Guru Viking Podcast

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Ep51: Glenn Mulin: UFOs, Lineage Holders, & Tantric Secrecy May 24, 2020

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In this episode I am once again joined by Tibetologist, author, and Tantric Buddhism teacher Glenn Mullin. We discuss references to the extra-terrestrial origin of humanity in Mongolian shamanism and Buddhist Abhidharma. We explore the differences between a lineage and a sect, and the impact of the Tibetan diaspora on sectarian attitudes. Glenn reveals how it was he first began to teach, what makes a lineage holder, and how to relate to a tantric guru. We learn about why Glenn’s approach to samaya is very different to some other teachers, and examine the real world application of the 14 danshig or root vows. And finally we explore the tradition of secrecy in tantra - why it is prescribed and what is its purpose? … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/ep51-glenn-mulin-ufos-lineage-holders-tantric-secrecy/ Audio version of this podcast also available on iTunes and Stitcher – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics Include 0:00 - Intro 0:50 - The extra-terrestrial origin of humanity in Mongolian shamanism and Buddhist Abhidharma 4:34 - Lineages vs sects, and the impact of the Tibetan diaspora on sectarian attitudes 10:36 - How Glenn began to teach 12:00 - Discipleship in the Buddhist tradition 14:02 - Enlightened teachers and lineage function 17:50 - Tibetan vs Western guru devotion 31:12 - The origin of samaya vows and choosing a teacher 49:08 - What to do when someone ‘does you wrong’? 57:42 - Parallels between Buddhism and modern psychology 1:05:04 - The purpose of secrecy in tantra 1:13:59 - Discretion and the non-obvious … Audio version of this podcast available on iTunes and Stitcher – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. ... Previous Glenn Mullin episodes: - https://www.guruviking.com/guru-viking-interviews-ep9-glenn-mullin/ - https://www.guruviking.com/ep19-glenn-mullin-guru-viking-interviews/ - https://www.guruviking.com/ep26-glenn-mullin-illusory-body-yoga-of-waking-sleep-and-death/ - https://www.guruviking.com/ep28-glenn-mullin-dream-yoga-solo-retreat-guide-and-unlocking-the-human-potential/ - https://www.guruviking.com/ep42-glenn-mullin-death-divination-and-sacred-relics/ - https://www.guruviking.com/ep47-glenn-mullin-tales-of-translation/ To find our more about Glenn, visit: - https://www.runawayjourneys.com/ - http://www.glennmullin.com/ - https://www.facebook.com/Maitripa.Glenn For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - http://www.guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

Ep50: Nyei Murez - Scribe of Carlos Castaneda May 18, 2020

Show notes

In this interview I am joined by Nyei Murez, personal student and writing collaborator of best-selling author and nagual sorcerer Carlos Castaneda. We discuss who Castaneda was, and Nyei gives a detailed history of his lineage up to the present day. We find out how Nyei first met Castaneda, and explore her intensive course of study and training under his personal guidance. We learn about Castaneda’s writing process, including stories of Nyei’s close collaboration with him on several best selling books. Nyei also talks on the nature of power, and shares insights into the current geo-political situation. … https://www.guruviking.com/ep50-nyei-murez-scribe-of-carlos-castaneda/ Audio version of this podcast also available on iTunes and Stitcher – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics include: 0:00 - Intro 0:45 - Meeting Carlos Castaneda and Florinda Donner 20:21 - The history of the lineage 49:38 - Nyei’s training with Carlos Castaneda and Florinda Donner 57:46 - Why did Nyei call Nyei a ‘genius’ + change in teaching style 1:01:54 - Time as a chacmool or ‘fierce guardian’ 1:05:30 - The purpose behind Nyei’s training 1:13:52 - Castaneda’s writing process and Nyei’s time as his scribe 1:24:15 - Scanning people energetically 1:33:31 - More on writing with Castaneda 1:48:08 - The death of Carlos Castaneda 1:59:25 - Castaneda’s widespread influence in today’s culture 2:1428 - Insights on the nature of power 2:22:38 - Nyei on the pandemic and immunity 2:30:31 - Nyei’s current work ... To find out more about Nyei Murez, visit: - www.creationinflow.com For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - www.guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

Ep49: Dr Nida Chenagtsang - Heart Of A Nomad May 11, 2020

Show notes

In this episode we explore the life story of Dr Nida Chenagtsang, master of Tibetan Medicine and lineage holder of the spiritual teachings of the Yuthok Nyingthig. We learn about Dr Nida’s childhood as a nomad on the high grasslands of Tibet and the lessons he learned immersed in nature. We follow him to Lhasa, where he trained as a doctor of Tibetan medicine, and engaged in private spiritual training in lineages such as the Longchen Nyingthig, Dudjom Tersar, Yuthok Nyingthig and more. We hear Dr Nida’s critique of the tulku system of locating and enthroning the reincarnations of spiritual masters as children, and discuss why it is that Dr Nida offers previously secret teachings so openly to the public. This is the first in a series with Dr Nida, and future episodes will examine topics such as dream yoga, Tibetan medicine, karmamudra, and more. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/ep49-dr-nida-chenagtsang-heart-of-a-nomad/ Audio version of this podcast also available on iTunes and Stitcher – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics include: 0:00 - Intro 1:14 - Nomad childhood in Amdo, Tibet 7:19 - Learning from nature 9:38 - A special encounter and becoming a doctor 20:28 - Training in Lhasa 22:52 - Studying Longchen Nyingthig with Ani Ngawang Gyaltsen 25:04 - The importance of female gurus 27:14 - Yearning for retreat and medical practice hopes 29:57 - Studying Dudjom Tersar with Chonyi Rinpoche and Semo Dechen 30:39 - Dr Nida’s other gurus and further studies 33:46 - Learning mantra healing privately 38:34 - Dr Nida’s critique of the tulku system 44:30 - How to choose an authentic teacher 53:24 - About the Yuthok Nyingthig and spiritual experiences on retreat 1:08:36 - Samaya, preliminaries, and secret teachings 1:10:19 - The importance of karmic connections 1:15:55 - Teaching ‘Flight of the Garuda’ 1:16:32 - The importance of guru yoga 1:19:12 - Dr Nida’s wild nomadic karmamudra teacher 1:22:40 - Learning and teaching many things 1:24:08 - Tibetan geomancy 1:25:21 - Future interview topics … Previous Interview with Dr Nida: - https://www.guruviking.com/ep41-dr-nida-chenagtsang-pandemic-edition-guru-viking-podcast/ To find out more about Dr Nida, 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

Ep48: Dr Ben Joffe 2 - Siddhi, Samaya, And Duels Of Magick May 04, 2020

Show notes

In this episode I am once again joined by Dr Ben Joffe, anthropologist and scholar practitioner of Tibetan Buddhism. This episode is the second part of a series in which we explore Ben’s PhD dissertation on the ngakpa of the Himalayas, or as Ben calls them ‘wizards and socially engaged yogis’. In the previous episode, we met the scholar, exploring Ben’s life as well as looking at his research methodology. In this episode we begin by defining the ngakpa, both in terms of traditional definitions as well as how the ngakpa exist and function today. We explore the various tantric vows associated with the highest yoga tantra yidam empowerments, including common misinterpretations about samaya, and how hair and clothing styles are often used as on outer expression of inner or secret principles. We look at how ngakpa develop their magical powers (siddhi), why they have often been viewed with suspicion by the religious and state authorities, and finally Ben recounts a story of a magical duel between sorcerers over local occult jurisdiction. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/ep48-dr-ben-joffe-2-siddhi-samaya-and-duels-of-magick/ Audio version of this podcast also available on iTunes and Stitcher – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics include: 0:00 - Intro 1:07 - Who are the ngakpa? 23:58 - Tantric vows and the complex issue of samaya 54:22 - How ngakpa develop and use magical powers (siddhi) 1:09:18 - Ngakpa Yeshe Dorje’s magical duel with local sorcerers … Ngakpa series with Dr Ben Joffe: - https://www.guruviking.com/ep44-dr-ben-joffe-ngakpa-the-occult-and-anthropology/ - https://www.guruviking.com/ep48-dr-ben-joffe-2-siddhi-samaya-and-duels-of-magick/ Ben’s dissertation - https://pqdtopen.proquest.com/doc/2335180529.html?FMT=ABS&fbclid=IwAR3bXYiUmC6YcOgR09-GuSiC_UwwXYuTcLJ-kce_tI3-8e-smZS99wy1HMY To find out more about Ben, visit: - https://perfumedskull.com/ - http://www.skypressbooks.com/ For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - www.guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

Ep47: Glenn Mullin - Tales Of Translation Apr 30, 2020

Show notes

In this episode I am once again joined by Tibetologist, author, and Tantric Buddhism teacher Glenn Mullin. In this fascinating, story-filled episode we focus on Glenn’s career as an author and translator. Glenn has authored over 30 books on Tibetan Buddhism, which themselves have been translated into many languages. He has translated an extremely wide range of classical Tibetan literature from some of the greatest minds of that tradition, including many Dalai Lamas, Tsongkhapa, and more. We discuss Glenn’s personal journey with the Tibetan language, from gaining fluency in the bars and tea houses of 1970s Dharmsala to studying classic texts with Geshes and Tulkus in exile. We explore the fascinating history of the art of translation in Tibet, and the evolution of the Tibetan writing system. Glenn also reveals his stylistic influences as an English language writer, and lays out his process when approaching a new work of translation. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/ep47-glenn-mullin-tales-of-translation/ Audio version of this podcast also available on iTunes and Stitcher – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics Include: 0:00 - Intro 1:00 - Glenn’s beginnings as translator in Dharamsala 18:03 - Glenn’s work translating the Dalai Lamas 23:59 - Influences as an English-language writer 28:35 - History of Tibetan language and translation 47:12 - Difficulties learning colloquial Tibetan 49:15 - Unusual advice and gaining fluency 54:10 - Tibetan humour 58:49 - Glenn’s process for approaching a new translation 1:16:13 - Working closely with lineage holders 1:21:11 - The intellectual greatness of Ling Rinpoche, Trijang Rinpoche, and Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche 1:23:52 - The effect of intense meditation on memory power 1:25:15 - How great masters retain multiple lineages 1:35:22 - Glenn’s favourite of his translations 1:41:55 - Glenn’s opinion of translators today … Audio version of this podcast available on iTunes and Stitcher – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. Previous Glenn Mullin episodes: - https://www.guruviking.com/guru-viking-interviews-ep9-glenn-mullin/ - https://www.guruviking.com/ep19-glenn-mullin-guru-viking-interviews/ - https://www.guruviking.com/ep26-glenn-mullin-illusory-body-yoga-of-waking-sleep-and-death/ - https://www.guruviking.com/ep28-glenn-mullin-dream-yoga-solo-retreat-guide-and-unlocking-the-human-potential/ - https://www.guruviking.com/ep42-glenn-mullin-death-divination-and-sacred-relics/ To find our more about Glenn, visit: - https://www.runawayjourneys.com/ - http://www.glennmullin.com/ - https://www.facebook.com/Maitripa.Glenn For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - http://www.guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

Ep46: Nicki Wells - Spirit And Song Apr 22, 2020

Show notes

In this interview I am joined by Nicki Wells, internationally acclaimed singer-songwriter and composer. We learn about Nicki’s Himalayan upbringing in Dharmsala, India as part of the Sahaja Yoga group, a tradition of awakening that exposed Nicki to profound states of meditation as well as Indian classical music. We go into depth about the Sahaja Yoga system, including its approach to kundalini energy, darshan, and spiritual evolution, as well as Nicki’s own spiritual epiphanies. We explore Nicki’s career as a singer and composer, from collaborating with composer Nitin Sawhney and scoring for film and television, including Khyentse Norbu’s, also known as Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche, 2013 film Vara - A Blessing. We also discuss Nicki’s solo work, including her 2018 debut album Ocean, her 2019 album of spiritual songs entitled ‘Shloka’, and learn about the deep spirituality the permeates her performances and creative process. … Video version:https://www.guruviking.com/ep-46-nicki-wells-spirit-and-song/ Audio version of this podcast also available on iTunes and Stitcher – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … 0:00 - Intro 1:00 - Nicki’s childhood in the Himalayas 4:32 - Childhood meditation in the Sahaja Yoga System 8:36 - Kundalini energy and transmission in Sahaja Yoga 15:27 - Moving to Australia and Nicki’s spiritual epiphany 21:15 - Facing hardship and challenge as a practice 23:59 - Nicki’s passion for evolution and growth 24:42 - Motivation for the business side of music 28:30 - Childhood exposure to Indian Classical Music 31:24 - Returning to the UK and launching her career 34:10 - Touring and collaborations with Nitin Sawhney 36:52 - Working on Khyentse Norbu’s 2013 film ‘Vara - A Blessing’ 40:33 - The story behind the name ‘Turya’ 43:51 - Creative process for the next album 45:14 - Nicki’s 2019 album of spiritual songs called ‘Shloka’ 48:20 - Nicki sings and explains ‘Vishuddhi’ 52:08 - We play and discuss ‘Rivers to Sea’ 59:19 - We play and discuss ‘When It Goes Quiet’ 1:03:57 - More about Nicki’s spiritual path and Sahaja yoga 1:07:50 - Stories of introducing others to Sahaja Yoga 1:10:17 - Subtle body awareness 1:11:07 - More about Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi 1:12:26 - Nicki’s personal time with Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi ... To find out more about Nicki Wells, visit: - https://www.turyamusic.com For Nicki’s Covid Calm series, visit: - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHaSV06sze6EpZlsl_QEfAg The meditation site Nicki mentioned is: - www.wemeditate.co For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - www.guruviking.com Intro and Outro Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

Ep45: Jayür Dorje - Aro gTer, Trulkhor, and Drala Jong Apr 17, 2020

Show notes

In this interview I am joined by Jayür Dorje, a lama in the non-monastic Aro gTér lineage of Tibetan Buddhism and the partner of previous interview guest Métsal Wangmo. We learn about Jayür’s early explorations in Zen and the Karma Kagyu traditions, before an ususual meeting in France changed his course to become a Nyingmapa. We discuss Jayür’s early apprenticeship in the Aro gTer and explore his special interest in that lineage’s magical movements of trulkhor. Jayür Dorje recounts his time in Nepal with Kunzang Dorje Rinpoche, and talks about the unique practice possibilities afforded by his relationship with Métsal’s Wangmo. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/ep45-jayur-dorje-aro-gter-trulkhor-and-drala-jong/ Audio version of this podcast also available on iTunes and Stitcher – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … 0:00 - Early explorations in Zen and the Karma Kagyu and joining the Aro gTer 25:48 - Starting a relationship with Métsal Wangmo 28:54 - Jayür’s early practices 30:34 - Choosing Nyingma over Karma Kagyu 33:47 - Jayür’s interest in trulkhor 38:40 - Stories about Kunzang Dorje Rinpoche 43:39 - The beginning of his relationship with Métsal Wangmo 46:05 - A sticky previous relationship 48:55 - Working with strong emotions 51:55 - Differences in trulkor lineages 54:14 - Jayür’s interest in hidden yoginis 55:45 - More stories about Kunzang Dorje Rinpoche 1:00:04 - Wim How and the tsa lung/chöd combination 1:02:19 - A day in the life at Drala Jong ... To find out more about Jayür Dorje, visit: - https://www.facebook.com/Takrig/ For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - www.guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

Ep44: Dr Ben Joffe 1 - Ngakpa, The Occult, And Anthropology Guru Viking Podcast Apr 13, 2020

Show notes

In this episode I am joined by Dr Ben Joffe, anthropologist and scholar practitioner of Tibetan Buddhism. We discuss Ben’s early interest in Western Occultism saw him become a professional tarot reader at age 11 and engage in rigorous self study of magical disciplines. We learn about how Ben taught himself the Tibetan language, and follow him to Indian and Nepal where he carried out his doctoral field work among the Ngakpa community in exile. Ben reveals the methodological and ethical challenges of being both a scholar and practitioner, and recalls the significance of meeting the man who would later become his teacher and mentor, Dr Nida Chenagtsang. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/ep44-dr-ben-joffe-ngakpa-the-occult-and-anthropology/ Audio version of this podcast also available on iTunes and Stitcher – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics Include: 0:00 - Intro 0:43 - Early interest in Western Occultism 13:56 - Franz Bardon and occult mind training 15:34 - Childhood vision of Jesus 25:55 - Western vs Buddhist mind training 28:35 - Ben’s personal development in the occult 38:33 - Tibetan studies as Ben’s ‘nerd rebellion’ 52:45 - Teaching himself the Tibetan language 1:04:32 - Ben’s other languages 1:08:00 - The importance of language in tantric traditions 1:11:42 - An overview of Ben’s dissertation 1:15:14 - The research process 1:39:37 - Wang and the methodological and ethical challenges of being a scholar practitioner 1:51:37 - Where to find Ben’s work … Ngakpa series with Dr Ben Joffe: - https://www.guruviking.com/ep44-dr-ben-joffe-ngakpa-the-occult-and-anthropology/ - https://www.guruviking.com/ep48-dr-ben-joffe-2-siddhi-samaya-and-duels-of-magick/ Ben’s dissertation - https://pqdtopen.proquest.com/doc/2335180529.html?FMT=ABS&fbclid=IwAR3bXYiUmC6YcOgR09-GuSiC_UwwXYuTcLJ-kce_tI3-8e-smZS99wy1HMY To find out more about Ben, visit: - https://perfumedskull.com/ - http://www.skypressbooks.com/ For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - www.guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

Ep43: Métsal Wangmo - Vajra Romance Apr 09, 2020

Show notes

In this interview I am joined by Métsal Wangmo, a lama in the non-monastic Aro gTér lineage of Tibetan Buddhism. We learn about Métsal’s explorations in meditation and shamanism, that led her to commit to life-long study with Ngakchang Rinpoche and Khandro Déchen. We discuss how Métsal’s background in Steiner education influences her teaching style, and hear the story of the death of her first apprentice. Métsal recounts meeting and falling in love with her now teaching-partner Jayür Dorje, after many years of singleness - and the adjustments that relationship demanded. We also discuss portions of Métsal’s paper on vajra romance, including the importance of reconciling the inner male and female aspects. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/ep43-metsal-wangmo-varja-romance/ Audio version of this podcast also available on iTunes and Stitcher – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … 00:00 - Intro 00:47 - Métsal’s early interest in Gurdjieff, meditation, and shamanism 08:50 - Meeting Ngakchang Rinpoche and Khandro Déchen 11:18 - Childhood meditation experiences 12:04 - Pragmatism vs magical thinking 18:28 - Drala teachings of Vajrayana 19:44 - The Apprenticeship Model of the Aro gTér 27:24 - General Aro gTér curriculum and Métsal’s special interests 36:34 - The teaching style and example of Ngakchang Rinpoche and Khandro Déchen 40:02 - The death of Métsal’s first apprentice 48:59 - Meeting and falling in love with her now teaching-partner Jayür Dorje 51:31 - Choosing to be single for many years 58:43 - Adjusting from single life to being in a relationship 1:04:01 - Reconciling the inner male and female aspects 1:11:56 - ‘Unrequiteable gender needs’ 1:15:17 - Relationship as practice 1:19:25 - Resolving emotional neediness and finding exponential appreciation To find out more about Métsal Wangmo, visit: - https://www.facebook.com/Takrig/ - http://arobuddhism.org/lamas/lama-metsal-wangmo.html For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - www.guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

Susan Guner Interviews Steve James About Meditation Apr 05, 2020

Show notes

Susan Guner recently interviewed me about meditation as part of her free 21 Day Meditation Challenge. 0:00 - How Susan met Steve 02:30 - About Steve 04:12 - Susan on meditation and self-agency 06:20 - Different types of meditation, guided meditation vs silent sitting 10:33 - Is guided meditation useful? 16:57 - Building a daily meditation practice 25:32 - Common meditation misconceptions 30:35 - Susan on different states of consciousness and meditating in life 35:35 - Aspiration vs practice 39:38 - Susan on natural meditation 44:40 - Is spiritual experience only for elite practitioners? 46:31 - How to tell if someone is as spiritual as they appear to be 50:14 - Advice for the participants in Susan’s 21 Day Meditation Challenge 53:30 - The Guru Viking Podcast 55:48 - How is Steve spending time in lockdown 57:30 - Susan on investing in education 59:35 - Meditating in any moment 1:01:09 - Short vs long meditation sessions 1:03:16 - Should one feel one’s emotions or let them go? 1:05:42 - What is the depth of meditation? 1:07:37 - Susan’s meme about the meaning of life 1:08:36 - Zen Master communication Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/susan-guner-interviews-steve-james-about-meditation/ Audio version of this podcast also available on iTunes and Stitcher – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. ... To find out more about Susan, visit: - https://www.warrioroflove.co.uk/ For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - http://www.guruviking.com My Meditation Livestreams: - https://www.facebook.com/guruviking/

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