Episoder
-
In this episode I am joined by Professor Mara Einstein, digital marketing critic; author and public speaker on cult brands and influencer scams; and tenured professor of media studies at Queens College (CUNY).Mara discusses her latest book “Hoodwinked: How Marketers Use the Same Tactics as Cults”, warns about manipulative marketing techniques used in media and religions, details the 9 steps of cult recruitment, and shares case studies of religious marketing models.Mara recalls her own life journey from an early interest in religions and cults, her path through academia studying religion and marketing, and her own discipleship under and subsequent disillusionment with spiritual teacher and political activist Marianne Williamson.Mara also considers religion as a product, analyses stealth Buddhism and prosperity gospel preachers, and offers her own thoughts on how religious groups can market themselves more ethically. …Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep306-marketing-tactics-of-religions-cults-prof-mara-einsteinAlso available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.…Topics include:00:00 - Intro 01:08 - Hoodwinked, 01:21 - Religion as a product 02:17 - Early interest in religion and cults03:36 - PhD about religion and policy05:35 - Televangelists and the Passion of the Christ06:52 - The Purpose Driven Church marketing07:34 - The secularisation theory and why the US bucks the trend08:13 - Joel Osteen vs Oprah Winfrey 09:34 - Why do secular organisations use religious themes?11:41 - Cults and Multi-level marketing 13:14 - Brand cults such as Apple14:46 - Marketing Hoodwinked1536 - Social media vs television advertising 16:37 - Rage farming, increased anxiety, and becoming susceptible to messaging20:20 - Brand purchases as expressions of individual identity21:42 - Selling the sacred, how religion and marketing intersects 25:03 - Mara’s own religious journey through Judaism and the New Age26:31 - Becoming a follower of Marianne Williamson27:01 - Disillusioned by religion27:13 - Studying evangelicals27:58 - Interviewing Ralph White28:29 - Mara analyses her own journey to becoming a follower of Marianne Williamson32:00 - World Nutella Day34:18 - Going deeper with Marianne Williamson36:10 - 9 steps of cult recruitment36:47 - Targeting the vulnerable40:26 - Upselling and the Kabbalah Centre42:02 - Love-bombing 43:14 - Tough love 44:34 - Creation of in and out groups46:30 - Severe repercussions for leaving47:22 - American Evangelism 49:33 - How should religions market themselves with integrity?49:52 - “He Gets Us” and the Alpha Course52:07 -2 year mission trips don’t work52:41 - The best marketing is to live the message54:49 - Shady marketing tactics to avoid 56:22 - Beware of panacea answers57:02 - Beware the charismatic leader57:56 - How would Mara advice a religious group to use marketing ethically?59:33 - Know your target audience 01:01:13 - The brilliance of Rick Warren’s consumer research driven marketing01:02:47 - Is stealth Buddhism shady marketing?01:04:44 - Bait and switch of secular mindfulness01:06:34 - Capitalist meditation01:07:42 - Is MBSR a bait and switch?01:09:09 - Mara’s advice for those selling corporate mindfulness01:10:15 - Transparency vs deception01:12:23 - Make it ok to question and ok to leave 01:13:31 - Hoodwinked 01:14:15 - Pervasiveness of cults 01:15:13 - Influencers and a spectrum of cults01:16:29 - Teal Swan and lifestyle marketing01:17:21 - Anyone can be pulled into a cult…To find our more about Professor Mara Einstein, visit:- https://www.drmaraeinstein.com/ For more interviews, videos, and more visit:- https://www.guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James
-
This trialogue is the first in a series exploring the latest interdisciplinary research into tantric completion stage practices such as yogas of dream, sleep, and death.Dr Michael Sheehy is the Director of Research at the Contemplative Sciences Center in the Department of Religious Studies in the University of Virginia.Dr Tawni Tidwell is a biocultural anthropologist and doctor of traditional Tibetan medicine. Dr Julian Schott is an Indologist, Tibetologist, and assistant professor at the University of Vienna. Dr Sheehy shares his cutting edge research into the tantric completion stage yogas of dream and sleep, reveals the implication of new directions in neuroscience and micro-phenomenology, and warns of the danger of esoteric practices becoming extinct.Dr Sheehy proposes a two-way split in the future of religious practice, Dr Tidwell reflects on the decline in the number of spiritual masters, and Dr Schott considers the real meaning of secrecy in Tibetan tantra.Video version: www.guruviking.comTopics include: 00:00 - Intro01:22 - Current research about yogic practices of dream and sleep02:46 - Overview of Tibet and Indian dream and sleep practices04:15 - Michael’s scientific studies of yogic lucid dreaming practice07:53 - Opening a 2-way channel of communication between dreamer and scientist08:46 - Rigorous micro-phenomenology10:04 - Comparisons with classic descriptions and prescriptions found in Tibetan dream manuals11:34 - Dreams are unpredictable spaces13:53 - Understanding lucidity 16:27 - Psychological flexibility, imaginal simulation, and somatic awareness22:28 - The impact of dream yoga on daily life 23:59 - 6 similes of reality and dream yoga 26:26 - Lucid waking practices & the illusory body 29:45 - 2-fold practice curriculum of day and night31:16 - A devastating pitfall32:07 - New ways to amplify practice 35:38 - Designing virtual reality simulations for dream yoga exercises39:49 - Intersections with psychedelic research42:16 - 2 ways to approach contemplative practice 47:05 - Generating interdisciplinary hypotheses 48:14 - Utilising VR meditations as practice supports52:37 - Drawing on traditional expertise 53:27 - Bringing traditional practice categories into neuroscience research55:27 - Neuroscience as the next level of translation 59:40 - Michael challenges ahistorical perspectives; Tibetan tradition has been highly experimental01:02:32 - Community-based partnerships01:05:02 - What does it mean that a practice is “secret”?01:07:01 - The body in tantric traditions and secularising tantra 01:09:33 - A 2-way split in the global culture of religious practice 01:12:10 - Esoteric traditions are in danger01:16:56 - Bold experimentation is historically consonant with the tradition01:18:23 - Great masters are decreasing in number01:23:17 - Esoteric practices have a coherent logic01:26:22 - Traditional practices have undergone evolution and change01:28:36 - Ethics of scholar-practitioners To find our more about the panel, visit:- https://michaelrsheehy.com/- https://centerhealthyminds.org/about/people/tawni-tidwell- https://stb.univie.ac.at/en/about-us/team/julian-schott/user/schottj85/inum/1083/backpid/198178/ For more interviews, videos, and more visit:- https://www.guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James
-
Manglende episoder?
-
In this episode I am joined by Tulku Sherab Dorje, Buddhist teacher, translator, and author of scholarly and popular books about Tibetan Buddhism.Tulku Sherdor reflects on the changes in the spiritual journey over a lifetime, whether or not the world is becoming more turbulent, and the effects of ageing on yogic practice and view.Tulku Sherdor explains why mind training is superior to mystical experiences, emphasises the reality of impermanence, and shares the best tests of successful retreat and spiritual growth.Tulku Sherdor also warns about the prognosis of tulkus who do not conduct extensive retreat; critiques the shortcomings of the 3-year retreat model as conducted in the West; and details the temptations for dharma teachers in pleasure, profit, praise, and popularity.…Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep304-crumbs-from-the-parrots-beak-tulku-sherdor Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.…Topics include:00:00 - Intro 01:04 - Crumbs from the Parrot’s Beak02:43 - The spiritual journey and the phases of life04:24 - Is the world becoming more turbulent?05:56 - The effects of ageing on spiritual practice07:53 - How to relate to physical limitations09:56 - Ambition for enlightenment12:26 - This is more fundamental than Bodhicitta13:23 - Reality of impermanence15:20 - The unique challenges of intensive practice and retreat18:39 - Distinguishing appearance from substance 19:41 - The title “lama” is not a guarantee of quality21:12 - The best proof of progress23:17 - The role of a demanding retreat schedule26:24 - Mature practice28:03 - Tulkus must conduct extensive retreat but sometimes don’t30:28 - Prognosis for high lamas who don’t do extensive retreat 32:30 - Hopes for corrections in the tulku system34:58 - The Tibetan Buddhist tradition is unique and precious35:41 - Signs of a successful retreat38:01 - Completing a 3 year retreat is not a guarantee of quality38:56 - Substandard Western 3 year retreats40:49 - Pre-1950s Tibet and the renunciate yogi system46:11 - Today’s economic challenges when practicing the dharma49:47 - Mind training is superior to glimpses of the nature of mind55:45 - The best test of success in practice 57:00 - Does practice ever get easier?01:01:28 - The 4 payoffs: pleasure, profit, praise, popularity01:06:49 - Guru devotion and the guru relationship01:12:31 - A story about Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche01:14:41- Peace Prayer Gathering in June 2025 …Previous episode with Tulku Sherdor:- https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep276-canadian-tulku-translator-tulku-sherab-dorje To find our more about Tulku Sherdor, visit:- https://blazingwisdom.org/tulku-sherab-dorje/ - https://dharmakayacenter.org/all-programs/2637/sadhana-practice-expanding-our-compassion-for-all-beings/?fbclid=IwY2xjawKAGaRleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFXZEJ2cmRmb0U3VTExUWpmAR729nsWXoI6VZEb9GkrzCeajdhS6ze_zGrQZUTvLpsphQJQHPSdJABxQ0brag_aem_dWMYHIGmMRk_dxeWxEuL7A For more interviews, videos, and more visit:- https://www.guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James
-
In this episode, I am joined by Lopon Yudron Wangmo, American teacher of Tibetan Buddhism and author of several books including her recent “Clearing the Way to Awakening”.
Lopon Yudron Wangmo offers an analysis of the shortcomings of today’s Buddhist literature, details the writing process for “Clearing the Way to Awakening”, and reveals the stylistic and language choices she made to better reach the average reader.
Lopon Yudron Wangmo describes the power of the ngondro preliminary practices of Tibetan Buddhism and explains the techniques of mantra recitation, prostrations, mandala offerings, bodhicitta generation, tummo, śamata, and more.
Lopon Yudron Wangmo extols the benefits of turning away from worldly life and towards religion, reports the fruits of her own practice such as profound peace and joy, warns about the danger of following a guru without first testing him, and advises on how to work with the supernatural dimension of Buddhism.
…
Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep303-clearing-the-way-to-awakening-lopon-yudron-wangmo
Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.
…
Topics include:
00:00 - Intro
01:04 - Clearing the Way to Awakening
01:52 - The problem with today’s Buddhist literature
03:20 - Sublime topics
04:22 - Style considerations for today’s reading level
06:03 - Learning to write more simply for the average reader
07:18 - Patrul Rinpoche and avoiding imitation
08:30 - What is awakening?
09:09 - Local context in Buddhist cultures
10:34 - Buddha’s description of his awakening
12:37 - Working with the supernatural dimension of Buddhism
14:25 - The ālaya vijñāna and the unconscious mind
17:34 - Buddha nature vs being driven and unconscious
18:57 - Gradualist vs subitist awakening
20:22 - The role of ngondro and the power of visualisation
22:51 - The power of recitation
24:05 - The power of prostrations
26:17 - The power of maṇḍala offerings
28:13 - Why esoteric practices are not appropriate for most people
30:00 - The secrets to completing your ngondro
32:27 - The importance of motivation
33:15 - The anti-climax of realising the nature of mind
35:33 - Tummo and śamata
36:50 - Origin of the ngondro system + Theravada critique
39:17 - Taking refuge
40:30 - Generating bodhicitta and practicing the four immeasurables
41:12 - Vajrasattva and purification practice
42:21 - Merit making and guru yoga
44:06 - If you don’t like it, don’t practice it
45:04 - Yudron asks for Steve’s opinion
46:58 - Choose your Buddhism
48:23 - Disillusionment with saṃsāra and choosing Buddhism later in life
50:03 - The power of choice and acquired ADHD
51:43 - Get on it
52:38 - The power of disillusionment and renunciation
55:07 - The peace and joy of turning away from the world
57:41 - The suffering of loneliness and the fruits of practice
01:00:09 - The mechanism of spiritual contentment
01:02:04 - Yudron on the importance of disclosing attainments
01:03:28 - Spiritual saints
01:04:13 - Political lamas and checking out gurus
01:05:32 - Personal relationship with the guru
01:07:13 - We’re all devoted to something
01:09:09 - Pitfalls of ngondro: anxiety, OCD, depression, and PTSD
01:14:06 - Yudron’s struggles with depression and anxiety
01:19:34 - Boomer Buddhists
01:20:04 - Preliminary or foundational?
01:22:06 - Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo’s advice about retreat
01:23:38 - Congratulated by Vajrasattva and the ontology of deities
01:26:45 - Spontaneous feelings of love
To find out more about Lopon Yudron Wangmo, visit:
- https://www.yudronwangmo.com/
For more interviews, videos, and more visit:
- https://www.guruviking.com
Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James -
In this episode I am joined by Rebekah Sturgill, mother, school teacher, and convert to Orthodox Christianity.
Rebekah details her upbringing in a Texan evangelical church and how encounters with authoritarianism and questions about her sexuality saw her leave the religion.
Rebekah describes a period of passionate teenage atheism before becoming deeply involved in feminist activism beginning in university. Rebekah explains why she remains a feminist but left activism and how, through a powerful visionary experience, she converted to Orthodox Christianity.
Rebekah also explores the mechanisms of conversion, considers the line between faith and extremism, and comments on the pros and cons of a new trend of conversions to Orthodox Christianity driven by internet influencers and discussion communities.
…
Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep302-my-conversion-to-orthodox-christianity-rebekah-sturghill
Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.
…
Topics include:
00:00 - Intro
01:00 - Evangelical Christian upbringing in Texas
04:17 - Studying theology and philosophy at St Johns College
04:38 - Encountering Jesus through reading the Gospels
05:39 - Feminist activism
06:09 - Joining the Orthodox Church
08:18 - Anger at religion and questioning sexuality
11:22 - Authoritarianism in the church
12:26 - Why Rebekah’s family left the church
14:05 - Religious community vs contemplative practice
16:19 - Contemplative emphasis in the Orthodox Church
17:10 - Youth groups and community emphasis
18:16 - Radical atheism phase and the impact on family
23:18 - Becoming a feminist activist
25:50 - Questioning feminist theory, struggles with relativism and essentialism
26:52 - Becoming a 2nd wave feminist
28:34 - Influence of the internet on Rebekah’s various conversions
31:35 - Conversion or coming home?
33:42 - What feminism really is
35:18 - Frustrations with 3rd wave feminism
40:08 - Why feminist activism?
44:34 - Still a feminist? Which views Rebekah still holds
48:00 - Orthodox Christian view of the individual and equality
49:47 - Are Rebekah’s views controversial?
51:43 - In-fighting and leaving activism
54:17 - Religious extremists and extreme activism
55:53 - Losing oneself in extremism
57:50 - Critical mass of buy-in needed for conversion
58:13 - Embracing the dharma or losing oneself?
01:01:46 - CS Lewis’ “The Great Divorce”
01:03:36 - Dying to oneself
01:04:54 - Theosis and losing oneself
01:05:42 - Popularity of Orthodox Christianity online, a new wave of converts
01:07:26 - The practice of Orthodoxy Christianity and the supernatural
01:09:05 - Lent
01:09:55 - High profile conversions to Orthodoxy and an internet pipeline
01:11:22 - Rebekah’s conversion through relationships and community
01:13:15 - The moment of conversion
01:14:41 - Powerful first conversation with an Orthodox priest
…
For more interviews, videos, and more visit:
- https://www.guruviking.com
Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James -
In this episode I am joined by Lorna Byrne, spiritual teacher and best selling author of “Angels in my Hair”.Lorna describes her childhood in Ireland when she first began to see and interact with angels and souls of the dead, and recalls how she navigated these visionary experiences. Lorna discusses the different types of angels that she sees, as well as other beings such as souls of the deceased, land spirits, elementals and more, and how others might learn to see as she does.Lorna also reflects on feeling the energy of a place; her lifelong experience of being different to others; unusual reactions people have towards her; and the importance of love, hope, and compassion. …Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep301-angels-in-my-hair-lorna-byrne|Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.…Topics include:00:00 - Intro00:52 - Growing up different 04:17 - Learning from angels05:27 - Be your unique self06:36 - Seeing angels physically 07:50 - Holding things back and confusion about mankind09:07 - Consulted by clerics, theologians, and academics 10:04 - Is God real?11:32 - Responses from people all over the world13:02 - Deep interactions with strangers 15:20 - Lorna’s view of human beings16:39 - Can anyone see angels and spirits?19:10 - Being open to new knowledge21:39 - Intertwining of the human body and soul23:43 - Everything is possible25:57 - Has Lorna met others who can see angels?28:32 - People who pretend to see spirits for money39:37 - Feeling the energy of a place30:35 - Local traditions, land spirits, and the range of beings Lorna encounters35:59 - How to see spirits 37:53 - The Spirit of the Water39:52 - Everything has energy41:51 - Angel at the Centre of the Earth43:25 - Detecting the influence of Satan45:59 - A story of boy soldiers49:06 - Cycles of abuse50:12 - Thoughts about the future of mankind52:50 - Love, hope, and compassion54:43 - Lorna’s retreat centre, Sanctuary …Find our more about Lorna Byrne:- https://lornabyrne.com/- …For more interviews, videos, and more visit:- https://www.guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James
-
In this episode I am once again joined by Katarina Falkenberg & Tommy Westlund, alchemists, practitioners of Western Esotericism, and authors of ‘Alchemy, The Divine Work’.
Katarina and Tommy detail the stages and methods of the spiritual path of Western alchemy. They explain the movement through four phases, describe the operations employed during each, and reveal the signs of progress that indicate success.
Katarina and Tommy reveal how to pray to the Madonna, how to purify karma, how to work with fire and emotions such as anger and sadness, the role of tinctures and elixirs, and methods of astral travel and archetypal work.
Katarina and Tommy also consider the power of the imagination, the interaction with external alchemical operations and inner personal refinement, and recount stories of entity encounters and reality creation.
…
Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep300-the-spiritual-practice-of-alchemy-katarina-falkenberg-tommy-westlund
Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.
…
Topics include:
00:00 - Intro
01:04 - “Alchemy, The Divine Work”
02:30 - Practices of the alchemical path
03:38 - Prima materia and meditation
05:42 - Meditating on alchemical emblems
06:43 - The metaphysics of prima materia consciousness
07:30 - Praying to Black Madonna
08:38 - How to pray
10:07 - Use of the imagination
11:42 - Signs of contact with the Black Madonna
13:44 - Purifying karma and releasing traumas
15:08 - Inhaling suffering and exhaling love
16:50 - Purification and divine providence
19:09 - The Nigredo phase
20:50 - The seven planets and chakras
21:49 - Theosophical ideas about seven governing forces
26:15 - Moving into the Albedo phase
27:11 - Mercurial consciousness
28:22 - Nigredo vs Albedo phases
29:43 - Working with the astral body
30:17 - Work with herbs and creating tinctures
34:18 - An alchemical elixir toast
36:39 - The Citrinitas phase
38:27 - Working with fire
40:16 - Using anger and sadness
41:48 - Death is not the end
43:33 - Reintegrating the Dark Angel
44:04 - The magic of imagination
48:14 - Fourfold processes and the quintessence
49:37 - Making the soul bigger
51:22 - Working with the Egyptian and Gnostic traditions
52:24 - Projecting the four elements
53:53 - Pilgrimages to magical locations
55:19 - Visitations from giants and other beings
57:42 - Meeting inner archetypes in the outer world
59:37 - The Rubedo phase
01:01:41 - Microcosm and macrocosm
1:04:109 - Fasting and insight into the shadow
01:07:51 - Signs of process on the path
01:10:14 - Working at a deeper level
01:11:31 - Katarina’s novel manifesting into real life
01:13:41 - Creating your own universe
01:15:25 - Life as a creative project
01:17:23 - Working with the ego
01:19:40 - Death and resurrection
01:20:27 - Bad gurus with siddhi powers
01:22:11 - The power of partnership
01:23:34 - Humility and the flaming heart
01:24:40 - Practice advice for the eager student
01:30:36 - Balance vs obsession
01:33:50 - 10-15 years to a successful white wedding
01:36:32 - Working for the next life
…
Previous episode with Katarina Falkenberg & Tommy Westlund:
- https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep238-alchemy-the-divine-work-katarina-falkenberg-tommy-westlund
To find out more about Katarina Falkenberg & Tommy Westlund, visit:
- https://www.alkemiskaakademin.se/eng/about-us/
For more interviews, videos, and more visit:
- www.guruviking.com
Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James -
In this interview I am once again joined by Mordy Levine, serial entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and author of ‘The Beginner’s Guide to Karma’ with Lama Lhanang.
Mordy discusses the Buddhist doctrine of karma, explores its history in Indian thought, and differentiates the various types of karmic actions and their consequences.
Mordy reveals special, esoteric methods to purify bad karma, compares the Tibetan tradition to Zen, and grapples with the importance of motive in karmic justice.
Mordy also discusses the six realms, whether Buddhist hell should be understood as a place or a psychological state, and why he believes an understanding of karma is a pathway to true freedom.
NB: Lama Lhanang was originally scheduled to appear in this interview alongside Mordy, but was unable to attend due to a last minute scheduling conflict.
…
Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep299-karma-mordy-levine-2
Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.
…
Topics include:
00:00 - Intro
00:52 - Why Mordy wrote “The Beginner’s Guide to Karma”
02:17 - Understanding of karma regulates human behaviour
03:38 - Creative collaboration with Lama Lhanang
04:48 - A powerful insight about karma and consciousness
06:53 - The history of the doctrine of karma in India
09:50 - Mordy’s research into karma, using primary sources
11:50 - Different types of karmic actions and their consequences
13:29 - Selfishness vs selflessness as motive
15:08 - Is intention all?
16:19 - How great masters read karmic history
19:34 - Does Buddhism disincentivise effective action?
21:19 Does self-interest negate efforts to generate good karma?
23:24 - The desire to help others is an exception
26:00 - Motivations are complicated
28:57 - How karma helps us face negative situations
31:25 - The story of the Zen farmer
33:48 - Does the doctrine of karma blame the unfortunate?
36:02 - Explanation without accusation
37:09 - Mordy’s message about karma
38:38 - Working the karmic system to reduce negative karmic consequences and accrue merit
41:06 - Esoteric methods to purify negative karma
44:24 - The special power of meditation
45:44 - Does motivation affect the karmic consequence of meditation?
44:34 - Can meditation create negative karma?
48:28 - Generating and dedicating merit
50:45 - Is enlightenment the result of good karma?
52:42 - How to work the karma system to become enlightened
53:43 - What is collective karma?
56:24 - Can we hold groups accountable for their karma?
58:18 - Mordy on Donald Trump
59:41 - Can bad karma send you to hell?
01:02:07 - Are the 6 realms real locations or psychological states?
01:03:29 - Does Mordy believe in the 6 realms?
01:04:13 - Is belief in the 6 realms necessary?
01:05:21 - Is karma believable?
01:06:26 - Is there a place for chance in the Buddhist view?
01:07:00 - Mordy’s hopes for the book
01:07:58 - Does karma give freedom or a burden?
01:08:38 - American karma, “Have it your way”.
…
Previous episode with Mordy Levine:
- https://www.guruviking.com/search?q=mordy
Previous episodes with Lama Lhanang:
- https://www.guruviking.com/search?q=lhanang
To find out more about Mordy Levine, visit:
- https://www.mordylevine.com/
…
For more interviews, videos, and more visit:
- www.guruviking.com
…
Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James -
In this episode I am once again joined by Stephen Snyder, Buddhist meditation teacher and author of several books including ‘Buddha’s Heart’, ‘Trust in Awakening’, and his latest release ‘Liberating the Self’.
Stephen emphasises the importance of working with personality structures even after Buddhist awakening, and offers methods to resolve trauma and destructive patterns to unlock hidden spiritual strength.
Stephen warns about the dangers of achieving enlightenment without dealing with one’s personality patterns and trauma, reflects on the inner experience of enlightened Zen masters who behaved badly, and gives his advice for teachers and practitioners who think they no longer need to practice.
Stephen also reports a high success rate of awakening and other mystical experiences among his students, shares his approach to retreats and 1-1 teaching, and describes advanced Theravada meditation techniques such as kasina and skeleton meditation.
…
Video versions: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep298-liberating-the-self-stephen-snyder
Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.
…
Topics include:
00:00 - Intro
01:03 - High rate of awakening at Stephen’s retreat
03:05 - What is the secret sauce?
04:40 - Limitations of the Zen retreat style
06:17 - Stephen’s experimental approach and heart emphasis
07:14 - Minimum requirement to qualify for Stephen’s retreats
08:58 - Why the Theravadans struggle the most
10:00 - Stephen’s online trainings
12:09 - The art of 1-1 meditation teaching
13:08 - Seeking confirmation for spiritual experiences
13:53 - Stream of consciousness sharing
14:58 - Stephen’s new podcast
16:44 - Liberating the Self and Stephen’s writing output
18:20 - Zen ignores personal and psychological work
19:52 - Theravadan shamata and no-self practices
20:42 - Reifying awakening and reassertion of the sense of self
23:22- Bad behaviour by enlightened people
25:35 - Work on your incongruent behaviour before or after awakening?
27:34 - Post-awakening work vs therapy
29:08 - We all have a full range of negative emotions and personality patterns
31:10 - Stephen’s childhood hatred
31:46 - Transforming negative emotions
32:07 - Misbehaving Zen masters
33:21 - What is the inner experience of a misbehaving Zen master?
34:5 0 - The benefit of Western depth psychology
36:04 - Is Stephen done?
37:51 - Advice for advanced meditators and teachers who think they’re done
41:07 - Stuck in a good place and shifting to concepts
41:08 - Recognising when you have gone off track
42:55 - Contentment vs complacency
43:36 - Challenging emotions and outdated personality patterns
44:12 - Resistance to peace
47:44 - Destabilising effect of spiritual practice
49:41 - Why bother with the deep path?
52:05 - Unlocking profound spiritual qualities
54:34 - Awakening stories
55:04 - The traditional kasina meditation path
58:42 - Skeleton practice and skeleton visions
…
Previous episode with Stephen Snyder:
- https://www.guruviking.com/search?q=Stephen%20Snyder
To find our more about Stephen Snyder, visit:
- https://awakeningdharma.org/
…
For more interviews, videos, and more visit:
- www.guruviking.com
…
Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James -
In this episode I am once again joined by Piers Cross, ex-Buddhist monk, coach, and creator of the documentary “Boarding on Insanity”.
Piers explains the British boarding school system, examines its history and social context, and reveals how and why boarding school attendance is seen by many as a pathway to power.
Piers recalls his own boarding school experience, the trauma and subsequent breakdown it caused, and describes the dynamic of the “privilege double-bind”.
Piers recounts his years as a Buddhist monk, how he navigated suicide attempts and self harm with meditation and community support, and the powerful mystical experiences he encountered during his religious practice.
Piers lists over two dozen leading figures in the arts, business, and politics who attended boarding school and reflects on the possibility of a leadership class affected by abandonment and dissociation by elite educational institutions.
…
Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep297-boarding-on-insanity-piers-cross
Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.
…
Topics include:
00:00 - Intro
01:05 - Military family upbringing and alcoholic father
03:42 - Going to boarding school at 11 years old
05:36 - History of British boarding schools
08:23 - Pathway to power
10:19 - Oxbridge emphasis
11:37 - The old boys network and breaking parental attachment
14:42 - Is the education better?
17:48 - IQ vs emotional intelligence
20:31 - A typical day at boarding school
23:30 - Piers’ boarding school trauma and learning to dissociate
27:07 - Suicide of Piers’ best friend
29:37 - Resilience vs dissociation and avoidant attachment
32:48 - Resurfacing trauma in the 30s and 40s
33:28 - Richard Branson, David Cameron, Bear Grylls, and John Peel
34:36 - Trauma of neglect
36:53 - Idealisation, cover up, and not listening to children
41:45 - The privilege double-bind
47:32 - After boarding school & city career
51:03 - Depression and breakdown
53:07 - Laughed at by the doctor
54:31 - Death of Piers’ father and work in Africa
56:41 - 3.5 years in a Buddhist monastery
59:37 - A sense of coming home
01:02:22 - Taking the 8 precepts
01:03:30 - Ordination, self harm, and suicidal ideation
01:06:31 - The support and kindness of the other monks
01:09:26 - Struggles with meditation
01:12:03 - Reading scriptures and other Buddhist books
01:14:00 - Tastes of transcendence
01:14:55 - Profound experience of childlike mind
01:16:35 - Healing avoidant attachment
01:20:10 - Working with dreams
01:21:10 - Tears and connecting to emotion
01:22:41 - Buddhist doctrine about suicide and hell
01:25:14 - The power of initiation
01:27:13 - Leaving the monastery
01:28:08 - Piers shows his journal
01:29:33 - After the monastery and work with board school survivors
01:33:15 - “Boarding on Insanity” documentary
01:33:28 - Tony Blair, Boris Johnson, Justin Welby
01:37:05 - Cover ups and a societal flip
01:39:30 - Prince Charles, Stephen Fry, Ranulph Fiennes, Gabriel Byrne, Roald Dahl, Harry Windsor,
01:41:00 - JFK, Princess Diana, Charles Spencer, Aldous Huxley, Richard Beard, Jeremy Paxman,
01:41:26 - Elon Musk, Mini Driver, Eddie Izzard, Princess Catherine, Rupert Murdoch,
01:44:46 - Piers’ 3hr daily practice
01:46:44 - Taoist Tantric Arts
01:47:59 - Piers’ advice for taking on new practices
01:49:37 - Piers’ meditation practice
01:51:02 - Closing remarks and advice for ex-boarders
…
To find our more about Piers Cross, visit:
- https://www.youtube.com/@pierscross
- https://www.piers-cross.com/
- https://www.boardingoninsanity.com/
…
For more interviews, videos, and more visit:
- www.guruviking.com
…
Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James -
In this episode, I am joined by Gerald Ilyas Klawatsch, Sufi musician, music therapist, and founder of the international Ensemble Ak Pirim.
Ilyas recalls stories of his Sufi path, his meeting and discipleship under his Sufi sheik, and stories of profound spiritual connection and transcendence through devotional music and religious practice.
Ilyas describes Sufism as a love relationship, reveals his own difficult childhood, and explains how to stabilise divine ecstasy in the human body.
Ilyas also tells the remarkable life story of his spiritual teacher, emphasises the importance of testing a guru, and reflects on the healing potential of religious practice.
…
Video version: www.guruviking.com
Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.
…
00:00 - Intro
00:50 - Names and titles in Sufism
02:46 - The death of Gerald’s master, Dr Rahmi Oruc Guvenc
03:51 - - Death of the lineage
05:54 - Why didn’t Dr Rahmi Oruc Guvenc pass on his lineage?
07:18 - The intended heir
07:40 - Gerald’s guitar studies and finding Sufism
11:40 - Meeting the master
15:00 - Early Sufi training with the master
17:22 - Sufism is a love relationship
21:47 - Dynamics in the early relationship with the master
23:43 - The remarkable life of Dr Rahmi Oruc Guvenc
36:21 - Islamic Sufism vs Universalist Sufism
38:41 - The love relationship and awakening the heart
44:29 - Stabilising the ecstasy
48:03 - Effects of being in relationship with a master
51:25 - How Gerald dealt with the pain of a difficult upbringing
55:15 - Healing the pain
57:49 - Gerald falls to his knees in front of the master
01:07:58 - Testing the teacher
01:10:33 - Sufi music therapy
…
To find out more about Gerald Ilyas Klawatsch, visit:
- https://bengusu.com/g-ilyas-klatsch/
- https://www.youtube.com/@akpirimensemble
For more interviews, videos, and more visit:
- https://www.guruviking.com
Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James -
In this interview I am once again joined by Prajwal Ratna Vajracharya, a tantric priest in a centuries old Newari Buddhist family lineage and master of the religious dance tradition of Charya Nritya.
Prajwal Vajracharya reveals the rich world of Newari life rituals, in which major life events such as birth, coming of age, marriage, and death are celebrated by religious and community rites.
Prajwal Vajracharya explains the initiation rituals for boys and girls, including a 12-day dark retreat in which girls are taught essential knowledge by community members, and reveals how divination and astrology are used to determine a child’s name and life path.
Prajwal Vajracharya also discusses the importance of purity and discipline, bespoke rituals to clear obstacles, find a partner, and heal illness, and reflects on the challenges in bringing his ritual tradition to the USA.
…
Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep295-life-cycle-rituals-prajwal-ratna-vajracharya-3
Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.
…
Topics include:
00:00 - Intro
01:02 - Life cycle rituals of the Newari tradition
02:17 - Pregnancy and birth rituals
04:40 - Is Western culture traumatising?
05:21 - Creating a happy pregnancy
06:28 - Rituals for infancy
08:28 - The baby knows what it needs
09:31 - Naming and earring rituals
11:39 - Divination and adornment rituals
12:50 - The 1 year ritual
13:41 - Egg, fish, and wine
14:26 - 2nd year ritual
16:!6 - 7th year initiation ritual for boys
17:54 - 12-day dark retreat initiation ritual for girls
20:28 - Variations among castes in Nepal
21:23 - Special, old age ritual for the 77th year
23:02 - 88th year and a rebirth ritual
25:42 - Grieving customs for parent’s death
27:36 - Science of rituals and living a happy life
28:29 - In Nepal, everyone takes care of their parents
29:07 - Lack of dementia in Nepal
29:44 - Ritual as a family and community activity
31:20 - Obstacle removal, house blessing, and healing rituals
32:44 - Clay-pot rebirth ritual at 99 years old
35:53 - Respecting the elderly
36:48 - How to choose a child’s name
38:25 - Spiritual names
38:58 - Divination to determine the child’s career and life path
40:39 - What did Prajwal’s son choose?
42:02 - Astrology chart for a new baby
42:53 - The Chudakarma ritual and monastic training
43:49 - Ritual obligations as a Vajrācārya
48:40 - When rituals go wrong!
50:28 - Origin of and textual sources for Newari rituals
52:37 - Purity and preparing for ritual
54:47 - Discipline and respecting others
55:52 - Rituals to get a girlfriend and other life situations
58:08 - The many benefits of rituals
01:01:35 - The complexities of married life
01:03:06 - Bringing Newari ritual traditions to the West
01:05:34 - Innovation and training Westerners in Vajrācārya rituals
01:08:10 - Self-initiation and awakening the channel and nerves
01:09:13 - An American Vajrācārya?
01:10:00 - Challenging reactions in Nepal
01:11:52 - Gurū maṇḍala, the heart of Newari ritual
01:13:40 - Mudrā healing
…
Previous episodes with Prajwal Ratna Vajracharya:
- https://www.guruviking.com/search?q=prajwal
To find out more about Prajwal Ratna Vajracharya, visit:
- https://www.dancemandal.com/
For more interviews, videos, and more visit:
- www.guruviking.com
Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James -
In this episode I am once again joined by Mary Shutan: author, occultist, and spiritual teacher.
Mary discusses her new book “Shadow Work for the Soul”, shares her lifelong fascination with the psychological power of dark fairytales, and explains the function of social masks and personae.
Mary remarks on a notable increase in spiritual emergencies, a rise in nihilism and the “dark feminine”, and offers advice for those facing spiritual crisis.
Mary then takes a deep dive into shadow work, challenges common misconceptions, and offers surprising reflections on both new age masculine-feminine trends and “The Work” of Byron Katie.
Mary also reveals how to perceive the shadow in popular culture, warns about the danger of spiritual bypass, and explains how to identify and disarm the ego defences to go beyond one’s limitations.
…
Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep294-shadow-work-for-the-soul-mary-shutan
Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.
…
Topics include:
00:00 - Intro
01:03 - An notable increase in spiritual emergencies
03:51 - Nihilism and other trends on the increase
05:30 - Collective shadows and the dark feminine
07:25 - How to work with nihilism
08:27 - Mary’s advice for those in spiritual crisis
09:39 - The psychological power of myths and fairy tales
11:26 - What can myths and fairy tales teach us?
12:19 - Archetypes and mythic figures
13:18 - Princess and the Pea and Sisyphus
15:21 - Seeing oneself reflected in myths and fairy tales
16:50 - Trauma isolates
18:00 - What is the shadow?
19:43 - What is shadow work?
20:08 - How concepts change when they become mainstream
21:36 - The evolution of acupuncture
23:51 - Limitations of the pop-culture version of shadow work
26:58 - Comments on Byron Katie and “The Work”
31:27 - The healthy ego and ego defences
33:33 - How to identify the ego’s defence mechanisms
34:33 - Intellectualisation vs embodiment
35:32 - Superiority/inferiority loop
37:09 - The world as a mirror
40:02 - Pop culture and politics
41:29 - Dangers of spiritual bypass
45:50 - Masks, personae, and perfectionism
47:36 - The importance of mentors
48:47 - Self enquiry traps and the dangers of labels
50:47 - Identifying with spiritual attainments
53:30 - When did Mary call off the search?
55:35 - Letting go of the high-achiever identity
58:03 - Anima, animus, and the masculine-feminine continuum
59:34 - Masculine and feminine dynamics in the occult
01:02:13 - Identifying collective shadows through pop culture figures
01:04:12- Today’s cultural focus on narcissism
01:05:41 - Noting your personal reactions to celebrity
01:06:02 - The cultural phenomenon of Taylor Swift
01:08:36 - Shadows of light
01:10:02 - Dark feminine rising
01:10:56 - Why “dark feminine?”
01:12:48 - How do we emerge from times of change?
01:14:48 - Mary’s view of the future
…
Previous episode with Mary Shutan:
- https://www.guruviking.com/search?q=shutan
To find out more about Mary Shutan, visit:
- http://maryshutan.com/
For more interviews, videos, and more visit:
- www.guruviking.com
Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James -
In this episode I am once again joined by Khandro Kunzang Dechen Chodron, teacher of Tibetan Buddhism and executive director of Saraswati Bhawan Publications.
Khandro Kunzang reveals her experience as a spiritual consort to a Tibetan lama, and shares her understanding of this controversial practice.
Khandro Kunzang recalls how she became a consort, details her extensive preparations, and explains the coarse and subtle body yogas involved.
Khandro Kunzang also discusses the use of consort practice for life extension, how to respond if a guru suggests you become his consort, and why it is that she is now talking publicly about this hitherto secret practice.
…
Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep293-secrets-of-consort-practice-khandro-kunzang-dechen-chodron-3
Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.
…
Topics include:
00:00 - Intro
00:48 - The graduated path
04:28 - The fruition of Dzogchen and Ati Yoga
05:41 - The effortless path
06:34 - Dzogchen mistakes
07:40 - Is a 3 year retreat necessary?
08:42 - Personalised retreat with guru
09:32 - Signs of accomplishment on retreat
14:31 - Secret training with Kunzang Dorje Rinpoche
16:03 - Jealousy of Tibetan students
17:33 - Pure Dzogchen vs gradual path
21:04 - How do I know my practice is working?
23:50 - The ultimate test of practice
25:30 - Lama Dawa’s terminal cancer and yogic death
31:17 - The practice of yogic dying
33:11 - Physiological signs of tukdam
34:07 - Death of Kunzang Dorje Rinpoche
35:42 - Miraculous behaviour of Lama Dawa’s relics
37:42 - Difficulties and challenges during Lama Dawa’s end of life
42:08 - Personal restoration during the pandemic
42:48 - The ultimate teaching
43:25 - Displacing grief to keep the show on the road
46:48 - When to begin consort practice?
50:37 - Authentic consort practice is very rare
52:01 - Classic consort stories
53:41 - Abusive lamas and gurus who claim expertise in consort practice
55:10 - The support role of a guru’s consort
56:50 - An “activity consort”
58:19 - Preparing to be Lama Dawa’s consort
59:13 - Using a consort to extend your life
01:00:59 - Using pipes to open the urethra
01:04:49 - Training to purify the lower chakras and draw in the essence fluid
01:06:49 - Working with the thigle drops
01:07:17 - Using eros to experience emptiness
01:08:20 - Consort practice is not romantic
01:08:49 - Extreme consort practice
01:10:06 - Unresolved traumas in consort practice
01:11:05 - Is vajrolī mudrā really possible?
01:13:22 - Jñānamudrā and self practice
1:17:06 - Test your lama if he suggests consort practice
01:20:48 - Why talk openly about secret consort practice?
01:21:24 - Disrobing as a nun to engage in tantric practice
01:23:17 - Seeing your teacher as a living Buddha
01:24:16 - Motives for marrying Lama Dawa
…
Previous episodes with Khandro Kunzang Dechen Chodron:
- https://www.guruviking.com/search?q=khandro%20kunzang
To find our more about Khandro Kunzang Dechen Chodron, visit:
- https://www.phurbathinleyling.org/khandro-kunzang/ -
In this episode I once again host a dialogue between Daniel Ingram and Delson Armstrong.
Daniel Ingram is an independent Buddhist writer, author of ‘Mastering the Core Teachings of the Buddha’, and co-founder of the Emergent Phenomenology Research Consortium (EPRC).
Delson Armstrong is a spiritual teacher, author of ’A Mind Without Craving’, and founder of the Freedom of Mind foundation.
Daniel offers his response to Delson’s recent renunciations, warns about the power of self hypnosis, and explains why it is so common for people to revise their enlightenment claims.
Delson considers how it was that he mistook the nature of his spiritual achievements, considers the impact of his renunciation on his practice community and students, and looks ahead to his own future as a teacher and guide.
Daniel and Delson address criticisms they have both received for their revisions of important Buddhist doctrines such as the 4 path model of awakening, comment on gatekeeping and fundamentalism in Buddhism, and consider whether advances in contemplative neuroscience may pose a serious threat to traditional religions and their institutions.
…
Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify.
…
01:51 - The situation
04:36 - Daniel’s response to Delson’s renunciation
07:14 - Early schism in Buddhism
08:20 - Does Daniel feel vindicated?
09:42 - Delson reflects on what he has learned from Daniel
12:34 - The snake has shed its skin
13:29 - Profound not simple
14:26 - Neurodiversity and the spiritual path
16:54 - Hypnotising yourself into believing you’re enlightened
19:17 - How did Delson get his enlightenment wrong?
22:22 - Social factors
24:13 - A gradual process
25:06 - Gatekeepin in Buddhism
27:35 - Jack Kornfield and Christopher Titmuss
30:51 - Social influence on perceptions of spiritual progress
33:35 - Relationships
35:21 - The World Without Sin
38:43 - Can you ever go back? Spoiling the party
40:38 - Delson on negative reactions from his community
43:57 - Attached to models, experiences, and perfection?
46:17 - Stages of development
47:17 - Leading with vulnerability
48:45 - A different type of practitioner
49:55 - The appeal of Vajrayāna
52:21 - Specific criticisms of Daniel and Delson
54:19 - Why do Daniel & Delson revise Buddhism?
56:43 - Delson's critics
59:51 - Transference and counter-transference
01:01:18 - Tantric guru yoga
01:01:47 - When your guru disappoints
01:02:05 - Bhikkhu Anālayo and Daniel's other critics
01:02:27 - Neuroscience and religious orthodoxy
01:06:34 - Will neuroscience destroy Buddhism?
01:10:24 - Praise for the Theravāda
01:11:45 - Theravādan exceptionalism
01:12:37 - Validating or defeating religion?
01:15:43 - Finders’ Course and retrenchment to orthodoxy
01:17:57 - Delson on contemplative neuroscience
01:20:39 - What does Daniel think will next happen to Delson?
01:23:23 - Maturing as a spiritual explorer
01:26:33 - Attachment styles & kalyāṇa-mittatā
01:28:40 - Loss of enthusiasm for practice in advanced practitioners
01:31:18 - Micro-renunciations and disgust for the quest
01:33:42 - When spiritual teachers lose their faith
0135:28 - How Delson keeps his interest in teaching
01:38:20 - Why Daniel decided not to become a teacher
01:40:32 - Delson’s closing remarks
01:40:45 - Daniel’s closing remarks
01:41:04 - Praise for the religious orthodoxy
01:42:21 - Acknowledging critics
01:43:17 - Disagreeing with grace and respect
…
Previous dialogue between Daniel and Delson:
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=znX6w6shQ7c
Previous episodes with Daniel:
- https://www.guruviking.com/search?q=daniel
Previous episodes with Delson:
- https://www.guruviking.com/search?q=delson
To find out more about Daniel, visit:
- https://theeprc.org/
- integrateddaniel.info
To find out more about Delson, visit:
- https://www.delsonarmstrong.com/
- https://www.youtube.com/@delson999
- https://www.freedom-of-mind.org/
www.guruviking.com
Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James -
In this interview I am once again joined by Ron Serrano long time meditation practitioner, contemplative neuroscience subject, and co-founder of the online meditation group Dharmachanics.
Ron gives a summary of the major studies in contemplative neuroscience in the last several years, in many of which he was a key subject. Ron explains several historical and ongoing studies including Dr Jud Brewer’s landmark Yale University study into the default mode network, hypotheses about the posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) and the sense of self, and the promise of brain scan technology and real-time neurofeedback devices to fast-track enlightenment.
Ron also draws from his experience leading the online meditation group Dharmachanics to offer insight into the typical trajectory towards transformative spiritual experiences, patterns of development in meditators, and how he responds when somebody claims they are enlightened.
…
Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep291-neuroscience-of-enlightenment-ron-serrano-2
Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.
…
Topics include:
00:00 - Intro
01:04 - Reflections on life and practice 2020
02:37 - Growth of the Dharmachanics online sangha
03:19 - Dharmachanics discussion group about Guru Viking Podcast
03:50 - Sangha is the toughest of the three jewels
04:51 - Patterns of development for meditators
05:59 - The typical trajectory towards awakening
08:48 - How to relate to special meditation experiences
12:34 - Testing enlightenment
13:37 - Ron’s history of participation in contemplative neuroscience
14:09 - Primary subject for Dr Jud Brewer’s landmark study at Yale University
16:26 - The PCC and the no-self
18:24 - Developing the brain scan technology and equipment
19:31 - The accelerating power of real-time meditation feedback
22:18 - How 2020 derailed contemplative neuroscience
23:38 - Ron on commercially available brainwave-feedback products
26:59 - How neuroscience studies really work
28:01 - Debate with Daniel Ingram
28:44 - Daniel’s contributions to contemplative neuroscience
29:41 - A gold standard phenomenology and technological Harvard study
32:43 - A comprehensive blueprint of the enlightened mind
34:54 - 2 major brain networks
26:56 - Secrecy and hidden players
39:15 - A treasure trove of data
40:32 - The holy grail of contemplative neuroscience
41:38 - Why Ron is pessimistic about finding neuro-correlates of awakening
43:14 - The blessing and curse of the Dalai Lama brand
46:08 - Politics and why neuroscientists need the Dalai Lama’s
47:47 - Will neuroscience render religious teachers obsolete?
49:38 - Will AI replace meditation teachers?
50:35 - What will happen to religion if neuroscience cracks the enlightenment code?
52:32 - A history of disruption
54:05 - Does astronomy offer a historical parallel to contemplative neuroscience?
55:46 - The costly problem of data analysis
58:14 - Can this technology be weaponised?
01:00:48 - Technology dependency
01:01:25 - Addictive meditation technology
01:04:39 - Ron reflects on Steve and the podcast
…
Previous episode with Ron Serrano:
- https://www.guruviking.com/search?q=prajwal
To find out more about Ron Serrano, visit:
- https://www.facebook.com/groups/Dharmachanics/
For more interviews, videos, and more visit:
- www.guruviking.com
Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James -
In this episode I am once again joined by Delson Armstrong, spiritual teacher, meditation virtuoso, and author of ‘A Mind Without Craving’.
In this interview, Delson responds to criticism and answers questions about his recent renunciation of attainments and revision of the Buddhist 4 path enlightenment model. Delson reflects on the pros and cons of questioning established religious doctrines and on the role of direct experience in challenging fixed views.
Delson comments on a recently leaked interview, shares his current position on Bhante Vimalaramsi and his TWIM meditation method, and compares Buddhism to traditional yoga.
Delson also recalls his own training in Kriya yoga, details the features of the particular lineage which he has begun to teach, and reveals methods of working with karma, chakras, and forgiveness.
…
Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep290-answering-critics-kriya-yoga-delson-armstrong
Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.
…
Topics include:
00:00 - Intro
01:00 - Responses to Delson renouncing his spiritual attainments
02:56 - Criticism of Delson
04:08 - Has Delson abandoned the 10 fetter model and the 4 attainments?
05:18 - Delson’s leaked interview
07:58 - Breach of trust and betrayal of friendship
09:32 - Why redefine the Buddhist doctrines rather than reassess oneself?
12:46 - Delson’s experience vs cultural consensus
13:50 - Is Buddhist doctrine beyond cultural?
16:25 - Going beyond maps and Integral Theory
17:35 - Challenging fundamentalism and fixed views
18:43 - The jīvanmukta and other mystical traditions
20:22 - Transcending doctrinal chains of imprisonment
21:37 - Daniel Ingram’s revisions
23:07 - Delsonism vs Buddhism
24:44 - Should Delson leave the traditions alone?
26:09 - The role of tradition and Delson’s contribution
27:31 - Comments on TWIM
28:32 - Drawing on different traditions
30:03 - Current view
32:05 - Delson’s current opinion on TWIM and Bhante Vimalaramsi
36:26 - Delson’s training in Kriya yoga
40:16 - Which Kriya yoga lineage does Delson teach?
42:17 - Anyone can do Kriya yoga
44:09 - Short learning curve to samadhi
45:03 - Relaxing into awakening
46:39 - What is the point of the jhanas?
48:13 - Chakras and siddhi powers
51:37 - Deities and chakras
53:26 - The Yoga Sutras on siddhi power
55:07 - Karmic acceleration and misconceptions about chakra work
58:00 - How to release karma
01:00:03 - Kriya yoga approach to work with chakras
01:00:34 - The power of forgiveness
01:01:51 - TWIM vs Kriya, Yoga vs Buddhism
01:07:37 - Delson’s recent experience teaching Kriya yoga
01:11:35 - Initiation in Kriya yoga and tantra
01:15:51 - Secrecy as a marketing tool
01:17:17 - Delson reflects on his teaching career
01:19:23 - Scientific tests on Delson, can he still meditate?
` …
Watch previous episodes with Delson Armstrong:
- https://www.guruviking.com/search?q=delson
Find out more about Delson Armstrong:
- Personal Site: https://www.delsonarmstrong.com/
- YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@delson999
- Delson's Foundation: https://www.freedom-of-mind.org/
…
For more interviews, videos, and more visit:
- https://www.guruviking.com
Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James -
In this episode I am joined by Dr. William Rory Dickson an associate professor of Islamic Religion and Culture at The University of Winnipeg and author of “Dissolving into Being: The Wisdom of Sufi Philosophy”.
Professor Dickson takes a deep dive into the life and works of Jalāl al-Dīn Muḥammad Rūmī (1207-1273 AD), a 13th century Sufi poet whose works have become famous all around the world.
Professor Dickson recounts the fascinating life of Rūmī, including his flight from Mongol invasion, his education in Islamic law, his life-changing encounter with the wild, mystical dervish Shams-i Tabrīzī, and his far-reaching legacy in Asia and beyond.
Professor Dickson also explains the anti-Rūmī movements within modern Islam, challenges criticism of Coleman Barks’ popular renderings of Rūmī’s verse, and explores the controversial Sufi metaphors of intoxication by wine and passionate desire to describe the practitioner’s relationship with God.
…
Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep289-mystic-poetry-of-rumi-professor-william-rory-dickson-3
Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.
…
Topics include:
00:00 - Intro
01:25 - The life of Jalāl al-Dīn Muḥammad Rūmī
03:39 - Neither universalist nor orthodox
05:09 - Rūmī, sharī’ah law, and radical Islam
07:08 - The range of Sufi expression over history
07:56 - The wandering dervishes
08:42 - Rūmī’s life-changing encounter with the radical dervish Shams-i Tabrīzī
09:56 - 3 stages of self-annihilation through love
11:14 - Shams-i Tabrīzī’s illicit alcohol use
13:36 - Rūmī’s spiritual poetry
16:13 - Rūmī’s explicit invectives
17:07 - Rūmī’s mystic father
19:08 - Mongol domination of Central Asia and Rūmī’s flight
21:29 - Rūmī’s colourful insults
22:52 - Challenging empty, orthodox religious forms
26:51 - Lack of nuance in the Rūmī wars
29:22 - Rūmī’s two major legacies
31:37 - The role of Sufi orders in different cultural contexts
33:48 - The anti-Sufis and a radical forgetting of Rūmī within Islam
35:37 - Coleman Barks and the Rūmī wars
37:23 - Criticism of Coleman Barks
39:06 - Coleman Barks was a Sufi
39:50 - Coleman Barks as an entry point
41:21 - The conundrum of translated literature
43:46 - How to communicate across cultures without losing the essence
45:12 - Rory’s enjoyment of Chogyam Trungpa
46:27 - Passionate desire and intoxication on wine
48:30 - Pre-Islamic Arab poetry, “gangster rap”
49:33 - Passionate love poetry
50:55 - Romantic streak in Arab culture
51:53 - Influence of Persian culture on Muslim mystic metaphors
52:46 - Sufism’s Neo-Platonism
55:50 - Remembering the One and Tantric practice
56:59 - Integrating the sensual and the spiritual
59:18 - Appreciation of pleasure as a vehicle to God
01:00:07 - Sufi sexuality and the paths of Jesus vs Mohammad
01:05:28 - Scandalous to orthodox Islam
01:07:48 - Knowing God directly
01:09:53 - Categorising God vs Sufi gnosis
01:11:18 - Executed Sufi master
01:11:54 - Is Sufism inappropriate?
01:13:26 - Wine in Sufism and Islam
01:17:39 - Love is brutal
…
Previous episodes with Professor William Rory Dickson:
- https://www.guruviking.com/search?q=dickson
To find our more about Professor William Rory Dickson, visit:
- https://www.uwinnipeg.ca/experts-guide/william-rory-dickson.html
- https://anqa.co.uk/publications/dissolving-being
…
For more interviews, videos, and more visit:
- https://www.guruviking.com
Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James -
In this episode I am once again joined by Naomi Levine, author, under her birth name Norma Levine, of several books including ‘The Miraculous 16th Karmapa’, ‘A Quest For The Hidden Lands’, and ‘Chronicles of Love and Death: My Years With The Last Spiritual King of Bhutan’.
In this interview, Naomi discusses her latest writing about the apocalyptic prophecies of the Kālacakra tantra, a Tibetan Buddhist scripture promoted by the Dalai Lama.
Naomi discusses the doctrine of the dark age known as the “Kali Yuga” including its origins, its signs and symptoms, and Buddhist ideas about its unfolding. Naomi tells the story of Shambala, a mystical kingdom ruled by enlightened, bodhisattva kings, and reveals the prophesied holy war which the Kālacakra tantra claims will see the Shambala army face off against barbarian hordes.
Naomi also discusses the surprising implications of the Dalai Lama’s mass Kālacakra initiation rituals, the role of stūpas and other religious monuments in geomantic magick, and how she personally deals with a sense of impending apocalypse.
…
https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep288-apocalypse-now-naomi-levine
Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.
…
Topics Include:
00:00 - Intro
01:18 - What is the Kali Yuga?
06:38 - Moral and environmental degeneration
10:14 - When did the Kali Yuga begin?
12:39 - Signs of the Kali Yuga and climate change
15:55 - Multi-dimensional reality and hidden lands
17:44 - Naomi’s pilgrimage to the hidden land of Pemako
20:42 - The Pure Lands in Buddhist cosmology
21:57 - The kingdom of Shambala
26:25 - Seeking Shambala
27:28 - The Kālacakra Tantra
30:28 - Prophecy of the battle of Shambala
33:42 - Good vs evil
35:26 - Does the Kālacakra refer to Islam?
37:42 - Why does the 14th Dalai Lama give Kālacakra initiations?
39:33 - Inner or outer battle?
43:01 - Tai Situ’s interest in the timespan between Buddhas
44:55 - Is Shambala just a myth?
46:09 - What is Shambala?
47:35 - Shangri-La and Hilton’s “Lost Horizons”
48:28 - Chogyam Trungpa’s version of Shambala
51:50 - How geomancy and building stupas affect world events
52:48 - Stupas as geomantic magic
56:56 - Cancelling Jane Austen
57:52 - Dissolution of the elements
59:45 - Tukdam
01:01:47 - How Naomi responds to the end times
01:05:33 - The constantly shifting drama of world events
01:06:43 - Suggestion for non-Buddhists
01:07:48 - Naomi asks Steve’s opinion
01:09:14 - Prophecies of lamas and other mystics
01:10:09 - Apocalyptic thinking and displaced death anxiety
01:10:31 - Naomi’s attitude towards death
…
Previous episodes with Naomi Levine:
- https://www.guruviking.com/search?q=naomi
To find out more about Naomi Levine, visit:
- https://www.facebook.com/naomilevine111
- https://www.amazon.com/stores/Norma-Levine/author/B001K86LZ4?ref=ap_rdr&store_ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true
For more interviews, videos, and more visit:
- https://www.guruviking.com
Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James -
In this episode I am joined by Dr James Cooke, Oxford-trained neuroscientist, spiritual teacher, and author of “Dawn of Mind: How Matter Became Conscious and Alive”.
James recounts how, at aged 13, an existential crisis driven by fear of hell saw him emerge into a profound mystical opening. James shares the radical changes he experienced and traces his subsequent years spent exploring and integrating this spiritual breakthrough.
James recalls his improbable journey to winning a place at Oxford University, discusses the remarkable overlaps he found there between cutting-edge neuroscience and his own awakening, and reveals the social structures of elite education in the UK.
James details the arduous and often overlooked post-awakening work of surrendering egoic structures and releasing attachments, explains why enlightenment is both a gain and a loss, and reflects on the challenges of teaching nonduality as a natural mystic.
…
Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.
01:07 - Why did James write Dawn of Mind?
03:43 - Making consciousness science accessible
04:41 - Catholic upbringing, an overly conscientious child
05:49 - Disturbed by hell
06:38 - Existential rumination, a crisis of faith
08:27 - Spiritual awakening at age 13
09:54 - Aftermath of James’ awakening
12:59 - Life affirming vs death affirming phases of awakening
15:16 - Letting go of attachments
17:24 - What happened to James’ excessive conscientiousness?
20:00 - Two mistakes about the no-self
21:15 - Freedom from extremes, letting go
23:39 - The dissolving self
24:44 - Is therapy necessary?
26:44 - Meditation as a gradual path
27:15 - Meditation vs therapy
28:37 - Practice in life vs joining a monastery
30:11 - Can a natural mystic really teach others?
32:37 - Alienation through spiritual language
33:21 - Enlightenment as loss
34:27 - 3 types of spiritual teacher
36:30 - James’ profile as a teacher
37:47 - Self-aggrandising nondual teachers
38:38 - Spiritual influences
40:40 - Adyashanti & the end of suffering
42:08 - Buddhist progress of insight model
43:59 - Volatile teenage years
44:57 - Extreme somatic tension
36:25 - Difficult integration phase
47:39 - Oxford University, dealing with pressure
50:26 - How James got into Oxford against all odds
54:07 - Social context of elite education in the UK
56:52 - The Oxford wound
58:11 - The mystic’s mistake, post-awakening
01:00:15 - James’ research path at Oxford
01:01:39 - Opening a path for others + psychedelic experimentation
01:04:13 - James’ last psychedelic trip
01:05:12 - Working with Beliefs
01:07:29 - Unravelling resistance & faking it
01:10:40 - Is there an end to post-awakening work?
01:13:54 - James’ experience of intimate relationships
01:17:25 - Charlatans and why awakening can be off-putting for friends
01:19:30 - Alienating terminology
01:19:48 - Feeling isolated after awakening
01:20:33 - Mimicking awakening, the nondual teaching circuit
01:22:05 - Why did James wait so long to go public
01:25:57 - Reaction of James’ family
01:26:51 - Moral perfection
01:30:37 - Why James doesn’t like the word “enlightenment”
01:31:10 - The problem with “awakening”
01:32:31 - Language phases, changing the lingo
01:33:20 - The Borg and analogies for awakening
01:34:42 - Siddhi, intuition, supernatural powers
01:36:48 - Insecure rockstars, kundalini
01:38:39 - The language game
01:39:11 - Hearing voices, the dramatising brain
01:40:58 - World as a shared hallucination
01:42:45 - Does James suffer?
01:44:56 - Gross vs subtle suffering
01:45:52 - An experience of physical pain
01:47:08 - Meditative austerities vs life practice
01:50:46 - Trainings in equanimity
01:51:49 - Ideas in Dawn of Mind
01:53:20 - An instinct for empowerment
…
To find our more about James Cooke PhD, visit:
- https://www.drjamescooke.com/
- https://www.innerspaceinstitute.org/
…
For more interviews, videos, and more visit:
- https://www.guruviking.com
Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James - Vis mere
