During a recent trip to Nepal, I met with frequent podcast guest Lama Glenn Mullin, spiritual teacher, Tibetologist, and author of over 30 books on Buddhism.

Glenn was in Kathmandu to lead a group of over fifty pilgrims into tantric retreat in the nearby mountains and graciously agreed to film with me at various sacred sites before and after their retreat.

In this video, we join Glenn before his retreat as he carries out his early morning circumambulation of the Great Stūpa of Boudhanath. As we walk, Glenn explains the story and significance of the renowned holy site, reveals the esoteric symbolism of stūpa design, and discusses the healing and spiritual power of pilgrimage.

Glenn also reflects on his own life experiences in Kathmandu, recalls his early dharma training, interacts with people around the stūpa, and considers the implications of Kālacakra prophecies for recent history and current events.

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Link in bio.

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

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Topics include:

00:00 - Intro

01:06 - Glenn’s early dharma training

02:54 - The sacred land of Nepal

03:28 - Movement of Buddhist masters and lineages from India through Nepal

04:30 - A local offering ritual

04:59 - History of Boudha

05:53 - History of the Tibetan exile community in Nepal

10:22 - Shechen Gompa and Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche

11:44 - An enlightened being

12:26 - Walk to the stūpa

13:16 - Stūpa architecture and its symbolism

16:59 - Morning circumambulation

17:43 - Glenn and students

18:53 - How to do kora circumambulation

22:59 - Kora in Dharamsala

24:21 - Why morning kora?

25:51 - Clockwise or counterclockwise?

28:51 - Healing power of pilgrimage

31:32 - Anecdote of life extension through kora

33:24 - The power of pilgrimage

33:49 - The meaning of ‘ani-la’

34:49 - Many temples of Boudhanath and city migration

38:02 - Kangyur recitation

39:11 - Cakravartin or spiritual teacher?

41:45 - The story of the Great Stūpa

43:32 - An auspicious lineage

44:12 - Misconceptions about Buddhism in Tibet

45:37 - Damage and renovation of stūpa

47:08 - Making a donation

48:45 - Walking around the stūpa

49:50 - Prophecy of Buddhism coming to the West?

54:37 - Kālacakra prophecy about age of darkness or golden age

55:56 - Buddhist and Newari art

01:01:46 - Glenn’s favourite monastery in Boudhanath

01:03:25 - Walking around the stūpa

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Previous episodes with Lama Glenn Mullin:

- https://www.guruviking.com/search?q=glenn%20mullin

To find out more about Lama Glenn Mullin, visit:

- http://www.glennmullin.com/

- https://www.facebook.com/Maitripa.Glenn

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For more interviews, videos, and more visit:

- www.guruviking.com

Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James