Guru Viking Podcast

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

In this episode I am joined by Dr Nicholas Van Dam, the inaugural Director of the Contemplative Studies Centre and an Associate Professor in the Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences at the University of Melbourne, and Chelsey Fasano, a Columbia University neuroscience graduate. Dr Van Dam discusses his 2018 paper ‘Mind the Hype: A Critical Evaluation and Prescriptive Agenda for Research on Mindfulness and Meditation’ which levels serious criticisms at his own field of mindfulness research and contemplative neuroscience, taking aim at poor methodological practices, problems with definitions, and the strong incentives in the field which can conflict with the pursuit of science. Dr Van Dam reveals what he calls the unholy triad of mindfulness research, explores the theme of elitism in meditation, and raises questions about the studies conducted on Buddhist contemplative Matthieu Ricard, known as the ‘happiest man in the world’. Dr Van Dam also considers the degree to which mindfulness can be meaningfully isolated apart from its traditional religious contexts, notes the adverse effects of meditation, and shares his thoughts for the individual meditator on how to practice and who to trust in todays meditation marketplace. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep213-mind-the-hype-dr-nicholas-van-dam-chelsey-fasano Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics Include: 00:00 - Intro 01:26 - Mind the Hype 03:02 - Realising something was wrong with the mindfulness field 05:30 - Has the field improved? 06:20 - Perverse incentives 08:08 - The unholy triad of mindfulness 09:53 - The definition problem 11:56 - Poor standards of evidence 14:36 - Misunderstanding of neuroplasticity 16:36 - The Matthieu Ricard problem and elitism 19:17 - Olympians of the mind 21:21 - Adverse effects of meditation 22:11 - History of elitism in Buddhist meditation 23:48 - Controversies about defining mindfulness 29:16 - The judgment trap 31:58 - Operationalising mindfulness to serve the research agenda 32:58 - Missing the traditional context 35:40 - To what extent can science be informed by traditional schema? 42:01 - Consequences of moving away from religious thinking 46:45 - Scientism as a faith position 47:41 - Profit incentives 51:17 - What motivates mindfulness researchers? 51:29 - How to we recognise authority? 52:43 - Omertà and corrupt science 59:22 - Career risks in criticising mindfulness research 01:02:33 - Mindfulness is passé 01:04:28 - Critique of psychedelic and tech interventions 01:08:56 - Why bother with meditation? 01:12:39 - Importance of practice goals 01:13:50 - Is enlightenment really worth the effort and risk? 01:16:40 - Is meditation just practicing skilful suffering? 01:18:21 - Real practice doesn’t sell 01:20:46 - Advice for meditation practitioners 01:23:22 - Recommendations for mindfulness researchers 01:23:58 - Gaslighted by religious traditions 01:24:51 - Who can we trust? 01:27:26 - Contemplative Studies Centre … To find out more about Dr Van Dam, visit: - https://www.nicholastvandam.com/ - https://psychologicalsciences.unimelb.edu.au/CSC - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29016274/ To find our more about Chelsey Fasano visit: - www.chelseyfasano.com For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - https://www.guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

I was recently interviewed by Mark V Wiley for his ‘Transformations Podcast' with a particular focus on ritual, religion, meditation, martial arts, my teenage apprenticeship to a Christian mystic, and more. ... Mark's Shownotes: Our discussion touched a wide variety of subjects from Steve early childhood entering karate, being an altar boy and the comparative rituals of both, early fiction writing, and introduction to a Celtic mystic; crossing thresholds, energy work, altered states and meditation; ways to manage pain, merge with it and let it go; Movement Koan Method and migraine relief. 0:14 The Guru Viking - not just a guy on a boat 4:38 Non-ordinary lifestyle, aesthetic and embodied nature of karate 7:45 Profound Altar boy ritual experience, shared ideology but private faith, personal contemplative space 11:45 Story: Wado-Ryu karate 12:17 crossing thresholds: martial art and religious space and ritual 16:56 The young contemplative, TV sound meditation and thought problems 19:02 Observation of martial arts with and without ritual, Arrogance 21:30 Skatipat, no-mind, how thought brings you out of the altered state, meditative practices 23:48 The untangling of pain from emotion and psychological reactivity and physically bracing against it 27:21 Heroic "strong determination' sitting of Shinzen Young, working through pain in meditation 38:50 Ann array of techniques, ego, meditating with others on their terms, not being bound by dogma 41:22 More thoughts on Catholicism, the Bible, and door-knocking sects 44:00 Novel, Celtic mystic writing group, learn by doing and observing, listening to God and the still, small voice within, seeing with God's eyes 51:28 Mentoring, learning by osmosis and proximity, apprenticeship, The Paris Review 54:44 Scotitsh fencing team, weight training, if strong appear weak, deception/perception 1:01:29 Movement Koan Method, what to do after a spiritual epiphany, body movement riddles, muscular activation and somatic reference points, investigation and inquiry over imposition of answer 1:10:41 Somatic emphasis on the concept "there is only here and now, don’t fight just feel and be" with it. 1:14:22 Zhan Zhuang qigong, water seeks its level, muscles, migraines, why we hold pain 1:15:34 Holding tension to withstand migraine and headache. Parallel to sitting meditation pain. Why we hold onto pain, persistent pain, mind/body pain, phantom pain, referred pain. 1:19:34 Dr. Wiley's Migraine cure - Headache's Relieved (book), Natural Solutions to Pain and Inflammation (book) 1:25:27 Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) Framework of excess, stagnation, deficiencies 1:27:35 Extending the sweet spot in wellness 1:29:33 Deliberate exposure to weak causing, homeopathy, resources for pain relief 1:34:18 ending comments More on Steve James and The Guru Viking Podcast found here: https://www.guruviking.com/ Transformations Podcast brought to you by: www.TambuliMedia.com ... To watch more of Mark's episodes, click here: https://www.youtube.com/@markvwiley

In this episode I am joined by David Johnson, a meditation teacher and author of ‘A Path to Nibbana’, a complete meditation guide to TWIM. David shares details about the life of his recently deceased teacher, Bhante Vimalaramsi, including their first meetings in the 1970s meditation scene, the last days of Bhante Vimalaramsi’s life, and the consequences of his death for the religious organisation he left behind. David recounts his own life story, including twenty years of meditation in the Vipassana movement and a detailed description of how he achieved its version of stream entry. David explains how practicing Bhante Vimalaramsi’s teachings showed to him that the stream entry achieved through Vipassana meditation is merely a mental blackout, and explains how to achieve true awakening through the practice of TWIM. David also defines enlightenment, discusses psychic siddhi powers, and questions the enlightenment of figures such as Dipa Ma, suggesting their attainments were much less than widely believed. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep212-path-to-nibbna-david-johnson Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics Include: 00:00 - Intro 03:12 - Death of Bhante Vimalaramsi 09:12 - Meeting Bhante Vimalaramsi in 1975 11:42 - Disco killed meditation 12:24 - Becoming a millionaire and going to India 16:52 - David’s work as librarian of Bhante Vimalaramsi’s teachings 18:42 - Filming Dipa Ma and other famous teachers 21:22 - What’s next after Bhante Vimalaramsi’s death? 25:56 - David’s middle class upbringing in the USA 27:17 - Teenage interest in hypnosis 27:58 - Talking about guitars and music 30:29 - Attending Evergreen College, LSD, and Carlos Castaneda 33:04 - Bouncing between colleges 36:06 - Extensive experience in vipassana meditation 38:22 - David details passing through the progress of insight stages 45:54 - Did David achieve stream entry? 47:08 - Discovering the real stream entry 50:18 - Real stream entry vs vipassana black-outs 55:35 - The practice story of the Buddha 01:02:00 - The importance of tranquillising the mental formations 01:07:02 - The dangers of meditation and psychedelics 01:10:56 - Secularising meditation 01:13:50 - David asks Steve, ‘What is enlightenment?’ 01:16:01 - David accuses Steve of eel-wriggling 01:17:11 - David defines enlightenment in terms of the 4 noble truths 01:22:19 - Dipa Ma was not as enlightened as she thought she was 01:29:29 - Dipa Ma’s mastery of psychic powers 01:34:16 - Going to hell after suppressing the mind with concentration 01:36:58 - How to evaluate your enlightenment level 01:48:04 - Why did Buddhism go wrong? … Previous episodes with Delson Armstrong and Bhante Vimalaramsi visit: - https://www.guruviking.com/search?q=delson - https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep112-bhante-vimalaramsi-relaxing-into-nibbana To find our more about David Johnson visit: - https://www.dhammasukha.org/david-johnson For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - https://www.guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

John Myrdhin Reynolds, also known as Lama Vajranatha, is a writer, teacher, translator, and scholar/practitioner of Tibetan Buddhism. 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 explains his own involvement with Western occult systems, including ordination into the OTO and as a Wiccan priest, and traces the history of the Western Esoteric tradition from the Italian Renaissance to the present day. John describes how to accumulate magickal power, explains the workings of the spirit world from the perspectives of both Western occultism and Himalayan shamanism, and comments on subjects such as Aleister Crowley, John Dee, Enochian magick, and more. John also gives a detailed step-by-step description of tantric guardian spirit pujas, compares them to the spirit invocation rituals of Western esoteric systems, and warns against the dangers of working with occult forces without proper protection. … Video version: Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics Include: 00:00 - Intro 01:08 - Early Christian experiences 04:14 - Zen vs Tibetan Buddhism 05:24 - The power of Catholic ceremony and ritual 06:24 - Childhood encounters with nature spirits 10:07 - Pagan symbolism and Greek mythology 12:45 - Fascination with science fiction 14:53 - Columbia University and an interest in Asia 16:01 - Meeting esoteric groups in California and India 20:14 - Return to USA and association with various Tibetan lamas 23:08 - Initiation into Wicca and the OTO 27:00 - History of Wicca in the USA 32:17 - History of Western Esotericism from the Renaissance to the present day 39:22 - John Dee and Enochian Magick 43:03 - Magickal workings with spirits 47:34 - Comments on Aleister Crowley 49:18 - How to develop magickal capacity in Vajrayana Buddhism 52:42 - Comparing Western magick invocations to tantric spirit pujas 55:02 - Essential steps in tantric guardian spirit rituals 01:15:42 - Inside the sacred space of the mandala 01:17:29 - Invocation vs channelling 01:25:43 - Propitiating local spirits 01:27:23 - The tantric feast 01:32:00 - Signs of psychic and magickal capacity 01:38:59 - The psychic power of the 16th Karmapa 01:40:11 - Developing siddhi … Previous episode with John Myrdhin Reynolds visit: - https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep200-lama-vajranatha-professor-john-myrdhin-reynolds 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 joined by Charlie Morley, lucid dreaming teacher and best-selling author, and Dr Garret Yount, a scientist at the Institute of Noetic Sciences. Charlie and Garret discuss their recent pilot study entitled ‘Decreased Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms Following a Lucid Dream Healing Workshop’, published in the May 2023 issue of Traumatology, and explain why their initial results may show great promise for the use of lucid dreaming techniques in the treatment of PTSD. Charlie and Garret lay out the study’s design, the participant recruitment process, the lucid dreaming techniques taught to the subjects, and reveal what they consider to be the most effective techniques for relief of PTSD symptoms. Garret responds to criticisms of the study design, including that limiting the participants to individuals with prior experience of lucid dreaming may have biased the findings, and that the significant psychotherapeutic aspects of the intervention prevent any conclusions being drawn about the efficacy of the lucid dreaming component for PTSD relief. Charlie also discusses how his religious beliefs as a Buddhist influence his work, and reflects on the flowering of the altruistic motivation known as Bodhicitta in his own life and practice. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep210-science-of-lucid-dream-healing-charlie-morley-dr-garret-yount Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics Include: 00:00 - Intro 01:29 - How the study came to be 06:12 - Securing private funding 08:22 - Charlie’s predictions for the study 10:23 - Anxiety about possible lack of lucid dreams in subjects 17:02 - Garret explains the results of the study 20:05 - The study design and participant selection 26:14 - Charlie’s workshop design 31:21 - Dream planning and Charlie reads participant reports 38:53 - Charlie praises the scientists 40:14 - Saliva sample collection 43:33 - Follow up study with a control group 48:13 - Was the participant selection biased? 54:15 - Why the psychological aspects of the workshop prevent conclusions being drawn about lucid dreaming efficacy 01:00:23 - Charlie on Keith McKenzie 01:01:33 - Hope vs false hope 01:05:35 - The importance of reframing nightmares 01:10:23 - Has the follow-up study broadened the selection criteria? 01:12:28 - Charlie’s speculations about the mechanism of effect 01:18:16 - Charlie’s altruistic motivation 01:22:05 - The flowering of Charlie’s bodhicitta 01:27:24 - Religious doubts and struggles in practice 01:30:33 - Charlie assesses his own religious practice … Previous episode with Charlie Morley: - https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/guru-viking-interviews-ep2-charlie-morley-2 - https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep148-wake-up-to-sleep-charlie-morley-2 To read the paper: - https://www.researchgate.net/publication/371051446_Decreased_posttraumatic_stress_disorder_symptoms_following_a_lucid_dream_healing_workshop To find out more about Charlie and Garret, visit: - http://www.charliemorley.com/ - https://noetic.org/profile/garret-yount/ … For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - https://www.guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

In this episode I am 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 shares his life’s journey with magick, explores his years reading mathematics at Cambridge University, immersing in the work of British occultists Aleister Crowley and Austin Spare, and how an experimental group ritual had unexpected and tragic implications. Lionel discusses the true meaning of initiation, the serious dangers of becoming involved in magick, and his time in the OTO alongside figures such as Gerald Suster. Lionel also considers subjects such as the importance of magical thinking, the tension between structure and freedom, the role of banishing rituals, and the cycles of a person’s life. … Video version: www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep209-the-english-magician-ramsay-dukes Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics Include: 00:00 - Intro 00:59 - Childhood interest in magick 04:12 - The mystery of alchemy 06:04 - Exploring Aleister Crowley’s writings while at Cambridge University 07:26 - Meeting Gerald York and discovering Austin Spare 08:37 - The Zen of Western Magick 10:39 - Writing books about magick 13:00 - Joining the Ordo Templi Orientis (OTO) 14:38 - The Kindred of the Kibbo Kift 19:31 - From maths to magick 25:11 - Education as a ritual of initial 29:24 -The true meaning of initiation 32:25 - Initiation in British and American culture 36:38 - Experiments in practicing the occult 40:52 - The role of psychedelics in the 60s occult revival 42:06 - Lionel’s life changing experience with psychedelics 50:37 - Meditation and practicing the occult 55:06 - The Yang form of Tai Chi 56:17 - Gerald Suster and transforming experience through magick 01:02:24 - Lionel’s talent for ritual magick 01:05:04 - Crowley on ritual 01:06:19 - Lionel’s occult ritual at Emmanuel College with unexpected results 01:13:21 - The dangers of practicing magick 01:17:47 - Beyond occult power 01:20:48 - Strength vs power 01:24:37 - Structure and freedom - a secret to magick 01:29:25 - Banishing rituals and self protection 01:31:54 - A profound dream and making one’s magickal implements 01:35:43 - About cycles 01:40:44 - Magical thinking and the cyclical phases of life … 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 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’. Naomi discusses her various publications about the Karmapas, focusing in particular on the lives and activities of the 16th and 17th of that line. Naomi describes the magical powers and spiritual aura of the 16th Karmapa, recounts her own and others’ experiences of his supernatural potency, and recalls the process of compiling stories of his miraculous activities. Naomi explores the controversies around the 17th Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorje, including his recognition, escape from Tibet, interactions with the Tibetan government in exile, and various accusations in the media. Naomi also speculates about the futures of both the Tibetan political cause and the Tibetan religious institutions after the death of the Dalai Lama. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep208-karmapa-tales-naomi-levine-2 Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics Include: 00:00 - Intro 01:12 - 16th Karmapa’s miraculous powers 02:51 - Meeting the 16th Karmapa in England 05:08 - Apolitical 06:51 - Political intrigue and persecution of the Karmapas 09:02 - The 16th Karmapa’s freedom 10:13 - The controversy of the 17th Karmapas 11:50 - Escaping from Tibet but captured in Dharamsala 22:35 - Politics and Dharma 24:03 - The unravelling of the Tibet cause 26:23 - The future of Tibetan religion 28:56 - Did the Tibetan government In exile block the 17th Karma’s activities? 31:41 - The 17th Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorje’s current situation 34:11 - Compiling satires for ‘the book’ 36:15 - A black hat ceremony story 43:18 - How did the Karmapa become so supernaturally powerful? 48:22 - Allegations against the 17th Karmapa 57:05 - The role of the 17th Karmapa in discovering the Shabdrung’s yangsi 01:07:54 - Separating personal religious practice from religious politics … Previous episode with Naomi Levine: - https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep190-love-death-in-the-himalayas-naomi-levine 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 Dr Alexander Arguelles, linguist, world-renowned polyglot, and scholar of comparative religion. Dr Arguelles continues the biographical thread taken up in his previous episode, recalling, after his years of intense language study in Korea, accepting a Professorship in Lebanon to immerse in Arabic and later fleeing the country with his family as war erupted there. Dr Arguelles recalls teaching positions in California, Singapore, Dubai, and the language immersions that those posting facilitated. Dr Arguelles also critiques current trends in the American university system, compares it to the past, proposes alternative structures and reformations, and offers his thoughts on the future of academia. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep207-wandering-polyglot-dr-alexander-arguelles-2 Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics Include: 00:00 - Intro 02:54 - Accepting a professorship in Lebanon to immerse in Arabic 05:26 - Reflecting on learning Arabic 08:19 - Mental technique to turn off the English mind 09:18 - Fleeing Lebanon when war broke out 15:01 - Teaching at the New College of California 19:27 - :Early activity on ‘How To Learn A Language’ forum 21:47 - How would Professor Arguelles reform education in America today? 26:11 - Learning 4 languages at once 32:30 - Teaching in Singapore as a Language Specialist 35:14 - Collaboration with linguist Paul Nation 38:34 - Teaching adults vs university students 42:42 - Accepting a professorship in Dubai and more Arabic immersion 40:03 - Being studied as a polyglot and learning Hebrew 51:08 - The rich story tradition of Arabic 53:47 - Death of Prof Arguelles’ brother 56:07 - Homeschooling his sons in multiple languages 58:51 - Mixed experiences at the Concorida Language Villages in Minnesota 01:08:59 - Professor Arguelles Academy 01:12:23 - Criticisms of academia and today’s University system 01:21:29 - Predicting the future of Universities in the USA 01:23:30 - Language learning as meditation … Previous episode with Dr Alexander Arguelles: - https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep199-path-of-the-polyglot-dr-alexander-arguelles 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 episode I am once again joined by Dean Sluyter: meditation teacher and best-selling author of several books including ‘The Dharma Bum’s Guide to Western Literature: Finding Nirvana in the Classics’. In this episode Dean challenges unexamined assumptions about meditation, reveals how to teach meditation well, how to communicate technique and spiritual ideas in plain language, when and how to effectively use Sanskrit or Tibetan terms, and considers whether or not meditation teachers need to know where the paths they teach lead. Dean also shares his passion for language and literature, lists his favourite authors, recalls his time teaching English at the illustrious Pingry School, and gives his top tips for how to write well. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep206-art-of-teaching-meditation-dean-sluyter-3 Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics Include: 00:00 - Intro 00:49 - Harry Potter and the Summer Solstice 04:13 - Dean’s life and work 05:34 - The beginning of Dean’s love for literature 10:12 - Fascination with etymology 10:56 - The meaning of names 12:19 - Dean’s name and background 15:12 - Knowing stuff is fun 15:59 - 1066 and the rich English vocabulary 17:22 - How to write in a post-Hemingway world 19:52 - Monetise your neuroses 20:22 - Dean’s psychedelic sadhu period 22:32 - Getting hired at the Pingry School 23:59 - Inspiring teenagers to read classics 25:30 - Curriculum vs mission 27:07 - The importance of writing well 27:49 - The Pingry Manual of Style 30:05 - Style and writing well 34:11 - Steve and Charles Dickens 37:25 - Dean on Joyce, Nabokov, 41:29 - Did Hemingway have a near death experience? 43:37 - Dharma Bum’s Guide to Western Literature 45:55 - How to teach meditation 47:26 - Precision in language when teaching meditation 50:24 - Using Sanskrit and Tibetan terms 52:04 - Bad translations of śamatha and vipaśyanā 53:03 - Unexamined assumptions about meditation 55:58 - This is it 56:34 - Teaching meditation is simple 58:18 - Do meditation teachers need to have meditation experience? 01:00:17 - Do meditation teachers need to be enlightened? 01:00:41 - How Transcendental Meditation works 01:04:27 - Mindfulness in schools 01:06:46 - Teaching from experience 01:09:36 - The death of Dean’s first wife 01:12:18 - Imitate, assimilate, innovate … Previous episodes with Dean Sluyter: - https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/163-dharma-bums-guide-to-western-literature-dean-sluyter - https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep189-effortless-awakening-dean-sluyter-2 To find out more about Dean Sluyter, visit: - https://deansluyter.com/ … For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - www.guruviking.com … Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

In this episode I am once joined by Justin Von Bujdoss, American Buddhist teacher, chaplain, and author of ‘Modern Tantric Buddhism’. Justin describes his powerfully transformative dark retreat practice in which he embarked on multiple 7-day and 49-day meditation retreats in complete darkness under the guidance of Dr Nida Chenagtsang. Justin recalls his life-changing encounter with the rarefied religious experience of rigpa, and details his visions of spiritual beings, animals, elements, and Bardo deities. Justin recounts his first meeting with Dr Nida, how he became his student, and explains the significance of Dr Nida’s endorsement of Justin as both a Dzogchen teacher and dark retreat guide. Justin also reveals the daily routine and practice instructions for dark retreat, and reflects on current trends within Buddhism and nonduality in America today. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep205-my-49-day-dark-retreat-justin-von-bujdoss-2 Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics Include: 00:00 - Intro 01:07 - Justin’s personal practice revolution 02:27 - Meeting Dr Nida Chenagtsang and showing him a secret text 06:10 - Dr Nida’s qualities as a teacher 08:00 - Justin’s 25 years of Mahamudra practice 08:18 - Preparing to enter dark retreat 08:56 - The impact of multiple 7 and 49-day retreats 13:35 - 7-day preparatory dark retreat 15:03 - Intense visionary experiences and risk of psychosis 18:38 - Dr Nida’s dark retreat terma 20:48 - Justin’s previous experience with dream yoga and visions 22:57 - Dark retreat instructions and opening visionary capacity 27:48 - Undermining the visual system binary 24:37 - Justin’s visions of the Bardo deities 27:46 - Contradictions in Mahamudra and forcing it 31:38 - Daily routine and practice schedule in dark retreat 36:38 - No contact with Dr Nida during the retreat 38:45 - Visions of the purified elements 42:00 - Visions of animals and dead people 42:59 - Visions of beings who offered gifts to Justin 43:30 - Did Justin relive his traumas? 45:22 - Quitting prison chaplaincy 47:50 - How chaplaincy falls short of resting in rigpa 50:56 - Profound healing opportunity of dark retreat 54:50 - Rigpa supersedes Justin’s ordination 56:18 - The totality of everything occurs right here 59:54 - Endorsed by Dr Nida to teach Dzogchen 01:04:10 - Justin’s special karmic connection with Dr Nida and other tulkus 01:07:00 - Justin’s loss of social functionality post-awakening 01:09:25 - How Justin’s teacher punctured his ego 01:12:54 - Struggles with students who are fixated on tantra 01:16:42 - Student retention and abusive teaching methods 01:18:18 - Where is Buddhism going in America? 01:19:13 - Is Tibetan Buddhism trendy? 01:23:08 - Dark retreat as liberating psychotherapy 01:25:45 - Dark retreat as the ultimate experience product for psychonauts 01:27:30 - Assessing those who wish to embark upon dark retreat 01:31:22 - Where to find out more … Previous episode with Justin Von Bujdoss: - https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep196-modern-tantric-buddhism-justin-von-bujdoss Previous episodes with Dr Nida Chenagtsang: - https://www.guruviking.com/search?q=nida To find our more about Justin Von Bujdoss, visit: - https://justinvonbujdoss.com/ - https://www.yangtiyoga.com/ For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - https://www.guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

I was recently interviewed by Louis Mayhew for his ‘Fundamental ‘Frequency podcast about kundalini awakening, mystical visions, embodiment, and more. 00:00 - Intro 00:37 - About the Guru Viking Podcast 02:52 - Adverse side effects of kundalini awakening 04:00 - Louis’ kundalini crisis 12:21 - What Louis has learned about kundalini 13:56 - Paranormal visions 17:20 - Louis’ sleep patterns 18:01 - Practices that trigger a kundalini 20:47 - Massage and acupuncture 22:35 - Managing arousal states 23:00 - Vision of a loving deity 25:07 - Diet and lifestyle considerations 27:35 - Work with Tara Springett 31:01 - Louis reflects on his kundalini journey 32:14 - Louis’ kundalini goals 34:42 - Tara Springett, Mary Shutan, and other resources 39:23 - Are there advanced kundalini teachings in the spiritual traditions? 45:10 - What triggers kundalini awakening? 47:50 - Feldenkrais Method 49:13 - Intimate understanding of the body-mind system 50:28 - Early influences on Steve’s journey 55:05 - Louis’ childhood blissful experiences 57:15- Michaela Boehm and Non-Linear Movement Method® 01:03:21 - Dependency on a teacher 01:05:10 - Louis’ release experience doing NLMM® 01:06:49 - The wisdom of the body 01:12:45 - Kundalini and trauma 01:14:14 - Guru Viking Podcast & Meditation Club Video version: Fundamental Frequency Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-fundamental-frequency-podcast-with-louis-parker/id1667140531 Other times I have been interviewed: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/category/Steve+Interviewed https://www.guruviking.com

In this episode I am joined by Erik Jampa Andersson, a Sowa Rigpa healing practitioner, student of Tibetan Buddhism, meditation instructor, and author of ‘Unseen Beings: How We Forgot The World Is More Than Human’. Erik discusses how he came to write ‘Unseen Beings’ and why he changed its theme from the spirit ontologies of Tibetan culture to the themes of climate change and animism. Taking climate change as his starting premise, Erik follows a traditional 4-part medical model to make a diagnosis, and goes on to present his views on the causes and conditions, prognosis, and treatment. Erik also grapples with moral and cultural dilemmas, compares animal testing in a medical context to hunting practices and animal sacrifices in a traditional context, and challenges the anthropocentrism of both modern culture and the environmentalist movement. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep204-unseen-beings-erik-jampa-andersson Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics include: 00:00 - Intro 01:02 - Celebrating Erik’s first book 02:15 - Unexpected praise 04:09 - Charlie Morley’s author advice 05:49 - 4-part medical model 06:48 - How the book changed direction from spirit ontology to climate change 10:36 - The inspiration of the pandemic 12:44 - Summarising Erik’s argument 13:36 - Rinpoches performing rituals to appease the spirits who sent the pandemic 15:24 - Animism vs materialism 20:21 - A scientific materialist challenge to animism 29:59 - Tolkien on gods and fairy tales 32:58 - Ian McGilchrist and harmonising vs polarisation 37:26 - Should we abandon modernity? 39:19 - Generalisation vs individuality 41:20 - Disenchanting ontologies 43:00 - The danger of sweeping generalisations 44:27 - The lived experience of mice 46:45 - Alienation from nature 51:21 - Moral nuance and confused views 55:46 - Erik considers hunting in animistic societies 58:19 - The trolley problem and perceived consent in hunting 01:00:15 - Is animal sacrifice justified within certain cultural contexts? 01:05:57 - Stewarding the resources of the world 01:08:43 - Anthropocentrism vs animism 01:10:41 - Erik on the climate crisis 01:13:09 - The bloody history of Tibet and other nations … Previous episode with Erik Jampa Andersson: - https://www.guruviking.com/ep108-erik-jampa-andersson-from-tolkien-to-tibet/ To find out more about Erik Jampa Andersson, visit: - https://www.shrimala.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 shares his most recent findings from his personal meditation practice of reciting sacred Sanskrit texts, including using memorisation and recitation to pacify obsessive thinking, the pros and cons of guru and deity devotion, and his experiment with deliberately reducing his practice volume and observing the mindlessness and habitual tendencies that arose as a consequence. Anthony discusses how to enter altered states of consciousness through recitation of memorised texts, why he is now memorising Shakespeare instead of more Sanskrit, and why it is essential to include the body in meditation and other mental feats. Anthony also discusses what can be learned from the examples of figures such as Sherlock Holmes, Giordano Bruno, Arnold Schwarzenegger, as well as discussing his latest book, Flyboy, a crime novel in which the detective protagonist uses specialist memory techniques to track down a serial killer. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep203-unlock-the-enlightened-mind-anthony-metivier Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … 00:00 - Intro 01:13 - Flyboy 02:17 - Effects of taking a break from meditation and memorisation 04:45 - Memorising Shakespeare and Atmabodha 06:02 - Memorising Sanskrit as a meditation to pacify obsessive thinking 09:27 - Ideas vs execution 09:56 - Mindlessness after taking a break from meditation 11:20 - Engine and algorithm of the Ruba Gita 12:28 - The genius of Sanskrit’s construction 16:29 - How to induce altered states through recitation 19:37 - From mystical states to positive behaviour change 22:32 - Gary Weber’s enlightenment and idolising the teacher 25:07 - Pros and cons of deity and guru devotion 27:31 - Why memorise Shakespeare? 30:49 - Vaudeville feats of memory and multi-tasking 33:32 - Essential to include the body in meditation 38:33 - The theory of craft and failed creative writing professors 43:39 - Sherlock Holmes and Gary Gygax 46:49 - Writing Flyboy 50:37 - Memory techniques and PTSD 51:58 - Building puzzles into Flyboy for the readers to solve 57:11 - Memory techniques hidden in Giordano Bruno’s plays 58:13 - Popularising memory techniques for non specialists 59:47 - Recording the audiobook version 01:03:24 - The future of Anthony’s publishing efforts 01:07:45 - Have fun and experiment! … Previous episode with Anthony Metivier: - https://www.guruviking.com/ep123-master-of-memory-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 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 recounts his clandestine mission into Tibet in 1989 on behalf of the Nechung Oracle: hiking solo across the border, evading commissars, escaping from bandit villages, enlisting the aid of Khampa horsemen, and encountering a UFO high in the Himalayas. Ralph recalls founding the Art of Dying Conference, reflects on his own relationship with his father, and describes the religious genius of Rudolf Steiner on death and what lies beyond. Ralph also discusses the Western Esoteric tradition, tells stories of Robert Bly’s Rosicrucian poetry, and critiques logical positivism and the limitations of academia. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep202-mission-to-tibet-ralph-white Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics Include: 00:00 - Intro 01:44 - Arriving at Nechung Monastery, Dharamsala 03:17 - Mission into Tibet 05:11 - Finding a secret route into Tibet via Kham 10:07 - Aftermath of Tiananmen Square 12:06 - High risk adventure 13:04 - Ralph’s daily routine in the mountains 16:34 - Encountering a UFO 20:23 - Evading a Chinese commissar 21:46 - Escaping a bandit village 23:56 - Entering into deep meditation in a crisis 27:12 - Old enough to know better 28:32 - Provisions 29:48 - Further travels in Asia 35:03 - Reflections on the UFO sighting 37:33 - Founding the Art of Dying Conference 43:17 - Rudolph Steiner on karma and reincarnation 44:45 - Multi-cultural views on death 46:19 - Death denial in Western culture 51:21 - The death of Ralph’s father 57:16 - Dealing with emotional residue 01:01:22 - Engaging with the profound issues of life 01:02:29 - Logical positivism and the limitations of academia 01:04:39 - Rudolf Steiner’s genius 01:07:00 - Advice for entering the Western Esoteric tradition 01:10:34 - Founding the Esoteric Quest conference 01:11:32 - Robert Bly’s Rosicrucian poetry 01:12:54 - The rogue’s gallery 01:14:08 - The esoteric side of Robert Bly … Previous episode with Ralph White: - https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep140-quest-for-a-life-of-meaning-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

Special guests Delson Armstrong and Dr Ruben Laukkonen discuss their latest ground-breaking paper ‘Cessations of consciousness in meditation: Advancing a scientific understanding of nirodha samāpatti’ in which Delson Armstrong’s ability to enter the rarefied state of nirodha samāpatti, a feat of extended cessation achievable by only the most virtuoso meditators, was tested by Dr Laukkonen and Prof Slatger's neuroscience team with astonishing results. They join the ongoing discussion with: - Shinzen Young, meditation teacher and neuroscience research consultant - Chelsey Fasano, a Columbia University neuroscience graduate Delson and Dr Laukkonen tell the story of their study, how it came to be, the various tests they administered, and why they believe the results are so remarkable. Delson describes the meditation method he uses to enter into the state of nirodha samāpatti and to stay there for up to seven days, how he can determine in advance to the minute when he will exit the state, and the profound effects on the mind after a period of extended cessation. Shinzen analyses Delson’s abilities, probes the mathematical models used in the study, and shares his own work creating enlightened AI arhats. The panel also discuss possible scientific connections between Buddhist doctrines such as the five aggregates, dependent origination, and the 3 Gates of Liberation. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep201-revealing-nirodha-sampatti-delson-armstrong-shinzen-young-chelsey-fasano-dr-ruben-laukonnen Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics Include: 00:00 - Intro 01:37 - Discovering Delson’s nirodha samāpatti abilities 05:21 - Dr Laukkonen's skepticism 06:48 - Testing Delson in the lab 11:05 - The data analysis and comparison with Harvard lab findings 15:12 - Implications of the decrease in alpha synchronisation 16:47 - Phase lag index 19:08 - Alpha vs gamma frequencies in contemplative neuroscience 20:57 - Delson’s side of the story 23:37 - Rigorous training in ‘jhana hopping’ 25:42 - Delson’s account of the lab tests 28:26 - Timing the exit from jhana using meditative intentions 29:45 - Remaining in nirodhia samāpatti for 6 days 30:51 - How many others can do this? 34:02 - How to enter nirodha samāpatti 46:06 - Shinzen analyses Delson’s report 40:05 - Dr Laukkonen comments on the aggregates and meditative intention 42:50 - Possible links to hibernation 47:40 - The 3 Gates of Liberation and Friston’s free energy 53:25 - Predictive processing all the way down 56:55 - Similarities to St Teresa of Ávila’s stages of Catholic meditation 01:01:13 - Delson’s Catholic family and religious syncretism 01:03:24 - Conseqences of nirodhia samāpatti 01:05:34 - Pratītyasamutpāda for arhats 01:09:05 - The ego as a survival mechanism 01:11:31 - Networks and the multiverse 01:13:53 - John Carlos Baez’s mathematics and modelling pratītyasamutpāda 01:22:28 - Creating enlightened AI 01:32:30 - Creating AI arhats and Shinzen’s vision 01:37:49 - Neurofeedback devices for meditation teaching 01:43:02 - Dr Laukkonen challenges tech interventions aimed at inducing enlightenment 01:46:36 - Setting up the sequel … To read the paper, visit: - https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0079612322001984?dgcid=author#t0010 Previous episodes in this series: - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLlkzlKFgdknxjhwG5wmXRVfrkeGczVPVI Previous episodes with Delson Armstrong: - https://www.guruviking.com/search?q=delson To find out more about Delson Armstrong, visit: - https://delsonarmstrong.info/ - https://www.suttavada.foundation/our-teachers/ - https://www.dhammasukha.org/ To find out more about Dr Ruben Laukkonen, visit: - https://rubenlaukkonen.com/ To find out more about Shinzen Young: - www.shinzen.org To find out more about Chelsey Fasano: - www.chelseyfasano.com For more interviews: - www.guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

In this episode I am joined by Professor John Myrdhin Reynolds, also known as Lama Vajranatha: writer, teacher, translator and scholar/practitioner of Tibetan Buddhism. Professor Reynolds recounts his adventurous life of practice and scholarship, including extensive travels throughout Asia and discipleship under revered gurus such as Dudjom Rinpoche, Namkai Norbu, and Lopon Tenzin Namdak. Professor Reynolds details his journey through American academia, explains why he turned down an invitation from the CIA to create Tibetan propaganda, and shares anecdotes of Tibetologists such as Hugh Richardson and Edward Conze, including the latter’s escape from the Nazis and defection from Communist activism. Professor Reynolds also recalls his first out of body experience brought on by a car crash, the mystical visions of water spirits, dakinis, and other beings that have featured in his life since, and tells the story of the tragic consequences of the Gelugpa destruction of the psychic barrier erected by Padmasambhava to protect Tibet from China. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep200-lama-vajranatha-professor-john-myrdhin-reynolds Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics Include: 00:00 - Intro 01:16 - Unusual upbringing and resonance with Greek myth 05:01 - Early interest in Indian religion 07:27 - Encountering the ‘Tibetan Book of the Dead’ 09:46 - Education at Columbia University 10:50 - Western Esotericism and transfer to University of Washington 13:10 - Influence of the British Diplomat and Tibetologist, Hugh Richardson 14:20 - Close relationship with the controversial Professor Edward Conze 16:31 - Escaping the Nazis and running a Communist cell in London 19:29 - Disillusionment with Communism 23:17 - Approached by the CIA to make Tibetan propaganda 28:42 - Leaving his PhD and meeting Tarthang Tulku 33:11 - Boarding a ship for India and meeting Swami Omkar 43:11 - Darjeeling and meeting Kangyur Rinpoche, Dudjom Rinpoche, and others 48:00 - Adventures in Kathmandu 57:49 - Warning about Dharma politics 59:03 - Stories about Namkhai Norbu and other Dzogchen teachers 01:06:19 - Dudjom Rinpoche vs Namkai Norbu’s Dzogchen teaching style 01:07:54 - Surprising Iranian influence on Buddhism and Tibet 01:10:23 - Lopon Tenzin Namdak and Bon 01:14:59 - OBE and a lifetime of psychic experiences and entity visions 01:19:49 - Dakini visionary warning about climate change 01:23:31 - Lama stories of psychic siddhi and the invasion of Tibet 01:27:24 - How to open psychic capacities 01:28:57 - Edward Conze’s Marxism and Buddhism 01:33:48 - Edward Conze’s Visuddhimagga meditation attainments 01:35:41 - Stalin, Buddhism, and Lama Wangyal 01:37:20 - Stories of Tibetan Buddhist missionary incursions into France 01:46:39 - Buddhism’s spread in England via figures such as Ananda Bodhi and Chogyam Trungpa 01:48:32 - The many scandals of Trungpa and his successors 01:49:41 - Dalai Lama tongue-sucking scandal … To find our more about Professor 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 joined by Dr Alexander Arguelles, linguist, world-renowned polyglot, and scholar of comparative religion. In this episode, Dr Arguelles recounts his unusual upbringing in counter-culture America, traces his academic career through institutions such as the Universities of Columbia and Chicago, and details his remarkable life as a scholar and teacher. Dr Arguelles illuminates the inner world of the polyglot, listing his dozens of ancient and modern languages and revealing his methods of study, his surprising daily routine, and how deep immersion in language families such as Germanic or Romantic, can unlock all related languages without the need for extensive study. Dr Arguelles also reflects on his own spiritual life, including his mystical conversion to Catholicism, the unravelling of his vocation as a Benedictine monk, his time in Buddhist meditation retreat, and the ways in which a life of study and language learning can be a profound spiritual path of meditation. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep199-path-of-the-polyglot-dr-alexander-arguelles Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics Include: 00:00 - Intro 01:14 - How Steve met Dr Arguelles 02:40 - Inspiration behind the Academy 05:06 - The power of peers 07:54 - Dr Arguelles’ unusual upbringing 11:49 - Discouraged from language learning by polyglot father 14:41 - Areligious family context 16:19 - Dr Arguelles’ brother’s catastrophic brain disease 17:45 - Encountering Augustine, Anselm, and Aquinas at Columbia University 19:24 - Drawn to the Mystery and conversion to Catholicism 21:53 - The unravelling of his vocation as a Benedictine monk 24:03 - Obtaining a PhD at the University of Chicago about dreams in the Old 24:56 - Norse sagas 25:30 - Reflecting on his conversion experience 28:18 - Dr Arguelles’ current spiritual position 31:10 - Thomas Merton and the Mystery 32:37 - Born to be a monk 34:08 - Dr Arguelles’ language learning journey 35:29 - Learning French, German, Spanish, Latin, Greek, and Sanskrit at Columbia 36:58 - Old Norse, Old High German, Middle High German, Old English, Medieval French at University of Chicago 38:34 - The murder of Ioan Petru Culianu 40:03 - Postdoctoral work on 1890s neo-paganism at the Berlin Centre for Advanced European Studies 41:09 - Immersing in the Germanic and Romance language branches 44:23 - Seeking a greater challenge 45:30 - Unlocking the entire language branch 46:59 - Different personalities in different languages? 47:55 - Awakening languages rather than learning them 51:09 - How many languages does Dr Arguelles speak? 54:04 - Dr Arguelles’ regret 54:44 - The advantage of reading texts in their original languages 58:21 - Monastic phase in South Korea and intense learning 01:03:42 - Learning more languages and immersing in self-study 01:07:08 - Dr Arguelles’ daily routine, beginning at 2am 01:08:46 - Emerging from the monastic phase and getting married 01:09:32 - Immersion in Sanskrit and pruning his languages 01:11:55 - Immersion in Arabic in Lebanon 01:13:05 - Attending Buddhist retreats at Haeinsa in South Korea 01:16:47 - Committing faux pas on retreat 01:18:11 - Meeting and marrying Park Hyun-Kyung 01:20:44 - Dr Arguelles’ language meditation techniques and learning as a spiritual path 01:22:14 - Languages offered at the Academy 01:24:27 - Learning Sanskrit 01:25:37 - Comparative religions and the Great Books … 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

I host a dialogue between Buddhist lineage teacher Dhammarato and best selling author Dean Sluyter. Dhammarato and Dean compare their presentations of the four noble truths, the 8-fold path, and discuss why the right way to practice the meditative path is to take the easy way out. Dhammarato and Dean illuminate Shakespeare’s Macbeth and Hamlet, liken Dharma to the Boléro, and reveal why Henry David Thoreau was America’s first true yogi. Dhammarato and Dean also critique the Goenka and Mahasi methods, expose the #1 meditation mistake, and express why recognising the sacredness of all things is the end of suffering. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep198-dudes-of-dharma-dhammarato-dean-sluyter Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics Include: 00:00 - Intro 01:04 - Buddhism is the easy way out 03:43 - The practice of anapanasati 04:26 - Teaching assistant of meditation 05:26 - Fun and true nature 07:40 - Looking for love in all the wrong places 08:05 - Maharishi Mahesh yogi and Henry David Thoreau 10:05 - Dean’s presentation of the 4 Noble Truths 11:27 - Dhammarato’s presentation of the 4 Noble Truths 13:49 - Problems with Goenka and Mahasi methods 17:11 - What has worked in Dean’s practice 18:11 - Laziness vs scholarship 19:18 - Thoreau, America’s first real yogi 23:22 - Shakespeare’s Macbeth and turning the march into a waltz 25:35 - Boléro and changing you mental meter 28:26 - The art of conversation and true listening 31:32 - The sacredness of all things 34:53 - Living instinctually 38:48 - The #1 meditation mistake 41:55 - Stop running so hard 45:07 - Dodgeball Dharma 46:26 - Are Dhammarato and Dean outsiders? 51:49 - Liking and disliking, the lesson of Genesis and Hamlet 58:36 - The diet of Thai monks 01:01:25 -The Elf code 01:04:36 - Walking on holy ground 01:08:24 - Discussing death 01:11:51 - Dharma of Bugs Bunny … Previous Dhammarato Episodes: - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLlkzlKFgdknyGISEfksirYaYpsrXdf8va Previous Dean Sluyter Episodes: - https://www.guruviking.com/search?q=dean To find out more about Dhammarato, visit: - https://dhammaratoblog.wordpress.com/ - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjxg5GJFsRqnS-YLTzyrjLQ To find out more about Dean Sluyter, visit: - https://deansluyter.com/ … For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - www.guruviking.com … Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

In this episode I am 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. Julian recalls his early interest in philosophy and meditation, and recounts how he emerged from a period of self destruction and found meaning and purpose in academic studies. Julian describes how he fell in love with classical Indic and Tibetan languages, and details the rigorous academic atmosphere at the University of Hamburg, where he immersed in years of reading Sanskrit for many hours a day under masters of philology. Julian makes the case for the vital importance of primary language competency for scholars and religious practitioners alike, and offers his opinion on those who practice or teach religious traditions without an ability to read its writings in the original languages. Julian critiques the idea of Buddhist transmission as a useful lie without historical support which is employed to encourage behaviour in line with the religion’s soteriological aims, and reflects on his own evolving journey as both a scholar and religious practitioner. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep197-scholar-practitioner-dr-julian-schott Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics Include: 00:00 - Intro 01:13 - Julian’s upbringing 02:27 - Origins of Julian’s interest in Indology and Tibetology 03:11 - Investigating meditation traditions 04:13 - Spiritual not religious 05:08 - Early meditation experiences 06:44 - Julian’s favourite meditation techniques 07:18 - Self destructive phase and turning life around 10:37 - The downward spiral 11:28 - Rock bottom 12:44 - The day is full of potential 13:14 - Immersion in the study of history, classical Western philosophy, law, and 14:58 - Falling in love with Indian and Tibetan language 17:04 - Redirecting from law to philology 17:47 - Discovering what real mastery takes 19:21 - Rigorous academic atmosphere at University of Hamburg 20:16 - Reading Sanskrit for 5-6 hours a day 23:46 - Self-teaching Classical Tibetan via Sanskrit 24:44 - How to bridge the intermediate gap in language learning 27:43 - The vital role of primary language knowledge in understanding a religion and culture 31:29 - The incredible level of previous generations of philologists and Indologists 32:29 - The diminishing role of primary language learning in the academy 34:51 - The limitations of not knowing the primary languages 37:17 - To meditators and religious teachers who don’t know the languages 42:05 - Julian’s own religious journey 43:39 - Scepticism vs naivety 44:37 - Liberated by the proliferating unknowns in practice and scholarship 46:54 - Friction with religious institutions 48:23 - Make your own Dharma 50:31 - Mistaken ideas about lineage and transmission in Buddhism 54:05 - The useful lie of Buddhist lineage 55:51 - Critically investigating Buddhist claims 57:42 - Challenging the esoteric claims of Tantric Buddhist transmission 01:00:56 - Surpassing the master and the Jedi dimension 01:05:53 - Julian probes Steve’s opinion on doctrinal contradictions 01:07:23 - Lack of self confidence and making your own Dharma 01:10:42 - Contradictions of modern Buddhist practitioners 01:12:34 - Was Buddha a Buddhist? … 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

In this episode I am joined by Justin Von Bujdoss, an American Buddhist teacher and chaplain. Justin recalls his upbringing in Soho, Manhattan as the son of a multi-generational family of painters, immersed in the New York art scene, attending a specialist high school, and engaging in study abroad programs across Europe and Asia. Justin recounts his childhood dreams of saints and spiritual masters, and his early fascination with Ancient Egypt and Western Occultism, which saw him transcribing magickal texts and engaging in rituals of evocation and divination. Justin explains why his conversion to Buddhism was inevitable, describes his meetings with great masters, and shares his passion for Vajrayogini practice and Mahamudra meditation. Justin also reveals why conducting dark retreat and studying Ati Yoga under Dr Nida Chenagtsang has brought him to an experience of the nature of mind so powerful that he has departed from many of the views expressed in his book ‘Modern Tantric Buddhism’, as well as reduced his interest in propagating the Repa lineage in which he is ordained. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep196-modern-tantric-buddhism-justin-von-bujdoss Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics Include: 00:00 - Intro 01:10 - Upbringing in Soho, New York 03:35 - Intense childhood spiritual interest 05:28 - Fascination with Ancient Egypt and Western Occultism 09:20 - From Western Occultism to Vajrayana 10:11 - Magickal ritual practice 13:41 - Practical success with Ancient Egyptian magick 16:37 - Childhood dreams of mahasiddhas 18:26 - Past life visions of connections with Tibetan Buddhism and early Indian Tantra 22:11 - Comments on the tulku tradition 24:34 - Attending a specialised high school and Antioch college 27:43 - Travels to India, meeting masters, 32:42 - Affinity with India and Tibet and converting to Buddhism 37:45 - Why Justin did not learn Tibetan or Sanskrit 39:52 - Learning Mahamudra from Tsunma Dechen Zangmo 41:56 - Passion for Vajrayogini practice 44:10 - Learning how to practice and juggling multiple lineages 52:19 - Signs of progress in Justin’s practice 59:30 - Infantilisation of American students in Tibetan Buddhism 01:02:30 - Justin’s critique of the Tibetan Buddhist culture and tradition 01:04:38 - Learning culture vs getting enlightened 01:06:05 - Why Justin ordained as a Repa 01:13:36 - Moving away from the Repa lineage 01:17:44 - Ordaining to make a point 01:19:30- To whom was Justin making a point? 01:23:50 - Losing interest in importing Buddhism to the USA 01:25:45 - Learning Ati Yoga from Dr Nida Chenagtsang 01:28:45 - How experiencing the nature of mind revolutionised Justin’s religious life … To find our more about Justin Van Bujdoss, visit: - https://justinvonbujdoss.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 reflects on his creative journey and its clash with his spiritual awakenings. Morgan recounts his childhood creative impulses and traces his career from his first time on stage to national success. Morgan contemplates the pros and cons of fame and reveals the inner workings of TV marketing requirements. Morgan discusses the surprising engine of his creative process, how to make art from pain and socio-political strife, and why his spiritual awakenings disrupted his creative urge. Morgan explains how the urge to serve the community replaced the need for artistic success, how his friends and fans reacted to his change of direction, and how an immersion into sacred mathematics birthed the creation of his Yinnergy audio meditation program. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep195-enlightened-comedian-morgan-o-smith-2 Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics include: 00:00 - Intro 01:12 - Childhood fasciations 04:08 - Early creative impulses in music, art, and fashion 13:06 - Getting a recording contract in Rap and Hip Hop 15:04 - Discovering stand-up comedy 16:07 - Coming up with the name ‘Mista Mo’ 17:15 - First spot as a stand-up comedian 18:13 - Following Howie Mandel 19:09 - Honing the craft 20:03 - Support from Dave Chapelle 21:47 - Music activities 22:21 - Getting picked up by the Comedy Network 24:10 - Developing an original voice as a comedian 30:27 - Comedy from inner darkness and authenticity 32:22 - Run in with Russell Peters 33:27 - Making comedy from pain and racism 36:52 - The consequences of making art from darkness and pain 39:34 - Making comedy from taboo subjects and current events 45:18 - Struggles with fame 51:58 - Collaboration with Daryn Jones 55:09 - Financial ups and downs of the creative life 58:33 - ‘You’re here to sell soap’ 01:01:05 - Meditation interrupting the creative drive 01:05:24 - 3-day lucid dreaming experience 01:08:04 - Personality and motivation changes from meditation 01:11:14 - Desire to work in non-profit and work in the community 01:14:01 - Loss and rediscovery of creativity after awakening 01:17:19 - Criticisms from others for pursuing meditation 01:20:20 - A life-changing interaction with a fan 01:25:04 - Realisation of turiya 01:27:02 - Sacred mathematics and creating Yinnergy meditation program 01:39:58 - Psychedelics and channeled information 01:49:17 - Microdosing 01:50:33 - Developing Yinnergy further 01:53:52 - Ayahuasca 01:58:16 - Realising non-duality 02:02:56 - Kundalini awakening 02:06:30 - Final awakening, beyond non-duality 02:24:30 - Advice for creative people and spirituality … Previous episode with Morgan O Smith: - www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep176-the-awakening-of-mista-mo 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 Dr Yannis Toussulis, Sufi lineage holder, psychotherapist, and author of ‘Sufism: The Way of Blame’. Dr Toussulis takes a deep dive into the practice and history of Sufism, including its historical interactions with Buddhism, Vedantism, Zoroastrianism, and posits a neoplatonic and Hellenic substructure underpinning Sufi mysticism. Dr Toussulis outlines the 4 phases of Sufism as a living practice, details its 7 stages of wisdom, and explains the role of bliss and tranquility in Sufi contemplation. Dr Toussulis also discusses the crucial role of the teacher, the importance of the circle of fellow practitioners, the role of ethics and direct experience, and why true Sufism must go beyond union with God as the ultimate end and purpose of the path. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep194-sufism-the-way-of-blame-dr-yannis-toussulis-2 Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics Include: 00:00 - Intro 01:00 - Why the book? 03:04 - What is Sufism? 05:59 - What is the Way of Blame? 07:29 - Exoteric and esoteric Islam 10:45 - Influences from Christianity, Judaism, Zoroastrianism, Hinduism, and Buddhism 12:44 - Hellenism and the neoplatonic substructure of Sufism 14:02 - What is Neoplatonism? 15:37 - Nondualistic vs dualistic Sufism 21:31 - Evidence of Vedantic influence on Sufism 23:00 - Patanjali and other influence on Sufism 24:00 - Did Islam influence Medieval Christianity? 26:53 - The 4 phases of Sufism as a practice 29:59 - How to enter a school of Sufism 30:33 - Sufi meditative practices and states of direct cognition 33:26 - Sufism vs Buddhism and Advaita Vedanta 34:24 - Different approaches to morality in Sufism 36:52 - Application of the Sharia 38:47 - Sexual ethics in Islam 43:19 - Academic vs practice knowledge 45:43 - Constituents of Sufi practice 49:13 - Group practice 52:49 - 7 stages of wisdom 58:00 - Bliss and tranquility 59:50 - Dark night of the soul 01:02:05 - The role of the teacher and transmission 01:06:16 - Siddhi and spiritual progress 01:08:30 - Human completeness and going beyond union with God 01:11:36 - Effects of success in Sufi practice 01:14:26 - Sufi views on death and the afterlife 01:17:07 - The future of Sufism in the West 01:22:07 - Islam’s critique of secularism 01:23:54 - Dogma vs spiritual potency 01:27:27 - Unprecedented challenges facing humanity today 01:29:34 - A Sufi response? 01:31:54 - Importance of direct experience … Previous episode with Dr Yannis Toussulis: - https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep179-adventures-of-a-sufi-mystic-dr-yannis-toussulis … To find our more about Dr Yannis Toussulis, visit: - http://www.itlaqfoundation.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 Evan Thompson: Professor of Philosophy at the University of British Columbia, an Associate Member of the Department of Asian Studies and the Department of Psychology, and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada. Dr Thompson discusses his 2014 book ‘Waking, Dreaming, Being’ and takes a deep dive into the self from the point of view of the world’s contemplative traditions as well as neuroscience and philosophy of mind. Dr Thompson shares his life-long fasciation with the way in which consciousness and the sense of self change across different phases of the wake-sleep cycle, and challenges claims that insight into the self is a means to eliminate suffering and attain enlightenment. Dr Thompson reveals his own deep practice of meditation, lucid dreaming, Tai Chi and Chinese energy arts, and explains how he, as both a trained skeptical philosopher and as a dedicated practitioner, approaches the religious framing of practice and related concepts such as ‘chi’ and ‘enlightenment’. Dr Thompson also answers Youtube comments about our previous interview, including a clarification of his critique of Buddhist exceptionalism and a response to Buddhists who feel his work threatens their religious affiliation. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep193-waking-dreaming-being-dr-evan-thompson Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics include: 00:00 - Intro 01:30 - Answering Youtube comments 02:14 - ‘Why I Am Not A Buddhist’ and Bertrand Russel 04:59 - What would Bertrand Russel target today? 06:18 - The non-aligned mystic 08:15 - Does Evan meditate? 10:13 - Evan’s extensive daily qigong and tai chi practice 11:55 - Retreat practice and states of high concentration 13:00 - Why does Evan practice so diligently? 13:15 - How does Evan think about ‘chi’? 17:35 - Traps in understanding of chi 18:24 - Why does Evan still meditate if he is not a Buddhist? 20:11 - Evan’s critiques of the doctrinal framing of practices 22:25 - Response to Buddhists who are threatened by Evan’s work 25:43 - Waking, Dreaming, Being 27:28 - Fascination with how consciousness alters across the sleep-wake cycle 28:11 - Evan reflects on ‘Waking, Dreaming, Being’ 29:58 - How Evan’s views on practice have evolved 31:12 - The sense of self and the experience of consciousness 32:20 - Awareness, contents of awareness, and sense of self 34:21 - Self construction in imagination, memory, and lucid dreaming 37:03 - 1st person vs 3rd person memory 38:23 - View/field dreams vs outside dreams 39:11 - The self experience in lucid dreaming and OBE’s 41:12 - Evan’s lucid dreaming practice 42:38 - Meeting the Dalai Lama and beginning to lucid dream 44:50 - The curriculum of lucid dreaming in Tibetan Buddhism 46:09 - Meditating in the dream state and Alan Wallace’s advice 48:37 - Walking through walls and transforming the dream 49:39 - Evan’s powerful tai chi dreams 50:06 - Variation in lucid dreaming talent 51:07 - What constitutes the sense of self? 52:51 - How does the self complex arise? 54:56 - Metacognition 55:33 - Mindfulness rides on social cognitive capacities 56:40 - Self understanding and claims of liberation 59:10 - The value of the Buddhist view of self 01:01:54 - The claim that insight into self reduces suffering is naive 01:04:12 - How to make the world a better place 01:04:49 - Social is crucial 01:05:57 - Hermit is a social category 01:06:31 - Recognising the value of meditation in a social context 01:09:27 - Vasubandu vs Candrakirti and Metzinger vs Thompson 01:12:32 - Evan’s upcoming projects 01:14:22 - Dying, our ultimate transformation … Previous episode with Evan Thompson: - www.guruviking.com/podcast/158-why-i-am-not-a-buddhist-evan-thompson … To find out more about Evan Thompson, visit: - https://evanthompson.me/ 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 Tara Springett, a Buddhist psychotherapist who specialises in treating Kundalini Syndrome. Tara takes a deep dive into the supernatural and reveals why it is so common for those undergoing a kundalini awakening to have paranormal experiences. Tara lists the paranormal abilities and siddhi powers that are available, explains in detail about how to develop them, and sheds light on topics such as remote influence, exorcisms, and astral sex. Tara also offers criteria for differentiating between kundalini awakening and psychosis, reveals her own experiences of ghosts and exorcisms, and explains how to defend against hostile magickal attacks. … Video version: www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep192-kundalini-the-paranormal-tara-springett Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … #TaraSpringett #Kundalini #KundaliniAwakening #GarchenRinpoche #Kundalinicrisis #psychosis … Topics Include: 00:00 - Intro 00:55 - 4 modes of consciousness expansion of kundalini 03:31 - Paranormal experiences after kundalini awakening 05:12 - Creativity and the kundalini test 06:02 - Are paranormal experiences inevitable? 06:57- Intuition and clairvoyance 09:52 - Psychosis vs kundalini experience 14:10 - Welcome and unwelcome paranormal experiences 15:47 - Further differential diagnosis between psychosis and kundalini 18:20 - List of possible paranormal experiences 20:14 - Entity attachment 21:24 - Subject-object division does not apply in the paranormal 23:19 - Entities vs sub-personalities 25:55 - Pros and cons of exorcisms 27:56 - Tara’s encounter with a ghost 30:59 - Advice for those who wish to experience the paranormal 32:42 - How to practice paranormal abilities 33:22 - Siddhi powers 34:34 - Paranormal influence of others 36:32 - Black and white magick 37:57 - Astral sex 38:42 - Defending against black magick attack 40:28 - Padmasambhava pacifying demons 43:09 - Book recommendations 43:58 - How to cultivate siddhi powers 48:34 - Spiritual healing 49:22 - The role of practice 52:48 - Powering up the kundalini energy 55:14 - How difficult is it to develop siddhi? 59:03 - Tara’s training in spiritual healing and spiritualism 01:00:06 - Making money from siddhi 01:03:35 - Paying your bad karmic debts 01:08:22 - Tara’s advice … Previous episodes with Tara Springett: - https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep137-kundalini-awakening-tara-springett - https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep172-kundalini-therapist-tara-springett To find out more about Tara Springett, visit: - https://www.taraspringett.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 Martin Faulks: author, hermeticist, meditation adept, and memory expert. Martin takes us through a journey of the remarkable people he has encountered in his life as an occultist and meditation practitioner. Including his close inner circle of adepts, a famous American Ninja, Bohemian occult masters, Freemason private detectives, nature mystics, and more. Martin also discusses his own career as a teacher, how he deals with online haters and stalkers, and why it is that so many students fall out from their teachers. … Video version: www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep191-sojourns-in-the-occult-martin-faulks-2 Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics Include: 00:00 - Intro 00:42 - Martin’s powerful group of friends 05:20 - Martin’s two disclaimers 07:41 - Two significant observations about practice and instructions 15:38 - Consistency in the Zen temple 18:31 - Small virtues and the celebration of champions 21:20 - Martin’s unusual upbringing and his clairvoyant grandmother 25:20 - Deep friendship with Swami Atmagyanam 34:17 - Bo Ou Mander the acupuncturist and internal arts master 42:42 - The transformative influence of Martin’s partner Kindra Jones 54:01 - Is Stephen K Hayes the ninja the real deal? 01:02:32 - A remarkable Japanese Zen nun 01:11:44 - Duncan the Freemason private detective 01:22:14 - The spiritual aristocrat and other honourable mentions 01:24:42 - Practicing Franz Bardon brought Martin everything he ever wanted 01:25:34 - How to really practice Franz Bardon’s system 01:36:45 - Training with a reclusive nature mystic 01:43:30 - Martin’s occult students 01:49:08 - Learning from all sources 01:51:41 - Working with Martin and advice for practitioners 01:55:53 - Dealing with conflicts and haters 02:01:40 - Martin’s female stalkers 02:04:38 - Does Martin have a nemesis? 02:15:33 - Falling out with your teacher … Previous episode with Martin Faulks: - https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/162-the-hermeticist-martin-faulks To find out more about Martin Faulks, visit: - https://martinfaulks.co.uk/ … For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - www.guruviking.com … Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

In this episode I am 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 Lost Spiritual King of Bhutan’. Naomi recalls why she dropped out of academia to pursue an alternative lifestyle, and through a series of life-changing encounters with Tibetan gurus such as Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, 16th Karmapa, and Tai Situpa, converted to Buddhism and moved to India to pursue a life of yogic practice. Naomi describes her close discipleship under Tai Situpa, and recounts her initial meeting, and subsequent multi-year relationship, with the Shabdrung - a highly revered Bhutanese tulku said to possess potent magical abilities. Naomi also discusses the difficulty of differentiating between crazy wisdom and abusive behaviour, reflects her own naivety about what the practice of Vajrayana really entails, and describes the signs of enlightenment after the death of great beings. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep190-love-death-in-the-himalayas-naomi-levine Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics Include: 00:00 - Intro 01:14 - Naomi’s recent autobiographical writings 04:58 - The last free generation 09:53 - How the world and culture changed and became less open 11:51 - Post war culture and music’s effect on culture 12:50 - Naomi’s PhD thesis on the English playwright Arnold Wesker and moving to England 14:37 - The extraordinary village of Hay-on-Wye 16:05 - Naomi’s family of origin and upbringing 17:48 - A powerful Saturn return 19:34 - Meeting Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche at Samye Ling 21:46 - Impressions of Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche 25:19 - Life changing meeting with the 16th Karmapa 26:30 - Becoming a disciple of Tai Situ Rinpoche 27:48 - Conversion to Buddhism 30:18 - Naivety about the realities of Vajrayana practice 33:23 - The Guru is not your best friend 34:20 - Not ready for Tantra 37:17 - What’s really required for Vajrayana practice 40:24 - Vajrayana cannot be taught in today’s culture 45:11 - Meeting the Shabdrung for the first time 49:06 - Falling in love with the Shabdrung and beginning a relationship 51:16 - The remarkable story of the previous Shabdrung incarnations 53:02 - Great beings can still experience trauma 55:08 - Crazy wisdom or just crazy? 01:01:13 - Impressions of Bhutan 01:03:49 - Supernatural experiences around the Shabdrung 01:05:58 - The death of the Shabdrung and revealing realisation 01:08:31 - Shabdrung’s opinion of other lamas 01:10:14 - How Naomi’s book was received 01:13:14 - Not a great Khandro … 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: - www.guruviking.com … Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

In this episode I am once again joined by Dean Sluyter: meditation teacher and best-selling author of several books including ‘Cinema Nirvana: Enlightenment Lessons from the Movies’. Dean explores the distinction between the art and craft of meditation, what it means to rest in effortlessness, and critiques much meditation practice is egoic aggrandisement and fetishisation. Dean discusses the edifying effect of finding religious themes in literature and cinema, and discusses the approach he takes in his books to analyse both the Western Canon and the great movies of the past. Dean also recounts stories of his time studying with Ngak’chang Rinpoche of the Aro gTer Buddhist group, draws parallels between jazz and enlightenment, and weighs in on the direction of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep189-effortless-awakening-dean-sluyter-2 Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics Include: 00:00 - Intro 00:59 - Stories about Ngak’chang Rinpoche of the Aro gTer 06:48 - The living edge of practice 08:43 - Craft in art 09:54 - Creativity and the secret of improvisation 11:21 - The vocabulary of jazz 11:47 - Work to play 13:01 - Meditation does not require work 15:38 - Resting in effortlessness 17:43 - Egoic meditation heroics 18:23 - Dean guides contacting effortlessness 20:45 - Dealing with being caught up with thoughts 23:19 - Meditation on-ramp 26:59 - Dean’s favourite mantras 28:23 - Fetishising meditation 29:42 - Dean’s free meditation classes 30:19 - Facsimiles of true meditation 30:43 - Mood making and intellectualisation 33:59 - Spontaneous openings to awakening 37:40 - Practice vs effort 43:14 - What is the ultimate practice? 43:49 - The moment of enlightenment 46:28 - Evaluating results of practice 49:34 - Emily Dickinson and the watershed moment 51:55 - Finding dharma in literature 52:45 - Finding dharma in cinema 53:19 - Interpreting art 57:46 - Dean’s interpretive approach 01:00:51 - Spreading dharma in the dialect of the people 01:03:53 - Addiction to intensity and the Marvel Cinematic Universe … Previous episode with Dean Sluyter: - https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/163-dharma-bums-guide-to-western-literature-dean-sluyter Interview with Ngak’chang Rinpoche: - https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep16-ngapka-chogyam-and-khandro-dechen-guru-viking-interviews To find out more about Dean Sluyter, visit: - https://deansluyter.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 Bruce Frantzis, world renowned Taoist master and author of books such as ‘Opening the Energy Gates of your Body’ and ‘Taoist Sexual Meditation’. Bruce recounts his training as a Taoist priest in an ancient secret society, including psychic training, sexual training, spiritual training, and more. Bruce discusses his training in Taoist exorcism, recalls the first exorcism he witnessed, and tells stories about exorcising trapped spirits in concentration camps and other sites of historical suffering. Bruce goes into depth about his training with Liu Hung Cheh, the Taoist immortal who would become Bruce’s most significant master, and shares impressions and memories from that time including Liu Hung Cheh’s last great miracle. Bruce also reflects on personal enlightenment, astral projection, the business of religion, compares Buddhism with Taoism, and considers his own legacy as a Taoist master. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep188-esoteric-taoism-bruce-frantzis-2 Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics Include: 00:00 - Intro 01:09 - Wang Shu Jin and Taoist priesthood 03:01 - China’s history of secret societies 04:39 - Inducted into a secret society 08:36 - Branches of learning 09:39 - Witnessing an exorcism 10:50 -Bruce’s Taoist sex education 11:55 - Secret psychic training 14:16 - Problem with modern presentations of Buddhism, Taoism, and Christianity 16:23 - The role of a Taoist priest 17:16 - Sexual tests 19:39 - Learning qigong tui na 20:45 - Feeling chi and releasing trauma 26:14 - Varieties of enlightenment 29:42 - Personality development and the human condition 34:31 - Becoming aware of what’s inside and clearing out trauma 38:39 - Bruce’s teachers’ extreme methods 42:50 - Enlightenment and the 10,000 identities 47:53 - Internal alchemy after enlightenment 48:23 - Seeing beyond this life 51:33 - Astral body journeys to other planets 53:28 - The life of Bruce’s master, Liu Hung Cheh 57:06 - Bruce reflects on Liu Hung Cheh 59:27 - Life with Liu Hung Cheh 01:03:55 - The death of Liu Hung Cheh and leaving China 01:09:36 - Kalu Rinpoche and mystical visions 01:15:49 - Compassion and Bruce’s tonglen practice 01:22:00 - Bruce’s greatest gift 01:22:04 - The cultural revolution 01:23:26 - Beginning to teach meditation 01:25:03 - Clearing out trapped spirits in concentration camps and comments on Kabbalah 01:27:53 - Comments on Scientology 01:31:18 - Miraculous physical feats of Liu Hung Cheh 01:32:31 - Liu Hung Cheh’s final miracle 01:36:39 - Taoist exorcism 01:38:57 - Sex with 1000 women 01:40:37 - Full effort with no force 01:44:44 - Dzogchen vs Taoism 01:47:53 - The martial and spiritual potentials of Tai Chi 01:52:26 - Buddhism vs Taoism 01:54:54 - Beyond happiness 01:53:44 - Difficulties teaching Taoism in the West 01:56:44 - Bruce’s legacy 01:57:40 - Taoism is practical … Previous episode with Bruce Frantzis: - https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep171-taoist-master-bruce-frantzis To find out more about Bruce Frantzis, visit: - https://www.energyarts.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 K.A Shakoor: spiritual life coach, doctor of traditional Chinese medicine, and author of several books such as ‘Ghetto Sutras’ and ‘Maahaah Yoga’. Dr Shakoor discusses his own meditation practice, including periods of extreme mantra recitation, and recounts his struggles to reconcile the Bodhisattva ideal with corporate culture and for-profit medicine. Dr Shakoor shares his experiences teaching energy and meditation techniques to the mentally ill, and discusses the discipline needed to acquire mastery of such techniques. Dr Shakoor also recounts his own encounters with evil, including anecdotes of exorcisms, sorcery, and occult attacks, as well as magickal self defence advice for healers and spiritual practitioners. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep187-the-bodhisattva-occult-self-defence-dr-ka-shakoor-2 Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics Include: 00:00 - Intro 00:54 - Training in Sufism 04:04 - Extreme Buddhist mantra practice 04:58 - Expressing the Bodhisattva ideal 05:36 - Disillusionment with corporate culture and racial politics 10:24 - Work as a social worker and counsellor 11:31 - The business of medicine 14:34 - The art of leadership 18:35 - Struggles navigating the healthcare industry 23:33 - Teaching energetic practices to the mentally ill 25:14 - Fake teachers of energy arts 27:05 - Discipline in personal practice 27:50 - 1-1 instruction is vital 30:05 - Direct teaching and Dr Nida Chenagtsang 31:27 - Facing challenges in practice 36:09 - Novelty seeking vs persistence and follow-through 38:23 - Old school teaching methods 39:03 - Wrong Tummo meditation and damaging chi 41:13 - Encountering evil 43:01 - Sorcery and ritual trauma 44:56 - Magick is easy to do, but difficult to fix 45:57 - Tools to help victims of magick 48:16 - Influence of Chagdud Rinpoche 49:28 - Exorcisms and spiritual healing 50:10 - Dr Shakoor’s first exorcism 52:58 - Possession vs psychological imbalances 53:30 - The importance of buy-in 54:29 - Occult attacks on Dr Shakoor 57:37 - Why healers and spiritual practitioners come under occult attack 01:00:35 - Psychic self defense advice 01:05:31 - Psychic recoil 01:06:39 - The basics are most important Previous episode with Dr K.A. Shakoor: - https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/164-dr-ka-shakoor-ghetto-sutras To find out more about Dr K.A. Shakoor, visit: - https://www.drkashakoor.com/ … For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - www.guruviking.com … Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

In this episode I am joined by Camille Maurine, meditation mentor, dancer, and author of ‘Meditation Secrets For Women’ written with her husband Dr Lorin Roche. Camille describes her turbulent upbringing and how her discovery of practices of mediation and embodiment saw her embark on over 50 years of adventure and exploration. Camille recalls her performance career in dance and theatre, how she used movement to learn to feel her emotions, and the practices she uses to process strong feeling. Camille recounts meeting Lorin Roche at a time when she had rejected romantic relationships, and how she drew on inner processes and practices to open into relationship with him. Camille also discusses meditation secrets for women, why one should not fear the depths, how to honour one’s rhythms, and reflects on the limitations of male-oriented religious and spiritual systems. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep186-meditation-secrets-for-women-camille-maurine Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics Include: 00:00 - Intro 01:04 - Camille’s upbringing 05:32 - Discovering dance at the time of her mother’s death 06:40 - The path of spirituality, creativity, and love 10:16 - Studying philosophy and looking for the essence in all 12:51 - Marriage to Lorin Roche 15:09 - Learning how to feel emotion 19:00 - Calling the inner beloved 20:32 - Camille leads a drinking practice 22:26 - Meeting Lorin Roche 28:13 - Empowerment and vulnerability 30:14 - From inner marriage to relationship with Lorin 36:25 - When love feels like dying 38:49 - Connection and awe 40:12 - Practices for working with strong emotion and deep patterns 45:16 - Primal, primary, and primordial creativity 52:39 - Meditation Secrets For Women 57:10 - Do not fear the depths 01:01:08 - Honouring your rhythms and hormonal cycles 01:05:02 - Male-oriented religions and spiritual traditions 01:09:37 - Tragic misunderstanding about meditation 01:13:02 - Camille’s contribution to Lorin’s ‘Radiance Sutras’ rendering of the Vijnana Bhairava Tantra 01:19:40 - Training meditation teachers 01:26:30 - Concluding remarks … Previous episodes with Lorin here: - https://www.guruviking.com/the-guru-viking-interviews-ep1-lorin-roche-phd/ - https://www.guruviking.com/guru-viking-interviews-ep6-lorin-roche-phd/ - https://www.guruviking.com/ep30-lorin-roche-pandemic-edition-guru-viking-podcast/ - https://www.guruviking.com/ep55-lorin-roche-instinctive-meditation/ To find out more about Camille visit: - https://www.camillemaurine.com/ - www.meditationtt.com - www.radiancesutras.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 Lorin Roche PhD, meditation teacher and author of ‘The Radiance Sutras’. Lorin describes meditation as an affair with life force itself, explores the role of sleep and rest, and explains the discipline of following the cosmic impulse in one’s practice. In the context of this meditative view and drawing from his experience of 40 years of marriage, Loren reflects on intimate relationship, including his own journey in understanding intimacy, meditation keys to a thriving relationship, and how to use meditation to keep love alive. Lorin also discusses tantric sex, including the difference between technique and art, common errors and misunderstandings, and the redemptive power of spiritual union. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep185-meditation-and-tantric-sex-lorin-roche-phd Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics include: 00:00 - Intro 00:54 - Meditation as an affair with life force 04:19 - How to thrive in a long term relationship 07:39 - Psychedelic origins of meditation traditions 08:55 - Childhood in 1950’s Malibu 12:14 - Teenage schooling in Santa Monica and summer hunting in Kenya 15:48 - Meditating with the Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra and discovering Tantric Sex 19:57 - Seeking a romantic relationship between equals 22:46 - How to use meditation to keep love alive 25:09 - Spontaneous meditation and healing trauma 30:37 - Psychedelic intensity of reality 35:32 - Celebration of thinking in meditation 38:35 - What is tantric sex? 41:32 - Technique and the art of touch 43:53 - Errors in tantric sex 46:54 - Prerequisites to practicing tantric sex 49:40 - Patanjali’s 8 Limbs and the yogic lifestyle 51:59 - Sleep and deep rest 55:52 - Following the cosmic impulse 56:46 - Beyond solo meditation into union with a partner 58:51 - Yogic science of the senses and sound 01:02:32 - The power of craving for fullness of being 01:07:39 - Redemptive power of spiritual sex 01:14:31 - Meditation in the modern world 01:18:02 - Attending to the electricity of sensation 01:20:18 - Lorin’s meditation teacher training program 01:24:30 - How Lorin teaches meditation 01:26:30 - The power of deep listening … Previous episodes with Lorin here: - https://www.guruviking.com/the-guru-viking-interviews-ep1-lorin-roche-phd/ - https://www.guruviking.com/guru-viking-interviews-ep6-lorin-roche-phd/ - https://www.guruviking.com/ep30-lorin-roche-pandemic-edition-guru-viking-podcast/ - https://www.guruviking.com/ep55-lorin-roche-instinctive-meditation/ To find out more about Lorin visit: - www.lorinroche.com - www.radiancesutras.com - www.meditationtt.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 doctor of Tibetan Medicine and Buddhist spiritual teacher Dr Nida Chenagtsang and Dr Ian A. Baker, author, scholar, and initiate of Buddhist, Taoist, and Hindu Tantric lineages. Drs Nida and Ian explore the theme of Vajrayana in the 21st century, including issues such as tradition and innovation, mass empowerments vs 1-1 discipleship, and what is essential for successful practice. Drs Nida and Ian discuss common mistakes in practicing the 6 Yogas of Naropa, religious syncretism, and dark triad traits of narcissism, psychopathy, and machiavellianism in spiritual teachers. Drs Nida and Ian also discuss the role of religious institutions in the history of Vajrayana and explore the tensions between the critical historical approach of academia with traditional views often held by religious teachers and practicing Buddhists. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep184-the-vajra-path-dr-nida-chenagtsang-dr-ian-a-baker Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics include: 00:00 - Intro 01:05 - The Vajra Path 03:42 - Tradition and innovation 08:25 - Mass empowerments 10:24 - 84 Mahasiddhas and individualised practice 13:14 - Vajrayana is experiential 14:52 - Correcting misunderstandings 16:53 - What is essential for Vajrayana to be effective? 19:11 - The role of empowerment 21:00 - Listen, study, meditate 23:19 - The power of place 25:03 - Discerning effective methods for contemporary audiences 28:23 - Secrecy and education 32:18 - How much practice is needed for Varjayana? 36:30 - Struggles with dream yoga and tummo 40:14 - Working with your talents 42:34 - 6 Yogas study mistakes 44:05 - Misguided attitudes to ngondro, preliminary practices 47:06 - Spiritual cocktails and narcissism 49:02 - How to relate to other traditions 50:49 - Syncretism the critical historical perspective 54:51 - Fundamental values 58:12 - Dark triad traits in spiritual practitioners and teachers 01:02:12 - Vajrayana and institutions 01:03:35 - Distilling the essence or taking out of context? 01:05:00 - Dr Nida’s vision of Vajrayana institutions 01:06:38 - Cultural trappings vs the essence of Buddhism 01:12:49 - Dr Ian on religious institutions and the evolution of Vajrayana 01:16:41 - Essence of Vajrayana 01:20:45 - Who does Vajrayana belong to? 01:22:25 - Critical historical vs traditional perspectives 01:26:39 - Dr Nida reflects on the power of simplicity 01:30:09 - Friendship and collaboration 01:31:33 - Hijacking of Buddhism 01:34:47 - Deelaboration and the beautiful adventure 01:36:40 - Future trips, courses, and activities … Previous episodes with Dr Nida Chenagtsang: - https://www.guruviking.com/search?q=nida Previous episodes with Dr Ian A. Baker: - https://www.guruviking.com/search?q=baker … To find out more about The Vajra Path, visit: - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088040336775 - https://www.instagram.com/thevajrapath/ … For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - https://www.guruviking.com/ Music 'Deva Dasi' by Steve James

In this interview I am joined by Dr Caroline Van Damme, an adult psychiatrist and family and systemic psychotherapist specialising in chronic psychotic disorders, and co-teacher of Buddhist guru and Sowa Rigpa doctor Nida Chenagtsang. Dr Caroline draws on her extensive clinical experience as a psychiatrist, as well as her personal meditation practice, to explore the adverse effects of meditation, including psychosis, depersonalisation/derealisation, and spiritual bypass. Dr Caroline considers the pros and cons of sleep deprivation as a spiritual training tool, visualisation practices of Buddhist Vajrayana, and shares stories of extended meditation retreats gone wrong. Dr Caroline gives recommendations for those who wish to practice intensively, including dangers signs to watch for, the markers of high-risk individuals, and the importance of a a strong psychology and deep foundation in preliminary practice. Dr Caroline also details her own success in using meditation with her patients in clinical settings, including with populations typically considered to be at high risk, and recounts her patient reports about the significant benefits of their practice. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep183-adverse-effects-of-meditation-dr-caroline-van-damme Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics include: 00:00 - Intro 01:21 - Adverse effects of meditation 05:13 - Meditation and psychosis 08:42 - Matthieu Ricard’s advice 10:37 - Meditation success with schizophrenia 16:25 - Willoughby Britton’s work on adverse effects 18:39 - Caroline reflects on her own meditation practice 20:52 - Dangers of visualisation meditation 23:04 - Traumatic meditation retreats 27:42 - Modulating intensity and pre-practice warnings 30:57 - Spiritual bypass and tantric Buddhist practice 32:00 - Sleep deprivation as a sign of enlightenment 33:32 - When to push through hell 38:20 - Caroline’s monk patient who developed schizophrenia 41:17 - Sleep deprivation as a training tool 48:30 - Recommendations for those who wish to engage in intense practice 51:53 - The Dalai Lama’s sleep schedule 52:45 - Delusions of special powers 53:58 - Insomnia 55:36 - Cannabis and meditation 57:07 - Profile of a high risk person 57:43 - Enlightenment vs depersonalisation / derealisation 01:02:39 - Dream yoga and derealisation 01:07:50 - Caroline’s clinical experience teaching meditation to her patients 01:20:19 - Mechanism of benefit in meditation 01:24:50 - Impulse control and inner peace 01:29:03 - The stigma of mental illness … Previous episode with Dr Van Damme: - www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep143-dr-caroline-van-damme-psychiatry-religious-experience 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 interview I am joined by Adam Mizner, internationally renowned tai chi practitioner and meditation teacher. Adam recounts how a troubled childhood saw him begin martial arts and meditation training, and he reflects on his childhood psychic visionary experiences. Adam discusses the nature of internal cultivation, the role of standing practice, and provides a detailed analysis of the remarkable abilities and attainments of his teacher, the Thai Buddhist Arahant, Luang Por Jamnian. Adam also shares his current understanding about the true path of meditation, criticises visualisation practices found in Vajrayana Buddhism, questions the efficacy of tummo meditation, and elaborates on the mechanics of his famous push hands abilities. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep182-meditation-maverick-adam-mizner Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics Include: 00:00 - Intro 00:53 - Difficult childhood & psychic visions 03:13 - Are psychic powers actually an ailment 04:26 - Pros and cons of psychic openness 06:10 - Beginning Tai Chi and meditation 08:09 - Hard training 08:54 - Internal cultivation is not gentle 10:37 - Becoming a Tai Chi creature 15:38 - Adam’s early training 18:20 - The power of standing practice 21:21 - Harnessing obsessive qualities for practice 23:15 - Leaving fight training 24:24 - Adam’s teachers 26:05 - Aversion to lineage 26:48 - Meeting the arhat Luang Por Jamnian 30:34 - The remarkable spiritual feats of Luang Por Jamnian 33:44 - The life and training of Luang Por Jamnian 36:39 - Beyond mind and body 38:28 - How to transcend mind and body 44:29 - Attained people vs charismatic talkers 47:42 - Different types of enlightened people 52:59 - The true path of meditation 58:41 - Cultivate stillness 01:02:42 - Learning to sit still, even with injuries 01:08:27 - Realising your limits 01:10:29 - Acclimatisation vs transcendence 01:14:46 - Adam on morality 01:18:51 - Imaginary enlightenment 01:19:46 - Critique of visualisation practices of Vajrayana 01:24:39 - The secret of metta cultivation 01:28:08 - Adam on the mirage of tummo 01:31:01 - Can authentic tummo be restored? 01:33:44 - Real transformation 01:42:44 - Practice techniques as sectarian conditioning 01:45:11 - Adam on sex and sexual practice 01:49:47 - Ejaculation and orthorexia 01:52:57 - Men vs women on the path 01:54:46 - Men’s hormonal tendencies 01:56:26 - Secret to Adam’s Fajing and push hands skills 02:07:07 - Advice for the seeker … To find our more about Adam Mizner, visit: - https://heavenmanearth.com/en/adam-mizner - https://discovertaiji.com/en - https://discovermind.com/en … 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 Thomas Clough Daffern philosopher, educator, peace activist, and peace officer for the Council of British Druid Orders. In this episode, Thomas shares his lifetime of research into the druid tradition of the British Isles and Europe, including his historical research and personal contact with druids today. Thomas reveals why most modern day druid groups are reconstructionists, and probes the possibility of a living druid lineage in certain areas of Ireland. Thomas explains why he believes Jesus was an initiate of the mystery schools of his day, discusses the connections between Celtic culture and mystical Christianity, and shares his current research into the Gnostic Gospels and the Gospel of Mary Magdalene. Thomas also considers the guru disciple relationship, what ‘enlightenment’ means in different traditions, the dangers of prematurely declaring one’s enlightenment, and offers warning signs for recognising guru and cult figures. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep181-druidic-enlightenment-and-european-mysticism Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics Include: 00:00 - Intro 01:10 - Discovering the druids 02:06 - Researching the occultist Dr John Dee 03:07 - Meeting a druid 04:28 - Advocacy for access to British sacred sites 09:42 - Druid spread across Europe 12:08 - History of the druids 16:26 - Was Jesus Christ an initiate of the mysteries? 18:54 - Gnostic gospels and the inner disciples 20:56 - Love and wisdom confronting false power and ignorance 22:06 - Celtic-Christian connections 23:42 - Thomas’ current research into the Gospel of Mary Magdalene 25:55 - Are current druid groups reconstructions or part of a living lineage? 31:44 - Advocacy for Irish culture 32:37 - Druidry should be taught in schools 33:36 - Druids and enlightenment 37:32 - Buddhism vs the druid path 42:16 - What is enlightenment? 42:59 - Common root of Vedic, Kabbalist, and Druid teachings 49:31 - Druid revolutionaries 54:27 - The Judas mystery 58:47 - Great teachers and bad disciples 01:00:47 - Keats’ school for souls 01:01:24 - Planetary enlightenment or bust 01:03:31 - Golden Gate Project 01:04:47 - The Eastern gate of Jerusalem 01:08:51 - Transcending revenge consciousness … Previous episodes with Dr Daffern: - https://www.guruviking.com/search?q=daffern … To find our more about Dr Daffern, visit: - http://www.educationaid.net/ - https://www.lulu.com/spotlight/iipsgp - https://interfaithpeacetreaty.wordpress.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 Jack Haubner, ex-Zen Monk and prize winning author of the memoirs Zen Confidential: Confessions of a Wayward Monk; and Single White Monk: Tales of Death, Failure, and Bad Sex. In this interview Jack reveals the interaction between his creative process and his Zen journey, from his screenwriting days in Hollywood, to journalling as a Zen monk, to penning his award winning spiritual memoirs. Jack also considers the role of self-disclosure and comedy in his writing, reflects on why Sasaki Roshi did not emphasise art in his spiritual training, and recounts stories of fellow Zen student and renowned singer-songwriter Leonard Cohen. Jack also discusses how even senior Zen monks can become complacent during intense retreat, how to break through stagnancy in practice, and what it means to make spiritually resonant art. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep180-zen-and-the-art-of-being-funny-jack-haubner Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics include: 00:00 - Intro 01:01 - The Book of Questions 03:31 - Moving to LA and failing as a screenwriter 05:08 - Jack’s influences as a writer 05:58 - Stories of ‘dog eat dog’ Hollywood life 12:21 - Rupert Spira vs Henry Shukman 15:05 - Creativity vs becoming a Zen monk 19:47 - Zen Confidential 20:22 - The role of art in Zen and Japanese culture 22:32 - Zen is the direct path 23:25 - Harada Roshi’s enso 23:59 - Sasaki Roshi did not emphasise art at all 25:09 - Complacent Zen practitioners 28:32 - Sweet spot of great art 30:06 - Passivity in advanced Zen students of Sasaki Roshi 35:45 - Prostate problems during sesshin 38:25 - Strife with other monks as training 42:55 - How Jack found his voice as a writer 48:03 - Moral superiority vs self deprecation 49:32 - - Jack’s ‘why’ 51:36 - Escaping the nihilism trap of low motivation 58:30 - Jack’s Zen friendship with Leonard Cohen 01:00:23 - Cohen’s love songs to God 01:02:52 - More about Leonard Cohen 01:03:48 - Jack on humour 01:05:25 - Jack on taking risks as a writer 01:06:51 - Making art out of Sasaki Roshi’s sex scandal 01:08:10 - Criticism of Jack’s books 01:11:19 - Edgy humour, cruelty, and cultural changes 01:16:29 - Current writing projects 01:18:40 - Jack’s Youtube channel 01:20:42 - Artists must finish … Previous episode with Jack Haubner: - https://www.guruviking.com/ep126-zen-scandal-jack-haubner/ To find out more about Jack Haubner, visit: - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCt9Q74t3o7AUCJ_bKTc5CgA For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - www.guruviking.com … Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

In this episode I am joined by Dr Yannis Toussulis, Sufi lineage holder, psychotherapist, and author of ‘Sufism and the Way of Blame’. Dr Toussulis recounts his upbringing in Manhattan, New York and how a childhood vision of Jesus Chris changed his life forever. Dr Toussulis recalls several profound mystical experiences and traces his life of travel and study with gurus and sheiks, including his time at the Esalen Institute, close studies with Tibetan Lama Khenchen Palden Sherab, experiments in psychedelic assisted therapy, travel to India, personal time with Osho, and more. Dr Toussulis also critiques new age presentations of Sufism, including modern interpretations of Rumia and early 20th century ideas of the Sarmoung Brotherhood, and considers the case of Idries Shah and the collusion between teachers and disciples to create exaggerated origin myths. … Video version: www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep179-adventures-of-a-sufi-mystic-dr-yannis-toussulis Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics Include: 00:00 - Intro 01:01 - Upbringing in Manhattan 03:04 - Inspired to attend church after a vision of Jesus Christ 04:30 - First encounter with Sufism 07:17 - Meeting first Sheikhs 08:43 - Close study with Khenchen Palden Sherab 09:32 - Return to Sufism 12:42 - A vision of Jesus Christ 15:52 - Interpreting mystical experiences 17:15 - More visionary experiences 21:55 - Realising that God is everywhere 24:09 - Psychedelic experimentation 27:16 - Psychedelic therapy in Vancouver 31:04 - Carlos Castaneda 31:39 - Travel to India and studies with Osho 39:26 - Final conversation with Osho 44:35 - What is enlightenment? 50:23 - Meeting gurus 53:15 - Meeting his Lama in a lucid dream 01:04:40 - ’Nyingthik Drak’ and learning Buddhist tantra 01:08:46 - Sarmoung Brotherhood and misconceptions about Sufism 01:13:57 - What is Sufism? 01:18:25 - Origin myths and the naive audience of the early 1900s 01:22:17 - Collusion and mystification 01:25:39 - The modern inversion of Rumi … To find our more about Dr Yannis Toussulis, visit: - http://www.itlaqfoundation.com/ For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - www.guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

In this episode I host a dialogue between Dr Ian Wickramasekera, Bön Buddhist practitioner and professor at Naropa University, and Julia Shannon, trainee clinical psychotherapist and researcher. In the first part of this interview, Dr Ian discusses his current thinking on what the traditions of Dzogchen and Western hypnosis can learn from each other, challenges Herbert Benson’s relaxation response theory of meditation, and questions dualistic frameworks in science and experimental psychology. Then, Dr Ian and Julia dialogue about the prevalence of mental illness and regressive coping in Buddhist meditators, the personality types of religious mystics, and Julia’s own experience using hypnosis to cure her phone addiction Dr Ian and Julia also consider the implications of teaching advanced Buddhist meditation methods in a clinical setting, including ethical issues and concerns about violating sacred vows, and they discuss their experiences of personal identity and professional life as biracial adults in America. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep178-buddhist-meditation-hypnosis-dzogchen-dr-ian-wickramasekera-julia-shannon Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … 01:26 - Dzogchen and hypnosis 05:37 - Going beyond dualism in science 06:19 - Crisis in clinical psychology 09:37 - Suffering & serotonin 20:01 - Dzogchen philosophy in clinical hypnosis 22:14 - Invalidating Herbert Benson’s relaxation response theory of meditation 29:08 - What really brings cessation of suffering 30:14 - Aestheticism is needed in science 32:05 - Specific Dzogchen practices and hypnotic hallucinations 36:31 - A daily practice of hypnosis 40:01 - What science can offer Dzogchen 46:45 - Julia’s background 49:05 - Overcoming phone addiction via hypnosis 52:08 - Hypnotic trance vs meditative states 53:46 - Stigmata of hypnosis and meditation 57:56 - High hypnotisable people and the prevalence to mystical experience 01:01:10 - Ronald J. Pekal’s Phenomenology of Consciousness Inventory (PCI) 01:03:15 - Myth of meditation brain states such as alpha 01:07:23 - Bringing Buddhist practice into clinical practice 01:08:53 - Mental illness in religious practitioners 01:10:44 - Repressive coping in tummo meditators 01:23:02 - Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche and finding one’s innate experience 01:25:06 - Presenting completion stage practices in a secular context 01:29:20 - Trekchod and togyal vs post-hypnotic suggestion 01:31:23 - Which Buddhist practices Dr Ian gives to his patients 01:33:32 - Experimental vs clinical psychology 01:34:41 - Does teaching Buddhist practice to non-Buddhists break Samaya? 01:38:03 - Hypnotising Dzogchen practitioners 01:39:49 - Counselling dissatisfied Buddhists 01:41:33 - Nervousness about teaching Dzogchen and Vajrayana 01:43:02 - The importance of devotion 01:45:08 - Training clinicians and counsellors 01:50:38 - Dr Ian asks Julia about her experience being hypnotised 01:54:14 - Catharsis, clinging, and the battle of addiction 01:56:19 - Executive ego and skepticism 01:57:19 - Pointing out instructions and polypsychic therapy 02:01:32 - Rapid behaviour change and eschatological pressure 02:03:15 - Race, empathy, and therapeutic efficacy 02:10:33 - Integrating dualistic racial identities 02:12:08 - Identity dimensions of the therapist 02:16:22 - Chogyam Trungpa and reconciling racial identity 02:24:23 - Role-taking theory and hallucinated intensity 02:29:26 - Myths of hypnosis and the role of expectancy … Previous episodes with Dr Ian Wickramasekera: - https://www.guruviking.com/search?q=wickramasekera To find our more about Dr Ian Wickramasekera, visit: - https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ian_Wickramasekera2 - https://www.naropa.edu/faculty/ian-wickramasekera.php 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 Amoda Maa, spiritual teacher and author of books such as ‘Embodied Enlightenment’ and ‘Falling Open in a World Falling Apart’. Amoda Maa shares her experience of falling into the abyss of emptines and the consequences that followed. She describes the dark night of the soul that preceded this experience, and how its aftermath healed her childhood abandonment trauma. Amoda Maa also talks about the life of a spiritual teacher, how she went from living an ascetic life of anonymity in the English countryside to moving to America to become a well known teacher, and shares her observations of the boys’ club dynamic in the spiritual teaching scene. Amoda Maa also recounts relearning relationship after her enlightenment when she met her now husband, and discusses the feminine frequency of awakening and how that relates to the inner marriage. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep177-becoming-a-spiritual-teacher-amoda-maa Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics include: 00:00 - Intro 00:56 - Falling into the abyss of emptiness 03:56 - After awakening, living from the unknown 08:07 - Purification of relationship with mother 11:53 - Dark night of the soul, abandoned by God 19:20 - Recognising avoidance, the moment of enlightenment 24:11 - Healing of abandonment 26:05 - Changes in relationship with others 28:02 - Spiritual openness vs learning to say ‘no’ to others 34:15 - Meeting a new partner, and a new way of relationship 37:58 - Thoughts and narratives 41:35 - Being in relationship with an enlightened person 45:05 - Abiding goodness 49:52 - First book publishing period 55:19 - Invited to speak and purifying self-consciousness 57:06 - Learning to speak from enlightenment, not about it 59:41 - Change your life, change your world 01:02:28 - Living like an ascetic for 12 years 01:08:37 - Encountering the term ‘non duality’ 01:12:31 - Teaching career launched on BATGAP and at SAND 01:18:04 - The American non-duality scene 01:22:29. Feminine face of awakening vs the boys’ club of spiritual teachers 01:25:41 - The feminine frequency of awakening 01:27:22 - The patriarchy is over 01:28:56 - Inner marriage 01:29:35 - The boys club and suppression of women 01:33:28 - The flow of life … Previous episode with Amoda Maa: - https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep147-falling-open-amoda-maa To find out more about Amoda Maa, visit: - https://www.amodamaa.com/ For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - www.guruviking.com

In this episode I am 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’. Morgan recalls his painful childhood of trauma growing up in what he describes as a Christian cult, and discusses how the damaging consequences of that environment affected him into adulthood. Morgan recounts how, even at the height of his professional success in television and comedy, he felt spiritually unfulfilled and began searching for answers in hypnotherapy and Holosync meditation. Morgan shares his subsequent spiritual journey of deep meditation, powerful psychedelic experimentation, contact with gurus and spirit guides, kundalini activation, and profound spiritual awakenings. Morgan also discusses the lasting effects of his awakenings, his prolific creative projects, and shares his insights on enlightenment, the personality, and more. ... Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep176-the-awakening-of-mista-mo Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics include: 00:00 - Intro 00:55 - Morgan’s support for the podcast 01:59 -Morgan’s painful upbringing 03:19 - First memories 04:17 - Memories of church 05:48 - Abuse in a Christian cult 08:42 - Anger and other effects of childhood trauma 11:14 - Beginning a healing journey 12:44 - Clash with Morgan’s father 15:00 - Unfulfilled by comedy and TV success 17:41 - Psychedelic experimentation 19:49 - Hypnotherapy for audition nerves and creative breakthrough 23:10 - Holosync meditation and purging repressed subconscious material 28:28 - Leaving TV and taking 2 years off 30:56 - Combining Holosync meditation with psychedelics for 5 years 33:48 - Meeting spirit guides and other experiences 36:08 - An experience of enlightenment 40:19 - After stream entry 43:40 - Further spiritual breakthroughs 45:13 - Powerful DMT journey 50:39 - LSD experiments and turiya 53:33 - Ayahuasca and 5-MeO-DMT 58:48 - Kundalini activation 01:02:25 - Receiving darshan from Paramahamsa Vishwananda 01:04:17 - Full realisation 01:12:51 - Paramahamsa Vishwananda returns 01:13:31 - Lasting changes 01:14:32 - Sexual changes 01:16:30 - Even temper 01:17:08 - Facing pain and challenges 01:19:23 - Final or is there more to come? 01:22:00 - Traumatised by in a good way 01:22:44 - Noticing divinity 01:24:48 - PTSD from awakening 01:26:18 - Morgan’s writing and videos 01:28:55 - Morgan’s upcoming books 01:32:05 - Personality types of awakening 01:37:26 - Personality disorders and enlightenment 01:43:16 - Advice to those seeking awakening … 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

I was recently interviewed by Artem Zen for his 'Elevating Consciousness' podcast. Video version: www.guruviking.com/podcast/steve-james-interviewed-on-the-elevating-conciousness-podcast [Artem's Show notes] 0:00 - Introduction 1:00 - Steve speaks about his early experiences with martial arts, meditation, and contemplation 5:55 - The downside of organized religion 8:45 - Steve’s interest in both western and eastern religious traditions 13:47 - The benefit and challenge of extreme outdoor survival 26:23 - If you don’t come to the dragon it will come to you 29:17 - Why embracing discomfort is key to learning 34:04 - Psychedelics 38:32 - Using the Grinberg Method for healing 41:34 - Steve unpacks his somatic practice “The Movement Koan Method” 46:53- Steve speaks about dealing with a serious illness and having a near-death experience 1:05:31 - How the near-death experience transformed Steve 1:10:08 - Was that an Awakening? 1:12:09 - Artem speaks on integrating his 5-me0-DMT experience 1:15:58 - Letting go of mystical and spiritual experiences 1:24:08 - Models of Awakening 1:26:17 - Deconstructing the Guru Viking Podcast 1:37:49 - The genius and impact of Shinzen Young 1:46:42 - Other spiritual teachers that greatly impacted Steve Elevating Consciousness Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCieDzvmBXXZX9VuKa9MvHqQ Other times I have been interviewed: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/category/Steve+Interviewed www.guruviking.com

In this episode I am joined by Adele Tomlin, Buddhist practitioner, writer, poet, independent scholar-translator of Tibetan Buddhist texts, and founder of the Dakini Translations website. Adele recalls her upbringing in England, training as a barrister, and work as a strategist in the city of London, before a chance meeting with the 17th Karmapa changed her life forever. Adele traces her beginnings in becoming a Buddhist, her studies of the Tibetan language in Nepal, and thriving in the academic rigour of Tibetology at the University of Hamburg. Adele discusses her published works, shares her research and translation process, and explores the implications of the shentong vs rangtong doctrines of emptiness. Adele also expresses her frustration with gate-keeping in academia, reveals the reasons behind her founding of DakiniTranslations.com, and shares her research into the forgotten female mystics of India and Tibet. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep175-dakini-translations-adele-tomlin Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics include: 00:00 - Intro 01:05 - Endorsed by scholars 02:53 - Miranda Shaw 03:48 - Adele’s upbringing 04:35 - Training as a barrister and entering the city of London 07:39 - Dissatisfaction with life and training in yoga and philosophy 08:53 - Life changing meeting with the 17th Karmapa 14:47 - Reaction of friends and family 15:33 - Learning Tibetan to be closer to the guru 17:33 - Studying Tibetan in India and Nepal 20:28 - Discovering a talent for the Tibetan language 21:46 - The power of past life connections 28:22 - Studying Tibetology at the University of Hamburg 30:08 - Adele adjusts to the academic rigour at Hamburg 32:29 - The importance of practice experience when translating Vajrayana texts 34:54 - Publishes her first critical edition translation 36:30 - Philological and philosophical challenges of translating Taranatha's commentary on the Heart Sutra 41:04 - Rangtong vs Shentong 48:13 - The implications of the shentong view for practice 54:11 - Taranatha’s shentong reading of the Heart Sutra 55:08 - Frustration with gatekeeping in academia and founding dakinitranslations dot com 01:00:25 - Making Buddhist translation and research accessible and relatable 01:03:16 - Ethics of profiting from dharma 01:04:23 - The secret of Adele’s prolific output 01:06:33 - How Adele chooses which texts to translate 01:11:14 - Research into forgotten female mystics and masters 01:15:39 - Humour in Vajrayana and pointing out all male panels 01:18:36 - Male dominated lineage trees 01:20:08 - ‘Dakini Translations’ and British humour … To find out more about Adele Tomlin, visit: - https://dakinitranslations.com/ - www.facebook.com/dakinitranslations For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - www.guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

I was recently interviewed by Andres Valdivieso for his 'Innercraft' podcast. Topics include: 0:00 – Episode Intro 2:10 – The Guru Viking Podcast: origins and vision going forward 4:45 – Steve’s learnings from conducting The Guru Viking Podcast 13:30 – Steve’s current main priorities, activities and hobbies 24:51 – The intersection of music and meditation 37:00 – Steve’s background and how he got started in contemplative practices 51:50 – Steve’s goals and intentions regarding meditation/spirituality 58:44 – How formal sitting meditation impacts Steve’s life experience 01:07:55 – Meditation in daily activity 01:17:35 – Steve’s current daily meditation practice 01:23:29 – Relationship with daily activities that can be detrimental to meditation practice 01:35:00 – The intersection of movement, somatic practices and meditation 01:47:55 – The Movement Koan Method: nourishing the joints and bringing awareness to subtle body sensations. Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/steve-james-interviewed-on-the-innercraft-podcast Innercraft website: https://www.inner-craft.com/ Other times I have been interviewed: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/category/Steve+Interviewed www.guruviking.com