Guru Viking Podcast

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Ep234: Dzogchen Valley - Aro gTér Sangha Dec 29, 2023

Show notes

In this episode I travel to deepest of Wales to visit Drala Jong, the headquarters and retreat centre of the Aro gTér sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Ngakchang Rinpoche and Khandro Déchen give a tour of the grounds of Drala Jong, discuss the esoteric geomancy of the site, and reveal the methods used to identify and propitiate the local spirit of the land. Ngakchang Rinpoche and Khandro Déchen detail the methods and practices of the Aro gTér, guide practice sessions in the Dzogchen meditation of sky gazing and other techniques, and tell stories of their lamas such as Kunzang Dorje Rinpoche, Chimé Rigdzin Rinpoche, Dudjom Rinpoche, and more. I also meet the ordained caretakers of the centre, witness the sangha in their daily rituals of chanting and song, and receive a lesson in their physical movement system of Kum Nye from lineage specialist Sang-gyé A-tsal. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep234-dzogchen-valley-aro-gtr-sangha Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … 01:23 - Tour of the grounds 04:01 - Geomancy of the site 05:07 - Appeasing the land spirits 10:17 - The right wing 13:47 - Plans for a statue of Dudjom Rinpoche 17:31 - Plans for the left wing 25:37 - The requirements and procedure of Aro gTér ordination 32:57 - Pilgrimage and normalising Vajrayana religion 35:38 - The main house 42:57 - The shrine room 45:59 - Ritual practice at Drala Jong 46:56 - Range of Aro gTér practices 48:16 - Shiné vs śāmatha 51:19 - The 4 Naljors and approaching Dzogchen 56:20 - Practices of shiné and lhagtong 59:44 - Showing the ritual objects, statues, and thangkas 01:11:08 - Attention to detail and creating a lineage place 01:14:05 - The role of personal shrine rooms and care for ritual objects 01:16:35 - Caring for people 01:18:19 - Weapon collection 01:24:57 - Role of prostrations 01:26:13 - Ngakchang Rinpoche’s reflections on his 70th birthday 01:28:17 - Drala and the practice of relating the natural world 01:31:30 - Why Wales is good for Dzogchen practice 01:35:48 - Ancient woodland 01:37:36 - The caretakers Jagyür and Métsal 01:39:52 - Tour of Jagyür and Métsal’s accommodation 01:44:21 - Living at Drala Jong 01:45:36 - Daily practice regime 01:48:35 - Recent ordination of disciples 01:50:52 - Ngakpa vs Naljorpa ordination 01:52:21 - Origins of Aro gTér ordination lineages 01:54:05 - Weather making for Chime Rinpoche 01:58:31 - Lunchtime song 01:59:54 - Ngakchang Rinpoche gives sky gazing instruction (namkha arte) 02:04:52 - The 21 semdzin of Dzogchen 02:08:28 - Reflecting on having a retreat centre after 30 years 02:09:40 - Meditation on sound 02:10:56 - On the practice of retreat 02:13:06 - 3 part approach and the practice of suspension 02:16:12 - Markers of progress in spiritual practice 02:20:10 - A story of Dungse Thinley Norbu Rinpoche 02:21:48 - Anecdote about Dzogchen shouts 02:22:42 - Dreams of Dudjom Rinpoche 02:24:52 - Sang-gyé A-tsal introduces Kum Nye 02:27:29 - Steve receives a Kum Nye lesson 02:46:26 - The drinking song of Dudjom Rinpoche 02:49:19 - Wine drinking mudra of Chimé Rigdzin Rinpoche 02:50:41 - Is Dzogchen a religion? 02:52:51 - Taking Dzogchen out of Buddhism 02:56:21 - Imitating culture 02:59:05 - Religion is ‘bigger than me’ 03:00:52 - Providing community 03:05:26 - Organised religion 03:09:46 - Starting new religions vs being part of a lineage 03:11:48 - Unthinking use of language 03:13:23 - The value of being contained by religion 03:14:38 - Inspiration between teacher and student   … Previous episodes with the Aro gTer: - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLlkzlKFgdknxvlIXraR8zs4j4vNebA8os&si=BJvxADcKcGuUPOSc To find out more about Drala Jong, visit: - https://www.drala-jong.org/ For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - https://www.guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

Ep233: Blessing Power of the Buddhas - Naomi Levine 4 Dec 22, 2023

Show notes

In this episode I am once again joined by Naomi Levine, author, under her birth name Norma Levine, of several books including ‘The Miraculous 16th Karmapa’, ‘A Quest For The Hidden Lands’, and ‘Chronicles of Love and Death: My Years With The Last Spiritual King of Bhutan’. In this interview, Naomi discusses her first book ‘Blessing Power of the Buddhas’, an account of her 3 year investigation into the sacred relics and holy men of Himalayan Buddhism and the field of supernatural happenings that surround them. Naomi recounts her insider meetings with Tibetan Lamas such as the polarising Dzongsar Khyentse, the reclusive Tarthang Tulku, and the wrathful Orgyen Tobgyal; and recalls stories of talking statues, sky metal magical implements, and the necessity of a female consort for certain tantric workings. Naomi also talks about the naive faith of the fresh convert, what it’s like to be burned by a guru, and how to survive the waning of the honeymoon phase in one’s religious devotional life. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep233-blessing-power-of-the-buddhas-naomi-levine-4 Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics Include: 00:00 - Intro 01:08 - Evolution of Naomi’s faith and writing 03:19 - Writing her first book 06:04 - The esoteric side of Tibetan Buddhism 07:33 - Naive faith of the neophyte 09:35 - Interviewing the who’s who of Tibetan clergy 12:27 - Hunting down sacred objects 18:13 - Getting burned by the guru 21:55 - Saved by the lineage blessings 24:44 - Quest for the hidden 25:55 - When devotion matures 28:30 - Guru scandals and Vajrayana vows 31:48 - You can’t return to the honeymoon phase of religiosity 37:34 - Corporate Buddhism and today’s guru circuit 44:21 - Naomi’s impressions of Dzongsar Khyentse 50:11 - Meeting the enigmatic Tarthang Tulku 56:41 - Meeting the wrathful Orgyen Tobgyal 59:43 - Stories of sky metal 01:05:57 - Sacred objects of Tibetan Buddhism 01:10:04 - Categories of sacred objects and hidden treasures 01:13:17 - Rethinking how to get explanations about reality 01:15:37 - True meaning of ‘hidden’ 01:16:25 - Talking statues and other miracles 01:21:43 - The necessity of the female consort 01:24:37 - The mysterious phenomenon of rangjung … Previous episodes with Naomi Levine: - https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep190-love-death-in-the-himalayas-naomi-levine - https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep208-karmapa-tales-naomi-levine-2 - https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep223-the-spiritual-odyssey-of-freda-bedi-naomi-levine-3 To find out more about Naomi Levine, visit: - https://www.facebook.com/naomilevine111 - https://www.amazon.com/stores/Norma-Levine/author/B001K86LZ4?ref=ap_rdr&store_ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - https://www.guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

Ep232: Dzogchen Devotion - Joe Evans 2 Dec 15, 2023

Show notes

In this episode I am once again joined by Joe Evans, founder of the Rangdröl Foundation and teacher of Dzogchen under the name Jigme Rangdröl. Joe explains the significance of the guru-disciple relationship in Dzogchen, details the various forms it may take, and reveals his own special relationship with Dzogchen master teacher Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche. Joe considers the power of devotion, describes the practice of guru yoga, advises on how to assess a Dzogchen teacher’s authenticity and motivation. Joe also discusses his own journey as a Dzogchen teacher, reflects on the significance of the endorsements he has received from his gurus Dungse Rigdzin Dorje Rinpoche and Acharya Malcolm Smith, and offers his heart advice to those who wish to practice Dzogchen. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep232-dzogchen-devotion-joe-evans-2 Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics Include: 00:00 - Intro 00:57 - A significant evolution in Joe’s practice 05:39 - Establishing a relationship with Namkhai Norbu 05:55 - Guru-disciple relationship in Dzogchen 11:15 - Does your teacher need to know who you are? 13:03 - A common Dzogchen confusion 14:35 - Sudden or gradual? 16:27 - 1-1 time with Namkhai Norbu 18:20 - Namkhai Norbu’s powers of knowing 20:21 - The role of bodhicitta 22:18 - The practice of guru yoga 27:35 - How to assess a Dzogchen teacher 32:27 - The power of following instructions 33:47 - The most significant teaching Joe has received 36:31 - Being a hidden yogi 37:28 - Insufficient practice 39:38 - Simple advice for the Dzogchen aspirant 41:24 - Namkhai Norbu’s three pieces of advice 44:00 - Facing difficulty and mistakes on the path 46:51 - The power of devotion 50:39 - Meeting Dungse Rigdzin Dorje Rinpoche 56:38 - Meeting Acharya Malcolm Smith 01:01:53 - The period of internet message boards about Buddhism 01:04:52 - Flame wars and schisms 01:05:51 - Joe’s unusual endorsements to teach Dzogchen 01:13:20 - Joe’s reason for teaching 01:16:06 - Joe examines his own motivation 01:19:16 - What does an endorsement to teach Dzogchen mean? 01:24:03 - Why Joe uses the title ‘Lama’ 01:26:31 - Demystifying the experience of teaching the Dharma 01:29:26 - Joe’s heart advice to those interested in practicing Dzogchen 01:31:34 - Where does Joe’s confidence in Dzogchen come from? … Previous episode with Joe Evans: - https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep224-american-dzogchenpa-joe-evans To find out more about Joe Evans, visit: - https://www.rangdrolfoundation.org/ For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - https://www.guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

Ep231: Esoteric Arts of Japan - John Maki Evans Dec 08, 2023

Show notes

In this interview I am joined by John Maki Evans, teacher of Japanese swordsmanship, practitioner of several syncretic esoteric Japanese disciplines of tantra and magic, and author of ‘Kurikara: The Sword and the Serpent’. John recalls aspects of his intense training in Japan, traces his lifetime spent uncovering the higher esoteric dimensions of the Japanese arts, and details the 9 stage journey from novice to master. John maps the subtle body and its correspondences to the five elements and the dragon king protectors known as nāgarāja, explains the demands of following the inner path of transformation, and considers the special role of the sword in religious life. John also reflects on the process of opening the body and mind, recovery from severe back and brain injuries, and on the dangers of reaching your spiritual goals. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep231-esoteric-arts-of-japan-john-maki-evans   Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics include: 00:00 - Intro 01:05 - John’s 3 practitioner names 02:30 - Prescience of John’s sensei 04:21 - John reflects on his qualities 06:19 - Pros and cons of personal characteristics 07:48 - The process of opening up 09:09 - The danger of reaching your spiritual goals 11:19 - John’s 3 phase grading system 12:30 - 3 levels of transmission 18:26 - 5 elements, 9 Stages 22:01 - The power of the sword 25:29 - Nakamura Sensei’s special forces combat experience 28:53 - Taking up the sword 30:39 - Back injury and meeting Shandor 32:47 - Healing serious back injuries 33:40 - A powerful sexual awakening 36:19 - Japanese tantric and esoteric knowledge 41:37 - Piecing together an inner yogic system 43:44 - The nāgarāja dharma protectors 46:33 - 9 syllable magick 48:57 - Mapping the subtle body 49:48 - An intensive Shingon retreat 52:52 - Discovering a genuine master 54:22 - Squat practice 55:15 - Severe brain injury 58:18 - Left and right hemispheres 59:06 - Working with the brain mandala 01:02:56 - John’s mother’s death 01:05:08 - John’s post-surgery vision 01:07:09 - Post-surgery recovery 01:10:40 - Esoteric yogic techniques 01:13:21 - A profound Japanese spiritual poem 01:18:08 - Memorising Patañjali’s yoga sūtras 01:19:56 - The death of John’s father and John’s childhood death-ritual … To find out more about John Maki Evans, visit: - https://www.battodo-fudokan.co.uk/ …  For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - www.guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

Ep230: Dharma of Poetry - John Brehm Dec 01, 2023

Show notes

In this interview I am joined by John Brehm, American poet and author of ‘The Dharma of Poetry’. John recalls his early life in Nebraska, formation as an unlikely poet, use of psychedelics, and discovery of the aesthetic impulse. John reads ‘Non-Harming’, a poem from his latest book ‘Dharma Talk’, and reflects on the use of poetry for personal and religious edification, as well as the power of exposing one’s darker dimensions in verse. John also discusses how to achieve profundity in poetry, the skilful use of language, why T.S. Eliot is so often criticised, and how to detect the unmistakable whiff of ego. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep230-the-dharma-of-poetry-john-brehm  Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics include: 00:00 - Intro 00:49 - A controversial poem 02:58 - Self awareness of one’s foibles 04:21 - How poets present themselves 04:56 - Ikkyu 05:21 - Making the sinful sacred 07:02 - Overly solemn poetry readings 07:52 - John reads ‘Non Harming’ 10:05 - Reflections on the poem 11:54 - Working class upbringing in Nebraska 13:04 - An unlikely poet 14:46 - The poetic calling 16:29 - Psychedelics 18:19 - Early poetic influences 20:06 - The art of seeing one’s local place 24:42 - An aesthetic impulse 25:53 - How to relate to a poem 27:46 - Aggressive approaches to poetry 29:09 - Nondual poetry practice 31:21 - How the high modernists made poetry elite 32:41 - Williams vs Eliot 34:08 - Anybody can enjoy poetry 36:16 - Poetry as edification 39:57 - The unmistakable whiff of ego 41:56 - The one who stops 45:41 - How to reach profundity in writing 50:23 - How to craft effective language 53:32 - How to read a poem aloud 55:34 - The role of memorisation … To find out more about John Brehm, visit: - https://www.johnbrehmpoet.com/ …  For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - www.guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

Ep229: Butler of Vajrayana - John Riley Perks Nov 24, 2023

Show notes

In this interview I am joined by John Riley Perks, author, teacher, and was for seven years the butler and attendant of Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche. Born in 1934, John recounts his childhood during World War 2, where he learned how to harness his intuition and psychic capacities under the guidance of his mother while avoiding air strikes and other dangers. John recalls moving to the USA in 1950 and tells of his life there through the decades of cultural change that marked the latter half of the 20th century. John describes his first meeting with renowned guru of Tibetan Buddhism Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche and the subsequent years in his service as personal attendant and butler. John recalls the powerful spiritual field of tantric masters and details how Trungpa worked to dismantled John’s ego in a variety of potent ways. John also reflects on the line between so called crazy wisdom activity intended to enlighten students and the abuse of trust of which so many celebrity spiritual masters, including Trungpa himself, have been accused. John also explains how to send and receive messages on the wind, the protocol for interacting with spirit beings, and how to live in the mystery. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep229-butler-of-vajrayana-john-riley-perks Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics include: 00:00 - Intro 01:27 - Childhood during WW2 04:36 - Seances with John’s mother 07:54 - Britains’ native lineages of psychic and healing abilities 08:26 - Clearing the mind of psychic interference 10:00 - Interacting with other beings 11:43 - Learning to live in the mystery 12:57 - Recurring visions throughout John’s life 14:18 - Sending and receiving messages on the wind 16:38 - Importance of deity yoga and Vajrayogini practice 17:47 - Playing the Great Game 20:12 - Fantasy and reading 22:46 - Advice for those who have psychic experiences 25:06 - Panic attacks and PTSD 26:44 - Living in the USA in the 1950s 27:22 - Working as a farmhand and heading West 31:13 - Running a school for exceptional children 34:19 - The assassination period and gun culture 39:35 - The 60s and comments on drug use 42:38 - Living with Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche 43:48 - Meeting Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche 45:29 - Powerful first impression 49:19 - The energy field of spiritual masters 51:29 - Dismantling John’s ego 53:26 - The art of serving the guru 54:39 - John’s love for Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche 57:58 - The terror of being so close to the guru 59:55 - How did John last so long? 01:01:51 - Not trying to get enlightened 01:04:38 - Stories of Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche 01:08:38 - Accusations of abuse and cruelty 01:13:38 - Facing things as they are 01:14:19 - Đid Trungpa Rinpoche go too far? 01:15:32 - Trungpa Rinpoche’s drinking 01:18:07 - Working for Bill Cosby … To find out more about John Riley Perks, visit: - https://www.celticbuddhism.org/ …  For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - www.guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

Ep228: Dzogchen & Dark Retreat - Dr Nida Chenagtsang & Justin Von Bujdoss Nov 17, 2023

Show notes

In this interview I am joined by Buddhist teacher and doctor of Tibetan Medicine Dr Nida Chenagtsang and author and Buddhist teacher Justin Von Bujdoss. Dr Nida and Justin discuss the esoteric Dzogchen practices of trekchö and tögal, and comment on their application to inner emotional disturbance and to times of external conflict and war. Dr Nida and Justin extensively discuss the mysterious practice of dark retreat, in which the retreatant seals himself in complete darkness for days or weeks at a time, triggering powerful hallucinations which can be worked with using special techniques for spiritual advancement. Dr Nida and Justin discuss the history of dark retreat, compares the differences in the various schools of its practice, warns of its dangers in terms of psychosis, and considers the potential it offers for attaining Buddhist enlightenment. Dr Nida and Justin also explore themes of fixation, nationalism, translation, and spiritual trauma. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep228-dzogchen-dark-retreat-dr-nida-chenagtsang-and-justin-von-bujdoss Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics include: 00:00 - Intro 01:01 - Geomantic energy of Bhutan 03:55 - The Dzogchen practice of trekchö 05:02 - Cutting through hardness 07:53 - The importance of using Sanskrit and Tibetan words 08:18 - The hardness of conceptual thinking 08:47 - Translating trekchö 09:45 - Dr Nida’s new approach to translation 11:54 - Dharma as medicine 12:27 - Freeing difficult emotions 14:24 - Palestine and political polarisation 17:29 - The pressure to take sides 21:10 - Meditation as medicine 21:33 - Bringing dharma experience to politics 25:09 - The value of softness and passivity 26:10 - Nationalism and fixation 28:09 - The price of enlightened politics 30:27 - Ashoka’s dharma reign 32:47 - Dr Nida’s new book about Yuthok’s Mahāmudrā 35:00 - Varieties of Dzogchen tögal practice 37:42 - The history of dark retreat 45:01 - Nyingma vs Kālachakra dark retreat versions 47:35 - Transforming energy and perception 49:57 - Yuthok and other dark retreat yogis 52:40 - Special characteristics of dark retreat 53:51 - The actual practice 55:07 - Dr Nida’s remarkable dark retreat teacher 01:00:29 - How Dr Nida’s teacher introduced him to the nature of mind 01:09:18 - The signs of success in practice 01:09:42 - The mystical story of Dr Nida and Justin’s karmic connection 01:17:21 - Mahasiddha way vs the educational path 01:20:19 - Side-effects of meditation and dark retreat 01:28:04 - Fun vs beneficial 01:29:48 - Requirements for a dark retreat location 01:30:47 - Dark retreat psychosis 01:35:01 - The need for financial support 01:36:43 - When to break your retreat 01:38:07 - Looking for experiences 01:42:43 - Dr Nida’s recent lucid dream 01:44:23 - Hallucinations and visions 01:47:59 - How to get involved 01:49:51 - Multi-cultural enlightenment 01:52:51 - How did Dr Nida assess Justin’s readiness for dark retreat 01:55:34 - Dark retreat progression 02:03:54 - The power of ngondro 02:04:34 - ‘Spiritual not religious’ 02:13:48 - Spiritual trauma 02:16:14 - Why Dr Nida wrote his book in Tibetan 02:19:07 - Questions for the practitioner 02:21:42 - Bad spiritual pedagogy … Previous episodes with Dr Nida Chenagtsang: - https://www.guruviking.com/search?q=nida Previous episode with Justin Von Bujdoss: - https://www.guruviking.com/search?q=justin … To find our more about Justin Von Bujdoss, visit: - https://justinvonbujdoss.com/ - https://www.yangtiyoga.com/ To find out more about Dr Nida Chenagtsang, visit: - https://www.facebook.com/DoctorNida/ - http://www.skypressbooks.com/ …  For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - www.guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

Ep227: The Vajra Master - Prajwal Ratna Vajracharya Nov 10, 2023

Show notes

In this interview I am joined by Prajwal Ratna Vajracharya, a tantric priest in a centuries old Newari Buddhist family lineage, and master of the religious dance tradition of Charya Nritya. Prajwal Vajracharya recounts his upbringing and early training, explains why his lineage was kept secret for hundreds of years, the reasons for its emergence into public awareness, and why his family received criticism for opening up their sacred secrets. Prajwal describes the holy dance tradition of Charya Nritya and details its layers of spiritual meaning, impact on the subtle energetic body, and emphasis on embodied awakening. Prajwal also shares the application of Charya Nritya to meditation, deity yoga, and ritual, and reveals the stages of enlightenment in the Newari Buddhist tradition. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep227-the-vajra-master-prajwal-ratna-vajracharya Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics include: 00:00 - Intro 00:54 - Prajwal’s sacred family lineage 02:53 - 800 years of secrecy under oppressive Hindu rule 04:14 - Newari family rituals of the 10 paramitas 06:20 - 2200 years of lineage 07:38 - Secret Newari tantric masters 10:40 - Prajwal’s remarkable father, Ratna Kaji Vajracharya 12:48 - Prajwal’s family dynamics 15:23 - Learning holy dance at 8 years old 16:32 - The meditative training process of Charya Nritya dance 17:53 - The importance of the five Buddhas and their animals 19:56 - Charya Nritya key to enlightenment 20:44 - Embodying the deity 21:24 - Inner, outer, and secret mudras 22:12 - Practice in every moment 22:56 - The power of hand mudra 24:37 - The outer mudra of nature 25:20 - The role of sitting meditation 26:52 - Making a mind connection to the deity 27:40 - Becoming one with the deity 28:37 - The effect of holy dance on the audience 29:36 - Embodied vs intellectual dharma 30:31 - Breaking the secrecy and facing opposition 35:36 - Powerful subtle body effects 37:30 - Ritual and working with spirits 39:06 - Stages of Newari enlightenment 42:13 - Prajwal’s teaching activities … To find out more about Prajwal Ratna Vajracharya, visit: - https://www.dancemandal.com/  For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - www.guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

Ep226: Nyingma Master - Lama Lhanang Nov 03, 2023

Show notes

In this interview I am joined by Lama Lhanang, a spiritual teacher of the Nyingma Longchen Nyingthig lineage of Tibetan Buddhism and an expert in meditation, anuyoga, geomancy, art, cultural and historical studies, and Tibetan medicine. Lama Lhanang describes his upbringing in a nomad family in Golok, Tibet, and how an encounter with a wrathful mahasiddha changed his childhood for ever. Lama Lhanang details his education in religion, ritual, and meditation as well as the disciplines of astrology and Tibetan medicine; and recounts stories of his teachers’ miraculous powers and spiritual realisations. Lama Lhanang also reveals his initial struggles upon arriving in America, highlights the distinctive qualities of American disciples, and shares his perspective on today’s turbulent events such as war in Europe and the Middle East and political division in the USA. … Link in comments. Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics include: 00:00 - Intro 01:06 - Nomadic childhood in Golok, Tibet 04:16 - Recognised by the local mahasiddha 06:17 - Religious study and pilgrimage 07:57 - Invited to America by Tarthang Tulku 09:06 - Initial struggles living in America 11:40 - The turning point 13:17 - Details about monastery education 17:46 - Various lineages and transmissions 19:14 - Extraordinary enlightened teachers 20:58 - Stories of miracle powers 28:14 - Wrathful teachers 29:41 - Trinley Norbu Rinpoche 30:15 - Lama Lhanang’s Sowa Rigpa teacher’s remarkable abilities 32:25 - The genius of Lama Lhanang’s astrology teacher 36:17 - How to cultivate siddhi 39:20 - Miracles of Milarepa 41:33 - Enlightened masters 42:52 - Meditation during dental operation 44:06 - Work with the mind 45:38 - Don’t worry about tomorrow 48:40 - Astrologer’s advice for the future 49:52 - Recognised as abbot by various monasteries 51:45 - Eastern vs Western disciples 55:27 - Group vs 1-1 instruction, and prerequisites to receive teachings 58:45 - Advice for those who are worried about the state of the world 01:01:00 - War in Palestine 01:04:10 - Create peace 01:05:23 - Don’t take sides 01:07:52 - The importance of communication 01:09:52 - The opportunity cost of war 01:11:22 - A story of mercy … To find out more about Lama Lhanang, visit: - https://www.buddhistsandiego.com/  For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - www.guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

Ep225: Forgiveness Meditation - David Johnson 2 Oct 27, 2023

Show notes

In this episode I am once again joined by David Johnson, a meditation teacher and author of ‘A Path to Nibbana’. In this episode David describes the forgiveness meditation technique that he teaches to his students who encounter emotional blocks in meditation practice. David recalls his own journey with forgiveness, including his experience forgiving a toxic boss, and shares his students’ accounts using this technique. David also explains the links between keeping Buddhist precepts and a peaceful mind, and details other benefits of a moral life, including increase in personal power and acquisition of siddhi. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep225-forgiveness-meditation-david-johnson-2 Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics Include: 00:00 - Intro 00:47 - Dealing with emotional blocks in meditation 01:47 - Metta vs breath as meditation object 02:37 - Advantages of metta meditation 03:16 - Emotional and psychological blocks to feeling good 04:20 - When the 6R’s aren’t enough 05:55 - The process of forgiveness 07:32 - How to forgive 08:47 - Don’t dredge the mind 10:09 - How David forgave his toxic boss 13:19 - Anecdotes of students’ forgiveness 17:51 - The power of the habit of forgiveness 19:27 - Phrases to unlock forgiveness 20:38 - A common metta meditation mistake 24:11 - The Buddha’s forgiveness method 25:19 - Meditation dosage 27:17 - David on psychiatry and therapy 31:22 - When to stop the technique 32:55 - Will forgiveness make me a pushover? 35:44 - Developing personal power 36:33 - David’s fears 37:30 - The root of fear 43:01 - Why keep the precepts 42:22 - How negative karma ripens 44:55 - Benefits of following the precepts 48:33 - Investing virtue for positive rewards … Previous episode with David Johnson: - https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep212-path-to-nibbna-david-johnson To find our more about David Johnson visit: - https://www.dhammasukha.org/forgiveness-meditation - https://www.dhammasukha.org/david-johnson For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - https://www.guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

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