Guru Viking Podcast

Dr. William Rory Dickson, an associate professor of Islamic Religion and Culture at The University of Winnipeg, shares his fascinating spiritual journey from a Christian upbringing to exploring Tibetan Buddhism and ultimately embracing Sufism. He discusses the role of psychedelics in his awakening and debunks common misconceptions about Sufism and Islam. Additionally, he highlights the importance of language in understanding spirituality and reflects on the rich philosophical roots of Sufism, drawing from influences like Ancient Egyptian and Neo-Platonic thought.

Brad Warner is a Zen teacher and best-selling author known for his candid insights on Zen practice. Shozan Jack Haubner, an ex-Zen monk and prize-winning author, adds layers with his humorous memoir. They share their journeys through writing, tackling the nuances of portraying real-life experiences and the complexities of American Zen. Topics include the commercialization of meditation and the balance of authority in teaching. Their conversation delves into online criticism, social justice, and maintaining authenticity in a polarized world.

Jina Kusala, a wandering Theravada monk originally from Norway, shares his remarkable journey from a traumatic childhood to finding healing through Buddhism. He recounts transformative experiences in the Himalayas and insights gained from encounters with prominent spiritual figures. Jina discusses the Four Foundations of Mindfulness and explains the differences between Hīnayāna and Vajrayāna practices. He emphasizes how deep suffering can foster resilience and how meditation can pave the way towards true inner fulfillment.

Damo Mitchell, an author and teacher of internal Asian arts, dives into the complexities of Qigong and meditation. He reveals the darker side of these practices, such as 'dragon sickness' and mental overload, emphasizing the importance of understanding true meditation versus mental exercises. Damo warns about the risks of spiritual encounters and the pitfalls of pushing energetic boundaries. He shares personal experiences and offers insights on how to navigate psychological challenges in these disciplines while advocating a holistic approach to personal development.

Join Khandro Kunzang Dechen Chodron, a teacher of Tibetan Buddhism and executive director of Saraswati Bhawan Publications, as she shares her mystical journey. She recounts vivid childhood experiences communicating with animal spirits and pivotal encounters with great gurus. Khandro discusses how to navigate the collapse of the self during spiritual practice and emphasizes the student-teacher relationship's importance. Her stories of Lama Dawa and yogic feats, including mirror divination, invite listeners into the transformative power of Tibetan Buddhism.

Gilbert M Gutierrez, a Chan Buddhism teacher and a dharma heir of Master Sheng Yen, shares his remarkable journey, from childhood mystical experiences to deep meditation practices. He discusses the transformative encounter with Quan Yin and the life-altering challenges of a strict meditation retreat. The conversation dives into his experiences with energy manipulation and spiritual healing, revealing the balance of compassion and insight required for working with terminally ill patients. Gilbert's stories of martial arts and navigating the spiritual realm add layers to his fascinating perspective.

Join Chan Buddhist teacher Guo Gu and Rinzai Zen Abbot Meido Roshi as they explore their decades-long friendship and the importance of dharma relationships. They discuss misconceptions about awakening, the benefits of integrating body-mind practices, and the transformative power of mindfulness training. With anecdotes from their early retreats and insights into developing as teachers, they reveal how close connections with masters can impact personal growth. Plus, they share tips on maintaining practice journals and the joys of a committed spiritual journey.

Duncan Barford, an occult practitioner and author, shares his intriguing journey into the world of the occult, blending Chaos Magick with Buddhist teachings. He dives into his experiences with demonic afflictions, enlightening listeners on the fine line between spiritual and mental health challenges. Duncan recalls invoking his Holy Guardian Angel and reflects on the initial mixed reactions to his teaching venture. This conversation also explores how cultural influences shape magical practices in the UK, making it a captivating dialogue for the spiritually curious.

Naljorma Tsül'dzin, an internationally acclaimed performance artist and ordained apprentice in Tibetan Buddhism, shares her remarkable journey from rural Ireland to Kathmandu. She reflects on her childhood, struggles with addiction, and the transformative power of art intertwined with spirituality. Tsül'dzin discusses the significance of her Tibetan robes, the intersection of performance and religious expression, and her collaboration with iconic artist Marina Abramović. Get ready for insights on body awareness, artistry, and community in the vibrant landscape of Buddhism.

Join Mattias Daly, a Taoist practitioner and translator of ‘Taoist Inner Alchemy’, as he shares a chilling personal account of his struggle with demonic possession spanning generations. He recounts intense symptoms and desperate attempts at exorcism across various traditions, including Taoist and Catholic practices. Mattias also delves into the complexities of demonology, his transformative experiences in meditation, and the surprising motivation behind revealing his story now. It’s a captivating exploration of spirituality and resilience!