Guru Viking Podcast

Guruma Dhamma Vijaya, a Nepali Buddhist nun and scholar, shares her life journey from a Newar childhood in Kathmandu to her extensive training in meditation traditions. She discusses her transition from Vajrayāna to Theravāda Buddhism, inspired by feminist ideals she encountered during her studies in the USA. Guruma offers insights on meditation techniques, emphasizing breath awareness as the essence of practice, and highlights the challenges faced by bhikkhunīs in Nepal. Her reflections illuminate the intersection of spirituality and social change.

R.B. Russell, an author and founder of Tartarus Press, delves into the intriguing life of Welsh mystic Arthur Machen. He explores Machen's involvement with the occult and the Golden Dawn, revealing his complex relationship with spirituality. Russell highlights Machen's monumental work, 'The Great God Pan,' addressing its chilling reception and feminist interpretations. The conversation also touches on the nuances of literary theory, the interplay of psychoanalysis in horror, and the enduring allure of Grail mythology, showcasing Machen's profound literary legacy.

In this engaging conversation, Dhammarato, a lineage teacher in the Thai Buddhist tradition, dives deep into the Ānāpānassati Sutta, shedding light on its breath meditation practices. He challenges common misconceptions, emphasizing the sutta's completeness in the Buddhist path. Dhammarato also critiques loving-kindness meditation, highlighting its role as an outcome rather than a primary practice. Moreover, he discusses transforming victim mentality into independence and cultivating comfort even amidst pain—transformative insights for any meditator.

John Brehm, a poet and author of The Dharma of Poetry, discusses how poetry can deepen spiritual practice and evoke joy. He explores themes of erotic humor and vulnerability in his work. Alongside him, Henry Shukman emphasizes the importance of finding beauty in neglected spaces and shares how poetry can condense profound emotions into compact forms. They reflect on the interplay of spontaneity and revision in writing, while also considering poetry's social role in restoring moral sensibility and fostering community.

This bonus conversation features John Brehm, an insightful poet exploring the spiritual dimensions of poetry, and Henry Shukman, known for his lyrical examinations of presence and landscape. They delve into how erotic poetry can evoke the sacred and discuss the profound impact of psychedelics on their artistic expressions. Brehm critiques aggressive analysis, advocating for an appreciative approach to poetry. Both share their love for the overlooked, drawing parallels between their poetic journeys and the spiritual awakening found in everyday life.

In this enlightening discussion, Dr. Thomas Clough Daffern, a philosopher and peace activist, explores the deep meanings behind Christmas and the Winter Solstice. He reflects on personal loss and the cyclical nature of time, illuminating how ancient wisdom informs our understanding of current events. Delve into the symbolism of the Christmas tree and the traditions of gift-giving, connecting them to historical rituals like Saturnalia. Daffern's optimism for humanity shines through as he advocates for sharing wisdom and embracing collective compassion.

Gerald Ilyas Klawatsch dives into the enchanting world of Sufi music, highlighting its sacred instruments like the ney and oud. He shares personal tales of spiritual mentorship and the ecstatic experiences in music therapy. Listeners explore the divine beauty found in art and calligraphy, and how communal music practices create a trance-like state. Ilyas also discusses music's powerful role in emotional healing, linking ancient sound techniques to modern therapeutic practices. Prepare for a melodic journey that awakens the heart!

Dr. Ben Joffe, an anthropologist and Tibetan Buddhism scholar, shares intriguing insights into the world of guru ghostwriting. He discusses how spiritual teachers often rely on ghostwriters for their books, revealing fascinating aspects of their collaborative processes. Ben navigates the tension between scholarly integrity and spiritual practice, questioning whether practice experience is essential for translating religious texts. He draws parallels between Tibetan and Western practices, including the Yuthok retreat and the Abramelin Ritual, highlighting signs of success in tantric practice.

Duncan Barford, an occult practitioner and author known for his insights on Western esotericism, shares his expertise in this discussion. He critiques the film 'A Dark Song' as a realistic portrayal of magic and connects its themes to real-life rituals. Duncan elaborates on the complexities and high failure rates of the Abramelin ritual, drawing parallels to other mystical traditions. He emphasizes genuine emotional connection as the key to magical success and warns that historical fixation can inhibit personal practice, challenging listeners to engage with magic on a deeper level.

In a captivating discussion, Alex W, a seasoned teacher in Zen and Western occult traditions, presents his ideal curriculum for achieving awakening. He emphasizes the necessity of core skills, autonomy in spiritual practices, and the importance of daily meditation. Alex contrasts the benefits of Soto and Rinzai practices while sharing fascinating insights on energetic openings and the nuances of Daoist and Buddhist techniques. He warns against chasing experiences and advocates for a balanced, gradual approach to practice, encouraging self-reliance in the spiritual journey.