Guru Viking Podcast

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.

Ngakma Yumma Mudra, also known as Myriam Szabo, is a dancer, producer, and teacher of Tibetan Buddhism who founded the Danza Duende Network. In this conversation, she shares her tumultuous journey from childhood trauma to discovering dance as a refuge and spiritual practice. Myriam recounts mystical experiences, her path to Buddhism, and the transformative power of retreat. She discusses her international modeling fame, overcoming struggles with abuse, and integrating dance into her spiritual life, revealing how movement can become a sacred expression.

Dr. Nida Chenagtsang, a Doctor of Tibetan Medicine and author, dives into the fascinating world of Tibetan Healing Massage. He explains the unique characteristics of Tibetan massage, emphasizing its connection to energy types and trauma. Dr. Nida provides a live demonstration, showcasing techniques like cupping and stick therapy. He discusses the concept of "la" energy, acupressure points, and the various conditions Tibetan massage can help treat, offering insights on rethinking health within a spiritual context.

In a fascinating discussion, Charles Manson, a specialist librarian for the Tibetan collections at Oxford, takes listeners on a journey through the Bodleian Library’s treasures. He unveils the secrets of Tibetan manuscripts, including the striking gold-lettered Lamdre texts and the concept of terma. Charles shares insights on the Tibetan afterlife and the enlightening Tibetan Book of the Dead. He also reflects on his own path in Tibetology and emphasizes the importance of learning Tibetan for deeper understanding. Prepare for a rich dive into a world of ancient wisdom!

Alana Fairchild, a spiritual teacher and author of the Kuan Yin Oracle Deck, shares her journey from an unusual Catholic upbringing to becoming a renowned psychic. She delves into her psychic training, discussing her transformative experiences with Tibetan imagery and the connection between eros and spirituality. Alana reflects on the complexities of past lives, the integration of sexuality with spirituality, and her journey in creating her bestselling oracle deck, all while emphasizing the importance of personal authenticity in spiritual paths.

In this engaging discussion, Dr. Tawni Tidwell, a biocultural anthropologist, Dr. Michael Sheehy, director of research specializing in contemplation, and Dr. Julian Schott, an expert in Buddhist tantra, dive into the complexities of studying tantric practices. They tackle the ethical dilemmas of scientific research, explore the intertwining of subjective experiences with rigorous methodology, and debate how neuroscience could reshape traditional understandings. The trio emphasizes the importance of cultural translation in contemplative practices and the significance of interdisciplinary approaches for valid research.

Alan Chapman, a British writer and occultist known for his works on Western esotericism, engages in a fascinating discussion. He compares Eastern and Western spiritual traditions, positioning Merlin as the archetype of the Western adept. Alan asserts that theosis is Christianity's true aim and shares insights on the language of the birds, which symbolizes deeper transmissions of wisdom. He critiques modern interpretations of spirituality, emphasizing the importance of authentic practices and the value of cultural differences in spiritual development.

In this engaging conversation, Dr. Nida Chenagtsang, a Buddhist teacher and expert in Tibetan medicine, explores the profound practices of Vajrayana. He delves into the essential role of ngondro as a foundational practice, emphasizing its capacity for deep emotional healing. Dr. Nida outlines the significance of nyingthig teachings and shares insights about true freedom versus spiritual bypassing. He also highlights the importance of understanding refuge in a personal context and encourages a thoughtful relationship with emotions in spiritual practice.

Dr. Francisco José Luis, a scholar in Indo-Iranian studies and comparative religion, shares insights from his rigorous academic journey that includes training in classical languages like Latin, Greek, and Sanskrit. He reflects on the shift in education, highlighting a rise in ideological indoctrination. Francisco delves into his PhD research on pre-reformist Sikhism, revealing its colonial influences, and discusses the living legacy of Neoplatonism in Islamic thought. With a blend of mysticism and personal experience, he connects Shiʿi practices with Neoplatonic traditions.