In a thought-provoking discussion, Gabi Koyenov interviews Steve James, also known as Guru Viking, who shares fascinating stories from his life on a narrow boat and his spiritual journeys. He dives into the influence of martial arts on personal growth and explores the complexities of emotional exploration, meditation, and modern spirituality. Steve highlights the teachings of Bruce Lee, discusses the concept of self and enlightenment, and introduces his Movement Koan Method. Listeners are treated to a rich blend of ancient wisdom and contemporary challenges.
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question_answer ANECDOTE
Life on a UK Narrowboat
Steve James lives on a narrowboat, a houseboat on the UK's canal system, sometimes moored and sometimes moving.
This lifestyle connects him deeply to history and a unique way of living tied to British waterways.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Early Religious and Martial Foundations
Steve James's personal religious journey started with being a Catholic altar boy and discovering martial arts early on.
This combination sparked an enduring curiosity about embodied practices and spiritual traditions worldwide.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Motivation Lists for Discipline
Make three motivating lists: future benefits, future consequences of inaction, and reasons why you can succeed.
This clarifies emotional reasons and overcomes superficial desire to build lasting discipline.
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The Book of Five Rings is a text on kenjutsu and the martial arts in general, written by the Japanese swordsman Miyamoto Musashi around 1645. Musashi wrote the book in his final years, intending it as a guide for aspiring warriors and strategists. It emphasizes the importance of adapting to different situations, understanding the opponent, and mastering various techniques. The book is divided into five sections, each named after an element: Earth, Water, Fire, Wind, and Void. Each section delves into different aspects of strategy, tactics, and philosophy. Musashi's teachings transcend mere combat, offering insights into leadership, decision-making, and self-improvement.
The Bible
Various Authors
The Bible is a comprehensive collection of texts that form the central religious text of Christianity and Judaism. It is divided into the Old Testament, which includes books such as Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, and others that narrate the creation of the world, the history of the Israelites, and the prophetic messages. The New Testament focuses on the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, along with the early Christian church and its spread. The Bible contains a wide range of genres, including historical narratives, poetry, wisdom literature, prophetic writings, and epistles[2][3][5].
Tao of Jeet Kune Do
Bruce Lee
The Tao of Jeet Kune Do is a compilation of Bruce Lee's notes and writings on his martial arts philosophy. The book was assembled posthumously from Lee's personal notes and studies, which he began during his convalescence from a back injury in 1970. It emphasizes the importance of formlessness, adaptability, and self-knowledge in martial arts. Lee's approach rejects rigid styles and traditions, advocating for a fluid and dynamic method of combat that is tailored to the individual's needs and capabilities. The book includes discussions on fighting techniques, mental preparation, and philosophical underpinnings, reflecting Lee's integration of various martial arts and philosophical sources[2][3][4].
The Art of War
Sun Tzu
I was recently interviewed by @gabikoyenov about a wide range of topics for his podcast.
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Gabi's shownotes:
In this enlightening episode, I'm joined by Steve James, known as Guru Viking, who delves into his unique life experiences and the genesis of his intriguing persona. Steve shares insights from living on a boat, his personal religious exploration, and the profound impact of martial arts on his approach to discipline and personal growth. He highlights key influences in his life, including the significant impact of Bruce Lee. Additionally he explains his movement the Movement Koan Method, which helps in navigating emotional and physical tensions through joint nourishing movements.
Throughout our discussion, Steve explores the deeper layers of emotional pain, the risks of forced emotional exploration, and the benefits of an inquiry-based approach to meditation. He offers a critical look at the limits of meditation, the potential dangers of psychedelics, and the current state of spirituality in the Western world, providing historical perspectives and personal reflections on navigating modern challenges with ancient wisdom.
The episode concludes with Steve's thoughts on the concept of self and enlightenment, describing spiritual experiences as moments of 'sacred ordinariness.' This conversation is packed with insights for anyone interested in the intersections of spirituality, personal development, and modern life challenges. Tune in for a thought-provoking journey with Guru Viking on The Gabi Koyenov Podcast.
00:00 Introduction to Steve James
00:24 Podcast Purpose and Audience Engagement
00:51 The Origin of Guru Viking
03:19 Living on a Boat
04:51 Insights from Memorable Guests
06:32 Steve's Personal Religious Journey
11:35 Influence of Martial Arts
17:14 Impactful Books and Wisdom Literature
24:13 Developing Discipline and Motivation
29:02 Bruce Lee's Influence
33:55 Movement Koan Method
44:09 Understanding Habitual Tension and Stress
44:21 The Deeper Layers of Emotional Pain
44:47 The Risks of Forced Emotional Exploration
45:29 Inquiry-Based Approach to Meditation
47:08 The Limits of Meditation and Need for Professional Help
47:29 Modern Spirituality and Healing
48:02 The Dangers of Psychedelics
48:42 Exploring the State of Spirituality in the Western World
49:04 Historical Perspectives and Personal Reflections
59:18 The Concept of Self and Enlightenment
01:15:21 Spiritual Experiences and Sacred Ordinariness
01:24:31 Podcast Reflections and Future Plans
Guru Viking Podcast 
