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 begins with a discussion about the unique characteristics of Dzogchen, common misunderstandings that have arisen from its widespread popularity, and the differences between Dzogchen, Mahāmudrā, and the kenshō of Zen.

John discusses his extensive field research into Himalayan shamanism, spirit possession and rituals of exorcism, shamanic diagnosis and healing, and what it takes to become a shaman.

John also explores the various classes of spirit including gyalpo spirits who manifest as authoritarianism and sectarianism, recounts experiences of spirit attacks, and explains the differences between the shaman, lama, and magician.

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Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep221-exorcism-himalayan-shamanism-john-myrdhin-reynolds-3

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

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Topics Include:

00:00 - Intro

01:02 - Lama Vajranatha’s Dzogchen teaching

03:35 - Unique characteristics of Dzogchen

04:27 - Misunderstandings about Dzogchen

08:34 - The metaphor of the mirror

09:53 - The tantric context and the practices of deity yoga and tummo

12:12 - Entering Dzogchen through sadhana practice

13:52 - Mahāmudrā vs Dzogchen

16:26 - Sakya Pantida’s criticisms of Gampopa’s Mahāmudrā teachings

17:30 - Spontaneous Zen awakenings

19:51 - Dzogchen vs hypnotic trance induction

23:26 - Meeting Himalayan shamans

27:42 - Childhood visions of spirits

30:11 - Spirit possession and exorcism in Himalayan Buddhism

31:28 - Tribal shamans vs Tibetan Lamas

33:01 - Guardian pujas and the power of blood sacrifice

45:13- Buddhism vs shamanism

49:40 - Shamanic diagnosis, healing, and trance states

54:03 - Paying karmic debts to cure disease

57:00 - Banishing ghosts, poltergeists, and preta

01:00:02 - Exorcism rituals and la-hooking

01:05:07 - How to become a shaman

01:08:01 - Western shamans and Carlos Castaneda

01:09:47 - Magicians vs shamans

01:14:16 - Life balance and spirit encounters

01:16:58 - Personal communication with dakinis

01:17:49 - Gyalpo spirits of authoritarianism and sectarianism

01:18:56 - Dorje Shugden

01:23:17 - Dalai Lama’s illness when practicing Dzogchen after Dorje Shugden empowerment

01:25:46 - Geshe Kelsang’s Gyatso’s Buddhist group

01:27:40 - Namkhai Norbu retreat attacked by a gyalpo spirit

01:29:49 - Dangers of receiving empowerments

01:31:56 - Leaving the USA under the direction of the dakinis

01:34:00 - Contacting Lama Vajranatha

01:36:27 - Importance of asking questions

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Previous episodes with John Myrdhin Reynolds visit:

- https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep200-lama-vajranatha-professor-john-myrdhin-reynolds

- https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep211-magick-systems-of-the-west-east-john-myrdhin-reynolds-2

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