Guru Viking Podcast

In this interview I am joined by Dr Thomas Clough Daffern, philosopher, educator, peace activist, and peace officer for the Council of British Druid Orders. Dr Daffern explains the meaning of Christmas and the Winter Solstice, reflects on cyclic time and indigenous wisdom, and shares his own recent reckonings with death and loss. Dr Daffern reveals the esoteric and mythic symbolism of the Christmas tree, mistletoe, gift giving, and even Father Christmas himself. Dr Daffern also shares his thoughts on the current world situation, why he is an optimist about the future of civilisation, and why he believes it is the moral duty of those with knowledge and power to share it with the world. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep339-christmas-the-winter-solstice-dr-thomas-clough-daffern Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics Include: 00:00 - Intro 00:50 - How Thomas spends this time of year 03:02 - The worst year of Thomas’ life 04:19 - Death of Thomas’ daughter 07:30 - Reckoning with death 10:14 - What the traditions say about the current world situation 12:14 - Druids and cyclical time 12:52 - Increasing wisdom in the world 13:18 - Sophia-phobia 15:11 - Why Thomas is an optimist about the future 18:07 - The meaning of Winter Solstice 18:12 - Christmas and Mithraism 19:34 - Megalithic civilisations and prehistorical religion 25:39 - The Golden Bough and indigenous European wisdom 26:54 - Death and rebirth 29:21 - Rituals and symbols of Christmas 31:23 - Symbolism of the Christmas tree 33:34 - The meaning of “Christmas” 34:31 - Symbolism of mistletoe 35:40 - Symbolism of present giving 36:37 - Thomas comments on peace in the Middle East 37:59 - Is symbolism and the esoteric only for an elite minority? 41:29 - The aristocratic hippy and sharing wisdom 42:37 - The moral duty to share knowledge and power 44:52 - Symbolism of Father Christmas / Santa Claus 46:15 - Concluding thoughts … Previous episodes with Dr Thomas Clough Daffern: - https://www.guruviking.com/search?q=daffern … To find our more about Dr Thomas Clough Daffern, visit: - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-clough-daffern-phd-6a3463a - https://interfaithpeacetreaty.wordpress.com/ … For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - www.guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

In this episode, I am once again joined by Gerald Ilyas Klawatsch, Sufi musician, music therapist, and founder of the international musical ensemble Ak Pirim. Ilyas presents the sacred music of Sufism, explains its various instruments and principles, and performs musical pieces live. Ilyas tells stories of discipleship under his Sufi master, recounts profound moments of spiritual bliss, and reflects on the power of music for emotional healing. Ilyas also explains the role of ecstatic trance in Sufism and reveals special breathing techniques to induce transcendent states. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep338-sacred-sufi-music-the-art-of-ecstasy-gerald-ilyas-klawatsch-2 Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.
 … 00:00 - Intro 00:47 - Combining spiritual life with the arts 04:46 - Beauty as a quality of the Divine 07:37 - Sacred calligraphy 11:36 - Music as the main spiritual art 13:!6 - A Sufi creation story 16:32 - How Ilyas learned Sufi music 22:52 - Mystical drunkenness 26:59 - Ney, the Sufi flute 32:03 - Performance: Ney flute 32:52 - A story of a Ney master 35:03 - Music and poetry 36:44 - Arabian maqam 38:51 - About the Oud 40:42 - Performance: Oud 42:25 - Zikr 43:41 - About the Bendhir 44:06 - Performance: Bendhir 44:29 - Performance: Oud 45:37 - Trance, ecstasy, and hyperventilation 50:22 - Awakening the heart 53:08 - Two personal stories of Ilyas’ spiritual and music master 59:53 - About the Rebâb 01:02:34 - Performance: Rebâb 01:03:46 - Music therapy 01:05:28 - Healing and personal expression 01:10:06 - A story of Ilyas’ music master 01:12:55 - Shamanism and music 01:14:13 - Performance: Bendhir Sufi song 01:15:25 - Performance: Bendhir shamanic song 01:17:05 - About the Qyl-Qobyz, a shamanic instrument 01:18:28 - About the Çeng harp 01:19:43 - Performance: Çeng harp 01:21:08 - Where to hear more of Ilyas’ music … Previous episode with Gerald Ilyas Klawatsch: - https://www.guruviking.com/search?q=ilyas To find out more about Gerald Ilyas Klawatsch, visit: - https://bengusu.com/g-ilyas-klatsch/ - https://www.youtube.com/@akpirimensemble For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - https://www.guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

In this interview I am once again joined by Dr Ben Joffe, anthropologist, occultist, and scholar practitioner of Tibetan Buddhism. Ben reveals the industry convention of guru ghostwriting in which spiritual teachers employ one or a team of writers to produce their dharma books, explains his collaborative process with Nida Chenagtsang on their latest Vajrayana book, and sheds light on his own editorial process. Ben discusses whether a scholar should have practice experience before translating religious texts, considers whether historical inaccuracies debunk the spiritual value of Buddhist scriptures, and raises questions about the origin of terma treasure texts. Ben also compares the Yuthok Nyinthig retreat format to the Abramelin Ritual of Western Occultism, details the signs of success in tantric practice, and shares Yuthok’s promise to appear in bodily form to practitioners with sufficient devotion and attainment. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep337-guru-ghostwriting-tantric-retreat-dr-ben-joffe Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics include: 00:00 - Intro 01:12 - Ghostwriting for gurus 08:03 - Lamas often don’t write their books 10:24 - Ben’s editorial process 18:32 - Is guru ghostwriting a dirty secret? 19:17 - Vajrayana jargon vs a felt sense 29:56 - What is a scholar practitioner? 37:39 - Ben’s retreat experiences 41:13 - Did Yuthok the Elder really exist? 50:06 - Anachronisms and retroactive attribution in Tibetan historiography 51:57 - Origins of the Tibetan medical tantras (rgyud bzhi) 58:08 - Terma treasure texts: mystical revelation or an editorial process? 01:02:08 - Why have Western scholars been hesitant to question terma texts? 01:05:04 - Does critical scholarship debunk Buddhism? 01:10:55 - Medicine Buddha ex machina 01:12:45 - Referring out 01:13:24 - Encountering Yuthok vs the Holy Guardian Angel in the Abramelin Ritual 01:20:10 - Special 7-day Yuthok ngondro 01:24:10 - Is Yuthok Nyingthig the best tantric system? 01:28:27 - The power of aspiration prayers 01:30:53 - How long does it take to become fully enlightened? 01:33:51 - Practice according to number, time, or signs 01:34:54 - Mythic resonance of lineage 01:36:33 - Signs of spiritual progress 01:41:35 - Ben comments on the Abramelin Ritual 01:43:59 - Sumton’s Yeshe Zung’s devotional prayer 01:46:50 - Yuthok as a Mighty Dead 01:48:47 - Do Yuthok’s promises cause ego inflation and delusion? 01:52:09 - Verifying dreams and spiritual signs 01:58:26 - How to connect with spiritual blessings 02:05:09 - What are blessings? 02:06:32 - Spiritual signs in the Jesuit tradition 02:08:49 - Ngondro as a hazing 02:10:55 - Do people expect to encounter Yuthok at Dr Nida’s retreats? 02:15:38 - Dr Nida’s approach vs traditional contexts 02:21:00 - Typical student profile and outcomes 02:29:28 - Permissive approach to tantric vows 02:32:37 - Pros and cons of laissez-faire tantric practice 02:33:28 - Charismatic founder stage 
… Previous episodes with Dr Ben Joffe: - https://www.guruviking.com/search?q=joffe Previous episodes with Dr Nida Chenagtsang: - https://www.guruviking.com/search?q=nida 
… To find out more about Dr Ben Joffe, visit: - https://perfumedskull.com/ - http://www.skypressbooks.com/ … For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - https://www.guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

In this episode I am once again joined by Duncan Barford, occult practitioner, counsellor, and author of “Occult Experiments in the Home”. Duncan begins with an analysis of the 2016 film, “A Dark Song”, which he believes is the most accurate depiction of occult practice in cinema. Duncan details the plot, breaks down its depictions of ritual, and shares his own emotional reaction to the film's climax. Duncan then shifts gear and gives a detailed explanation of the infamous Abramelin ritual, a multi-month ritual considered by many to be the most ambitious working a magician can attempt. Duncan gives a survey of the major written accounts of those who have attempted it including Aleister Crowley, Lionel Snell, and William Bloom; reveals why the ritual has such a high failure rate; and shares what he believes is the key to success. Duncan also analyses the esoteric structure of Coleridge’s poem “Rime of the Ancient Mariner” and interprets it as a description of the spiritual path, proposes an equivalency between success in the Abramelin and Buddhist stream entry, and reveals why he believes the study of history is an obstacle to magickal success. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep336-the-magick-of-abramelin-duncan-barford-3 Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics include: 00:00 - Intro 01:28 - The Magick of A Dark Song 02:45 - The film 04:41 - The Abramelin Ritual 07:23 - Cinematic depictions of magick 08:04 - Spoiler warnings and the plot 08:24 - Hiring the magician 10:03 - Sophia’s motive for the ritual 11:36 - A deep understanding of how ritual works 14:40 - Describing the magickal working 17:04 - Meeting the Holy Guardian Angel 21:01 - The practitioner’s journey 25:58 - Characer arcs 30:03 - The key of devotion 33:02 - The esoteric structure of Coleridge’s “Rime of the Ancient Mariner” 33:34 - The cycle of insight 38:37 - Crisis, breakthrough, ordeal, union 43:38 - Unsettling themes 44:12 - Interventus Caninus 44:57 - What next after absolution? 45:33 - What is the point of the Abramelin Ritual? 46:46 - Reflecting on the ending of the film 49:39 - Crowley, Snell, Bloom, and Katz - those who attempted the Abramelin 49:54 - Mysterious history of the Abramelin Ritual 52:39 - Recensions of the Abramelin 53:56 - Duncan describes the Abramelin text and ritual 01:00:20 - Why does the Abramelin ritual have such a high failure rate? 01:02:12 - Meeting Lionel Snell 01:04:51 - A tarot reading and why history is an obstacle to real magick 01:06:53 - Daniel Ingram’s revision of traditional fire kasina meditation 01:11:00 - Crowley’s attempts at the Abramelin ritual 01:14:37 - Other accounts 01:16:40 - William Bloom’s attempt 01:20:45 - Secret to success with the Abramelin Ritual 01:24:13 - How to increase the success rate of rituals 01:29:18 - Are you ready to attempt the Abramelin? 01:31:52 - Stream entry and Abramelin 01:34:35 - Duncan reflects on his past claims to attainment 01:37:16 - Questioning pragmatic dharma assumptions and the vogue of stream entry 01:41:00 - Insider vs outsider views 01:42:13 - Does magick really work? 01:43:31 - A story of powerful magickal effects 
… Watch previous episodes with Duncan Barford: - https://www.guruviking.com/search?q=barford To find our more about Duncan Barford, visit: - https://www.duncanbarford.uk/ … For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - https://www.guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

In this episode I am once again joined by Alex W, long term practitioner of Zen, Pragmatic Dharma, and Western Occultism. Alex lays out his ideal curriculum of practices to achieve awakening including a full technique sequence, explanation of the signs of success at each stage, and the various post-awakening paths that are available. Alex details the energetic openings that occur after awakening and how to nurture them, contrasts Buddhist tummo to Daoist inner alchemy, and explains the process to open the psychic senses. Alex challenges the meditation retreat model of practice which he sees as putting economic concerns over student benefit, offers his opinion on the amount of time one should spend in daily meditation, and emphasises the importance of retaining one’s autonomy in the spiritual market place. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep335-how-to-guide-for-awakening-beyond-alex-w-3 Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.
 … Topics include: 00:00 - Intro 01:05 - What is the ideal curriculum for awakening? 02:55 - Alex’s teaching experience 03:30 - Core skills for all traditions 04:42 - Never surrender your autonomy 06:32 - You must learn to sit 08:56 - The first meditation technique 12:32 - Recommended traditions and books 16:11 - First signs of success 19:45 - A major shift 23:39 - Should you pursue enlightenment? 24:51 - Soto vs Rinzai vs Dzogchen vs Mahāmudrā 37:50 - The goal of Dzogchen and Mahāmudrā 39:54 - How to embody realisation 45:35 - Moving from abdomen to heart space 47:04 - Saccidānanda 48:17 - Result of awakening the three energy centres 53:04 - Gurdjieff and self-remembering 55:35 - Using stress to strengthen the energy body 01:00:37 - Tummo and inner alchemy 01:05:55 - Warning about energy practice 01:08:19 - A summary of Alex’s recommended path 01:09:54 - How long does the path take? 01:13:24 - The Chinese view of inner alchemy 01:17:32 - Opening the psychic senses 01:22:55 - How much should one practice? 01:25:04 - The economic trap of meditation retreats 01:34:50 - Solo retreats and the limitations of lay life 01:41:21 - Economic logic vs practice effectiveness 01:46:53 - How to relate to strong experiences? 01:49:20 - St John of the Cross 01:56:04 - Deconstructing the Self 02:04:57 - Recognising what is already here 02:07:26 - Closing remarks … Previous episodes with Alex W: - https://www.guruviking.com/search?q=alex For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - www.guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

In this episode I am once again joined by Myriam Szabo, also known as Ngakma Yumma Mudra: dancer, producer, model, teacher of Tibetan Buddhism, and founder of the international Danza Duende Network. Ngakma Yumma Mudra recounts the story of her life from a childhood of domestic abuse, intense discipleship under Russian dance teachers, and years of living on the streets. Ngakma Yumma Mudra recalls her relationships, her mystical and psychic experiences, and her breakthrough to international fame as the model in a provocative marketing campaign. Ngakma Yumma Mudra shares her conversion to Buddhism, how her devotion to Padmasambhava helped her confront her fear, and how a period of intensive retreat led her to rediscover dance as a spiritual practice. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep334-the-dakinis-journey-ngakma-yumma-mudra Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics Include: 00:00 - Intro 00:55 - An unusual conception 04:56 - Beginning classical dance training at 2 years old 06:42 - Mother beaten every day 08:19 - Fleeing to Paris 10:21 - Dance as refuge 12:32 - Discipleship under two Russian dance gurus 19:58 - Studying music and classical guitar 20:35 - Living on the streets for 3 years 22:17 - An abusive relationship at 17 years old 24:20 - Karma and abuse 26:32 - LSD and a mystical awakening 30:16 - Living with artists and drug dealers 32:45 - Attacked by rival drug gang 33:41 - Psychic abilities 36:05 - Reading Chogyam Trungpa 38:01 - Travel to India to seek Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche 40:39 - Moving to Portugal 42:11 - Modelling career in Paris 46:06 - Devotion to Guru Padmasambhava and releasing fear 49:15 - Space and time 52:44 - Relationship with famous photographer Jean-François Jonvelle  55:25 - Orgies, dharma, and rise to fame 58:36 - Modelling for the famous advertisement, “Demain j'enlève le bas” 01:02:15 - Further Buddhist training and 1 year retreat 01:05:07 - Return to dance 01:07:58 - Discovering the feminine 01:09:08 - Dance as sādhanā 01:16:!6 - Performing without choreography 01:21:20 - Teaching and burning out 01:25:21 - Dharma art 01:29:16 - Relationship with Michel Raji  01:36:28 - Breathwork and healing the inner masculine 01:38:08 - Dharma dance study programme … Previous episode with Ngakma Yumma Mudra: - https://www.guruviking.com/search?q=yumma To find our more about Ngakma Yumma Mudra visit: - https://www.danzaduende.org/yumma-bio-en.htm For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - https://www.guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

In this interview I am once again joined by Dr Nida Chenagtsang, Buddhist teacher, doctor of Tibetan Medicine, and author of “Tibetan Healing Massage”. Dr Nida reveals the Tibetan art of massage, details its unique characteristics, and shows its links to theories of typology and subtle energy. Dr Nida explains the Tibetan idea of “la” energy and how it is best guarded, details acupressure points and their proposed effects, and offers his perspective on rethinking health and spirituality. Dr Nida also gives a live demonstration of Tibetan external therapies including massage, cupping, hot compress therapy, stick therapy, and more. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep333-tibetan-healing-massage-dr-nida-chenagtsang Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics Include: 00:00 - Intro 00:49 - About the book 02:35 - The role of external therapies in Sowa Rigpa 04:45 - Tibetan massage 07:17 - Unique characteristics of Tibetan massage 17:32 - “La” energy and the traditional Tibetan view of trauma 22:21 - How to learn Tibetan massage 23:40 - Typologies and trees 26:50 - Demonstration and explanation of Tibetan massage 34:38 - Acupressure points 36:07 - Horme method 38:57 - Tibetan cupping and stick therapies 42:33 - Benefits of Tibetan massage 44:37 - Powdered body rubbing 47:25 - What can be healed with Tibetan massage? 49:10 - Rethinking health management 50:18 - Overcoming a sedentary lifestyle … Previous episodes with Dr Nida Chenagtsang: - https://www.guruviking.com/search?q=nida 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: - https://www.guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

In this episode I join Charles Manson in Oxford, England to visit the Bodleian Library (Oxford University) where he is the specialist librarian for its Tibetan Collections. Charles leads us through the streets of Oxford to visit the old Bodleian Library, founded in 1602. Then we arrive at the Weston Library to explore its collection of Tibetan manuscripts. Charles guides us through gold lettered texts about Lamdre and expiation, describes the process of textual revelation known as “terma”, and shares a warning based on his own experiences of dark retreat. Charles explains the Tibetan doctrines of the afterlife while showing a rare copy of the Tibetan Book of the Dead, muses on Coleridge’s advice for visiting a library, and reflects on why he believes converts to Tibetan Buddhism should attempt to learn the Tibetan language. Charles also details his working routine as a librarian and archivist, reflects on his own academic journey from SOAS to Harvard and Oxford, and considers the role his religious faith plays in his work with Tibetan texts. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep332-oxford-librarian-of-tibet-charles-manson Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.
 … Topics include: 00:00 - Intro 01:16 - The old Bodleian 03:25 - Entering the Weston Library 06:13 - Retrieving the texts 06:48 - The Driver collection 08:29 - Close look at a Lamdre text 12:33 - Features of a terma treasure text 13:14 - Mind vs earth termas 15:15 - How termas are composed 15:51 - Charles’ terma experience 16:54 - 4 ways of changing the mind 17:30 - Expanding a terma 18:02 - The Driver collection 19:00 - Dakini script and images 20:52 - Manuscript care 21:20 - Unwrapping a text, discovering a washing prayer 22:30 - More texts 24:50 - The Tibetan Book of the Dead 26:03 - Bardo doctrine of 49 days between lives 26:24 - Opportunities for liberation at and after death 27:43 - How to use the Tibetan Book of the Dead 28:39 - The process of rebirth 29:48 - Liberation upon hearing 30:18 - Phowa practice for the dead 33:16 - Dark retreat as preparation for death 34:11 - Dark retreat warnings 35:40 - Charles’ studies at SOAS, Harvard, and Oxford 38:45 - Beginning at the Bodleian Library 39:58 - Coleridge on libraries 41:15 - Work at the British Library 41:46 - Why Charles would like more time 43:06 - First days at the Bodleian Library 44:36 - Initial work on the collection 45:27 - The Library of Congress and other partnerships 50:59 - Range of acquisitions 52:46 - Tibetan medical writing 53:41 - Access and the goals of Charles’ library acquisitions 57:14 - What would Charles do with more funding 01:01:41 - Providing online access for the world 01:03:32 - Day in the life at the Bodleian Library 01:06:33 - Importance of specialist knowledge 01:09:19 - Charles’ religious devotion 01:13:45 - Separation of religion and scholarship 01:14:53 - Why converts should learn the Tibetan language 01:16:43 - Scholar practitioners and the importance of study 01:18:17 - Teaching the Tibetan language 01:19:02 - Curation as religious service 01:19:17 - Charles’ invitation to viewers … Previous episode with Charles Manson: - https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep243-scholar-practitioner-charles-manson To find our more about Charles Manson, visit: - https://www.shambhala.com/authors/the-second-karmapa-karma-pakshi.html - https://uk.linkedin.com/in/charles-manson-07420911 - charles.manson@bodleian.ox.ac.uk … 
For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - www.guruviking.com … Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

In this episode I am joined by Alana Fairchild, spiritual teacher, psychic, and author of the best-selling Kuan Ying Oracle Deck. Alana recalls her unusual childhood of Catholicism and folk spirituality, details her training as a psychic, and recounts her significant spiritual experiences. Alana shares her journey of academic excellence through law school, explains her career-change to become a working psychic, and reveals how she created the bestselling Kuan Yin Oracle Deck. Alana also reflects on the relationship between eros and spirituality, expresses her views on past lives, and describes her mysterious sense of connection to the Kālī Mā and the Indian tantric tradition. … https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep331-becoming-the-oracle-alana-fairchild Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics Include: 00:00 - Intro 01:38 - Alana’s unusual childhood 03:22 - Early spiritual inclination 05:44 - Folk spirituality and an esteemed Catholic family 08:59 - Alana’s father 10:06 - Pros and cons of ancestor work 13:34 - 2 dimensions of freedom 16:52 - Alana’s beliefs about past lives 20:12 - Comparative religion and expanding the experience of God 23:24 - Eros and spirituality 34:45 - Sacred sexuality mistakes 28:36 - Imminence vs transcendence 30:35 - Changing relationship with Buddhism 33:47 - Spiritual experience while getting a tattoo 36:11 - Overcoming lifelong existential terror 40:17 - Sense of connection to Tibet 41:39 - Heart connection with Kuan Yin / Avalokiteśvara 44:45 - Connection to Kālī Mā at 6 years old 45:53 - Creating the bestselling Kuan Yin Oracle Deck 48:18 - Developing a Buddhist tarot deck 49:35 - Training as a lawyer 53:02 - Meeting a mentor and becoming a psychic 55:50 - Psychic training 59:58 - Changing modalities of Alana’s psychic work 01:02:35 - Attending Catholic mass as a clairvoyant 01:04:19 - How Alana receives psychic impressions 01:06:24 - Sequel … To find our more about Alana Fairchildvisit: - https://www.alanafairchild.com/ For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - https://www.guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

This trialogue continues a series of discussions exploring the latest interdisciplinary research into tantric completion stage practices such as yogas of dream, sleep, and death. Dr Tawni Tidwell is a biocultural anthropologist and doctor of traditional Tibetan medicine. Dr Michael Sheehy is the Director of Research at the Contemplative Sciences Center in the Department of Religious Studies in the University of Virginia. Dr Julian Schott is an Indologist, Tibetologist, and assistant professor at the University of Vienna. In this episode, the panel explore the ethical and methodological challenges of the studying Buddhist tantra; consider the various agendas behind scientific research into meditation, gtummo, and dream yoga; and argue for the centring of human liberation alongside human wellness and profit motives. Dr Sheehy presents his working model for achieving contemplative fluency across a range of meditation styles, suggests that scientific study of meditation can be seen as a type of cultural translation, and considers the use of etic frameworks and methods to study religious and cultural forms. Dr Tidwell argues for the validity of subjective experience, Dr Schott points out the tensions within religious traditions, and the panel consider if neuroscience might one day teach Buddhism something new about itself. … Link in bio. Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics include: 00:00 - Intro 02:11 - Why study tantra with science? 04:01 - Complexity of tantra 05:10 - Skills and transformations 05:50 - Michael’s meditation model of “instances and styles“ 08:48 - Multi-modular styles and ngondro 11:17 - Contemplative fluency 13:58 - gTummo and overriding the autonomic nervous system 16:21 - 2 reasons why Vajrayāna is said to be the fast path 17:55 - Why is tantra so complex? 19:37 - Pushing to one’s limits is key to tantra 22:29 - 3 classic contemplative approaches in Buddhism 25:27 - Radical transformation and social transgression 27:56 - A tension within the tradition 29:03 - Changing practice along the path 31:04 - Sādhanā is not linear 34:25 - Critical challenges when studying tantra 35:41 - The importance of neurophenomenology 39:44 - Scientific vs traditional explanatory frameworks 43:28 - Relative and the absolute 46:08 - Transmitted blessings 48:07 - Trust in the traditions 50:33 - Moving beyond the traditions with science 52:38 - A second order, cultural translation 54:58 - Paradox of the paradigm 56:26 - Defending the etic perspective 58:06 - Multi-disciplinary teams 59:37 - The fundamental academic principle 01:01:58 - Pros and cons of the etic and emic 01:03:16- Will science improve the Buddhist tradition? 01:04:56 - Neuroplasticity and aging 01:06:50 - Reshaping Buddhism is imperative 01:09:26 - A cultural-religious looping effect 01:13:13 - Dream yoga training with VR 01:18:50 - Secular extraction approaches and making the traditions better 01:21:25 -MBSR and Healthy Minds 01:22:57 - Subjective experience is valid 1:25:16 - Human freedom beyond the social and political 01:31:59 - Admitting the religious aspect 01:34:07 - Prioritising human freedom 01:35:48 - A reflexive process 01:37:09 - Is scientific study for the good? 01:38:30 - Future episode plans Previous panel discussions: - https://www.guruviking.com/search?q=sheehy Previous episodes with Dr Julian Schott: - https://www.guruviking.com/search?q=schott To find our more about the panel, visit: - https://michaelrsheehy.com/ - https://centerhealthyminds.org/about/people/tawni-tidwell - https://stb.univie.ac.at/en/about-us/team/julian-schott/user/schottj85/inum/1083/backpid/198178/ For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - https://www.guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

In this episode I am once again joined by Alan Chapman, British writer, occultist, and spiritual teacher. Alan reflects on his search for true awakening, compares the spiritual traditions of the West and the East, and questions the liberal ideal of the universal man. Alan presents Merlin as the archetype of the Western adept, asserts theosis to be the true purpose of Christianity, and reveals the language of the birds. Alan also offers advice for those who have had an awakening, discusses Gnosticism and Pragmatic Dharma, and critiques the idea that contemplative neuroscience is the Fourth Turning of Buddhism. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep329-the-western-path-alan-chapman-2 Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics Include: 00:00 - Intro 00:46 - Is Alan a book guy? 03:30 - Alan’s books 07:07 - Current writing project 10:02 - Insights on Crowley 11:17 - What Alan enjoys reading 13:53 - Eastern vs Western traditions 19:25 - In search of true awakening 21:05 - Cultural and ethnic inheritance 21:57 - Western Buddhism and Sigalow’s “American JewBu” 27:04- The Christian revival and theosis 29:02 - Trauma for your own good 31:05 - Becoming a fit vessel 32:48 - The true Western tradition 36:50 - Western vs Eastern awakening 37:37 - Merlin 41:23 - Language of the birds 44:33 - Entering the miraculous 45:56 - How Alan first encountered the language of the birds 54:01 - Transmission and birds as messengers 56:23 - Spirituality beyond states and stages 59:32 - The Liberal ideal of the universal human being 01:02:04 - The end of the WW2 cultural drama 01:03:03 - Perennialism, Traditionalism, and Magia 01:06:28 - Spiritual cultural exchange 01:09:07 - Denying difference 01:10:22 - Gnosticism, alchemy, and Merlin 01:14:09 - Beat Zen, Square Zen 01:15:46 - Misunderstanding foreign traditions 01:19:19 - Traditions fit their own cultures 01:20:29 - Scholasticism 01:23:00 - Pragmatic Dharma 01:24:37 - A need to belong 01:26:08 - Morality and nondual realisation 01:27:07 - The real longing 01:29:51 - Follow the Silent Knowing 01:30:51 - Traditionalism and cultural chauvinism 01:32:28 - Problems with following foreign traditions 01:37:44 - Fetishisation 01:40:35 - Post-awakening advice 01:41:48 - Basic Goodness and Chogyam Trungpa 01:42:58 - Syncretism vs divine inspiration 01:49:35 - Origins of Christianity 01:51:01 - History of ideas vs esoteric transmission 01:57:15 - 4th turning delusion 01:59:24 - Critique of contemplative neuroscience 02:02:13 - The winter of a civilisation … Previous episodes with Alan Chapman:  - https://www.guruviking.com/search?q=chapman To find our more about Alan Chapman visit: - https://barbarouswords.com/ For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - https://www.guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

In this interview I am once again joined by Dr Nida Chenagtsang, Buddhist teacher, doctor of Tibetan Medicine, and author of "Foundations of Vajrayana”. Dr Nida discusses the foundations of tantric practice, shares the power of its intensive ngondro practices, and reveals how to face one’s emotions with Vajrayana methods. Dr Nida also explains the nyingthig genre of heart drop teachings, differentiates true freedom from spiritual bypass, and shares an anecdote of a student who experienced a temporary awakening. Dr Nida also probes me about the Buddhist doctrines of suffering and taking refuge, explains the difference between good and bad attachment, and reveals why Buddha Shakyamuni does not require respect. … Video version: Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics Include: 00:00 - Intro 00:55 - New books 02:40 - About the ngondro book 03:49 - Dr Nida’s history of ngondro practice 05:18 - Yuthok’s Nyingthig 08:29 - The nyingthig genre of Tibetan spiritual texts 15:59 - 5th Dalai Lama’s mastery of Yuthok Nyingthig 17:52 - Tibetan medical and astrological training 20:09 - Jamgon Kongtrul’s Yuthok Nyingthig commentary 21:27 - Dr Nida’s experiences as a teacher 23:47 - The importance of asking questions 27:25 - When Buddhism makes people more stressed 29:43 - Extreme freedom and spiritual bypass 30:50 - 2 types of realisation 33:38 - Importance of ngondro 38:53 - Prostrations are a perfect yoga 42:04 - The teacher must connect with students 46:40 - Good attachment vs bad attachment 48:53 - 4 Noble Truths 49:35 - Making the ngondro personal to you 51:06 - Practice must begin where you are 53:54 - Making practice truly personal 58:45 - Buddhist gospel 59:53 - Spiritual bypass in Buddhism 01:00:22 - Anecdote about a temporary awakening 01:02:24 - Dr Nida probes Steve about taking refuge 01:06:09 - A new language of refuge 01:06:55 - Guru traumas 01:09:00 - You are a Buddha 01:10:42 - Final teaching of Dzogchen 01:12:09 - Buddha Shakymuni did not require respect 01:14:16 - Soothing emotional suffering 01:16:33 - Many methods of Vajrayana 01:17:25 - Facing your emotions … Previous episodes with Dr Nida Chenagtsang: - https://www.guruviking.com/search?q=nida 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: - https://www.guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

In this episode I am joined by Dr Francisco José Luis, scholar of Indo-Iranian Studies and Comparative Religion trained at the Sorbonne, Paris and SOAS, London. Francisco recalls his upbringing and education in Luxembourg; details his rigorous academic training in classical languages such as Latin, Greek, and Sanskrit; and laments what he sees as the rise of idealogical indoctrination in modern education Francisco discusses his PhD in pre-reformist Sikhism, his years of field work living in the Punjab, and expresses his love of the German intellectual tradition. Francisco reveals the influence of Neoplatonism in Islamic theology and mysticism, describes his own turn to Shiʿi Islam, and explains why he believes that even today there is a living lineage of Neoplatonism that stretches directly back to Plotinus. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep327-neoplatonic-mystic-dr-francisco-jos-luis Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics include: 00:00 - Intro 01:01 - Upbringing in Luxembourg 02:56 - Classical education 04:28 - Learning Latin, Greek, and Sanskrit 08:03 - Germanic intellectual tradition and WW2 12:37 - Advantages of an anti-American education 15:06 - Critical thinking and intellectual independence 17:04 - Boomer educators and idealogical indoctrination 20:59 - German literature 22:56 - Post WW2 culture shock and the boomer revolution 27:20 - Vatican II and loss of trust 30:35 - Filling education gaps 32:06 - A deeply pagan Catholic 35:21 - Meditation practice and interest in Neo-Vedanta 37:52 - Studying two masters degrees simultaneously at the Sorbonne 39:57 - Rigorous training in Sanskrit 43:56 - MA theses in French literature and pre-reform Sikhism 45:20 - PhD at SOAS in pre-reformist Sikh monastic orders 46:48 - Living among the Sikh community and learning Punjabi 49:54 - Young Sikh’s interest in pre-reformist religion 50:54 - Death threats from Sikhs 53:00 - Changes in Sikhism 55:20 - Tradition religious music of Sikhism and other pre-reformist features 01:00:18 - Neo-traditionalist Sikh movements in the UK and India 01:03:59 - Falling in love with Shiʿi Islam 01:10:16 - Conversion to Islam? 01:11:45 - Shi’ism as a personal practice 01:13:23 - Cultural barriers against European converts 01:16:12 - Neo-Platonic Vajrayanism 01:17:43 - Mysticism perceived as a threat 01:21:48 - Neoplatonic influence on Islam 01:27:28 - Surprising Neo-Platonic features of Islamic mysticism 01:33:30 - Metempsychosis in Islam 01:37:16 - Francisco is a Neoplatonist 01:43:08 - Vajrayana and Shiʿi inner alchemy and dream yoga 01:50:43 - Islamic tummo … To find our more about Dr Francisco José Luis, visit: - https://www.instagram.com/hludvig_tradicionalista For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - https://www.guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

In this episode I am once again joined by Leigh Brasington, Buddhist meditation teacher and author of ‘Right Concentration, A Practical Guide to the Jhanas’. In this episode we had planned to discuss Leigh’s latest book, entitled “On The Way To The Far Shore”. Instead Leigh spontaneously began to explore the theme of Buddhism and politics and so we decided to go deeper into his ideas. Leigh shares his take on the world situation and reveals the impact of his childhood upbringing and college education on the development of his own political views. Leigh discusses whether or not Buddhist spiritual development necessarily leads to left wing politics, reflects on the role of compassion and interdependence in the left-right divide, and considers whether or not past Buddhist masters who held different political views to his own lacked enlightenment. Leigh also warns about the dangers of clinging to fixed views, gives advice for how meditators should relate to politics, and explains why he believes political engagement is a natural result of the spiritual path. This episode is a spontaneous exploration of Leigh’s ideas about Buddhism and politics in the spirit of open discourse and is not intended to represent my own views or the stance of this podcast. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep326-enlightened-politics-leigh-brasington Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics Include: 00:00 - Intro 01:18 - Complexity and inequality 02:52 - Global warming 03:28 - Visiting mission fields in Mexico 05:13 - Overpopulation 06:02 - What motivates Leigh’s political engagement? 08:24 - Practice and politics 11:03 - Should Buddhists be politically engaged? 16:49 - Dependent origination leads to politics 22:21 - Diverse politics of past Buddhist masters 24:31 - Evolution of Leigh’s political views 28:40 - How Leigh relates to those who hold different political views 32:19 - Why did past Buddhist masters hold different views to Leigh’s? 35:21 - Spiritual insight leads to left wing positions 40:54 - How does Leigh explain past Buddhist masters who have held conservative views? 47:58 - Does it give Leigh pause to claim his political views are the most enlightened? 54:11 - Leigh comments on the awakening of past masters who held different political views to his own 56:34 - Leigh refines his position 57:44 - What if Leigh is wrong? 59:16 - Advice for how to relate to politics as a spiritual practitioner 01:02:27 - New sutta index 01:06:09 - Why discuss controversial topics? 01:08:43 - Concluding remarks … Previous episodes with Leigh Brasington: - https://www.guruviking.com/search?q=brasington To find our more about Leigh Brasington visit: - http://www.leighb.com/ For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - https://www.guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

In this episode, I am once again joined by Lopon Yudron Wangmo, American teacher of Tibetan Buddhism and author of several books including, her most recent, “Clearing the Way to Awakening”. Lopon Yudron Wangmo shares stories of her discipleships under various spiritual gurus such as Lama Tharchin, recalls her memories of the California Vajrayāna scene, and remarks on the qualities she has observed in realised masters. Lopon Yudron Wangmo reflects on her ADHD struggles with concentration in meditation, offers a critique of śamatha practice, and shares her own relationship to the dialectic between effort and rest. Lopon Yudron Wangmo explains how Dzogchen works, shares her experiences in extended solo retreat, and warns about the possibility of psychological regression during Tibetan Buddhist 3-year retreat. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep325-my-spiritual-journey-lopon-yudron-wangmo-3 Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics include: 00:00 - Intro 00:58 - New audiobook of “Clearing the Way to Awakening” 06:34 - Text and oral cultures in Tibet 09:44 - Ngondro workbook 11:58 - Discipleship under various Tibetan Lamas 15:09 - Attraction to Vajrayāna 15:20 - Memories of Lama Tharchin 22:53 - 3 year retreat 25:28 - Solo retreats 26:09 - Longchen Nyingthig practice 27:00 - Desire for practice and further retreats 29:15 - Evidence of attainment 32:51 - The nature of mind and the 6 bardos 34:29 - Lama Tharchin’s spaciousness 36:26 - Dzogchen vs Mindfulness 39:28 - Critique of śamatha meditation 41:43 - Effortful practice vs Dzogchen 45:01 - Rewards of a life of practice 46:18 - Uncontrived resting 48:05 - How Dzogchen works 54:21 - Practicing in old age 56:05 - Production-line teaching style 58:21 - Regression to childlike state in 3 year retreat 59:00 - Peak experiences and being good enough 01:00:22 - The California Vajrayāna scene 01:03:52 - Encouragement to practice Vajrayāna … Previous episode with Lopon Yudron Wangmo: - https://www.guruviking.com/search?q=yudron To find our 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

In this episode I am once again joined by Alex W, long term practitioner of Zen, Pragmatic Dharma, and Western Occultism. Alex explains how to meditate after awakening; details the path to success in Zen, Mahāmudrā, and Dzogchen; and compares Taoist Inner Alchemy to cultivating the enjoyment body, Saṃbhogakāya. Alex reflects on the biases of the Buddhist tradition, summarises the phases of his own meditation development, and differentiates constructive and deconstructive modes of practice. Alex also reveals the purpose of the 6 Yogas of Naropa, warns about the dangers of advanced meditation techniques, and considers whether greater political engagement is a result of spiritual maturity. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep324-how-to-practice-after-awakening-alex-w-2 Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.
 … Topics include: 00:00 - Intro 00:53 - Repercussions of first interview 03:20 - Changing practice priorities 04:26 - Concern for younger generations 07:04 - Constructive vs deconstructive practice 08:18 - Biases of the Buddhist tradition 13:47 - Crystallising the energy body 14:46 - Success in Zen, Mahāmudrā, and Dzogchen practices 17:02 - Why talk about spiritual experiences 19:09 - Beyond nondual realisation 23:04 - Post-awakening stages 26:41 - Rewiring the energy body 31:03 - Out of body experiences and the body of light 35:41 - Summoning spirits 37:36 - Building the Saṃbhogakāya 38:40 - Improving the self 40:51 - Summarising the phases of Alex’s practice 41:42 - Cultural resonances and adopting foreign traditions 45:36 - Inner alchemy 49:01 - The big danger of energy practices 52:11 - Power of Now 55:21 - Consciousness and energy 01:00:46 - Preparing for the afterlife 01:04:45 - The purpose of the 6 Yogas of Naropa 01:06:24 - The purpose of deity yoga 01:08:25 - Taoist inner alchemy 01:10:21 - Rainbow body and Dzogchen attainments 01:13:53 - What is the point of post-awakening practices? 01:30:42 - Spirituality vs self improvement 01:36:11 - Dangers of intense practices 01:40:43 - Wrong ideas about freedom from suffering 01:43:24 - Enlightened self interest 01:45:45 - Clarifying the term “ego” 01:51:17 - Cult leader manipulations 01:53:25 - Change of interest from spirituality to politics 01:54:57 - Political concern related to age or spiritual development? 01:56:29 - Perks of aging 01:58:42 - Finding your purpose 02:01:27 - Service as a spiritual path 02:02:27 - Who Alex admires 02:09:56 - Sequel plans … For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - www.guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

In this episode I am joined by Alan Chapman, British writer, occultist, and spiritual teacher. Alan recalls his troubled childhood in the impoverished North of England, reflects on the British class system, and shares his first encounter with Aleister Crowley. Alan recounts his occult adventures with long time collaborator Duncan Barford, shares his spiritual biography of awakenings and mystical experiences, and considers the power and pitfalls of spiritual transmission. Alan also compares gurus Papaji, and Andrew Cohen, and Adi Da; reveals why he considers Stephen Batchelor and Sam Harris to be Black Brothers; and discusses the role of the Dark Goddess on the path of awakening. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep323-british-occultist-alan-chapman Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics Include: 00:00 - Intro 00:55 - Duncan Barford and Alex W 03:07 - Impoverished upbringing in the North of England 05:05 - Early reaction to Christ 05:56 - First encounter with Aleister Crowley 11:17 - Chaos magic and meeting Duncan Barford 12:00 - What kind of boy was Alan? 14:28 - Class consciousness 15:44 - Sensitive boy in a cruel environment 19:20 - Regret about violence 20:58 - One’s own nature 22:25 - Alan questions Steve’s questions 22:45 - British class system 27:21 - Liminal identity 29:50 - Working vs middle vs upper class 31:18 - Anti-aspiration 33:18 - Growing out of musical aspirations 37:36 - Shedding Feathers and fulfilment on the path 41:41 - Crowley book and facing challenges 47:37 - Path myth in The Book of the Law 54:56 - True path vs the New Age 58:08 - Following the Silent Knowing 01:05:10 - Facing darkness 01:10:36 - Black Brothers like Stephen Batchelor and Sam Harris 01:19:48 - Stephen Batchelor’s crisis of faith 01:22:49 - Warning about spiritual teachers 01:23:48 - Stereotypes of culture and awakening 01:27:54 - Papaji and the nondual car crash 01:31:33 - Adi Da and guru yoga 01:35:45 - Papaji vs Adi Da 01:41:24 - Invoking the Holy Guardian Angel 01:47:30 - Andrew Cohen 01:52:16 - Great White Brotherhood 01:54:34 - Enlightened in India 01:57:26 - Ancestors appear 01:59:11 - Practicing with Adi Da 02:01:01 - Transmission traps 02:05:02 - Confronted by Adi Da disciple 02:06:51 - Solid, vital, peculiar 02:09:12 - Cutting truth and Adyashanti 02:10:43 - Reflections on Adi Da’s trajectory 02:11:52 - Further awakening at 33 02:19:52 - Receiving the Magia teaching 02:33:58 - The Dark Goddess 02:36:15 - Accommodating yourself to the Damned 02:37:25 - Finding Sophia 02:40:28 - Crowley and Jung 02:42:14 - Myth of Sophia 02:47:42 - Sequel plans 02:48:58 - Alan’s perspective on near death experiences 03:00:31 - Purpose of life and awakening … To find our more about Alan Chapman visit: - https://barbarouswords.com/ For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - https://www.guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

In this episode I am joined by Myriam Szabo, also known as Ngakma Yumma Mudra: dancer, producer, model, teacher of Tibetan Buddhism, and founder of the international Danza Duende Network. Ngakma Yumma Mudra describes the path of the body, what it means to practice the Satipaṭṭhāna Sutta through movement, and how to contact the blissful nature of mind with dance. Ngakma Yumma Mudra reveals how she guides students to transform habitual tendencies into new expressions, how to read others, and why it is so easy to become stuck in the 6 realms. Ngakma Yumma Mudra also discusses dance as art, how to infuse technique with goodness, and reflects on what it takes to be a true artist. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep322-dharma-of-dance-ngakma-yumma-mudra Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics Include: 00:00 - Intro 00:54 - Path of the body 02:28 - Dancing without choreography 04:40 - Mindfulness of the body and the Satipaṭṭhāna Sutta 07:25 - Empathy and reading others 13:11 - Art, technique, and the Path of the artist 16:15 - The Man Who Cried 20:53 - Structure and flow 22:27 - Working with students through dance 23:32 - Infuse technique with goodness 24:08 - Transforming habitual tendencies 26:06 - Bridging students’ technique into art 30:56 - First thought, best thought 35:49 - Blissful nature of mind 37:22 - Expressing bodhicitta 40:55 - Opening a fan of possibilities 42:09 - Getting stuck in the 6 realms 49:32 - All true Buddhist masters are unique 51:17 - Cleansing technique 53:47 - Attracting mostly women 56:06 - Trajectory as a teacher 01:00:29 - Whirling 01:03:36 - Attracting students 01:06:53 - Sequel plans … To find our more about Ngakma Yumma Mudra visit: - https://www.danzaduende.org/yumma-bio-en.htm For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - https://www.guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

In this episode I am once again joined by John Myrdhin Reynolds, also known as Lama Vajranatha: writer, teacher, translator, and scholar/practitioner of Tibetan Buddhism.  John shares his own decades of contact with the Bon religion, reveals its doctrines and practices, and gives a detailed history of its transmission in the West. John traces the automythos of Bon, compares it to historical evidence and Buddhist accounts, and addresses the common critique that Bon is merely plagiarised Buddhism. John also addresses misconceptions about the history of religion in Tibet, explains how to successfully practice multiple religious lineages, and reveals various means of attaining siddhi power through ritual and meditation. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep321-tibetan-bon-lama-vajranatha Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics Include: 00:00 - Intro 00:53 - Bon vs Buddhism 01:35 - First contact with Bon and subsequent involvement 06:17 - Namkhai Norbu’s nationalism and promotion of Bon 06:44 - 2 authentic Dzogchen lineages 07:45 - Bon Dzogchen 09:10 - Later transmission period and folk religion syncretism 12:03 - Old Bon vs New Bon 13:06 - Bon’s automythos 14:11 - Snellgrove’s “9 Ways of Bon” 16:37 - Bonpo refugee community in India 18:08 - Reprinting of Bonpo texts in exile 19:31 - Gene Smith’s text preservation work 22:25 - Election of Lungtok Tenpai Nyima as the 33rd Menri Trizin 24:35 - Dalai Lama’s recognition of Bon as the fifth Tibetan school 26:39 - Bon scriptures 28:38 - Are gter ma authentic? 32:17 - Personal contact post-1959 and T Lobsang Rampa 33:27 - Academic work on Bon 34:44 - Geshe Tenzin Wangyal comes to the West 40:03 - Lopon’s interest in translations and USA activities 43:46 - New Age sponsorship of Bon 45:31 - Further USA activities 48:02 - Search for a Bon HQ in Europe + gtum mo studies 51:20 - Guinness sponsor a Bonpo HQ in Europe, blocked by aristocrats over Sogyal scandal 56:11 - Tenzin Wangyal’s USA activities and influx of Bon teachers 58:48 - Geshe Wangyal, Jeffrey Hopkins, and Robert Thurman 59:32 - Jeffrey Hopkin’s influence on Buddhist Studies 01:02:38 - Popularity of podcasts 01:04:11 - Samten Karmay 01:05:27 - Bon vs Buddhism & the question of plagiarism 01:07:34 - Bonpo one-upmanship? 01:12:44 - How to practice different lineages simultaneously 01:18:50 - Namkhai Norbu’s independent status 01:21:16 - Supernatural powers of Bonpo lamas and other spiritual beings 01:24:53 - Chatral Rinpoche’s siddhi powers and the possibility of miracles 01:27:24 - How to attain siddhi powers 01:30:32 - Tibetan vs gter ma in the rest of the world 01:33:06 - Accidental gter ma 01:35:39 - Misconceptions about the history of religion in Tibet 01:37:32 - Animal sacrifice and gtor ma 01:41:40 - Lithuanian’s unusual religious heritage 01:45:44 - Spiritual relations in India and Tibet … Previous episodes with John Myrdhin Reynolds: - https://www.guruviking.com/search?q=vajranatha To find our more about John Myrdhin Reynolds visit: - https://vajranatha.com/ For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - https://www.guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

In this interview I am once again joined by Dr Ben Joffe, anthropologist, occultist, and scholar practitioner of Tibetan Buddhism. Dr Joffe leads a deep dive into the topic of divination, explores its underlying mechanisms and practical methods, and compares different cultural understandings of the practice. Dr Joffe details his understanding of the tarot as a scholar and reader, shares his advice for those who wish to learn the system, and reveals how to use tarot for information gathering, sorcery, and magickal workings. Dr Joffe also reflects on his own journey as a tarot reader, addresses criticisms that tarot and other psychic methods are exploitative, and considers the uneasy relationship between divination and licensed counselling. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep320-divination-tarot-dr-ben-joffe Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics include: 00:00 - Intro 02:12 - What is divination? 06:08 - Synchronicity and randomness 09:37 - Dependent origination 14:34 - Ben’s extensive study of divination 22:13 - Mechanistic vs intuitive 29:17 - Scrying and establishing parameters 34:56 - Childhood divination 39:59 - What should divination mean for the client? 41:50 - Addiction to divination 43:50 - Cold reading and choosing a question 48:45 - Ben’s recounts his own history as a diviner 01:20:43 - Structure of the tarot 01:27:16 - How to read tarot 01:48:38 - Tarot reading mistakes 01:53:46 - Tibetan butter lamp divination 01:57:11 - Collaboration vs cold reading 02:02:10 - Studying the history of tarot 02:06:58 - 6 reasons to engage with tarot 02:09:22 - Critique of modern, inclusive decks 02:12:43 - Bad omens and gatekeeping 02:20:17 - Is tarot exploitative pseudo-counselling? 02:47:23 - Why not just become a counsellor? 02:54:19 - Is tarot over-psychologised? 02:55:25 - Ben reflects on his recurring clients 03:01:11 - The power of the right question 03:07:39 - Shaman and tarot reader as therapy-adjacent 03:13:18 - Does clairvoyance actually have value? 03:16:16 - Caution about taking life advice from Buddhist lamas 03:21:44 - Wild West of Tiktok diviners 03:22:49 - Anti-divination laws 03:29:14 - Tibetan and Buddhist divination 
… Previous episodes with Dr Ben Joffe: - https://www.guruviking.com/search?q=joffe To find out more about Dr Ben Joffe, visit: - https://perfumedskull.com/ - http://www.skypressbooks.com/ … For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - https://www.guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James