In this episode I am once again joined by Dr Ben Joffe, anthropologist and scholar practitioner of Tibetan Buddhism.

This episode is the second part of a series in which we explore Ben’s PhD dissertation on the ngakpa of the Himalayas, or as Ben calls them ‘wizards and socially engaged yogis’.

In the previous episode, we met the scholar, exploring Ben’s life as well as looking at his research methodology.

In this episode we begin by defining the ngakpa, both in terms of traditional definitions as well as how the ngakpa exist and function today.

We explore the various tantric vows associated with the highest yoga tantra yidam empowerments, including common misinterpretations about samaya, and how hair and clothing styles are often used as on outer expression of inner or secret principles.

We look at how ngakpa develop their magical powers (siddhi), why they have often been viewed with suspicion by the religious and state authorities, and finally Ben recounts a story of a magical duel between sorcerers over local occult jurisdiction.

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Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/ep48-dr-ben-joffe-2-siddhi-samaya-and-duels-of-magick/

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

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Topics include:

0:00 - Intro

1:07 - Who are the ngakpa?

23:58 - Tantric vows and the complex issue of samaya

54:22 - How ngakpa develop and use magical powers (siddhi)

1:09:18 - Ngakpa Yeshe Dorje’s magical duel with local sorcerers

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Ngakpa series with Dr Ben Joffe:

- https://www.guruviking.com/ep44-dr-ben-joffe-ngakpa-the-occult-and-anthropology/

- https://www.guruviking.com/ep48-dr-ben-joffe-2-siddhi-samaya-and-duels-of-magick/

Ben’s dissertation

- https://pqdtopen.proquest.com/doc/2335180529.html?FMT=ABS&fbclid=IwAR3bXYiUmC6YcOgR09-GuSiC_UwwXYuTcLJ-kce_tI3-8e-smZS99wy1HMY

To find out more about Ben, visit:

- https://perfumedskull.com/

- http://www.skypressbooks.com/

For more interviews, videos, and more visit:

- www.guruviking.com

Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James