In this episode I am once again joined by Alex W, long term practitioner of Zen, Pragmatic Dharma, and Western Occultism.
Alex explains how to meditate after awakening; details the path to success in Zen, Mahāmudrā, and Dzogchen; and compares Taoist Inner Alchemy to cultivating the enjoyment body, Saṃbhogakāya.
Alex reflects on the biases of the Buddhist tradition, summarises the phases of his own meditation development, and differentiates constructive and deconstructive modes of practice.
Alex also reveals the purpose of the 6 Yogas of Naropa, warns about the dangers of advanced meditation techniques, and considers whether greater political engagement is a result of spiritual maturity.
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Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep324-how-to-practice-after-awakening-alex-w-2
Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.
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Topics include:
00:00 - Intro
00:53 - Repercussions of first interview
03:20 - Changing practice priorities
04:26 - Concern for younger generations
07:04 - Constructive vs deconstructive practice
08:18 - Biases of the Buddhist tradition
13:47 - Crystallising the energy body
14:46 - Success in Zen, Mahāmudrā, and Dzogchen practices
17:02 - Why talk about spiritual experiences
19:09 - Beyond nondual realisation
23:04 - Post-awakening stages
26:41 - Rewiring the energy body
31:03 - Out of body experiences and the body of light
35:41 - Summoning spirits
37:36 - Building the Saṃbhogakāya
38:40 - Improving the self
40:51 - Summarising the phases of Alex’s practice
41:42 - Cultural resonances and adopting foreign traditions
45:36 - Inner alchemy
49:01 - The big danger of energy practices
52:11 - Power of Now
55:21 - Consciousness and energy
01:00:46 - Preparing for the afterlife
01:04:45 - The purpose of the 6 Yogas of Naropa
01:06:24 - The purpose of deity yoga
01:08:25 - Taoist inner alchemy
01:10:21 - Rainbow body and Dzogchen attainments
01:13:53 - What is the point of post-awakening practices?
01:30:42 - Spirituality vs self improvement
01:36:11 - Dangers of intense practices
01:40:43 - Wrong ideas about freedom from suffering
01:43:24 - Enlightened self interest
01:45:45 - Clarifying the term “ego”
01:51:17 - Cult leader manipulations
01:53:25 - Change of interest from spirituality to politics
01:54:57 - Political concern related to age or spiritual development?
01:56:29 - Perks of aging
01:58:42 - Finding your purpose
02:01:27 - Service as a spiritual path
02:02:27 - Who Alex admires
02:09:56 - Sequel plans
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For more interviews, videos, and more visit:
- www.guruviking.com
Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James
