During a recent trip to Nepal, I met with frequent podcast guest Lama Glenn Mullin, spiritual teacher, Tibetologist, and author of over 30 books on Buddhism.

Glenn was in Kathmandu to lead a group of over fifty pilgrims into tantric retreat in the nearby mountains and graciously agreed to film with me at various sacred sites before and after their retreat.

In this video, Glenn and I travel to Swayambhu Stūpa, a sacred monument venerated by both Buddhists and Hindus. First, we circumambulate the base of the hill. Then Glenn is joined by some of his students and ascends the hill to the main stūpa.

Along the way, Glenn explains the history of the site as well as the symbolism of its architecture, sacred statues, and inscriptions. Glenn also discusses Shaivite and Tantric Buddhist relations and their shared power centres, the three kāyas and the tulku tradition, and the use of psychoactive substances such as soma in spiritual practice.

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Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep285-swayambhu-stpa-lama-glenn-mullin

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

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Topics include:

00:00 - Intro

01:10 - History of Swayambhu

04:07 - Recent development at Swayambhu

07:32 - Glenn jokes with the ladies of the cleaning team

09:29 - Legendary origins of the Tibetan people

10:52 - The Tamang people

11:28 - Maoist mountain guerrilla activities

14:51 - Je Tsongkhapa statue

15:28 - The death of the Buddha and the 8 Great Stūpas

16:54 - Glenn explains mantras of compassion, wisdom, and power

17:45 - Sang offerings and sang kilns

19:50 - On Bodhi trees

20:52 - Shaivite and Buddhist relationships and shared power centres

22:29 - Shiva Babas, chillum smoking, and use of drugs in spiritual practice

24:04 - 5 ways to generate clairvoyant power

24:38 - Buddhist use of mind-altering substances and sacraments

26:00 - Bengali masters in Swayambhu

26:56 - Religious exclusivity

29:01 - Use of substances such as soma in tantric Buddhism

31:08 - Nagi Gompa and Tulku Urgyen’s sons

33:10 - Circumambulating a perimeter stūpa

35:09 - The cultural significance of circumambulation

36:00 - Bönpo Triten Norbutse Monastery and dark retreat

37:02 - Teaching on the 3 kāyas

39:29 - Explanation of the tulku tradition

43:44 - Further explanation of the 3 kāyas in terms of method and enlightenment

46:53 - Meaning of offering butter lamps

48:45 - Glenn’s practice of giving money to beggars

51:10 - The monkey temple

52:05 - Exponential merit during Saga Dawa

53:52 - Ritualised scripture recitals

55:01 - Carving sacred mantras and symbols on slate

57:17 - The power of statues and temples

59:07 - The meaning of “Swayambhu”

01:01:11 - Explanation of stūpa design

01:02:36 - Explanation of dharmaśālās

01:05:10 - Buddhas past, present, and future; and the spread of Buddhism

01:10:14 - Teaching on the 5 animals

01:13:04 - Circumambulating the main stūpa

01:15:02 - Mantra and prayer offering site for protection of babies

01:16:14 - Teaching on the five elements and transforming emotions

01:18:07 - Challenging spiritual elitism

01:19:42 - Legends of previous Buddhas’ visits to Swayambhu

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Previous episodes with Lama Glenn Mullin:

- https://www.guruviking.com/search?q=glenn%20mullin


To find out more about Lama Glenn Mullin, visit:

- http://www.glennmullin.com/

- https://www.facebook.com/Maitripa.Glenn

For more interviews, videos, and more visit:

- www.guruviking.com

Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James


Thanks to Norbu Samphel for checking my translation of the Tibetan language section.

In this episode I am once again joined by Gilbert M Gutierrez, Chan Buddhism teacher and dharma heir of Master Sheng Yen.

Gilbert recalls his discipleship under renowned Chan Master Sheng Yen, shares stories of gruelling retreat, private 1-1 exchanges, profound spiritual insights, mystical visions, and supernatural powers.

Gilbert gives an overview of Chan philosophy, emphasises the importance of both study and practice, and illuminates the Buddhist doctrine of emptiness.

Gilbert also details his process of becoming a Dharma Heir, defends telling stories of spiritual experiences, and reflects on his difficulties as an American in being accepted as a genuine teacher of Chan Buddhism.

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Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep284-adventures-of-a-chan-master-gilbertm-gutierrez-2

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

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Topics include:

00:00 - Intro

00:51 - Becoming a disciple of Master Sheng Yen

04:49 - Eat bitter in your practice

05:54 - Loss of faith

08:21 - Profound encounter with the bodhisattva Quan Yin

12:48 - A contract of the heart

13:39 - A private meetings with Master Sheng Yen

18:30 - Receiving inka transmission from Master Sheng Yen

19:47 - A real master is a chameleon

22:36 - Master Sheng Yen’s compassion and mission

25:49 - About Chan Buddhism and emptiness

29:19 - The Heart Sutra

33:07 - We awaken people

35:10 - Master Sheng Yen’s emphasis on study

36:42 - Study and practice

38:33 - A reading from Daoxin

39:37 - Meditation experiences and a humbling lesson

45:39 - It’s a joke and a sham

47:34 - Becoming a Dharma Heir

49:54 - Everything is mind

51:03 - Special experiences and transcending pain

53:10 - Hearing one’s heart beat

53:38 - A state of ultimate bliss

55:08 - A famous master, a loyal attendant, and Gilbert’s powerful realisation

01:01:03 - Catching the bug

01:06:26 - The bug whisperer

01:08:44 - Why share stories of spiritual experiences?

01:10:17 - Gilbert’s biggest realisation

01:16:22 - Communicating with animals and entities

01:19:58 - Seeing peoples’ past and future lives

01:20:36 - Working with ghosts

01:21:39 - How to calm down a ghost

01:22:54 - Dealing with heaven dwellers

01:24:30 - Concerns about being accepted as a dharma heir

01:28:45 - Anti-Western prejudice

01:30:31 - Growing acceptance from the Taiwanese sangha

01:32:55 - The death of Master Sheng Yen

01:37:07 - A final encounter with the master


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Previous episode with Gilbert M Gutierrez:

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

To find our more about Gilbert M Gutierrez, visit:

- https://www.youtube.com/@chanmindwork/playlists 

- https://mind-work.mn.co/  

- https://riversidechan.org/   

…

For more interviews, videos, and more visit:

- https://www.guruviking.com

Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

In this episode I am once again joined by Duncan Barford, occult practitioner, counsellor, and author of ‘Occult Experiments in the Home’.

Duncan details the different categories of spirits and entities, ranging from ghosts to demons to angels to elementals and land spirits.

Duncan reveals his own encounters with these entities, recalls paradigm shifting fire kasina retreats with Daniel Ingram, and shares his own ideas about the importance and inevitability of working with the dead while on the spiritual path.

Duncan also explains the Goetia, a controversial system of summoning demons for personal gain; recalls his own and others’ experiences of the system; and reflects on what drives practitioners to seek tangible contact with the realms beyond.

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Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep283-seance-summoning-goetic-demons-duncan-barford-2

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

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Topics include:

00:00 - Intro

00:57 - Ontology of spirit entities

04:18 - How to categorise spirits

07:07 - Different spirit relationships

08:18 - Demonic entities and their demands

09:44 - What is the Goetic magickal system?

11:08 - Dangers of working with Goetic entities

13:48 - When Duncan used a Goetic demon for money

15:24 - Addictive quality of working with demons

16:55 - Goetia as magick of last resort

18:33 - Why do people work with Goetic demons?

21:41 - Duncan reflects on his Goetic rituals

24:43 - Barrier to entry for success in magick

29:37 - Duncan comments on the Enochian system

32:16 - Fey and fairies

33:28 - A challenging fire kasina retreat

35:18 - A powerful encounter with elementals and nature spirits

40:47 - Duncan reflects on his fire kasina retreats

43:59 - Encounter with Duncan’s guardian angel

45:27 - Why seek supernatural experiences after enlightenment?

47:49 - Shared magickal experiences with Daniel Ingram

49:52 - Duncan’s breakthrough and a compelling encounter with Spider Buddha

58:44 - Dreams as a portal

01:00:09 - Contacting the dead

01:01:31 - The hatred of the dead

01:02:27 - Death of Duncan’s father and dream visitations

01:08:25 - What the dead leave behind

01:10:18 - Helping the dead to let go vs judging them

01:14:15 - The fear of death

01:14:45 - Denying the dead

01:17:02 - We are accountable to the dead

01:18:53 - Carl Jung on relating to the dead

01:20:15 - Duncan’s affinity with the poet John Clare

01:21:18 - Duncan’s encounter with Badger

01:22:05 - The perfected dead

01:23:18 - Working with ancestors

01:24:55 - We live in a world of the dead

01:26:00 - Duncan’s advice for working with the dead

01:27:29 - Encountering the dead in the Odyssey and Aeneid

01:33:41 - The dead as bundles of karma

01:34:52 - National myths and history as propaganda

01:39:32 - Black Easter and occult means of obtaining power and influence

01:47:15 - Magick and politics

01:49:24 - Glory and honour

01:50:27 - Are magicians political?


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Watch previous episode with Duncan Barford:

- https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep265-occult-experiments-duncan-barford

To find our more about Duncan Barford, visit:

- https://www.duncanbarford.uk/

…

For more interviews, videos, and more visit:

- https://www.guruviking.com

Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

In this episode I am joined by Shiv Mathur, Youtuber and spiritual explorer.

Shiv recounts his life story including his upbringing in India, 16 years of military service, and international career in IT.

Shiv describes how a growing spiritual calling saw him retire from the world of work to seek out spiritual masters in the Himalayas. Shiv shares stories from his search, including his encounters with Himalayan yogis such as Tat Wale Baba, and recalls how he began practicing in earnest the teachings he received.

Shiv also discusses his current practice, the pros and cons of remote retreat, how to find and relate to a guru, the process of purification, and shares his views on the trajectory of world civilisation today.

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Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep282-spiritual-explorer-shiv-mathur

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

…

Topics include:

00:00 - Intro

00:56 - Shiv’s Youtube channel

02:06 - Shiv’s upbringing in India

03:56 - Education and 16 years of military service

05:25 - Leaving the navy and success in the private sector

06:33 - The spiritual calling and travel to the Himalayas

07:31 - Teaching international workshops

08:54 - Interest in Himalayan yogis

09:48 - Influence of Paul Brunton

10:26 - Travel to find authentic yogis

11:50 - Current life of solitude and self enquiry

12:48 - 3 ways of learning

13:38 - Shiv’s current retreat location

15:02 - Pilgrimage and the network of ashrams

16:22 - Shiv’s disillusionment with material riches

18:41 - Looking for an escape

19:59 - Meeting Tat Wale Baba and experiencing profound samadhi

21:36 - Traversing dimensions of experience

23:29 - Delusion and luxury beliefs

25:13 - Meeting yogis and purifying your energy

26:15 - Leaving the body and Shiv’s meditation goal

27:25 - Challenges of practicing in remote locations

29:52 - Personal prerequisites for practicing sādhanā

31:32 - Shiv’s practice method

32:44 - The practice of self enquiry

37:16 - Shiv’s interactions with Nasa and other scientists

39:04 - Indian astrology

40:09 - UFOs + did Nasa steal from India texts?

40:36 - The importance of self enquiry

41:55 - Real saints vs commercial yogis

43:55 - Spotting fake gurus

44:42 - How gurus fall into moral degradation

45:13- How to relate to a guru

46:48 - Lifestyle of a real guru

48:17 - How to prepare to work with a guru

51:11 - Shiv discusses siddhi and supernatural powers

53:57 - What is the purpose of siddhis?

55:00 - Purification

57:11 - Bugs in the human operating system

58:24 - Shiv comments on today’s social issues

01:00:00 - Feminism, trad wives, and Western capitalists

01:02:23 - The benefits of arranged marriage

01:03:59 - Civilisational collapse and universal correction

01:08:19 - Advice for yogis in times of world turmoil

01:10:06 - Closing remarks


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To find our more about Shiv Mathur, visit:

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

…

For more interviews, videos, and more visit:

- https://www.guruviking.com

Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

In this episode I am once again joined by Mattias Daly, Taoist practitioner and translator of ‘Taoist Inner Alchemy’, published by Shambala.

Mattias reflects on lessons learned from the series of exorcisms her underwent in his 20s, as described in episode 263 of this podcast, “My Demon Exorcism”, including the means by which entities may gain entry, and the surprising motives for their doing so.

Mattias explains the vast hierarchy of spirit beings described in Taoism, considers the problems of obtaining special powers through relationships with entities and gods, and contrasts deity worship with voluntary shamanistic possession.

Mattias also reflects on different types of Taoist practices, drawing a distinction between cataphatic and kenotic approaches, and recounts a remarkable story of spiritual healing.

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Video version:

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


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Topics include:

00:00 - Intro

00:59 - Lessons learned after exorcisms

03:34 - Can entities give supernatural powers and siddhis?

06:44 - Entities enter through pride

08:15 - Entities piggyback on humans to accumulate merit

09:43 - The problem with gaining siddhi from entities

10:33 - A renowned Taiwanese siddha

11:59 - Do special powers come with spiritual attainment?

15:27 - Necessity to show off during rituals

17:54 - The vast celestial hierarchy of beings

22:10 - Abbess Liu’s spiritual journeys

24:11 - Making contact with higher beings

26:09 - Shamanism and voluntary entity possession

32:34 - Fr Michael Saso on cataphatic Taoist ritual

34:51 - Cataphatic vs kenotic practice

36:34 - Meeting a Taoist practitioner who had three spirit-helpers

43:13 - Requesting information from the spirit realm

49:59 - The cataphatic side of Taoism

52:43 - Learning a powerful somatic release technique and a remarkable healing

01:06:40 - Further healings and the purple cloud

01:17:43 - Mattias’ current views on entities and powers

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Watch the previous episodes with Mattias Daly:

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

To find our more about Mattias Daly, visit:

- https://www.shambhala.com/authors/a-f/mattias-daly.html

…


For more interviews, videos, and more visit:

- https://www.guruviking.com

…

Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

Delson Armstrong is a spiritual teacher, meditation virtuoso, and author of ‘A Mind Without Craving’.

In this interview, Delson renounces all of his previous claims to spiritual attainment.

Delson details recent changes in his inner experiences that saw him question the nature of his awakening, including the arising of emotions and desires that he thought had long been expunged. Delson critiques the consequences of the Buddhist doctrine of the 10 fetters, reveals his redefinition of awakening and the stages of the four path model from stream enterer to arhat, and challenges cultural ideals about enlightenment.

Delson offers his current thoughts on the role of emotions in awakening, emphasises the importance of facing one’s trauma, and discusses his plans to broaden his own teaching to include traditions such as Kriya Yoga.

Delson also reveals the pressures put on him by others’ agendas, and shares his observations about the danger of student devotion, the hypocrisy of spiritual leaders, and his mixed feelings about the monastic sangha.

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https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep280-i-renounce-my-attainments-delson-armstrong

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

…

01:14 - Delson’s declaration

07:56 - Why has Delson changed his view?

10:13 - Pressure on Delson and other peoples’ agendas

15:12 - Delson’s shocking observations about his 3 year teaching experiment

15:53 - Teaching debut under Bhante Vimalaramsi

17:22 - European teaching tour

17:32 - Tension towards other traditions at Dhammasukha

19:26 - Teacher-student divide at Dhammasukha

20:14 - Tensions with the Indian sangha

21:18 - Discomfort with guru worship in India

22:41 - Mixed feelings about the monastic community

24:30 - Teachers should never stop learning

24:45 - The 10 fetter model and an unhealthy narrative of spiritual success

26:15 - Potential for teacher-student abuse

27:41 - Questioning the 10 fetter model

29:28 - Ideals of awakening and cultural projections

30:48 - Transcending all models and systems

31:39 - Importance of ethics

33:21 - Why is Delson renouncing all spiritual attainments?

36:15 - Being open to your own experience

37:06 - Don’t gloss over suffering

39:41 - Changes in Delson’s understanding about the Buddha, dharma, and sangha

44:20 - Rethinking negative emotion and the end of craving

47:23 - The Simile of the Saw Sutta, Kakacūpamasutta

48:11 - Recontextualising the higher fetters of restlessness, conceit, and ignorance

49:15 - Is awakening static?

50:06 - Delson’s definition of awakening

51:55 - Redefining the 4-path model from stream-enterer to arhat

57:26 - Facing the shadow

59:10 - What was the experience that changed Delson’s mind?

01:02:48 - Learning from conflict and shadow

01:04:37 - Maintaining the image of a teacher

01:05:12 - No longer a teacher

01:06:35 - The corrupting pride of being a spiritual teacher

01:07:04 - Hypocrisy of spiritual leaders

01:09:23 - Do not seek perfection in Delson

01:10:14 - K the Buddha

01:11:44 - Against disempowering students

01:14:06 - Does Delson believe awakening even possible?

01:17:12 - What is awakening?

01:18:06 - Levels of awakening

01:18:58 - The true nature of reality

01:20:43 - Siddha tales and Delson’s supernatural experiences

01:24:27- Sifting the serious students from the merely curious

01:25:22 - Delson’s powerful trip to South India, astrology, and mystical experiences

01:31:07 - Delson’s future plans for teaching

01:32:02 - Plans to conduct Kriya Yoga initiations

01:32:41 - Delson as a conduit

01:33:16 - Reactions to Delson’s declaration

Watch previous episodes with Delson Armstrong:

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

Find out more about Delson Armstrong:

- Personal Site: https://www.delsonarmstrong.com/

- YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@delson999

- Delson's Foundation: https://www.freedom-of-mind.org/

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For more interviews, videos, and more visit:

- https://www.guruviking.com

Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

In this episode I am joined by Miles Neale & Matthew Freidell to discuss their documentary film “Missing Peace”.

The film’s description states: “Borobudur is a 1250-year old Buddhist monument located on the island of Java, Indonesia. It was designed as a kind of ancient technology to broadcast the frequency of peace across the world. The only problem is---Borobudur is missing its most important piece. Follow along as two masters, from two different traditions, come together with the goal of reactivating this powerful relic at a time when the Earth needs it most.”

Miles and Matthew share the remarkable story of the making of the film, including the powerful life lessons both men learned along the way,

Miles and Matthew also reflect on the power of pilgrimage, learning to trust intuition in life and the creative process, and the strategies they employed in dealing with local land spirits on location.

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Link in bio.

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

…

Topics include:

00:00 - Intro

01:03 - Chance meeting in Kathmandu

01:57 - Matthew’s creativity

03:39 - Synchronistic moments

04:07 - Origin story of the collaboration

05:22 - Matthew’s ontological suicide through plant medicines

06:42 - Embracing good and evil, coming to Bali

08:04 - Meeting of minds

09:54 - Thin veils since pandemic

10:43 - Miles’ stagnation and facing a choice

12:45 - Going to Bali during lockdown to follow an intuitive call

15:09 - Synergy and how to find courage and clarity

17:21 - Waypoints in learning to trust intuition

18:05 - Costly decisions and visions of Asclepius

21:25 - Healing temples of Ancient Greece

22:41 - From hyper-rationality to the mythopoetic

24:30 - Contact with discarnate entities

26:10 - Matthew’s experiences in the Amazon & encountering Chenrezig

29:57 - Spirit encounters in Bali

32:21 - Holistic perspective of wisdom cultures

36:03 - Turning off connection to the unseen world

38:10 - Borobudur monument has been turned off

38:57 - Strategies for dealing with entities

41:39 - The Missing Piece documentary

42:47 - Stupas are ancient technologies

44:46 - The power of pilgrimage

46:46 - Uniting Geshe Tenzin Zopa with a Javanese tantrika Mangku Jitho

51:45 - Shiva Buddha prophecy with global import

55:21 - Who is Geshe Tenzin Zopa?

55:52 - Who is Mangku Jitho?

56:38 - Mangku Jitho’s collection of cursed kris knives

57:43 - Reflections on the Shiva Buddha

59:14 - The joint ceremony to reactivate Borobudur

01:04:25 - The chatra and what do we worship?

01:06:50 - Challenges of filming in remote locations

01:08:49 - Style, the artistic process, and AI

01:11:44 - Matthew’s hero’s journey

01:16:06 - Invitation to the viewer

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Watch “The Missing Peace”:

- https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDBzNsxyi_y_4ICCcAoMji6azDelR60OZ

Watch previous episode with Miles Neale:

- https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep69-dr-miles-neale-buddhas-tulkus-narcissists

…

For more interviews, videos, and more visit:

- https://www.guruviking.com

Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

In this episode I am joined by Ishtar, an independent mediation teacher, mystic, and spiritual guide.

Ishtar shares his unusual childhood including near constant encounters with ghosts, early spiritual experiences, astral journeys, and precognitive dreams.

Ishtar details his life of spiritual seeking, years of intensive meditation practice, encounters with the cult groups, dark nights of the soul, and more.

Ishtar also recounts the car crash which both killed his mother and plunged Ishtar, at 13 years old, into a near death experience that would change his life forever.

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Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep278-the-mystic-ishtar

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

…

Topics include:

00:00 - Intro

00:42 - Ishtar’s unusual childhood

02:16 - Early encounters with ghosts

04:35 - Distress of constant ghost encounters

05:33 - Becoming Sherlock Holmes for ghosts

07:19 - Discovering the personality

10:48 - Beginning to suffer and developing roles

12:48 - Becoming a good faker

13:21 - Car crash, NDE, and the death of Ishtar’s mother

23:34 - Anger towards God

24:08 - A strange silence and bliss

26:59 - Grief and searching for transcendence

29:43 - Beginning of spiritual seeking

31:03 - Meeting local psychics

31:48 - Considering careers

33:12 - A powerful palm reading

36:15 - The mad monk inside

37:07 - 6hrs of practice each day

38:36 - Past life memories and spiritual proclivities

43:33 - Out of body experience

45:38 - Astral travel to floating cities

48:12 - Shaft of light

49:38 - Precognitive daydreams

50:17 - Further precognition

53:39 - Reading “Autobiography of a Yogi” and praying to Babaji

56:52 - Joining the Ishaya Foundation and living in ashrams

01:02:39 - Leaving the ashram and entering a dark night of the soul

01:05:44 - Repercussions of leaving a cult group

01:07:40 - Suffering returns and facing death

01:09:42 - The magic returns and teaching meditation

01:11:47 - Meeting his future wife

01:13:21 - A tough 2016

01:14:19 - Breakthrough to fully merging with everything

01:14:56 - Visions of Tuscany and experiences of blended time

01:19:20 - Reconciliations and purifications

01:19:43 - Leaving Portland and move to Portugal

01:21:47 - “I” vs “we”

01:22:52 - How did Ishtar spend his daily 6hrs of meditation?

01:26:18 - Spinning the wheels of meditation and trying to force results

01:27:40 - Powerful psychedelic experience

01:30:40 - Ishtar reflects on losing his mother at age 13

01:32:42 - An experience of maternal reconnection and affirmation

01:34:38 - Inner child work

01:36:11 - Mother’s embrace in Florence

01:37:44 - What does Ishtar’s teach

01:38:54 - Ishtar’s recent spiritual breakthroughs

01:41:40 - Psychic powers are not the bullseye

01:43:25 - Ishtar’s concluding thoughts and advice

01:47:29 - Christopher Wood, the stick peddler


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To find our more about Isthar, visit:

- https://www.ascension-meditation.com/

- https://www.awakenedlightastrology.com/

- https://www.youtube.com/ishtarishaya

…

For more interviews, videos, and more visit:

- https://www.guruviking.com

Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

In this episode I am once again joined by Dr. William Rory Dickson an associate professor of Islamic Religion and Culture at The University of Winnipeg and author of “Dissolving into Being: The Wisdom of Sufi Philosophy”.

Professor Dickson discusses Ibn ‘Arabi (1165–1240), an important Sufi poet and philosopher. Ibn ‘Arabi was described as the greatest master of the Way but has increasingly been seen as a controversial and heterodox figure by some within Islam.

Professor Dickson explores the historical tensions between the mystic and the cleric, describes Sufi meditation methods and the struggle to realisation, and considers extra-Islamic influences on Sufism throughout history.

Professor Dickson also reflects on Sufism’s interaction with American culture including the universalist new age movement, the failure of utopian models of worldwide religious harmony, and the retraditionalisation of religious orders such as the Inayatiyya.

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Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep277-master-of-the-way-prof-william-rory-dickson-2

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

…

Topics include:

00:00 - Intro

01:14 - Orthodox to heterodox

05:44 - Who was Ibn ‘Arabi?

06:49 - A spiritual prodigy

10:34 - Leaving Andalusia and arriving in Damascus

12:33 - The greatest master of the Way

14:57 - Mystic vs cleric

17:23 - Political executions of sufis

19:12 - The need to read the room

19:54 - Periods of tension and integration

21:37 - The influence of patronage

24:18 - The struggle for spiritual realisation

27:47 - The visions and practice of Ibn ‘Arabi

29:12 - Embodying the 99 names of God

32:11 - Sufi meditation on the names of God

35:36 - The state of dhikr

36:20 - Ascetic practices

37:53 - Extra-Islamic influences on Sufi practice, historical and modern

46:54 - God brings prophets to all people

49:09 - Pir Vilayat Inayat Khan, Lex Hixon, and the New Age

58:04 - History of the Inayatiyya order

01:03:00 - Reformulating Sufism for an American audience

01:05:13 - Retraditionalisation in Inayatiyya

01:06:43 - The failure of modernist universalism

01:09:48 - Death of optimism

01:11:28 - Postmodernism vs perennialism

01:12:24 - Does Ibn ‘Arabi offer a synthesis of modern and post-modern perspectives?

01:16:17 - Rumi and the controversy of Coleman Barks


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Previous episode with Professor William Rory DIckson:

- https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep272-mystical-path-of-sufism-professor-william-rory-dickson

To find our more about Professor William Rory Dickson, visit:

- https://www.uwinnipeg.ca/experts-guide/william-rory-dickson.html

- https://anqa.co.uk/publications/dissolving-being

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For more interviews, videos, and more visit:

- https://www.guruviking.com

Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

In this episode I am joined by Tulku Sherab Dorje, Buddhist teacher, translator, and author of scholarly and popular books about Tibetan Buddhism.

Tulku Sherdor recounts his unusual childhood and past-life proclivities, his graduation from Columbia Law School and subsequent elite level law practice, and years of spiritual retreat under masters of Tibetan Buddhist lineages.

Tulku Sherdor explores the creative tension between cynicism and devotion, the use of humour in scripture and spiritual teaching, and the importance of reinvesting one’s merit with the inspiration of bodhicitta.

Tulku Sherdor also reflects on what it takes to be an effective translator, whether critical scholarship is a threat to religious faith, and the pros and cons of the tulku system from his position as a recognised reincarnation.

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Link in bio.

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

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Topics include:

00:00 - Intro

01:34 - Why write about one’s spiritual life?

04:48 - Humour and literary conventions of self-diminishment

06:20 - Self promotion and the marketplace of ideas

08:33 - Cynicism, devotion, and humour in relationship with gurus

11:46 - Buddha’s humour in the sutras

13:53 - Tulku Sherdor’s family background and unusual childhood behaviours

15:20 - Jewish diaspora and resonance with the Tibetan diaspora

17:36 Awakening of existential questioning

18:57 -Child psychologist’s advice to Tulku Sherdor

19:54 - Past life explanation and how to invest your merit

24:24 - How to use your freedoms and advantages

25:22 - Tulku Sherdor expresses gladness about his life’s work

26:52 - Are there dedicated practitioners?

27:49 - Tulku Sherdor’s unique combination of successes

28:53 - Benefits of being a well trained lawyer

29:46 - Important writing lessons learned at Columbia Law School and during law career

32:59 - Hypercriticism of other translators

34:00 - Serving the lineage with high standards

35:44 - Praise for Erik Pema Kunsang and Thinley Norbu

38:11 - Advice for writers and translators

41:12 - Dual-language immersion

42:23 - Translator disillusionment and historical perspective

46:46 - Cultural naivety and the published word

48:41 - Is critical scholarship a threat to sacred texts and religious faith?

53:16 - Advice about how to learn Tibetan

55:31 - Pros and cons of training at Harvard University and the Rangjung Yeshe Institute

56:46 - Advice for graduates of elite academic programs

01:00:39 - Sanskrit and Chinese

01:02:33 - The Amazon monster and Tulku Sherdor’s books

01:05:10 - Remembering past lives

01:08:44 - Carrying qualities into your next life

01:09:15 - Tulku Sherdor reflects on his childhood Dharmic tendencies

01:10:55 - Being a tulku

01:14:21 - Tulku Sherdor reflects on the tulku system

01:15:58 - Concluding remarks


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To find our more about Tulku Sherdor, visit:

- https://blazingwisdom.org/tulku-sherab-dorje/

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For more interviews, videos, and more visit:

- https://www.guruviking.com

Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James