Guru Viking Podcast

In this engaging discussion, Dhammarato, a lineage teacher in the Thai Buddhist tradition known for personal teaching conversations, critiques Western interpretations of Buddhism. He challenges misconceptions about stream entry and emphasizes the original teachings of the Buddha, particularly the Four Noble Truths. Dhammarato argues that reincarnation isn't part of authentic teachings and critiques popular practices like the Mahasi method. He also reflects on mentorship's importance and how true enlightenment is about immediate availability through mindfulness.

Join Lopon Yudron Wangmo, an American teacher of Tibetan Buddhism and author, as she recounts her fascinating journey from a spiritualist upbringing to becoming a radical lesbian feminist. She shares intriguing childhood experiences with psychic exploration and discusses the cultivation of psychic abilities. Yudron reflects on her unique interactions with male Tibetan teachers and the implications for feminism in her teachings. She also touches on the complexities of performing death rites and the transformative power of taking the guru as a father figure for healing.

Join Stephen Snyder, a meditation teacher and author, and Mark Mininberg, Zen master and Dharma heir, as they delve into the intricacies of spiritual awakening. They discuss their podcast series, exploring how they select teachers and the importance of rigorous training. Reflecting on enlightenment as a shared experience, they caution against overinflated claims from some teachers. The duo also emphasizes genuine mentorship and the necessity of vulnerability in spiritual growth, offering insightful perspectives on the evolving landscape of meditation teachings.

Lama Justin von Bujdoss, a dark retreat yogi and spiritual director, joins Charlie Morley, a lucid dream and dream yoga teacher, to discuss modern Vajrayana Buddhism. They explore the balance between tradition and innovation in teaching esoteric practices. The conversation dives into the growing accessibility of Tantra, the role of neuroscience in spiritual understanding, and the potential of dream yoga for trauma healing. They emphasize the importance of gender equality and the impact of fatherhood on spiritual journeys, advocating for reforms that make Buddhist teachings relevant today.

Join Professor Mara Einstein, a digital marketing critic and author specializing in cult brands, as she delves into the shocking parallels between marketing tactics and cult recruitment. She discusses her book 'Hoodwinked', revealing how manipulative strategies infiltrate both media and religion. Mara analyzes cult-like marketing in televangelism, stealth Buddhism, and the prosperity gospel, while sharing her own disillusionment with a spiritual leader. Prepare to rethink how faith is marketed and the ethical implications behind these strategies!

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.