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.
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question_answer ANECDOTE
Leaked Interview and Apology
Delson Armstrong discusses a leaked interview that was released without his permission.
He expresses his frustration about the breach of trust and apologizes for any harm caused.
insights INSIGHT
Model vs. Experience
Delson reflects on revising the Ten Fetter Model and the Four Path Model.
He acknowledges potential delusion but emphasizes the validity of his own experience.
insights INSIGHT
Beyond Maps and Religions
Delson discusses transcending models and religious frameworks in his understanding of enlightenment.
He challenges the notion of a "one size fits all" approach to spiritual growth.
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This book is a detailed account of Paramahansa Yogananda's life, from his childhood in India to his spiritual quest and eventual establishment of the Self-Realization Fellowship in the United States. It includes his encounters with various spiritual figures, his experiences with Kriya Yoga, and his mission to spread the teachings of yoga and meditation to the Western world. The book also delves into the prophesied writing of his autobiography and its significance in spreading the message of yoga globally[1][2][5].
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
Guru Viking Podcast 
