteric knowledge 41:37 - Piecing together an inner yogic system 43:44 - The nāgarāja dharma protectors 46:33 - 9 syllable magick 48:57 - Mapping the subtle body49:48 - An intensive Shingon retreat 52:52 - Discovering a genuine master 54:22 - Squat practice 55:15 - Severe brain injury 58:18 - Left and right hemispheres 59:06 - Working with the brain mandala 01:02:56 - John’s mother’s death01:05:08 - John’s post-surgery vision01:07:09 - Post-surgery recovery 01:10:40 - Esoteric yogic techniques01:13:21 - A profound Japanese spiritual poem 01:18:08 - Memorising Patañjali’s yoga sūtras 01:19:56 - The death of John’s father and John’s childhood death-ritual…To find out more about John Maki Evans, visit:- battodo-fudokan.co.uk …For more interviews, videos, and more visit:- www.guruviking.comMusic ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James
Ep230: Dharma of Poetry - John Brehm Guru Viking 2023-12-01 | In this interview I am joined by John Brehm, American poet and author of ‘The Dharma of Poetry’.John recalls his early life in Nebraska, formation as an unlikely poet, use of psychedelics, and discovery of the aesthetic impulse.John reads ‘Non-Harming’, a poem from his latest book ‘Dharma Talk’, and reflects on the use of poetry for personal and religious edification, as well as the power of exposing one’s darker dimensions in verse.John also discusses how to achieve profundity in poetry, the skilful use of language, why T.S. Eliot is so often criticised, and how to detect the unmistakable whiff of ego.…guruviking.com/podcast/ep230-the-dharma-of-poetry-john-brehmAlso available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.…Topics include:00:00 - Intro00:49 - A controversial poem 02:58 - Self awareness of one’s foibles 04:21 - How poets present themselves 04:56 - Ikkyu 05:21 - Making the sinful sacred 07:02 - Overly solemn poetry readings07:52 - John reads ‘Non Harming’10:05 - Reflections on the poem11:54 - Working class upbringing in Nebraska 13:04 - An unlikely poet14:46 - The poetic calling16:29 - Psychedelics 18:19 - Early poetic influences 20:06 - The art of seeing one’s local place24:42 - An aesthetic impulse 25:53 - How to relate to a poem27:46 - Aggressive approaches to poetry 29:09 - Nondual poetry practice 31:21 - How the high modernists made poetry elite 32:41 - Williams vs Eliot 34:08 - Anybody can enjoy poetry36:16 - Poetry as edification 39:57 - The unmistakable whiff of ego41:56 - The one who stops 45:41 - How to reach profundity in writing50:23 - How to craft effective language 53:32 - How to read a poem aloud55:34 - The role of memorisation …To find out more about John Brehm, visit:- johnbrehmpoet.com …For more interviews, videos, and more visit:- www.guruviking.comMusic ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James
Ep229: Butler of Vajrayana - John Riley Perks Guru Viking 2023-11-24 | In this interview I am joined by John Riley Perks, author, teacher, and was for seven years the butler and attendant of Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche.Born in 1934, John recounts his childhood during World War 2, where he learned how to harness his intuition and psychic capacities under the guidance of his mother while avoiding air strikes and other dangers. John recalls moving to the USA in 1950 and tells of his life there through the decades of cultural change that marked the latter half of the 20th century. John describes his first meeting with renowned guru of Tibetan Buddhism Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche and the subsequent years in his service as personal attendant and butler. John recalls the powerful spiritual field of tantric masters and details how Trungpa worked to dismantled John’s ego in a variety of potent ways. John also reflects on the line between so called crazy wisdom activity intended to enlighten students and the abuse of trust of which so many celebrity spiritual masters, including Trungpa himself, have been accused. John also explains how to send and receive messages on the wind, the protocol for interacting with spirit beings, and how to live in the mystery.…guruviking.com/podcast/ep229-butler-of-vajrayana-john-riley-perksAlso available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.…Topics include:00:00 - Intro01:27 - Childhood during WW204:36 - Seances with John’s mother07:54 - Britains’ native lineages of psychic and healing abilities08:26 - Clearing the mind of psychic interference10:00 - Interacting with other beings 11:43 - Learning to live in the mystery 12:57 - Recurring visions throughout John’s life 14:18 - Sending and receiving messages on the wind16:38 - Importance of deity yoga and Vajrayogini practice17:47 - Playing the Great Game20:12 - Fantasy and reading 22:46 - Advice for those who have psychic experiences 25:06 - Panic attacks and PTSD 26:44 - Living in the USA in the 1950s27:22 - Working as a farmhand and heading West31:13 - Running a school for exceptional children34:19 - The assassination period and gun culture39:35 - The 60s and comments on drug use 42:38 - Living with Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche 43:48 - Meeting Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche45:29 - Powerful first impression49:19 - The energy field of spiritual masters51:29 - Dismantling John’s ego 53:26 - The art of serving the guru 54:39 - John’s love for Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche57:58 - The terror of being so close to the guru59:55 - How did John last so long?01:01:51 - Not trying to get enlightened01:04:38 - Stories of Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche01:08:38 - Accusations of abuse and cruelty01:13:38 - Facing things as they are01:14:19 - Đid Trungpa Rinpoche go too far?01:15:32 - Trungpa Rinpoche’s drinking01:18:07 - Working for Bill Cosby…To find out more about John Riley Perks, visit:- celticbuddhism.org …For more interviews, videos, and more visit:- www.guruviking.comMusic ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James
