Ep328: Foundations of Vajrayana - Dr Nida Chenagtsang

Oct 10, 2025

In this engaging conversation, Dr. Nida Chenagtsang, a Buddhist teacher and expert in Tibetan medicine, explores the profound practices of Vajrayana. He delves into the essential role of ngondro as a foundational practice, emphasizing its capacity for deep emotional healing. Dr. Nida outlines the significance of nyingthig teachings and shares insights about true freedom versus spiritual bypassing. He also highlights the importance of understanding refuge in a personal context and encourages a thoughtful relationship with emotions in spiritual practice.

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INSIGHT

Yutok Nyingthig Is An Overlooked Tradition

Nida Chenagtsang presents Yutok Nyingthig as an ancient, underrecognized Nyingtik lineage linked to medicine and Vajrayana practice.
He frames his 700-page book as a consolidation of decades of teachings and research on that healing Vajrayana lineage.

INSIGHT

Nyingtig Means Heart-Drop Teachings

Nyingtig literally means "heart-drop" and points to direct, heartfelt teachings rather than ritual density.
It functions especially within Dzogchen-oriented lineages as an 'innermost essence' transmission.

ADVICE

Build Gradual Foundations Before Advanced Methods

Avoid jumping to advanced practices without a stable foundation to reduce spiritual bypass and emotional fragility.
Prioritize gradual 'rim chipa' training when your inner base is weak to prevent harmful shortcuts and spiritual ego.

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In this interview I am once again joined by Dr Nida Chenagtsang, Buddhist teacher, doctor of Tibetan Medicine, and author of "Foundations of Vajrayana”. Dr Nida discusses the foundations of tantric practice, shares the power of its intensive ngondro practices, and reveals how to face one’s emotions with Vajrayana methods. Dr Nida also explains the nyingthig genre of heart drop teachings, differentiates true freedom from spiritual bypass, and shares an anecdote of a student who experienced a temporary awakening. Dr Nida also probes me about the Buddhist doctrines of suffering and taking refuge, explains the difference between good and bad attachment, and reveals why Buddha Shakyamuni does not require respect. … Video version: Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics Include: 00:00 - Intro 00:55 - New books 02:40 - About the ngondro book 03:49 - Dr Nida’s history of ngondro practice 05:18 - Yuthok’s Nyingthig 08:29 - The nyingthig genre of Tibetan spiritual texts 15:59 - 5th Dalai Lama’s mastery of Yuthok Nyingthig 17:52 - Tibetan medical and astrological training 20:09 - Jamgon Kongtrul’s Yuthok Nyingthig commentary 21:27 - Dr Nida’s experiences as a teacher 23:47 - The importance of asking questions 27:25 - When Buddhism makes people more stressed 29:43 - Extreme freedom and spiritual bypass 30:50 - 2 types of realisation 33:38 - Importance of ngondro 38:53 - Prostrations are a perfect yoga 42:04 - The teacher must connect with students 46:40 - Good attachment vs bad attachment 48:53 - 4 Noble Truths 49:35 - Making the ngondro personal to you 51:06 - Practice must begin where you are 53:54 - Making practice truly personal 58:45 - Buddhist gospel 59:53 - Spiritual bypass in Buddhism 01:00:22 - Anecdote about a temporary awakening 01:02:24 - Dr Nida probes Steve about taking refuge 01:06:09 - A new language of refuge 01:06:55 - Guru traumas 01:09:00 - You are a Buddha 01:10:42 - Final teaching of Dzogchen 01:12:09 - Buddha Shakymuni did not require respect 01:14:16 - Soothing emotional suffering 01:16:33 - Many methods of Vajrayana 01:17:25 - Facing your emotions … Previous episodes with Dr Nida Chenagtsang: - https://www.guruviking.com/search?q=nida To find out more about Dr Nida Chenagtsang, visit: - https://www.facebook.com/DoctorNida/ - http://www.skypressbooks.com/ … For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - https://www.guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James