In this interview I am once again joined by Mordy Levine, serial entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and author of ‘The Beginner’s Guide to Karma’ with Lama Lhanang.

Mordy discusses the Buddhist doctrine of karma, explores its history in Indian thought, and differentiates the various types of karmic actions and their consequences.

Mordy reveals special, esoteric methods to purify bad karma, compares the Tibetan tradition to Zen, and grapples with the importance of motive in karmic justice.

Mordy also discusses the six realms, whether Buddhist hell should be understood as a place or a psychological state, and why he believes an understanding of karma is a pathway to true freedom.

NB: Lama Lhanang was originally scheduled to appear in this interview alongside Mordy, but was unable to attend due to a last minute scheduling conflict.

…

Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep299-karma-mordy-levine-2

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

…

Topics include:

00:00 - Intro

00:52 - Why Mordy wrote “The Beginner’s Guide to Karma”

02:17 - Understanding of karma regulates human behaviour

03:38 - Creative collaboration with Lama Lhanang

04:48 - A powerful insight about karma and consciousness

06:53 - The history of the doctrine of karma in India

09:50 - Mordy’s research into karma, using primary sources

11:50 - Different types of karmic actions and their consequences

13:29 - Selfishness vs selflessness as motive

15:08 - Is intention all?

16:19 - How great masters read karmic history

19:34 - Does Buddhism disincentivise effective action?

21:19 Does self-interest negate efforts to generate good karma?

23:24 - The desire to help others is an exception

26:00 - Motivations are complicated

28:57 - How karma helps us face negative situations

31:25 - The story of the Zen farmer

33:48 - Does the doctrine of karma blame the unfortunate?

36:02 - Explanation without accusation

37:09 - Mordy’s message about karma

38:38 - Working the karmic system to reduce negative karmic consequences and accrue merit

41:06 - Esoteric methods to purify negative karma

44:24 - The special power of meditation

45:44 - Does motivation affect the karmic consequence of meditation?

44:34 - Can meditation create negative karma?

48:28 - Generating and dedicating merit

50:45 - Is enlightenment the result of good karma?

52:42 - How to work the karma system to become enlightened

53:43 - What is collective karma?

56:24 - Can we hold groups accountable for their karma?

58:18 - Mordy on Donald Trump

59:41 - Can bad karma send you to hell?

01:02:07 - Are the 6 realms real locations or psychological states?

01:03:29 - Does Mordy believe in the 6 realms?

01:04:13 - Is belief in the 6 realms necessary?

01:05:21 - Is karma believable?

01:06:26 - Is there a place for chance in the Buddhist view?

01:07:00 - Mordy’s hopes for the book

01:07:58 - Does karma give freedom or a burden?

01:08:38 - American karma, “Have it your way”.

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Previous episode with Mordy Levine:

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

Previous episodes with Lama Lhanang:

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

To find out more about Mordy Levine, visit:

- https://www.mordylevine.com/


…


For more interviews, videos, and more visit:

- www.guruviking.com

…

Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

In this episode I am once again joined by Stephen Snyder, Buddhist meditation teacher and author of several books including ‘Buddha’s Heart’, ‘Trust in Awakening’, and his latest release ‘Liberating the Self’.

Stephen emphasises the importance of working with personality structures even after Buddhist awakening, and offers methods to resolve trauma and destructive patterns to unlock hidden spiritual strength.

Stephen warns about the dangers of achieving enlightenment without dealing with one’s personality patterns and trauma, reflects on the inner experience of enlightened Zen masters who behaved badly, and gives his advice for teachers and practitioners who think they no longer need to practice.

Stephen also reports a high success rate of awakening and other mystical experiences among his students, shares his approach to retreats and 1-1 teaching, and describes advanced Theravada meditation techniques such as kasina and skeleton meditation.

…

Video versions: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep298-liberating-the-self-stephen-snyder


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


…

Topics include:

00:00 - Intro

01:03 - High rate of awakening at Stephen’s retreat

03:05 - What is the secret sauce?

04:40 - Limitations of the Zen retreat style

06:17 - Stephen’s experimental approach and heart emphasis

07:14 - Minimum requirement to qualify for Stephen’s retreats

08:58 - Why the Theravadans struggle the most

10:00 - Stephen’s online trainings

12:09 - The art of 1-1 meditation teaching

13:08 - Seeking confirmation for spiritual experiences

13:53 - Stream of consciousness sharing

14:58 - Stephen’s new podcast

16:44 - Liberating the Self and Stephen’s writing output

18:20 - Zen ignores personal and psychological work

19:52 - Theravadan shamata and no-self practices

20:42 - Reifying awakening and reassertion of the sense of self

23:22- Bad behaviour by enlightened people

25:35 - Work on your incongruent behaviour before or after awakening?

27:34 - Post-awakening work vs therapy

29:08 - We all have a full range of negative emotions and personality patterns

31:10 - Stephen’s childhood hatred

31:46 - Transforming negative emotions

32:07 - Misbehaving Zen masters

33:21 - What is the inner experience of a misbehaving Zen master?

34:5 0 - The benefit of Western depth psychology

36:04 - Is Stephen done?

37:51 - Advice for advanced meditators and teachers who think they’re done

41:07 - Stuck in a good place and shifting to concepts

41:08 - Recognising when you have gone off track

42:55 - Contentment vs complacency

43:36 - Challenging emotions and outdated personality patterns

44:12 - Resistance to peace

47:44 - Destabilising effect of spiritual practice

49:41 - Why bother with the deep path?

52:05 - Unlocking profound spiritual qualities

54:34 - Awakening stories

55:04 - The traditional kasina meditation path

58:42 - Skeleton practice and skeleton visions

…

Previous episode with Stephen Snyder:

- https://www.guruviking.com/search?q=Stephen%20Snyder

To find our more about Stephen Snyder, visit:

- https://awakeningdharma.org/

…


For more interviews, videos, and more visit:

- www.guruviking.com

…

Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

In this episode I am once again joined by Piers Cross, ex-Buddhist monk, coach, and creator of the documentary “Boarding on Insanity”.

Piers explains the British boarding school system, examines its history and social context, and reveals how and why boarding school attendance is seen by many as a pathway to power.

Piers recalls his own boarding school experience, the trauma and subsequent breakdown it caused, and describes the dynamic of the “privilege double-bind”.

Piers recounts his years as a Buddhist monk, how he navigated suicide attempts and self harm with meditation and community support, and the powerful mystical experiences he encountered during his religious practice.

Piers lists over two dozen leading figures in the arts, business, and politics who attended boarding school and reflects on the possibility of a leadership class affected by abandonment and dissociation by elite educational institutions.

…

Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep297-boarding-on-insanity-piers-cross

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


…

Topics include:

00:00 - Intro

01:05 - Military family upbringing and alcoholic father

03:42 - Going to boarding school at 11 years old

05:36 - History of British boarding schools

08:23 - Pathway to power

10:19 - Oxbridge emphasis

11:37 - The old boys network and breaking parental attachment

14:42 - Is the education better?

17:48 - IQ vs emotional intelligence

20:31 - A typical day at boarding school

23:30 - Piers’ boarding school trauma and learning to dissociate

27:07 - Suicide of Piers’ best friend

29:37 - Resilience vs dissociation and avoidant attachment

32:48 - Resurfacing trauma in the 30s and 40s

33:28 - Richard Branson, David Cameron, Bear Grylls, and John Peel

34:36 - Trauma of neglect

36:53 - Idealisation, cover up, and not listening to children

41:45 - The privilege double-bind

47:32 - After boarding school & city career

51:03 - Depression and breakdown

53:07 - Laughed at by the doctor

54:31 - Death of Piers’ father and work in Africa

56:41 - 3.5 years in a Buddhist monastery

59:37 - A sense of coming home

01:02:22 - Taking the 8 precepts

01:03:30 - Ordination, self harm, and suicidal ideation

01:06:31 - The support and kindness of the other monks

01:09:26 - Struggles with meditation

01:12:03 - Reading scriptures and other Buddhist books

01:14:00 - Tastes of transcendence

01:14:55 - Profound experience of childlike mind

01:16:35 - Healing avoidant attachment

01:20:10 - Working with dreams

01:21:10 - Tears and connecting to emotion

01:22:41 - Buddhist doctrine about suicide and hell

01:25:14 - The power of initiation

01:27:13 - Leaving the monastery

01:28:08 - Piers shows his journal

01:29:33 - After the monastery and work with board school survivors

01:33:15 - “Boarding on Insanity” documentary

01:33:28 - Tony Blair, Boris Johnson, Justin Welby

01:37:05 - Cover ups and a societal flip

01:39:30 - Prince Charles, Stephen Fry, Ranulph Fiennes, Gabriel Byrne, Roald Dahl, Harry Windsor,

01:41:00 - JFK, Princess Diana, Charles Spencer, Aldous Huxley, Richard Beard, Jeremy Paxman,

01:41:26 - Elon Musk, Mini Driver, Eddie Izzard, Princess Catherine, Rupert Murdoch,

01:44:46 - Piers’ 3hr daily practice

01:46:44 - Taoist Tantric Arts

01:47:59 - Piers’ advice for taking on new practices

01:49:37 - Piers’ meditation practice

01:51:02 - Closing remarks and advice for ex-boarders

…

To find our more about Piers Cross, visit:

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

- https://www.piers-cross.com/

- https://www.boardingoninsanity.com/

…


For more interviews, videos, and more visit:

- www.guruviking.com

…

Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

In this episode, I am joined by Gerald Ilyas Klawatsch, Sufi musician, music therapist, and founder of the international Ensemble Ak Pirim.

Ilyas recalls stories of his Sufi path, his meeting and discipleship under his Sufi sheik, and stories of profound spiritual connection and transcendence through devotional music and religious practice.

Ilyas describes Sufism as a love relationship, reveals his own difficult childhood, and explains how to stabilise divine ecstasy in the human body.

Ilyas also tells the remarkable life story of his spiritual teacher, emphasises the importance of testing a guru, and reflects on the healing potential of religious practice.

…

Video version: www.guruviking.com

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


…

00:00 - Intro

00:50 - Names and titles in Sufism

02:46 - The death of Gerald’s master, Dr Rahmi Oruc Guvenc

03:51 - - Death of the lineage

05:54 - Why didn’t Dr Rahmi Oruc Guvenc pass on his lineage?

07:18 - The intended heir

07:40 - Gerald’s guitar studies and finding Sufism

11:40 - Meeting the master

15:00 - Early Sufi training with the master

17:22 - Sufism is a love relationship

21:47 - Dynamics in the early relationship with the master

23:43 - The remarkable life of Dr Rahmi Oruc Guvenc

36:21 - Islamic Sufism vs Universalist Sufism

38:41 - The love relationship and awakening the heart

44:29 - Stabilising the ecstasy

48:03 - Effects of being in relationship with a master

51:25 - How Gerald dealt with the pain of a difficult upbringing

55:15 - Healing the pain

57:49 - Gerald falls to his knees in front of the master

01:07:58 - Testing the teacher

01:10:33 - Sufi music therapy

…

To find out more about Gerald Ilyas Klawatsch, visit:

- https://bengusu.com/g-ilyas-klatsch/

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

For more interviews, videos, and more visit:

- https://www.guruviking.com

Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

In this interview I am once again joined by Prajwal Ratna Vajracharya, a tantric priest in a centuries old Newari Buddhist family lineage and master of the religious dance tradition of Charya Nritya.

Prajwal Vajracharya reveals the rich world of Newari life rituals, in which major life events such as birth, coming of age, marriage, and death are celebrated by religious and community rites.

Prajwal Vajracharya explains the initiation rituals for boys and girls, including a 12-day dark retreat in which girls are taught essential knowledge by community members, and reveals how divination and astrology are used to determine a child’s name and life path.

Prajwal Vajracharya also discusses the importance of purity and discipline, bespoke rituals to clear obstacles, find a partner, and heal illness, and reflects on the challenges in bringing his ritual tradition to the USA.

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Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep295-life-cycle-rituals-prajwal-ratna-vajracharya-3

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

…

Topics include:

00:00 - Intro

01:02 - Life cycle rituals of the Newari tradition

02:17 - Pregnancy and birth rituals

04:40 - Is Western culture traumatising?

05:21 - Creating a happy pregnancy

06:28 - Rituals for infancy

08:28 - The baby knows what it needs

09:31 - Naming and earring rituals

11:39 - Divination and adornment rituals

12:50 - The 1 year ritual

13:41 - Egg, fish, and wine

14:26 - 2nd year ritual

16:!6 - 7th year initiation ritual for boys

17:54 - 12-day dark retreat initiation ritual for girls

20:28 - Variations among castes in Nepal

21:23 - Special, old age ritual for the 77th year

23:02 - 88th year and a rebirth ritual

25:42 - Grieving customs for parent’s death

27:36 - Science of rituals and living a happy life

28:29 - In Nepal, everyone takes care of their parents

29:07 - Lack of dementia in Nepal

29:44 - Ritual as a family and community activity

31:20 - Obstacle removal, house blessing, and healing rituals

32:44 - Clay-pot rebirth ritual at 99 years old

35:53 - Respecting the elderly

36:48 - How to choose a child’s name

38:25 - Spiritual names

38:58 - Divination to determine the child’s career and life path

40:39 - What did Prajwal’s son choose?

42:02 - Astrology chart for a new baby

42:53 - The Chudakarma ritual and monastic training

43:49 - Ritual obligations as a Vajrācārya

48:40 - When rituals go wrong!

50:28 - Origin of and textual sources for Newari rituals

52:37 - Purity and preparing for ritual

54:47 - Discipline and respecting others

55:52 - Rituals to get a girlfriend and other life situations

58:08 - The many benefits of rituals

01:01:35 - The complexities of married life

01:03:06 - Bringing Newari ritual traditions to the West

01:05:34 - Innovation and training Westerners in Vajrācārya rituals

01:08:10 - Self-initiation and awakening the channel and nerves

01:09:13 - An American Vajrācārya?

01:10:00 - Challenging reactions in Nepal

01:11:52 - Gurū maṇḍala, the heart of Newari ritual

01:13:40 - Mudrā healing

…

Previous episodes with Prajwal Ratna Vajracharya:

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

To find out more about Prajwal Ratna Vajracharya, visit:

- https://www.dancemandal.com/


For more interviews, videos, and more visit:

- www.guruviking.com

Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

In this episode I am once again joined by Mary Shutan: author, occultist, and spiritual teacher.

Mary discusses her new book “Shadow Work for the Soul”, shares her lifelong fascination with the psychological power of dark fairytales, and explains the function of social masks and personae.

Mary remarks on a notable increase in spiritual emergencies, a rise in nihilism and the “dark feminine”, and offers advice for those facing spiritual crisis.

Mary then takes a deep dive into shadow work, challenges common misconceptions, and offers surprising reflections on both new age masculine-feminine trends and “The Work” of Byron Katie.

Mary also reveals how to perceive the shadow in popular culture, warns about the danger of spiritual bypass, and explains how to identify and disarm the ego defences to go beyond one’s limitations.

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Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep294-shadow-work-for-the-soul-mary-shutan

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


…

Topics include:

00:00 - Intro

01:03 - An notable increase in spiritual emergencies

03:51 - Nihilism and other trends on the increase

05:30 - Collective shadows and the dark feminine

07:25 - How to work with nihilism

08:27 - Mary’s advice for those in spiritual crisis

09:39 - The psychological power of myths and fairy tales

11:26 - What can myths and fairy tales teach us?

12:19 - Archetypes and mythic figures

13:18 - Princess and the Pea and Sisyphus

15:21 - Seeing oneself reflected in myths and fairy tales

16:50 - Trauma isolates

18:00 - What is the shadow?

19:43 - What is shadow work?

20:08 - How concepts change when they become mainstream

21:36 - The evolution of acupuncture

23:51 - Limitations of the pop-culture version of shadow work

26:58 - Comments on Byron Katie and “The Work”

31:27 - The healthy ego and ego defences

33:33 - How to identify the ego’s defence mechanisms

34:33 - Intellectualisation vs embodiment

35:32 - Superiority/inferiority loop

37:09 - The world as a mirror

40:02 - Pop culture and politics

41:29 - Dangers of spiritual bypass

45:50 - Masks, personae, and perfectionism

47:36 - The importance of mentors

48:47 - Self enquiry traps and the dangers of labels

50:47 - Identifying with spiritual attainments

53:30 - When did Mary call off the search?

55:35 - Letting go of the high-achiever identity

58:03 - Anima, animus, and the masculine-feminine continuum

59:34 - Masculine and feminine dynamics in the occult

01:02:13 - Identifying collective shadows through pop culture figures

01:04:12- Today’s cultural focus on narcissism

01:05:41 - Noting your personal reactions to celebrity

01:06:02 - The cultural phenomenon of Taylor Swift

01:08:36 - Shadows of light

01:10:02 - Dark feminine rising

01:10:56 - Why “dark feminine?”

01:12:48 - How do we emerge from times of change?

01:14:48 - Mary’s view of the future

…

Previous episode with Mary Shutan:

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

To find out more about Mary Shutan, visit:

- http://maryshutan.com/

For more interviews, videos, and more visit:

- www.guruviking.com

Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

In this episode I am once again joined by Khandro Kunzang Dechen Chodron, teacher of Tibetan Buddhism and executive director of Saraswati Bhawan Publications.

Khandro Kunzang reveals her experience as a spiritual consort to a Tibetan lama, and shares her understanding of this controversial practice.

Khandro Kunzang recalls how she became a consort, details her extensive preparations, and explains the coarse and subtle body yogas involved.

Khandro Kunzang also discusses the use of consort practice for life extension, how to respond if a guru suggests you become his consort, and why it is that she is now talking publicly about this hitherto secret practice.

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Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep293-secrets-of-consort-practice-khandro-kunzang-dechen-chodron-3

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

…

Topics include:

00:00 - Intro

00:48 - The graduated path

04:28 - The fruition of Dzogchen and Ati Yoga

05:41 - The effortless path

06:34 - Dzogchen mistakes

07:40 - Is a 3 year retreat necessary?

08:42 - Personalised retreat with guru

09:32 - Signs of accomplishment on retreat

14:31 - Secret training with Kunzang Dorje Rinpoche

16:03 - Jealousy of Tibetan students

17:33 - Pure Dzogchen vs gradual path

21:04 - How do I know my practice is working?

23:50 - The ultimate test of practice

25:30 - Lama Dawa’s terminal cancer and yogic death

31:17 - The practice of yogic dying

33:11 - Physiological signs of tukdam

34:07 - Death of Kunzang Dorje Rinpoche

35:42 - Miraculous behaviour of Lama Dawa’s relics

37:42 - Difficulties and challenges during Lama Dawa’s end of life

42:08 - Personal restoration during the pandemic

42:48 - The ultimate teaching

43:25 - Displacing grief to keep the show on the road

46:48 - When to begin consort practice?

50:37 - Authentic consort practice is very rare

52:01 - Classic consort stories

53:41 - Abusive lamas and gurus who claim expertise in consort practice

55:10 - The support role of a guru’s consort

56:50 - An “activity consort”

58:19 - Preparing to be Lama Dawa’s consort

59:13 - Using a consort to extend your life

01:00:59 - Using pipes to open the urethra

01:04:49 - Training to purify the lower chakras and draw in the essence fluid

01:06:49 - Working with the thigle drops

01:07:17 - Using eros to experience emptiness

01:08:20 - Consort practice is not romantic

01:08:49 - Extreme consort practice

01:10:06 - Unresolved traumas in consort practice

01:11:05 - Is vajrolī mudrā really possible?

01:13:22 - Jñānamudrā and self practice

1:17:06 - Test your lama if he suggests consort practice

01:20:48 - Why talk openly about secret consort practice?

01:21:24 - Disrobing as a nun to engage in tantric practice

01:23:17 - Seeing your teacher as a living Buddha

01:24:16 - Motives for marrying Lama Dawa


…

Previous episodes with Khandro Kunzang Dechen Chodron:

- https://www.guruviking.com/search?q=khandro%20kunzang

To find our more about Khandro Kunzang Dechen Chodron, visit:

- https://www.phurbathinleyling.org/khandro-kunzang/

In this episode I once again host a dialogue between Daniel Ingram and Delson Armstrong.

Daniel Ingram is an independent Buddhist writer, author of ‘Mastering the Core Teachings of the Buddha’, and co-founder of the Emergent Phenomenology Research Consortium (EPRC).

Delson Armstrong is a spiritual teacher, author of ’A Mind Without Craving’, and founder of the Freedom of Mind foundation.

Daniel offers his response to Delson’s recent renunciations, warns about the power of self hypnosis, and explains why it is so common for people to revise their enlightenment claims.

Delson considers how it was that he mistook the nature of his spiritual achievements, considers the impact of his renunciation on his practice community and students, and looks ahead to his own future as a teacher and guide.

Daniel and Delson address criticisms they have both received for their revisions of important Buddhist doctrines such as the 4 path model of awakening, comment on gatekeeping and fundamentalism in Buddhism, and consider whether advances in contemplative neuroscience may pose a serious threat to traditional religions and their institutions.

…

Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify.

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01:51 - The situation

04:36 - Daniel’s response to Delson’s renunciation

07:14 - Early schism in Buddhism

08:20 - Does Daniel feel vindicated?

09:42 - Delson reflects on what he has learned from Daniel

12:34 - The snake has shed its skin

13:29 - Profound not simple

14:26 - Neurodiversity and the spiritual path

16:54 - Hypnotising yourself into believing you’re enlightened

19:17 - How did Delson get his enlightenment wrong?

22:22 - Social factors

24:13 - A gradual process

25:06 - Gatekeepin in Buddhism

27:35 - Jack Kornfield and Christopher Titmuss

30:51 - Social influence on perceptions of spiritual progress

33:35 - Relationships

35:21 - The World Without Sin

38:43 - Can you ever go back? Spoiling the party

40:38 - Delson on negative reactions from his community

43:57 - Attached to models, experiences, and perfection?

46:17 - Stages of development

47:17 - Leading with vulnerability

48:45 - A different type of practitioner

49:55 - The appeal of Vajrayāna

52:21 - Specific criticisms of Daniel and Delson

54:19 - Why do Daniel & Delson revise Buddhism?

56:43 - Delson's critics

59:51 - Transference and counter-transference

01:01:18 - Tantric guru yoga

01:01:47 - When your guru disappoints

01:02:05 - Bhikkhu Anālayo and Daniel's other critics

01:02:27 - Neuroscience and religious orthodoxy

01:06:34 - Will neuroscience destroy Buddhism?

01:10:24 - Praise for the Theravāda

01:11:45 - Theravādan exceptionalism

01:12:37 - Validating or defeating religion?

01:15:43 - Finders’ Course and retrenchment to orthodoxy

01:17:57 - Delson on contemplative neuroscience

01:20:39 - What does Daniel think will next happen to Delson?

01:23:23 - Maturing as a spiritual explorer

01:26:33 - Attachment styles & kalyāṇa-mittatā

01:28:40 - Loss of enthusiasm for practice in advanced practitioners

01:31:18 - Micro-renunciations and disgust for the quest

01:33:42 - When spiritual teachers lose their faith

0135:28 - How Delson keeps his interest in teaching

01:38:20 - Why Daniel decided not to become a teacher

01:40:32 - Delson’s closing remarks

01:40:45 - Daniel’s closing remarks

01:41:04 - Praise for the religious orthodoxy

01:42:21 - Acknowledging critics

01:43:17 - Disagreeing with grace and respect

…

Previous dialogue between Daniel and Delson:

- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=znX6w6shQ7c

Previous episodes with Daniel:

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

Previous episodes with Delson:

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

To find out more about Daniel, visit:

- https://theeprc.org/

- integrateddaniel.info

To find out more about Delson, visit:

- https://www.delsonarmstrong.com/

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

- https://www.freedom-of-mind.org/

www.guruviking.com

Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

In this interview I am once again joined by Ron Serrano long time meditation practitioner, contemplative neuroscience subject, and co-founder of the online meditation group Dharmachanics.

Ron gives a summary of the major studies in contemplative neuroscience in the last several years, in many of which he was a key subject. Ron explains several historical and ongoing studies including Dr Jud Brewer’s landmark Yale University study into the default mode network, hypotheses about the posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) and the sense of self, and the promise of brain scan technology and real-time neurofeedback devices to fast-track enlightenment.

Ron also draws from his experience leading the online meditation group Dharmachanics to offer insight into the typical trajectory towards transformative spiritual experiences, patterns of development in meditators, and how he responds when somebody claims they are enlightened.

…

Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep291-neuroscience-of-enlightenment-ron-serrano-2

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

…

Topics include:

00:00 - Intro

01:04 - Reflections on life and practice 2020

02:37 - Growth of the Dharmachanics online sangha

03:19 - Dharmachanics discussion group about Guru Viking Podcast

03:50 - Sangha is the toughest of the three jewels

04:51 - Patterns of development for meditators

05:59 - The typical trajectory towards awakening

08:48 - How to relate to special meditation experiences

12:34 - Testing enlightenment

13:37 - Ron’s history of participation in contemplative neuroscience

14:09 - Primary subject for Dr Jud Brewer’s landmark study at Yale University

16:26 - The PCC and the no-self

18:24 - Developing the brain scan technology and equipment

19:31 - The accelerating power of real-time meditation feedback

22:18 - How 2020 derailed contemplative neuroscience

23:38 - Ron on commercially available brainwave-feedback products

26:59 - How neuroscience studies really work

28:01 - Debate with Daniel Ingram

28:44 - Daniel’s contributions to contemplative neuroscience

29:41 - A gold standard phenomenology and technological Harvard study

32:43 - A comprehensive blueprint of the enlightened mind

34:54 - 2 major brain networks

26:56 - Secrecy and hidden players

39:15 - A treasure trove of data

40:32 - The holy grail of contemplative neuroscience

41:38 - Why Ron is pessimistic about finding neuro-correlates of awakening

43:14 - The blessing and curse of the Dalai Lama brand

46:08 - Politics and why neuroscientists need the Dalai Lama’s

47:47 - Will neuroscience render religious teachers obsolete?

49:38 - Will AI replace meditation teachers?

50:35 - What will happen to religion if neuroscience cracks the enlightenment code?

52:32 - A history of disruption

54:05 - Does astronomy offer a historical parallel to contemplative neuroscience?

55:46 - The costly problem of data analysis

58:14 - Can this technology be weaponised?

01:00:48 - Technology dependency

01:01:25 - Addictive meditation technology

01:04:39 - Ron reflects on Steve and the podcast

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Previous episode with Ron Serrano:

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

To find out more about Ron Serrano, visit:

- https://www.facebook.com/groups/Dharmachanics/


For more interviews, videos, and more visit:

- www.guruviking.com

Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

In this episode I am once again joined by Delson Armstrong, spiritual teacher, meditation virtuoso, and author of ‘A Mind Without Craving’.

In this interview, Delson responds to criticism and answers questions about his recent renunciation of attainments and revision of the Buddhist 4 path enlightenment model. Delson reflects on the pros and cons of questioning established religious doctrines and on the role of direct experience in challenging fixed views.

Delson comments on a recently leaked interview, shares his current position on Bhante Vimalaramsi and his TWIM meditation method, and compares Buddhism to traditional yoga.

Delson also recalls his own training in Kriya yoga, details the features of the particular lineage which he has begun to teach, and reveals methods of working with karma, chakras, and forgiveness.

…

Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep290-answering-critics-kriya-yoga-delson-armstrong

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

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Topics include:

00:00 - Intro

01:00 - Responses to Delson renouncing his spiritual attainments

02:56 - Criticism of Delson

04:08 - Has Delson abandoned the 10 fetter model and the 4 attainments?

05:18 - Delson’s leaked interview

07:58 - Breach of trust and betrayal of friendship

09:32 - Why redefine the Buddhist doctrines rather than reassess oneself?

12:46 - Delson’s experience vs cultural consensus

13:50 - Is Buddhist doctrine beyond cultural?

16:25 - Going beyond maps and Integral Theory

17:35 - Challenging fundamentalism and fixed views

18:43 - The jīvanmukta and other mystical traditions

20:22 - Transcending doctrinal chains of imprisonment

21:37 - Daniel Ingram’s revisions

23:07 - Delsonism vs Buddhism

24:44 - Should Delson leave the traditions alone?

26:09 - The role of tradition and Delson’s contribution

27:31 - Comments on TWIM

28:32 - Drawing on different traditions

30:03 - Current view

32:05 - Delson’s current opinion on TWIM and Bhante Vimalaramsi

36:26 - Delson’s training in Kriya yoga

40:16 - Which Kriya yoga lineage does Delson teach?

42:17 - Anyone can do Kriya yoga

44:09 - Short learning curve to samadhi

45:03 - Relaxing into awakening

46:39 - What is the point of the jhanas?

48:13 - Chakras and siddhi powers

51:37 - Deities and chakras

53:26 - The Yoga Sutras on siddhi power

55:07 - Karmic acceleration and misconceptions about chakra work

58:00 - How to release karma

01:00:03 - Kriya yoga approach to work with chakras

01:00:34 - The power of forgiveness

01:01:51 - TWIM vs Kriya, Yoga vs Buddhism

01:07:37 - Delson’s recent experience teaching Kriya yoga

01:11:35 - Initiation in Kriya yoga and tantra

01:15:51 - Secrecy as a marketing tool

01:17:17 - Delson reflects on his teaching career

01:19:23 - Scientific tests on Delson, can he still meditate?

`
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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