In this episode I am once again joined by Alex W, long term practitioner of Zen, Pragmatic Dharma, and Western Occultism.

Alex explains how to meditate after awakening; details the path to success in Zen, Mahāmudrā, and Dzogchen; and compares Taoist Inner Alchemy to cultivating the enjoyment body, Saṃbhogakāya.

Alex reflects on the biases of the Buddhist tradition, summarises the phases of his own meditation development, and differentiates constructive and deconstructive modes of practice.

Alex also reveals the purpose of the 6 Yogas of Naropa, warns about the dangers of advanced meditation techniques, and considers whether greater political engagement is a result of spiritual maturity.

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Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep324-how-to-practice-after-awakening-alex-w-2

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

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Topics include:

00:00 - Intro

00:53 - Repercussions of first interview

03:20 - Changing practice priorities

04:26 - Concern for younger generations

07:04 - Constructive vs deconstructive practice

08:18 - Biases of the Buddhist tradition

13:47 - Crystallising the energy body

14:46 - Success in Zen, Mahāmudrā, and Dzogchen practices

17:02 - Why talk about spiritual experiences

19:09 - Beyond nondual realisation

23:04 - Post-awakening stages

26:41 - Rewiring the energy body

31:03 - Out of body experiences and the body of light

35:41 - Summoning spirits

37:36 - Building the Saṃbhogakāya

38:40 - Improving the self

40:51 - Summarising the phases of Alex’s practice

41:42 - Cultural resonances and adopting foreign traditions

45:36 - Inner alchemy

49:01 - The big danger of energy practices

52:11 - Power of Now

55:21 - Consciousness and energy

01:00:46 - Preparing for the afterlife

01:04:45 - The purpose of the 6 Yogas of Naropa

01:06:24 - The purpose of deity yoga

01:08:25 - Taoist inner alchemy

01:10:21 - Rainbow body and Dzogchen attainments

01:13:53 - What is the point of post-awakening practices?

01:30:42 - Spirituality vs self improvement

01:36:11 - Dangers of intense practices

01:40:43 - Wrong ideas about freedom from suffering

01:43:24 - Enlightened self interest

01:45:45 - Clarifying the term “ego”

01:51:17 - Cult leader manipulations

01:53:25 - Change of interest from spirituality to politics

01:54:57 - Political concern related to age or spiritual development?

01:56:29 - Perks of aging

01:58:42 - Finding your purpose

02:01:27 - Service as a spiritual path

02:02:27 - Who Alex admires

02:09:56 - Sequel plans

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For more interviews, videos, and more visit:

- www.guruviking.com

Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James