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

In this episode I am joined by Ray Russell, founder of Tartarus Press and, as R.B. Russell, the author of the newly published T. Lobsang Rampa And Other Characters of Questionable Faith, the first definitive biography of T Lobsang Rampa. Ray shares the life story of Rampa, born Cyril Henry Hoskin in 1910, who claimed to have been possessed by the consciousness of a Tibetan Lama. Rampa’s books were best sellers in the mid 20th century and, though debunked by specialists at the time, are credited for bringing awareness to Tibetan Buddhism and serving as the initial inspiration for the careers of several notable Tibetologists. Ray reveals the truth of Rampa’s origins, his various assumed identities, his ascent to international fame, the consequences of his exposure by the press, and the surprising reasons for his ongoing popularity. Ray also reflects on the mystery of faith, the psychological payoffs from belief in hoaxes and conspiracy theories, and what motivates some authors to represent fiction as fact. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/p319-mystery-of-t-lobsang-rampa-rb-russell Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.
 … Topics include: 00:00 - Intro 01:10 - A look at the book 02:32 - Childhood exposure to world religions 04:31 - The New Age and the question of faith 07:04 - Denying scientific facts 08:04 - Mystical experiences 09:22 - Alan Moore and belief in magick 10:16 - Meaning and comfort from myths and religions 10:56 - Crowley 11:22 - Incredulity and fascination 13:04 - Suspension of disbelief and religious conversion 14:27 - Nutrients of meaning and comfort 15:39 - Facing death 17:26 - Does everyone have faith in something? 19:01 - Secular religion? 19:55 - Encountering T Lobsang Rampa 21:04 - Discovering Rampa’s fraud 22:19 - Third Eye (1956) 23:13 - Possessed by the consciousness of a Tibetan Lama 24:42 - Erich von Däniken’s clever approach 26:47 - Becoming first Dr KuanSuo and then T Lobsang Rampa 31:09 - Never coming out of character 34:28 - Inspiration for converts and scholars of Tibet Buddhism 36:00 - The Dalai Lama’s thanks to Rampa 36:45 - Liar, delusional, or the Son of God? 38:06 - Reactions among the inner circle 40:38 - Transmigration revealed too late 42:22 - Independent vs institutionally validated miracles 44:44 - Rampa’s theosophical ideas 46:52 - Mistakes in the Third Eye 47:53 - Nostalgia for childhood 49:24 - Which miracles to believe? 50:11 - Tibetologists on Rampa 52:34 - Carlos Castaneda 54:04 - Raynor Winn’s “The Salt Path” controversy 55:45 - Anger at Rampa 57:35 - Crop circles 59:29 - Tartarus Press and Arthur Machen 01:01:30 - Why “Tartarus" 01:03:09 - The Great God Pan and other Machen writing … Buy Ray’s book here: - http://tartaruspress.com/russell-rampa.html For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - www.guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

In this episode I am joined by Victor Shiryaev a teacher of Buddhist and modern meditation and somatic practices. Victor recounts his childhood in the Soviet Union, early underground exposure to the New Age, and subsequent study of Avaita Vedānta and Ken Wilber’s Integral Theory. Victor details his discipleship under American mindfulness teacher Shinzen Young, reflects on the tension between tradition and innovation, and shares stories of his own awakening experiences. Victor also lays out his disagreements with Shinzen Young’s approach, critiques the Pragmatic Dharma’s use of maps and stages, and presents his own understanding of the spiritual experiences to be expected on the road to awakening and beyond. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep318-modern-mindfulness-victor-shiryaev Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.
 … Topics include: 00:00 - Intro 00:56 - Childhood in the Soviet Union 02:24 - Exposure to the New Age and psychotherapy 07:15 - Studying Chinese History at university 08:07 - Advaita Vedānta and Ken Wilber 09:18 - Unity experience 10:21 - Altered states and psychic phenomena 13:14 - Personal crisis 14:52 - Awakening in Myanmar 17:19 - “I know what I have is working” 19:17 - Meeting Shinzen Young and adopting his model 24:50 - Observational statistics 27:29 - Studying with Shinzen 29:27 - Divorce and launching meditation teaching career 31:00 - Finding a path thru crisis 37:10 - Writing a letter to nature 42:48 - Finding purpose in spirituality 44:15 - Victor’s teaching approach and activities 48:58 - Why go deeper in practice? 51:17 - Creating a culture of openness 58:33 - Shinzen & Ken Wilber vs Victor 01:05:16 - Being a clear conduit 01:19:32 - I am not a Buddhist teacher 01:12:40 - Experience vs faith 01:15:58 - Disagreements with Shinzen 01:17:43 - Disagreements with Theravāda 01:19:32 - Shinzen’s modernism and scientism 01:25:19 - Steve’s understanding of Shinzen 01:28:15 - Victor’s update on Shinzen’s scientism 01:30:50 - Heretics and reformers 01:33:39 - Fundamentalism and the world-centred view 01:30:39 - A world-centred view is also fundamentalist 01:42:50 - Victor on the Pragmatic Dharma movement 01:46:55 - Hypocrisy of Pragmatic Dharma 01:49:29 - Traditional vs modern practitioners 01:58:13 - Critique of maps and stages 02:06:18 - First stage: thoughts to presence 02:09:41 - Second stage: all experience is consciousness 02:12:09 - One taste 02:13:38 - Intimacy with all things 02:15:26 - The consciousness trap 02:18:18 - We shape our experience 02:19:10 - The pregnant void 02:22:32 - Victor’s view of the path To find out more about Victor Shiryaev, visit: - https://victorshiryaev.co/ … For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - www.guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

In this episode I host a dialogue between Lama Glenn Mullin and Oded Rahav about the magic of the Dead Sea. Oded shares how he fell in love with the Dead Sea, the power of story and the arts in communicating important messages, and why he believes water is a sacred medium. Glenn reveals the power of sacred places and how they are formed through a combination of geomantic features and human spiritual activity. Glenn and Oded explore the history of the Dead Sea region, trace 10000 years of Western mysticism, and discuss how the area may hold the keys to peace in the region. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep317-dead-sea-magic-lama-glenn-mullin-oded-rahav Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics include: 00:00 - Intro 00:47 - Oded’s world record swim to save the Dead Sea 03:10 - The political complexity of the Dead Sea swim 04:11 - Falling in love with the Dead Sea 05:51 - Meeting Glenn Mullin 06:52 - How to build trust 08:08 - The powerful energy of sacred places 11:03 - The impact of humans on the earth 11:37 - Glenn talks about the Dead Sea 13:02 - How to relate to sacred places 14:19 - A great healing sea 14:55 - The Dalai Lama’s prophecy 15:39 - Saving the Dead Sea 16:48 - A potential peace initiative 18:45 - A million signatures 19:29 - Water is a scared medium 20:24 - Dead Sea stories 22:08 - Biological attributes of the Dead Sea 23:05 - Dead Sea is vanishing 23:38 - 4 main threats to the Dead Sea 27:55 - Water treating 28:55 - Practical solutions to political problems 30:03 - Power places and pilgrimage 32:03 - Magic of the Dead Sea 34:49 - Twin rivers and other initiatives 36:49 - Incentivising capitalism 38:00 - Poems about the Dead Sea 39:34 - Glenn’s history with the Dead Sea 40:27 - Arts initiatives 41:02 - More Dead Sea poetry 41:39 - 10000 years of Western mysticism 42:14 - Glenn’s message to listeners 43:36 - Oded’s invitation to listeners 45:41 - Geomancy vs human mystical infusion in creating sacred places 49:01 - Why save the Dead Sea? 50:04 - A future-oriented perspective 52:03 - How change happens 56:41 - Meditation caves next to the Dead Sea 57:34 - Meditation caves around the world 01:01:03 - Tibetan medicine and healing retreats 01:03:09 - Oded’s documentary 01:04:33 - Rheumatism and skin …
 Previous episodes with Lama Glenn Mullin: - https://www.guruviking.com/search?q=glenn%20mullin 
 Find out more about Lama Glenn Mullin: - http://www.glennmullin.com/ - https://www.facebook.com/Maitripa.Glenn Find out more about Oded Rahav & the Dead Sea Guardians: - https://deadseaguardians.org/team/
 … For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - https://www.guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

In this episode I am joined by Alex W, long term practitioner of Zen, Pragmatic Dharma, and Western Occultism. Alex describes his journey from elite upbringing in Geneva; through NeoPlatonism, Zen practice, and magick; to advanced states of spiritual attainment and insight. Alex tells stories of his discipleships under pragmatic dharma teacher Kenneth Folk and renowned occultist Alan Chapman and details the lead up to, and attainment and after effects of his own experience of enlightenment. Alex recounts his successful operation of the Abramelin Ritual, a powerful kundalini awakening, and his ongoing encounters with spiritual beings such as Kālī Mā and Hecate. … https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep316-dharma-the-goddess-alex-w Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics include: 00:00 - Intro 00:55 - Elite upbringing in Geneva 03:50 - Religious experiences in America 05:39 - Major surgery and turn towards spirituality 08:05 - Immersion in a Hindu religious group 10:25 - First spiritual experiences and power places 12:07 - Interest in philosophy and the Kyoto School 13:05 - Law school and studying mediaeval philosophy 15:52 - Entering Zen Buddhist practice with Deshimaru Taisen 18:14 - Finding a real Zen master & understanding Zen in Japan 21:55 - Observations about Japanese religiosity 24:09 - 1996 financial crisis and internship in law firm 24:58 - Connecting with advanced practitioners online 26:53 - Interest in Chan Buddhism 30:08 - Japan vs Chinese and Korean monasticism 32:15 - Plateau after 15 years of Zen 33:01 - Daniel Ingram & Kenneth Folk 39:09 - No-self experience 39:54 - Become a student of occultist Alan Chapman 45:25 - Scrying the Enochian Æthyrs 48:02 - Visions and esoteric Christianity 50:09 - Abramelin Ritual w/ Alan Chapman 53:50 - Meeting the Holy Guardian Angel 56:32 - Approaching enlightenment 01:02:38 - Achieving enlightenment 01:10:59 - Consequences of enlightenment 01:14:45 - Confirmation by Stuart Lachs 01:18:54 - Massive kundalini experience 01:22:21 - Loss of interest in spirituality 01:23:21 - Spirit encounters in Santeria 01:27:23 - Strategic presentations of Tibetan Buddhism 01:28:13 - Difficulties after awakening 01:29:52 - Post kundalini energetic development 01:31:56 - Loss of fear of death 01:33:15 - Breathwork 01:34:54 - Opening of psychic senses 01:37:40 - Powerful encounters with Kālī Mā 01:45:03 - Meeting other Dark Goddesses 01:48:27 - Synchronicities and initiations 01:49:20 - Alan Chapman’s Magia 01:53:26 - Adventures in Bali 02:03:14 - Chinese Internal Alchemy & Mattias Daly 02:05:25 - Nan Huai-Chin 02:07:31 - Energy rewires for 12 years after awakening 02:09:11 - Neoplatonist theurgy 02:12:31 - Reviving the Western spiritual tradition 02:12:53 - Instructed by Hecate to be interviewed 02:14:31 - Specialties of the Western tradition 02:17:00 - Sacred geography and local deities 02:20:27 - #1 problem in the West 02:23:11 - Karmic connections 02:24:34 - Fall from grace after awakening 02:26:16 - Divine beings care about authenticity 02:28:15 - Sequel plans 02:29:57 - Praise for the Guru Viking Podcast … For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - www.guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

I was recently interviewed by Jake and Alex from the ⁨@mysterycollege⁩ about a wide range of topics. ... Mystery College Shownotes: Join Steve James—host of the acclaimed Guru Viking Podcast and founder of the Movement Koan Method—as he sits down with Jake and Alex Leonhart at the Mystery College Podcast to share his remarkable spiritual journey. Discover Steve’s unique insights gained from years of contemplative study, teaching internationally, and leading retreats at renowned centers, including the upcoming program at the Omega Institute. In this interview, Steve discusses: -His personal path through various spiritual and contemplative traditions -Lessons from years in practice, solitude, and also wilderness survival -The genesis and philosophy behind the Movement Koan Method—a fusion of mindful movement and deep embodiment -Practical advice on meditation and humility Whether you’re a meditation practitioner, a movement enthusiast, or someone seeking wisdom for spiritual growth, Steve’s grounded and experiential teachings offer a wealth of inspiration. Connect with Steve James: Website: https://www.guruviking.com Instagram: / guruviking Movement Koan Method: https://www.guruviking.com/shop Guru Viking Podcast: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast

In this episode I host a dialogue between Dr Caroline van Damme and Lama Justin von Bujdoss. Dr Caroline Van Damme is an adult psychiatrist and family and systemic psychotherapist specialising in chronic psychotic disorders, and co-teacher of Buddhist guru and Sowa Rigpa doctor Nida Chenagtsang.  Lama Justin von Bujdoss is an American Buddhist teacher, dark retreat yogi, founder and spiritual director of Yangti Yoga Retreat Center in Buckland Massachusetts, and author of ‘Modern Tantric Buddhism’. Caroline and Justin discuss the risk of psychosis during extreme religious practices, consider the rewards and dangers of dark retreat, and describe the different forms of hallucination. Caroline and Justin warn about engaging in advanced practices too soon, consider the pros and cons of spiritual ambition, and offer a mental health checklist for those considering intensive practice. Caroline and Justin also reflect on their own biographies, share challenges they have faced, and recount anecdotes of religious psychosis. … Video version: www.guruviking.com Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics include: 00:00 - Intro 01:08 - Justin explains the practice of dark retreat 5:55 - What is the purpose of dark retreat? 06:50 - Obstacles during dark retreat 09:39 - Distracted and disturbed by experience 11:08 - Sensory deprivation induces psychosis and delusional ideation 12:41 - Auditory or visual? 13:16 - Hallucinations in dark retreat vs in schizophrenia 18:51 - Practice prerequisites to dark retreat 21:10 - The purpose of intensive practice contexts 22:42 - Trekchod is the best antidote 23:38 - Justin laments the rush to do advanced retreats and practices 24:35 - Lack of mental health crisis intervention skills in Buddhist sanghas 25:38 - The devastating consequences of psychosis 27:09 - Sensory deprivation as torture and the “White Room” 29:01 - Tantric context of dark retreat and other challenging experiences 31:34 - Gek sel literature and “set and setting” 34:24 - Disastrous outcomes of Vipassana and other group retreats 38:19 - Mystical delusions and the manic state 41:59 - Consent, context, and the need for a guide 46:17 - Practice slowly, arrive quickly 46:51 - Extreme sports practitioners and disregard for tradition 50:24 - - Social pressure to avoid boredom 54:48 - A menu of spiritual materialism 57:10 - Outer, inner, and secret yidam practice 59:50 - Tilopa’s Six Nails 01:00:47 - Śamatha and raw-dogging 01:02:33 - Lojong 01:03:21 - Dream yoga and illusory body practice 01:05:14 - Walking meditation 01:05:28 - Frequency, duration, and intensity 01:08:21 - Spiritual ambition and Justin’s own training 01:13:10 - Ngondro and building a good foundation 01:14:12 - Bodhicitta as context 01:15:44 - A story of temporary insanity 01:17:29 - Health checklist for extreme spiritual adventures 01:20:17 - Dr Caroline’s difficult intake experience 01:22:02 - Spiritual bypass and the role of the teacher 01:24:13 - Long term relationships with patients and students 01:25:40 - John Welwood’s advocacy for psychotherapy 01:29:40 - Today’s lack of a long term relationship with the guru 01:35:22 - The power of relationship 01:40:00 - Justin’s concluding remarks 01:41:56 - Dr Caroline’s concluding remarks … Previous episodes with Lama Justin von Bujdoss: - https://www.guruviking.com/search?q=bujdoss 
 Previous episodes with Dr Caroline van Damme: - https://www.guruviking.com/search?q=caroline … Find out more about Lama Justin von Bujdoss: - https://justinvonbujdoss.com/ - https://www.yangtiyoga.com/ Find out more about Dr Caroline van Damme: - https://www.sowarigpainstitute.org/dr-caroline-van-damme … For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - https://www.guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

In this episode I am joined by Ani Pema, an American nun in the Tibetan Buddhist religion and former swami in the Siddha Yoga organisation. Ani Pema recalls her childhood in Boise Idaho, her high flying career in fashion working for Vogue magazine, and how dissatisfaction with the American dream set her on a spiritual search. Ani Pema details her sixteen years of close discipleship and ordination under the renowned Siddha Yoga guru Swami Muktananda, her transformative encounters with the 16th Karmapa, and her subsequent discipleship under Tibetan Buddhist teachers such as Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche and Namkhai Nyingpo. Ani Pema also explains the powerful phenomena of shaktipat including the severe karmic consequences for its use, reflects on Western shaktipat gurus such as Rudi and Adi Da Samraj, and gives her heart advice for those who wish to follow the spiritual path. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep314-me-my-gurus-ani-pema Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.
 … Topics include: 00:00 - Intro 01:06 - High flying fashion career 02:41 - Questioning the American dream 03:24 - Taking up yoga 04:02 - Meeting Swami Muktananda 04:55 - A precognitive vision 05:40 - Close study with Swami Muktananda in India 07:29 - Rigorous practice regime at the ashram 08:38 - Obliterating the self 11:02 - Muktananda as a vortex of energy 12:09 - A past life connection 14:47 - Swami Muktananda’s 1974 USA tour 19:17 - The serious karmic burden of giving shaktipat 20:09 - Attending the 16th Karmapa 22:02 - Leaving Muktananda’s organisation 22:55 - Becoming a disciple of Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche 24:24 - Becoming a disciple of Namkhai Nyingpo in Bhutan 26:03 - Working for Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche after he became famous 27:19 - You hire the guru to assassinate your ego 28:44 - Lichivi House 30:02 - Reflections on past gurus 31:23 - Rudi and shaktipat 32:28 - Adi Da’s ego and meeting with Swami Muktananda 36:33 - 4 methods of shaktipat 38:31 - Health consequences of offering shaktipat 40:25 - Dangers of unauthorised shaktipat 41:48 - Mind to mind transmission in Tibetan Buddhism 42:32 - 4-6hrs of chanting per day 43:24 - Celibacy and guru controversies 47:27 - Comparing 16th Karmapa with Swami Muktananda 49:19 - Kashmir Shaivism vs Tibetan Buddhism 50:39 - Depression after Swami Muktananda’s death 52:47 - Profound periods of purification 54:48 - Consequences of the spiritual path 56:23 - Do Tibetan teachers recognise Muktananda’s dharma? 59:18 - Meditation is beyond tradition 01:00:46 - Ani Pema reflects on her experience as a practitioner 01:03:55 - Ani Pema’s advice for practitioners 01:06:19 - Difficulties in following famous gurus … To find out more about Ani Pema, visit: - https://www.facebook.com/karen.schaefer - https://dayananda-lifewithandafterbaba.blogspot.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 Mary Shutan: author, occultist, and spiritual teacher. Mary explains her activities as a modern spirit worker, reveals how to form and maintain working relationships with spirits, details the difference between spirit pacts and contracts, and warns about the unintended consequences of making deals with unknown beings. Mary explores the problems associated with using the word “shaman”, offers a critique of modern shamanism training courses, and explains why many people who pursue shamanism would be better suited to a religious orientation to animism. Mary also reveals her own aborted attempt at the infamous Abramelin ritual, details the resultant fallout and years of recovery, and reflects on the impact of magickal practice on mental and physical health. … Full episode link in bio. Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.
 … 01:00 - What is a modern spiritual worker? 02:20 - Why Mary doesn’t like to use the word “shaman” 02:44 - Mary’s problems with Core Shamanism 04:31 - Shamanism and patriarchy 05:34 - Why Mary doesn’t call herself a shaman 07:54 - Core Shamanism, Christian conditioning, and legacies of colonisation 10:58 - Anthropologists as shamanic teachers 13:21 - Training in Core Shamanism 15:41 - Critique of Core Shamanism and wounded healers 18:43 - Post-colonial critiques of modern shamanism 20:00 - Some people really want animism 21:42 - When shamanism goes wrong 22:33 - Cherry-picking shamanism and reconstruction 23:47 - Discernment and tainted gnosis 24:22 - Words have energy and the need for respect 26:36 - Mary uses the word “shaman” in her business and books 27:33 - Pervasive Christian conditioning 28:30 - Patriarchy in shamanism 29:38 - Pop-shamanism vs direct experience 30:55 - 20 years of teaching shamanism 32:16 - People don’t believe in spirits any more 34:04 - Modernity and scientism 37:06 - Modernity and shamanism 40:40 - Martin Prechtel engaging with indigenous shamanism 43:06 - Indigeneity and the routes to become a shaman 46:52 - What Mary tells people who feel called to shamanism? 49:05 - Conflating personal religious practice with professionalising 49:53 - How to get started in animism 52:55 - Which spirits and entities does Mary work with? 55:27 - Spirit relations 57:42 - Mary’s way of relating to spirits 59:33 - Spirit communication in dreams and through rituals 01:00:27 - Spirits who come to Mary 01:01:23 - Spirit contracts 01:03:56 - Spirit ID and the danger of spirit contracts 01:04:53 - The Buddha in Sri Lanka 01:06:35 - Be careful what you wish for 01:07:31 - Spirit Lawyering 01:07:52 - Healthy skepticism when dealing with spirits 01:10:00 - Cultural misunderstandings about spirits 01:11:21 - Don’t make a pact with a spirit 01:12:29 - Warning about spirit contracts 01:13:18 - Pact vs contract 01:16:41 - Mary’s training in Western Occultism and time in the Void 01:20:14 - Mary’s spiritual crisis 01:24:17 - Orienting to the Dark Feminine 01:27:09 - Two attempts at the Abramelin ritual 01:29:16 - Abandoning the 18-month Abramelin ritual 01:29:50 - How did Mary exit the ritual? 01:30:48 - Magick and mental health 01:32:36 - Psychotherapists for magicians 01:33:32 - Struggles with the Golden Dawn and pivoting to shamanism 01:38:24 - Christian monks did magick 01:38:55 - Giving up seeking … Previous episode with Mary Shutan: - https://www.guruviking.com/search?q=shutan To find out more about Mary Shutan, visit: - http://maryshutan.com/ For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - www.guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James