Episódios
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In this episode I am once again joined by Mary Shutan: author, occultist, and spiritual teacher.
Mary explains her activities as a modern spirit worker, reveals how to form and maintain working relationships with spirits, details the difference between spirit pacts and contracts, and warns about the unintended consequences of making deals with unknown beings.
Mary explores the problems associated with using the word “shaman”, offers a critique of modern shamanism training courses, and explains why many people who pursue shamanism would be better suited to a religious orientation to animism.
Mary also reveals her own aborted attempt at the infamous Abramelin ritual, details the resultant fallout and years of recovery, and reflects on the impact of magickal practice on mental and physical health.
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Full episode link in bio.
Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.
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01:00 - What is a modern spiritual worker?
02:20 - Why Mary doesn’t like to use the word “shaman”
02:44 - Mary’s problems with Core Shamanism
04:31 - Shamanism and patriarchy
05:34 - Why Mary doesn’t call herself a shaman
07:54 - Core Shamanism, Christian conditioning, and legacies of colonisation
10:58 - Anthropologists as shamanic teachers
13:21 - Training in Core Shamanism
15:41 - Critique of Core Shamanism and wounded healers
18:43 - Post-colonial critiques of modern shamanism
20:00 - Some people really want animism
21:42 - When shamanism goes wrong
22:33 - Cherry-picking shamanism and reconstruction
23:47 - Discernment and tainted gnosis
24:22 - Words have energy and the need for respect
26:36 - Mary uses the word “shaman” in her business and books
27:33 - Pervasive Christian conditioning
28:30 - Patriarchy in shamanism
29:38 - Pop-shamanism vs direct experience
30:55 - 20 years of teaching shamanism
32:16 - People don’t believe in spirits any more
34:04 - Modernity and scientism
37:06 - Modernity and shamanism
40:40 - Martin Prechtel engaging with indigenous shamanism
43:06 - Indigeneity and the routes to become a shaman
46:52 - What Mary tells people who feel called to shamanism?
49:05 - Conflating personal religious practice with professionalising
49:53 - How to get started in animism
52:55 - Which spirits and entities does Mary work with?
55:27 - Spirit relations
57:42 - Mary’s way of relating to spirits
59:33 - Spirit communication in dreams and through rituals
01:00:27 - Spirits who come to Mary
01:01:23 - Spirit contracts
01:03:56 - Spirit ID and the danger of spirit contracts
01:04:53 - The Buddha in Sri Lanka
01:06:35 - Be careful what you wish for
01:07:31 - Spirit Lawyering
01:07:52 - Healthy skepticism when dealing with spirits
01:10:00 - Cultural misunderstandings about spirits
01:11:21 - Don’t make a pact with a spirit
01:12:29 - Warning about spirit contracts
01:13:18 - Pact vs contract
01:16:41 - Mary’s training in Western Occultism and time in the Void
01:20:14 - Mary’s spiritual crisis
01:24:17 - Orienting to the Dark Feminine
01:27:09 - Two attempts at the Abramelin ritual
01:29:16 - Abandoning the 18-month Abramelin ritual
01:29:50 - How did Mary exit the ritual?
01:30:48 - Magick and mental health
01:32:36 - Psychotherapists for magicians
01:33:32 - Struggles with the Golden Dawn and pivoting to shamanism
01:38:24 - Christian monks did magick
01:38:55 - Giving up seeking
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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 joined by Johan Hausen, Taoist teacher, translator, Chinese medicine practitioner, and founder of Purple Cloud Press.
Johan shares his life story from years of competitive Tae Kwon Do, through his travels and travails in China in search of a master, and to his eventual training and discipleship in the Wu Dang mountains.
Johan reflects on his years learning Classical and spoken Chinese, considers the challenges of translating ancient literature for modern readers, and reveals the unique metaphors and analogies used in textual descriptions of Internal Alchemy.
Johan also describes the Taoist quest for immortality, explains his research into the dantien and the mineralogy of cinnabar, and recounts stories of his own encounters with spiritually advanced beings.
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Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.
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Topics Include:
00:00 - Intro
00:57 - Admiration for Mattias Daly
02:56 - Learning Chinese to better learn Taoism
04:53 - How Johan learned Classical vs Spoken Chinese
08:11 - Language is about communication
08:47 - Should we consult living masters about textual translation problems?
10:24 - Metaphors and analogies used in Internal Alchemy
12:53 - Why are there different ideas about the dantian?
14:12 - Is the dantian constructed or inherent?
16:12 - Elixir fields?
17:37 - Johan’s research on the mineralogy of cinnabar using Chinese texts
18:04 - The old alchemists’ surprisingly good understanding of organic chemistry
20:56 - Johan’s childhood and training in Tae Kwon Do
22:47 - Johan’s competitive Tae Kwon Do career of over 100 fights
25:18 - Injury and travel to China for healing
26:24 - Travelling to China at 20 years old to train Shaolin kung fu
28:48 0 Training methods of Shaolin kung fu
30:35 - Demystifying the myths of Shaolin training
33:08 - Recovery routine
34:26 - Illness and leaving China
36:15 - Returning to Germany and feelings of failure
37:47 - Leaving a film course in London to train in the Wu Dang mountains
40:32 - Meeting Li Shifu at the Five Immortals Temple
41:54 - Curriculum at the Five Immortals Temple
43:08 - Studying acupuncture and dedication to learning
44:19 - Years of study under Li Shifu and joining the lineage
47:26 - Struggles with being treated as a foreigner in China
50:50 - Growing resentment and leaving China
55:26 - Johan’s Dragon Gate Lineage
56:28 - The quest for immortality
58:53 - Details about Taoist Immortals
01:00:34 - Difficulty of becoming an Immortal
01:02:10 - Consolation prize if you fail to achieve immortality
01:03:38 - Ethical rules of the Dragon Gate Lineage
01:04:59 - A typical daily practice routine
01:06:47 - Singing the scriptures to communicate to spirits
01:09:26 - Taoist patron spirit of Wudang
01:14:45 - The remarkable qualities of Li Shifu
01:15:52 - Praise is bad in traditional Chinese teaching
01:17:05 - Is Li Shifu an Immortal?
01:18:02 - Johan’s reverence for his teacher
01:19:29 - Explaining culture clashes to Lif Shifu
01:20:33 - Is charisma and spiritual power inherent or cultivated?
01:24:45 - Li Shifu does not have attained disciples
01:26:05 - Is it really possible to achieve success in Taoism, or is it mostly just natural talent?
01:33:11 - Using gifted practitioners as inspiration
01:34:18 - Purple Cloud Press
01:35:56 - Johan’s goal to create community and preserve texts
01:37:09 - Search for location and funds
To find out more about Johan Hausen, visit:
- https://purplecloudinstitute.com/about-us/who-we-are-2/
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For more interviews, videos, and more visit.
- www.guruviking.com
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Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James -
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This trialogue continues a series of discussion exploring the latest interdisciplinary research into tantric completion stage practices such as yogas of dream, sleep, and death.
Dr Tawni Tidwell is a biocultural anthropologist and doctor of traditional Tibetan medicine.
Dr Michael Sheehy is the Director of Research at the Contemplative Sciences Center at the University of Virginia.
Dr Julian Schott is an Indologist, Tibetologist, and assistant professor at the University of Vienna.
Dr Tidwell leads a deep-dive into the mysterious death practices of tantric yoga, the post-mortem state of suspended animation called tukdam, and the history of scientific investigation into these phenomena.
Dr Sheehy explores the implications of tantric death practices on current scientific models of the body, Dr Schott reflects on Buddhist vs Cartesian notions of consciousness, and Dr Tidwell explains the cultural sensitivities of working with Himalayan gurus.
The panel also discuss the importance of osel - clear light awareness - in completion stage practices, the relationship between nonduality and transformation, and consider new research directions on the cutting edge of contemplative neuroscience.
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Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.
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01:37 - Recap previously discussed themes
02:30 - Research in tukdam and yogic dying
05:17 - Researching dying spiritual masters
09:27 - Recruiting Tibetan monastics
10:33 - Cultural dynamics around studying tukdam
12:32 - Early phases & baseline measures
13:23 - Collaboration with the Russian Academy of Science
14:39 - What could tukdam contribute to science?
15:52 - American mortician shocked
18:40 - Biological aspects of tukdam
20:53 - Funding and reliance on Russian equipment
22:14 - What happens to the body after death
23:25 - Tukdam documentary
25:39 - Future direction for the project
27:15 - Skepticism about the project and growing body of evidence
30:45 - Siloed scientific disciples
31:22 - Catholic saints and attained mystics from other traditions
32:16 - Fundraising
33:05 - New learnings about the body and reflections on the Self
34:17 - The death process as a series of dissolutions
37:22 - Tracking heat, oxygenation, fluid movement, and visual imagery
44:27 - Buddhist vs Cartesian notions of consciousness
46:56 - Different tukdam methods across lineages
49:18 - Evan Thompson's theories of consciousness
51:24 - We can die in different ways
54:56 - Methodologically rich ways to attain wisdom
57:41 - The soteriological essence of Buddhism
01:01:35 - Human transformation and experiences of the edge
01:04:02 - Exaltation
01:05:03 - How do tantric techniques lead to tukdam?
01:09:04 - Tummo & vajra recitation to control subtle energies
01:10:41 - Dream, orgasm, and death
01:13:26 - Tukdam is counter-rational and challenges scientific reductionism
01:17:28 - The personal impact of witnessing tukdam
01:19:38 - Tantra is radical
01:20:38 - Julian quotes the Hevajra Tantra
01:22:40 - Can tukdam candidates be studied before death?
01:25:40 - Aggregate or sudden?
01:27:25 - Understanding osel, nondual awareness, and NDE
01:30:08 - Clear light sleep
01:33:04 - Challenging reductionistic paradigms
01:35:11 - The importance of nondual awareness
01:37:53 - Sentience and yeshe
01:41:44 - Exalted form in co-creation with consciousness
01:43:31 - Steve comments on scientific reductionist materialism
01:44:19 - What measurements has the project recorded?
01:47:04 - Julian’s closing remarks
01:47:31 - Tawni’s closing remarks
01:48:57 - Michael’s closing remarks
Previous panel discussion:
- https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep305-neuroscience-of-dream-yoga-dr-michael-sheehy-dr-tawni-tidwell-dr-julian-schott
For more interviews, videos, and more visit:
- https://www.guruviking.com
Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James -
I was recently interviewed by @gabikoyenov about a wide range of topics for his podcast.
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Gabi's shownotes:
In this enlightening episode, I'm joined by Steve James, known as Guru Viking, who delves into his unique life experiences and the genesis of his intriguing persona. Steve shares insights from living on a boat, his personal religious exploration, and the profound impact of martial arts on his approach to discipline and personal growth. He highlights key influences in his life, including the significant impact of Bruce Lee. Additionally he explains his movement the Movement Koan Method, which helps in navigating emotional and physical tensions through joint nourishing movements.
Throughout our discussion, Steve explores the deeper layers of emotional pain, the risks of forced emotional exploration, and the benefits of an inquiry-based approach to meditation. He offers a critical look at the limits of meditation, the potential dangers of psychedelics, and the current state of spirituality in the Western world, providing historical perspectives and personal reflections on navigating modern challenges with ancient wisdom.
The episode concludes with Steve's thoughts on the concept of self and enlightenment, describing spiritual experiences as moments of 'sacred ordinariness.' This conversation is packed with insights for anyone interested in the intersections of spirituality, personal development, and modern life challenges. Tune in for a thought-provoking journey with Guru Viking on The Gabi Koyenov Podcast.
00:00 Introduction to Steve James
00:24 Podcast Purpose and Audience Engagement
00:51 The Origin of Guru Viking
03:19 Living on a Boat
04:51 Insights from Memorable Guests
06:32 Steve's Personal Religious Journey
11:35 Influence of Martial Arts
17:14 Impactful Books and Wisdom Literature
24:13 Developing Discipline and Motivation
29:02 Bruce Lee's Influence
33:55 Movement Koan Method
44:09 Understanding Habitual Tension and Stress
44:21 The Deeper Layers of Emotional Pain
44:47 The Risks of Forced Emotional Exploration
45:29 Inquiry-Based Approach to Meditation
47:08 The Limits of Meditation and Need for Professional Help
47:29 Modern Spirituality and Healing
48:02 The Dangers of Psychedelics
48:42 Exploring the State of Spirituality in the Western World
49:04 Historical Perspectives and Personal Reflections
59:18 The Concept of Self and Enlightenment
01:15:21 Spiritual Experiences and Sacred Ordinariness
01:24:31 Podcast Reflections and Future Plans -
In this episode, I am once again joined by Dhammarato: a lineage teacher in the Thai Buddhist tradition.
Dhammarato critiques Western and Asian Buddhist forms, including the Mahasi method, and addresses misconceptions about stream entry.
Dhammarato comments on The Shorter Discourse to Mālunkyāputta, explains why the Buddha refused to teach on certain metaphysical subjects, challenges reincarnation, and questions mettā bhāvanā.
Dhammarato also presents his understanding of the Buddha’s true teachings, how to find a guru, and reflects on his own training under Ajahn Po.
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Also available on Youtube - search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.
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01:52 - Reflecting on 80 years of life
02:36 - Western Buddhism
03:02 - Buddhism with a lot of baggage
04:42 - Buddhism’s inferior spread in the West
05:25 - Alan Watts was more Christian than Zen
06:33 - Steve reads a sutta
09:12 - The imponderables and what the Buddha left undeclared
10:06 - Reincarnation is not part of the teachings
12:29 - Dhammarato on the 4 noble truths
13:23- Enlightenment is immediately available
14:08 - Right samadhi
15:18 - How to be free of suffering
15:33 - Buddha only taught one practice: ānāpānasati
17:28 - The noble mind
19:50 - The four noble truths are the only teaching
20:35 - Life is not suffering
21:48 - The Mahasi method is wrong
22:13 - The 16 stages of insight is a misguided model
23:18 - Western Buddhism is a ripoff
26:37 - Magical teachings and the folly of attainments
28:21 - Mahasi attainments vs what the Buddha taught
29:09 - Avoid these aspects of Western Buddhist meditation
30:16 - Mettā bhāvanā is not a teachings
32:44 - How to become a meditation teacher
34:02 - 5 ways to gain the Dhamma
35:15 - Critique of meditation retreats
37:28 - Buddha’s path is easy
40:44 - Attainments and mutual validation
42:03 - Peoples don’t see their greed
44:03 - Don’t brag about attainments
44:30 - How to know is someone is enlightened
49:32 - Huge understandings about stream entry
57:48 - Why do people claim stream entry?
01:00:37 - Christian Buddhism
01:02:33- How to demonstrate attainments
01:05:45 - How to expose fake stream enterers
01:08:52 - Meditation teacher trainings
01:10:37 - Certificates and the Wizard of Oz
01:18:11 - What are teacher trainings good for?
01:22:24 - How to become a good teacher
01:23:57 - Don’t train under a lay man for money
- Discord: https://discord.gg/epphTGY
- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjxg5GJFsRqnS-YLTzyrjLQ
For more visit.
- www.guruviking.com
Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James -
In this episode, I am once again 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 shares the story of her life, her childhood with a spiritualist mother, anecdotes of childhood psychic explorations in automatic writing and other techniques, and reflects on whether psychic abilities are inherent or cultivated.
Lopon Yudron Wangmo recounts how she became a radical lesbian feminist at university, details the social and theoretical aspects of that movement and time, and reveals the surprising choices she made when relating to male Tibetan teachers as a feminist.
Lopon Yudron Wangmo also discusses the pitfalls of performing death rites such as phowa for others, explains why she does not emphasise her feminism and politics in her dharma teaching, and considers the healing power of reparenting by taking the guru as a father figure.
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Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep309-my-radical-life-lopon-yudron-wangmo-2
Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.
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01:08 - Yudron’s unusual spiritualist, new age mother
03:50 - Lawyer father
04:57 - Early attraction to Tibetan Buddhism
06:19 - Likelihood of past life connections
07:11 - Early interests in environmentalism and solar energy
08:51 - Psychic readings, automatic writing, and hands-on healing
10:06 - Are psychic powers gifts or can they be cultivated?
12:09 - More stories of Yudron’s psychic mother
14:28 - Yudron reflects on her mother’s final years and death
17:06 - Performing phowa and other death practices for others
18:21 - Remarkable death of Yudron’s father
19:28 - Affluent background affords opportunities for spiritual seeking
21:27 - Going to university and becoming a radical lesbian feminist
22:54 - Impressed by Yeshe Tsogyal’s life story and other female practitioners
25:34 - Letting go of radical feminism to pursue the dharma
26:21 - Relating to male Tibetan teachers as a feminist
27:26 - What attracted Yudron to radical lesbian feminism
30:40 - Today’s backlash against feminism
33:00 - Conflicting theoretical and philosophical approaches to radical feminism
35:11 - United in building woman power
37:12 - Working on anger and Vajrakīlāya practice
41:27 - Giving up female chauvinism and relating to male Tibetan lamas
43:49 - Stories of great female practitioners
44:24 - Being typecast as an angry feminist
45:24 - Why Yudron doesn’t criticise Tibetan culture
46:02 - Rage about abuse of women by Lamas
46:33 - Yudron’s desire to teach pure dharma and not mix in her politics
49:43 - Why Yudron didn’t challenge her lamas with feminist ideas
5149 - The lama as a father figure, reparenting, and the influence of Yudron’s lamas
54:10 - Dropping one’s storyline and going beyond trivialities
55:48 - Motivated to counteract abusive lamas
58:05 - Americans are discouraged from teaching Tibetan Buddhism
58:51 - What to look for in a dharma teacher
01:00:55 - Sycophants vs finding the inner lama
01:02:27 - Fading interest in Tibetan Buddhism
01:03:26 - Dharma teachers should be full time
01:04:16 - The ideal amount of money and pastoralist rhythms
01:05:34 - Two extremes of converts
01:07:22 - Becoming soft
01:08:26 - Dharma teachers vs mindfulness teachers
01:09:53 - Yudron reflects on Theravada meditation and the appeal of Sharon Salzberg
01:11:35 - Prophecies of an impending dark age
01:12:38 - Simplifying dharma teaching
01:15:36 - Yudron asks for Steve’s opinion
01:16:43 - Ben Joffe and relating with spirits
01:17:36 - Steve reflects on the five perfections
01:18:38 - Yudron on the pros and cons of ritual
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Previous episode with Lopon Yudron Wangmo:
- https://www.guruviking.com/search?q=yudron
To find our 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 host a dialogue between Stephen Snyder, meditation teacher and author, and Mark Mininberg, Zen master and dharma heir to Bernie Glassman.
Stephen and Mark discuss their new podcast interview series, “Anatomy of Awakening”, in which they engage in peer-to-peer trialogue with other teachers of enlightenment.
Stephen and Mark reveal why they chose the teachers they have featured, the degree to which various claims to spiritual attainment played a part in their selection, and how they navigated conversations with teachers from other Buddhist sects.
Stephen and Mark reflect on the increase in meditation teachers who claim spiritual awakening, recall their own trainings in Zen communities in which discussion of enlightenment was taboo, and emphasise the need for rigorous training under an experienced guide.
Stephen and Mark also warn about teachers who overestimate their abilities, offer suggestions to aspiring gurus, and emphasis the whole body commitment required to truly attain Buddhist awakening.
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Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep308-anatomy-of-awakening-stephen-snyder-mark-mininberg
Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.
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Topics include:
00:00 - Intro
01:12 - Anatomy of Awakening
03:12 - How did Stephen and Mark decide which teachers to interview?
05:43 - Are these teachers enlightened?
06:13 - Enlightenment doesn’t belong to anybody
07:36 - A synergy of awakening
08:21 - How can you even tell if someone is enlightened?
09:46 - Teachers who promote themselves as teaching awakening
10:16 - No teacher is flawless
10:56 - The danger of speaking openly about awakening
12:14 - Buddhism and awakening traditions are evolving in the West
14:54 - Why are more teachers claiming enlightenment?
16:29 - Changes in American Buddhism and the New Age since the 70s
18:15 - The lost virtue of humility
19:50 The Absolute awakens to Itself
20:49 - Going public with ones’s awakening
22:59 - Holding this life in reverence
24:05 - Signs of a mature practice
26:02 - Becoming a meditation teacher
28:11 - The true job of a teacher
30:47 - Teachers should not overestimate their level
34:35 - Ways to know you are in too deep as a teacher
35:45 - Teachers need teachers
37:50 - Is there any substitute for a 1-1 relationship with a teacher
39:54 - Humility and the truth a spouse sees
41:04 - People assume their teacher is perfect
41:47 - Mark’s conservative Zen training
43:00 - Customer services spirituality
45:08 - Holding a teacher in reverence
47:13 - The pitfalls of leadership by committee
49:51 - Awakening is a whole body commitment
54:29 - Surprises when meeting enlightenment teachers
57:20 - Peer to peer trialogues
58:12 - How to find the interview series
59:24 - Host and guest
01:00:14 - Praise for the Guru Viking Podcast
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Previous episodes with Stephen Snyder:
- https://www.guruviking.com/search?q=snyder
To purchase Anatomy of Awakening visit:
- https://awakeningdharma.org/anatomy-of-awakening/
GV Podcast receives no affiliate commission from your purchase.
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For more interviews, videos, and more visit:
- www.guruviking.com
…
Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James -
In this episode I host a dialogue between Lama Justin von Bujdoss and Charlie Morley.
Justin and Charlie share their extensive experience as modern teachers of Vajrayana, compare notes on the state of Tantra in the West, and reflect on the responsibility of openly teaching previously restricted, esoteric practices.
Justin and Charlie wrestle with the tension between conserving traditional religious forms and innovating to meet today’s moral sensibilities and technological currents. They suggest changes they would like to see in both Asian Buddhist cultures and Western society, consider the pros and cons of long meditation retreats in today’s world, and call for hierarchical equality for women practitioners and teachers.
I invite Justin and Charlie to reveal the underlying principles that guide their desired reforms and consider the pitfalls of advocating change without awareness of one’s guiding rationale.
Justin and Charlie also discuss the role of neuroscience in the furthering of Buddhist understanding, reveal the potential trauma-healing power of dream yoga and dark retreat, and share their thoughts on the impact of fatherhood on one’s religious life.
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www.guruviking.com
Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.
01:52 - State of the Dharma in 2025
06:12 - Secret practices now widely available
09:37 - Whiteness and misogyny
10:02 - Why are secret practices openly taught?
11:49 - Conservatism is the achilles heel of the Karma Kagyu sect
12:23 - Controversy about online empowerments
14:32 - Understanding emptiness
16:00 - Dream empowerments
17:48 - Technology and survival of Buddhism
19:22 - Amulets of protection
21:16 - 4th turning of the wheel of Dharma
23:58 - Trauma, racism, and classism, refugees
25:54 - Working for the NYC Department of Corrections
28:41 - Potential of dream yoga and dark retreat for healing trauma
29:19 - Why don’t Tibetan lamas talk about trauma?
29:55 - Cultural overlay, Tibetan identity, and religion
32:44 - Western calls for reform vs traditional Tibetan values
48:53 - Conservatism vs reform
51:43 - Real religion vs mere cultural overlay
52:31 - N vs 3-year retreat
58:14 - Different versions of ngondro
01:02:12 - Classical Indian approaches to tantra
01:03:12 - How to reform without losing the spirit of the religion
01:04:28 - The energy of the tradition
01:06:28 - Justin’s desire for social change in Vajrayana
01:08:41 - Wisdom keeper vs lineage holder
01:12:51 - 2-way revolution
01:14:20 - How to decide what should be changed vs what should be preserved
01:18:32 - Charlie’s collaboration with Choje Lama Yeshe Losal Rinpoche
01:22:05 - Charlie criticises misogyny in Tibetan Buddhism
01:23:50 - Transgender and non-binary people in Himalayan Buddhist contexts
01:27:49 - Religious traditions are diverse and evolving
01:30:11 - Yogis and practice results
01:33:41 - Fatherhood and Dharma
01:36:37 - Long retreats are not important if you can rest in rigpa
01:39:29 - Dharma Dads workshop
01:42:09 - How important is ordination?
01:43:31 - Why is ordination so emphasised?
01:46:04 - Justin almost became a monk
01:48:22 - Advice for parents
01:49:14 - Charlie reflects on impending fatherhood and not being a monk
01:50:38 - Steve’s concluding remarks
01:51:11 - Steve urges a deeper investigation into motives behind advocacy for change
01:52:01 - Culture and Dharma essence
01:53:01 - Charlie’s concluding remarks and encouragement for practitioners
01:54:04 - Justin’s concluding remarks
01:54:15 - Praise for Guru Viking Podcast, and encouragement to practitioners
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Previous episodes with Justin:
- https://www.guruviking.com/search?q=bujdoss
Previous episode with Charlie:
- https://www.guruviking.com/search?q=morley
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Find out more about Justin:
- https://justinvonbujdoss.com/
Find out more about Charlie:
- http://www.charliemorley.com/
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For more interviews:
- https://www.guruviking.com
Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James -
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
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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
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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
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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.
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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’.
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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.
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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’.
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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
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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
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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.
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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’.
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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
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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.
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Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep299-karma-mordy-levine-2
Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.
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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”.
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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/
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For more interviews, videos, and more visit:
- www.guruviking.com
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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.
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Video versions: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep298-liberating-the-self-stephen-snyder
Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.
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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
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Previous episode with Stephen Snyder:
- https://www.guruviking.com/search?q=Stephen%20Snyder
To find our more about Stephen Snyder, visit:
- https://awakeningdharma.org/
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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.
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Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep297-boarding-on-insanity-piers-cross
Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.
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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
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To find our more about Piers Cross, visit:
- https://www.youtube.com/@pierscross
- https://www.piers-cross.com/
- https://www.boardingoninsanity.com/
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For more interviews, videos, and more visit:
- www.guruviking.com
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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.
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Video version: www.guruviking.com
Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.
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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
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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.
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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’.
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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
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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
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