
Ben Joffe
Cultural anthropologist specializing in Western esoteric traditions and Tibetan Tantra.
Top 5 podcasts with Ben Joffe
Ranked by the Snipd community

243 snips
Sep 2, 2024 • 2h 32min
Guardians and Protectors!
Dr. Ben Joffe, a cultural anthropologist focused on Western esoteric traditions and Tibetan Tantra, teams up with Robert Svoboda, an Ayurvedic doctor and author, to explore the concept of guardianship across cultures. They discuss how ancient practices of invoking guardian deities play a crucial role in navigating both beneficial and malevolent forces. The conversation emphasizes the challenges modern spirituality faces in balancing openness with necessary boundaries, urging a revival of traditional wisdom to foster emotional well-being in today's chaotic world.

17 snips
Jun 14, 2024 • 2h 29min
Ep258: Demonology of Tibet - Dr Ben Joffe
Anthropologist and Tibetan Buddhism scholar Dr. Ben Joffe delves into demonology, discussing pre-Buddhist spirit frameworks, the influence of Buddhism, and Tantric practices. He explores spirit domination, missionary geomancy, spirit contact for practitioners, and handling predatory demons. Dr. Joffe shares personal experiences with the spirit world, highlighting the unique methods used to establish Buddhism in Tibet.

14 snips
Sep 27, 2024 • 2h 40min
Ep273: Spirit Conjuration - Dr Ben Joffe
Dr. Ben Joffe, an anthropologist and expert in Tibetan Buddhism, dives into the fascinating world of spirit conjuration. He explores its rich history, from ancient times to modern practices, revealing diverse magical traditions. Joffe compares cultural perspectives on spirits, including parallels between Buddhism and Jewish mysticism. He shares his personal encounters with the supernatural, emphasizing the importance of ethical invocation practices. With a witty touch, he also discusses how horror films reflect these esoteric themes and the nuances of grimoires in contemporary spirituality.

Aug 15, 2025 • 3h 31min
Ep320: Divination & Tarot - Dr Ben Joffe
Ben Joffe, an anthropologist and scholar of Tibetan Buddhism, dives into the fascinating world of divination and tarot. He explores the cultural significance of divination and its relationship with intuition and randomness. Joffe shares his personal journey with tarot, offers practical advice for readers, and addresses the ethical complexities surrounding these practices. He reflects on how tarot can empower clients, the dangers of dependency, and the transformative potential of storytelling in both divination and personal growth.

Oct 18, 2024 • 1h 42min
Tantrik Sādhanā in the Modern World with Ben Joffe and Katherine Bennett
Ben Joffe is a scholar of Tibetan Buddhism, specializing in householder teachers and Nagpa rituals, while Katherine Bennett is a non-dual therapist with expertise in transpersonal and Buddhist psychology. They dive into the practice of tantrik sādhanā today, discussing the blend of academic rigour with personal spiritual journeys. They explore the role of initiation, the necessity of a guru, and the evolving nature of tantric practices amid globalization. The conversation emphasizes authentic engagement with traditions and the community's pivotal role in the spiritual journey.