Guru Viking Podcast

Dr. Michael Sheehy, a leading researcher in tantric yogas at the University of Virginia, joins Dr. Tawni Tidwell, a biocultural anthropologist, and Dr. Julian Schott, a Tibetologist. They delve into the intersection of neuroscience and Tibetan dream yoga, exploring how ancient practices can inform contemporary consciousness studies. The trio discusses the decline of spiritual masters, the impact of modernity on traditional practices, and the complexities of translating Tibetan wisdom into scientific discourse. They emphasize the potential of dream yoga to enhance self-awareness and navigate spiritual paths in today's world.

Tulku Sherdor, a Buddhist teacher and author on Tibetan Buddhism, shares profound insights about the spiritual journey across different life stages. He discusses the illusions of ambition versus the acceptance that comes with age. Mind training takes precedence over mystical experiences, especially in a turbulent world. Tulku critiques traditional retreat practices and warns about the potential pitfalls for dharma teachers caught in ego's allure. He emphasizes the urgency of genuine personal growth and authentic mentorship in navigating spiritual development.

In this episode, I am joined by Lopon Yudron Wangmo, American teacher of Tibetan Buddhism and author of several books including her recent “Clearing the Way to Awakening”. Lopon Yudron Wangmo offers an analysis of the shortcomings of today’s Buddhist literature, details the writing process for “Clearing the Way to Awakening”, and reveals the stylistic and language choices she made to better reach the average reader. Lopon Yudron Wangmo describes the power of the ngondro preliminary practices of Tibetan Buddhism and explains the techniques of mantra recitation, prostrations, mandala offerings, bodhicitta generation, tummo, śamata, and more. Lopon Yudron Wangmo extols the benefits of turning away from worldly life and towards religion, reports the fruits of her own practice such as profound peace and joy, warns about the danger of following a guru without first testing him, and advises on how to work with the supernatural dimension of Buddhism. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep303-clearing-the-way-to-awakening-lopon-yudron-wangmo Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics include: 00:00 - Intro 01:04 - Clearing the Way to Awakening 01:52 - The problem with today’s Buddhist literature 03:20 - Sublime topics 04:22 - Style considerations for today’s reading level 06:03 - Learning to write more simply for the average reader 07:18 - Patrul Rinpoche and avoiding imitation 08:30 - What is awakening? 09:09 - Local context in Buddhist cultures 10:34 - Buddha’s description of his awakening 12:37 - Working with the supernatural dimension of Buddhism 14:25 - The ālaya vijñāna and the unconscious mind 17:34 - Buddha nature vs being driven and unconscious 18:57 - Gradualist vs subitist awakening 20:22 - The role of ngondro and the power of visualisation 22:51 - The power of recitation 24:05 - The power of prostrations 26:17 - The power of maṇḍala offerings 28:13 - Why esoteric practices are not appropriate for most people 30:00 - The secrets to completing your ngondro 32:27 - The importance of motivation 33:15 - The anti-climax of realising the nature of mind 35:33 - Tummo and śamata 36:50 - Origin of the ngondro system + Theravada critique 39:17 - Taking refuge 40:30 - Generating bodhicitta and practicing the four immeasurables 41:12 - Vajrasattva and purification practice 42:21 - Merit making and guru yoga 44:06 - If you don’t like it, don’t practice it 45:04 - Yudron asks for Steve’s opinion 46:58 - Choose your Buddhism 48:23 - Disillusionment with saṃsāra and choosing Buddhism later in life 50:03 - The power of choice and acquired ADHD 51:43 - Get on it 52:38 - The power of disillusionment and renunciation 55:07 - The peace and joy of turning away from the world 57:41 - The suffering of loneliness and the fruits of practice 01:00:09 - The mechanism of spiritual contentment 01:02:04 - Yudron on the importance of disclosing attainments 01:03:28 - Spiritual saints 01:04:13 - Political lamas and checking out gurus 01:05:32 - Personal relationship with the guru 01:07:13 - We’re all devoted to something 01:09:09 - Pitfalls of ngondro: anxiety, OCD, depression, and PTSD 01:14:06 - Yudron’s struggles with depression and anxiety 01:19:34 - Boomer Buddhists 01:20:04 - Preliminary or foundational? 01:22:06 - Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo’s advice about retreat 01:23:38 - Congratulated by Vajrasattva and the ontology of deities 01:26:45 - Spontaneous feelings of love To find out more about Lopon Yudron Wangmo, visit: - https://www.yudronwangmo.com/ For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - https://www.guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

Rebekah Sturghill, a mother and school teacher, shares her captivating journey from a strict Texan evangelical upbringing to converting to Orthodox Christianity. She discusses her teenage atheism, the influence of feminist activism, and the struggles with religious authority and sexuality. Rebekah reflects on the complexities of conversion influenced by online communities and critiques the trend of internet-driven faith shifts. Her story illustrates the intersection of personal identity, belief, and the transformative nature of spiritual exploration.

Lorna Byrne, a spiritual teacher and best-selling author from Ireland, shares her extraordinary experiences of seeing angels since childhood. She discusses how these visions shaped her understanding of love, hope, and compassion. Lorna explores different types of angels and other spiritual beings, emphasizing the unique insights children have about them. She encourages openness to spiritual experiences and the importance of embracing one's individuality. Additionally, she reflects on the complex relationship between the human body and soul.

In this episode I am once again joined by Katarina Falkenberg & Tommy Westlund, alchemists, practitioners of Western Esotericism, and authors of ‘Alchemy, The Divine Work’. Katarina and Tommy detail the stages and methods of the spiritual path of Western alchemy. They explain the movement through four phases, describe the operations employed during each, and reveal the signs of progress that indicate success. Katarina and Tommy reveal how to pray to the Madonna, how to purify karma, how to work with fire and emotions such as anger and sadness, the role of tinctures and elixirs, and methods of astral travel and archetypal work. Katarina and Tommy also consider the power of the imagination, the interaction with external alchemical operations and inner personal refinement, and recount stories of entity encounters and reality creation. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep300-the-spiritual-practice-of-alchemy-katarina-falkenberg-tommy-westlund Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics include: 00:00 - Intro 01:04 - “Alchemy, The Divine Work” 02:30 - Practices of the alchemical path 03:38 - Prima materia and meditation 05:42 - Meditating on alchemical emblems 06:43 - The metaphysics of prima materia consciousness 07:30 - Praying to Black Madonna 08:38 - How to pray 10:07 - Use of the imagination 11:42 - Signs of contact with the Black Madonna 13:44 - Purifying karma and releasing traumas 15:08 - Inhaling suffering and exhaling love 16:50 - Purification and divine providence 19:09 - The Nigredo phase 20:50 - The seven planets and chakras 21:49 - Theosophical ideas about seven governing forces 26:15 - Moving into the Albedo phase 27:11 - Mercurial consciousness 28:22 - Nigredo vs Albedo phases 29:43 - Working with the astral body 30:17 - Work with herbs and creating tinctures 34:18 - An alchemical elixir toast 36:39 - The Citrinitas phase 38:27 - Working with fire 40:16 - Using anger and sadness 41:48 - Death is not the end 43:33 - Reintegrating the Dark Angel 44:04 - The magic of imagination 48:14 - Fourfold processes and the quintessence 49:37 - Making the soul bigger 51:22 - Working with the Egyptian and Gnostic traditions 52:24 - Projecting the four elements 53:53 - Pilgrimages to magical locations 55:19 - Visitations from giants and other beings 57:42 - Meeting inner archetypes in the outer world 59:37 - The Rubedo phase 01:01:41 - Microcosm and macrocosm 1:04:109 - Fasting and insight into the shadow 01:07:51 - Signs of process on the path 01:10:14 - Working at a deeper level 01:11:31 - Katarina’s novel manifesting into real life 01:13:41 - Creating your own universe 01:15:25 - Life as a creative project 01:17:23 - Working with the ego 01:19:40 - Death and resurrection 01:20:27 - Bad gurus with siddhi powers 01:22:11 - The power of partnership 01:23:34 - Humility and the flaming heart 01:24:40 - Practice advice for the eager student 01:30:36 - Balance vs obsession 01:33:50 - 10-15 years to a successful white wedding 01:36:32 - Working for the next life … Previous episode with Katarina Falkenberg & Tommy Westlund: - https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep238-alchemy-the-divine-work-katarina-falkenberg-tommy-westlund To find out more about Katarina Falkenberg & Tommy Westlund, visit: - https://www.alkemiskaakademin.se/eng/about-us/ 
For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - www.guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

In this interview I am once again joined by Mordy Levine, serial entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and author of ‘The Beginner’s Guide to Karma’ with Lama Lhanang. Mordy discusses the Buddhist doctrine of karma, explores its history in Indian thought, and differentiates the various types of karmic actions and their consequences. Mordy reveals special, esoteric methods to purify bad karma, compares the Tibetan tradition to Zen, and grapples with the importance of motive in karmic justice. Mordy also discusses the six realms, whether Buddhist hell should be understood as a place or a psychological state, and why he believes an understanding of karma is a pathway to true freedom. NB: Lama Lhanang was originally scheduled to appear in this interview alongside Mordy, but was unable to attend due to a last minute scheduling conflict. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep299-karma-mordy-levine-2 Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics include: 00:00 - Intro 00:52 - Why Mordy wrote “The Beginner’s Guide to Karma” 02:17 - Understanding of karma regulates human behaviour 03:38 - Creative collaboration with Lama Lhanang 04:48 - A powerful insight about karma and consciousness 06:53 - The history of the doctrine of karma in India 09:50 - Mordy’s research into karma, using primary sources 11:50 - Different types of karmic actions and their consequences 13:29 - Selfishness vs selflessness as motive 15:08 - Is intention all? 16:19 - How great masters read karmic history 19:34 - Does Buddhism disincentivise effective action? 21:19 Does self-interest negate efforts to generate good karma? 23:24 - The desire to help others is an exception 26:00 - Motivations are complicated 28:57 - How karma helps us face negative situations 31:25 - The story of the Zen farmer 33:48 - Does the doctrine of karma blame the unfortunate? 36:02 - Explanation without accusation 37:09 - Mordy’s message about karma 38:38 - Working the karmic system to reduce negative karmic consequences and accrue merit 41:06 - Esoteric methods to purify negative karma 44:24 - The special power of meditation 45:44 - Does motivation affect the karmic consequence of meditation? 44:34 - Can meditation create negative karma? 48:28 - Generating and dedicating merit 50:45 - Is enlightenment the result of good karma? 52:42 - How to work the karma system to become enlightened 53:43 - What is collective karma? 56:24 - Can we hold groups accountable for their karma? 58:18 - Mordy on Donald Trump 59:41 - Can bad karma send you to hell? 01:02:07 - Are the 6 realms real locations or psychological states? 01:03:29 - Does Mordy believe in the 6 realms? 01:04:13 - Is belief in the 6 realms necessary? 01:05:21 - Is karma believable? 01:06:26 - Is there a place for chance in the Buddhist view? 01:07:00 - Mordy’s hopes for the book 01:07:58 - Does karma give freedom or a burden? 01:08:38 - American karma, “Have it your way”. … Previous episode with Mordy Levine: - https://www.guruviking.com/search?q=mordy Previous episodes with Lama Lhanang: - https://www.guruviking.com/search?q=lhanang To find out more about Mordy Levine, visit: - https://www.mordylevine.com/ 
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For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - www.guruviking.com … Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

In this engaging discussion, Stephen Snyder, a Buddhist meditation teacher and author, shares insights about personal transformation and the intricacies of spiritual awakening. He highlights the need to address personality structures and trauma even after enlightenment. Reflecting on Zen masters, he warns against ignoring ongoing practice. Stephen also explores advanced meditation techniques, like kasina and skeleton practice, emphasizing how confronting challenging emotions can unlock compassion and authenticity. His experiential approach to retreats boosts student success rates.

In this episode I am once again joined by Piers Cross, ex-Buddhist monk, coach, and creator of the documentary “Boarding on Insanity”. Piers explains the British boarding school system, examines its history and social context, and reveals how and why boarding school attendance is seen by many as a pathway to power. Piers recalls his own boarding school experience, the trauma and subsequent breakdown it caused, and describes the dynamic of the “privilege double-bind”. Piers recounts his years as a Buddhist monk, how he navigated suicide attempts and self harm with meditation and community support, and the powerful mystical experiences he encountered during his religious practice. Piers lists over two dozen leading figures in the arts, business, and politics who attended boarding school and reflects on the possibility of a leadership class affected by abandonment and dissociation by elite educational institutions. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep297-boarding-on-insanity-piers-cross Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.
 … Topics include: 00:00 - Intro 01:05 - Military family upbringing and alcoholic father 03:42 - Going to boarding school at 11 years old 05:36 - History of British boarding schools 08:23 - Pathway to power 10:19 - Oxbridge emphasis 11:37 - The old boys network and breaking parental attachment 14:42 - Is the education better? 17:48 - IQ vs emotional intelligence 20:31 - A typical day at boarding school 23:30 - Piers’ boarding school trauma and learning to dissociate 27:07 - Suicide of Piers’ best friend 29:37 - Resilience vs dissociation and avoidant attachment 32:48 - Resurfacing trauma in the 30s and 40s 33:28 - Richard Branson, David Cameron, Bear Grylls, and John Peel 34:36 - Trauma of neglect 36:53 - Idealisation, cover up, and not listening to children 41:45 - The privilege double-bind 47:32 - After boarding school & city career 51:03 - Depression and breakdown 53:07 - Laughed at by the doctor 54:31 - Death of Piers’ father and work in Africa 56:41 - 3.5 years in a Buddhist monastery 59:37 - A sense of coming home 01:02:22 - Taking the 8 precepts 01:03:30 - Ordination, self harm, and suicidal ideation 01:06:31 - The support and kindness of the other monks 01:09:26 - Struggles with meditation 01:12:03 - Reading scriptures and other Buddhist books 01:14:00 - Tastes of transcendence 01:14:55 - Profound experience of childlike mind 01:16:35 - Healing avoidant attachment 01:20:10 - Working with dreams 01:21:10 - Tears and connecting to emotion 01:22:41 - Buddhist doctrine about suicide and hell 01:25:14 - The power of initiation 01:27:13 - Leaving the monastery 01:28:08 - Piers shows his journal 01:29:33 - After the monastery and work with board school survivors 01:33:15 - “Boarding on Insanity” documentary 01:33:28 - Tony Blair, Boris Johnson, Justin Welby 01:37:05 - Cover ups and a societal flip 01:39:30 - Prince Charles, Stephen Fry, Ranulph Fiennes, Gabriel Byrne, Roald Dahl, Harry Windsor, 01:41:00 - JFK, Princess Diana, Charles Spencer, Aldous Huxley, Richard Beard, Jeremy Paxman, 01:41:26 - Elon Musk, Mini Driver, Eddie Izzard, Princess Catherine, Rupert Murdoch, 01:44:46 - Piers’ 3hr daily practice 01:46:44 - Taoist Tantric Arts 01:47:59 - Piers’ advice for taking on new practices 01:49:37 - Piers’ meditation practice 01:51:02 - Closing remarks and advice for ex-boarders … To find our more about Piers Cross, visit: - https://www.youtube.com/@pierscross - https://www.piers-cross.com/ - https://www.boardingoninsanity.com/ … 
For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - www.guruviking.com … Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

In this episode, I am joined by Gerald Ilyas Klawatsch, Sufi musician, music therapist, and founder of the international Ensemble Ak Pirim. Ilyas recalls stories of his Sufi path, his meeting and discipleship under his Sufi sheik, and stories of profound spiritual connection and transcendence through devotional music and religious practice. Ilyas describes Sufism as a love relationship, reveals his own difficult childhood, and explains how to stabilise divine ecstasy in the human body. Ilyas also tells the remarkable life story of his spiritual teacher, emphasises the importance of testing a guru, and reflects on the healing potential of religious practice. … Video version: www.guruviking.com Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.
 … 00:00 - Intro 00:50 - Names and titles in Sufism 02:46 - The death of Gerald’s master, Dr Rahmi Oruc Guvenc 03:51 - - Death of the lineage 05:54 - Why didn’t Dr Rahmi Oruc Guvenc pass on his lineage? 07:18 - The intended heir 07:40 - Gerald’s guitar studies and finding Sufism 11:40 - Meeting the master 15:00 - Early Sufi training with the master 17:22 - Sufism is a love relationship 21:47 - Dynamics in the early relationship with the master 23:43 - The remarkable life of Dr Rahmi Oruc Guvenc 36:21 - Islamic Sufism vs Universalist Sufism 38:41 - The love relationship and awakening the heart 44:29 - Stabilising the ecstasy 48:03 - Effects of being in relationship with a master 51:25 - How Gerald dealt with the pain of a difficult upbringing 55:15 - Healing the pain 57:49 - Gerald falls to his knees in front of the master 01:07:58 - Testing the teacher 01:10:33 - Sufi music therapy … To find out more about Gerald Ilyas Klawatsch, visit: - https://bengusu.com/g-ilyas-klatsch/ - https://www.youtube.com/@akpirimensemble For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - https://www.guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James