In this episode I am joined by Shiv Mathur, Youtuber and spiritual explorer.
Shiv recounts his life story including his upbringing in India, 16 years of military service, and international career in IT.
Shiv describes how a growing spiritual calling saw him retire from the world of work to seek out spiritual masters in the Himalayas. Shiv shares stories from his search, including his encounters with Himalayan yogis such as Tat Wale Baba, and recalls how he began practicing in earnest the teachings he received.
Shiv also discusses his current practice, the pros and cons of remote retreat, how to find and relate to a guru, the process of purification, and shares his views on the trajectory of world civilisation today.
…
Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep282-spiritual-explorer-shiv-mathur
Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.
…
Topics include:
00:00 - Intro
00:56 - Shiv’s Youtube channel
02:06 - Shiv’s upbringing in India
03:56 - Education and 16 years of military service
05:25 - Leaving the navy and success in the private sector
06:33 - The spiritual calling and travel to the Himalayas
07:31 - Teaching international workshops
08:54 - Interest in Himalayan yogis
09:48 - Influence of Paul Brunton
10:26 - Travel to find authentic yogis
11:50 - Current life of solitude and self enquiry
12:48 - 3 ways of learning
13:38 - Shiv’s current retreat location
15:02 - Pilgrimage and the network of ashrams
16:22 - Shiv’s disillusionment with material riches
18:41 - Looking for an escape
19:59 - Meeting Tat Wale Baba and experiencing profound samadhi
21:36 - Traversing dimensions of experience
23:29 - Delusion and luxury beliefs
25:13 - Meeting yogis and purifying your energy
26:15 - Leaving the body and Shiv’s meditation goal
27:25 - Challenges of practicing in remote locations
29:52 - Personal prerequisites for practicing sādhanā
31:32 - Shiv’s practice method
32:44 - The practice of self enquiry
37:16 - Shiv’s interactions with Nasa and other scientists
39:04 - Indian astrology
40:09 - UFOs + did Nasa steal from India texts?
40:36 - The importance of self enquiry
41:55 - Real saints vs commercial yogis
43:55 - Spotting fake gurus
44:42 - How gurus fall into moral degradation
45:13- How to relate to a guru
46:48 - Lifestyle of a real guru
48:17 - How to prepare to work with a guru
51:11 - Shiv discusses siddhi and supernatural powers
53:57 - What is the purpose of siddhis?
55:00 - Purification
57:11 - Bugs in the human operating system
58:24 - Shiv comments on today’s social issues
01:00:00 - Feminism, trad wives, and Western capitalists
01:02:23 - The benefits of arranged marriage
01:03:59 - Civilisational collapse and universal correction
01:08:19 - Advice for yogis in times of world turmoil
01:10:06 - Closing remarks
…
To find our more about Shiv Mathur, visit:
- https://www.youtube.com/@ShivMathur
…
For more interviews, videos, and more visit:
- https://www.guruviking.com
Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James
