In this episode I am once again joined by Muho, Sōtō Zen teacher, Youtuber, and previous abbot of Antai-Ji monastery in Japan.

Muho recalls the early days of his marriage and of his abbotship of Antai-Ji monastery, compares Japanese to Western students, and addresses the shortcomings of Western Buddhism.

Muho considers the role of the true teacher, the tension between tradition and innovation, and what it’s like to see the negative side of your teacher.

Muho also reflects on narcissism in spiritual gurus, competitiveness on the spiritual path, and how to work with traumatic memories which arise during meditation.

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

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Topics include:

00:00 - Intro

01:47 - First impressions of Japanese culture

04:12 - Arriving at Antai-Ji Monastery

08:33 - Initial difficulties at the monastery

10:00 - Becoming a monk

14:02 - Living in a tent and teaching Zen in Osaka

17:46 - Elected as abbot of Antai-Ji

19:01 - Falling in love with a Japanese woman

22:25 - Marriage and early days as abbot

26:04 - Retiring as abbot

28:47 - Japanese vs Western students

32:12 - A true teacher is like a carpenter

33:50 - Seeing the negative side of your teacher

37:24 - Is Buddhism universal or specific to each country?

41:25 - Shortcomings of Western Buddhism

49:25 - Innovation vs tradition

55:33 - Narcissism and spiritual teachers

59:24 - Competitiveness between Dharma brothers

01:07:16 - Trauma and emotions in meditation

01:11:53 - Should psychotherapy precede Zen practice?

01:14:21 - Sudden awakenings at Antai-Ji

01:26:18 - Should we emphasise or deemphasise awakening experiences?

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Previous episodes with Muho:

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

To find our more about Muho, visit:

- https://www.youtube.com/@muho

- https://www.youtube.com/@MuhoZen

For more interviews, videos, and more visit:

- https://www.guruviking.com

Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James