In this episode I host a dialogue between Tibetologist and Tantric Buddhist Lama Glenn Mullin and doctor of Tibetan Medicine and Yuthok Nyingthig spiritual teacher Dr Nida Chenagtsang.
Lama Glenn and Dr Nida discuss impact of three key revolutionary figures in Tibetan Buddhism from historical and doctrinal perspectives: Padmasambhava, Atisha, and Tsongkhapa.
The discussion extends to include the history and evolution of the famous 6 Yogas of Naropa. Both Lama Glenn and Dr Nida are known to teach these hitherto secretive practices relatively openly, and they discuss the issues that have influenced them to do so, including prophecy, the true meaning of secrecy, and the importance of including the body in religious practice.
Lama Glenn and Dr Nida also discuss subjects such as the geomancy of Samye and the surrounding areas, the pros and cons of the multiplicity of religious sects in Tibet, similarities between Buddhist lineages and Western psychological schools, and more.
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Video version: www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep159-meeting-of-ngakpas-lama-glenn-mullin-dr-nida-chenagtsang
Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.
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Topics include:
00:00 - Intro
01:10 - Jimi Hendrix and Je Tsongkhapa
03:29 - 3 revolutionaries: Padmasambhava, Atisha, Tsongkhapa
09:38 - Tsongkhapa’s 5 stages of the Dzogrim vs 6 Yogas of Naropa
14:13 - Padmasambhava’s big breakthrough
18:07 - Civil war, religious persecution, and Muslim invasion
20:08 - Why was Atisha special?
21:09 - Sect consciousness
21:41 - Tsongkhapa and the Sarma Renaissance
23:27 - Importance of historical perspective in understanding Tibetan Buddhism
26:16 - Samye College & the 5 Perfections
29:27 - Similarities with psychology schools
31:07 - Milarepa and experiential learning
35:38 - Core of all the schools
37:24 - Pros and cons of many schools
41:16 - The geomancy of Samye and Tibet
48:26 - Geomancy and dream yoga
51:36 - Historical evolution of the 6 Yogas of Naropa
56:34 - Why secrecy?
59:06 - Experiential vs academic learning
01:04:07 - Completion stage secrecy doesn’t make sense
01:08:08 - Body liberation is essential in tantra
01:12:47 - Physical activity is important
01:15:07 - Subtle body yogas of vajrayana
01:23:29 - Glenn’s closing remarks on the pros and cons of recent spread of Buddhism
01:33:19 - Nida’s closing remarks on social awareness and finding balance in Buddhist teaching
01:41:14 - The need for female teachers
01:43:32 - BONUS: Lama Glenn & Dr Nida's first meeting (in Tibetan)
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Previous episodes with Lama Glenn Mullin:
- https://www.guruviking.com/search?q=glenn%20mullin
Previous episodes with Dr Nida Chenagtsang:
- https://www.guruviking.com/search?q=chenagtsang
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To find out more about Lama Glenn Mullin, visit:
- http://www.glennmullin.com/
- https://www.facebook.com/Maitripa.Glenn
To find out more about Dr Nida Chenagtsang, visit:
- https://www.facebook.com/DoctorNida/
- http://www.skypressbooks.com/
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For more interviews, videos, and more visit:
- www.guruviking.com
Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James
