In this episode I am joined by Tulku Sherab Dorje, Buddhist teacher, translator, and author of scholarly and popular books about Tibetan Buddhism.

Tulku Sherdor reflects on the changes in the spiritual journey over a lifetime, whether or not the world is becoming more turbulent, and the effects of ageing on yogic practice and view.

Tulku Sherdor explains why mind training is superior to mystical experiences, emphasises the reality of impermanence, and shares the best tests of successful retreat and spiritual growth.

Tulku Sherdor also warns about the prognosis of tulkus who do not conduct extensive retreat; critiques the shortcomings of the 3-year retreat model as conducted in the West; and details the temptations for dharma teachers in pleasure, profit, praise, and popularity.

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Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep304-crumbs-from-the-parrots-beak-tulku-sherdor

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

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Topics include:

00:00 - Intro

01:04 - Crumbs from the Parrot’s Beak

02:43 - The spiritual journey and the phases of life

04:24 - Is the world becoming more turbulent?

05:56 - The effects of ageing on spiritual practice

07:53 - How to relate to physical limitations

09:56 - Ambition for enlightenment

12:26 - This is more fundamental than Bodhicitta

13:23 - Reality of impermanence

15:20 - The unique challenges of intensive practice and retreat

18:39 - Distinguishing appearance from substance

19:41 - The title “lama” is not a guarantee of quality

21:12 - The best proof of progress

23:17 - The role of a demanding retreat schedule

26:24 - Mature practice

28:03 - Tulkus must conduct extensive retreat but sometimes don’t

30:28 - Prognosis for high lamas who don’t do extensive retreat

32:30 - Hopes for corrections in the tulku system

34:58 - The Tibetan Buddhist tradition is unique and precious

35:41 - Signs of a successful retreat

38:01 - Completing a 3 year retreat is not a guarantee of quality

38:56 - Substandard Western 3 year retreats

40:49 - Pre-1950s Tibet and the renunciate yogi system

46:11 - Today’s economic challenges when practicing the dharma

49:47 - Mind training is superior to glimpses of the nature of mind

55:45 - The best test of success in practice

57:00 - Does practice ever get easier?

01:01:28 - The 4 payoffs: pleasure, profit, praise, popularity

01:06:49 - Guru devotion and the guru relationship

01:12:31 - A story about Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche

01:14:41- Peace Prayer Gathering in June 2025

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Previous episode with Tulku Sherdor:

- https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep276-canadian-tulku-translator-tulku-sherab-dorje

To find our more about Tulku Sherdor, visit:

- https://blazingwisdom.org/tulku-sherab-dorje/

- https://dharmakayacenter.org/all-programs/2637/sadhana-practice-expanding-our-compassion-for-all-beings/?fbclid=IwY2xjawKAGaRleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFXZEJ2cmRmb0U3VTExUWpmAR729nsWXoI6VZEb9GkrzCeajdhS6ze_zGrQZUTvLpsphQJQHPSdJABxQ0brag_aem_dWMYHIGmMRk_dxeWxEuL7A

For more interviews, videos, and more visit:

- https://www.guruviking.com

Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James