Guru Viking Podcast

Lopon Yudron Wangmo, an American teacher of Tibetan Buddhism and author, shares her enlightening spiritual journey. She discusses her experiences under various spiritual gurus and reflects on her challenges with ADHD during meditation. Lopon critiques shamatha practice while explaining Dzogchen and its insights. She shares her transformative solo retreat experiences and highlights the risks of psychological regression in three-year retreats. With an emphasis on the value of sincere practice, she encourages listeners to seek reliable teachers.

In this engaging discussion, Alex W, a long-term practitioner of Zen and Pragmatic Dharma, explores how to meditate effectively after awakening. He breaks down the differences between constructive and deconstructive practices and shares insights from his own meditation journey. Alex also discusses the potential societal impacts of spiritual maturity and emphasizes the need for structured approaches to spirituality for younger generations. He delves into the integration of practices like Taoist Inner Alchemy and the significance of personal development in achieving true liberation.

Alan Chapman, a British writer and occultist, shares insights from his transformative spiritual journey. He reflects on his challenging childhood in Northern England and first encounters with Aleister Crowley. Alan discusses the complexities of the British class system and its impact on identity. He explores the significance of spiritual transmission and reveals his thoughts on various gurus, including Stephen Batchelor and Adi Da. Additionally, he delves into the role of the Dark Goddess in spiritual awakening, emphasizing the delicate balance of light and dark in personal growth.

Ngakma Yumma Mudra, a dancer, producer, model, and teacher of Tibetan Buddhism, discusses the transformative power of dance in accessing the blissful nature of the mind. She emphasizes the importance of movement as a practice of mindfulness, connecting it to the Satipaṭṭhāna Sutta. The conversation dives into the balance between technique and spontaneity, how to read others through dance, and the challenges of habitual tendencies. She shares insights on infusing artistic technique with goodness, ultimately guiding students in their journey toward authentic expression.

John Myrdhin Reynolds, also known as Lama Vajranatha, is a renowned scholar and practitioner of Tibetan Buddhism with deep ties to the Bon religion. In this discussion, he explores the distinct teachings of Bon compared to Buddhism, revealing its rich history and practices. John dives into the evolution of Bon traditions and their transmission in the West, addressing misconceptions about their authenticity. He shares insights on the significance of Dzogchen, the resilience of the Bonpo community, and the role of ritual and meditation in attaining spiritual powers.

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.

Ray Russell, founder of Tartarus Press and author of 'T. Lobsang Rampa And Other Characters of Questionable Faith,' delves into the enigmatic life of T. Lobsang Rampa. Once Cyril Henry Hoskin, Rampa claimed to channel a Tibetan Lama, stirring debates on authenticity and cultural impact. Russell explores the psychological allure of faith and the motivations behind fictional narratives. They discuss Rampa’s legacy in popularizing Tibetan Buddhism and the ongoing fascination with myth and belief, questioning how hoaxes shape our understanding of spirituality.

Victor Shiryaev, a teacher of Buddhist and modern meditation, shares his fascinating journey from a Soviet childhood to spiritual awakening. He reflects on the influence of New Age concepts and his studies in Advaita Vedanta. Highlighting a meeting with mindfulness teacher Shinzen Young, Victor discusses their contrasting views on the path to awakening. He also critiques the Pragmatic Dharma's mapping of spiritual experiences, emphasizing personal insights and the significance of mindfulness in navigating life's challenges.

Lama Glenn Mullin, a Tibetan Buddhism scholar, joins Oded Rahav, CEO of Dead Sea Guardians, to discuss the enchanting allure of the Dead Sea. Oded shares his passion for this mystical body of water and its sacred nature, while Glenn delves into the powerful energies of sacred places and their historical significance. Together, they explore the Dead Sea's environmental decline, its potential to foster peace in the region, and the impact of storytelling in raising awareness about its preservation. Their dialogue weaves together spirituality, conservation, and advocacy.

Alex W is a long-term practitioner of Zen, Pragmatic Dharma, and Western Occultism, sharing his fascinating journey from an elite upbringing to spiritual insights. He discusses his mentorship under renowned figures and the powerful Abramelin Ritual for kundalini awakening. Alex recounts his profound encounters with spiritual beings like Kālī Mā and Hecate, delving into the intricate balance between Zen practices and Western occultism. He reflects on the transformative blend of chaos and divine connection in his spiritual exploration.