In this episode, I talk with Dhammarato - a lineage teacher in the Thai Buddhist tradition who has gained an enthusiastic internet following for his unique, 1-1 teaching style conducted over Skype.

We discuss Dhammarato’s adventures throughout India studying in search of magic and meditation; his encounters with gurus such as Muktananda, Sai Baba, and Osho; why meeting famed meditation master Buddhadasa turned his search for magic upside down and saw him ordain as a Buddhist monk in the Thai Tradition.

We discuss what Dhammarato calls the ‘supra-mundane Dhamma’; hear his take on the failings of Western Buddhism; learn why he believes Visuddhimagga author Buddhaghosa was either a charlatan or a fool; and discover Dhammarato’s surprisingly simple advice on correct practice.

For the video version of this interview, visit: https://www.guruviking.com/ep20-dhammarato/

Topics include:

00:50 - Dhammarato’s professional background and search for magic in India

04:42 - A challenging 10-day retreat with U Upandita

05:47 - Time with Muktananda and the practices of Siddha Yoga

07:55 - Buddha magical vs Buddha reality

09:50 - The Magicians of India

12:48 - Meeting the meditation master Buddhadasa

17:32 - The story of Bikkhu Buddhadasa

19:24 - The real teachings of the Buddha

24:06 - The trial of Bikkhu Buddhadasa

29:09 - Life at the monastery

31:14 - What is correct practice?

33:12 - How to be free of the five hindrances

36:25 - Gathering the jhana factors

37:59 - The flaws of the Visuddhimagga and critique of Buddhaghosa

52:48 - What is an arhat?

57:52 - The Pragmatic Dharma movement, the 4 Path Model, and Stream Entry

1:02:22 - Why students need teachers and not just books

1:03:41 - Teaching on Skype and Dhammarato’s internet popularity

1:06:35 - The results of Dhammarato’s personal practice

1:10:07 - The problem with words like ‘arhat’ and ‘enlightenment’

1:15:10 - How to find Dhammarato

To find out more about Dhammarato, visit:

- https://dhammaratoblog.wordpress.com/

- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjxg5GJFsRqnS-YLTzyrjLQ

For more interviews, videos, and more visit:

- www.guruviking.com

Music 'Deva Dasi' by Steve James