Guru Viking Podcast

In this episode I join Charles Manson in Oxford, England to visit the Bodleian Library (Oxford University) where he is the specialist librarian for its Tibetan Collections.

Charles leads us through the streets of Oxford to visit the old Bodleian Library, founded in 1602. Then we arrive at the Weston Library to explore its collection of Tibetan manuscripts.

Charles guides us through gold lettered texts about Lamdre and expiation, describes the process of textual revelation known as “terma”, and shares a warning based on his own experiences of dark retreat.

Charles explains the Tibetan doctrines of the afterlife while showing a rare copy of the Tibetan Book of the Dead, muses on Coleridge’s advice for visiting a library, and reflects on why he believes converts to Tibetan Buddhism should attempt to learn the Tibetan language.

Charles also details his working routine as a librarian and archivist, reflects on his own academic journey from SOAS to Harvard and Oxford, and considers the role his religious faith plays in his work with Tibetan texts.

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Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep332-oxford-librarian-of-tibet-charles-manson

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


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Topics include:

00:00 - Intro

01:16 - The old Bodleian

03:25 - Entering the Weston Library

06:13 - Retrieving the texts

06:48 - The Driver collection

08:29 - Close look at a Lamdre text

12:33 - Features of a terma treasure text

13:14 - Mind vs earth termas

15:15 - How termas are composed

15:51 - Charles’ terma experience

16:54 - 4 ways of changing the mind

17:30 - Expanding a terma

18:02 - The Driver collection

19:00 - Dakini script and images

20:52 - Manuscript care

21:20 - Unwrapping a text, discovering a washing prayer

22:30 - More texts

24:50 - The Tibetan Book of the Dead

26:03 - Bardo doctrine of 49 days between lives

26:24 - Opportunities for liberation at and after death

27:43 - How to use the Tibetan Book of the Dead

28:39 - The process of rebirth

29:48 - Liberation upon hearing

30:18 - Phowa practice for the dead

33:16 - Dark retreat as preparation for death

34:11 - Dark retreat warnings

35:40 - Charles’ studies at SOAS, Harvard, and Oxford

38:45 - Beginning at the Bodleian Library

39:58 - Coleridge on libraries

41:15 - Work at the British Library

41:46 - Why Charles would like more time

43:06 - First days at the Bodleian Library

44:36 - Initial work on the collection

45:27 - The Library of Congress and other partnerships

50:59 - Range of acquisitions

52:46 - Tibetan medical writing

53:41 - Access and the goals of Charles’ library acquisitions

57:14 - What would Charles do with more funding

01:01:41 - Providing online access for the world

01:03:32 - Day in the life at the Bodleian Library

01:06:33 - Importance of specialist knowledge

01:09:19 - Charles’ religious devotion

01:13:45 - Separation of religion and scholarship

01:14:53 - Why converts should learn the Tibetan language

01:16:43 - Scholar practitioners and the importance of study

01:18:17 - Teaching the Tibetan language

01:19:02 - Curation as religious service

01:19:17 - Charles’ invitation to viewers

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Previous episode with Charles Manson:

- https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep243-scholar-practitioner-charles-manson

To find our more about Charles Manson, visit:

- https://www.shambhala.com/authors/the-second-karmapa-karma-pakshi.html

- https://uk.linkedin.com/in/charles-manson-07420911

- [email protected]

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For more interviews, videos, and more visit:

- www.guruviking.com

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Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

In this episode I am joined by Alana Fairchild, spiritual teacher, psychic, and author of the best-selling Kuan Yin Oracle Deck.

Alana recalls her unusual childhood of Catholicism and folk spirituality, details her training as a psychic, and recounts her significant spiritual experiences.

Alana shares her journey of academic excellence through law school, explains her career-change to become a working psychic, and reveals how she created the bestselling Kuan Yin Oracle Deck.

Alana also reflects on the relationship between eros and spirituality, expresses her views on past lives, and describes her mysterious sense of connection to the Kālī Mā and the Indian tantric tradition.

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https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep331-becoming-the-oracle-alana-fairchild

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

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Topics Include:

00:00 - Intro

01:38 - Alana’s unusual childhood

03:22 - Early spiritual inclination

05:44 - Folk spirituality and an esteemed Catholic family

08:59 - Alana’s father

10:06 - Pros and cons of ancestor work

13:34 - 2 dimensions of freedom

16:52 - Alana’s beliefs about past lives

20:12 - Comparative religion and expanding the experience of God

23:24 - Eros and spirituality

34:45 - Sacred sexuality mistakes

28:36 - Imminence vs transcendence

30:35 - Changing relationship with Buddhism

33:47 - Spiritual experience while getting a tattoo

36:11 - Overcoming lifelong existential terror

40:17 - Sense of connection to Tibet

41:39 - Heart connection with Kuan Yin / Avalokiteśvara

44:45 - Connection to Kālī Mā at 6 years old

45:53 - Creating the bestselling Kuan Yin Oracle Deck

48:18 - Developing a Buddhist tarot deck

49:35 - Training as a lawyer

53:02 - Meeting a mentor and becoming a psychic

55:50 - Psychic training

59:58 - Changing modalities of Alana’s psychic work

01:02:35 - Attending Catholic mass as a clairvoyant

01:04:19 - How Alana receives psychic impressions

01:06:24 - Sequel

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To find our more about Alana Fairchildvisit:

- https://www.alanafairchild.com/

For more interviews, videos, and more visit:

- https://www.guruviking.com

Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

This trialogue continues a series of discussions exploring the latest interdisciplinary research into tantric completion stage practices such as yogas of dream, sleep, and death.

Dr Tawni Tidwell is a biocultural anthropologist and doctor of traditional Tibetan medicine.

Dr Michael Sheehy is the Director of Research at the Contemplative Sciences Center in the Department of Religious Studies in the University of Virginia.

Dr Julian Schott is an Indologist, Tibetologist, and assistant professor at the University of Vienna.

In this episode, the panel explore the ethical and methodological challenges of the studying Buddhist tantra; consider the various agendas behind scientific research into meditation, gtummo, and dream yoga; and argue for the centring of human liberation alongside human wellness and profit motives.

Dr Sheehy presents his working model for achieving contemplative fluency across a range of meditation styles, suggests that scientific study of meditation can be seen as a type of cultural translation, and considers the use of etic frameworks and methods to study religious and cultural forms.

Dr Tidwell argues for the validity of subjective experience, Dr Schott points out the tensions within religious traditions, and the panel consider if neuroscience might one day teach Buddhism something new about itself.

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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

02:11 - Why study tantra with science?

04:01 - Complexity of tantra

05:10 - Skills and transformations

05:50 - Michael’s meditation model of “instances and styles“

08:48 - Multi-modular styles and ngondro

11:17 - Contemplative fluency

13:58 - gTummo and overriding the autonomic nervous system

16:21 - 2 reasons why Vajrayāna is said to be the fast path

17:55 - Why is tantra so complex?

19:37 - Pushing to one’s limits is key to tantra

22:29 - 3 classic contemplative approaches in Buddhism

25:27 - Radical transformation and social transgression

27:56 - A tension within the tradition

29:03 - Changing practice along the path

31:04 - Sādhanā is not linear

34:25 - Critical challenges when studying tantra

35:41 - The importance of neurophenomenology

39:44 - Scientific vs traditional explanatory frameworks

43:28 - Relative and the absolute

46:08 - Transmitted blessings

48:07 - Trust in the traditions

50:33 - Moving beyond the traditions with science

52:38 - A second order, cultural translation

54:58 - Paradox of the paradigm

56:26 - Defending the etic perspective

58:06 - Multi-disciplinary teams

59:37 - The fundamental academic principle

01:01:58 - Pros and cons of the etic and emic

01:03:16- Will science improve the Buddhist tradition?

01:04:56 - Neuroplasticity and aging

01:06:50 - Reshaping Buddhism is imperative

01:09:26 - A cultural-religious looping effect

01:13:13 - Dream yoga training with VR

01:18:50 - Secular extraction approaches and making the traditions better

01:21:25 -MBSR and Healthy Minds

01:22:57 - Subjective experience is valid

1:25:16 - Human freedom beyond the social and political

01:31:59 - Admitting the religious aspect

01:34:07 - Prioritising human freedom

01:35:48 - A reflexive process

01:37:09 - Is scientific study for the good?

01:38:30 - Future episode plans

Previous panel discussions:

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

Previous episodes with Dr Julian Schott:

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

To find our more about the panel, visit:

- https://michaelrsheehy.com/

- https://centerhealthyminds.org/about/people/tawni-tidwell

- https://stb.univie.ac.at/en/about-us/team/julian-schott/user/schottj85/inum/1083/backpid/198178/

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 Alan Chapman, British writer, occultist, and spiritual teacher.

Alan reflects on his search for true awakening, compares the spiritual traditions of the West and the East, and questions the liberal ideal of the universal man.

Alan presents Merlin as the archetype of the Western adept, asserts theosis to be the true purpose of Christianity, and reveals the language of the birds.

Alan also offers advice for those who have had an awakening, discusses Gnosticism and Pragmatic Dharma, and critiques the idea that contemplative neuroscience is the Fourth Turning of Buddhism.

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Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep329-the-western-path-alan-chapman-2

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

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Topics Include:

00:00 - Intro

00:46 - Is Alan a book guy?

03:30 - Alan’s books

07:07 - Current writing project

10:02 - Insights on Crowley

11:17 - What Alan enjoys reading

13:53 - Eastern vs Western traditions

19:25 - In search of true awakening

21:05 - Cultural and ethnic inheritance

21:57 - Western Buddhism and Sigalow’s “American JewBu”

27:04- The Christian revival and theosis

29:02 - Trauma for your own good

31:05 - Becoming a fit vessel

32:48 - The true Western tradition

36:50 - Western vs Eastern awakening

37:37 - Merlin

41:23 - Language of the birds

44:33 - Entering the miraculous

45:56 - How Alan first encountered the language of the birds

54:01 - Transmission and birds as messengers

56:23 - Spirituality beyond states and stages

59:32 - The Liberal ideal of the universal human being

01:02:04 - The end of the WW2 cultural drama

01:03:03 - Perennialism, Traditionalism, and Magia

01:06:28 - Spiritual cultural exchange

01:09:07 - Denying difference

01:10:22 - Gnosticism, alchemy, and Merlin

01:14:09 - Beat Zen, Square Zen

01:15:46 - Misunderstanding foreign traditions

01:19:19 - Traditions fit their own cultures

01:20:29 - Scholasticism

01:23:00 - Pragmatic Dharma

01:24:37 - A need to belong

01:26:08 - Morality and nondual realisation

01:27:07 - The real longing

01:29:51 - Follow the Silent Knowing

01:30:51 - Traditionalism and cultural chauvinism

01:32:28 - Problems with following foreign traditions

01:37:44 - Fetishisation

01:40:35 - Post-awakening advice

01:41:48 - Basic Goodness and Chogyam Trungpa

01:42:58 - Syncretism vs divine inspiration

01:49:35 - Origins of Christianity

01:51:01 - History of ideas vs esoteric transmission

01:57:15 - 4th turning delusion

01:59:24 - Critique of contemplative neuroscience

02:02:13 - The winter of a civilisation

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Previous episodes with Alan Chapman: 

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

To find our more about Alan Chapman visit:

- https://barbarouswords.com/

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 Dr Nida Chenagtsang, Buddhist teacher, doctor of Tibetan Medicine, and author of "Foundations of Vajrayana”.

Dr Nida discusses the foundations of tantric practice, shares the power of its intensive ngondro practices, and reveals how to face one’s emotions with Vajrayana methods.

Dr Nida also explains the nyingthig genre of heart drop teachings, differentiates true freedom from spiritual bypass, and shares an anecdote of a student who experienced a temporary awakening.

Dr Nida also probes me about the Buddhist doctrines of suffering and taking refuge, explains the difference between good and bad attachment, and reveals why Buddha Shakyamuni does not require respect.

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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

00:55 - New books

02:40 - About the ngondro book

03:49 - Dr Nida’s history of ngondro practice

05:18 - Yuthok’s Nyingthig

08:29 - The nyingthig genre of Tibetan spiritual texts

15:59 - 5th Dalai Lama’s mastery of Yuthok Nyingthig

17:52 - Tibetan medical and astrological training

20:09 - Jamgon Kongtrul’s Yuthok Nyingthig commentary

21:27 - Dr Nida’s experiences as a teacher

23:47 - The importance of asking questions

27:25 - When Buddhism makes people more stressed

29:43 - Extreme freedom and spiritual bypass

30:50 - 2 types of realisation

33:38 - Importance of ngondro

38:53 - Prostrations are a perfect yoga

42:04 - The teacher must connect with students

46:40 - Good attachment vs bad attachment

48:53 - 4 Noble Truths

49:35 - Making the ngondro personal to you

51:06 - Practice must begin where you are

53:54 - Making practice truly personal

58:45 - Buddhist gospel

59:53 - Spiritual bypass in Buddhism

01:00:22 - Anecdote about a temporary awakening

01:02:24 - Dr Nida probes Steve about taking refuge

01:06:09 - A new language of refuge

01:06:55 - Guru traumas

01:09:00 - You are a Buddha

01:10:42 - Final teaching of Dzogchen

01:12:09 - Buddha Shakymuni did not require respect

01:14:16 - Soothing emotional suffering

01:16:33 - Many methods of Vajrayana

01:17:25 - Facing your emotions

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Previous episodes with Dr Nida Chenagtsang:

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

To find out more about Dr Nida Chenagtsang, visit:

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

- http://www.skypressbooks.com/

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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 Dr Francisco José Luis, scholar of Indo-Iranian Studies and Comparative Religion trained at the Sorbonne, Paris and SOAS, London.

Francisco recalls his upbringing and education in Luxembourg; details his rigorous academic training in classical languages such as Latin, Greek, and Sanskrit; and laments what he sees as the rise of idealogical indoctrination in modern education

Francisco discusses his PhD in pre-reformist Sikhism, his years of field work living in the Punjab, and expresses his love of the German intellectual tradition.

Francisco reveals the influence of Neoplatonism in Islamic theology and mysticism, describes his own turn to Shiʿi Islam, and explains why he believes that even today there is a living lineage of Neoplatonism that stretches directly back to Plotinus.

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Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep327-neoplatonic-mystic-dr-francisco-jos-luis

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

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Topics include:

00:00 - Intro

01:01 - Upbringing in Luxembourg

02:56 - Classical education

04:28 - Learning Latin, Greek, and Sanskrit

08:03 - Germanic intellectual tradition and WW2

12:37 - Advantages of an anti-American education

15:06 - Critical thinking and intellectual independence

17:04 - Boomer educators and idealogical indoctrination

20:59 - German literature

22:56 - Post WW2 culture shock and the boomer revolution

27:20 - Vatican II and loss of trust

30:35 - Filling education gaps

32:06 - A deeply pagan Catholic

35:21 - Meditation practice and interest in Neo-Vedanta

37:52 - Studying two masters degrees simultaneously at the Sorbonne

39:57 - Rigorous training in Sanskrit

43:56 - MA theses in French literature and pre-reform Sikhism

45:20 - PhD at SOAS in pre-reformist Sikh monastic orders

46:48 - Living among the Sikh community and learning Punjabi

49:54 - Young Sikh’s interest in pre-reformist religion

50:54 - Death threats from Sikhs

53:00 - Changes in Sikhism

55:20 - Tradition religious music of Sikhism and other pre-reformist features

01:00:18 - Neo-traditionalist Sikh movements in the UK and India

01:03:59 - Falling in love with Shiʿi Islam

01:10:16 - Conversion to Islam?

01:11:45 - Shi’ism as a personal practice

01:13:23 - Cultural barriers against European converts

01:16:12 - Neo-Platonic Vajrayanism

01:17:43 - Mysticism perceived as a threat

01:21:48 - Neoplatonic influence on Islam

01:27:28 - Surprising Neo-Platonic features of Islamic mysticism

01:33:30 - Metempsychosis in Islam

01:37:16 - Francisco is a Neoplatonist

01:43:08 - Vajrayana and Shiʿi inner alchemy and dream yoga

01:50:43 - Islamic tummo

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To find our more about Dr Francisco José Luis, visit:

- https://www.instagram.com/hludvig_tradicionalista

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 Leigh Brasington, Buddhist meditation teacher and author of ‘Right Concentration, A Practical Guide to the Jhanas’.

In this episode we had planned to discuss Leigh’s latest book, entitled “On The Way To The Far Shore”. Instead Leigh spontaneously began to explore the theme of Buddhism and politics and so we decided to go deeper into his ideas.

Leigh shares his take on the world situation and reveals the impact of his childhood upbringing and college education on the development of his own political views.

Leigh discusses whether or not Buddhist spiritual development necessarily leads to left wing politics, reflects on the role of compassion and interdependence in the left-right divide, and considers whether or not past Buddhist masters who held different political views to his own lacked enlightenment.

Leigh also warns about the dangers of clinging to fixed views, gives advice for how meditators should relate to politics, and explains why he believes political engagement is a natural result of the spiritual path.

This episode is a spontaneous exploration of Leigh’s ideas about Buddhism and politics in the spirit of open discourse and is not intended to represent my own views or the stance of this podcast.

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Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep326-enlightened-politics-leigh-brasington

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

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Topics Include:

00:00 - Intro

01:18 - Complexity and inequality

02:52 - Global warming

03:28 - Visiting mission fields in Mexico

05:13 - Overpopulation

06:02 - What motivates Leigh’s political engagement?

08:24 - Practice and politics

11:03 - Should Buddhists be politically engaged?

16:49 - Dependent origination leads to politics

22:21 - Diverse politics of past Buddhist masters

24:31 - Evolution of Leigh’s political views

28:40 - How Leigh relates to those who hold different political views

32:19 - Why did past Buddhist masters hold different views to Leigh’s?

35:21 - Spiritual insight leads to left wing positions

40:54 - How does Leigh explain past Buddhist masters who have held conservative views?

47:58 - Does it give Leigh pause to claim his political views are the most enlightened?

54:11 - Leigh comments on the awakening of past masters who held different political views to his own

56:34 - Leigh refines his position

57:44 - What if Leigh is wrong?

59:16 - Advice for how to relate to politics as a spiritual practitioner

01:02:27 - New sutta index

01:06:09 - Why discuss controversial topics?

01:08:43 - Concluding remarks

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Previous episodes with Leigh Brasington:

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

To find our more about Leigh Brasington visit:

- http://www.leighb.com/

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 Lopon Yudron Wangmo, American teacher of Tibetan Buddhism and author of several books including, her most recent, “Clearing the Way to Awakening”.

Lopon Yudron Wangmo shares stories of her discipleships under various spiritual gurus such as Lama Tharchin, recalls her memories of the California Vajrayāna scene, and remarks on the qualities she has observed in realised masters.

Lopon Yudron Wangmo reflects on her ADHD struggles with concentration in meditation, offers a critique of śamatha practice, and shares her own relationship to the dialectic between effort and rest.

Lopon Yudron Wangmo explains how Dzogchen works, shares her experiences in extended solo retreat, and warns about the possibility of psychological regression during Tibetan Buddhist 3-year retreat.

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Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep325-my-spiritual-journey-lopon-yudron-wangmo-3

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

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Topics include:

00:00 - Intro

00:58 - New audiobook of “Clearing the Way to Awakening”

06:34 - Text and oral cultures in Tibet

09:44 - Ngondro workbook

11:58 - Discipleship under various Tibetan Lamas

15:09 - Attraction to Vajrayāna

15:20 - Memories of Lama Tharchin

22:53 - 3 year retreat

25:28 - Solo retreats

26:09 - Longchen Nyingthig practice

27:00 - Desire for practice and further retreats

29:15 - Evidence of attainment

32:51 - The nature of mind and the 6 bardos

34:29 - Lama Tharchin’s spaciousness

36:26 - Dzogchen vs Mindfulness

39:28 - Critique of śamatha meditation

41:43 - Effortful practice vs Dzogchen

45:01 - Rewards of a life of practice

46:18 - Uncontrived resting

48:05 - How Dzogchen works

54:21 - Practicing in old age

56:05 - Production-line teaching style

58:21 - Regression to childlike state in 3 year retreat

59:00 - Peak experiences and being good enough

01:00:22 - The California Vajrayāna scene

01:03:52 - Encouragement to practice Vajrayāna

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Previous episode with Lopon Yudron Wangmo:

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

To find our more about Lopon Yudron Wangmo, visit:

- https://www.yudronwangmo.com/

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 Alex W, long term practitioner of Zen, Pragmatic Dharma, and Western Occultism.

Alex explains how to meditate after awakening; details the path to success in Zen, Mahāmudrā, and Dzogchen; and compares Taoist Inner Alchemy to cultivating the enjoyment body, Saṃbhogakāya.

Alex reflects on the biases of the Buddhist tradition, summarises the phases of his own meditation development, and differentiates constructive and deconstructive modes of practice.

Alex also reveals the purpose of the 6 Yogas of Naropa, warns about the dangers of advanced meditation techniques, and considers whether greater political engagement is a result of spiritual maturity.

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Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep324-how-to-practice-after-awakening-alex-w-2

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


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Topics include:

00:00 - Intro

00:53 - Repercussions of first interview

03:20 - Changing practice priorities

04:26 - Concern for younger generations

07:04 - Constructive vs deconstructive practice

08:18 - Biases of the Buddhist tradition

13:47 - Crystallising the energy body

14:46 - Success in Zen, Mahāmudrā, and Dzogchen practices

17:02 - Why talk about spiritual experiences

19:09 - Beyond nondual realisation

23:04 - Post-awakening stages

26:41 - Rewiring the energy body

31:03 - Out of body experiences and the body of light

35:41 - Summoning spirits

37:36 - Building the Saṃbhogakāya

38:40 - Improving the self

40:51 - Summarising the phases of Alex’s practice

41:42 - Cultural resonances and adopting foreign traditions

45:36 - Inner alchemy

49:01 - The big danger of energy practices

52:11 - Power of Now

55:21 - Consciousness and energy

01:00:46 - Preparing for the afterlife

01:04:45 - The purpose of the 6 Yogas of Naropa

01:06:24 - The purpose of deity yoga

01:08:25 - Taoist inner alchemy

01:10:21 - Rainbow body and Dzogchen attainments

01:13:53 - What is the point of post-awakening practices?

01:30:42 - Spirituality vs self improvement

01:36:11 - Dangers of intense practices

01:40:43 - Wrong ideas about freedom from suffering

01:43:24 - Enlightened self interest

01:45:45 - Clarifying the term “ego”

01:51:17 - Cult leader manipulations

01:53:25 - Change of interest from spirituality to politics

01:54:57 - Political concern related to age or spiritual development?

01:56:29 - Perks of aging

01:58:42 - Finding your purpose

02:01:27 - Service as a spiritual path

02:02:27 - Who Alex admires

02:09:56 - Sequel plans

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For more interviews, videos, and more visit:

- www.guruviking.com

Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

In this episode I am joined by Alan Chapman, British writer, occultist, and spiritual teacher.

Alan recalls his troubled childhood in the impoverished North of England, reflects on the British class system, and shares his first encounter with Aleister Crowley.

Alan recounts his occult adventures with long time collaborator Duncan Barford, shares his spiritual biography of awakenings and mystical experiences, and considers the power and pitfalls of spiritual transmission.

Alan also compares gurus Papaji, and Andrew Cohen, and Adi Da; reveals why he considers Stephen Batchelor and Sam Harris to be Black Brothers; and discusses the role of the Dark Goddess on the path of awakening.

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Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep323-british-occultist-alan-chapman

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

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Topics Include:

00:00 - Intro

00:55 - Duncan Barford and Alex W

03:07 - Impoverished upbringing in the North of England

05:05 - Early reaction to Christ

05:56 - First encounter with Aleister Crowley

11:17 - Chaos magic and meeting Duncan Barford

12:00 - What kind of boy was Alan?

14:28 - Class consciousness

15:44 - Sensitive boy in a cruel environment

19:20 - Regret about violence

20:58 - One’s own nature

22:25 - Alan questions Steve’s questions

22:45 - British class system

27:21 - Liminal identity

29:50 - Working vs middle vs upper class

31:18 - Anti-aspiration

33:18 - Growing out of musical aspirations

37:36 - Shedding Feathers and fulfilment on the path

41:41 - Crowley book and facing challenges

47:37 - Path myth in The Book of the Law

54:56 - True path vs the New Age

58:08 - Following the Silent Knowing

01:05:10 - Facing darkness

01:10:36 - Black Brothers like Stephen Batchelor and Sam Harris

01:19:48 - Stephen Batchelor’s crisis of faith

01:22:49 - Warning about spiritual teachers

01:23:48 - Stereotypes of culture and awakening

01:27:54 - Papaji and the nondual car crash

01:31:33 - Adi Da and guru yoga

01:35:45 - Papaji vs Adi Da

01:41:24 - Invoking the Holy Guardian Angel

01:47:30 - Andrew Cohen

01:52:16 - Great White Brotherhood

01:54:34 - Enlightened in India

01:57:26 - Ancestors appear

01:59:11 - Practicing with Adi Da

02:01:01 - Transmission traps

02:05:02 - Confronted by Adi Da disciple

02:06:51 - Solid, vital, peculiar

02:09:12 - Cutting truth and Adyashanti

02:10:43 - Reflections on Adi Da’s trajectory

02:11:52 - Further awakening at 33

02:19:52 - Receiving the Magia teaching

02:33:58 - The Dark Goddess

02:36:15 - Accommodating yourself to the Damned

02:37:25 - Finding Sophia

02:40:28 - Crowley and Jung

02:42:14 - Myth of Sophia

02:47:42 - Sequel plans

02:48:58 - Alan’s perspective on near death experiences

03:00:31 - Purpose of life and awakening

…

To find our more about Alan Chapman visit:

- https://barbarouswords.com/

For more interviews, videos, and more visit:

- https://www.guruviking.com

Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James