Navigating the Challenges of Spiritual Solitude in the Himalayas

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