In this episode, I am once again joined by Lopon Yudron Wangmo, American teacher of Tibetan Buddhism and author of several books including, her most recent, “Clearing the Way to Awakening”.

Lopon Yudron Wangmo shares stories of her discipleships under various spiritual gurus such as Lama Tharchin, recalls her memories of the California Vajrayāna scene, and remarks on the qualities she has observed in realised masters.

Lopon Yudron Wangmo reflects on her ADHD struggles with concentration in meditation, offers a critique of śamatha practice, and shares her own relationship to the dialectic between effort and rest.

Lopon Yudron Wangmo explains how Dzogchen works, shares her experiences in extended solo retreat, and warns about the possibility of psychological regression during Tibetan Buddhist 3-year retreat.

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Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep325-my-spiritual-journey-lopon-yudron-wangmo-3

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

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Topics include:

00:00 - Intro

00:58 - New audiobook of “Clearing the Way to Awakening”

06:34 - Text and oral cultures in Tibet

09:44 - Ngondro workbook

11:58 - Discipleship under various Tibetan Lamas

15:09 - Attraction to Vajrayāna

15:20 - Memories of Lama Tharchin

22:53 - 3 year retreat

25:28 - Solo retreats

26:09 - Longchen Nyingthig practice

27:00 - Desire for practice and further retreats

29:15 - Evidence of attainment

32:51 - The nature of mind and the 6 bardos

34:29 - Lama Tharchin’s spaciousness

36:26 - Dzogchen vs Mindfulness

39:28 - Critique of śamatha meditation

41:43 - Effortful practice vs Dzogchen

45:01 - Rewards of a life of practice

46:18 - Uncontrived resting

48:05 - How Dzogchen works

54:21 - Practicing in old age

56:05 - Production-line teaching style

58:21 - Regression to childlike state in 3 year retreat

59:00 - Peak experiences and being good enough

01:00:22 - The California Vajrayāna scene

01:03:52 - Encouragement to practice Vajrayāna

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Previous episode with Lopon Yudron Wangmo:

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

To find our more about Lopon Yudron Wangmo, visit:

- https://www.yudronwangmo.com/

For more interviews, videos, and more visit:

- https://www.guruviking.com

Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James