Guru Viking Podcast Ep337: Guru Ghostwriting & Tantric Retreat - Dr Ben Joffe
Dec 12, 2025
Dr. Ben Joffe, an anthropologist and Tibetan Buddhism scholar, shares intriguing insights into the world of guru ghostwriting. He discusses how spiritual teachers often rely on ghostwriters for their books, revealing fascinating aspects of their collaborative processes. Ben navigates the tension between scholarly integrity and spiritual practice, questioning whether practice experience is essential for translating religious texts. He draws parallels between Tibetan and Western practices, including the Yuthok retreat and the Abramelin Ritual, highlighting signs of success in tantric practice.
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Ghostwriting Is A Norm, Not A Scandal
- Ben Joffe exposes guru ghostwriting as a common norm in Tibetan Dharma publishing and describes his editor/compiler role in Nida Chenagtsang's book.
- He argues transparency about multiple hands strengthens, not weakens, Dharma publications.
Verify Before You Crystallize
- When editing oral teachings, prioritize what the teacher repeatedly emphasizes across years of talks.
- Check uncertain passages with senior students and the teacher to avoid misrepresenting positions.
Authorship Is Collective In Tibetan Culture
- Tibetan textual culture treats copying and borrowing as positive transmission rather than plagiarism.
- Buddhists often view authorship as shared action, aligning with doctrinal views of non-self.
