Questioning Religious Beliefs and Exploring Buddhism

In this episode I am once again joined by John Myrdhin Reynolds, also known as Lama Vajranatha: writer, teacher, translator, and scholar/practitioner of Tibetan Buddhism.  John begins with a discussion about the unique characteristics of Dzogchen, common misunderstandings that have arisen from its widespread popularity, and the differences between Dzogchen, Mahāmudrā, and the kenshō of Zen. John discusses his extensive field research into Himalayan shamanism, spirit possession and rituals of exorcism, shamanic diagnosis and healing, and what it takes to become a shaman. John also explores the various classes of spirit including gyalpo spirits who manifest as authoritarianism and sectarianism, recounts experiences of spirit attacks, and explains the differences between the shaman, lama, and magician. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep221-exorcism-himalayan-shamanism-john-myrdhin-reynolds-3 Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics Include: 00:00 - Intro 01:02 - Lama Vajranatha’s Dzogchen teaching 03:35 - Unique characteristics of Dzogchen 04:27 - Misunderstandings about Dzogchen 08:34 - The metaphor of the mirror 09:53 - The tantric context and the practices of deity yoga and tummo 12:12 - Entering Dzogchen through sadhana practice 13:52 - Mahāmudrā vs Dzogchen 16:26 - Sakya Pantida’s criticisms of Gampopa’s Mahāmudrā teachings 17:30 - Spontaneous Zen awakenings 19:51 - Dzogchen vs hypnotic trance induction 23:26 - Meeting Himalayan shamans 27:42 - Childhood visions of spirits 30:11 - Spirit possession and exorcism in Himalayan Buddhism 31:28 - Tribal shamans vs Tibetan Lamas 33:01 - Guardian pujas and the power of blood sacrifice 45:13- Buddhism vs shamanism 49:40 - Shamanic diagnosis, healing, and trance states 54:03 - Paying karmic debts to cure disease 57:00 - Banishing ghosts, poltergeists, and preta 01:00:02 - Exorcism rituals and la-hooking 01:05:07 - How to become a shaman 01:08:01 - Western shamans and Carlos Castaneda 01:09:47 - Magicians vs shamans 01:14:16 - Life balance and spirit encounters 01:16:58 - Personal communication with dakinis 01:17:49 - Gyalpo spirits of authoritarianism and sectarianism 01:18:56 - Dorje Shugden 01:23:17 - Dalai Lama’s illness when practicing Dzogchen after Dorje Shugden empowerment 01:25:46 - Geshe Kelsang’s Gyatso’s Buddhist group 01:27:40 - Namkhai Norbu retreat attacked by a gyalpo spirit 01:29:49 - Dangers of receiving empowerments 01:31:56 - Leaving the USA under the direction of the dakinis 01:34:00 - Contacting Lama Vajranatha 01:36:27 - Importance of asking questions … Previous episodes with John Myrdhin Reynolds visit: - https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep200-lama-vajranatha-professor-john-myrdhin-reynolds - https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep211-magick-systems-of-the-west-east-john-myrdhin-reynolds-2 To find our more about John Myrdhin Reynolds visit: - https://vajranatha.com/ For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - https://www.guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James