Guru Viking Podcast

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 reflects on the changes in the spiritual journey over a lifetime, whether or not the world is becoming more turbulent, and the effects of ageing on yogic practice and view.

Tulku Sherdor explains why mind training is superior to mystical experiences, emphasises the reality of impermanence, and shares the best tests of successful retreat and spiritual growth.

Tulku Sherdor also warns about the prognosis of tulkus who do not conduct extensive retreat; critiques the shortcomings of the 3-year retreat model as conducted in the West; and details the temptations for dharma teachers in pleasure, profit, praise, and popularity.

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Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep304-crumbs-from-the-parrots-beak-tulku-sherdor

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

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Topics include:

00:00 - Intro

01:04 - Crumbs from the Parrot’s Beak

02:43 - The spiritual journey and the phases of life

04:24 - Is the world becoming more turbulent?

05:56 - The effects of ageing on spiritual practice

07:53 - How to relate to physical limitations

09:56 - Ambition for enlightenment

12:26 - This is more fundamental than Bodhicitta

13:23 - Reality of impermanence

15:20 - The unique challenges of intensive practice and retreat

18:39 - Distinguishing appearance from substance

19:41 - The title “lama” is not a guarantee of quality

21:12 - The best proof of progress

23:17 - The role of a demanding retreat schedule

26:24 - Mature practice

28:03 - Tulkus must conduct extensive retreat but sometimes don’t

30:28 - Prognosis for high lamas who don’t do extensive retreat

32:30 - Hopes for corrections in the tulku system

34:58 - The Tibetan Buddhist tradition is unique and precious

35:41 - Signs of a successful retreat

38:01 - Completing a 3 year retreat is not a guarantee of quality

38:56 - Substandard Western 3 year retreats

40:49 - Pre-1950s Tibet and the renunciate yogi system

46:11 - Today’s economic challenges when practicing the dharma

49:47 - Mind training is superior to glimpses of the nature of mind

55:45 - The best test of success in practice

57:00 - Does practice ever get easier?

01:01:28 - The 4 payoffs: pleasure, profit, praise, popularity

01:06:49 - Guru devotion and the guru relationship

01:12:31 - A story about Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche

01:14:41- Peace Prayer Gathering in June 2025

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Previous episode with Tulku Sherdor:

- https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep276-canadian-tulku-translator-tulku-sherab-dorje

To find our more about Tulku Sherdor, visit:

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

- https://dharmakayacenter.org/all-programs/2637/sadhana-practice-expanding-our-compassion-for-all-beings/?fbclid=IwY2xjawKAGaRleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFXZEJ2cmRmb0U3VTExUWpmAR729nsWXoI6VZEb9GkrzCeajdhS6ze_zGrQZUTvLpsphQJQHPSdJABxQ0brag_aem_dWMYHIGmMRk_dxeWxEuL7A

For more interviews, videos, and more visit:

- https://www.guruviking.com

Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

In this episode, I am joined by Lopon Yudron Wangmo, American teacher of Tibetan Buddhism and author of several books including her recent “Clearing the Way to Awakening”.

Lopon Yudron Wangmo offers an analysis of the shortcomings of today’s Buddhist literature, details the writing process for “Clearing the Way to Awakening”, and reveals the stylistic and language choices she made to better reach the average reader.

Lopon Yudron Wangmo describes the power of the ngondro preliminary practices of Tibetan Buddhism and explains the techniques of mantra recitation, prostrations, mandala offerings, bodhicitta generation, tummo, śamata, and more.

Lopon Yudron Wangmo extols the benefits of turning away from worldly life and towards religion, reports the fruits of her own practice such as profound peace and joy, warns about the danger of following a guru without first testing him, and advises on how to work with the supernatural dimension of Buddhism.

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Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep303-clearing-the-way-to-awakening-lopon-yudron-wangmo

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

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Topics include:

00:00 - Intro

01:04 - Clearing the Way to Awakening

01:52 - The problem with today’s Buddhist literature

03:20 - Sublime topics

04:22 - Style considerations for today’s reading level

06:03 - Learning to write more simply for the average reader

07:18 - Patrul Rinpoche and avoiding imitation

08:30 - What is awakening?

09:09 - Local context in Buddhist cultures

10:34 - Buddha’s description of his awakening

12:37 - Working with the supernatural dimension of Buddhism

14:25 - The ālaya vijñāna and the unconscious mind

17:34 - Buddha nature vs being driven and unconscious

18:57 - Gradualist vs subitist awakening

20:22 - The role of ngondro and the power of visualisation

22:51 - The power of recitation

24:05 - The power of prostrations

26:17 - The power of maṇḍala offerings

28:13 - Why esoteric practices are not appropriate for most people

30:00 - The secrets to completing your ngondro

32:27 - The importance of motivation

33:15 - The anti-climax of realising the nature of mind

35:33 - Tummo and śamata

36:50 - Origin of the ngondro system + Theravada critique

39:17 - Taking refuge

40:30 - Generating bodhicitta and practicing the four immeasurables

41:12 - Vajrasattva and purification practice

42:21 - Merit making and guru yoga

44:06 - If you don’t like it, don’t practice it

45:04 - Yudron asks for Steve’s opinion

46:58 - Choose your Buddhism

48:23 - Disillusionment with saṃsāra and choosing Buddhism later in life

50:03 - The power of choice and acquired ADHD

51:43 - Get on it

52:38 - The power of disillusionment and renunciation

55:07 - The peace and joy of turning away from the world

57:41 - The suffering of loneliness and the fruits of practice

01:00:09 - The mechanism of spiritual contentment

01:02:04 - Yudron on the importance of disclosing attainments

01:03:28 - Spiritual saints

01:04:13 - Political lamas and checking out gurus

01:05:32 - Personal relationship with the guru

01:07:13 - We’re all devoted to something

01:09:09 - Pitfalls of ngondro: anxiety, OCD, depression, and PTSD

01:14:06 - Yudron’s struggles with depression and anxiety

01:19:34 - Boomer Buddhists

01:20:04 - Preliminary or foundational?

01:22:06 - Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo’s advice about retreat

01:23:38 - Congratulated by Vajrasattva and the ontology of deities

01:26:45 - Spontaneous feelings of love

To find out 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 joined by Rebekah Sturgill, mother, school teacher, and convert to Orthodox Christianity.

Rebekah details her upbringing in a Texan evangelical church and how encounters with authoritarianism and questions about her sexuality saw her leave the religion.

Rebekah describes a period of passionate teenage atheism before becoming deeply involved in feminist activism beginning in university. Rebekah explains why she remains a feminist but left activism and how, through a powerful visionary experience, she converted to Orthodox Christianity.

Rebekah also explores the mechanisms of conversion, considers the line between faith and extremism, and comments on the pros and cons of a new trend of conversions to Orthodox Christianity driven by internet influencers and discussion communities.

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Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep302-my-conversion-to-orthodox-christianity-rebekah-sturghill

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

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Topics include:

00:00 - Intro

01:00 - Evangelical Christian upbringing in Texas

04:17 - Studying theology and philosophy at St Johns College

04:38 - Encountering Jesus through reading the Gospels

05:39 - Feminist activism

06:09 - Joining the Orthodox Church

08:18 - Anger at religion and questioning sexuality

11:22 - Authoritarianism in the church

12:26 - Why Rebekah’s family left the church

14:05 - Religious community vs contemplative practice

16:19 - Contemplative emphasis in the Orthodox Church

17:10 - Youth groups and community emphasis

18:16 - Radical atheism phase and the impact on family

23:18 - Becoming a feminist activist

25:50 - Questioning feminist theory, struggles with relativism and essentialism

26:52 - Becoming a 2nd wave feminist

28:34 - Influence of the internet on Rebekah’s various conversions

31:35 - Conversion or coming home?

33:42 - What feminism really is

35:18 - Frustrations with 3rd wave feminism

40:08 - Why feminist activism?

44:34 - Still a feminist? Which views Rebekah still holds

48:00 - Orthodox Christian view of the individual and equality

49:47 - Are Rebekah’s views controversial?

51:43 - In-fighting and leaving activism

54:17 - Religious extremists and extreme activism

55:53 - Losing oneself in extremism

57:50 - Critical mass of buy-in needed for conversion

58:13 - Embracing the dharma or losing oneself?

01:01:46 - CS Lewis’ “The Great Divorce”

01:03:36 - Dying to oneself

01:04:54 - Theosis and losing oneself

01:05:42 - Popularity of Orthodox Christianity online, a new wave of converts

01:07:26 - The practice of Orthodoxy Christianity and the supernatural

01:09:05 - Lent

01:09:55 - High profile conversions to Orthodoxy and an internet pipeline

01:11:22 - Rebekah’s conversion through relationships and community

01:13:15 - The moment of conversion

01:14:41 - Powerful first conversation with an Orthodox priest

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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 Lorna Byrne, spiritual teacher and best selling author of “Angels in my Hair”.

Lorna describes her childhood in Ireland when she first began to see and interact with angels and souls of the dead, and recalls how she navigated these visionary experiences.

Lorna discusses the different types of angels that she sees, as well as other beings such as souls of the deceased, land spirits, elementals and more, and how others might learn to see as she does.

Lorna also reflects on feeling the energy of a place; her lifelong experience of being different to others; unusual reactions people have towards her; and the importance of love, hope, and compassion.

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Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep301-angels-in-my-hair-lorna-byrne

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

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Topics include:

00:00 - Intro

00:52 - Growing up different

04:17 - Learning from angels

05:27 - Be your unique self

06:36 - Seeing angels physically

07:50 - Holding things back and confusion about mankind

09:07 - Consulted by clerics, theologians, and academics

10:04 - Is God real?

11:32 - Responses from people all over the world

13:02 - Deep interactions with strangers

15:20 - Lorna’s view of human beings

16:39 - Can anyone see angels and spirits?

19:10 - Being open to new knowledge

21:39 - Intertwining of the human body and soul

23:43 - Everything is possible

25:57 - Has Lorna met others who can see angels?

28:32 - People who pretend to see spirits for money

39:37 - Feeling the energy of a place

30:35 - Local traditions, land spirits, and the range of beings Lorna encounters

35:59 - How to see spirits

37:53 - The Spirit of the Water

39:52 - Everything has energy

41:51 - Angel at the Centre of the Earth

43:25 - Detecting the influence of Satan

45:59 - A story of boy soldiers

49:06 - Cycles of abuse

50:12 - Thoughts about the future of mankind

52:50 - Love, hope, and compassion

54:43 - Lorna’s retreat centre, Sanctuary


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Find our more about Lorna Byrne:

- https://lornabyrne.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 once again joined by Katarina Falkenberg & Tommy Westlund, alchemists, practitioners of Western Esotericism, and authors of ‘Alchemy, The Divine Work’.

Katarina and Tommy detail the stages and methods of the spiritual path of Western alchemy. They explain the movement through four phases, describe the operations employed during each, and reveal the signs of progress that indicate success.

Katarina and Tommy reveal how to pray to the Madonna, how to purify karma, how to work with fire and emotions such as anger and sadness, the role of tinctures and elixirs, and methods of astral travel and archetypal work.

Katarina and Tommy also consider the power of the imagination, the interaction with external alchemical operations and inner personal refinement, and recount stories of entity encounters and reality creation.

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Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep300-the-spiritual-practice-of-alchemy-katarina-falkenberg-tommy-westlund

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

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Topics include:

00:00 - Intro

01:04 - “Alchemy, The Divine Work”

02:30 - Practices of the alchemical path

03:38 - Prima materia and meditation

05:42 - Meditating on alchemical emblems

06:43 - The metaphysics of prima materia consciousness

07:30 - Praying to Black Madonna

08:38 - How to pray

10:07 - Use of the imagination

11:42 - Signs of contact with the Black Madonna

13:44 - Purifying karma and releasing traumas

15:08 - Inhaling suffering and exhaling love

16:50 - Purification and divine providence

19:09 - The Nigredo phase

20:50 - The seven planets and chakras

21:49 - Theosophical ideas about seven governing forces

26:15 - Moving into the Albedo phase

27:11 - Mercurial consciousness

28:22 - Nigredo vs Albedo phases

29:43 - Working with the astral body

30:17 - Work with herbs and creating tinctures

34:18 - An alchemical elixir toast

36:39 - The Citrinitas phase

38:27 - Working with fire

40:16 - Using anger and sadness

41:48 - Death is not the end

43:33 - Reintegrating the Dark Angel

44:04 - The magic of imagination

48:14 - Fourfold processes and the quintessence

49:37 - Making the soul bigger

51:22 - Working with the Egyptian and Gnostic traditions

52:24 - Projecting the four elements

53:53 - Pilgrimages to magical locations

55:19 - Visitations from giants and other beings

57:42 - Meeting inner archetypes in the outer world

59:37 - The Rubedo phase

01:01:41 - Microcosm and macrocosm

1:04:109 - Fasting and insight into the shadow

01:07:51 - Signs of process on the path

01:10:14 - Working at a deeper level

01:11:31 - Katarina’s novel manifesting into real life

01:13:41 - Creating your own universe

01:15:25 - Life as a creative project

01:17:23 - Working with the ego

01:19:40 - Death and resurrection

01:20:27 - Bad gurus with siddhi powers

01:22:11 - The power of partnership

01:23:34 - Humility and the flaming heart

01:24:40 - Practice advice for the eager student

01:30:36 - Balance vs obsession

01:33:50 - 10-15 years to a successful white wedding

01:36:32 - Working for the next life

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Previous episode with Katarina Falkenberg & Tommy Westlund:

- https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep238-alchemy-the-divine-work-katarina-falkenberg-tommy-westlund

To find out more about Katarina Falkenberg & Tommy Westlund, visit:

- https://www.alkemiskaakademin.se/eng/about-us/


For more interviews, videos, and more visit:

- www.guruviking.com

Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

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.

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

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

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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/


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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 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.

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


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


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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

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Previous episode with Stephen Snyder:

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

To find our more about Stephen Snyder, visit:

- https://awakeningdharma.org/

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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 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.

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

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


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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

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To find our more about Piers Cross, visit:

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

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

- https://www.boardingoninsanity.com/

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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 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.

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Video version: www.guruviking.com

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


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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

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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’.

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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

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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