In this interview I am joined by Métsal Wangmo, a lama in the non-monastic Aro gTér lineage of Tibetan Buddhism.

We learn about Métsal’s explorations in meditation and shamanism, that led her to commit to life-long study with Ngakchang Rinpoche and Khandro Déchen.

We discuss how Métsal’s background in Steiner education influences her teaching style, and hear the story of the death of her first apprentice.

Métsal recounts meeting and falling in love with her now teaching-partner Jayür Dorje, after many years of singleness - and the adjustments that relationship demanded.

We also discuss portions of Métsal’s paper on vajra romance, including the importance of reconciling the inner male and female aspects.

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Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/ep43-metsal-wangmo-varja-romance/

Audio version of this podcast also available on iTunes and Stitcher – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.

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00:00 - Intro

00:47 - Métsal’s early interest in Gurdjieff, meditation, and shamanism

08:50 - Meeting Ngakchang Rinpoche and Khandro Déchen

11:18 - Childhood meditation experiences

12:04 - Pragmatism vs magical thinking

18:28 - Drala teachings of Vajrayana

19:44 - The Apprenticeship Model of the Aro gTér

27:24 - General Aro gTér curriculum and Métsal’s special interests

36:34 - The teaching style and example of Ngakchang Rinpoche and Khandro Déchen

40:02 - The death of Métsal’s first apprentice

48:59 - Meeting and falling in love with her now teaching-partner Jayür Dorje

51:31 - Choosing to be single for many years

58:43 - Adjusting from single life to being in a relationship

1:04:01 - Reconciling the inner male and female aspects

1:11:56 - ‘Unrequiteable gender needs’

1:15:17 - Relationship as practice

1:19:25 - Resolving emotional neediness and finding exponential appreciation

To find out more about Métsal Wangmo, visit:

- https://www.facebook.com/Takrig/

- http://arobuddhism.org/lamas/lama-metsal-wangmo.html

For more interviews, videos, and more visit:

- www.guruviking.com

Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James