During a recent trip to Nepal, I met with frequent podcast guest Lama Glenn Mullin, spiritual teacher, Tibetologist, and author of over 30 books on Buddhism.
Glenn was in Kathmandu to lead a group of over fifty pilgrims into tantric retreat in the nearby mountains and graciously agreed to film with me at various sacred sites before and after their retreat.
In this video, we join Glenn before his retreat as he carries out his early morning circumambulation of the Great Stūpa of Boudhanath. As we walk, Glenn explains the story and significance of the renowned holy site, reveals the esoteric symbolism of stūpa design, and discusses the healing and spiritual power of pilgrimage.
Glenn also reflects on his own life experiences in Kathmandu, recalls his early dharma training, interacts with people around the stūpa, and considers the implications of Kālacakra prophecies for recent history and current events.
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Link in bio.
Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.
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Topics include:
00:00 - Intro
01:06 - Glenn’s early dharma training
02:54 - The sacred land of Nepal
03:28 - Movement of Buddhist masters and lineages from India through Nepal
04:30 - A local offering ritual
04:59 - History of Boudha
05:53 - History of the Tibetan exile community in Nepal
10:22 - Shechen Gompa and Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche
11:44 - An enlightened being
12:26 - Walk to the stūpa
13:16 - Stūpa architecture and its symbolism
16:59 - Morning circumambulation
17:43 - Glenn and students
18:53 - How to do kora circumambulation
22:59 - Kora in Dharamsala
24:21 - Why morning kora?
25:51 - Clockwise or counterclockwise?
28:51 - Healing power of pilgrimage
31:32 - Anecdote of life extension through kora
33:24 - The power of pilgrimage
33:49 - The meaning of ‘ani-la’
34:49 - Many temples of Boudhanath and city migration
38:02 - Kangyur recitation
39:11 - Cakravartin or spiritual teacher?
41:45 - The story of the Great Stūpa
43:32 - An auspicious lineage
44:12 - Misconceptions about Buddhism in Tibet
45:37 - Damage and renovation of stūpa
47:08 - Making a donation
48:45 - Walking around the stūpa
49:50 - Prophecy of Buddhism coming to the West?
54:37 - Kālacakra prophecy about age of darkness or golden age
55:56 - Buddhist and Newari art
01:01:46 - Glenn’s favourite monastery in Boudhanath
01:03:25 - Walking around the stūpa
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Previous episodes with Lama Glenn Mullin:
- https://www.guruviking.com/search?q=glenn%20mullin
To find out more about Lama Glenn Mullin, visit:
- http://www.glennmullin.com/
- https://www.facebook.com/Maitripa.Glenn
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For more interviews, videos, and more visit:
- www.guruviking.com
Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James
