Join Lama Vajranatha on the Guru Viking Podcast as he discusses the unique characteristics of Dzogchen and clears up misunderstandings. He also shares insights from his field research on Himalayan shamanism, including spirit possession, exorcism rituals, and the different classes of spirits. Discover the differences between shamans, lamas, and magicians and learn about personal experiences with spirit attacks. Explore the intersection of shamanic practices with Buddhism and the importance of making offerings to spirits.
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insights INSIGHT
Dzogchen's Popularity
Dzogchen has become a popular buzzword, like Zen in the 1960s.
Many claim to teach it without proper experience.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Preliminary Practice
Preliminary meditation practice is crucial for Dzogchen.
It helps understand "mind" experientially, not just intellectually.
insights INSIGHT
Dzogchen as a Mirror
Dzogchen is like a mirror; experience the mirror, not just reflections.
Find yourself in the nature of mind, not its content.
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In this episode I am once again joined by John Myrdhin Reynolds, also known as Lama Vajranatha: writer, teacher, translator, and scholar/practitioner of Tibetan Buddhism.
John begins with a discussion about the unique characteristics of Dzogchen, common misunderstandings that have arisen from its widespread popularity, and the differences between Dzogchen, Mahāmudrā, and the kenshō of Zen.
John discusses his extensive field research into Himalayan shamanism, spirit possession and rituals of exorcism, shamanic diagnosis and healing, and what it takes to become a shaman.
John also explores the various classes of spirit including gyalpo spirits who manifest as authoritarianism and sectarianism, recounts experiences of spirit attacks, and explains the differences between the shaman, lama, and magician.
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Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep221-exorcism-himalayan-shamanism-john-myrdhin-reynolds-3
Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.
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Topics Include:
00:00 - Intro
01:02 - Lama Vajranatha’s Dzogchen teaching
03:35 - Unique characteristics of Dzogchen
04:27 - Misunderstandings about Dzogchen
08:34 - The metaphor of the mirror
09:53 - The tantric context and the practices of deity yoga and tummo
12:12 - Entering Dzogchen through sadhana practice
13:52 - Mahāmudrā vs Dzogchen
16:26 - Sakya Pantida’s criticisms of Gampopa’s Mahāmudrā teachings
17:30 - Spontaneous Zen awakenings
19:51 - Dzogchen vs hypnotic trance induction
23:26 - Meeting Himalayan shamans
27:42 - Childhood visions of spirits
30:11 - Spirit possession and exorcism in Himalayan Buddhism
31:28 - Tribal shamans vs Tibetan Lamas
33:01 - Guardian pujas and the power of blood sacrifice
45:13- Buddhism vs shamanism
49:40 - Shamanic diagnosis, healing, and trance states
54:03 - Paying karmic debts to cure disease
57:00 - Banishing ghosts, poltergeists, and preta
01:00:02 - Exorcism rituals and la-hooking
01:05:07 - How to become a shaman
01:08:01 - Western shamans and Carlos Castaneda
01:09:47 - Magicians vs shamans
01:14:16 - Life balance and spirit encounters
01:16:58 - Personal communication with dakinis
01:17:49 - Gyalpo spirits of authoritarianism and sectarianism
01:18:56 - Dorje Shugden
01:23:17 - Dalai Lama’s illness when practicing Dzogchen after Dorje Shugden empowerment
01:25:46 - Geshe Kelsang’s Gyatso’s Buddhist group
01:27:40 - Namkhai Norbu retreat attacked by a gyalpo spirit
01:29:49 - Dangers of receiving empowerments
01:31:56 - Leaving the USA under the direction of the dakinis
01:34:00 - Contacting Lama Vajranatha
01:36:27 - Importance of asking questions
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Previous episodes with John Myrdhin Reynolds visit:
- https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep200-lama-vajranatha-professor-john-myrdhin-reynolds
- https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep211-magick-systems-of-the-west-east-john-myrdhin-reynolds-2
To find our more about John Myrdhin Reynolds visit:
- https://vajranatha.com/
For more interviews, videos, and more visit:
- https://www.guruviking.com
Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James