Guru Viking Podcast

In this episode, I am joined by Lopon Yudron Wangmo, American teacher of Tibetan Buddhism and author of several books including her recent “Clearing the Way to Awakening”. Lopon Yudron Wangmo offers an analysis of the shortcomings of today’s Buddhist literature, details the writing process for “Clearing the Way to Awakening”, and reveals the stylistic and language choices she made to better reach the average reader. Lopon Yudron Wangmo describes the power of the ngondro preliminary practices of Tibetan Buddhism and explains the techniques of mantra recitation, prostrations, mandala offerings, bodhicitta generation, tummo, śamata, and more. Lopon Yudron Wangmo extols the benefits of turning away from worldly life and towards religion, reports the fruits of her own practice such as profound peace and joy, warns about the danger of following a guru without first testing him, and advises on how to work with the supernatural dimension of Buddhism. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep303-clearing-the-way-to-awakening-lopon-yudron-wangmo Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics include: 00:00 - Intro 01:04 - Clearing the Way to Awakening 01:52 - The problem with today’s Buddhist literature 03:20 - Sublime topics 04:22 - Style considerations for today’s reading level 06:03 - Learning to write more simply for the average reader 07:18 - Patrul Rinpoche and avoiding imitation 08:30 - What is awakening? 09:09 - Local context in Buddhist cultures 10:34 - Buddha’s description of his awakening 12:37 - Working with the supernatural dimension of Buddhism 14:25 - The ālaya vijñāna and the unconscious mind 17:34 - Buddha nature vs being driven and unconscious 18:57 - Gradualist vs subitist awakening 20:22 - The role of ngondro and the power of visualisation 22:51 - The power of recitation 24:05 - The power of prostrations 26:17 - The power of maṇḍala offerings 28:13 - Why esoteric practices are not appropriate for most people 30:00 - The secrets to completing your ngondro 32:27 - The importance of motivation 33:15 - The anti-climax of realising the nature of mind 35:33 - Tummo and śamata 36:50 - Origin of the ngondro system + Theravada critique 39:17 - Taking refuge 40:30 - Generating bodhicitta and practicing the four immeasurables 41:12 - Vajrasattva and purification practice 42:21 - Merit making and guru yoga 44:06 - If you don’t like it, don’t practice it 45:04 - Yudron asks for Steve’s opinion 46:58 - Choose your Buddhism 48:23 - Disillusionment with saṃsāra and choosing Buddhism later in life 50:03 - The power of choice and acquired ADHD 51:43 - Get on it 52:38 - The power of disillusionment and renunciation 55:07 - The peace and joy of turning away from the world 57:41 - The suffering of loneliness and the fruits of practice 01:00:09 - The mechanism of spiritual contentment 01:02:04 - Yudron on the importance of disclosing attainments 01:03:28 - Spiritual saints 01:04:13 - Political lamas and checking out gurus 01:05:32 - Personal relationship with the guru 01:07:13 - We’re all devoted to something 01:09:09 - Pitfalls of ngondro: anxiety, OCD, depression, and PTSD 01:14:06 - Yudron’s struggles with depression and anxiety 01:19:34 - Boomer Buddhists 01:20:04 - Preliminary or foundational? 01:22:06 - Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo’s advice about retreat 01:23:38 - Congratulated by Vajrasattva and the ontology of deities 01:26:45 - Spontaneous feelings of love To find out more about Lopon Yudron Wangmo, visit: - https://www.yudronwangmo.com/ For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - https://www.guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

In this episode I am joined by Rebekah Sturghill, mother, school teacher, and convert to Orthodox Christianity. Rebekah details her upbringing in a Texan evangelical church and how encounters with authoritarianism and questions about her sexuality saw her leave the religion. Rebekah describes a period of passionate teenage atheism before becoming deeply involved in feminist activism beginning in university. Rebekah explains why she remains a feminist but left activism and how, through a powerful visionary experience, she converted to Orthodox Christianity. Rebekah also explores the mechanisms of conversion, considers the line between faith and extremism, and comments on the pros and cons of a new trend of conversions to Orthodox Christianity driven by internet influencers and discussion communities. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep302-my-conversion-to-orthodox-christianity-rebekah-sturghill Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics include: 00:00 - Intro 01:00 - Evangelical Christian upbringing in Texas 04:17 - Studying theology and philosophy at St Johns College 04:38 - Encountering Jesus through reading the Gospels 05:39 - Feminist activism 06:09 - Joining the Orthodox Church 08:18 - Anger at religion and questioning sexuality 11:22 - Authoritarianism in the church 12:26 - Why Rebekah’s family left the church 14:05 - Religious community vs contemplative practice 16:19 - Contemplative emphasis in the Orthodox Church 17:10 - Youth groups and community emphasis 18:16 - Radical atheism phase and the impact on family 23:18 - Becoming a feminist activist 25:50 - Questioning feminist theory, struggles with relativism and essentialism 26:52 - Becoming a 2nd wave feminist 28:34 - Influence of the internet on Rebekah’s various conversions 31:35 - Conversion or coming home? 33:42 - What feminism really is 35:18 - Frustrations with 3rd wave feminism 40:08 - Why feminist activism? 44:34 - Still a feminist? Which views Rebekah still holds 48:00 - Orthodox Christian view of the individual and equality 49:47 - Are Rebekah’s views controversial? 51:43 - In-fighting and leaving activism 54:17 - Religious extremists and extreme activism 55:53 - Losing oneself in extremism 57:50 - Critical mass of buy-in needed for conversion 58:13 - Embracing the dharma or losing oneself? 01:01:46 - CS Lewis’ “The Great Divorce” 01:03:36 - Dying to oneself 01:04:54 - Theosis and losing oneself 01:05:42 - Popularity of Orthodox Christianity online, a new wave of converts 01:07:26 - The practice of Orthodoxy Christianity and the supernatural 01:09:05 - Lent 01:09:55 - High profile conversions to Orthodoxy and an internet pipeline 01:11:22 - Rebekah’s conversion through relationships and community 01:13:15 - The moment of conversion 01:14:41 - Powerful first conversation with an Orthodox priest … For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - https://www.guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

In this episode I am joined by Lorna Byrne, spiritual teacher and best selling author of “Angels in my Hair”. Lorna describes her childhood in Ireland when she first began to see and interact with angels and souls of the dead, and recalls how she navigated these visionary experiences. Lorna discusses the different types of angels that she sees, as well as other beings such as souls of the deceased, land spirits, elementals and more, and how others might learn to see as she does. Lorna also reflects on feeling the energy of a place; her lifelong experience of being different to others; unusual reactions people have towards her; and the importance of love, hope, and compassion. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep301-angels-in-my-hair-lorna-byrne | Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics include: 00:00 - Intro 00:52 - Growing up different 04:17 - Learning from angels 05:27 - Be your unique self 06:36 - Seeing angels physically 07:50 - Holding things back and confusion about mankind 09:07 - Consulted by clerics, theologians, and academics 10:04 - Is God real? 11:32 - Responses from people all over the world 13:02 - Deep interactions with strangers 15:20 - Lorna’s view of human beings 16:39 - Can anyone see angels and spirits? 19:10 - Being open to new knowledge 21:39 - Intertwining of the human body and soul 23:43 - Everything is possible 25:57 - Has Lorna met others who can see angels? 28:32 - People who pretend to see spirits for money 39:37 - Feeling the energy of a place 30:35 - Local traditions, land spirits, and the range of beings Lorna encounters 35:59 - How to see spirits 37:53 - The Spirit of the Water 39:52 - Everything has energy 41:51 - Angel at the Centre of the Earth 43:25 - Detecting the influence of Satan 45:59 - A story of boy soldiers 49:06 - Cycles of abuse 50:12 - Thoughts about the future of mankind 52:50 - Love, hope, and compassion 54:43 - Lorna’s retreat centre, Sanctuary … Find our more about Lorna Byrne: - https://lornabyrne.com/ - … For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - https://www.guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

In this episode I am once again joined by Katarina Falkenberg & Tommy Westlund, alchemists, practitioners of Western Esotericism, and authors of ‘Alchemy, The Divine Work’. Katarina and Tommy detail the stages and methods of the spiritual path of Western alchemy. They explain the movement through four phases, describe the operations employed during each, and reveal the signs of progress that indicate success. Katarina and Tommy reveal how to pray to the Madonna, how to purify karma, how to work with fire and emotions such as anger and sadness, the role of tinctures and elixirs, and methods of astral travel and archetypal work. Katarina and Tommy also consider the power of the imagination, the interaction with external alchemical operations and inner personal refinement, and recount stories of entity encounters and reality creation. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep300-the-spiritual-practice-of-alchemy-katarina-falkenberg-tommy-westlund Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics include: 00:00 - Intro 01:04 - “Alchemy, The Divine Work” 02:30 - Practices of the alchemical path 03:38 - Prima materia and meditation 05:42 - Meditating on alchemical emblems 06:43 - The metaphysics of prima materia consciousness 07:30 - Praying to Black Madonna 08:38 - How to pray 10:07 - Use of the imagination 11:42 - Signs of contact with the Black Madonna 13:44 - Purifying karma and releasing traumas 15:08 - Inhaling suffering and exhaling love 16:50 - Purification and divine providence 19:09 - The Nigredo phase 20:50 - The seven planets and chakras 21:49 - Theosophical ideas about seven governing forces 26:15 - Moving into the Albedo phase 27:11 - Mercurial consciousness 28:22 - Nigredo vs Albedo phases 29:43 - Working with the astral body 30:17 - Work with herbs and creating tinctures 34:18 - An alchemical elixir toast 36:39 - The Citrinitas phase 38:27 - Working with fire 40:16 - Using anger and sadness 41:48 - Death is not the end 43:33 - Reintegrating the Dark Angel 44:04 - The magic of imagination 48:14 - Fourfold processes and the quintessence 49:37 - Making the soul bigger 51:22 - Working with the Egyptian and Gnostic traditions 52:24 - Projecting the four elements 53:53 - Pilgrimages to magical locations 55:19 - Visitations from giants and other beings 57:42 - Meeting inner archetypes in the outer world 59:37 - The Rubedo phase 01:01:41 - Microcosm and macrocosm 1:04:109 - Fasting and insight into the shadow 01:07:51 - Signs of process on the path 01:10:14 - Working at a deeper level 01:11:31 - Katarina’s novel manifesting into real life 01:13:41 - Creating your own universe 01:15:25 - Life as a creative project 01:17:23 - Working with the ego 01:19:40 - Death and resurrection 01:20:27 - Bad gurus with siddhi powers 01:22:11 - The power of partnership 01:23:34 - Humility and the flaming heart 01:24:40 - Practice advice for the eager student 01:30:36 - Balance vs obsession 01:33:50 - 10-15 years to a successful white wedding 01:36:32 - Working for the next life … Previous episode with Katarina Falkenberg & Tommy Westlund: - https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep238-alchemy-the-divine-work-katarina-falkenberg-tommy-westlund 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.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

In this interview I am once again joined by Mordy Levine, serial entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and author of ‘The Beginner’s Guide to Karma’ with Lama Lhanang. Mordy discusses the Buddhist doctrine of karma, explores its history in Indian thought, and differentiates the various types of karmic actions and their consequences. Mordy reveals special, esoteric methods to purify bad karma, compares the Tibetan tradition to Zen, and grapples with the importance of motive in karmic justice. Mordy also discusses the six realms, whether Buddhist hell should be understood as a place or a psychological state, and why he believes an understanding of karma is a pathway to true freedom. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep299-karma-mordy-levine-2 Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics include: 00:00 - Intro 00:52 - Why Mordy wrote “The Beginner’s Guide to Karma” 02:17 - Understanding of karma regulates human behaviour 03:38 - Creative collaboration with Lama Lhanang 04:48 - A powerful insight about karma and consciousness 06:53 - The history of the doctrine of karma in India 09:50 - Mordy’s research into karma, using primary sources 11:50 - Different types of karmic actions and their consequences 13:29 - Selfishness vs selflessness as motive 15:08 - Is intention all? 16:19 - How great masters read karmic history 19:34 - Does Buddhism disincentivise effective action? 21:19 Does self-interest negate efforts to generate good karma? 23:24 - The desire to help others is an exception 26:00 - Motivations are complicated 28:57 - How karma helps us face negative situations 31:25 - The story of the Zen farmer 33:48 - Does the doctrine of karma blame the unfortunate? 36:02 - Explanation without accusation 37:09 - Mordy’s message about karma 38:38 - Working the karmic system to reduce negative karmic consequences and accrue merit 41:06 - Esoteric methods to purify negative karma 44:24 - The special power of meditation 45:44 - Does motivation affect the karmic consequence of meditation? 44:34 - Can meditation create negative karma? 48:28 - Generating and dedicating merit 50:45 - Is enlightenment the result of good karma? 52:42 - How to work the karma system to become enlightened 53:43 - What is collective karma? 56:24 - Can we hold groups accountable for their karma? 58:18 - Mordy on Donald Trump 59:41 - Can bad karma send you to hell? 01:02:07 - Are the 6 realms real locations or psychological states? 01:03:29 - Does Mordy believe in the 6 realms? 01:04:13 - Is belief in the 6 realms necessary? 01:05:21 - Is karma believable? 01:06:26 - Is there a place for chance in the Buddhist view? 01:07:00 - Mordy’s hopes for the book 01:07:58 - Does karma give freedom or a burden? 01:08:38 - American karma, “Have it your way”. … Previous episode with Mordy Levine: - https://www.guruviking.com/search?q=mordy Previous episodes with Lama Lhanang: - https://www.guruviking.com/search?q=lhanang To find out more about Mordy Levine, visit: - https://www.mordylevine.com/ … For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - www.guruviking.com … Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

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 latest release ‘Liberating the Self’. Stephen emphasises the importance of working with personality structures even after Buddhist awakening, and offers methods to resolve trauma and destructive patterns to unlock hidden spiritual strength. Stephen warns about the dangers of achieving enlightenment without dealing with one’s personality patterns and trauma, reflects on the inner experience of enlightened Zen masters who behaved badly, and gives his advice for teachers and practitioners who think they no longer need to practice. Stephen also reports a high success rate of awakening and other mystical experiences among his students, shares his approach to retreats and 1-1 teaching, and describes advanced Theravada meditation techniques such as kasina and skeleton meditation. … Video versions: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep298-liberating-the-self-stephen-snyder Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics include: 00:00 - Intro 01:03 - High rate of awakening at Stephen’s retreat 03:05 - What is the secret sauce? 04:40 - Limitations of the Zen retreat style 06:17 - Stephen’s experimental approach and heart emphasis 07:14 - Minimum requirement to qualify for Stephen’s retreats 08:58 - Why the Theravadans struggle the most 10:00 - Stephen’s online trainings 12:09 - The art of 1-1 meditation teaching 13:08 - Seeking confirmation for spiritual experiences 13:53 - Stream of consciousness sharing 14:58 - Stephen’s new podcast 16:44 - Liberating the Self and Stephen’s writing output 18:20 - Zen ignores personal and psychological work 19:52 - Theravadan shamata and no-self practices 20:42 - Reifying awakening and reassertion of the sense of self 23:22- Bad behaviour by enlightened people 25:35 - Work on your incongruent behaviour before or after awakening? 27:34 - Post-awakening work vs therapy 29:08 - We all have a full range of negative emotions and personality patterns 31:10 - Stephen’s childhood hatred 31:46 - Transforming negative emotions 32:07 - Misbehaving Zen masters 33:21 - What is the inner experience of a misbehaving Zen master? 34:5 0 - The benefit of Western depth psychology 36:04 - Is Stephen done? 37:51 - Advice for advanced meditators and teachers who think they’re done 41:07 - Stuck in a good place and shifting to concepts 41:08 - Recognising when you have gone off track 42:55 - Contentment vs complacency 43:36 - Challenging emotions and outdated personality patterns 44:12 - Resistance to peace 47:44 - Destabilising effect of spiritual practice 49:41 - Why bother with the deep path? 52:05 - Unlocking profound spiritual qualities 54:34 - Awakening stories 55:04 - The traditional kasina meditation path 58:42 - Skeleton practice and skeleton visions … Previous episode with Stephen Snyder: - https://www.guruviking.com/search?q=Stephen%20Snyder To find our more about Stephen Snyder, visit: - https://awakeningdharma.org/ … For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - www.guruviking.com … Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

In this episode I am once again joined by Piers Cross, ex-Buddhist monk, coach, and creator of the documentary “Boarding on Insanity”. Piers explains the British boarding school system, examines its history and social context, and reveals how and why boarding school attendance is seen by many as a pathway to power. Piers recalls his own boarding school experience, the trauma and subsequent breakdown it caused, and describes the dynamic of the “privilege double-bind”. Piers recounts his years as a Buddhist monk, how he navigated suicide attempts and self harm with meditation and community support, and the powerful mystical experiences he encountered during his religious practice. Piers lists over two dozen leading figures in the arts, business, and politics who attended boarding school and reflects on the possibility of a leadership class affected by abandonment and dissociation by elite educational institutions. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep297-boarding-on-insanity-piers-cross Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics include: 00:00 - Intro 01:05 - Military family upbringing and alcoholic father 03:42 - Going to boarding school at 11 years old 05:36 - History of British boarding schools 08:23 - Pathway to power 10:19 - Oxbridge emphasis 11:37 - The old boys network and breaking parental attachment 14:42 - Is the education better? 17:48 - IQ vs emotional intelligence 20:31 - A typical day at boarding school 23:30 - Piers’ boarding school trauma and learning to dissociate 27:07 - Suicide of Piers’ best friend 29:37 - Resilience vs dissociation and avoidant attachment 32:48 - Resurfacing trauma in the 30s and 40s 33:28 - Richard Branson, David Cameron, Bear Grylls, and John Peel 34:36 - Trauma of neglect 36:53 - Idealisation, cover up, and not listening to children 41:45 - The privilege double-bind 47:32 - After boarding school & city career 51:03 - Depression and breakdown 53:07 - Laughed at by the doctor 54:31 - Death of Piers’ father and work in Africa 56:41 - 3.5 years in a Buddhist monastery 59:37 - A sense of coming home 01:02:22 - Taking the 8 precepts 01:03:30 - Ordination, self harm, and suicidal ideation 01:06:31 - The support and kindness of the other monks 01:09:26 - Struggles with meditation 01:12:03 - Reading scriptures and other Buddhist books 01:14:00 - Tastes of transcendence 01:14:55 - Profound experience of childlike mind 01:16:35 - Healing avoidant attachment 01:20:10 - Working with dreams 01:21:10 - Tears and connecting to emotion 01:22:41 - Buddhist doctrine about suicide and hell 01:25:14 - The power of initiation 01:27:13 - Leaving the monastery 01:28:08 - Piers shows his journal 01:29:33 - After the monastery and work with board school survivors 01:33:15 - “Boarding on Insanity” documentary 01:33:28 - Tony Blair, Boris Johnson, Justin Welby 01:37:05 - Cover ups and a societal flip 01:39:30 - Prince Charles, Stephen Fry, Ranulph Fiennes, Gabriel Byrne, Roald Dahl, Harry Windsor, 01:41:00 - JFK, Princess Diana, Charles Spencer, Aldous Huxley, Richard Beard, Jeremy Paxman, 01:41:26 - Elon Musk, Mini Driver, Eddie Izzard, Princess Catherine, Rupert Murdoch, 01:44:46 - Piers’ 3hr daily practice 01:46:44 - Taoist Tantric Arts 01:47:59 - Piers’ advice for taking on new practices 01:49:37 - Piers’ meditation practice 01:51:02 - Closing remarks and advice for ex-boarders … To find our more about Piers Cross, visit: - https://www.youtube.com/@pierscross - https://www.piers-cross.com/ - https://www.boardingoninsanity.com/ … For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - www.guruviking.com … Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

In this episode, I am joined by Gerald Ilyas Klawatsch, Sufi musician, music therapist, and founder of the international Ensemble Ak Pirim. Ilyas recalls stories of his Sufi path, his meeting and discipleship under his Sufi sheik, and stories of profound spiritual connection and transcendence through devotional music and religious practice. Ilyas describes Sufism as a love relationship, reveals his own difficult childhood, and explains how to stabilise divine ecstasy in the human body. Ilyas also tells the remarkable life story of his spiritual teacher, emphasises the importance of testing a guru, and reflects on the healing potential of religious practice. … Video version: www.guruviking.com Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … 00:00 - Intro 00:50 - Names and titles in Sufism 02:46 - The death of Gerald’s master, Dr Rahmi Oruc Guvenc 03:51 - - Death of the lineage 05:54 - Why didn’t Dr Rahmi Oruc Guvenc pass on his lineage? 07:18 - The intended heir 07:40 - Gerald’s guitar studies and finding Sufism 11:40 - Meeting the master 15:00 - Early Sufi training with the master 17:22 - Sufism is a love relationship 21:47 - Dynamics in the early relationship with the master 23:43 - The remarkable life of Dr Rahmi Oruc Guvenc 36:21 - Islamic Sufism vs Universalist Sufism 38:41 - The love relationship and awakening the heart 44:29 - Stabilising the ecstasy 48:03 - Effects of being in relationship with a master 51:25 - How Gerald dealt with the pain of a difficult upbringing 55:15 - Healing the pain 57:49 - Gerald falls to his knees in front of the master 01:07:58 - Testing the teacher 01:10:33 - Sufi music therapy … To find out more about Gerald Ilyas Klawatsch, visit: - https://bengusu.com/g-ilyas-klatsch/ - https://www.youtube.com/@akpirimensemble For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - https://www.guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

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 reveals the rich world of Newari life rituals, in which major life events such as birth, coming of age, marriage, and death are celebrated by religious and community rites. Prajwal Vajracharya explains the initiation rituals for boys and girls, including a 12-day dark retreat in which girls are taught essential knowledge by community members, and reveals how divination and astrology are used to determine a child’s name and life path. Prajwal Vajracharya also discusses the importance of purity and discipline, bespoke rituals to clear obstacles, find a partner, and heal illness, and reflects on the challenges in bringing his ritual tradition to the USA. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep295-life-cycle-rituals-prajwal-ratna-vajracharya-3 Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics include: 00:00 - Intro 01:02 - Life cycle rituals of the Newari tradition 02:17 - Pregnancy and birth rituals 04:40 - Is Western culture traumatising? 05:21 - Creating a happy pregnancy 06:28 - Rituals for infancy 08:28 - The baby knows what it needs 09:31 - Naming and earring rituals 11:39 - Divination and adornment rituals 12:50 - The 1 year ritual 13:41 - Egg, fish, and wine 14:26 - 2nd year ritual 16:!6 - 7th year initiation ritual for boys 17:54 - 12-day dark retreat initiation ritual for girls 20:28 - Variations among castes in Nepal 21:23 - Special, old age ritual for the 77th year 23:02 - 88th year and a rebirth ritual 25:42 - Grieving customs for parent’s death 27:36 - Science of rituals and living a happy life 28:29 - In Nepal, everyone takes care of their parents 29:07 - Lack of dementia in Nepal 29:44 - Ritual as a family and community activity 31:20 - Obstacle removal, house blessing, and healing rituals 32:44 - Clay-pot rebirth ritual at 99 years old 35:53 - Respecting the elderly 36:48 - How to choose a child’s name 38:25 - Spiritual names 38:58 - Divination to determine the child’s career and life path 40:39 - What did Prajwal’s son choose? 42:02 - Astrology chart for a new baby 42:53 - The Chudakarma ritual and monastic training 43:49 - Ritual obligations as a Vajrācārya 48:40 - When rituals go wrong! 50:28 - Origin of and textual sources for Newari rituals 52:37 - Purity and preparing for ritual 54:47 - Discipline and respecting others 55:52 - Rituals to get a girlfriend and other life situations 58:08 - The many benefits of rituals 01:01:35 - The complexities of married life 01:03:06 - Bringing Newari ritual traditions to the West 01:05:34 - Innovation and training Westerners in Vajrācārya rituals 01:08:10 - Self-initiation and awakening the channel and nerves 01:09:13 - An American Vajrācārya? 01:10:00 - Challenging reactions in Nepal 01:11:52 - Gurū maṇḍala, the heart of Newari ritual 01:13:40 - Mudrā healing … Previous episodes with Prajwal Ratna Vajracharya: - https://www.guruviking.com/search?q=prajwal To find out more about Prajwal Ratna Vajracharya, visit: - https://www.dancemandal.com/ For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - www.guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

In this episode I am once again joined by Mary Shutan: author, occultist, and spiritual teacher. Mary discusses her new book “Shadow Work for the Soul”, shares her lifelong fascination with the psychological power of dark fairytales, and explains the function of social masks and personae. Mary remarks on a notable increase in spiritual emergencies, a rise in nihilism and the “dark feminine”, and offers advice for those facing spiritual crisis. Mary then takes a deep dive into shadow work, challenges common misconceptions, and offers surprising reflections on both new age masculine-feminine trends and “The Work” of Byron Katie. Mary also reveals how to perceive the shadow in popular culture, warns about the danger of spiritual bypass, and explains how to identify and disarm the ego defences to go beyond one’s limitations. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep294-shadow-work-for-the-soul-mary-shutan Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics include: 00:00 - Intro 01:03 - An notable increase in spiritual emergencies 03:51 - Nihilism and other trends on the increase 05:30 - Collective shadows and the dark feminine 07:25 - How to work with nihilism 08:27 - Mary’s advice for those in spiritual crisis 09:39 - The psychological power of myths and fairy tales 11:26 - What can myths and fairy tales teach us? 12:19 - Archetypes and mythic figures 13:18 - Princess and the Pea and Sisyphus 15:21 - Seeing oneself reflected in myths and fairy tales 16:50 - Trauma isolates 18:00 - What is the shadow? 19:43 - What is shadow work? 20:08 - How concepts change when they become mainstream 21:36 - The evolution of acupuncture 23:51 - Limitations of the pop-culture version of shadow work 26:58 - Comments on Byron Katie and “The Work” 31:27 - The healthy ego and ego defences 33:33 - How to identify the ego’s defence mechanisms 34:33 - Intellectualisation vs embodiment 35:32 - Superiority/inferiority loop 37:09 - The world as a mirror 40:02 - Pop culture and politics 41:29 - Dangers of spiritual bypass 45:50 - Masks, personae, and perfectionism 47:36 - The importance of mentors 48:47 - Self enquiry traps and the dangers of labels 50:47 - Identifying with spiritual attainments 53:30 - When did Mary call off the search? 55:35 - Letting go of the high-achiever identity 58:03 - Anima, animus, and the masculine-feminine continuum 59:34 - Masculine and feminine dynamics in the occult 01:02:13 - Identifying collective shadows through pop culture figures 01:04:12- Today’s cultural focus on narcissism 01:05:41 - Noting your personal reactions to celebrity 01:06:02 - The cultural phenomenon of Taylor Swift 01:08:36 - Shadows of light 01:10:02 - Dark feminine rising 01:10:56 - Why “dark feminine?” 01:12:48 - How do we emerge from times of change? 01:14:48 - Mary’s view of the future … Previous episode with Mary Shutan: - https://www.guruviking.com/search?q=shutan To find out more about Mary Shutan, visit: - http://maryshutan.com/ For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - www.guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

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 reveals her experience as a spiritual consort to a Tibetan lama, and shares her understanding of this controversial practice. Khandro Kunzang recalls how she became a consort, details her extensive preparations, and explains the coarse and subtle body yogas involved. Khandro Kunzang also discusses the use of consort practice for life extension, how to respond if a guru suggests you become his consort, and why it is that she is now talking publicly about this hitherto secret practice. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep293-secrets-of-consort-practice-khandro-kunzang-dechen-chodron-3 Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics include: 00:00 - Intro 00:48 - The graduated path 04:28 - The fruition of Dzogchen and Ati Yoga 05:41 - The effortless path 06:34 - Dzogchen mistakes 07:40 - Is a 3 year retreat necessary? 08:42 - Personalised retreat with guru 09:32 - Signs of accomplishment on retreat 14:31 - Secret training with Kunzang Dorje Rinpoche 16:03 - Jealousy of Tibetan students 17:33 - Pure Dzogchen vs gradual path 21:04 - How do I know my practice is working? 23:50 - The ultimate test of practice 25:30 - Lama Dawa’s terminal cancer and yogic death 31:17 - The practice of yogic dying 33:11 - Physiological signs of tukdam 34:07 - Death of Kunzang Dorje Rinpoche 35:42 - Miraculous behaviour of Lama Dawa’s relics 37:42 - Difficulties and challenges during Lama Dawa’s end of life 42:08 - Personal restoration during the pandemic 42:48 - The ultimate teaching 43:25 - Displacing grief to keep the show on the road 46:48 - When to begin consort practice? 50:37 - Authentic consort practice is very rare 52:01 - Classic consort stories 53:41 - Abusive lamas and gurus who claim expertise in consort practice 55:10 - The support role of a guru’s consort 56:50 - An “activity consort” 58:19 - Preparing to be Lama Dawa’s consort 59:13 - Using a consort to extend your life 01:00:59 - Using pipes to open the urethra 01:04:49 - Training to purify the lower chakras and draw in the essence fluid 01:06:49 - Working with the thigle drops 01:07:17 - Using eros to experience emptiness 01:08:20 - Consort practice is not romantic 01:08:49 - Extreme consort practice 01:10:06 - Unresolved traumas in consort practice 01:11:05 - Is vajrolī mudrā really possible? 01:13:22 - Jñānamudrā and self practice 1:17:06 - Test your lama if he suggests consort practice 01:20:48 - Why talk openly about secret consort practice? 01:21:24 - Disrobing as a nun to engage in tantric practice 01:23:17 - Seeing your teacher as a living Buddha 01:24:16 - Motives for marrying Lama Dawa … Previous episodes with Khandro Kunzang Dechen Chodron: - https://www.guruviking.com/search?q=khandro%20kunzang To find our more about Khandro Kunzang Dechen Chodron, visit: - https://www.phurbathinleyling.org/khandro-kunzang/

In this episode I once again host a dialogue between Daniel Ingram and Delson Armstrong. Daniel Ingram is an independent Buddhist writer, author of ‘Mastering the Core Teachings of the Buddha’, and co-founder of the Emergent Phenomenology Research Consortium (EPRC). Delson Armstrong is a spiritual teacher, author of ’A Mind Without Craving’, and founder of the Freedom of Mind foundation. Daniel offers his response to Delson’s recent renunciations, warns about the power of self hypnosis, and explains why it is so common for people to revise their enlightenment claims. Delson considers how it was that he mistook the nature of his spiritual achievements, considers the impact of his renunciation on his practice community and students, and looks ahead to his own future as a teacher and guide. Daniel and Delson address criticisms they have both received for their revisions of important Buddhist doctrines such as the 4 path model of awakening, comment on gatekeeping and fundamentalism in Buddhism, and consider whether advances in contemplative neuroscience may pose a serious threat to traditional religions and their institutions. … Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify. … 01:51 - The situation 04:36 - Daniel’s response to Delson’s renunciation 07:14 - Early schism in Buddhism 08:20 - Does Daniel feel vindicated? 09:42 - Delson reflects on what he has learned from Daniel 12:34 - The snake has shed its skin 13:29 - Profound not simple 14:26 - Neurodiversity and the spiritual path 16:54 - Hypnotising yourself into believing you’re enlightened 19:17 - How did Delson get his enlightenment wrong? 22:22 - Social factors 24:13 - A gradual process 25:06 - Gatekeepin in Buddhism 27:35 - Jack Kornfield and Christopher Titmuss 30:51 - Social influence on perceptions of spiritual progress 33:35 - Relationships 35:21 - The World Without Sin 38:43 - Can you ever go back? Spoiling the party 40:38 - Delson on negative reactions from his community 43:57 - Attached to models, experiences, and perfection? 46:17 - Stages of development 47:17 - Leading with vulnerability 48:45 - A different type of practitioner 49:55 - The appeal of Vajrayāna 52:21 - Specific criticisms of Daniel and Delson 54:19 - Why do Daniel & Delson revise Buddhism? 56:43 - Delson's critics 59:51 - Transference and counter-transference 01:01:18 - Tantric guru yoga 01:01:47 - When your guru disappoints 01:02:05 - Bhikkhu Anālayo and Daniel's other critics 01:02:27 - Neuroscience and religious orthodoxy 01:06:34 - Will neuroscience destroy Buddhism? 01:10:24 - Praise for the Theravāda 01:11:45 - Theravādan exceptionalism 01:12:37 - Validating or defeating religion? 01:15:43 - Finders’ Course and retrenchment to orthodoxy 01:17:57 - Delson on contemplative neuroscience 01:20:39 - What does Daniel think will next happen to Delson? 01:23:23 - Maturing as a spiritual explorer 01:26:33 - Attachment styles & kalyāṇa-mittatā 01:28:40 - Loss of enthusiasm for practice in advanced practitioners 01:31:18 - Micro-renunciations and disgust for the quest 01:33:42 - When spiritual teachers lose their faith 0135:28 - How Delson keeps his interest in teaching 01:38:20 - Why Daniel decided not to become a teacher 01:40:32 - Delson’s closing remarks 01:40:45 - Daniel’s closing remarks 01:41:04 - Praise for the religious orthodoxy 01:42:21 - Acknowledging critics 01:43:17 - Disagreeing with grace and respect … Previous dialogue between Daniel and Delson: - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=znX6w6shQ7c Previous episodes with Daniel: - https://www.guruviking.com/search?q=daniel Previous episodes with Delson: - https://www.guruviking.com/search?q=delson To find out more about Daniel, visit: - https://theeprc.org/ - integrateddaniel.info To find out more about Delson, visit: - https://www.delsonarmstrong.com/ - https://www.youtube.com/@delson999 - https://www.freedom-of-mind.org/ www.guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

In this interview I am once again joined by Ron Serrano long time meditation practitioner, contemplative neuroscience subject, and co-founder of the online meditation group Dharmachanics. Ron gives a summary of the major studies in contemplative neuroscience in the last several years, in many of which he was a key subject. Ron explains several historical and ongoing studies including Dr Jud Brewer’s landmark Yale University study into the default mode network (check), hypotheses about the posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) and the sense of self, and the promise of brain scan technology and real-time neurofeedback devices to fast-track enlightenment. Ron also draws from his experience leading the online meditation group Dharmachanics to offer insight into the typical trajectory towards transformative spiritual experiences, patterns of development in meditators, and how he responds when somebody claims they are enlightened. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep291-neuroscience-of-enlightenment-ron-serrano-2 Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics include: 00:00 - Intro 01:04 - Reflections on life and practice 2020 02:37 - Growth of the Dharmachanics online sangha 03:19 - Dharmachanics discussion group about Guru Viking Podcast 03:50 - Sangha is the toughest of the three jewels 04:51 - Patterns of development for meditators 05:59 - The typical trajectory towards awakening 08:48 - How to relate to special meditation experiences 12:34 - Testing enlightenment 13:37 - Ron’s history of participation in contemplative neuroscience 14:09 - Primary subject for Dr Jud Brewer’s landmark study at Yale University 16:26 - The PCC and the no-self 18:24 - Developing the brain scan technology and equipment 19:31 - The accelerating power of real-time meditation feedback 22:18 - How 2020 derailed contemplative neuroscience 23:38 - Ron on commercially available brainwave-feedback products 26:59 - How neuroscience studies really work 28:01 - Debate with Daniel Ingram 28:44 - Daniel’s contributions to contemplative neuroscience 29:41 - A gold standard phenomenology and technological Harvard study 32:43 - A comprehensive blueprint of the enlightened mind 34:54 - 2 major brain networks 26:56 - Secrecy and hidden players 39:15 - A treasure trove of data 40:32 - The holy grail of contemplative neuroscience 41:38 - Why Ron is pessimistic about finding neuro-correlates of awakening 43:14 - The blessing and curse of the Dalai Lama brand 46:08 - Politics and why neuroscientists need the Dalai Lama’s 47:47 - Will neuroscience render religious teachers obsolete? 49:38 - Will AI replace meditation teachers? 50:35 - What will happen to religion if neuroscience cracks the enlightenment code? 52:32 - A history of disruption 54:05 - Does astronomy offer a historical parallel to contemplative neuroscience? 55:46 - The costly problem of data analysis 58:14 - Can this technology be weaponised? 01:00:48 - Technology dependency 01:01:25 - Addictive meditation technology 01:04:39 - Ron reflects on Steve and the podcast … Previous episode with Ron Serrano: - https://www.guruviking.com/search?q=prajwal To find out more about Ron Serrano, visit: - https://www.facebook.com/groups/Dharmachanics/ For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - www.guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

In this episode I am once again joined by Delson Armstrong, spiritual teacher, meditation virtuoso, and author of ‘A Mind Without Craving’. In this interview, Delson responds to criticism and answers questions about his recent renunciation of attainments and revision of the Buddhist 4 path enlightenment model. Delson reflects on the pros and cons of questioning established religious doctrines and on the role of direct experience in challenging fixed views. Delson comments on a recently leaked interview, shares his current position on Bhante Vimalaramsi and his TWIM meditation method, and compares Buddhism to traditional yoga. Delson also recalls his own training in Kriya yoga, details the features of the particular lineage which he has begun to teach, and reveals methods of working with karma, chakras, and forgiveness. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep290-answering-critics-kriya-yoga-delson-armstrong Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics include: 00:00 - Intro 01:00 - Responses to Delson renouncing his spiritual attainments 02:56 - Criticism of Delson 04:08 - Has Delson abandoned the 10 fetter model and the 4 attainments? 05:18 - Delson’s leaked interview 07:58 - Breach of trust and betrayal of friendship 09:32 - Why redefine the Buddhist doctrines rather than reassess oneself? 12:46 - Delson’s experience vs cultural consensus 13:50 - Is Buddhist doctrine beyond cultural? 16:25 - Going beyond maps and Integral Theory 17:35 - Challenging fundamentalism and fixed views 18:43 - The jīvanmukta and other mystical traditions 20:22 - Transcending doctrinal chains of imprisonment 21:37 - Daniel Ingram’s revisions 23:07 - Delsonism vs Buddhism 24:44 - Should Delson leave the traditions alone? 26:09 - The role of tradition and Delson’s contribution 27:31 - Comments on TWIM 28:32 - Drawing on different traditions 30:03 - Current view 32:05 - Delson’s current opinion on TWIM and Bhante Vimalaramsi 36:26 - Delson’s training in Kriya yoga 40:16 - Which Kriya yoga lineage does Delson teach? 42:17 - Anyone can do Kriya yoga 44:09 - Short learning curve to samadhi 45:03 - Relaxing into awakening 46:39 - What is the point of the jhanas? 48:13 - Chakras and siddhi powers 51:37 - Deities and chakras 53:26 - The Yoga Sutras on siddhi power 55:07 - Karmic acceleration and misconceptions about chakra work 58:00 - How to release karma 01:00:03 - Kriya yoga approach to work with chakras 01:00:34 - The power of forgiveness 01:01:51 - TWIM vs Kriya, Yoga vs Buddhism 01:07:37 - Delson’s recent experience teaching Kriya yoga 01:11:35 - Initiation in Kriya yoga and tantra 01:15:51 - Secrecy as a marketing tool 01:17:17 - Delson reflects on his teaching career 01:19:23 - Scientific tests on Delson, can he still meditate? ` … Watch previous episodes with Delson Armstrong: - https://www.guruviking.com/search?q=delson Find out more about Delson Armstrong: - Personal Site: https://www.delsonarmstrong.com/ - YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@delson999 - Delson's Foundation: https://www.freedom-of-mind.org/ … For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - https://www.guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

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 takes a deep dive into the life and works of Jalāl al-Dīn Muḥammad Rūmī (1207-1273 AD), a 13th century Sufi poet whose works have become famous all around the world. Professor Dickson recounts the fascinating life of Rūmī, including his flight from Mongol invasion, his education in Islamic law, his life-changing encounter with the wild, mystical dervish Shams-i Tabrīzī, and his far-reaching legacy in Asia and beyond. Professor Dickson also explains the anti-Rūmī movements within modern Islam, challenges criticism of Coleman Barks’ popular renderings of Rūmī’s verse, and explores the controversial Sufi metaphors of intoxication by wine and passionate desire to describe the practitioner’s relationship with God. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep289-mystic-poetry-of-rumi-professor-william-rory-dickson-3 Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics include: 00:00 - Intro 01:25 - The life of Jalāl al-Dīn Muḥammad Rūmī 03:39 - Neither universalist nor orthodox 05:09 - Rūmī, sharī’ah law, and radical Islam 07:08 - The range of Sufi expression over history 07:56 - The wandering dervishes 08:42 - Rūmī’s life-changing encounter with the radical dervish Shams-i Tabrīzī 09:56 - 3 stages of self-annihilation through love 11:14 - Shams-i Tabrīzī’s illicit alcohol use 13:36 - Rūmī’s spiritual poetry 16:13 - Rūmī’s explicit invectives 17:07 - Rūmī’s mystic father 19:08 - Mongol domination of Central Asia and Rūmī’s flight 21:29 - Rūmī’s colourful insults 22:52 - Challenging empty, orthodox religious forms 26:51 - Lack of nuance in the Rūmī wars 29:22 - Rūmī’s two major legacies 31:37 - The role of Sufi orders in different cultural contexts 33:48 - The anti-Sufis and a radical forgetting of Rūmī within Islam 35:37 - Coleman Barks and the Rūmī wars 37:23 - Criticism of Coleman Barks 39:06 - Coleman Barks was a Sufi 39:50 - Coleman Barks as an entry point 41:21 - The conundrum of translated literature 43:46 - How to communicate across cultures without losing the essence 45:12 - Rory’s enjoyment of Chogyam Trungpa 46:27 - Passionate desire and intoxication on wine 48:30 - Pre-Islamic Arab poetry, “gangster rap” 49:33 - Passionate love poetry 50:55 - Romantic streak in Arab culture 51:53 - Influence of Persian culture on Muslim mystic metaphors 52:46 - Sufism’s Neo-Platonism 55:50 - Remembering the One and Tantric practice 56:59 - Integrating the sensual and the spiritual 59:18 - Appreciation of pleasure as a vehicle to God 01:00:07 - Sufi sexuality and the paths of Jesus vs Mohammad 01:05:28 - Scandalous to orthodox Islam 01:07:48 - Knowing God directly 01:09:53 - Categorising God vs Sufi gnosis 01:11:18 - Executed Sufi master 01:11:54 - Is Sufism inappropriate? 01:13:26 - Wine in Sufism and Islam 01:17:39 - Love is brutal … Previous episodes with Professor William Rory Dickson: - https://www.guruviking.com/search?q=dickson To find our more about Professor William Rory Dickson, visit: - https://www.uwinnipeg.ca/experts-guide/william-rory-dickson.html - https://anqa.co.uk/publications/dissolving-being … For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - https://www.guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

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 latest writing about the apocalyptic prophecies of the Kālacakra tantra, a Tibetan Buddhist scripture promoted by the Dalai Lama. Naomi discusses the doctrine of the dark age known as the “Kali Yuga” including its origins, its signs and symptoms, and Buddhist ideas about its unfolding. Naomi tells the story of Shambala, a mystical kingdom ruled by enlightened, bodhisattva kings, and reveals the prophesied holy war which the Kālacakra tantra claims will see the Shambala army face off against barbarian hordes. Naomi also discusses the surprising implications of the Dalai Lama’s mass Kālacakra initiation rituals, the role of stūpas and other religious monuments in geomantic magick, and how she personally deals with a sense of impending apocalypse. … https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep288-apocalypse-now-naomi-levine Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics Include: 00:00 - Intro 01:18 - What is the Kali Yuga? 06:38 - Moral and environmental degeneration 10:14 - When did the Kali Yuga begin? 12:39 - Signs of the Kali Yuga and climate change 15:55 - Multi-dimensional reality and hidden lands 17:44 - Naomi’s pilgrimage to the hidden land of Pemako 20:42 - The Pure Lands in Buddhist cosmology 21:57 - The kingdom of Shambala 26:25 - Seeking Shambala 27:28 - The Kālacakra Tantra 30:28 - Prophecy of the battle of Shambala 33:42 - Good vs evil 35:26 - Does the Kālacakra refer to Islam? 37:42 - Why does the 14th Dalai Lama give Kālacakra initiations? 39:33 - Inner or outer battle? 43:01 - Tai Situ’s interest in the timespan between Buddhas 44:55 - Is Shambala just a myth? 46:09 - What is Shambala? 47:35 - Shangri-La and Hilton’s “Lost Horizons” 48:28 - Chogyam Trungpa’s version of Shambala 51:50 - How geomancy and building stupas affect world events 52:48 - Stupas as geomantic magic 56:56 - Cancelling Jane Austen 57:52 - Dissolution of the elements 59:45 - Tukdam 01:01:47 - How Naomi responds to the end times 01:05:33 - The constantly shifting drama of world events 01:06:43 - Suggestion for non-Buddhists 01:07:48 - Naomi asks Steve’s opinion 01:09:14 - Prophecies of lamas and other mystics 01:10:09 - Apocalyptic thinking and displaced death anxiety 01:10:31 - Naomi’s attitude towards death … Previous episodes with Naomi Levine: - https://www.guruviking.com/search?q=naomi To find out more about Naomi Levine, visit: - https://www.facebook.com/naomilevine111 - https://www.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: - https://www.guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

In this episode I am joined by Dr James Cooke, Oxford-trained neuroscientist, spiritual teacher, and author of “Dawn of Mind: How Matter Became Conscious and Alive”. James recounts how, at aged 13, an existential crisis driven by fear of hell saw him emerge into a profound mystical opening. James shares the radical changes he experienced and traces his subsequent years spent exploring and integrating this spiritual breakthrough. James recalls his improbable journey to winning a place at Oxford University, discusses the remarkable overlaps he found there between cutting-edge neuroscience and his own awakening, and reveals the social structures of elite education in the UK. James details the arduous and often overlooked post-awakening work of surrendering egoic structures and releasing attachments, explains why enlightenment is both a gain and a loss, and reflects on the challenges of teaching nonduality as a natural mystic. … Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. 01:07 - Why did James write Dawn of Mind? 03:43 - Making consciousness science accessible 04:41 - Catholic upbringing, an overly conscientious child 05:49 - Disturbed by hell 06:38 - Existential rumination, a crisis of faith 08:27 - Spiritual awakening at age 13 09:54 - Aftermath of James’ awakening 12:59 - Life affirming vs death affirming phases of awakening 15:16 - Letting go of attachments 17:24 - What happened to James’ excessive conscientiousness? 20:00 - Two mistakes about the no-self 21:15 - Freedom from extremes, letting go 23:39 - The dissolving self 24:44 - Is therapy necessary? 26:44 - Meditation as a gradual path 27:15 - Meditation vs therapy 28:37 - Practice in life vs joining a monastery 30:11 - Can a natural mystic really teach others? 32:37 - Alienation through spiritual language 33:21 - Enlightenment as loss 34:27 - 3 types of spiritual teacher 36:30 - James’ profile as a teacher 37:47 - Self-aggrandising nondual teachers 38:38 - Spiritual influences 40:40 - Adyashanti & the end of suffering 42:08 - Buddhist progress of insight model 43:59 - Volatile teenage years 44:57 - Extreme somatic tension 36:25 - Difficult integration phase 47:39 - Oxford University, dealing with pressure 50:26 - How James got into Oxford against all odds 54:07 - Social context of elite education in the UK 56:52 - The Oxford wound 58:11 - The mystic’s mistake, post-awakening 01:00:15 - James’ research path at Oxford 01:01:39 - Opening a path for others + psychedelic experimentation 01:04:13 - James’ last psychedelic trip 01:05:12 - Working with Beliefs 01:07:29 - Unravelling resistance & faking it 01:10:40 - Is there an end to post-awakening work? 01:13:54 - James’ experience of intimate relationships 01:17:25 - Charlatans and why awakening can be off-putting for friends 01:19:30 - Alienating terminology 01:19:48 - Feeling isolated after awakening 01:20:33 - Mimicking awakening, the nondual teaching circuit 01:22:05 - Why did James wait so long to go public 01:25:57 - Reaction of James’ family 01:26:51 - Moral perfection 01:30:37 - Why James doesn’t like the word “enlightenment” 01:31:10 - The problem with “awakening” 01:32:31 - Language phases, changing the lingo 01:33:20 - The Borg and analogies for awakening 01:34:42 - Siddhi, intuition, supernatural powers 01:36:48 - Insecure rockstars, kundalini 01:38:39 - The language game 01:39:11 - Hearing voices, the dramatising brain 01:40:58 - World as a shared hallucination 01:42:45 - Does James suffer? 01:44:56 - Gross vs subtle suffering 01:45:52 - An experience of physical pain 01:47:08 - Meditative austerities vs life practice 01:50:46 - Trainings in equanimity 01:51:49 - Ideas in Dawn of Mind 01:53:20 - An instinct for empowerment … To find our more about James Cooke PhD, visit: - https://www.drjamescooke.com/ - https://www.innerspaceinstitute.org/ … For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - https://www.guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

In this episode, filmed on location in Kathmandu, I am joined by Radha Krishna Upadhyaya, an astrologer, clairvoyant, Kriya Yogi, & disciple of Tibetan Buddhist master Sakya Trizin. Radha Krishna recalls his birth and childhood in Western Nepal, his traditional Brahmanical education & service to great saints, & initiation into his family’s Kuladevata lineage devoted to Mashta Devata. Radha Krishna recounts details of his years in forest retreat, his practice of Kriya Yoga and Advaita Vedanta & the process of purifying the energy channels, & why an encounter with Sakya Trizin radically reoriented his life towards Buddhist practice. Radha Krishna also discusses his own & his family’s history of siddhi powers, his encounters with spiritual beings & mysterious forest creatures, describes his unique astrological method, & shares five observations about the Westerners for whom he has provided divination services. For an explanation of the timestamps, visit episode page at guruviking.com. 01:04 - Benefits of Kora 02:27 - Why make offerings 03:31 - Power of blessed places 05:07 - 4 types of liberation 05:56 - Brahmin birth & upbringing (Q) 06:33 - N 07:31 - E 09:26 - Astrological significance of Panditji’s birth (Q) 09:36 - N 11:05 - E 12:49 - Unusual childhood traits (Q) 13:10 - N 15:02 - E 16:49 - Coming of age & Brahmanical education (N) 17:20 - E 18:40 - Why was Panditji sent? 19:25 - Serving great saints (Q) 19:42 - N 21:55 - E 23:43 - Brahmanical curriculum (Q) 23:47 - N 25:09 - E 25:52 - Initiation into the family Kuladevata lineage (E) 26:59 - Details about the family Kuladevata lineage (Q) 27:23 - N 29:28 - E 30:18 - Receiving guidance from the deity (E) 31:18 - Rites of propitiation of Mashta Devata and the deity as source of knowledge (N) 32:41 - E 34:01 - The deity enters a devotee’s body as a chosen vessel (N) 35:26 - E 36:43 - Panditji’s siddha grandfather (N) 39:23 - E 41:16 - Stories of the power of Mashta Devata (E,N) 46:17 - A story of Śaṅkarācārya’s encounter with Panditji’s grandfather (N,E) 51:23 - Has Mashta Devata ever entered into Panditji? (Q) 51:35 - N 52:31 - E 53:29 - The desire for deeper spiritual practice & retreat (Q) 53:53 - N 57:37 - E 01:00:23 - Encounter with a mysterious forest creature (E) 01:01:31 - Living in the forest, family intervention, & fleeing marriage (N) 01:03:06 - E 01:05:10 - Who was the mysterious forest creature? 01:09:09 - 7 years wandering in India; study of Advaita Vedanta & Kriya Yoga (Q) 01:09:26 - N 01:12:51 - E 01:16:50 - Effects of this period of yogic practice (Q) 01:17:17 - N 01:20:05 - E 01:22:11 - Panditji’s unusual astrology method (Q) 01:22:17 - N 01:23:46 - E 01:26:23 - Sadhana-based astrology lineage (Q) 01:26:29 - N 01:27:26 - E 01:28:24 - Responsibilities & requirements for the siddha practitioner (Q) 01:28:39 - N 01:31:23 - E 01:34:13 - Miraculous siddhi powers of Kriya Yoga & meditation (Q) 01:34:57 - N 01:36:39 - E 01:39:51 - Therapist’s intuition vs perception of karma (N,E) 01:41:04 - Liberating a patient’s karma (Q) 01:41:09 - N 01:41:42 - E 01:42:09 - Meeting Sakya Trizin & a profound turn towards Buddhism (Q) 01:42:34 - N 01:44:13 - E 01:46:51 - Physical pain & other obstacles during inner yoga (Q) 01:47:24 - N 01:48:23 - E 01:49:13 - Why was Panditji open to Sakya Trizen & Buddhism? (Q) 01:49:50 - N 01:51:54 - E 01:53:52 - Gradual opening, despite social cost (N) 01:54:33 - E 01:56:23 - Impressed by Sakya Trizen (Q) 01:56:34 - N 01:57:08 - E 01:58:18 - Did Panditji stop being a Brahmin priest? (Q) 01:58:29 - N 01:59:35 - E 02:00:28 - Dramatic loss of social position (Q) 02:00:42 - N 02:01:40 - E 02:02:18 - Accomplishment in Buddhadharma (Q) 02:02:30 - N 02:02:59 - E 02:03:14 - Explanation of Panditji’s current astrology practice (Q) 02:03:53 - N 02:07:23 - E 02:14:37 - 5 observations about Westerners & Western culture (Q) 02:15:05 - N 02:18:19 - E 02:20:52 - Advice for Steve (Q) 02:21:08 - N 02:22:59 - E

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, Glenn and I travel to Swayambhu Stūpa, a sacred monument venerated by both Buddhists and Hindus. First, we circumambulate the base of the hill. Then Glenn is joined by some of his students and ascends the hill to the main stūpa. Along the way, Glenn explains the history of the site as well as the symbolism of its architecture, sacred statues, and inscriptions. Glenn also discusses Shaivite and Tantric Buddhist relations and their shared power centres, the three kāyas and the tulku tradition, and the use of psychoactive substances such as soma in spiritual practice. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep285-swayambhu-stpa-lama-glenn-mullin Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics include: 00:00 - Intro 01:10 - History of Swayambhu 04:07 - Recent development at Swayambhu 07:32 - Glenn jokes with the ladies of the cleaning team 09:29 - Legendary origins of the Tibetan people 10:52 - The Tamang people 11:28 - Maoist mountain guerrilla activities 14:51 - Je Tsongkhapa statue 15:28 - The death of the Buddha and the 8 Great Stūpas 16:54 - Glenn explains mantras of compassion, wisdom, and power 17:45 - Sang offerings and sang kilns 19:50 - On Bodhi trees 20:52 - Shaivite and Buddhist relationships and shared power centres 22:29 - Shiva Babas, chillum smoking, and use of drugs in spiritual practice 24:04 - 5 ways to generate clairvoyant power 24:38 - Buddhist use of mind-altering substances and sacraments 26:00 - Bengali masters in Swayambhu 26:56 - Religious exclusivity 29:01 - Use of substances such as soma in tantric Buddhism 31:08 - Nagi Gompa and Tulku Urgyen’s sons 33:10 - Circumambulating a perimeter stūpa 35:09 - The cultural significance of circumambulation 36:00 - Bönpo Triten Norbutse Monastery and dark retreat 37:02 - Teaching on the 3 kāyas 39:29 - Explanation of the tulku tradition 43:44 - Further explanation of the 3 kāyas in terms of method and enlightenment 46:53 - Meaning of offering butter lamps 48:45 - Glenn’s practice of giving money to beggars 51:10 - The monkey temple 52:05 - Exponential merit during Saga Dawa 53:52 - Ritualised scripture recitals 55:01 - Carving sacred mantras and symbols on slate 57:17 - The power of statues and temples 59:07 - The meaning of “Swayambhu” 01:01:11 - Explanation of stūpa design 01:02:36 - Explanation of dharmaśālās 01:05:10 - Buddhas past, present, and future; and the spread of Buddhism 01:10:14 - Teaching on the 5 animals 01:13:04 - Circumambulating the main stūpa 01:15:02 - Mantra and prayer offering site for protection of babies 01:16:14 - Teaching on the five elements and transforming emotions 01:18:07 - Challenging spiritual elitism 01:19:42 - Legends of previous Buddhas’ visits to Swayambhu … Previous episodes with Lama Glenn Mullin: - https://www.guruviking.com/search?q=glenn%20mullin To find out more about Lama Glenn Mullin, visit: - http://www.glennmullin.com/ - https://www.facebook.com/Maitripa.Glenn For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - www.guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James Thanks to Norbu Samphel for checking my translation of the Tibetan language section.

In this episode I am once again joined by Gilbert M Gutierrez, Chan Buddhism teacher and dharma heir of Master Sheng Yen. Gilbert recalls his discipleship under renowned Chan Master Sheng Yen, shares stories of gruelling retreat, private 1-1 exchanges, profound spiritual insights, mystical visions, and supernatural powers. Gilbert gives an overview of Chan philosophy, emphasises the importance of both study and practice, and illuminates the Buddhist doctrine of emptiness. Gilbert also details his process of becoming a Dharma Heir, defends telling stories of spiritual experiences, and reflects on his difficulties as an American in being accepted as a genuine teacher of Chan Buddhism. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep284-adventures-of-a-chan-master-gilbertm-gutierrez-2 Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics include: 00:00 - Intro 00:51 - Becoming a disciple of Master Sheng Yen 04:49 - Eat bitter in your practice 05:54 - Loss of faith 08:21 - Profound encounter with the bodhisattva Quan Yin 12:48 - A contract of the heart 13:39 - A private meetings with Master Sheng Yen 18:30 - Receiving inka transmission from Master Sheng Yen 19:47 - A real master is a chameleon 22:36 - Master Sheng Yen’s compassion and mission 25:49 - About Chan Buddhism and emptiness 29:19 - The Heart Sutra 33:07 - We awaken people 35:10 - Master Sheng Yen’s emphasis on study 36:42 - Study and practice 38:33 - A reading from Daoxin 39:37 - Meditation experiences and a humbling lesson 45:39 - It’s a joke and a sham 47:34 - Becoming a Dharma Heir 49:54 - Everything is mind 51:03 - Special experiences and transcending pain 53:10 - Hearing one’s heart beat 53:38 - A state of ultimate bliss 55:08 - A famous master, a loyal attendant, and Gilbert’s powerful realisation 01:01:03 - Catching the bug 01:06:26 - The bug whisperer 01:08:44 - Why share stories of spiritual experiences? 01:10:17 - Gilbert’s biggest realisation 01:16:22 - Communicating with animals and entities 01:19:58 - Seeing peoples’ past and future lives 01:20:36 - Working with ghosts 01:21:39 - How to calm down a ghost 01:22:54 - Dealing with heaven dwellers 01:24:30 - Concerns about being accepted as a dharma heir 01:28:45 - Anti-Western prejudice 01:30:31 - Growing acceptance from the Taiwanese sangha 01:32:55 - The death of Master Sheng Yen 01:37:07 - A final encounter with the master … Previous episode with Gilbert M Gutierrez: - https://www.guruviking.com/search?q=gilbert To find our more about Gilbert M Gutierrez, visit: - https://www.youtube.com/@chanmindwork/playlists - https://mind-work.mn.co/ - https://riversidechan.org/ … For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - https://www.guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James