Delson Armstrong, a spiritual teacher and author, shares his journey through Kriya Yoga and reflects on the criticisms surrounding his renouncement of spiritual attainments. He discusses the importance of personal experience versus established doctrines and critiques traditional models of enlightenment. Delson also opens up about feelings of betrayal from a leaked interview and emphasizes the need for accountability. Delson explores the integration of Kriya Yoga within Buddhism and its methods for working with karma and chakras, advocating for a more flexible understanding of spirituality.
Delson Armstrong highlights the importance of personal experience in spirituality, advocating for questions on established doctrines over rigid adherence.
He addresses criticism on his approach to Buddhist enlightenment models, suggesting they evolve alongside individual experiences rather than remain fixed.
Delson emphasizes the integration of forgiveness practices within Kriya Yoga and TWIM, promoting emotional healing and transformation for practitioners.
Deep dives
Renouncing Attainments and Public Reaction
Delson Armstrong discusses his recent renunciation of attainments, reflecting on the mixed reactions from the public, mainly supportive but also critical. He acknowledges that his decision, while controversial, invites individuals to reassess their beliefs on spiritual achievements and the traditional models of enlightenment. Delson emphasizes the importance of personal experience over rigid adherence to established doctrines in spiritual practices. He regards his renunciation as an opportunity for growth and transformative learning, rather than a complete rejection of prior teachings.
Criticism and the Nature of Models
Delson addresses criticism centered around his revision of the Buddhist ten-fetter model and four-path model of enlightenment. He advocates for questioning established religious doctrines while maintaining respect for those who find value in them. Delson suggests that these models are merely tools that can evolve and shift depending on individual experiences and contexts. He encourages a broader perspective that welcomes personal insights into spiritual understanding instead of rigid dogma.
Integration of Kriya Yoga and TWIM
Delson explores the synergies between Kriya Yoga and TWIM (Tranquil Wisdom Insight Meditation), highlighting how both approaches aim to reduce stress and facilitate deeper meditative states. He details his experiences in Kriya Yoga, particularly its focus on working with chakras and karma, and how these elements can be harmoniously integrated into his teachings. By sharing techniques from Kriya Yoga, Delson aims to enhance the meditative experiences of his students while maintaining the core principles of TWIM. He notes that students have reported significant progress using this integrated approach, achieving relaxation and deeper insights into the nature of self.
Philosophical Differences and Recontextualization
Delson examines the philosophical differences between Buddhism and Kriya Yoga, such as the understanding of self and suffering. He reflects on the challenge of reconciling these two traditions and expresses his desire to find common ground by recontextualizing the teachings. Delson believes that addressing these philosophical differences can foster a deeper understanding of both systems for practitioners. He asserts the importance of personal experience and internal realization over rigid categorical interpretations of spiritual concepts.
Emphasis on Forgiveness and Healing
Delson discusses the role of forgiveness in the context of Kriya Yoga and TWIM as a method to address emotional pain and karmic tension. He advocates for a compassionate approach to healing that involves recognizing and accepting past hurts rather than simply pushing them away. By integrating forgiveness practices with meditative focus on specific chakras, he facilitates students’ healing processes and enhances their overall wellbeing. This methodology encourages practitioners to gently confront their emotional turmoil, allowing for a transformative release of negative patterns.
In this episode I am once again joined by Delson Armstrong, spiritual teacher, meditation virtuoso, and author of ‘A Mind Without Craving’.
In this interview, Delson responds to criticism and answers questions about his recent renunciation of attainments and revision of the Buddhist 4 path enlightenment model. Delson reflects on the pros and cons of questioning established religious doctrines and on the role of direct experience in challenging fixed views.
Delson comments on a recently leaked interview, shares his current position on Bhante Vimalaramsi and his TWIM meditation method, and compares Buddhism to traditional yoga.
Delson also recalls his own training in Kriya yoga, details the features of the particular lineage which he has begun to teach, and reveals methods of working with karma, chakras, and forgiveness.
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Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep290-answering-critics-kriya-yoga-delson-armstrong
Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.
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Topics include:
00:00 - Intro
01:00 - Responses to Delson renouncing his spiritual attainments
02:56 - Criticism of Delson
04:08 - Has Delson abandoned the 10 fetter model and the 4 attainments?
05:18 - Delson’s leaked interview
07:58 - Breach of trust and betrayal of friendship
09:32 - Why redefine the Buddhist doctrines rather than reassess oneself?
12:46 - Delson’s experience vs cultural consensus
13:50 - Is Buddhist doctrine beyond cultural?
16:25 - Going beyond maps and Integral Theory
17:35 - Challenging fundamentalism and fixed views
18:43 - The jīvanmukta and other mystical traditions
20:22 - Transcending doctrinal chains of imprisonment
21:37 - Daniel Ingram’s revisions
23:07 - Delsonism vs Buddhism
24:44 - Should Delson leave the traditions alone?
26:09 - The role of tradition and Delson’s contribution
27:31 - Comments on TWIM
28:32 - Drawing on different traditions
30:03 - Current view
32:05 - Delson’s current opinion on TWIM and Bhante Vimalaramsi
36:26 - Delson’s training in Kriya yoga
40:16 - Which Kriya yoga lineage does Delson teach?
42:17 - Anyone can do Kriya yoga
44:09 - Short learning curve to samadhi
45:03 - Relaxing into awakening
46:39 - What is the point of the jhanas?
48:13 - Chakras and siddhi powers
51:37 - Deities and chakras
53:26 - The Yoga Sutras on siddhi power
55:07 - Karmic acceleration and misconceptions about chakra work
58:00 - How to release karma
01:00:03 - Kriya yoga approach to work with chakras
01:00:34 - The power of forgiveness
01:01:51 - TWIM vs Kriya, Yoga vs Buddhism
01:07:37 - Delson’s recent experience teaching Kriya yoga
01:11:35 - Initiation in Kriya yoga and tantra
01:15:51 - Secrecy as a marketing tool
01:17:17 - Delson reflects on his teaching career
01:19:23 - Scientific tests on Delson, can he still meditate?
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Watch previous episodes with Delson Armstrong:
- https://www.guruviking.com/search?q=delson
Find out more about Delson Armstrong:
- Personal Site: https://www.delsonarmstrong.com/
- YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@delson999
- Delson's Foundation: https://www.freedom-of-mind.org/
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For more interviews, videos, and more visit:
- https://www.guruviking.com
Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James
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