In this episode I am joined by Ishtar, an independent mediation teacher, mystic, and spiritual guide.
Ishtar shares his unusual childhood including near constant encounters with ghosts, early spiritual experiences, astral journeys, and precognitive dreams.
Ishtar details his life of spiritual seeking, years of intensive meditation practice, encounters with the cult groups, dark nights of the soul, and more.
Ishtar also recounts the car crash which both killed his mother and plunged Ishtar, at 13 years old, into a near death experience that would change his life forever.
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Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep278-the-mystic-ishtar
Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.
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Topics include:
00:00 - Intro
00:42 - Ishtar’s unusual childhood
02:16 - Early encounters with ghosts
04:35 - Distress of constant ghost encounters
05:33 - Becoming Sherlock Holmes for ghosts
07:19 - Discovering the personality
10:48 - Beginning to suffer and developing roles
12:48 - Becoming a good faker
13:21 - Car crash, NDE, and the death of Ishtar’s mother
23:34 - Anger towards God
24:08 - A strange silence and bliss
26:59 - Grief and searching for transcendence
29:43 - Beginning of spiritual seeking
31:03 - Meeting local psychics
31:48 - Considering careers
33:12 - A powerful palm reading
36:15 - The mad monk inside
37:07 - 6hrs of practice each day
38:36 - Past life memories and spiritual proclivities
43:33 - Out of body experience
45:38 - Astral travel to floating cities
48:12 - Shaft of light
49:38 - Precognitive daydreams
50:17 - Further precognition
53:39 - Reading “Autobiography of a Yogi” and praying to Babaji
56:52 - Joining the Ishaya Foundation and living in ashrams
01:02:39 - Leaving the ashram and entering a dark night of the soul
01:05:44 - Repercussions of leaving a cult group
01:07:40 - Suffering returns and facing death
01:09:42 - The magic returns and teaching meditation
01:11:47 - Meeting his future wife
01:13:21 - A tough 2016
01:14:19 - Breakthrough to fully merging with everything
01:14:56 - Visions of Tuscany and experiences of blended time
01:19:20 - Reconciliations and purifications
01:19:43 - Leaving Portland and move to Portugal
01:21:47 - “I” vs “we”
01:22:52 - How did Ishtar spend his daily 6hrs of meditation?
01:26:18 - Spinning the wheels of meditation and trying to force results
01:27:40 - Powerful psychedelic experience
01:30:40 - Ishtar reflects on losing his mother at age 13
01:32:42 - An experience of maternal reconnection and affirmation
01:34:38 - Inner child work
01:36:11 - Mother’s embrace in Florence
01:37:44 - What does Ishtar’s teach
01:38:54 - Ishtar’s recent spiritual breakthroughs
01:41:40 - Psychic powers are not the bullseye
01:43:25 - Ishtar’s concluding thoughts and advice
01:47:29 - Christopher Wood, the stick peddler
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To find our more about Isthar, visit:
- https://www.ascension-meditation.com/
- https://www.awakenedlightastrology.com/
- https://www.youtube.com/ishtarishaya
…
For more interviews, videos, and more visit:
- https://www.guruviking.com
Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James
Ep277: Master of the Way - Prof William Rory Dickson 2
Friday, October 25, 2024 • Duration 01:20:34
In this episode I am once again joined by Dr. William Rory Dickson an associate professor of Islamic Religion and Culture at The University of Winnipeg and author of “Dissolving into Being: The Wisdom of Sufi Philosophy”.
Professor Dickson discusses Ibn ‘Arabi (1165–1240), an important Sufi poet and philosopher. Ibn ‘Arabi was described as the greatest master of the Way but has increasingly been seen as a controversial and heterodox figure by some within Islam.
Professor Dickson explores the historical tensions between the mystic and the cleric, describes Sufi meditation methods and the struggle to realisation, and considers extra-Islamic influences on Sufism throughout history.
Professor Dickson also reflects on Sufism’s interaction with American culture including the universalist new age movement, the failure of utopian models of worldwide religious harmony, and the retraditionalisation of religious orders such as the Inayatiyya.
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Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep277-master-of-the-way-prof-william-rory-dickson-2
Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.
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Topics include:
00:00 - Intro
01:14 - Orthodox to heterodox
05:44 - Who was Ibn ‘Arabi?
06:49 - A spiritual prodigy
10:34 - Leaving Andalusia and arriving in Damascus
12:33 - The greatest master of the Way
14:57 - Mystic vs cleric
17:23 - Political executions of sufis
19:12 - The need to read the room
19:54 - Periods of tension and integration
21:37 - The influence of patronage
24:18 - The struggle for spiritual realisation
27:47 - The visions and practice of Ibn ‘Arabi
29:12 - Embodying the 99 names of God
32:11 - Sufi meditation on the names of God
35:36 - The state of dhikr
36:20 - Ascetic practices
37:53 - Extra-Islamic influences on Sufi practice, historical and modern
46:54 - God brings prophets to all people
49:09 - Pir Vilayat Inayat Khan, Lex Hixon, and the New Age
58:04 - History of the Inayatiyya order
01:03:00 - Reformulating Sufism for an American audience
01:05:13 - Retraditionalisation in Inayatiyya
01:06:43 - The failure of modernist universalism
01:09:48 - Death of optimism
01:11:28 - Postmodernism vs perennialism
01:12:24 - Does Ibn ‘Arabi offer a synthesis of modern and post-modern perspectives?
01:16:17 - Rumi and the controversy of Coleman Barks
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Previous episode with Professor William Rory DIckson:
- https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep272-mystical-path-of-sufism-professor-william-rory-dickson
To find our more about Professor William Rory Dickson, visit:
- https://www.uwinnipeg.ca/experts-guide/william-rory-dickson.html
- https://anqa.co.uk/publications/dissolving-being
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For more interviews, videos, and more visit:
- https://www.guruviking.com
Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James
Ep268: Sitting with Terror - Khandro Kunzang Dechen Chodron
Friday, August 23, 2024 • Duration 01:41:09
In this episode I am joined by Khandro Kunzang Dechen Chodron, teacher of Tibetan Buddhism and executive director of Saraswati Bhawan Publications.
Khandro Kunzang recalls her childhood samadhi experiences and communications with animal spirits, her meetings with great gurus, and her own path of mystical experiences.
Khandro Kunzang recounts stories about Lama Dawa and Kunzang Dorje Rinpoche including tales of mirror divination, precognitive dreams, chulen mastery, and other yogic feats.
Khandro Kunzang also explains how to work with terror and collapse of the Self, how to hold a place in one’s practice for uncertainty, and the importance of the student’s capacity when working with a guru.
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Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep268-sitting-with-terror-khandro-kunzang-dechen-chodron
Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.
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Topics include:
00:00 - Intro
00:52 - Early life and connection to nature
03:06 - Exposure to Eastern religion and samadhi experiences
05:38 - Powerful experience with a Buddha statue at 14 years old
08:07 - Initial Buddhist seeking
09:44 - Involvement in New Age
10:03 - Transformative resonance with Yeshe Tsogyal’s biography
12:42 - Collapse of the Self structure
14:11 - Active Buddhist involvement
16:31 - Taking refuge and life falling apart
18:34 - All in for Dharma
20:29 - Meeting Lama Dawa and open discussion of the spirit realm
26:29 - Karmic affinity with Lama Dawa
28:16 - Invitation to meet Kunzang Dorje Rinpoche
29:59 - Accompanying Lama Dawa on a 9 month tour
33:10 - The influence of Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo
34:10 - Childhood communication with nature spirits and interest in environmental activism
38:20 - Dreams of guardian angel / dharma protector
40:42 - Feelings of alienation and other awakening experiences
44:58 - Past life as a Kagyu retreat master
47:00 - New Age interpretations
50:17 - Time as a sound healer
53:00 - More than mere appearances
54:13 - Trauma and the subtle body
55:52 - Lama Dawa’s yogic emphasis on experience
58:42 - Lama Dawa’s criticisms of scholars
59:55 - Bad death of a geshe
01:00:29 - Lama Dawa’s skill in debate
01:02:06 - Disillusionment with scholarship and social status
01:03:25 - Using the body to process trauma and “stuff” on retreat
01:05:21 - Intense experiences on retreat
01:07:18 - Discipline and music
01:09:08 - Constructive criticism and student capacity
01:11:27 - History of Lama Dawa and Kunzang Dorje Rinpoche
01:18:40 - Mastery of stone chulen and other yogic feats
01:23:12 - Mirror divination and other prognostication
01:31:21 - Living with a collapsed Self
01:33:16 - Sitting with terror and holding the place for uncertainty
01:36:14 - Working with the edge
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To find our more about Khandro Kunzang Dechen Chodron, visit:
- https://www.phurbathinleyling.org/khandro-kunzang/
…
For more interviews, videos, and more visit:
- https://www.guruviking.com
Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James
Ep180: Zen & The Art Of Begin Funny - Jack Haubner 2
Friday, December 16, 2022 • Duration 01:22:04
In this interview I am once again joined by Jack Haubner, ex-Zen Monk and prize winning author of the memoirs Zen Confidential: Confessions of a Wayward Monk; and Single White Monk: Tales of Death, Failure, and Bad Sex.
In this interview Jack reveals the interaction between his creative process and his Zen journey, from his screenwriting days in Hollywood, to journalling as a Zen monk, to penning his award winning spiritual memoirs.
Jack also considers the role of self-disclosure and comedy in his writing, reflects on why Sasaki Roshi did not emphasise art in his spiritual training, and recounts stories of fellow Zen student and renowned singer-songwriter Leonard Cohen.
Jack also discusses how even senior Zen monks can become complacent during intense retreat, how to break through stagnancy in practice, and what it means to make spiritually resonant art.
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Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep180-zen-and-the-art-of-being-funny-jack-haubner
Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.
…
Topics include:
00:00 - Intro
01:01 - The Book of Questions
03:31 - Moving to LA and failing as a screenwriter
05:08 - Jack’s influences as a writer
05:58 - Stories of ‘dog eat dog’ Hollywood life
12:21 - Rupert Spira vs Henry Shukman
15:05 - Creativity vs becoming a Zen monk
19:47 - Zen Confidential
20:22 - The role of art in Zen and Japanese culture
22:32 - Zen is the direct path
23:25 - Harada Roshi’s enso
23:59 - Sasaki Roshi did not emphasise art at all
25:09 - Complacent Zen practitioners
28:32 - Sweet spot of great art
30:06 - Passivity in advanced Zen students of Sasaki Roshi
35:45 - Prostate problems during sesshin
38:25 - Strife with other monks as training
42:55 - How Jack found his voice as a writer
48:03 - Moral superiority vs self deprecation
49:32 - - Jack’s ‘why’
51:36 - Escaping the nihilism trap of low motivation
58:30 - Jack’s Zen friendship with Leonard Cohen
01:00:23 - Cohen’s love songs to God
01:02:52 - More about Leonard Cohen
01:03:48 - Jack on humour
01:05:25 - Jack on taking risks as a writer
01:06:51 - Making art out of Sasaki Roshi’s sex scandal
01:08:10 - Criticism of Jack’s books
01:11:19 - Edgy humour, cruelty, and cultural changes
01:16:29 - Current writing projects
01:18:40 - Jack’s Youtube channel
01:20:42 - Artists must finish
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Previous episode with Jack Haubner:
- https://www.guruviking.com/ep126-zen-scandal-jack-haubner/
To find out more about Jack Haubner, visit:
- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCt9Q74t3o7AUCJ_bKTc5CgA
For more interviews, videos, and more visit:
- www.guruviking.com
…
Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James
Ep179: Adventures of a Sufi Mystic - Dr Yannis Toussulis
Friday, December 9, 2022 • Duration 01:31:08
In this episode I am joined by Dr Yannis Toussulis, Sufi lineage holder, psychotherapist, and author of ‘Sufism and the Way of Blame’.
Dr Toussulis recounts his upbringing in Manhattan, New York and how a childhood vision of Jesus Chris changed his life forever.
Dr Toussulis recalls several profound mystical experiences and traces his life of travel and study with gurus and sheiks, including his time at the Esalen Institute, close studies with Tibetan Lama Khenchen Palden Sherab, experiments in psychedelic assisted therapy, travel to India, personal time with Osho, and more.
Dr Toussulis also critiques new age presentations of Sufism, including modern interpretations of Rumia and early 20th century ideas of the Sarmoung Brotherhood, and considers the case of Idries Shah and the collusion between teachers and disciples to create exaggerated origin myths.
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Video version: www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep179-adventures-of-a-sufi-mystic-dr-yannis-toussulis
Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.
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Topics Include:
00:00 - Intro
01:01 - Upbringing in Manhattan
03:04 - Inspired to attend church after a vision of Jesus Christ
04:30 - First encounter with Sufism
07:17 - Meeting first Sheikhs
08:43 - Close study with Khenchen Palden Sherab
09:32 - Return to Sufism
12:42 - A vision of Jesus Christ
15:52 - Interpreting mystical experiences
17:15 - More visionary experiences
21:55 - Realising that God is everywhere
24:09 - Psychedelic experimentation
27:16 - Psychedelic therapy in Vancouver
31:04 - Carlos Castaneda
31:39 - Travel to India and studies with Osho
39:26 - Final conversation with Osho
44:35 - What is enlightenment?
50:23 - Meeting gurus
53:15 - Meeting his Lama in a lucid dream
01:04:40 - ’Nyingthik Drak’ and learning Buddhist tantra
01:08:46 - Sarmoung Brotherhood and misconceptions about Sufism
01:13:57 - What is Sufism?
01:18:25 - Origin myths and the naive audience of the early 1900s
01:22:17 - Collusion and mystification
01:25:39 - The modern inversion of Rumi
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To find our more about Dr Yannis Toussulis, visit:
- http://www.itlaqfoundation.com/
For more interviews, videos, and more visit:
- www.guruviking.com
Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James
Ep178: Buddhist Meditation, Hypnosis, & Dzogchen - Dr Ian Wickramasekera & Julia Shannon
Friday, December 2, 2022 • Duration 02:34:19
In this episode I host a dialogue between Dr Ian Wickramasekera, Bön Buddhist practitioner and professor at Naropa University, and Julia Shannon, trainee clinical psychotherapist and researcher.
In the first part of this interview, Dr Ian discusses his current thinking on what the traditions of Dzogchen and Western hypnosis can learn from each other, challenges Herbert Benson’s relaxation response theory of meditation, and questions dualistic frameworks in science and experimental psychology.
Then, Dr Ian and Julia dialogue about the prevalence of mental illness and regressive coping in Buddhist meditators, the personality types of religious mystics, and Julia’s own experience using hypnosis to cure her phone addiction
Dr Ian and Julia also consider the implications of teaching advanced Buddhist meditation methods in a clinical setting, including ethical issues and concerns about violating sacred vows, and they discuss their experiences of personal identity and professional life as biracial adults in America.
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Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep178-buddhist-meditation-hypnosis-dzogchen-dr-ian-wickramasekera-julia-shannon
Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.
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01:26 - Dzogchen and hypnosis
05:37 - Going beyond dualism in science
06:19 - Crisis in clinical psychology
09:37 - Suffering & serotonin
20:01 - Dzogchen philosophy in clinical hypnosis
22:14 - Invalidating Herbert Benson’s relaxation response theory of meditation
29:08 - What really brings cessation of suffering
30:14 - Aestheticism is needed in science
32:05 - Specific Dzogchen practices and hypnotic hallucinations
36:31 - A daily practice of hypnosis
40:01 - What science can offer Dzogchen
46:45 - Julia’s background
49:05 - Overcoming phone addiction via hypnosis
52:08 - Hypnotic trance vs meditative states
53:46 - Stigmata of hypnosis and meditation
57:56 - High hypnotisable people and the prevalence to mystical experience
01:01:10 - Ronald J. Pekal’s Phenomenology of Consciousness Inventory (PCI)
01:03:15 - Myth of meditation brain states such as alpha
01:07:23 - Bringing Buddhist practice into clinical practice
01:08:53 - Mental illness in religious practitioners
01:10:44 - Repressive coping in tummo meditators
01:23:02 - Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche and finding one’s innate experience
01:25:06 - Presenting completion stage practices in a secular context
01:29:20 - Trekchod and togyal vs post-hypnotic suggestion
01:31:23 - Which Buddhist practices Dr Ian gives to his patients
01:33:32 - Experimental vs clinical psychology
01:34:41 - Does teaching Buddhist practice to non-Buddhists break Samaya?
01:38:03 - Hypnotising Dzogchen practitioners
01:39:49 - Counselling dissatisfied Buddhists
01:41:33 - Nervousness about teaching Dzogchen and Vajrayana
01:43:02 - The importance of devotion
01:45:08 - Training clinicians and counsellors
01:50:38 - Dr Ian asks Julia about her experience being hypnotised
01:54:14 - Catharsis, clinging, and the battle of addiction
01:56:19 - Executive ego and skepticism
01:57:19 - Pointing out instructions and polypsychic therapy
02:01:32 - Rapid behaviour change and eschatological pressure
02:03:15 - Race, empathy, and therapeutic efficacy
02:10:33 - Integrating dualistic racial identities
02:12:08 - Identity dimensions of the therapist
02:16:22 - Chogyam Trungpa and reconciling racial identity
02:24:23 - Role-taking theory and hallucinated intensity
02:29:26 - Myths of hypnosis and the role of expectancy
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Previous episodes with Dr Ian Wickramasekera:
- https://www.guruviking.com/search?q=wickramasekera
To find our more about Dr Ian Wickramasekera, visit:
- https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ian_Wickramasekera2
- https://www.naropa.edu/faculty/ian-wickramasekera.php
For more interviews, videos, and more visit:
- www.guruviking.com
Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James
Ep177: Becoming A Spiritual Teacher - Amoda Maa 2
Friday, November 25, 2022 • Duration 01:35:58
In this interview I am once again joined by Amoda Maa, spiritual teacher and author of books such as ‘Embodied Enlightenment’ and ‘Falling Open in a World Falling Apart’.
Amoda Maa shares her experience of falling into the abyss of emptines and the consequences that followed.
She describes the dark night of the soul that preceded this experience, and how its aftermath healed her childhood abandonment trauma.
Amoda Maa also talks about the life of a spiritual teacher, how she went from living an ascetic life of anonymity in the English countryside to moving to America to become a well known teacher, and shares her observations of the boys’ club dynamic in the spiritual teaching scene.
Amoda Maa also recounts relearning relationship after her enlightenment when she met her now husband, and discusses the feminine frequency of awakening and how that relates to the inner marriage.
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Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep177-becoming-a-spiritual-teacher-amoda-maa
Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.
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Topics include: 00:00 - Intro
00:56 - Falling into the abyss of emptiness
03:56 - After awakening, living from the unknown
08:07 - Purification of relationship with mother
11:53 - Dark night of the soul, abandoned by God
19:20 - Recognising avoidance, the moment of enlightenment
24:11 - Healing of abandonment
26:05 - Changes in relationship with others
28:02 - Spiritual openness vs learning to say ‘no’ to others
34:15 - Meeting a new partner, and a new way of relationship
37:58 - Thoughts and narratives
41:35 - Being in relationship with an enlightened person
45:05 - Abiding goodness
49:52 - First book publishing period
55:19 - Invited to speak and purifying self-consciousness
57:06 - Learning to speak from enlightenment, not about it
59:41 - Change your life, change your world
01:02:28 - Living like an ascetic for 12 years
01:08:37 - Encountering the term ‘non duality’
01:12:31 - Teaching career launched on BATGAP and at SAND
01:18:04 - The American non-duality scene
01:22:29. Feminine face of awakening vs the boys’ club of spiritual teachers
01:25:41 - The feminine frequency of awakening
01:27:22 - The patriarchy is over
01:28:56 - Inner marriage
01:29:35 - The boys club and suppression of women
01:33:28 - The flow of life
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Previous episode with Amoda Maa:
- https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep147-falling-open-amoda-maa
To find out more about Amoda Maa, visit:
- https://www.amodamaa.com/
For more interviews, videos, and more visit:
- www.guruviking.com
Ep176: The Awakening of Mista Mo - Morgan O Smith
Friday, November 18, 2022 • Duration 01:48:25
In this episode I am joined by Morgan O Smith, teacher of non-duality, and under the stage name ‘Mista Mo’, was a stand-up comedian and host of the Gemini award winning television show ‘Buzz’.
Morgan recalls his painful childhood of trauma growing up in what he describes as a Christian cult, and discusses how the damaging consequences of that environment affected him into adulthood.
Morgan recounts how, even at the height of his professional success in television and comedy, he felt spiritually unfulfilled and began searching for answers in hypnotherapy and Holosync meditation.
Morgan shares his subsequent spiritual journey of deep meditation, powerful psychedelic experimentation, contact with gurus and spirit guides, kundalini activation, and profound spiritual awakenings.
Morgan also discusses the lasting effects of his awakenings, his prolific creative projects, and shares his insights on enlightenment, the personality, and more.
...
Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep176-the-awakening-of-mista-mo
Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.
…
Topics include:
00:00 - Intro
00:55 - Morgan’s support for the podcast
01:59 -Morgan’s painful upbringing
03:19 - First memories
04:17 - Memories of church
05:48 - Abuse in a Christian cult
08:42 - Anger and other effects of childhood trauma
11:14 - Beginning a healing journey
12:44 - Clash with Morgan’s father
15:00 - Unfulfilled by comedy and TV success
17:41 - Psychedelic experimentation
19:49 - Hypnotherapy for audition nerves and creative breakthrough
23:10 - Holosync meditation and purging repressed subconscious material
28:28 - Leaving TV and taking 2 years off
30:56 - Combining Holosync meditation with psychedelics for 5 years
33:48 - Meeting spirit guides and other experiences
36:08 - An experience of enlightenment
40:19 - After stream entry
43:40 - Further spiritual breakthroughs
45:13 - Powerful DMT journey
50:39 - LSD experiments and turiya
53:33 - Ayahuasca and 5-MeO-DMT
58:48 - Kundalini activation
01:02:25 - Receiving darshan from Paramahamsa Vishwananda
01:04:17 - Full realisation
01:12:51 - Paramahamsa Vishwananda returns
01:13:31 - Lasting changes
01:14:32 - Sexual changes
01:16:30 - Even temper
01:17:08 - Facing pain and challenges
01:19:23 - Final or is there more to come?
01:22:00 - Traumatised by in a good way
01:22:44 - Noticing divinity
01:24:48 - PTSD from awakening
01:26:18 - Morgan’s writing and videos
01:28:55 - Morgan’s upcoming books
01:32:05 - Personality types of awakening
01:37:26 - Personality disorders and enlightenment
01:43:16 - Advice to those seeking awakening
…
To find out more about Morgan O Smith, visit:
- https://www.instagram.com/morgano.smith/
- https://linktr.ee/morganosmith
For more interviews, videos, and more visit:
- www.guruviking.com
Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James
Steve James Interviewed On The 'Elevating Consciousness' Podcast
Sunday, November 13, 2022 • Duration 01:50:45
I was recently interviewed by Artem Zen for his 'Elevating Consciousness' podcast.
Video version: www.guruviking.com/podcast/steve-james-interviewed-on-the-elevating-conciousness-podcast
[Artem's Show notes]
0:00 - Introduction
1:00 - Steve speaks about his early experiences with martial arts, meditation, and contemplation
5:55 - The downside of organized religion
8:45 - Steve’s interest in both western and eastern religious traditions
13:47 - The benefit and challenge of extreme outdoor survival
26:23 - If you don’t come to the dragon it will come to you
29:17 - Why embracing discomfort is key to learning
34:04 - Psychedelics
38:32 - Using the Grinberg Method for healing
41:34 - Steve unpacks his somatic practice “The Movement Koan Method”
46:53- Steve speaks about dealing with a serious illness and having a near-death experience
1:05:31 - How the near-death experience transformed Steve
1:10:08 - Was that an Awakening?
1:12:09 - Artem speaks on integrating his 5-me0-DMT experience
1:15:58 - Letting go of mystical and spiritual experiences
1:24:08 - Models of Awakening
1:26:17 - Deconstructing the Guru Viking Podcast
1:37:49 - The genius and impact of Shinzen Young
1:46:42 - Other spiritual teachers that greatly impacted Steve
Elevating Consciousness Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCieDzvmBXXZX9VuKa9MvHqQ
Other times I have been interviewed: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/category/Steve+Interviewed
www.guruviking.com
Ep175: Dakini Translations - Adele Tomlin
Friday, November 11, 2022 • Duration 01:25:25
In this episode I am joined by Adele Tomlin, Buddhist practitioner, writer, poet, independent scholar-translator of Tibetan Buddhist texts, and founder of the Dakini Translations website.
Adele recalls her upbringing in England, training as a barrister, and work as a strategist in the city of London, before a chance meeting with the 17th Karmapa changed her life forever.
Adele traces her beginnings in becoming a Buddhist, her studies of the Tibetan language in Nepal, and thriving in the academic rigour of Tibetology at the University of Hamburg.
Adele discusses her published works, shares her research and translation process, and explores the implications of the shentong vs rangtong doctrines of emptiness.
Adele also expresses her frustration with gate-keeping in academia, reveals the reasons behind her founding of DakiniTranslations.com, and shares her research into the forgotten female mystics of India and Tibet.
…
Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep175-dakini-translations-adele-tomlin
Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.
…
Topics include:
00:00 - Intro
01:05 - Endorsed by scholars
02:53 - Miranda Shaw
03:48 - Adele’s upbringing
04:35 - Training as a barrister and entering the city of London
07:39 - Dissatisfaction with life and training in yoga and philosophy
08:53 - Life changing meeting with the 17th Karmapa
14:47 - Reaction of friends and family
15:33 - Learning Tibetan to be closer to the guru
17:33 - Studying Tibetan in India and Nepal
20:28 - Discovering a talent for the Tibetan language
21:46 - The power of past life connections
28:22 - Studying Tibetology at the University of Hamburg
30:08 - Adele adjusts to the academic rigour at Hamburg
32:29 - The importance of practice experience when translating Vajrayana texts
34:54 - Publishes her first critical edition translation
36:30 - Philological and philosophical challenges of translating Taranatha's commentary on the Heart Sutra
41:04 - Rangtong vs Shentong
48:13 - The implications of the shentong view for practice
54:11 - Taranatha’s shentong reading of the Heart Sutra
55:08 - Frustration with gatekeeping in academia and founding dakinitranslations dot com
01:00:25 - Making Buddhist translation and research accessible and relatable
01:03:16 - Ethics of profiting from dharma
01:04:23 - The secret of Adele’s prolific output
01:06:33 - How Adele chooses which texts to translate
01:11:14 - Research into forgotten female mystics and masters
01:15:39 - Humour in Vajrayana and pointing out all male panels
01:18:36 - Male dominated lineage trees
01:20:08 - ‘Dakini Translations’ and British humour
…
To find out more about Adele Tomlin, visit:
- https://dakinitranslations.com/
- www.facebook.com/dakinitranslations
For more interviews, videos, and more visit:
- www.guruviking.com
Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James
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