Guru Viking Interview Series

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

Ep302: My Conversion to Orthodox Christianity - Rebekah Sturgill

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

Ep303: Clearing the Way to Awakening - Lopon Yudron Wangmo

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 

…

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

Ep304: Crumbs from the Parrot’s Beak - Tulku Sherdor

In this episode I am joined by Ray Russell, founder of Tartarus Press and, as R.B. Russell, the author of the newly published T. Lobsang Rampa And Other Characters of Questionable Faith, the first definitive biography of T Lobsang Rampa. 

Ray shares the life story of Rampa, born Cyril Henry Hoskin in 1910, who claimed to have been possessed by the consciousness of a Tibetan Lama. Rampa’s books were best sellers in the mid 20th century and, though debunked by specialists at the time, are credited for bringing awareness to Tibetan Buddhism and serving as the initial inspiration for the careers of several notable Tibetologists. 

Ray reveals the truth of Rampa’s origins, his various assumed identities, his ascent to international fame, the consequences of his exposure by the press, and the surprising reasons for his ongoing popularity.  

Ray also reflects on the mystery of faith, the psychological payoffs from belief in hoaxes and conspiracy theories, and what motivates some authors to represent fiction as fact.

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Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/p319-mystery-of-t-lobsang-rampa-rb-russell

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

Topics include: 


00:00 - Intro
01:10 - A look at the book
02:32 - Childhood exposure to world religions
04:31 - The New Age and the question of faith
07:04 - Denying scientific facts
08:04 - Mystical experiences 
09:22 - Alan Moore and belief in magick
10:16 - Meaning and comfort from myths and religions
10:56 - Crowley
11:22 - Incredulity and fascination
13:04 - Suspension of disbelief and religious conversion
14:27 - Nutrients of meaning and comfort
15:39 - Facing death 
17:26 - Does everyone have faith in something?
19:01 - Secular religion?
19:55 - Encountering T Lobsang Rampa
21:04 - Discovering Rampa’s fraud
22:19 - Third Eye (1956)
23:13 - Possessed by the consciousness of a Tibetan Lama
24:42 - Erich von Däniken’s clever approach
26:47 - Becoming first Dr KuanSuo and then T Lobsang Rampa
31:09 - Never coming out of character 
34:28 - Inspiration for converts and scholars of Tibet Buddhism
36:00 - The Dalai Lama’s thanks to Rampa
36:45 - Liar, delusional, or the Son of God?
38:06 - Reactions among the inner circle
40:38 - Transmigration revealed too late
42:22 - Independent vs institutionally validated miracles
44:44 - Rampa’s theosophical ideas
46:52 - Mistakes in the Third Eye
47:53 - Nostalgia for childhood
49:24 - Which miracles to believe?
50:11 - Tibetologists on Rampa 
52:34 - Carlos Castaneda 
54:04 - Raynor Winn’s “The Salt Path” controversy 
55:45 - Anger at Rampa
57:35 - Crop circles 
59:29 - Tartarus Press and Arthur Machen
01:01:30 - Why “Tartarus"
01:03:09 - The Great God Pan and other Machen writing

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Buy Ray’s book here:
- http://tartaruspress.com/russell-rampa.html

For more interviews, videos, and more visit:
- www.guruviking.com

Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

Ep319: Mystery of T Lobsang Rampa - R.B. Russell

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

Ep325: My Spiritual Journey - Lopon Yudron Wangmo 3

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’.

…

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

Ep327: Neoplatonic Mystic - Dr Francisco José Luis

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

Ep328: Foundations of Vajrayana - Dr Nida Chenagtsang

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’.

…

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

…

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

Ep329: The Western Path - Alan Chapman 2

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. 

…

Link in bio.

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

…

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

Ep330: Questioning the Scientific Study of Tantra  - Dr Tawni Tidwell, Dr Michael Sheehy, & Dr Julian Schott

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

…

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

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

…

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 

…

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

Ep331: Becoming the Oracle - Alana Fairchild

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.

…

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

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

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 

…

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 
- charles.manson@bodleian.ox.ac.uk

…
 For more interviews, videos, and more visit:
 - www.guruviking.com 

…

Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

Ep332: Oxford Librarian of Tibet - Charles Manson

The Guru Viking Podcast specializes in in-depth interviews with remarkable figures in the world of meditation, spirituality, and self development.

Steve travels internationally teaching somatic practices and meditation, and leads explorations in contemplative, mystic, & relational realms.

Ep330: Questioning the Scientific Study of Tantra - Dr Tawni Tidwell, Dr Michael Sheehy, & Dr Julian Schott

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