In this episode, I am once again joined by David Curtis, a Lama in the Shangpa-Kagyu sect of Tibetan Buddhism and founder of the Tibetan Language Institute.

In this interview, we pick up David’s story as he emerges from 3 years of closed retreat as a fully qualified Lama, and see his return to America to teach both the Tibetan language and the Buddhist religion.

David also recounts many unexpected meetings and powerful mystical experiences with Buddhist masters including Mindrolling Jetsün Khandro Rinpoche, Anam Thubten Rinpoche, Thinley Norbu Rinpoche, Lama Tharchin, and more.

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Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/ep99-lama-david-curtis-2-making-of-a-tantric-lama/

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

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Topics include:

00:00 - Intro

00:45 - Becoming a Lama in the Kagyu tradition

05:12 - Finishing the 3 year retreat and studying Tibetan medicine

09:40 - Meeting Dzogchen master Nyoshul Khen

11:38 - A powerful encounter with Mindrolling Jetsün Khandro Rinpoche and Vajrayogini

17:53 - Shaktipat & mystical experiences with Mindrolling Jetsün Khandro Rinpoche

25:55 - Return to America and beginning to teach the Tibetan language

32:58 - Collaborations with Anam Thubten Rinpoche and Professor Sarah Harding

36:48 - Encounters with Lama Tharchin and Thinley Norbu Rinpoche

43:23 - Divination and encouragement from Mindrolling Jetsün Khandro Rinpoche

49:11 - Endorsed to teach by Anam Thubten Rinpoche

53:33 - David’s approach to teaching Buddhism

1:00:31 - Founding the Big Sky Mind sangha

Previous interviews with Lama David Curtis:

- https://www.guruviking.com/ep84-lama-david-curtis-hitchhiking-in-samsara/

To find out more about Lama David Curtis, visit:

- http://www.bigskymindmontana.org/

- http://www.tibetanlanguage.org/

For more interviews, videos, and more visit:

- www.guruviking.com

Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James