Guru Viking Podcast

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. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep263-possessed-by-a-demon-mattias-daly-3 Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics include: 00:00 - Intro 01:02 - Arriving in New Zealand 03:49 - Searching for a mentor 04:23 - Intense and unusual spontaneous meditation experiences 11:48 - Teacher’s advice 13:02 - Extreme experiences reach a crescendo 14:54 - Martial movements and speaking in tongues 17:34 - Self healing powers 20:26 - Meeting a new Qi Gong teacher 26:01 - Lead up to the exorcism 35:06 - Exorcism #1: Taoist 37:33 - Failure of the exorcism 42:06 - Exorcism #2: Catholic 50:18 - Challenge to Mattias’ materialistic world view 55:03 - Return to meditation practice and involvement with Tibetan Buddhism 58:38 - The demon returns 01:02:13 - Teacher advises to stop practice 01:04:37 - Exorcism #3: Tibetan Buddhist 01:09:26 - Demon breaks through and takes possession of Mattias 01:13:33 - A deeper level of possession 01:15:47 - Isolation and worsening symptoms 01:20:20 - Exorcism #4: Spiritualism 01:24:14 - Fear of full possession 01:25:35 - Exorcism #5: Māori 01:38:06 - Māori tohunga’s explanation of the exorcism 01:49:03 - Origin of the demon and ancestral ties 01:50:54 - Why did the demon try to take possession of Mattias? 01:54:11 - Care and safety around malevolent entities 01:59:19 - Contact with other entities 01:59:48 - Should you learn exorcism? 02:02:23 - Sleep schedule and dreams 02:03:16 - Chinese demonology 02:07:15 - Ghost sightings 02:10:38 - Why is Mattias sharing this story now? … Watch the previous episodes with Mattias Daly: - https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep244-taoist-adventures-mattias-daly - https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep251-taoist-inner-alchemy-mattias-daly-2 To find our more about Mattias Daly, visit: - https://www.shambhala.com/authors/a-f/mattias-daly.html … For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - https://www.guruviking.com … Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

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. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep262-life-of-liberation-dorje Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics include: 00:00 - Intro 01:03 - Dorje’s upbringing 02:07 - Dorje as a boy 02:59 - Career aspirations and becoming a lawyer 04:16 - Arriving in San Francisco in 1968 04:38 - Involvement in the civil rights movement 06:28 Early days of the gay liberation movement 09:13 - The Cockettes 11:48 - Gay political organising in Atlanta 14:02 - Arrival of AIDS in 1981 15:21 - Deaths of Dorje’s close friends 16:10 - Dorje’s HIV diagnosis 16:45 - Stages of grief 18:50 - Dorje’s HIV related legal and political work 20:39 - Activism vs realpolitik 23:06 - Encountering Buddhism 25:08 - Reading DT Suzuki and Evans-Wentz 25:46 - Shamata in a highly stressful of life 28:29 - Drawn to Tibetan Buddhism 30:39 - The life of the Buddha 33:57 - Modern insulation from sickness and death 36:14 - The Buddha’s quest for enlightenment 39:18 - 4 noble truths and the core of Buddhism 42:26 - How to develop wisdom 44:10 - The spiritual path 47:38 - Ordaining as a Buddhist monk 52:12 - The 3 jewels of refuge 54:05 - Challenges of living as a monk 56:14 - Moving to Nepal 57:48 - Why were some people slow to recognise the danger of HIV 01:02:25 - Helping the dying 01:03:27 - The rhythm of grief 01:06:43 - Actors and magicians 01:08:42 - Facing his own death 01:10:01 - The power of Yamantaka practice 01:12:10 - Living with an HIV diagnosis 01:17:06 - Leaving monasticism and solo retreat during Covid 01:19:28 - Aspiration to help those newly diagnosed with HIV 01:23:19 - How to help those with a new diagnosis 01:24:10 - Side effects of medication 01:25:31 - Climate change in Kathmandu 01:25:42 - Hippy trail and changing fashions 01:26:35 - Experimentation with psychedelics 01:27:51 - Unsung heroes of civil rights 01:28:53 - Dorje’s Great Stupa kora practice 01:30:07 - Compassion and the goal of practice 01:31:33 - Kora around the Great Stupa 01:32:34 - Developing compassion for others … Boudhanath Interviews playlist: - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLlkzlKFgdknwvU82dU487LhF_mF4AkGek&si=gFGJpi-fnLtxeyZ5 … 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 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’. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep261-original-love-henry-shukman Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics include: 00:00 - Intro 00:50 - Writing Original Love 06:01 - 4 major areas of spiritual development 07:47 - The importance of love 09:27 - The example of mindfulness 11:06 - Henry’s neurological illness 13:37 - Letting go 14:39 - An epiphany in Venezuela 18:35 - Migrating from head to heart 20:53 - Heartbreak of awakening 22:31 - What is awakening? 26:56 - Henry’s first awakening 28:35 - Subsequent awakenings and the place of love 29:50 - The two wings of practice 30:41 - Release of the heart 32:50 - Does awakening change the experience of suffering? 36:53 - Resistance and suffering 38:37 - Unwrapping the gift of life 39:38 - Training jhana with Stephen Snyder 48:31 - Purification and catharsis in jhana 49:42 - Jhana vs awakening 53:54 - Encouragement to those seeking awakening 01:03:55 - Henry’s love for Augustine’s ‘Confessions’ 01:06:44 - Henry’s mother 01:10:03 - A resurgence in interest in awakening 01:14:15 - The original face 01:15:50 - Henry’s meditation app … Previous episodes with Henry Shukman: - https://www.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.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

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. … Link in bio. Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics include: 00:00 - Intro 01:06 - Glenn’s early dharma training 02:54 - The sacred land of Nepal 03:28 - Movement of Buddhist masters and lineages from India through Nepal 04:30 - A local offering ritual 04:59 - History of Boudha 05:53 - History of the Tibetan exile community in Nepal 10:22 - Shechen Gompa and Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche 11:44 - An enlightened being 12:26 - Walk to the stūpa 13:16 - Stūpa architecture and its symbolism 16:59 - Morning circumambulation 17:43 - Glenn and students 18:53 - 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 kora 33:24 - The power of pilgrimage 33:49 - The meaning of ‘ani-la’ 34:49 - Many temples of Boudhanath and city migration 38:02 - Kangyur recitation 39:11 - Cakravartin or spiritual teacher? 41:45 - The story of the Great Stūpa 43:32 - An auspicious lineage 44:12 - Misconceptions about Buddhism in Tibet 45:37 - Damage and renovation of stūpa 47:08 - Making a donation 48:45 - Walking around the stūpa 49:50 - Prophecy of Buddhism coming to the West? 54:37 - Kālacakra prophecy about age of darkness or golden age 55:56 - Buddhist and Newari art 01:01:46 - Glenn’s favourite monastery in Boudhanath 01:03:25 - Walking around the stūpa … 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

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. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep259-questioning-enlightenment-dr-justin-sledge-2 Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics include: 00:00 - Intro 01:01 - Don’t want to be enlightened 02:20 - Belief, practice, and tradition 04:17 - Magick and the quest for power 06:42 - Judaism without belief in God 09:34 - Origins of moral authority 12:43 - Is belief in God necessary? 14:44 - Natural law and utilitarianism 16:07 - Dr Sledge’s personal ethics 16:40 - Virtue ethics 19:05 - The danger of existential questions 21:59 - Intellectual and spiritual hazing 22:31 - The meaning famine 25:35 - Dr Sledge on deconstruction and post-modernism 31:43 - Cancelling the canon 33:51 - 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 Sledge 46:56 - Danger of unthinking fealty 50:05 - Questioning tradition and existential crisis 53:09 - Pros and cons of mystical experiences 57:27 - The mystic’s mistake 58:24 - Hyperfixation on baseline consciousness 59:42 - Hallucinations of the recently deceased 01:02:13 - Upsetting both sides 01:04:19 - Truth and other epistemologies 01:10:02 - Overlooked philosophers 01:12:05 - Telling the whole story of philosophy 01:13:25 - Dishonesty of academic philosophy 01:14:06 - Spiritual Renaissance philosophy and depriving 01:15:49 - The loss of awe and beauty 01:18:59 - Chasing awe with psychedelics, astronomy, and community 01:23:39 - Tactical religion and joining communities of value 01:27:19 - Huge influx of new converts to Judaism 01:28:43 - Recommended reading for Western Esotericism and overlooked philosophy 01:34:59 - Dr Sledge’s go-to book … Previous episode with Dr Justin Sledge: - https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep248-esoterica-academia-dr-justin-sledge To find out more about Dr Justin Sledge, visit: - https://www.justinsledge.com/ - https://www.youtube.com/@TheEsotericaChannel … 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 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. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep258-demonology-of-tibet-dr-ben-joffe Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics Include: 00:00 - Intro 01:06 - 3 part demonology 03:31 - Interaction with imported Indian cosmology 04:32 - A scholarly caveat 05:47 - Pre-Buddhist Tibetan entity and spirit frameworks 10:16 - Land spirits 12:23 - Drawbacks of secularisation and psychologising of Buddhism 14:34 - Right relationship with entities 18:16 - Origins of dedicating the merit 18:16 - The arrival of tantra in Tibet and Padmasambhava’s spirit domination 22:30 - The essence of Buddhism 24:12 - Did Buddhism weaken Tibet? 26:11 - Tantric missionary technology of spirit domination 32:32 - Degrees of Buddhist integration with Tibetan practices and rituals 40:00 - Dr Robert Mayer’s work to reevaluate the terma tradition 43:30 - Beyul and opening sacred sites 47:10 - Offering practices and Chod 50:47 - Spirit mediumship and offending spirits 54:13 - Geomancy 56:41 - Staking the demoness of the land 01:01:03 - Dark tantra and the ethics of subjugation 01:05:59 - What is a demon? 01:06:57 - Facist tantra and Western occultists 01:09:12 - The role of compassion 01:10:07 - Tantra as institutional shamanism? 01:13:11 - Interviewing protector deities 01:15:15 - Perceiving spirits 01:18:07 - Misunderstandings of Western Buddhist converts 0:24:54 - Buddhism and the cultural substrate 01:25:47 - IFS and shamanism 01:27:55 - Completion stage practice and the logic of yoga 01:30:49 - Are spirits just your own mind? 01:35:09 - Dudjom Lingpa’s demon encounter in a dream 01:39:09 - Brahma, Buddha, and various levels of beings 01:40:44 - Are yidams just archetypes? 01:42:19 - Paradoxes of protection from spirits 01:45:35 - Predatory demons 01:48:29 - Many faces of Buddhism 01:50:05 - Outer, inner, secret 01:52:08 - Dream yoga and visionary sex 01:57:35 - Inevitability of spirit contact 01:58:09 - Ben’s stressful experiences with the spirit world 02:06:10 - Alien abduction experiences 02:11:42 - Night terrors 02:13:30 - Cognitive dissonance of tantric practitioners 02:15:30 - Priestly class mindset 02:18:09 - Real tantric training 02:22:05 - Logistical challenges of creating tantric adepts 02:23:57 - Ben’s magickal training Previous episodes with Dr Ben Joffe: - https://www.guruviking.com/search?q=joffe To find out more about Dr Ben Joffe, visit: - https://perfumedskull.com/ - http://www.skypressbooks.com/ … 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 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. … Link in comments. Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics Include: 00:00 - Intro 01:04 - Sowa Rigpa Forum 14:41 - Appreciation of Western culture 18:05 - Know your roots 19:47 - Dr Nida’s journey to open up to European culture 22:55 - Déjà vu when first coming to Rome 25:37 - Similarities between Ancient Greek medicine and Tibetan medicine 28:48 - European meditation traditions 32:01 - Grabbing the devils 34:09 - A dream of facing the devil 36:50 - Inner dialogue meditation 39:51 - The essence of meditation 44:20 - The roots of meditation 47:37 - Becoming more open 49:07 - Intellectual vs experiential spirituality 50:33 - Dr Nida’s transformational experience on retreat 56:18 - Freedom from conditioning 59:00 - Yuthok’s open-mindedness 01:01:16 - Choosing the right meditation for your typology 01:05:05 - Anger management and Guru Yoga meditations 01:07:26 - Attachment theory and guru-disciple dynamics 01:13:131 - Beyond fixation and appreciating culture 01:16:31 - Adjusting to different life circumstances 01:18:36 - Learning languages 01:20:35 - Bonsai vs bamboo Previous episodes with Dr Nida Chenagtsang: - https://www.guruviking.com/search?q=nida To find out more about Dr Nida Chenagtsang, visit: - https://www.facebook.com/DoctorNida/ - http://www.skypressbooks.com/ … 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 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 . … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep256-newar-buddhism-prajwal-ratna-vajracharya-2 Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics include: 00:00 - Intro 01:05 - Suppression of Newar Buddhism for 800 years 03:56 - Secret family lineages 04:52 - Distinctive ritual practices of Newar Buddhism 06:23 - 10 Paramita system 09:05 - Why perform daily ritual? 09:48 - Learning to perform ritual 11:28 - The power of ritual 13:00 - Sacred sounds and the alphasyllabary 14:54 - Decoding the symbolism of sacred deity art 16:50 - Daily practice 17:34 - History of Nepal’s Buddhist textual tradition 20:08 - Buddha’s birth and past life activity in Nepal 21:56 - Lost in Tibetan translation 23:14 - Guru Rinpoche activities in Nepal 24:18 - Secret practices under Gorkha rule 25:42 - Frustrations publishing about Charya dance 26:55 - Gendun Chophel 27:55 - Lack of scholarly evidence and destruction of Buddhism in Nepal 28:49 - Modern revival 29:44 - History of the Tibetan refugee community in Nepal 31:54 - Opening to the hippies in the 60s 33:17 - Lack of interest in Newar Buddhism among Tibetan lamas in Nepal 36:03 - Sectarian rivalry and racism 39:33 - How to use a mala 40:44 - Subtle anatomy and mudra 41:08 - Elemental and energetic significance of each finger 43:38 - Mudra uses the whole body 44:44 - The 3 important mudras 46:50 - Inner mudra 47:32 - The flower mudra 48:08 - Making mudra into meditation 49:32 - A gradual path 51:18 - Future mudra discussions 51:56 - A call for more research into Newar Buddhism … 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 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. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep255-memory-secrets-for-language-learning-dr-anthony-metivier Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics include: 00:00 - Intro 00:55 - Anthony’s struggles with English 03:09 - Early life aversion to language learning 04:06 - Learning Hebrew as a revenge language 05:20 - Moving to Germany and unlocking the secrets of language learning 06:45 - Passing level 3 in Mandarin and other studies 08:55 - Impressive Hebrew progress 10:23 - Grammar tables and the importance of extensive reading 11:30 - Criticism of comprehensible input theories 12:30 - 5 levels of processing 14:20 - Key metrics to avoid overwhelm 16:54 - Advice for beginners and intermediates 19:02 - Frequency lists 20:53 - Working with native speakers 22:19 - A powerful reading regime 24:38 - Movie mixing 26:33 - Speaking and yogic exercises 28:28 - Latin grammar approaches 32:03 - Don’t need to learn grammar? 33:44 - Anticipatory reading 35:40 - Latin and Sanskrit vs German and Mandarin 37:38 - Disillusionment after fluency 39:55 - Breaking through to German fluency with extensive reading 43:46 - Problems with the language learning industry 46:40 - The tragedy of gamified apps 49:26 - Fast tracking vocabulary acquisition 56:39 - Linguistic deskilling 58:15 - Pros and cons of tests and exams 01:02:04 - Maintaining multiple languages 01:05:28 - The power of laddering … Previous episodes with Anthony Metivier: - https://www.guruviking.com/search?q=metivier To find out more about Anthony Metivier, visit: - https://www.youtube.com/c/AnthonyMetivierMMM - https://www.magneticmemorymethod.com/ For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - www.guruviking.com … Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

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 also discusses encountering the goddess Hekate and beginning to teach a magickal system associated with her. Jason compares Western ritual magick to the tantric sorcery of the Himalayas, and considers the role of natural talent in spiritual accomplishment. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep254-adventures-in-vajrayana-jason-miller Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics Include: 00:00 - Intro 00:53 - Meeting Lama Vajranatha 04:27 - Experiments in Voodoo and psychedelic insights 07:23 - Beginning studies in Buddhism 10:31 - Travel to Nepal and meeting Kunzang Dorje Rinpoche 14:12 - Cave practice of Vajrakilaya 16:38 - Refusing Kunzang Dorje’s offer of traditional training 20:01 - Charnel ground practice and introduction to the nature of mind 22:37 - Realising rigpa 23:56 - Memories of empowerments in Nepal 30:30 - Powerful encounter with Hekate 36:26 - Choosing Western Magick over Tibetan Buddhism 37:37 - Communication with Hekate 40:53 - Grimoire culture of the early 2000s 42:45 - Beginning to teach the Hecate system 44:01 -Success of the Sorcery of Hekate online courses 45:56 - Why collect Buddhist empowerments? 49:19 - Illusory body and connections between systems 51:00 - Empowerments and further adventures in Nepal 57:01 - Himalayan vs Western Magick 59:17 - The truest wizard Jason has ever met 01:01:22 - 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 receivers 01:20:17 - How to relate to spiritual experiences 01:23:11 - Astral projection and guitar playing … Previous episode with Jason Miller: - https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep235-strategic-sorcery-jason-miller To find out more about Jason Miller, visit: - https://strategicsorcery.net/ 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 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. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep253-the-buddhist-path-leigh-brasington Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics Include: 00:00 - Intro 00:53 - Leigh’s latest book 02:09 - A life changing meditation encounter 03:00 - The gradual training 05:05 - Training in insight practice under Ayya Khema 05:49 - Leigh’s insight journey 07:31 - Why isn’t gradual training taught in Western Buddhism? 07:55 - Buddhist teacher schtick 09:00 - People don’t teach the suttas 09:47 - 13 steps to awakening 12:23 - Origin and evolution of the 13-step Gradual Training 13:23 - The Buddhist scriptures have been tampered with 15:23 - Evolution of the doctrine of 12 links of dependent origination 16:34 - Philological implications 17:51 - Did the Buddha have supernatural powers? 21:59 - Contradictions in Buddhist scripture 24:11 - 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 life 36:38 - Keeping the precepts 40:08 - Guarding the senses 42:41 - Mindfulness and clear comprehension 44:47 - Contentment with little 47:04 - Overcoming hinderances 49:12 - Are psychic powers real? 50:14 - Meditation or morality? 54:13 - Consequences of skipping ethics 58:05 - Do the precepts spoil the fun of life? 01:01:19 - What makes practice life changing? 01:02:36 - Enjoyment without attachment 01:04:17 - The power of motivation to change habits 01:06:19 - How Leigh gave up pot and sweets 01:08:19 - 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: - https://www.guruviking.com/search?q=brasington To find our more about Leigh Brasington visit: - http://www.leighb.com/ For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - https://www.guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

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. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep252-religion-psychiatry-dr-chencho-dorji-dr-caroline-van-damme Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics include: 00:00 - Intro 01:16 - How they met 03:44 - Dr Chencho’s visit to the Night Hospital in Belgium 05:12 - Dr Chencho’s side of the story 06:07 - Fascination with the ‘Night Hospital’ model 08:33 - Sharing models between countries 09:39 - Not trying to cure 12:36 - Mental health challenges in developed vs developing countries 15:04 - Psychiatry is a simple science 17:26 - Negligence of psychotic patients 19:01 - Stigma around mental illness 23:03 - Pressure from pharmaceutical companies 25:53 - Mental health laws in Bhutan 30:17 - Forced treatment laws in Belgium 39:15 - Complications of supernatural beliefs in Bhutan 41:28 - Getting the family on side 45:02 - Anti-psychiatry beliefs 46:57 - Psychosis or spirit possession? 49:25 - Dangers of marijuana 55:38 - Padmasambhava’s proscription against smoking 58:00 - Religion at societal and personal level 59:47 - Religious psychosis 01:01:23 - 3 levels of Buddhism 01:02:27 - Pros and cons of religious belief 01:06:25 - Treating psychotic Padmasambhavas 01:08:06 - Patients who hear God 01:11:00 - Fading of Christianity in Europe 01:13:03 - Spiritual void and fading of religion in Bhutan 01:13:55 - Today’s Buddhist monks’ failings 01:16:00 - Learning from the fall of European religion 01:21:17 - Science vs religion 01:22:05 - Spiritual void and suicide 01:24:04 - Is religion needed? 01:26:38 - Lack of priests 01:29:40 - Uniqueness of psychiatry 01:31:25 - Reflections on inter-cultural collaboration 01:33:53 - Dr Caroline praises Dr Chencho’s accomplishments … Previous episodes with Dr Chencho Dorji: - https://www.guruviking.com/search?q=chencho Previous episode with Dr Caroline Van Damme: - https://www.guruviking.com/search?q=damme To find out more about Dr Chencho Dorji, visit: - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057403100633 To find out more about Dr Van Damme, visit: - https://www.sowarigpainstitute.org/dr-caroline-van-damme … 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 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. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep251-taoist-inner-alchemy-mattias-daly-2 Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics include: 00:00 - Intro 00:54 - 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 Liu 16:19 - 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 alchemy 36:30 - Disagreement about the goal of inner alchemy 39:29 - What about physical immortality? 42:08 - Mechanism of alchemy 45:43 - The Nameless Master and physical secretions 48:26 - Text alteration and philological considerations 52:02 - Achieving the Goku moment 52:53 - Why close reading of classical texts is a necessity for practitioners 56:34 - 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: - https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep244-taoist-adventures-mattias-daly - To find our more about Mattias Daly, visit: - https://www.shambhala.com/authors/a-f/mattias-daly.html … For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - www.guruviking.com … Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

In this interview I am joined by Dr Willoughby Britton, an Associate Professor at Brown University, 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. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep250-when-meditation-goes-wrong-dr-willoughby-britton Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics include: 00:00 - Intro 01:15 - Dr Britton’s upbringing and early interest in consciousness 03:58 - Friend’s suicide and a life crisis 05:02 - Powerful high dose psychedelic experiences 08:46 - Influence of peak experiences 09:28 - Operative mechanism of Dr Britton’s epiphany 11:04 - Is redefinition of the self necessary for awakening? 11:50 - What is the ‘self’? 13:31 - A caveat 14:19 - Many possible modifications to the sense of self and identity 18:18 - 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 Buddhism 20:47 - Awakening or mental illness? 24:01 - Cultural differences in what constitutes mental health 24:58 - Cultural influences and personal goals 26:39 - When meditation goes wrong 28:35 - When no-self experiences lead to negative outcomes 30:46 - The importance of connection 32:14 - Strategic ambiguity of enlightenment 34:34 - The enlightenment fantasy 35:23 - Absorbing a world view from meditation instructions 36:31 - How to assess your meditation practice 39:04 - Stealth Buddhism 40:31 - Hidden frames of meditation techniques 41:37 - Metaphysics of MBSR 45:18 - Market forces and religion as product 47:50 - Negative reactions to Dr Britton’s work 51:48 - Does Dr Britton’s work threaten meditators? 54:39 - Nasty emails and internet comments 56:08 - 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 attention 01:07:43 - Attention and arousal 0110:12 - The phenomenology and meaning of fear in Buddhist meditation 01:11:46 - Is fear part of the path? 01:13:10 - Buddhism doesn’t have its story straight 01:14:30 - The desire for a comprehensive world view … To find out more about Dr Willoughby Britton, visit: - https://www.cheetahhouse.org/ - https://www.brown.edu/public-health/mindfulness/people/willoughby-britton-phd … 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 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. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep249-kalachakra-tantra-lama-glenn-mullin Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics include: 00:00 - Intro 00:56 - Kālacakra 03:01 - Glenn’s history with the Kālacakra 04:25 - Dalai Lama’s first public Kālacakra empowerment 08:18 - Coney Island of the mind 08:49 - Blavatsky and Theosophical Society’s interest in Kālacakra and Śambhala 10:25 - Dreams and other signs during tantric empowerment 14:24 - Why give public tantric empowerments? 15:35 - Outer, Inner, and Secret levels 18:14 - Exclusively secret traditions 18:38 - History of public Kālacakra empowerments 20:06 - Tantric vows 21:07 - Śambhala prophecies and the Laṅkāvatāra Sūtra 23:48 - Today’s signs of fulfilment of prophecy 26:30 - Origin of Kālacakra in the Buddha’s teaching career 32:42 - 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 yogas 42:30 - 7 initiations of entering like a child 46:48 - Kālacakra completion stage 48:18 - Subtle body yogas and rainbow body 53:35 - Misunderstandings about Śambhala 55:15 - A century of Russian interest in Kālacakra 01:00:27 - 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: - 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

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. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep248-esoterica-academia-dr-justin-sledge Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics include: 00:00 - Intro 01:07 - Working class upbringing in Misissipi 03:03 - Limited access to education 04:13 - Exploitation in academia 05:20 - Fascination with Aristotle 08:55 - Accidentally entering college 11:28 - Dr Sledge’s experience in college 12:58 - Double majoring in religious studies and philosophy while working full time 1408 - Studying Western Esotericism in Amsterdam, Holland 15:44 - Bad reputation of Western Esotericism in academia 18:07 - Lessons learned studying in Amsterdam 20:37 - Distaste of punching down 21:44 - 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 Youtube 31:47 - 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 languages 41:56 - 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 hand 49:59 - Dr Sledge’s highly structured work and study life 58:24 - Common mistakes when learning Latin and other languages 01:01:21 - Pedagogical data and living Latin 01:05:48 - Dr Sledge’s advice for young students who wish to go to University 01:06:56 - Advice for the autodidacts 01:09:54 - The importance of education 01:13:30 - 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: - https://www.justinsledge.com/ - https://www.youtube.com/@TheEsotericaChannel … For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - www.guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

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 fasciation for religious writing, and expresses his passion for the Gospel of Luke and the works of Erasmus and St Augustine. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep247-a-life-in-reading-steve-donoghue Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics include: 00:00 - Intro 01:03 - Background and career in book reviewing 03:54 - A Jesuit education 06:28 - The brain is a muscle 09:50 - Learning and reading Ancient Greek and Latin 13:15 - A breakthrough moment in Latin 15:48 - Steve’s favourite Latin authors 18:06 - Common misunderstandings about memorisation 20:06 - What is the point of memorisation? 21:46 - Can memory be trained? 23:22 - Memory palaces and other ancient memory techniques 25:51 - Advice for those who wish to improve memory 27:01 - 21st century attacks on human attention 28:29 - A simple test of concentration 32:00 - The healing power of concentration 33:26 - People don’t know what they’re missing 37:18 - Experiences of transcendence and intrinsic reward 38:47 - 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 schedule 52:39 - Sleeping 90 minutes a night 55:19 - The joy of starting a new book 57:20 - Grappling with a text 59:27 - Sub-vocalising slows you down 01:03:32 - Difficulties in discussion religion 01:04:36 - Steve’s view on religion 01:06:00 - Steve’s admiration for religious people 01:11:37 - Steve’s fascination with religious writing and texts 01:14:52 - Philosophers are priests 01:15:29 - Faith based on texts? 01:17:07 - The danger of criticism without appreciation 01:22:07 - Reluctance to examine scripture 01:23:01 - Cynical critics 01:24:28 - A Christian meme of losing one’s faith 01:30:36 - The thrill of engaging with religious texts even without belief 01:32:37 - Following the thread 01:33:05 - The Gospel of Luke 01:34:10 - Steve’s love for St Augustine and Erasus 01:36:36 - Luke vs the other Gospels 01:38:25 - 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: - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1B9FfvVLRt8s6scUa79oag - https://www.stevedonoghue.com/ … 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 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. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep246-subtle-art-of-a-cat-john-maki-evans-2 Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics include: 00:00 - Intro 01:09 - Getting into Oxford University 04:30 - John’s experiences at Oxford University 07:57 - Struggles with depression 09:12 - Bad effect of Oxford on John’s mind 10:25 - 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 Japanese 18:43 - Study arc for reading Japanese classics 21:19 - Gaining practice value from texts 23:37 - Accessing the real thing 27:22 - The Subtle Art of a Cat 33:17 - The polarising ego 35:14 - Spontaneity and beyond self consciousness 37:09 - Neti neti 39:12 - Spontaneous action and the spiritual side of martial arts 41:35 - Freedom and flow 43:09 - Maintaining awareness and complete spontaneity 45:47 - John’s life changing near-death experience 54:20 - Hara power, the unconscious, and the survival instinct 58:16 - True martial cultivation 01:00:06 - Common mistakes and hurting oneself 01:04:11 - Complete body-mind participation 01:05:43 - Evaluating quality of movement and being 01:07:46 - Duende and art 01:09:18 - England and the old white male 01:10:24 - Learning to be with Thanatos and Eros 01:12:39 - The Gate of Killing and Death 01:15:39 - Harmonising intuition and manipulation 01:16:16 - Egotism in the martial arts 01:18:00 - Becoming exposed and the art of teaching 01:21:39 - Letting go of feeling good … Previous episode with John Maki Evans: - https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep231-esoteric-arts-of-japan-john-maki-evans To find out more about John Maki Evans, visit: - https://www.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.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

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. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep245-padmasambhava-psychosis-dr-chencho-dorji-2 Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics include: 00:00 - Intro 01:04 - Return to Bhutan to establish psychiatry 05:40 - Programme to train primary healthcare staff 06:18 - Advocating for community based mental health services 10:38 - DANIDA funding and mental health survey 12:07 - Collaboration with and educating traditional healers 13:47 - Locating and treating cases in remote communities 18:13 - What kinds of mental illness is commonly found in Bhutan? 19:29 - Challenges identifying depression 21:16 - The stigma of epilepsy 22:50 - Community fear of contagion of mental illness 26:55 - Culture of taboo and about mental illness in Bhutan 29:00 - Impact of the pandemic 30:29 - Using social media to educate 31:22 - Psychological first aid 35:09 - Why is South Asian psychology and psychology training weak? 37:41 - Mental health as a luxury for the rich 40:40 - Borderline personality disorder encounters 43:36 - Rise in cases of BPD in Bhutan 45:05 - Social changes in Bhutan causing rise in mental illness 49:10 - Chronic psychosis and social disturbance 51:26 - Lack of compassion for BPD 52:17 - Economic aspiration and the rat race 54:36 - Overlap and clash with religious professionals 56:21 - Buddhism and shamanism in Bhutan 58:05 - Use of rituals in healing mental illness 59:00 - Personal indifference towards Buddhism 01:00:19 - Challenges engaging with Sowa Rigpa practitioners 01:02:39 - Educating Sowa Rigpa doctors about mental health 01:03:34 - Do traditional healing modalities have a role in modern medicine? 01:04:17 - Different kinds of monk 01:05:41 - Religious control of the population 01:07:33 - Difficulties communicating with clergy 01:09:58 - Karma and the importance of openness 01:10:56 - Navigating patients’ supernatural world views 01:14:42 - Example of a manic patient claiming to be Guru Rinpoche 01:17:18 - Impact on families 01:18:05 - Cases of entity possession and mass hysteria 01:24:38 - Possession by Lord Shiva 01:29:58 - Advice for working with traditional healers and shamans 01:31:01 - Future challenges of mental health in Bhutan 01:34:41 - Explosion of mental illness, obesity, and substance abuse 01:35:43 - Neglect of the elderly 01:37:31 - A model for the third world … Previous episode with Dr Chencho Dorji: - https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep237-bhutans-first-psychiatrist-dr-chencho-dorji To find out more about Dr Chencho Dorji, visit: - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057403100633 For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - www.guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

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. … Link in bio. Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics include: 00:00 - Intro 00:57 - Why translate Taoist Inner Alchemy 04:58 - Trying not to be a scumbag 06:50 - Attraction to Buddhism 09:06 - Meeting Red Pine and mentoring relationship 11:59 - Red Pine’s influence and friendship 14:02 - Chaos Elemental 15:01 - 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 discipline 28:57 - Did UFC destroy traditional martial arts? 31:34 - How to win a fight 33:34 - Limits of Chinese Kung Fu schools 35:31 - Rock bottom and kicked out of University of Chicago 38:09 - Return to martial arts and finding a Taoist master 41:17 - Initial Taoist training 45:01 - Buddhist vs Taoist cultivation 49:26 - Possession by demonic entity 55:58 - Generational demonic possession 59:50 - Learning Chinese 01:01:49 - Finding teachers in China 01:04:19 - Powerful purification experiences in Taoist cultivation 01:09:58 - Encountering a spiritual cult leader 01:17:04 - Reflections on spiritual charlatans in China 01:18:43 - Discovering the power of the empty state 01:22:13 - Practicing Taoist Inner Alchemy 01:25:17 - Move to Taiwan and walking away from Chinese medicine 01:27:36 - The dangers of meditation and internal cultivation 01:32:52 - Premature ejaculation and the lower Dantian 01:33:39 - Qigong and Tai Chi delusions 01:35:53 - Psychosis and Qigong fever 01:36:40 - 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 https://www.shambhala.com/ten-discourses-on-daoist-alchemy.html. Valid through March 11th. To find our more about Mattias Daly, visit: - https://www.shambhala.com/authors/a-f/mattias-daly.html … For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - www.guruviking.com … Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

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. … https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep243-scholar-practitioner-charles-manson … 01:48 - Karma Pakshi, the 2nd Karmapa 07:57 - Summoned by the Khan 15:26 - Imprisoned by Kublai Khan 25:58 - The tulku tradition 33:18 - Interest in Karma Pakshi and the tulku tradition 39:02 - Childhood in Venezuela 45:28 - Suffering at boarding school 49:34 - Institutional cruelty and formation for empire 52:07 - Coping strategies and intellectual rebellion 54:33 - Attraction to Buddhism 56:18 - Love of reading and research 01:02:08 - Study at Columbia 01:04:42 - Changes in the UK private school system 01:07:30 - The social and political scene at Columbia 01:08:36 - Joining the Black Panthers 01:09:30 - Psychedelic experimentation 01:12:21 - Arrest and deportation 01:16:34 - Homelessness 01:20:32 - Resilience 01:22:30 - Searching accentuated 01:24:22 - Career as a woodcarver 01:28:07 - Unplanned pregnancy 01:28:41 - Finding Buddhism 01:31:07 - Seeking Chogyam Trungpa 01:36:17 - 16th Karmapa and ngondro 01:37:48 - Regrets about Sherab Palden 01:39:33 - Early days at Samye Ling and meeting Kalu Rinpoche 01:45:12 - The charisma of the 16th Karmapa 01:46:26 - What is charisma? 01:49:40 - How to develop spiritual power 01:53:21 - Private time with the 16th Karmapa 01:55:09 - Maggie’s cancer and a sacred pilgrimage 02:01:53 - Regrets 02:03:54 - Maggie’s death and the aftermath 02:07:44 - Entering into long-term retreat 02:13:20 - Were the 3-year retreats successful? 02:26:26 - Experience on extended retreat 02:26:57 - Spiritual obstacles 02:29:37 - Trulkhor heart attack 02:30:47 - Should 3-year retreatants call themselves ‘Lama’? 02:37:24 - Advice for those coming out of retreat 02:39:23 - 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 Tibet 02:56:40 - Chulen retreats 03:00:34 - Harvard and return to academia 03:06:46 - British Library and the Bodleian 03:07:38 - PhD work at Oxford and Paris 03:08:33 - Writing a book about Karma Pakshi 03:09:05 - 1000 year old Tibetan documents at the British Library 03:11:16 - The Bodleian collection and the John Stapleton Driver project 03:16:19 - Charles’ teaching activities and other work … To find our more about Charles Manson, visit: - https://www.shambhala.com/authors/the-second-karmapa-karma-pakshi.html

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. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep242-soothing-the-longing-heart-stephen-snyder Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics include: 00:00 - Intro 01:07 - Stephen teaching in-person retreats in 2024 in Europe and the US 03:53 - Relaxed vs rigorous retreat approaches 06:10 - Treating students like adults 08:23 - Why Stephen cooks for his retreats 10:00 - Reworking the precepts 11:40 - The damaging effect of electronics on concentration power 13:03 - Stephen’s interview schedule on retreat 13:37 - Receiving full Zen dharma transmission to be recognised as a sensei 17:00 - Combing Zen with Theravada practice 18:10 - Post-awakening problems with personality issues 19:06 - Examples of post-awakening triggered behaviour and the core wound 23:08 - 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 system 42:23 - Indian caste system 43:53 - How Buddhism assimilates indigenous cultural and religious forms 45:28 - Gregorian style Zen chanting 46:50 - The importance of your dharma name 47:49 - 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 superego 01:00:39 - Transforming the superego into Absolute guidance 01:02:07 - True vs false 01:04:32 - 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: - 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 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. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep241-myths-of-meditation-dhammarato Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. ... 00:00 - Intro 00:53 - Challenging Western Buddhism 03:54 - Drawbacks of Goenka Vipassana retreats 04:14 - Buddha’s advice for meditation 06:21 - Common meditation mistakes 07:28 - How to see dukkah 08:16 - Coming out of victimhood 09:28 - Drawbacks of the Mahasi method 11:21 - The problem of pain on meditation retreats 13:48 - Following the Ānāpānasati Sutta and jhana practice 16:18 - Western practitioners who destroyed their knees and legs while meditating 17:47 - Sleep deprivation 18:38 - Take it easy and be gentle 19:18 - Dangers of meditation retreats 20:31 - Essence of Buddhism 22:01 - Misunderstandings about meditation posture 28:16 - Magical body postures and siddhi powers 32:29 - 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 practice 50:22 - The value of noble friends 55:49 - The Open Sangha Foundation 59:23 - Getting out of magical thinking 01:01:08 - How to make Dhamma friends … Dhammarato Episode Playlist - https://www.guruviking.com/search?q=DHAMMARATO … To find out more about Dhammarato, visit: - https://dhammaratoblog.wordpress.com/ - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjxg5GJFsRqnS-YLTzyrjLQ … 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 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. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep240-foundations-of-sowa-rigpa-dr-nida-chenagtsang Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics Include: 00:00 - Intro 00:53 - What is Sowa Rigpa? 03:27 - Connecting to the European medical tradition 07:02 - Pros and cons of modern medical science 10:05 - How Dr Nida’s teaching changed after integration into European culture 12:46 - Cultural conditioning in Asia vs Europe 17:58 - Similarities between Ancient Greek medicine and Sowa Rigpa 21:19 - 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 Joffe 35:47 - 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 sleep 45:03 - 3 methods of diagnosis in Sowa Rigpa 46:27 - Urine analysis 47:57 - 3 levels of pulse reading 52:03 - How to receive to the body’s signals 54:15 - Bedside manner 56:58 - Connecting to the unconscious mind 01:00:03 - 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 doṣas 01:18:18 - 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: - https://www.guruviking.com/search?q=nida To find out more about Dr Nida Chenagtsang, visit: - https://www.facebook.com/DoctorNida/ - http://www.skypressbooks.com/ … 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 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. … https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep239-gurus-i-have-known-ralph-white-3 Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics Include: 00:00 - Intro 02:14 - Ralph on Robert Bly 07:48 - 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 Heart 11:06 - Spiritual Athlete in an Orange Robe 13:29 - The mysterious Colin Wilson 18:49 - RD Laing’s wildness 20:04 - RD Laing’s alcoholism 22:53 - British vs USA approaches to the esoteric 24:27 - Rupert Sheldrake and the psychedelic renaissance 28:35 - Do psychedelics affect one’s credibility? 31:05 - Ralph on Ram Dass and Timothy Leary 35:30 - Was the 60s psychedelic movement good or bad? 37:13 - Reconnecting to the earth and existential crisis 41:13 - Is civilisational utopia naive? 46:33 - The rise of the religious right in America 49:34 - Engage with society or withdraw into the ark? 54:14 - Ralph’s work organising international conferences 56:29 - Indigenous Peoples’ Resistance To Globalisation 57:56 - Techno utopian attitudes of Silicon Valley 01:00:39 - Revitalising the Western Esoteric tradition 01:04:09 - Ralph on the current frontiers of human potential and culture … Previous episodes with Ralph White: - https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep140-quest-for-a-life-of-meaning-ralph-white - https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep202-mission-to-tibet-ralph-white To find out more about Ralph White, visit: - https://www.ralphwhite.net/ For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - www.guruviking.com … Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

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. … Video versions: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep238-alchemy-the-divine-work-katarina-falkenberg-tommy-westlund Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics include: 00:00 - Intro 01:04 - 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 religions 14:20 - Intuition vs intellectual study 19:39 - People have changed in the last 5 years 21:03 - Me too movement & the pandemic 24:42 - Are masculine-feminine paradigms of polarity still relevant? 29:47 - Polarity is essential to alchemy 30:55 - 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 tradition 01:05:26 - 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 application 01:18:01 - Metaphilosophy 01:18:47 - The prima materia 01:20:48 - The principle of love 01:22:24 - Gnosticism and alchemy 01:25:04 - The gnostic revolution 01:29:26 - Religious traditions as living metaphors 01:31:00 - Alchemical stages 01:35:44 - The dark nights of the mind and soul 01:41:47 - 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.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

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 of 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. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep237-bhutans-first-psychiatrist-dr-chencho-dorji Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics include: 00:00 - Intro 00:56 - Life in Bhutan before modernisation 03:23 - Community and family networks 05:26 - Ashi Kunzang Choden 07:08 - Radical social change in Bhutan 08:45 - Living in fear with a psychotic father 12:00 - Father’s traumatic background 17:23 - Elder brother’s breakdown and psychosis 20:31 - Devastated by brother’s illness 21:44 - Attempting to cure Nima’s psychosis through shamanic and religious rituals 26:30 - Supernatural vs modern approaches to mental health 29:58 - 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 Lanka 49:03 - Fever and depression 52:22 - First experience of holiday 55:32 - One year clinical placement in Australia 57:40 - Problems in Australian society and healthcare system 01:00:56 - A challenging case 01:03:24 - All societies have problems 01:04:40 - Children’s schooling experience in Australia 01:09:15 - Warning to young Bhutanese emigrating to Australia 01:13:06 - 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 future 01:19:47 - Interactions between psychiatry and traditional medical models 01:21:16 - Praise for Dr Caroline Van Damme 01:24:59 - Reflections on the US healthcare system … Previous Bhutan episodes playlist: - https://www.guruviking.com/search?q=bhutan To find out more about Dr Chencho Dorji, visit: - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057403100633 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 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. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep236-art-of-dying-lama-lhanang-2 Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics include: 00:00 - Intro 00:58 - 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 woman 11:11 - Phowa, a magical meditation 12:24 - Who can perform phowa for others? 14:26 - Lama Lhanang performed phowa for a dying student 17:52 - How to perform phowa for others 21:49 - Omens of impending death 25:56 - The three energies of life and how to retrieve life force 27:01 - 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 death 48:18 - 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 Buddha 01:03:40 - Tukdam vs rainbow body (jalu) 01:06:48 - Story about Lama Lhanang’s teacher who achieved rainbow body 01:09:15 - 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: - https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep226-nyingma-master-lama-lhanang To find out more about Lama Lhanang, visit: - https://www.buddhistsandiego.com/ For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - www.guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

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. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep235-strategic-sorcery-jason-miller Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics Include: 00:00 - Intro 00:50 - Dilettantes and the spirit of the age 05:03 - Levels of magickal practitioner in the world 08:01 - 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 practice 28:20 - Jason’s priorities 29:34 - A major flaw in today’s meditation teachings 31:52 - Shambala’s marketing campaign 34:01 - Effects of advanced practice on negative emotions 36:46 - Kunzang Dorje’s human failings 38:41 - The origin of Jason’s fascination with magick 39:24 - Visitation experiences 41:08 - Discovering an aptitude for magick 44:04 - Early success with spells 45:20 - Summoning spirits and other early studies 51:09 - Jason’s astral awakening 53:49 - Jason’s father’s psychic experiences 55:49 - The role of natural talent in magick 01:02:44 - Delusions about meditation skill 01:05:08 - The importance of practicing idle time 01:10:23 - Steve’s śamatha practice 01:12:07 - Why do people study magick? 01:18:00 - Feeling the call to be spiritual 01:18:39 - How magic really works 01:22:24 - Wiccans against Trump 01:26:20 - 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: - https://strategicsorcery.net/ For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - https://www.guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

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. 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. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep234-dzogchen-valley-aro-gtr-sangha Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … 01:23 - Tour of the grounds 04:01 - Geomancy of the site 05:07 - 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 religion 35:38 - The main house 42:57 - The shrine room 45:59 - Ritual practice at Drala Jong 46:56 - Range of Aro gTér practices 48:16 - Shiné vs śāmatha 51:19 - The 4 Naljors and approaching Dzogchen 56:20 - Practices of shiné and lhagtong 59:44 - 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 objects 01:16:35 - Caring for people 01:18:19 - Weapon collection 01:24:57 - 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 practice 01:35:48 - Ancient woodland 01:37:36 - The caretakers Jagyür and Métsal 01:39:52 - Tour of Jagyür and Métsal’s accommodation 01:44:21 - Living at Drala Jong 01:45:36 - 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 Rinpoche 01:58:31 - Lunchtime song 01:59:54 - Ngakchang Rinpoche gives sky gazing instruction (namkha arte) 02:04:52 - The 21 semdzin of Dzogchen 02:08:28 - Reflecting on having a retreat centre after 30 years 02:09:40 - 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 shouts 02:22:42 - Dreams of Dudjom Rinpoche 02:24:52 - Sang-gyé A-tsal introduces Kum Nye 02:27:29 - Steve receives a Kum Nye lesson 02:46:26 - The drinking song of Dudjom Rinpoche 02:49:19 - Wine drinking mudra of Chimé Rigdzin Rinpoche 02:50:41 - Is Dzogchen a religion? 02:52:51 - Taking Dzogchen out of Buddhism 02:56:21 - Imitating culture 02:59:05 - Religion is ‘bigger than me’ 03:00:52 - Providing community 03:05:26 - Organised religion 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: - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLlkzlKFgdknxvlIXraR8zs4j4vNebA8os&si=BJvxADcKcGuUPOSc To find out more about Drala Jong, visit: - https://www.drala-jong.org/ 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 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. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep233-blessing-power-of-the-buddhas-naomi-levine-4 Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics Include: 00:00 - Intro 01:08 - Evolution of Naomi’s faith and writing 03:19 - Writing her first book 06:04 - The esoteric side of Tibetan Buddhism 07:33 - Naive faith of the neophyte 09:35 - Interviewing the who’s who of Tibetan clergy 12:27 - Hunting down sacred objects 18:13 - Getting burned by the guru 21:55 - Saved by the lineage blessings 24:44 - Quest for the hidden 25:55 - When devotion matures 28:30 - 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 Buddhism 01:10:04 - Categories of sacred objects and hidden treasures 01:13:17 - Rethinking how to get explanations about reality 01:15:37 - True meaning of ‘hidden’ 01:16:25 - Talking statues and other miracles 01:21:43 - The necessity of the female consort 01:24:37 - The mysterious phenomenon of rangjung … Previous episodes with Naomi Levine: - https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep190-love-death-in-the-himalayas-naomi-levine - https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep208-karmapa-tales-naomi-levine-2 - https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep223-the-spiritual-odyssey-of-freda-bedi-naomi-levine-3 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 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. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep232-dzogchen-devotion-joe-evans-2 Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics Include: 00:00 - Intro 00:57 - A significant evolution in Joe’s practice 05:39 - Establishing a relationship with Namkhai Norbu 05:55 - 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 Norbu 18:20 - 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 teacher 32:27 - The power of following instructions 33:47 - The most significant teaching Joe has received 36:31 - Being a hidden yogi 37:28 - Insufficient practice 39:38 - Simple advice for the Dzogchen aspirant 41:24 - 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 Rinpoche 56:38 - Meeting Acharya Malcolm Smith 01:01:53 - The period of internet message boards about Buddhism 01:04:52 - Flame wars and schisms 01:05:51 - 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 Dharma 01:29:26 - 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: - https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep224-american-dzogchenpa-joe-evans To find out more about Joe Evans, visit: - https://www.rangdrolfoundation.org/ For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - https://www.guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

In this interview I am joined by John Maki Evans, teacher of Japanese swordsmanship, practitioner of several syncretic esoteric Japanese disciplines of tantra and magic, 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. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep231-esoteric-arts-of-japan-john-maki-evans Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics include: 00:00 - Intro 01:05 - 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 goals 11:19 - John’s 3 phase grading system 12:30 - 3 levels of transmission 18:26 - 5 elements, 9 Stages 22:01 - The power of the sword 25:29 - Nakamura Sensei’s special forces combat experience 28:53 - Taking up the sword 30:39 - Back injury and meeting Shandor 32:47 - Healing serious back injuries 33:40 - A powerful sexual awakening 36:19 - 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 body 49:48 - 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 death 01:05:08 - John’s post-surgery vision 01:07:09 - Post-surgery recovery 01:10:40 - Esoteric yogic techniques 01:13:21 - 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: - https://www.battodo-fudokan.co.uk/ … For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - www.guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

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. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep230-the-dharma-of-poetry-john-brehm Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics include: 00:00 - Intro 00:49 - 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 readings 07:52 - John reads ‘Non Harming’ 10:05 - Reflections on the poem 11:54 - Working class upbringing in Nebraska 13:04 - An unlikely poet 14:46 - The poetic calling 16:29 - Psychedelics 18:19 - Early poetic influences 20:06 - The art of seeing one’s local place 24:42 - An aesthetic impulse 25:53 - How to relate to a poem 27:46 - 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 poetry 36:16 - Poetry as edification 39:57 - The unmistakable whiff of ego 41:56 - The one who stops 45:41 - How to reach profundity in writing 50:23 - How to craft effective language 53:32 - How to read a poem aloud 55:34 - The role of memorisation … To find out more about John Brehm, visit: - https://www.johnbrehmpoet.com/ … For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - www.guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

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. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep229-butler-of-vajrayana-john-riley-perks Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics include: 00:00 - Intro 01:27 - Childhood during WW2 04:36 - Seances with John’s mother 07:54 - Britains’ native lineages of psychic and healing abilities 08:26 - Clearing the mind of psychic interference 10:00 - 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 wind 16:38 - Importance of deity yoga and Vajrayogini practice 17:47 - Playing the Great Game 20:12 - 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 1950s 27:22 - Working as a farmhand and heading West 31:13 - Running a school for exceptional children 34:19 - The assassination period and gun culture 39:35 - The 60s and comments on drug use 42:38 - Living with Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche 43:48 - Meeting Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche 45:29 - Powerful first impression 49:19 - The energy field of spiritual masters 51:29 - Dismantling John’s ego 53:26 - The art of serving the guru 54:39 - John’s love for Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche 57:58 - The terror of being so close to the guru 59:55 - How did John last so long? 01:01:51 - Not trying to get enlightened 01:04:38 - Stories of Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche 01:08:38 - Accusations of abuse and cruelty 01:13:38 - Facing things as they are 01:14:19 - Đid Trungpa Rinpoche go too far? 01:15:32 - Trungpa Rinpoche’s drinking 01:18:07 - Working for Bill Cosby … To find out more about John Riley Perks, visit: - https://www.celticbuddhism.org/ … For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - www.guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

In this interview I am joined by Buddhist teacher and doctor of Tibetan Medicine Dr Nida Chenagtsang and author and Buddhist teacher Justin Von Bujdoss. Dr Nida and Justin discuss the esoteric Dzogchen practices of trekchö and tögal, and comment on their application to inner emotional disturbance and to times of external conflict and war. Dr Nida and Justin extensively discuss the mysterious practice of dark retreat, in which the retreatant seals himself in complete darkness for days or weeks at a time, triggering powerful hallucinations which can be worked with using special techniques for spiritual advancement. Dr Nida and Justin discuss the history of dark retreat, compares the differences in the various schools of its practice, warns of its dangers in terms of psychosis, and considers the potential it offers for attaining Buddhist enlightenment. Dr Nida and Justin also explore themes of fixation, nationalism, translation, and spiritual trauma. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep228-dzogchen-dark-retreat-dr-nida-chenagtsang-and-justin-von-bujdoss Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics include: 00:00 - Intro 01:01 - Geomantic energy of Bhutan 03:55 - The Dzogchen practice of trekchö 05:02 - Cutting through hardness 07:53 - The importance of using Sanskrit and Tibetan words 08:18 - The hardness of conceptual thinking 08:47 - Translating trekchö 09:45 - Dr Nida’s new approach to translation 11:54 - Dharma as medicine 12:27 - Freeing difficult emotions 14:24 - Palestine and political polarisation 17:29 - The pressure to take sides 21:10 - Meditation as medicine 21:33 - Bringing dharma experience to politics 25:09 - The value of softness and passivity 26:10 - Nationalism and fixation 28:09 - The price of enlightened politics 30:27 - Ashoka’s dharma reign 32:47 - Dr Nida’s new book about Yuthok’s Mahāmudrā 35:00 - Varieties of Dzogchen tögal practice 37:42 - The history of dark retreat 45:01 - Nyingma vs Kālachakra dark retreat versions 47:35 - Transforming energy and perception 49:57 - Yuthok and other dark retreat yogis 52:40 - Special characteristics of dark retreat 53:51 - The actual practice 55:07 - Dr Nida’s remarkable dark retreat teacher 01:00:29 - How Dr Nida’s teacher introduced him to the nature of mind 01:09:18 - The signs of success in practice 01:09:42 - The mystical story of Dr Nida and Justin’s karmic connection 01:17:21 - Mahasiddha way vs the educational path 01:20:19 - Side-effects of meditation and dark retreat 01:28:04 - Fun vs beneficial 01:29:48 - Requirements for a dark retreat location 01:30:47 - Dark retreat psychosis 01:35:01 - The need for financial support 01:36:43 - When to break your retreat 01:38:07 - Looking for experiences 01:42:43 - Dr Nida’s recent lucid dream 01:44:23 - Hallucinations and visions 01:47:59 - How to get involved 01:49:51 - Multi-cultural enlightenment 01:52:51 - How did Dr Nida assess Justin’s readiness for dark retreat 01:55:34 - Dark retreat progression 02:03:54 - The power of ngondro 02:04:34 - ‘Spiritual not religious’ 02:13:48 - Spiritual trauma 02:16:14 - Why Dr Nida wrote his book in Tibetan 02:19:07 - Questions for the practitioner 02:21:42 - Bad spiritual pedagogy … Previous episodes with Dr Nida Chenagtsang: - https://www.guruviking.com/search?q=nida Previous episode with Justin Von Bujdoss: - https://www.guruviking.com/search?q=justin … To find our more about Justin Von Bujdoss, visit: - https://justinvonbujdoss.com/ - https://www.yangtiyoga.com/ To find out more about Dr Nida Chenagtsang, visit: - https://www.facebook.com/DoctorNida/ - http://www.skypressbooks.com/ … For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - www.guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

In this interview I am 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 recounts his upbringing and early training, explains why his lineage was kept secret for hundreds of years, the reasons for its emergence into public awareness, and why his family received criticism for opening up their sacred secrets. Prajwal describes the holy dance tradition of Charya Nritya and details its layers of spiritual meaning, impact on the subtle energetic body, and emphasis on embodied awakening. Prajwal also shares the application of Charya Nritya to meditation, deity yoga, and ritual, and reveals the stages of enlightenment in the Newari Buddhist tradition. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep227-the-vajra-master-prajwal-ratna-vajracharya Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics include: 00:00 - Intro 00:54 - Prajwal’s sacred family lineage 02:53 - 800 years of secrecy under oppressive Hindu rule 04:14 - Newari family rituals of the 10 paramitas 06:20 - 2200 years of lineage 07:38 - Secret Newari tantric masters 10:40 - Prajwal’s remarkable father, Ratna Kaji Vajracharya 12:48 - Prajwal’s family dynamics 15:23 - Learning holy dance at 8 years old 16:32 - The meditative training process of Charya Nritya dance 17:53 - The importance of the five Buddhas and their animals 19:56 - Charya Nritya key to enlightenment 20:44 - Embodying the deity 21:24 - Inner, outer, and secret mudras 22:12 - Practice in every moment 22:56 - The power of hand mudra 24:37 - The outer mudra of nature 25:20 - The role of sitting meditation 26:52 - Making a mind connection to the deity 27:40 - Becoming one with the deity 28:37 - The effect of holy dance on the audience 29:36 - Embodied vs intellectual dharma 30:31 - Breaking the secrecy and facing opposition 35:36 - Powerful subtle body effects 37:30 - Ritual and working with spirits 39:06 - Stages of Newari enlightenment 42:13 - Prajwal’s teaching activities … 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 interview I am joined by Lama Lhanang, a spiritual teacher of the Nyingma Longchen Nyingthig lineage of Tibetan Buddhism and an expert in meditation, anuyoga, geomancy, art, cultural and historical studies, and Tibetan medicine. Lama Lhanang describes his upbringing in a nomad family in Golok, Tibet, and how an encounter with a wrathful mahasiddha changed his childhood for ever. Lama Lhanang details his education in religion, ritual, and meditation as well as the disciplines of astrology and Tibetan medicine; and recounts stories of his teachers’ miraculous powers and spiritual realisations. Lama Lhanang also reveals his initial struggles upon arriving in America, highlights the distinctive qualities of American disciples, and shares his perspective on today’s turbulent events such as war in Europe and the Middle East and political division in the USA. … Link in comments. Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics include: 00:00 - Intro 01:06 - Nomadic childhood in Golok, Tibet 04:16 - Recognised by the local mahasiddha 06:17 - Religious study and pilgrimage 07:57 - Invited to America by Tarthang Tulku 09:06 - Initial struggles living in America 11:40 - The turning point 13:17 - Details about monastery education 17:46 - Various lineages and transmissions 19:14 - Extraordinary enlightened teachers 20:58 - Stories of miracle powers 28:14 - Wrathful teachers 29:41 - Trinley Norbu Rinpoche 30:15 - Lama Lhanang’s Sowa Rigpa teacher’s remarkable abilities 32:25 - The genius of Lama Lhanang’s astrology teacher 36:17 - How to cultivate siddhi 39:20 - Miracles of Milarepa 41:33 - Enlightened masters 42:52 - Meditation during dental operation 44:06 - Work with the mind 45:38 - Don’t worry about tomorrow 48:40 - Astrologer’s advice for the future 49:52 - Recognised as abbot by various monasteries 51:45 - Eastern vs Western disciples 55:27 - Group vs 1-1 instruction, and prerequisites to receive teachings 58:45 - Advice for those who are worried about the state of the world 01:01:00 - War in Palestine 01:04:10 - Create peace 01:05:23 - Don’t take sides 01:07:52 - The importance of communication 01:09:52 - The opportunity cost of war 01:11:22 - A story of mercy … To find out more about Lama Lhanang, visit: - https://www.buddhistsandiego.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 David Johnson, a meditation teacher and author of ‘A Path to Nibbana’. In this episode David describes the forgiveness meditation technique that he teaches to his students who encounter emotional blocks in meditation practice. David recalls his own journey with forgiveness, including his experience forgiving a toxic boss, and shares his students’ accounts using this technique. David also explains the links between keeping Buddhist precepts and a peaceful mind, and details other benefits of a moral life, including increase in personal power and acquisition of siddhi. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep225-forgiveness-meditation-david-johnson-2 Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics Include: 00:00 - Intro 00:47 - Dealing with emotional blocks in meditation 01:47 - Metta vs breath as meditation object 02:37 - Advantages of metta meditation 03:16 - Emotional and psychological blocks to feeling good 04:20 - When the 6R’s aren’t enough 05:55 - The process of forgiveness 07:32 - How to forgive 08:47 - Don’t dredge the mind 10:09 - How David forgave his toxic boss 13:19 - Anecdotes of students’ forgiveness 17:51 - The power of the habit of forgiveness 19:27 - Phrases to unlock forgiveness 20:38 - A common metta meditation mistake 24:11 - The Buddha’s forgiveness method 25:19 - Meditation dosage 27:17 - David on psychiatry and therapy 31:22 - When to stop the technique 32:55 - Will forgiveness make me a pushover? 35:44 - Developing personal power 36:33 - David’s fears 37:30 - The root of fear 43:01 - Why keep the precepts 42:22 - How negative karma ripens 44:55 - Benefits of following the precepts 48:33 - Investing virtue for positive rewards … Previous episode with David Johnson: - https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep212-path-to-nibbna-david-johnson To find our more about David Johnson visit: - https://www.dhammasukha.org/forgiveness-meditation - https://www.dhammasukha.org/david-johnson For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - https://www.guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

In this episode I am joined by Joe Evans, founder of the Rangdröl Foundation and teacher of Dzogchen under the name Jigme Rangdröl. Joe discusses his impoverished upbringing, recounts unusual childhood resonances with aspects of Tibetan Buddhism, and reveals how his boyish fantasies about meeting a guru were shattered when he met Gelek Rinpoche in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Joe shares his own practice journey, including his dream yoga skills and understanding of the Great Perfection, and recalls a transformative Vajrayogini retreat in which powerful meditation and dream experiences saw him seek the guidance of famous Dzogchen master Namkhai Norbu. Joe also shares his love of books, gives a tour of his library, highlights volumes of particular significance, and discusses the role of study in the path of Dzogchen. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep224-american-dzogchenpa-joe-evans Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics Include: 00:00 - Intro 01:02 - Joe’s love of books 02:52 - Tour of Joe’s library 06:09 - Showing some favourite books 07:32 - Study vs practice in Dzogchen 10:57 - Higher standards for teachers 12:22 - Learning the Tibetan language 12:55 - Tibetan terms that require better translation 13:22 - Meaning of ‘yeshe’, ‘sherab’, and ‘dhatu’. 16:30 - Joe’s upbringing and early interest in meditation 21:17 - Teenage reading about Buddhism 22:41 - Fantasies about meeting a teacher 23:21 - Meeting Gelek Rinpoche 28:18 - University study of Buddhism and Tibetan language 28:54 - Praise for Professor Luis Gómez 32:22 - Decision not to enter graduate school 34:22 - Director of marketing for Wisdom Publications 37:01 - A life transforming Vajrayogini retreat 37:51 - Inspiration to seek out Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche 39:10 - Mystical experiences and spiritual dreams on retreat 41:18 - Namkhai Norbu’s revelatory dreams 44:16 - Joe’s talent for dreaming 45:27 - Namkhai Norbu’s emphasis on dream yoga 46:10 - Joe’s current dream yoga practice 47:29 - Meeting Namkhai Norbu in a dream 50:41 - 24hr Dzogchen practice 56:06 - Founding the Rangröl Foundation … To find out more about Joe Evans, visit: - https://www.rangdrolfoundation.org/ 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 multiple 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 the life of Freda Bedi, born in 1911 and also known as Sister Palmo; activist, radical, and the first Western woman to take full ordination in Tibetan Buddhism. Naomi recounts Freda’s upbringing, education at Oxford University, controversial marriage to the communist activist BPL Bedi, flight from Nazi Germany, and arrival in India. Naomi describes Freda’s conversion to Buddhism, ordination, and founding of the ‘Young Lama’s Homeschool’, where she taught English to young Tulkus such as Chogyam Trungpa, Ringu, Thupten Zopa, Chokyi Nyima, and more. Naomi also discusses Freda’s religious practice, the remarkable circumstances of her death, and shares the accounts of Buddhist lamas who ascribe to Freda high spiritual attainments. … Video episode: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep223-the-spiritual-odyssey-of-freda-bedi-naomi-levine-3 Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics Include: 00:00 - Intro 01:13 - Writing about Freda Bedi 06:00 - The extraordinary death of Freda Bedi 10:56 - Living through remarkable times 12:30 - Born in a working class family 13:06 - Time at Oxford University 14:34 - Marrying Baba Pyare Lal ‘BPL’ Bedi 16:02 - Participation in Gandhi’s freedom movement 17:36 - Childhood meditation 20:41 - Flight from Nazi Germany 21:57 - Trouble in Kashmir 26:04 - Learning meditation under Sayadaw U Titthila and experiencing shunyata 27:14 - Friendship with Indira Gandhi and refugee work in Assam 29:02 - Founding the Young Lama’s Homeschool 31:01 - Convincing 16th Karmapa to travel to the West 33:31 - First Western woman to attain enlightenment? 35:01 - Didi Contractor on Freda Bedi 40:36 - Why is Freda Bedi not better known? 45:33 - Turbulent times and war 44:57 - Complexity and charisma 46:42 - How did Freda Bedi penetrate elite political and religious circles? 51:36- Ayang Rinpoche on Freda Bedi’s death 54:40 - Freda Bedi’s Marxism 58:27 - Ambiguities and motherhood 01:01:20 - The home life of great humanitarians 01:04:30 - BPL Bedi’s miraculous healing powers 01:09:32 - Freda Bedi’s spiritual and meditation practices 01:17:09 - Audio recording of Freda Bedi 01:35:44 - Kabir’s intention to make a film about Freda Bedi 01:36:16 - Naomi’s great admiration for Freda Bedi … Previous episodes with Naomi Levine: - https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep190-love-death-in-the-himalayas-naomi-levine - https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep208-karmapa-tales-naomi-levine-2 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 interview, I am once again joined by Professor Arthur Versluis, a professor and Department Chair of Religious Studies in the College of Arts & Letters at Michigan State University, author of over 25 books on subjects ranging from Western esotericism, magic, Christian Theosophy, ancient mystery schools, and more. In this episode Arthur discusses his latest book ‘American Gnosis’ in which he explores the surprising connections between the Gnostic tradition and contemporary American spirituality, politics, and popular media. Arthur shows the ways in which gnostic religious themes explicitly and implicitly express in political groups such as the dissident right, probes Eric Voegelin’s theories which propose links between gnosticism and left wing political movements, and explores the blend of cosmological and metaphysical gnosis in the writings of David Icke. Arthur also details the key features of neognosticism, discusses the meme battles over the Matrix film’s ‘red pill’, and considers the overlaps between light work, conspiracy theories, and Tibetan Buddhism. … Video episode: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep222-american-gnosis-arthur-versluis-phd-3 Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics include: 00:00 - Intro 01:19 - American Gnosis 02:17 - Origins of and surprises in the research 06:03 - An anecdote of American Gnosticism 08:02 - The gnosis of Twin Peaks 08:38 - Defining Gnosticism 12:18 - Emerging 20th century Neo-Gnosticism 14:30 - Cosmological vs metaphysical gnosis 17:19 - A surprising claim of awakening 21:26 - Crossover between Buddhist and Neo-Gnostic awakenings 23:40 - Political gnosis on the left and right 25:50 - Psychedelic gnosis 26:33 - Neo-gnosticism and the dissident right 29:31 - Is there neognosticism on the left? 34:01 - Are analyses in terms of whiteness and patriarchy neognostic in structure? 36:14 - Double-view of gnosticism on the right 40:44 - A problem in the American Buddhist world 42:23 - Struggle between the left and right over the symbolism of the Matrix’s red pill 49:22 - The pseudo-religion of the state and the 2nd reality 53:03 - Overreach of the label of ‘gnostic’ 55:18 - The gnosis of David Icke 01:02:14 - Suicidal nihilism of neognosticism vs Icke’s metaphysical gnosis 01:06:02 - Lightwork and conspiracy theory overlap with Buddhism 01:13:33 - Entities and dark forces in Tibetan Buddhism … Previous episodes with Prof. Arthur Versluis: - https://www.guruviking.com/ep106-arthur-versluis-phd-conversations-in-apocalyptic-times/ - https://www.guruviking.com/ep113-arthur-versluis-phd-2-american-gurus/ … To buy ‘American Gnosis’, visit: - https://global.oup.com/academic/product/american-gnosis-9780197653210?cc=gb&lang=en& To find out more about Prof. Arthur Versluis, visit: - https://arthurversluis.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 John Myrdhin Reynolds, also known as Lama Vajranatha: writer, teacher, translator, and scholar/practitioner of Tibetan Buddhism. John begins with a discussion about the unique characteristics of Dzogchen, common misunderstandings that have arisen from its widespread popularity, and the differences between Dzogchen, Mahāmudrā, and the kenshō of Zen. John discusses his extensive field research into Himalayan shamanism, spirit possession and rituals of exorcism, shamanic diagnosis and healing, and what it takes to become a shaman. John also explores the various classes of spirit including gyalpo spirits who manifest as authoritarianism and sectarianism, recounts experiences of spirit attacks, and explains the differences between the shaman, lama, and magician. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep221-exorcism-himalayan-shamanism-john-myrdhin-reynolds-3 Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics Include: 00:00 - Intro 01:02 - Lama Vajranatha’s Dzogchen teaching 03:35 - Unique characteristics of Dzogchen 04:27 - Misunderstandings about Dzogchen 08:34 - The metaphor of the mirror 09:53 - The tantric context and the practices of deity yoga and tummo 12:12 - Entering Dzogchen through sadhana practice 13:52 - Mahāmudrā vs Dzogchen 16:26 - Sakya Pantida’s criticisms of Gampopa’s Mahāmudrā teachings 17:30 - Spontaneous Zen awakenings 19:51 - Dzogchen vs hypnotic trance induction 23:26 - Meeting Himalayan shamans 27:42 - Childhood visions of spirits 30:11 - Spirit possession and exorcism in Himalayan Buddhism 31:28 - Tribal shamans vs Tibetan Lamas 33:01 - Guardian pujas and the power of blood sacrifice 45:13- Buddhism vs shamanism 49:40 - Shamanic diagnosis, healing, and trance states 54:03 - Paying karmic debts to cure disease 57:00 - Banishing ghosts, poltergeists, and preta 01:00:02 - Exorcism rituals and la-hooking 01:05:07 - How to become a shaman 01:08:01 - Western shamans and Carlos Castaneda 01:09:47 - Magicians vs shamans 01:14:16 - Life balance and spirit encounters 01:16:58 - Personal communication with dakinis 01:17:49 - Gyalpo spirits of authoritarianism and sectarianism 01:18:56 - Dorje Shugden 01:23:17 - Dalai Lama’s illness when practicing Dzogchen after Dorje Shugden empowerment 01:25:46 - Geshe Kelsang’s Gyatso’s Buddhist group 01:27:40 - Namkhai Norbu retreat attacked by a gyalpo spirit 01:29:49 - Dangers of receiving empowerments 01:31:56 - Leaving the USA under the direction of the dakinis 01:34:00 - Contacting Lama Vajranatha 01:36:27 - Importance of asking questions … Previous episodes with John Myrdhin Reynolds visit: - https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep200-lama-vajranatha-professor-john-myrdhin-reynolds - https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep211-magick-systems-of-the-west-east-john-myrdhin-reynolds-2 To find our more about John Myrdhin Reynolds visit: - https://vajranatha.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 Morgan O Smith, teacher of non-duality, and under the stage name ‘Mista Mo’, was a stand-up comedian and host of the Gemini award winning television show ‘Buzz’. In this episode Morgan discusses his latest book ‘Bodhi in the Brain’, a guide to meditation using Morgan’s Yinnergy method. Morgan describes how he developed the method, as well as its role in his own awakening journey, and shares the results of applying it in schools, prisons, and in his role as a youth worker. Morgan also reveals how it was he integrated the devotional path of Bhakti yoga into his spiritual, what he has learned about the power of the guru’s shaktipat energy transmission, the necessity of purification and catharsis, and the transformative effects of awakening the heart and not just the head. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep220-bodhi-in-the-brain-morgan-o-smith-3 Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics include: 00:00 - Intro 01:00- Writing ‘Bodhi in the Brain’ 04:40 - Morgan’s writing routine and process 04:53 - Darshan blessings from Paramahamsa Vishwananda 07:56 - Morgan’s current and future book projects 11:18 - Swallowing Vedanta 12:24 - Discovering the power of bhakti yoga and devotion to a guru 15:21 - Meditation and shaktipat 17:26 - Purging after powerful shakipat transmission 20:18 - Clearing the energy and karmic bodies 22:42 - Opening the heart chakra 23:57 - Brain waves, binaural beats, and Yinnergy 33:17 - How to practice with Yinnergy 40:19 - What is gained and what is lost with enlightenment 45:17 - Letting go of discrimination and opening the heart 48:36 - Impulse control, visions, and spiritual experiences 52:35 - Catharsis and bliss 54:13 - Morgan’s work in the prison system 59:22 - Morgan’s spirit of service 01:04:52 - How to get find Yinnergy and Morgan’s books 01:07:04 - Morgan invites communication from listeners … Previous episodes with Morgan O Smith: - www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep176-the-awakening-of-mista-mo - https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep195-enlightened-comedian-morgan-o-smith-2 To find out more about Morgan O Smith, visit: - https://www.instagram.com/morgano.smith/ - https://linktr.ee/morganosmith 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 Lionel Snell, a contemporary English magician, publisher, and, under various pen names such as Ramsey Dukes, a renowned author on magic and philosophy. Lionel explores the idea that people, societies, and even cultures cycle through 4 distinct phases with profound affects. Lionel traces the history of the last hundreds and even thousands of years and identifies the emergence of these phases with periods of religious fervour, scientific progress, magickal revivals, and artistic eruption. Lionel explains the similarities and differences between magick and art, the archetypes of the feminine, and the fear of the free woman. Lionel also provides analysis of our current time, reveals how finding the Trickster can unravel polarised and dualistic thinking, and how a deep understanding of the occult can be noted in leading political and cultural figures. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep219-cycles-of-the-occult-ramsey-dukes-2 Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics Include: 00:00 - Intro 01:08 - Cycles and modes of thought and culture 03:52 - Cycles vs linear time 05:38 - Suspicion of thinking in cycles 07:01 - Time of magickal revival 08:47 - The art movements of the 1920s and the 1980s 11:31 - Cycles of Ramsey’s life 12:40 - Why magick emerges from science and religion 14:55 - Magick vs art 16:52 - The miracle of the axial age 18:29 - Magickal revival in the early ADs and the rise of alchemy 20:34 - The silent art of Greek medicine (ἰατρική) 22:40 - Ramsey on astrology 23:41 - Process of Pluto into Capricorn 26:01- Pluto into Aquarius and corrosion of democracy 27:24 - Danger of the free female 29:01 - Shadow projection onto the individual 31:50 - Social media, war, and the shadows of Aquarius 36:42 - Egregores and the power of othering 41:50 - God, Devil, Trickster 43:14 - Archetypes of the feminine 46:04 - Transcending duality 47:00 - The rich-poor cycle 51:49 - Political polarisation and spotting the trick 56:38 - Using polarity to act on the world 01:00:08 - The terror of the linear view 01:06:44 - Do politicians use magick to influence world events? 01:11:44 - Did Trump study the occult? 01:12:36 - Ramsey on the Illuminati 01:14:41 - Rosicrucianism, fact of fiction? 01:18:23 - Interactions between personal and societal cycles 01:27:09 - The skeptical movement and chaos magick 01:30:08 - Using cycles to inspire and infuriate 01:38:18 - How to work with cycles as an individual 01:44:00 - Addendum: What might the future hold? … Previous episode with Ramsey Dukes: - https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep209-the-english-magician-ramsay-dukes To find out more about Ramsey Dukes, visit: - https://ramseydukes.co.uk/ - https://www.youtube.com/@RamseyDukes ... 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 Leigh Brasington, Buddhist meditation teacher and author of ‘Right Concentration, A Practical Guide to the Jhanas’. Leigh reveals his upcoming solo retreat plans and personal meditation goals and considers why it is that he continues to meditate after so many decades of practice. Leigh recalls his career as a computer programmer and draws analogies from the computer world to the workings of human beings on the Dharma path. Leigh expresses his views on AI, in particular whether or not AI will replace meditation teachers, and goes on to explore what makes a great meditation teacher and what makes a bad one, as well as the importance of heart connection when leading retreats, and answers the question ‘how enlightened should someone be before they can teach meditation?. Leigh also shares an exchange he had with an AI in which he asks questions about jhana meditation and evaluates the AI’s answers. Leigh goes on to offer his take on Shinzen Young’s ultrasound neuromodulation research and questions the possibility of its efficacy to bring about meaningful spiritual progress. … Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify. … 01:20 - Why does Leigh still go on solo meditation retreats? 06:15 - How has meditation changed Leigh’s life? 06:42 - Leigh’s meditation goals 08:30 - Why do intermediate and advanced practitioners stop practicing? 11:42 - The early days of computer programming 14:40 - Working as a computer programmer 18:09 - Writing a Tibetan-Tibetan dictionary for Tsoknyi Rinpoche 21:33 - Building his own DOS box 23:41 - Overlaps between computer programming and meditation 26:47 - Pros of cons of computer metaphors for describing humans and the Dharma 28:53 - KISS and other computer metaphors for meditation 32:02 - Buddhist fundamentalism and the doctrine of rebirth 34:41 - Did the Buddha really believe in rebirth? 38:21 - The lies of the Buddha 42:32 - Is Buddhist fundamentalism compatible with enlightenment? 45:46 - Does belief in rebirth prevent enlightenment? 49:02 - The immortality project 49:26 - Did Buddhism degrade or evolve? 53:34 - Mahayana writers who Leigh enjoys 54:07 - Why Leigh loves Shantideva’s chapter on dedication 55:55 - Computers and Buddhism 58:33 - Will AI replace human programmers? 01:05:15 - Will AI teach meditation better than human teachers? 01:06:54 - What makes a really good meditation teacher 01:10:22 - Leigh asks AI dharma questions: what is the cause of dukkha? 01:13:41 - How do I know if I’m practicing jhana correctly? 01:15:05 - Why are the jhanas important? 01:16:23 - How can I tell whether I’m in 3rd of 4th jhana? 01:17:15 - How does one go from 4th to 5th jhana? 01:17:49 - Trouble entering the 1st jhana 01:19:12 - The human connection in meditation interviews 01:19:54 - How to establish a heart connection with your meditation students 01:23:11 - Is AI better than a mediocre meditation teacher? 01:26:30 - What makes a bad meditation teacher? 01:30:13 - How to spot a teacher with an agenda 01:32:56 - Why Leigh dislikes the Mahasi noting practice 01:34:53 - How enlightened should a meditation be? 01:40:12 - How Leigh tests Westerners who claim full enlightenment 01:42:17 - Buddhist faith claims vs other religions 01:48:28 - Buddhist vs Christian faiths 01:51:09 - Leigh challenges Shinzen’s attempts to use ultrasound to induce nirodha 01:52:05 - How stream entry really works 01:54:13 - Using ultrasound to induce jhana states 01:56:23 - Does Leigh see any use in Shinzen’s research? 01:57:42 - Could ultrasound jumpstart mediocre and fearful meditators? 02:01:20 - The spiritual path is about letting go … Previous episodes with Leigh Brasington: - https://www.guruviking.com/search?q=brasington To find our more about Leigh Brasington visit: - http://www.leighb.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 Dr Alexander Arguelles, world-renowned polyglot, linguist, and scholar of comparative religion. Dr Arguelles discusses the spiritual dimension of language, recounts his own experiences of self-transcendence, and comments on the power of reading sacred works in their original languages. Dr Arguelles reflects on his personal explorations in meditation, pranayama, and prayer and shares his own method to silence the monkey mind with a combination of breath control and linguistic meditation. Dr Arguelles also discusses how to include work and study as a part of spiritual practice, details the lifestyle habits required to nourish the life of the mind, and warns against the deleterious effects of the convenience traps found in modern life. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep217-spiritual-life-of-the-mind-dr-alexander-arguelles-3 Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics Include: 00:00 - Intro 00:56 - Spiritual dimension of language 05:34 - Silencing the monkey mind 09:41 - Superior meditation 10:14 - Experiences of profundity and trance 13:39 - Power of sacred languages 15:11 - Realisation of vastness 16:50 - Self transcendence and choosing the hard path 18:51 - Life without the monkey mind 20:51 - Comparisons to classic meditation paths 21:53 - Dr Arguelles spiritual experiences studying Sanskrit and Russian 29:51 - The source languages of the world 31:40 - Powerful sacred works in Latin 32:57 - The Bhagavad Gita 33:51 - Reading as a spiritual exercise 34:50 - Obtaining mother language’s blessing 41:26 - Working with resistance 42:54 - Professor Arguelles’ linguistic meditation technique 49:06 - Traits of great polyglots of the past 51:38 - The art of shadowing 53:56 - Degradation of intellect 57:18 - The convenience trap 57:59 - The dumbing down of the 20th century 59:23 - Urbanisation and natural living 01:02:51 - Lifestyle and dietary habits for maximising the life of the mind 01:05:37 - Learning as a mental and spiritual exercise 01:06:02 - Keeping your edge as you age 01:07:52 - The Rule of St Benedict 01:09:35 - Work and study as prayer and meditation 01:12:31 - Working with Dr Arguelles … Previous episodes with Dr Alexander Arguelles: - https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep199-path-of-the-polyglot-dr-alexander-arguelles - https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep207-wandering-polyglot-dr-alexander-arguelles-2 To find our more about Dr Alexander Arguelles and his Academy, visit: - https://www.alexanderarguelles.com/academy/ For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - https://www.guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

In this interview I am joined by Mordy Levine, serial entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and author of ‘The Tibetan Book of the Dead for Beginners’ with Lama Lhanang and published by Sounds True. Mordy reveals the origins of the Tibetan Book of the Dead, considers the validity of the claims of its supernatural transmission, and pulls back the curtain on his own writing process in collaboration with Nyingma meditation master Lama Lhanang. Mordy discusses the subject of money and spirituality and recounts his own journey from poverty and avarice to financial and business success and beyond, to a more enlightened view informed by Buddhist doctrines. Mordy also addresses the range of dysfunctional money attitudes found in American Buddhism such aversive attitudes to money based on beliefs that money is fundamentally unspiritual, immoral, and evil. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep216-death-money-dharma-mordy-levine Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics include: 00:00 - Intro 01:50 - Tibetan religious teachings about death 02:35 - Why another book on the Tibetan Book of the Dead? 05:04 - Collaborating with Lama Lhanang 08:03- Lineage vs psychedelics and Timothy Leary 10:34 - Does Mordy really believe in Tibetan terma claims? 12:31 - Mordy’s experiences of the supernatural 14:05 - ’God of the gaps’ 18:03 - How important are the supernatural claims of the Tibetan Book of the Dead’s transmission? 21:27 - Energetic transmission of spiritual lineage 23:05 - The purpose of energy transmission 24:40 - Perceiving the light body 26:20 - Mordy’s practice of karate 31:55 - Conversion to Buddhism 34:03 - From Zen to Tibetan Buddhism 37:29 - Initial experiences of Tibetan Buddhism and search for a teacher 39:24 - Meeting Lama Lhanang 41:33 - About Lama Lhanang 44:21 - Applying lessons from the business world to dharma organisations 46:42 - Origin of Mordy’s motivation to become rich 48:45 - Addiction to success and money 50:47 - Grasping and clinging to feed one’s identity 53:17 - Childhood programming about money 56:03 - What woke Mordy up to his money addiction? 59:36 - Seeing through the BS of identity 01:02:04 - Addictions and grasping 01:04:04 - American Buddhists’ dysfunctional attitudes to money 01:08:34 - Advice for contemplating one’s relationship to money 01:11:47 - Is money unspiritual? … To purchase ‘The Tibetan Book of the Dead for Beginners’, visit: - https://www.soundstrue.com/blogs/authors/mordy-levine 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 interview I am once again joined by Anthony Metivier, author and internationally renowned memory expert who’s meditation practice is reciting sacred Sanskrit texts from memory. Anthony takes us on a journey through the memory techniques that enable them to memorise hours of material in a variety of languages, including Sanskrit texts such as the Ribhu Gita, swathes of Shakespeare, and detailed facts and figures. Anthony demonstrates his use of the memory palace technique, pulls back the curtain on the art of spaced repetition, and recounts the life of 16th century Hermetic occultist and memory master Giordano Bruno. Anthony also reveals how he used memory techniques to face severe childhood trauma, to untangle a pattern of generational rage, and reflects on subjects such as non-duality, radical honesty, and consciousness. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep215-unlocking-the-power-of-memory-anthony-metivier-3 Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics include: 00:00 - Intro 01:01 - The lineage of memory mastery 03:56 - Comparing the world’s memory traditions 06:47 - The fascinating life of Giordano Bruno 10:16 - Bruno’s memory techniques 14:48 - Neitzsche, Spinoza, and analysing the current times 19:05 - Shakespeare’s ‘Julius Caesar’ 20:20 - Can we really learn from the past? 24:10 - How implicit memory influences decision making 25:43 - Generational rage and the spectre of Anthony’s father 28:50 -Clearing generational trauma via sacred Sanskrit memorisation 30:46 - Sudden vs gradual 33:16 - What motivated Anthony to face his generational patterns? 37:26 - Consciousness and why we talk to each other 42:42 - How to memorise sacred Sanskrit texts 46:32 - Anthony’s memory palace 58:33 - Power of spaced repetition 01:03:10 - Experiments in forgetting 01:05:17 - Hermann Ebbinghaus’ forgetting curve 01:06:53 - Spacial memory and Anthony Hopkins 01:09:36 - Is a memory palace really necessary? 01:11:38 - Radical honesty 01:13:22 - Delusional memory experts 01:17:17 - Do memory techniques obscure the sacred meaning of the texts? 01:22:49 - How to memorise Shakespeare 01:31:20 - Sherlock Holmes myth 01:33:10 - Memory demands of being a working musician 01:35:41 - Benefits of improving memory 01:37:14 - Transformative effects on meditation 01:41:02 - The ego and non duality 01:46:27 - Studying with Anthony … Previous episode with Anthony Metivier: - https://www.guruviking.com/ep123-master-of-memory-anthony-metivier/ - https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep203-unlock-the-enlightened-mind-anthony-metivier To purchase Flyboy, visit: - https://www.magneticmemorymethod.com/fb-sq/ To find out more about Anthony Metivier, visit: - https://www.youtube.com/c/AnthonyMetivierMMM - https://www.magneticmemorymethod.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 Dr Julian Schott, Indologist & Tibetologist, trained at institutions such as the renowned Center for the Study of Manuscript Culture at the University of Hamburg. In the first section of the episode, Dr Schott discusses the idea that Buddhist Studies as an academic discipline is in decline, with meagre enrolment, falling standards, and the deemphasis on philology and mastery of the tradition’s scriptural languages. Dr Schott also reflects on the skills and attitudes that make a good scholar. For the rest of the episode Dr Schott discusses his re-edition of ‘Indrabhūtis Jñānasiddhi: An In-depth Study of it’s Indian Origins and Early Tradition within the Indo-Tibetan Mahāmudrā Teachings’, details the philological process of reconstructing this important text and explains the pathway from the inception of the idea to obtaining funding to eventual publication. Dr Schott also remarks on the early tantric tradition in India, compares its character to later tantric forms such as the Yogini Tantras in both India and Tibet, and shares some surprising insights from Indrabhūti’s text on attaining siddhi and enlightenment. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep214-tantric-philology-dr-julian-schott-2 Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics Include: 00:00 - Intro 01:29 - Dr Schott’s recent appointment at University of Vienna 03:04 - Which universities have a high philological standard? 04:10 - Bringing classical philology into today’s context 06:23 - The declining quality of Buddhist Studies 08:30 - Weakness in today’s mindfulness research 09:46 - Causes of academic decline 13:41 - The flourishing of philology and Indology 17:32 - The economics of Sanskrit 101 20:48 - What function does today’s university perform? 24:31 - Does it matter of Buddhist studies declines? 27:32 - The qualities of a good scholar 33:09 - Setting a good example 36:24 - The work of a philologist 37:22 - Choosing the Indrabhūti project and getting funding 43:25 - Why Indrabhūti and early Tantric Buddhism? 45:01 - Characteristics of the early Tantric traditions 48:02 - Early Tantra vs later Yogini Tantras 51:38 - Surprising aspects of Indrabhūti’s Jñānasiddhi 01:01:01 - How to attain siddhi through tantra 01:04:20 - The process of Sanskrit translation and producing a critical edition 01:10:44- Profiling the mind of an ancient author 01:12:30 - Human nature and the presentation of truth 01:16:17 - Challenges in reconstructing the Jñānasiddhi 01:19:26 - Navigating the spiritual landscape, what can we rely upon? 01:22:43 - What has Steve learned from over 200 podcast episodes? 01:24:07 - Liberation of ignorance and knowing your place 01:28:10 - The final steps of a critical edition … Previous episode with Dr Julian Schott: - https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep197-scholar-practitioner-dr-julian-schott To find our more about Dr Julian Schott, visit: - https://www.aai.uni-hamburg.de/indtib/personen/schott.html For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - https://www.guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James