In this episode I am once again joined by Tibetologist, author, and Tantric Buddhism teacher Glenn Mullin.

We discuss tukdam and rainbow body, the mysterious after-death phenomena in which accomplished yogis can remain in suspended animation for days or weeks after death or dissolve their bodies into their elemental constituents.

We hear about the remarkable death of one of Glenn’s own gurus, which he witnessed first hand, as well as discuss the means of communicating with deceased masters through relics and dreams.

We also discuss the practices of phowa, consciousness projection at the time of death, and drong juk, the forceful projection of one’s consciousness into a fresh corpse.

And finally we discuss the Tibetan tradition of reading omens about the time of one’s own death, and how to listen for signs and guidance from the natural world.

Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/ep42-glenn-mullin-death-divination-and-sacred-relics/

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

Topics Include:

0:00 - Introduction

0:55 - Tukdam, suspended animation of the body after death

11:54 - The death of Glenn’s guru, Namgyel Khensur Rinpoche

18:53 - Being a role model to others

20:57 - Cultural attitudes towards death

27:25 - Chakrasamvara Tantra teachings on death

31:12 - Rainbow body, another way to die

35:09 - Tukdam vs rainbow body, and relics (ringsel) of a deceased master

39:38 - Communicating with deceased masters through their relics

47:32 - The relics of the Buddha

50:54 - Phowa, consciousness projection at the time of death

55:39 - Drong juk, the forceful projection of consciousness into a corpse

1:01:00 - Ancient civilisations and pan-Asian energy techniques

1:02:27 - Death rituals of the Lamas

1:04:30 - Tantric methods of foretelling one’s own death

1:10:08 - Glenn’s personal approach to divination

1:12:08 - Listening to messages from birds, clouds, and nature

….

Previous Glenn Mullin episodes:

* https://www.guruviking.com/guru-viking-interviews-ep9-glenn-mullin/

* https://www.guruviking.com/ep19-glenn-mullin-guru-viking-interviews/

* https://www.guruviking.com/ep26-glenn-mullin-illusory-body-yoga-of-waking-sleep-and-death/

* https://www.guruviking.com/ep28-glenn-mullin-dream-yoga-solo-retreat-guide-and-unlocking-the-human-potential/

To find our more about Glenn, visit:

* https://www.runawayjourneys.com/

* http://www.glennmullin.com/

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

For more interviews, videos, and more visit:

* http://www.guruviking.com

Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

I was recently interviewed by Bill and Jasmine of Awake-In Podcast about meditation, podcasting, and my thoughts on the COVID-19 pandemic.

Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/steve-interviewed-on-awake-in-podcast/

0:00 - Introductions

02:40 - What has Steve learned from his guests on the Guru Viking Podcast

08:54 - The pros and cons of combative interview styles

11:08 - Steve’s personal meditation practice

14:16 - Explaining Steve’s practice to a child, a lay person, and an experienced meditator

22:54 - Steve’s solo meditation retreats

25:54 - Experiences and learnings from solo retreat

36:36 - Bill’s jhana practice

44:30 - Steve on jhana practice

52:14 - Steve’s advice for meditators during the coronavirus pandemic

1:01:04 - Steve on the coronavirus pandemic

1:10:33 - Jasmine’s year long practice intensive

1:16:06 - Meditation and personal alignment

1:21:04 - Meditating with emotional pain and trauma

1:22:38 - Sickness and compassion

1:27:06 - Steve reads Antonio Machado’s ‘Last Night As I Lay Sleeping’

From Bill and Jasmine’s show notes:

Hope you enjoy! Find more or get in touch at: https://awake-in.com

We cover all sorts with Steve, but here are some highlights:

Learnings from the amazing guests he’s interviewed

Steve’s meditation practice explained 3 ways –

To a child

To an adult

To an experienced meditator

His summer ‘part-time retreat’ – 4 hours of meditation a day

Bill’s experience of Jhānic meditation

Jasmine’s experience doing 3 hours a day of meditation for an entire year

Thoughts on how to deal with the current COVID-19 crisis

Books referenced:

Daniel Ingram’s Mastering the Core Teachings of the Buddha

and Fire Kasina

Leigh Brasington’s Right Concentration

Antonio Machado’s Last Night As I Was Sleeping

Check out the amazing Guru Viking podcast and follow Steve’s other work at: https://www.guruviking.com/

Dr Nida Chenagtsang, master of Tibetan Meditation and lineage holder of the Yuthok Nyingthig, is my featured guest in this episode of the Guru Viking Podcast: Pandemic Series.

Please share these episodes among those who might find them helpful, and let me know what you think in the comments below.


...

Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/ep41-dr-nida-chenagtsang-pandemic-edition-guru-viking-podcast/

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

…

I am producing a special series of the Guru Viking Podcast to support those affected by the pandemic. 


I'll be asking my guests questions like how to work with anxiety, fear, and panic? How to work with isolation? How to work with sickness and death? And how to help others having those experiences?

Fear, sickness, death are perennial human experiences, and so my hope is that these episodes will be of use not only to those who are being affected now in this situation, but also of use to others beyond it.

…

00:55 - Guidance for those who are anxious, afraid, or panicked.

14:21 - Guidance for those who are sick.

18:28 - Guidance for those who are dying.

22:40 - Guidance for supporting those who are sick or suffering.

27:18 - Guidance for those in isolation.


…

To find our more about Dr Nida, visit:

https://www.facebook.com/DoctorNida/

For more interviews, videos, and more visit:

– www.guruviking.com

Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

Daniel Ingram, meditation teacher and author of ‘Mastering The Core Teachings Of The Buddha’, is my featured guest in this episode of the Guru Viking Podcast: Pandemic Series.

Please share these episodes among those who might find them helpful, and let me know what you think in the comments below.


...

Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/ep40-daniel-ingram-pandemic-edition-guru-viking-podcast/

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

…

I am producing a special series of the Guru Viking Podcast to support those affected by the pandemic. 


I'll be asking my guests questions like how to work with anxiety, fear, and panic? How to work with isolation? How to work with sickness and death? And how to help others having those experiences?

Fear, sickness, death are perennial human experiences, and so my hope is that these episodes will be of use not only to those who are being affected now in this situation, but also of use to others beyond it.

…

00:55 - Warning: listen before continuing.

01:43 - Daniel’s background in medicine and epidemiology.

03:44 - Daniel’s ‘Need to Know’ on the pandemic.

11:19 - Further guidance for the lay person.

12:49 - Daniel’s prognosis for the epidemic.

18:17 - Self care during the pandemic.


23:53 - Guidance for those who are anxious, afraid, or panicked.

39:46 - Guidance for supporting those who are sick or suffering.

46:06 - Meditation guidance for those who are sick.

55:24 - Guidance for those who are dying.

57:59 - Daniel’s personal meditation plan for his own death.

1:02:43 - Further comments on supporting the sick and dying.

1:07:15 - Processing emotional storms.

1:14:15 - Guidance for those in isolation.

1:17:16 - How does an arahant experience the pandemic?

1:25:40 - Concluding comments.


…


Check out my previous interview with Daniel Ingram:

https://www.guruviking.com/ep14-daniel-ingram-guru-viking-interviews/

To find our more about Daniel, visit:

 integrateddaniel.info

For more interviews, videos, and more visit:

– www.guruviking.com

Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

Ngak'Chang Rinpoche And Khandro Déchen, the Lineage Lamas and principal teachers of the a tantric Buddhist Aro tradition house holder tradition, are my featured guests in this episode of the Guru Viking Podcast: Pandemic Series.

There is some audio interference in this episode, but the content is well worth the effort to listen.

Please share these episodes among those who might find them helpful, and let me know what you think in the comments below.


...

Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/ep39-ngakchang-rinpoche-and-khandro-dechen-pandemic-edition/

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

…

I am producing a special series of the Guru Viking Podcast to support those affected by the pandemic. 


I'll be asking my guests questions like how to work with anxiety, fear, and panic? How to work with isolation? How to work with sickness and death? And how to help others having those experiences?

Fear, sickness, death are perennial human experiences, and so my hope is that these episodes will be of use not only to those who are being affected now in this situation, but also of use to others beyond it.

…

00:55 - Guidance for those who are afraid or panicked.

05:48 - Investing in the sense fields

09:18 - Guidance for those who are sick.

13:43 - Remembering the death of Robert, their son.

17:13 - Guidance for those who are dying.


19:15 - Guidance to supporting those who are sick or suffering

22:44 - Guidance for those in isolation.

27:26 - Concluding comments.


…


Check out my previous interviews with Ngak'Chang Rinpoche And Khandro Déchen:

- https://www.guruviking.com/guru-viking-interviews-ep8-ngakpa-chogyam/

- https://www.guruviking.com/ep16-ngapka-chogyam-and-khandro-dechen-guru-viking-interviews/

To find out more about Ngak'Chang Rinpoche And Khandro Déchen, visit:

- -http://arobuddhism.org/

For more interviews, videos, and more visit:

– www.guruviking.com

Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

Godfrey offers a breathing class and Q&A for the listeners of the Guru Viking Podcast focused on his ‘Free Breathing’ approach to pranayama.

This practice is referenced and further explained in Episode 38 of the Guru Viking Podcast, and is part of a special series of the podcast to support those affected by the pandemic.

Please share these episodes among those who might find them helpful, and let me know what you think in the comments below.

…

https://www.guruviking.com/free-breathing-class-godfrey-devereux-guru-viking-podcast/

...

Fear, sickness, death are perennial human experiences, and so my hope is that these episodes will be of use not only to those who are being affected now in this situation, but also of use to others beyond it.

…

0:00 - Class Intro

01:00 - Guided Class

30:31 - Comments

31:18 - Explaining ’svaramukta’ 


35:29 - To control or not in breath practice

43:52 - Final comments

…


Check out my previous interviews with Godfrey Devereux:
- https://www.guruviking.com/ep38-godfrey-devereux-pandemic-edition-guru-viking-podcast/

- https://www.guruviking.com/ep15-godfrey-devereux-guru-viking-interviews/

To find out more about Godfrey Devereux and his online courses, visit:

- www.radicalecology.net

For more interviews, videos, and more visit:

– www.guruviking.com

Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

Godfrey Devereux, yoga and meditation teacher of over 45 years experience, is my featured guest in this episode of the Guru Viking Podcast: Pandemic Series. 



Please share these episodes among those who might find them helpful, and let me know what you think in the comments below.


...

https://www.guruviking.com/ep38-godfrey-devereux-pandemic-edition-guru-viking-podcast/

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

…

I am producing a special series of the Guru Viking Podcast to support those affected by the pandemic. 



I'll be asking my guests questions like how to work with anxiety, fear, and panic? How to work with isolation? How to work with sickness and death? And how to help others having those experiences?

Fear, sickness, death are perennial human experiences, and so my hope is that these episodes will be of use not only to those who are being affected now in this situation, but also of use to others beyond it.

…

0:55 - Guidance for those who are afraid or panicked.

04:20 - The role of movement in working with strong emotion.


05:46 - Guidance for those who are sick.

10:15 - Why the mind engages in loops and stories.


15:22 - Guidance for those who are dying.


19:15- How to face the reality of death.

23:18 - Guidance to supporting those who are sick or suffering

24:12 - Guidance for those in isolation.

28:48 - Radical embodied intelligence

29:36 - The consequences of embodied intelligence

30:56 - Concluding comments.


…


Free Breathing Class with Godfrey:

- https://www.guruviking.com/free-breathing-class-godfrey-devereux-guru-viking-podcast/

Check out my previous interview with Godfrey Devereux:

- https://www.guruviking.com/ep15-godfrey-devereux-guru-viking-interviews/

To find out more about Godfrey Devereux and his online courses, visit:

- www.radicalecology.net

For more interviews, videos, and more visit:

– www.guruviking.com

Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

Shinzen Young - meditation teacher, neuroscience researcher, and author of ‘The Science of Enlightenment’ - is my featured guest in this episode of the Guru Viking Podcast: Pandemic Series. 



Please share these episodes among those who might find them helpful, and let me know what you think in the comments below.


...

Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/ep37-shinzen-young-pandemic-edition-guru-viking-podcast/

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

…

This is a special series of the Guru Viking Podcast to support those affected by the pandemic. 


I ask my guests questions like how to work with anxiety, fear, and panic? How to work with isolation? How to work with sickness and death? And how to help others having those experiences?

Fear, sickness, death are perennial human experiences, and so my hope is that these episodes will be of use not only to those who are being affected now in this situation, but also of use to others beyond it.

…

0:55 - Shinzen’s personal practice response to the pandemic

10:49 - 3 practice opportunities afforded by Covid-19.

17:56 - Guidance for those who are afraid, sick, or dying.

22:56 - Shinzen on death and T.S. Elliot


…


To find out more about Shinzen Young, visit:

- https://www.shinzen.org/

For more interviews, videos, and more visit:

– www.guruviking.com

Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

Video Resources:

- How Intense Emotions Can Be No Problem: https://youtu.be/lD1ny_Q8sKo

- Mindfulness With Sickness: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6vhrTErrZD8

- How To Guide Someone Through The Death Process: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gDeMbojj8-E

Bar-ché Dorje, a Dutch Lama in the Aro gTer tradition of Tibetan Buddhism, is my featured guest in this episode of the Guru Viking Podcast: Pandemic Series. 



Please share these episodes among those who might find them helpful, and let me know what you think in the comments below.


...

Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/ep36-bar-che-dorje-pandemic-edition-guru-viking-podcast/

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

…

I am producing a special series of the Guru Viking Podcast to support those affected by the pandemic. 



I'll be asking my guests questions like how to work with anxiety, fear, and panic? How to work with isolation? How to work with sickness and death? And how to help others having those experiences?

Fear, sickness, death are perennial human experiences, and so my hope is that these episodes will be of use not only to those who are being affected now in this situation, but also of use to others beyond it.

…

0:55 - Guidance for those who are afraid or panicked.

01:57 - Methods to relax

04:32 - Mantra and accumulating mantra power


09:48 - Guidance for those who are sick.


12:39 - Guidance for those who are dying.

18:50 - About the Yeshe Tsogyal Mantra

20:47 - Bar-ché Dorje sings the Yeshe Tsogyal Mantra

22:05 - Guidance for those in isolation.

25:06 - Concluding comments.


…


Check out my previous interview with Bar-ché Dorje:

- https://www.guruviking.com/ep21-bar-che-dorje-guru-viking-interviews/

To find out more about Bar-ché Dorje, visit:

- https://www.facebook.com/barche.dorje

- http://arobuddhism.org/lamas/lamas-bar-che-dorje-and-me-sel.html

For more interviews, videos, and more visit:

– www.guruviking.com

Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

Culadasa, meditation teacher and author of ‘The Mind Illuminated’, is my featured guest in this episode of the Guru Viking Podcast: Pandemic Series. 



Please share these episodes among those who might find them helpful, and let me know what you think in the comments below.


...

https://www.guruviking.com/ep35-culadasa-pandemic-edition-guru-viking-podcast/

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

…

I am producing a special series of the Guru Viking Podcast to support those affected by the pandemic. 



I'll be asking my guests questions like how to work with anxiety, fear, and panic? How to work with isolation? How to work with sickness and death? And how to help others having those experiences?

Fear, sickness, death are perennial human experiences, and so my hope is that these episodes will be of use not only to those who are being affected now in this situation, but also of use to others beyond it.

…

0:55 - Guidance for those who are afraid or panicked.

04:37 - Meditation strategies for working with fear


09:24 - Guidance for those who are sick.


20:39 - Guidance for those who are dying.

28:04 - Guidance for those in isolation.

30:24 - Concluding comments.


…


Check out my previous interview with Culadasa:

- https://www.guruviking.com/ep13-culadasa-guru-viking-interviews/

For more interviews, videos, and more visit:

– www.guruviking.com

Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James