In this episode I am once again joined by Delson Armstrong, spiritual teacher, meditation virtuoso, and author of ‘A Mind Without Craving’.

In this interview, Delson responds to criticism and answers questions about his recent renunciation of attainments and revision of the Buddhist 4 path enlightenment model. Delson reflects on the pros and cons of questioning established religious doctrines and on the role of direct experience in challenging fixed views.

Delson comments on a recently leaked interview, shares his current position on Bhante Vimalaramsi and his TWIM meditation method, and compares Buddhism to traditional yoga.

Delson also recalls his own training in Kriya yoga, details the features of the particular lineage which he has begun to teach, and reveals methods of working with karma, chakras, and forgiveness.

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Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep290-answering-critics-kriya-yoga-delson-armstrong

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

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Topics include:

00:00 - Intro

01:00 - Responses to Delson renouncing his spiritual attainments

02:56 - Criticism of Delson

04:08 - Has Delson abandoned the 10 fetter model and the 4 attainments?

05:18 - Delson’s leaked interview

07:58 - Breach of trust and betrayal of friendship

09:32 - Why redefine the Buddhist doctrines rather than reassess oneself?

12:46 - Delson’s experience vs cultural consensus

13:50 - Is Buddhist doctrine beyond cultural?

16:25 - Going beyond maps and Integral Theory

17:35 - Challenging fundamentalism and fixed views

18:43 - The jīvanmukta and other mystical traditions

20:22 - Transcending doctrinal chains of imprisonment

21:37 - Daniel Ingram’s revisions

23:07 - Delsonism vs Buddhism

24:44 - Should Delson leave the traditions alone?

26:09 - The role of tradition and Delson’s contribution

27:31 - Comments on TWIM

28:32 - Drawing on different traditions

30:03 - Current view

32:05 - Delson’s current opinion on TWIM and Bhante Vimalaramsi

36:26 - Delson’s training in Kriya yoga

40:16 - Which Kriya yoga lineage does Delson teach?

42:17 - Anyone can do Kriya yoga

44:09 - Short learning curve to samadhi

45:03 - Relaxing into awakening

46:39 - What is the point of the jhanas?

48:13 - Chakras and siddhi powers

51:37 - Deities and chakras

53:26 - The Yoga Sutras on siddhi power

55:07 - Karmic acceleration and misconceptions about chakra work

58:00 - How to release karma

01:00:03 - Kriya yoga approach to work with chakras

01:00:34 - The power of forgiveness

01:01:51 - TWIM vs Kriya, Yoga vs Buddhism

01:07:37 - Delson’s recent experience teaching Kriya yoga

01:11:35 - Initiation in Kriya yoga and tantra

01:15:51 - Secrecy as a marketing tool

01:17:17 - Delson reflects on his teaching career

01:19:23 - Scientific tests on Delson, can he still meditate?

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Watch previous episodes with Delson Armstrong:

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

Find out more about Delson Armstrong:

- Personal Site: https://www.delsonarmstrong.com/

- YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@delson999

- Delson's Foundation: https://www.freedom-of-mind.org/

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For more interviews, videos, and more visit:

- https://www.guruviking.com

Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James