In this episode I host a dialogue between doctor of Tibetan Medicine and Buddhist spiritual teacher Dr Nida Chenagtsang and Dr Ian A. Baker, author, scholar, and initiate of Buddhist, Taoist, and Hindu Tantric lineages.

Drs Nida and Ian explore the theme of Vajrayana in the 21st century, including issues such as tradition and innovation, mass empowerments vs 1-1 discipleship, and what is essential for successful practice.

Drs Nida and Ian discuss common mistakes in practicing the 6 Yogas of Naropa, religious syncretism, and dark triad traits of narcissism, psychopathy, and machiavellianism in spiritual teachers.

Drs Nida and Ian also discuss the role of religious institutions in the history of Vajrayana and explore the tensions between the critical historical approach of academia with traditional views often held by religious teachers and practicing Buddhists.

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Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep184-the-vajra-path-dr-nida-chenagtsang-dr-ian-a-baker

Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.

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Topics include:

00:00 - Intro

01:05 - The Vajra Path

03:42 - Tradition and innovation

08:25 - Mass empowerments

10:24 - 84 Mahasiddhas and individualised practice

13:14 - Vajrayana is experiential

14:52 - Correcting misunderstandings

16:53 - What is essential for Vajrayana to be effective?

19:11 - The role of empowerment

21:00 - Listen, study, meditate

23:19 - The power of place

25:03 - Discerning effective methods for contemporary audiences

28:23 - Secrecy and education

32:18 - How much practice is needed for Varjayana?

36:30 - Struggles with dream yoga and tummo

40:14 - Working with your talents

42:34 - 6 Yogas study mistakes

44:05 - Misguided attitudes to ngondro, preliminary practices

47:06 - Spiritual cocktails and narcissism

49:02 - How to relate to other traditions

50:49 - Syncretism the critical historical perspective

54:51 - Fundamental values

58:12 - Dark triad traits in spiritual practitioners and teachers

01:02:12 - Vajrayana and institutions

01:03:35 - Distilling the essence or taking out of context?

01:05:00 - Dr Nida’s vision of Vajrayana institutions

01:06:38 - Cultural trappings vs the essence of Buddhism

01:12:49 - Dr Ian on religious institutions and the evolution of Vajrayana

01:16:41 - Essence of Vajrayana

01:20:45 - Who does Vajrayana belong to?

01:22:25 - Critical historical vs traditional perspectives

01:26:39 - Dr Nida reflects on the power of simplicity

01:30:09 - Friendship and collaboration

01:31:33 - Hijacking of Buddhism

01:34:47 - Deelaboration and the beautiful adventure

01:36:40 - Future trips, courses, and activities

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Previous episodes with Dr Nida Chenagtsang:

- https://www.guruviking.com/search?q=nida

Previous episodes with Dr Ian A. Baker:

- https://www.guruviking.com/search?q=baker

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To find out more about The Vajra Path, visit:

- https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088040336775

- https://www.instagram.com/thevajrapath/

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For more interviews, videos, and more visit:

- https://www.guruviking.com/

Music 'Deva Dasi' by Steve James