Ani Pema, an American nun in Tibetan Buddhism and former Siddha Yoga swami, shares her captivating spiritual journey. From her fashion career at Vogue to seeking deeper meaning, she discusses transformative experiences with renowned gurus like Swami Muktananda and the 16th Karmapa. Pema explores the powerful phenomenon of shaktipat, sharing insights on its implications and the challenges of spirituality. She offers heartfelt advice for seekers on navigating their paths and finding the right guru for their spiritual growth.
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question_answer ANECDOTE
From Fashion to Spiritual Vision
Ani Pema left a high-flying Vogue fashion career after an accident and dissatisfaction with the American dream.
She took up yoga for healing, met Swami Muktananda, and had a precognitive vision of his ashram in India, which she then visited.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Self-Obliteration via Shaktipat
Swami Muktananda pulled Ani Pema by the hair and gazed into her eyes, triggering an overwhelming energy that obliterated her sense of self.
She experienced spontaneous shaking, weeping, and lasting transformation over days after the Shaktipat transmission.
insights INSIGHT
Karmic Risks of Shaktipat
Giving Shaktipat transmits powerful energy but carries severe karmic consequences on the giver.
Without strong practice, the karma of students receiving Shaktipat can destroy the teacher.
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In this episode I am joined by Ani Pema, an American nun in the Tibetan Buddhist religion and former swami in the Siddha Yoga organisation.
Ani Pema recalls her childhood in Boise Idaho, her high flying career in fashion working for Vogue magazine, and how dissatisfaction with the American dream set her on a spiritual search.
Ani Pema details her sixteen years of close discipleship and ordination under the renowned Siddha Yoga guru Swami Muktananda, her transformative encounters with the 16th Karmapa, and her subsequent discipleship under Tibetan Buddhist teachers such as Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche and Namkhai Nyingpo.
Ani Pema also explains the powerful phenomena of shaktipat including the severe karmic consequences for its use, reflects on Western shaktipat gurus such as Rudi and Adi Da Samraj, and gives her heart advice for those who wish to follow the spiritual path.
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Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep314-me-my-gurus-ani-pema
Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.
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Topics include:
00:00 - Intro
01:06 - High flying fashion career
02:41 - Questioning the American dream
03:24 - Taking up yoga
04:02 - Meeting Swami Muktananda
04:55 - A precognitive vision
05:40 - Close study with Swami Muktananda in India
07:29 - Rigorous practice regime at the ashram
08:38 - Obliterating the self
11:02 - Muktananda as a vortex of energy
12:09 - A past life connection
14:47 - Swami Muktananda’s 1974 USA tour
19:17 - The serious karmic burden of giving shaktipat
20:09 - Attending the 16th Karmapa
22:02 - Leaving Muktananda’s organisation
22:55 - Becoming a disciple of Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche
24:24 - Becoming a disciple of Namkhai Nyingpo in Bhutan
26:03 - Working for Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche after he became famous
27:19 - You hire the guru to assassinate your ego
28:44 - Lichivi House
30:02 - Reflections on past gurus
31:23 - Rudi and shaktipat
32:28 - Adi Da’s ego and meeting with Swami Muktananda
36:33 - 4 methods of shaktipat
38:31 - Health consequences of offering shaktipat
40:25 - Dangers of unauthorised shaktipat
41:48 - Mind to mind transmission in Tibetan Buddhism
42:32 - 4-6hrs of chanting per day
43:24 - Celibacy and guru controversies
47:27 - Comparing 16th Karmapa with Swami Muktananda
49:19 - Kashmir Shaivism vs Tibetan Buddhism
50:39 - Depression after Swami Muktananda’s death
52:47 - Profound periods of purification
54:48 - Consequences of the spiritual path
56:23 - Do Tibetan teachers recognise Muktananda’s dharma?
59:18 - Meditation is beyond tradition
01:00:46 - Ani Pema reflects on her experience as a practitioner
01:03:55 - Ani Pema’s advice for practitioners
01:06:19 - Difficulties in following famous gurus
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To find out more about Ani Pema, visit:
- https://www.facebook.com/karen.schaefer
- https://dayananda-lifewithandafterbaba.blogspot.com/
For more interviews, videos, and more visit:
- www.guruviking.com
Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James
Guru Viking Podcast