Ep304: Crumbs from the Parrot’s Beak - Tulku Sherdor

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May 2, 2025

Tulku Sherdor, a Buddhist teacher and author on Tibetan Buddhism, shares profound insights about the spiritual journey across different life stages. He discusses the illusions of ambition versus the acceptance that comes with age. Mind training takes precedence over mystical experiences, especially in a turbulent world. Tulku critiques traditional retreat practices and warns about the potential pitfalls for dharma teachers caught in ego's allure. He emphasizes the urgency of genuine personal growth and authentic mentorship in navigating spiritual development.

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ANECDOTE

Adapting Practice to Ageing Body

Tulku Sherdor shares how physical ageing affects practice but mind training remains central regardless of bodily changes.
He accepts bodily limitations with ease, adapting practice routines to changing energy levels and physical conditions.

INSIGHT

Impermanence Deepens Spiritual Drive

Assimilating the reality of impermanence is even more fundamental than bodhicitta as spiritual motivation.
Recognizing impermanence deepens gratitude and focus on serving others over time.

ADVICE

Retreat Needs Experienced Guidance

Pursue retreat only with guidance from experienced teachers who understand intense practice challenges.
Avoid self-organized retreats without such background, as they lack essential tools for managing emotional and psychic challenges.

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In this episode I am joined by Tulku Sherab Dorje, Buddhist teacher, translator, and author of scholarly and popular books about Tibetan Buddhism. Tulku Sherdor reflects on the changes in the spiritual journey over a lifetime, whether or not the world is becoming more turbulent, and the effects of ageing on yogic practice and view. Tulku Sherdor explains why mind training is superior to mystical experiences, emphasises the reality of impermanence, and shares the best tests of successful retreat and spiritual growth. Tulku Sherdor also warns about the prognosis of tulkus who do not conduct extensive retreat; critiques the shortcomings of the 3-year retreat model as conducted in the West; and details the temptations for dharma teachers in pleasure, profit, praise, and popularity. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep304-crumbs-from-the-parrots-beak-tulku-sherdor Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics include: 00:00 - Intro 01:04 - Crumbs from the Parrot’s Beak 02:43 - The spiritual journey and the phases of life 04:24 - Is the world becoming more turbulent? 05:56 - The effects of ageing on spiritual practice 07:53 - How to relate to physical limitations 09:56 - Ambition for enlightenment 12:26 - This is more fundamental than Bodhicitta 13:23 - Reality of impermanence 15:20 - The unique challenges of intensive practice and retreat 18:39 - Distinguishing appearance from substance 19:41 - The title “lama” is not a guarantee of quality 21:12 - The best proof of progress 23:17 - The role of a demanding retreat schedule 26:24 - Mature practice 28:03 - Tulkus must conduct extensive retreat but sometimes don’t 30:28 - Prognosis for high lamas who don’t do extensive retreat 32:30 - Hopes for corrections in the tulku system 34:58 - The Tibetan Buddhist tradition is unique and precious 35:41 - Signs of a successful retreat 38:01 - Completing a 3 year retreat is not a guarantee of quality 38:56 - Substandard Western 3 year retreats 40:49 - Pre-1950s Tibet and the renunciate yogi system 46:11 - Today’s economic challenges when practicing the dharma 49:47 - Mind training is superior to glimpses of the nature of mind 55:45 - The best test of success in practice 57:00 - Does practice ever get easier? 01:01:28 - The 4 payoffs: pleasure, profit, praise, popularity 01:06:49 - Guru devotion and the guru relationship 01:12:31 - A story about Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche 01:14:41- Peace Prayer Gathering in June 2025 … Previous episode with Tulku Sherdor: - https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep276-canadian-tulku-translator-tulku-sherab-dorje To find our more about Tulku Sherdor, visit: - https://blazingwisdom.org/tulku-sherab-dorje/ - https://dharmakayacenter.org/all-programs/2637/sadhana-practice-expanding-our-compassion-for-all-beings/?fbclid=IwY2xjawKAGaRleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFXZEJ2cmRmb0U3VTExUWpmAR729nsWXoI6VZEb9GkrzCeajdhS6ze_zGrQZUTvLpsphQJQHPSdJABxQ0brag_aem_dWMYHIGmMRk_dxeWxEuL7A For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - https://www.guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James