Guru Viking Podcast

In this episode I am once again joined by Tibetologist, author, and Tantric Buddhism teacher Glenn Mullin. In this fascinating, story-filled episode we focus on Glenn’s career as an author and translator. Glenn has authored over 30 books on Tibetan Buddhism, which themselves have been translated into many languages. He has translated an extremely wide range of classical Tibetan literature from some of the greatest minds of that tradition, including many Dalai Lamas, Tsongkhapa, and more. We discuss Glenn’s personal journey with the Tibetan language, from gaining fluency in the bars and tea houses of 1970s Dharmsala to studying classic texts with Geshes and Tulkus in exile. We explore the fascinating history of the art of translation in Tibet, and the evolution of the Tibetan writing system. Glenn also reveals his stylistic influences as an English language writer, and lays out his process when approaching a new work of translation. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/ep47-glenn-mullin-tales-

In this interview I am joined by Nicki Wells, internationally acclaimed singer-songwriter and composer. We learn about Nicki’s Himalayan upbringing in Dharmsala, India as part of the Sahaja Yoga group, a tradition of awakening that exposed Nicki to profound states of meditation as well as Indian classical music. We go into depth about the Sahaja Yoga system, including its approach to kundalini energy, darshan, and spiritual evolution, as well as Nicki’s own spiritual epiphanies. We explore Nicki’s career as a singer and composer, from collaborating with composer Nitin Sawhney and scoring for film and television, including Khyentse Norbu’s, also known as Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche, 2013 film Vara - A Blessing. We also discuss Nicki’s solo work, including her 2018 debut album Ocean, her 2019 album of spiritual songs entitled ‘Shloka’, and learn about the deep spirituality the permeates her performances and creative process. … Video version:https://www.guruviking.com/ep-46-nicki-wells-spirit-and-song/ Aud

In this interview I am joined by Jayür Dorje, a lama in the non-monastic Aro gTér lineage of Tibetan Buddhism and the partner of previous interview guest Métsal Wangmo. We learn about Jayür’s early explorations in Zen and the Karma Kagyu traditions, before an ususual meeting in France changed his course to become a Nyingmapa. We discuss Jayür’s early apprenticeship in the Aro gTer and explore his special interest in that lineage’s magical movements of trulkhor. Jayür Dorje recounts his time in Nepal with Kunzang Dorje Rinpoche, and talks about the unique practice possibilities afforded by his relationship with Métsal’s Wangmo. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/ep45-jayur-dorje-aro-gter-trulkhor-and-drala-jong/ Audio version of this podcast also available on iTunes and Stitcher – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … 0:00 - Early explorations in Zen and the Karma Kagyu and joining the Aro gTer 25:48 - Starting a relationship with Métsal Wangmo 28:54 - Jayür’s early practices 30:34 - Choosing Nyi

In this episode I am joined by Dr Ben Joffe, anthropologist and scholar practitioner of Tibetan Buddhism. We discuss Ben’s early interest in Western Occultism saw him become a professional tarot reader at age 11 and engage in rigorous self study of magical disciplines. We learn about how Ben taught himself the Tibetan language, and follow him to Indian and Nepal where he carried out his doctoral field work among the Ngakpa community in exile. Ben reveals the methodological and ethical challenges of being both a scholar and practitioner, and recalls the significance of meeting the man who would later become his teacher and mentor, Dr Nida Chenagtsang. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/ep44-dr-ben-joffe-ngakpa-the-occult-and-anthropology/ Audio version of this podcast also available on iTunes and Stitcher – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics Include: 0:00 - Intro 0:43 - Early interest in Western Occultism 13:56 - Franz Bardon and occult mind training 15:34 - Childhood vision of Jesus

In this interview I am joined by Métsal Wangmo, a lama in the non-monastic Aro gTér lineage of Tibetan Buddhism. We learn about Métsal’s explorations in meditation and shamanism, that led her to commit to life-long study with Ngakchang Rinpoche and Khandro Déchen. We discuss how Métsal’s background in Steiner education influences her teaching style, and hear the story of the death of her first apprentice. Métsal recounts meeting and falling in love with her now teaching-partner Jayür Dorje, after many years of singleness - and the adjustments that relationship demanded. We also discuss portions of Métsal’s paper on vajra romance, including the importance of reconciling the inner male and female aspects. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/ep43-metsal-wangmo-varja-romance/ Audio version of this podcast also available on iTunes and Stitcher – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … 00:00 - Intro 00:47 - Métsal’s early interest in Gurdjieff, meditation, and shamanism 08:50 - Meeting Ngakchang Rinpoch

Susan Guner recently interviewed me about meditation as part of her free 21 Day Meditation Challenge. 0:00 - How Susan met Steve 02:30 - About Steve 04:12 - Susan on meditation and self-agency 06:20 - Different types of meditation, guided meditation vs silent sitting 10:33 - Is guided meditation useful? 16:57 - Building a daily meditation practice 25:32 - Common meditation misconceptions 30:35 - Susan on different states of consciousness and meditating in life 35:35 - Aspiration vs practice 39:38 - Susan on natural meditation 44:40 - Is spiritual experience only for elite practitioners? 46:31 - How to tell if someone is as spiritual as they appear to be 50:14 - Advice for the participants in Susan’s 21 Day Meditation Challenge 53:30 - The Guru Viking Podcast 55:48 - How is Steve spending time in lockdown 57:30 - Susan on investing in education 59:35 - Meditating in any moment 1:01:09 - Short vs long meditation sessions 1:03:16 - Should one feel one’s emotions or let them go? 1:05:42 - What is the

In this episode I am once again joined by Tibetologist, author, and Tantric Buddhism teacher Glenn Mullin. We discuss tukdam and rainbow body, the mysterious after-death phenomena in which accomplished yogis can remain in suspended animation for days or weeks after death or dissolve their bodies into their elemental constituents. We hear about the remarkable death of one of Glenn’s own gurus, which he witnessed first hand, as well as discuss the means of communicating with deceased masters through relics and dreams. We also discuss the practices of phowa, consciousness projection at the time of death, and drong juk, the forceful projection of one’s consciousness into a fresh corpse. And finally we discuss the Tibetan tradition of reading omens about the time of one’s own death, and how to listen for signs and guidance from the natural world. Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/ep42-glenn-mullin-death-divination-and-sacred-relics/ Audio version of this podcast available on iTunes and Stitcher – se

I was recently interviewed by Bill and Jasmine of Awake-In Podcast about meditation, podcasting, and my thoughts on the COVID-19 pandemic. Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/steve-interviewed-on-awake-in-podcast/ 0:00 - Introductions 02:40 - What has Steve learned from his guests on the Guru Viking Podcast 08:54 - The pros and cons of combative interview styles 11:08 - Steve’s personal meditation practice 14:16 - Explaining Steve’s practice to a child, a lay person, and an experienced meditator 22:54 - Steve’s solo meditation retreats 25:54 - Experiences and learnings from solo retreat 36:36 - Bill’s jhana practice 44:30 - Steve on jhana practice 52:14 - Steve’s advice for meditators during the coronavirus pandemic 1:01:04 - Steve on the coronavirus pandemic 1:10:33 - Jasmine’s year long practice intensive 1:16:06 - Meditation and personal alignment 1:21:04 - Meditating with emotional pain and trauma 1:22:38 - Sickness and compassion 1:27:06 - Steve reads Antonio Machado’s ‘Last Night As I La

Dr Nida Chenagtsang, master of Tibetan Meditation and lineage holder of the Yuthok Nyingthig, is my featured guest in this episode of the Guru Viking Podcast: Pandemic Series. Please share these episodes among those who might find them helpful, and let me know what you think in the comments below. 
... Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/ep41-dr-nida-chenagtsang-pandemic-edition-guru-viking-podcast/ Audio version of this podcast also available on iTunes and Stitcher – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … I am producing a special series of the Guru Viking Podcast to support those affected by the pandemic. 
 I'll be asking my guests questions like how to work with anxiety, fear, and panic? How to work with isolation? How to work with sickness and death? And how to help others having those experiences? Fear, sickness, death are perennial human experiences, and so my hope is that these episodes will be of use not only to those who are being affected now in this situation, but also of use to others beyon

Daniel Ingram, meditation teacher and author of ‘Mastering The Core Teachings Of The Buddha’, is my featured guest in this episode of the Guru Viking Podcast: Pandemic Series. Please share these episodes among those who might find them helpful, and let me know what you think in the comments below. 
... Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/ep40-daniel-ingram-pandemic-edition-guru-viking-podcast/ Audio version of this podcast also available on iTunes and Stitcher – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … I am producing a special series of the Guru Viking Podcast to support those affected by the pandemic. 
 I'll be asking my guests questions like how to work with anxiety, fear, and panic? How to work with isolation? How to work with sickness and death? And how to help others having those experiences? Fear, sickness, death are perennial human experiences, and so my hope is that these episodes will be of use not only to those who are being affected now in this situation, but also of use to others beyond it.

Ngak'Chang Rinpoche And Khandro Déchen, the Lineage Lamas and principal teachers of the a tantric Buddhist Aro tradition house holder tradition, are my featured guests in this episode of the Guru Viking Podcast: Pandemic Series. There is some audio interference in this episode, but the content is well worth the effort to listen. Please share these episodes among those who might find them helpful, and let me know what you think in the comments below. 
... Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/ep39-ngakchang-rinpoche-and-khandro-dechen-pandemic-edition/ Audio version of this podcast also available on iTunes and Stitcher – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … I am producing a special series of the Guru Viking Podcast to support those affected by the pandemic. 
 I'll be asking my guests questions like how to work with anxiety, fear, and panic? How to work with isolation? How to work with sickness and death? And how to help others having those experiences? Fear, sickness, death are perennial human experie

Godfrey offers a breathing class and Q&A for the listeners of the Guru Viking Podcast focused on his ‘Free Breathing’ approach to pranayama. This practice is referenced and further explained in Episode 38 of the Guru Viking Podcast, and is part of a special series of the podcast to support those affected by the pandemic. Please share these episodes among those who might find them helpful, and let me know what you think in the comments below. … https://www.guruviking.com/free-breathing-class-godfrey-devereux-guru-viking-podcast/ ... Fear, sickness, death are perennial human experiences, and so my hope is that these episodes will be of use not only to those who are being affected now in this situation, but also of use to others beyond it. … 0:00 - Class Intro 01:00 - Guided Class 30:31 - Comments 31:18 - Explaining ’svaramukta’ 
 35:29 - To control or not in breath practice 43:52 - Final comments

…
 Check out my previous interviews with Godfrey Devereux:
- https://www.guruviking.com/ep38-godfrey-d

Godfrey Devereux, yoga and meditation teacher of over 45 years experience, is my featured guest in this episode of the Guru Viking Podcast: Pandemic Series. 

 Please share these episodes among those who might find them helpful, and let me know what you think in the comments below. 
... https://www.guruviking.com/ep38-godfrey-devereux-pandemic-edition-guru-viking-podcast/ Audio version of this podcast also available on iTunes and Stitcher – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … I am producing a special series of the Guru Viking Podcast to support those affected by the pandemic. 

 I'll be asking my guests questions like how to work with anxiety, fear, and panic? How to work with isolation? How to work with sickness and death? And how to help others having those experiences? Fear, sickness, death are perennial human experiences, and so my hope is that these episodes will be of use not only to those who are being affected now in this situation, but also of use to others beyond it. … 0:55 - Guidance for thos

Shinzen Young - meditation teacher, neuroscience researcher, and author of ‘The Science of Enlightenment’ - is my featured guest in this episode of the Guru Viking Podcast: Pandemic Series. 

 Please share these episodes among those who might find them helpful, and let me know what you think in the comments below. 
... Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/ep37-shinzen-young-pandemic-edition-guru-viking-podcast/ Audio version of this podcast also available on iTunes and Stitcher – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … This is a special series of the Guru Viking Podcast to support those affected by the pandemic. 
 I ask my guests questions like how to work with anxiety, fear, and panic? How to work with isolation? How to work with sickness and death? And how to help others having those experiences? Fear, sickness, death are perennial human experiences, and so my hope is that these episodes will be of use not only to those who are being affected now in this situation, but also of use to others beyond it.

Bar-ché Dorje, a Dutch Lama in the Aro gTer tradition of Tibetan Buddhism, is my featured guest in this episode of the Guru Viking Podcast: Pandemic Series. 

 Please share these episodes among those who might find them helpful, and let me know what you think in the comments below. 
... Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/ep36-bar-che-dorje-pandemic-edition-guru-viking-podcast/ Audio version of this podcast also available on iTunes and Stitcher – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … I am producing a special series of the Guru Viking Podcast to support those affected by the pandemic. 

 I'll be asking my guests questions like how to work with anxiety, fear, and panic? How to work with isolation? How to work with sickness and death? And how to help others having those experiences? Fear, sickness, death are perennial human experiences, and so my hope is that these episodes will be of use not only to those who are being affected now in this situation, but also of use to others beyond it. … 0:55 - Guida

Culadasa, meditation teacher and author of ‘The Mind Illuminated’, is my featured guest in this episode of the Guru Viking Podcast: Pandemic Series. 

 Please share these episodes among those who might find them helpful, and let me know what you think in the comments below. 
... https://www.guruviking.com/ep35-culadasa-pandemic-edition-guru-viking-podcast/ Audio version of this podcast also available on iTunes and Stitcher – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … I am producing a special series of the Guru Viking Podcast to support those affected by the pandemic. 

 I'll be asking my guests questions like how to work with anxiety, fear, and panic? How to work with isolation? How to work with sickness and death? And how to help others having those experiences? Fear, sickness, death are perennial human experiences, and so my hope is that these episodes will be of use not only to those who are being affected now in this situation, but also of use to others beyond it. … 0:55 - Guidance for those who are afraid

Paul Cavel, author and Taoist teacher, is my featured guest in this episode of the Guru Viking Podcast: Pandemic Series. 

 Please share these episodes among those who might find them helpful, and let me know what you think in the comments below. 
... Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/ep34-paul-cavel-pandemic-edition-guru-viking-podcast/ Audio version of this podcast also available on iTunes and Stitcher – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … I am producing a special series of the Guru Viking Podcast to support those affected by the pandemic. 

 I'll be asking my guests questions like how to work with anxiety, fear, and panic? How to work with isolation? How to work with sickness and death? And how to help others having those experiences? Fear, sickness, death are perennial human experiences, and so my hope is that these episodes will be of use not only to those who are being affected now in this situation, but also of use to others beyond it. … 0:55 - Guidance for those who are afraid or panicke

Stephen Snyder, meditation teacher and co-author of ‘Practicing the Jhanas’, is my featured guest in this episode of the Guru Viking Podcast: Pandemic Series. 

 Please share these episodes among those who might find them helpful, and let me know what you think in the comments below. 
... Audio version of this podcast also available on iTunes and Stitcher – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … I am producing a special series of the Guru Viking Podcast to support those affected by the pandemic. 

 I'll be asking my guests questions like how to work with anxiety, fear, and panic? How to work with isolation? How to work with sickness and death? And how to help others having those experiences? Fear, sickness, death are perennial human experiences, and so my hope is that these episodes will be of use not only to those who are being affected now in this situation, but also of use to others beyond it. … 0:55 - Guidance for those who are afraid or panicked. 03:49 - Guided mindfulness of breathing exercise. 
10:1

Michaela Boehm, world-renowned counsellor, workshop teacher, and author of ‘The Wild Woman’s Way’, is my featured guest in this episode of the Guru Viking Podcast: Pandemic Series. 

 Please feel free to share these episodes among those who might find them helpful, and let me know what you think in the comments below. 
... Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/ep32-michaela-boehm-pandemic-edition-guru-viking-podcast/ Audio version of this podcast also available on iTunes and Stitcher – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … I am producing a special series of the Guru Viking Podcast to support those affected by the pandemic. 

 I'll be asking my guests questions like how to work with anxiety, fear, and panic? How to work with isolation? How to work with sickness and death? And how to help others having those experiences? Fear, sickness, death are perennial human experiences, and so my hope is that these episodes will be of use not only to those who are being affected now in this situation, but also of use

Tina Rasmussen Ph.D, meditation teacher and co-author of ‘Practicing the Jhanas’, is my featured guest in this episode of the Guru Viking Podcast: Pandemic Series. 

 Please feel free to share these episodes among those who might find them helpful, and let me know what you think in the comments below. 
... Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/ep31-tina-rasmussen-pandemic-edition-guru-viking-podcast/ *Audio version of this podcast also available on iTunes and Stitcher – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.* … I am producing a special series of the Guru Viking Podcast to support those affected by the pandemic. 

I'll be asking my guests questions like how to work with anxiety, fear, and panic? How to work with isolation? How to work with sickness and death? And how to help others having those experiences? Fear, sickness, death are perennial human experiences, and so my hope is that these episodes will be of use not only to those who are being affected now in this situation, but also of use to others beyo