Guru Viking Podcast

In late 2019 I was interviewed by Anna Rova of www.girlskill.com about various topics to do with relationships and more. From Anna's episode description: Join us for a conversation about navigating modern gender roles, embracing who we truly are and exploring intimacy as the constantly changing and challenging realm of relationships. Here are the details of our conversation: - What does Steve find attractive in a woman? - Fear as the state of readiness in the face of the unknown - What is masculinity? - The changing terrain of modern gender roles - How mating strategies influence our behavior - Navigating modern relationship needs and intimacy - Feminine/masculine identities as roles we’re playing - What real intimacy is and why it’s a tremendous threat to our roles and strategies www.guruviking.com

In this episode, I am once again joined by Dhammarato – a lineage teacher in the Thai Buddhist tradition who is known for his unique, 1-1 teaching style conducted over Skype.  This interview was recorded in the lead up to a dialogue I will be hosting between Dhammarato and Daniel Ingram on the question ‘Is there magic in the dharma?’. In this episode, Dhammarato explores the Mahātanhāsankhaya Sutta, and draws out themes of magical thinking, continuation of consciousness, and dependent origination. Later Dhammarato gives his take on the Buddhist doctrines of rebirth and making merit, the Mahasi meditation method, the tulku system, and the Dalai Lama’s claims of reincarnation. We also discuss if the 8-fold path inevitably leads to individual renunciation and societal collapse, and what it means to ‘leave the fight’. … Video version at: https://www.guruviking.com/ep82-dhammarato-magical-thinking-in-buddhism/ Audio version of this podcast also available on iTunes and Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcas

In this episode I host part 3 of a dialogue between Shinzen Young, meditation teacher and neuroscience research consultant, and Chelsey Fasano, a Columbia University neuroscience student. We discuss oneness vs emptiness experiences, gamma brain activity and binding, Posner’s model of attention networks, and more. Chelsey explores the surprising similarities between mystical experience, epilepsy, and orgasm; while Shinzen reveals the profound challenge of integrating esoteric states into practical life. … Video version at https://www.guruviking.com/ep81-shinzen-young-chelsey-fasano-3-orgasm-epilepsy-mystical-experience/ 
Audio version of this podcast also available on iTunes and Stitcher – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.
 … Topics Include: 0:00 - Intro 1:28 - A model for the process of change that contemplative practice causes 3:07 - Chelsey’s epiphany about gamma and theta in advanced meditators 7:31 - Oneness vs emptiness as meditation experiences 10:36 - Reduction in suffering as increase in ner

In this episode I am joined by Thomas Hübl, spiritual teacher, author, and international facilitator whose work integrates the core insights of mysticism with the discoveries of science. When Thomas’ team contacted me to interview Thomas about his new book, Healing Collective Trauma, I was very interested to read Thomas’ thoughts on this emerging area. In this interview Thomas shares his spiritual biography, including his time in Vienna training as a medical doctor, and his four-year meditation retreat in the Czech Republic. Thomas goes into detail about his intellectual influences, his spiritual insights, and his twenty years of group facilitation work. Thomas also discusses the challenges of combining evidence based scientific work in the field of trauma and psychology with the subjective authority of the mystic’s personal experience. … Video version: Audio version of this podcast also available on iTunes and Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … 0:00 - Intro 0:52 - Why did Thomas write thi

In this episode I am once again joined by Dr. Ian Wickramasekera as he recounts his dramatic nervous system collapse and near-death experience as a consequence of COVID-19. Dr Wickramasekera is a Bön Buddhist practitioner and associate professor of Mindfulness Based Transpersonal Counselling at Naropa University. On the 19th of March Ian woke up with a headache, dizziness, and fatigue - he had contracted COVID-19. While symptoms initially receded, and it seemed like this might be a light case, events soon took a devastating turn for the worse. What followed brought Ian to the very brink of death and forced him to draw on all his decades of advanced meditation and hypnosis training. Ian recounts how, his life hanging by a thread, he experienced the dissolution of his bodily elements, slipping into the between-lives realm of the Bardo, and the emergence of the clear light of the nature of mind. We learn how, while fighting for every breath and subject to painful experimental medicines, Ian’s practice o

In this episode I am joined by John Yates, PhD, aka Culadasa. On the 19th of August 2019, the board of Culadasa’s organisation Dharma Treasure released a public letter which denounced Culadasa for the Buddhist moral failings of sexual misconduct, wrong speech, and taking what is not freely given. Culadasa issued two short statements at that time and then recently, on January 13th of 2021, released a 33-page account of the years leading up to the board’s letter. In this interview Culadasa discusses his account, which disputes the board’s accusations, and reveals the circumstances that led to his public denouncement. Culadasa also discusses the professional and personal consequences of the letter, and reflects on the psychological and spiritual lessons he has learned. Topics include: 0:00 - Intro 0:54 - The accusations 10:11 - Summarising Culadasa’s 33 page account 12:29 - Why did Culadasa keep his and Nancy’s separation private and delay divorce proceedings? 18:45 - Why didn’t Culadasa tell the board a

In this episode am joined by Dolama Mantas, a hermit, yogi, and shaman with a remarkable story. Mantas reveals how he was recruited into an occult sect led by a charismatic leader, subjected to brainwashing and psychic domination, and kept as a slave to commit violent crimes on behalf of the Master. Mantas tells of his eventual escape, and the subsequent 4 years living as a hermit in the Lithuanian forests where he learned to meditate and underwent extreme austerities to recover his broken mind. We follow Mantas to the Himalayas, where he met Tibetan hermits and powerful spiritual masters, and then to South America in search of true shamanism. After much searching he finally met his Abuelo, and began a spiritual and shamanic apprenticeship under the tutelage of an extraordinary 94 year old Peruvian shaman. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/ep77-dolama-mantis-the-shaman-hermit/ 
Audio version of this podcast also available on iTunes and Stitcher – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.
 … Topics

Some weeks ago I was interviewed by Ashley from Inspire Initiative for his podcast. Ashley has diverse interests and so he asked me about a wide range of topics including relationships, meditation practice, the pros and cons of polyamory, business strategy for meditation teachers, and more. ... Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/steve-interviewed-by-ashley-of-inspire-initiative/ 
Audio version of this podcast also available on iTunes and Stitcher – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.
 ... 0:00 Why does Steve live on a boat? 1:13 - What does Steve do for work? 4:36 - What is the most important thing in a relationship? 7:56 - Ashley’s unusual upbringing around romantic relationships 9:47 - Steve’s take on polyamory 14:31 - Religious conversion and relationship patterns 17:31 - Pros and cons of polyamory and seeking relational fulfilment 24:02 - Why have a relationship? 29:27 - Discovering your why 31:13 - Steve’s background in meditation 37:22 - Ashley asks Steve about his business and travel 43:44

In this episode I host part 2 of a dialogue between Shinzen Young, meditation teacher and neuroscience research consultant, and Chelsey Fasano, a Columbia University neuroscience student. We get a front row seat for what Shinzen calls ‘early science’ as Chelsey consults Shinzen on her current research project, a review of the neuroscience literature that examine states of self-identification and non-dual awareness. In the course of the discussion, we discuss different paradigms of enlightenment, including gating of attentional abilities, reducing self-referential activity, the neuroscience of clinging, top-down processing and more. Chelsey shares her own meditation experiences and Shinzen reveals a detailed account of how he experiences the world after a lifetime of extreme meditation and hard-nosed science. … https://www.guruviking.com/ep76-shinzen-young-chelsey-fasano-2-the-science-of-enlightenment/ 
Audio version of this podcast also available on iTunes and Stitcher – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’

In this episode I am once again joined by Daizan Skinner, a British Zen Roshi trained in both the Soto and Rinzai schools. Daizan reveals the iconic Zen training technique of the Koan, and explains its manifold uses within the tradition. Dazian explains how waking up works, how he diagnoses his students’ enlightenments, and why he is very demanding on his trainee teachers’ psychological maturity. Daizan also discusses how awakening relates to moral purification, why so many famous Zen teachers have engaged in abusive behaviour, and reveals the esoteric energy and health practices of the Rinzai Zen lineage. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/ep75-daizan-skinner-esoteric-energy-practices-of-zen/ Audio version of this podcast also available on iTunes and Stitcher – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics include: 0:00 - Intro 0:42 - The Koan system of Zen 11:03 - How waking up works 18:36 - How Daizan diagnoses his students’ stream entry and spiritual attainments 22:19 - What to watch for dur

In this episode I am once again joined by Dr. Ian Wickramasekera, Bön Buddhist practitioner and associate professor of Mindfulness Based Transpersonal Counselling at Naropa University. We learn how a mirror divination from a mysterious Lama, and a powerful lucid dream, saw Ian travel to Sikkim in search of the monastery of his previous incarnation. Ian discusses the similarities between the Western tradition of hypnosis and the system of Dzogchen, and why he considers hypnosis to be the best means to approach and apprehend Buddhist thought. Ian reveals why gurus are so often surrounded by high-hypnotisable people, to what extent hypnotic language can be used by spiritual teachers to induce religious conversion and enhance their followers’ devotion, and what the Dharma has to learn from Western hypnosis. … https://www.guruviking.com/ep74-dr-ian-wickramasekera-gurus-hypnosis-toxic-devotion/ Audio version of this podcast also available on iTunes and Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics Inc

Susan Guner recently interviewed me again for her 'Fireside Chats', a series of conversations for her 21 Day Meditation Challenge Community. https://www.guruviking.com/steve-interviewed-by-susan-guner-of-fireside-chats/ Audio version of this podcast also available on iTunes and Stitcher – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. 0:00 - Intro 1:00 - Why livestream meditation? 5:30 - Steve's meditation biography 11:55 - What kind of meditation does Steve practice? 14:47 - Susan's meditation journey 17:37 - How plant medicine transformed Susan's meditation practice 20:10 - 3am meditation, night sitting, and lucid dreaming 26:35 - Gradual vs sudden awakening 27:31 - Why does Steve meditate? 31:23 - How to get more people to meditate? 35:16 - How our culture validates meditation 37:03 - Trauma and the limits of meditation 39:46 - Different reasons people meditate 42:37 - Teaching at Esalen 44:36 - Did Esalen run secret plant medicine ceremonies? 46:30 - Meditation myths and 'Stealth Buddhism' 50:31 - Bias and unaw

In this interview I am once again joined by Daniel Ingram, meditation teacher and author of ‘Mastering The Core Teachings Of The Buddha’. In this episode Daniel responds to Bikkhu Analayo’s article in the May 2020 edition of the academic journal Mindfulness, in which Analayo argues that Daniel is delusional about his meditation experiences and accomplishments, and that his conclusions, to quote, ‘pertain entirely to the realm of his own imagination; they have no value outside of it.’ Daniel recounts that Analayo revealed to him that the article was requested by a senior mindfulness teacher to specifically damage Daniel’s credibility, to quote Daniel quoting Analayo ‘we are going to make sure that nobody ever believes you again.’ Daniel responds to the article’s historical, doctrinal, clinical, and personal challenges, as well as addressing the issues of definition and delusion regarding his claim to arhatship. Daniel also reflects on the consequences of this article for his work at Cambridge and with t

I recently appeared on the ‘I Am Paulius’ podcast. Paul is an incisive interviewer and we talked in some detail about my early life, including martial arts, my apprenticeship to a Christian mystic, money & business, and more… Check out 'I Am Paulius' channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTxywX9Qn0gzu9kbjhmezhA ... From the 'I Am Paulius' shownotes: We talk to with Steve James known as Guru Viking, who teaches self-development, has vast experience in contemplative disciplines, outdoor survival and what it's like living on a boat. He is also currently collaborating with Shinzen Young on 11-Day Virtual Retreat.

In this episode I host a conversation between Shinzen Young, a meditation teacher and neuroscience research consultant, and Chelsey Fasano, a Columbia University neuroscience student. We take an inside look as Chelsey consults Shinzen on her current research project, a review of the neuroscience literature that examine states of self-identification and non-dual awareness. In the course of the discussion, Shinzen details the many meanings and connotations of the word ‘tantra’ (including its connection to karmamudra) and discusses the importance of definitions. Chelsey asks if all traditions lead to the same end, or if different techniques lead to different types of enlightenment, and Shinzen reveals what the gurus of the world must learn from the culture of science. ... https://www.guruviking.com/ep72-shinzen-young-and-chelsey-fasano-tantra-neuroscience-and-true-enlightenment/ Audio version of this podcast also available on iTunes and Stitcher – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. ... Topics Include: 0:00

In this episode I am once again joined by Dr Nida Chenagtsang, master of Tibetan Medicine and spiritual teacher of the Yuthok Nyingthig, to discuss karmamudra: Buddhist spiritual s3x. Dr Nida reveals his own training in karmamudra, under the Aku Lhamo, the so called ‘h0rny professor’, and the Longchen Nyingthig nun Ani Ngawang Gyaltsen. We learn about the difference between karmamudra and kamasutra, the role of tummo and tsa lung trulkor training, and the purpose of tantric feats such as vajroli mudra, sucking milk and bodily fluids through one’s genita1s. Dr Nida talks about s3xual abuse by Tibetan Lamas, the prevalence of spiritual gold diggers, and shares his advice for young tulkus facing the temptations of fame. Dr Nida also discusses pollution of the energy channels through p0rnography and promiscuity, how to heal s3xual trauma, and why he chose to make these once secret teachings available to the public. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/ep71-dr-nida-chenagtsang-karmamudra/ Audio vers

In this episode I am once again joined by Stephen Snyder, a meditation teacher, author, and the first non-monastic Western man to master the virtuoso-level shamata meditation system of Pa Auk Sayadaw. In this interview we discuss Stephen’s new book ‘Buddha’s Heart’ a modern presentation of the Brahma Viharas, Buddhist heart meditations, from the perspective of Absolute Reality/ Awake Awareness. Stephen reveals how deficiencies in his early practice and the inaccessibility of his heart saw him engage these powerful heart practices derived from early Buddhism. Stephen discusses the damage done in the Americn Zen community by deeply enlightened masters with undeveloped hearts who abused students, embezzled money, and more. Stephen lays out the two routes to awakening, and how combining the brahma viharas with deep jhanic absorption can lead to profound spiritual insight. Stephen also talks about the counter-intuitive power of forgiveness, and his own journey in awakening the heart. ... Video version:

In this episode I’m joined by Dr Miles Neale Buddhist psychotherapist and author of Gradual Awakening. When Dr Neale contacted me to offering appear on the podcast, I was intrigued by his impressive list of mentors - including Columbia University’s Professor Robert Thurman and Geshe Tenzin Zopa. Miles recounts how an affluent but disturbed childhood with alcoholic parents and a narcissistic father drove him to self harm and dissatisfaction, and how he found solace and healing in religious practice and a series of influential mentors. Miles tells a remarkable story of a supernatural experience with a reincarnated child master, a ‘tulku’. Miles goes on to addresses the conflicts between the view of his Western therapeutic training, which prizes healthy parental attachment, and his religious affiliation with Tibetan Buddhism, in which specially chosen boys as young as three years old are removed from their homes to undergo rigorous training to become avatars of their lineage tradition. Miles discusses th

In this episode I am once again joined by Daniel Ingram, meditation teacher and author of ‘Mastering The Core Teachings Of The Buddha’. Daniel is best known for his controversial claim to arhatship, one of the highest levels of enlightenment in Buddhism. Less well known is Daniel’s lifetime of practice in magick and the occult. In this interview Daniel reveals his magical biography, and comments on various systems including Goetia, Enochian, Kabbalah, Castaneda, Buddhist Magick, and more. Daniel shares his encounters with demons, astral entities, mythical beings, and entering into magickal combat with angry magicians who had cursed him. Daniel also critiques the modern mindfulness movement for its suppression of information about the magickal aspects of its own tradition, and gives advice on ethics and the accumulation of psychic power. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/ep68-daniel-ingram-magick-the-occult-summoning-demons/ Audio version of this podcast also available on iTunes and Spotify –

In this episode I am once again joined by Dr. Ian Wickramasekera, Bön Buddhist practitioner and associate professor of Mindfulness Based Transpersonal Counseling at Naropa University. We learn how a divination from a Tibetan master radically changed the direction of Ian’s life, and how he encountered the man who would later become his teacher, Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche. Ian recounts how, on an intense tummo meditation retreat, he attained to the Dzogchen spiritual realisation known as rigpa, and its profound consequences in his life. Ian also discusses how he uses energy practices such as tsa lung and Tibetan yoga in his clinical practice to treat personality problems, substance abuse, and more. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/ep67-dr-ian-wickramasekera-tummo-hypnosis-realising-rigpa/ Audio version of this podcast also available on iTunes and Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics Include 0:00 - Intro 0:46 - Receiving a personal mirror divination from Lama Dawa 9:30 - Ian’s pre