Sinopsis
Steve travels internationally teaching somatic practices, meditation, yoga, as well as leading explorations in contemplative, mystic, & relational realms.
Episodios
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Ep155 - Hardcore Zen - Brad Warner
24/06/2022 Duración: 01h36minIn this episode I am joined by Brad Warner, Zen teacher and best-selling author of ‘Hardcore Zen’ and ‘The Other Side of Nothing’. Brad recounts his unusual childhood, his passion for Punk rock ethics, and reveals what thwarted his teenage desire to become a born again Christian. Brad describes his first encounter with Zen, shares the secret of his decades of daily practice, and explains why he is at odds with the culture and institutions of mainline American Zen. Brad also discusses his awakening experience, the significance of dharma transmission, his new book on ethics, and what Dogen’s mysterious metaphors have in common with the TV show ‘Ancient Aliens’. … Video version: www.guruviking.com/podcast/155-hardcore-zen-brad-warner Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics include: 00:00 - Intro 00:48 - Brad’s writing process 01:54 - ‘I’m not saying it was Aliens, but it was Aliens’ 03:25 - Brad’s unusual upbringing 06:22 - Finding Zen and moving to Japa
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Steve James On The Man Reimagined Podcast
19/06/2022 Duración: 02h13sRichard Ayling recently interviewed me on his 'Man Reimagined' Podcast. Topics include: 00:00 - Rich on Steve and interesting topics 03:07 - Steve’s background 08:46 - What is average? 11:06 - Growing up on the Shetland Islands 13:41 - Discipline and delayed gratification 22:54 - Guru Viking Meditation Club 34:10 - Strong determination sitting 36:51 - Dedication from enjoyment 43:07 - ‘Masculine and feminine’ 01:00:36 - Fundamentalism trap 01:03:08 - Rich’s doubts about men’s work 01:07:30 - Rich’s professional trajectory 01:18:36 - Methods are limited + Steve on men’s work 01:29:03 - Enquiry over imposition 01:34:23 - Movement Koan Method 01:42:43 - Meditation vs movement practices 01:44:40 - About relationship 01:49:27 - On conversation 01:51:42 - Steve’s future Richard Ayling: https://www.re-align.co/ Other times I have been interviewed: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/category/Steve+Interviewed
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Ep154: Faith And Science - Dr Jonathan Lunine, Shinzen Young, & Chelsey Fasano
17/06/2022 Duración: 59minSpecial guest Dr Jonathan Lunine, distinguished American planetary scientist and physicist, joins the ongoing discussion with: - Shinzen Young, meditation teacher and neuroscience research consultant - Chelsey Fasano, a Columbia University neuroscience student Dr Lunine is the David C. Duncan Professor in the Physical Sciences and Chair of the Department of Astronomy at Cornell University. Dr Lunine has published over 380 research papers and is at the forefront of research into planet formation, evolution, and habitability. Dr Lunine’s work includes the Cassini mission to Saturn, the James Webb Space Telescope, and the Juno Mission to Jupiter. Dr Lunine is a member of the National Academy of Sciences and has participated in and chaired advisory and strategic planning committees for the Academy and for NASA. In this episode, the group question the compatibility of faith and science, explore the writings of St Thomas Aquinas and the radical theology of T.S Eliot, and consider the controversial theories of
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Ep153: Kundalini & The Occult - Mary Shutan
10/06/2022 Duración: 01h23minIn this episode I am joined by Mary Shutan: author, occultist, and spiritual teacher. Mary shares her journey from a traumatic early childhood to adoption into an upper-middle class family, and how spiritual overwhelm in her teenage years, and a subsequent kundalini awakening, drove her to in-depth study of spiritual themes. Mary details her own kundalini experience, including challenging side effects, kundalini traps, and the role of sacrifice on the spiritual path. Mary also discusses her love of reading and magical realism, recounts her time as a ritual magician working with the dark feminine, advises on encounters with entities and extra-terrestrials, and describes the different types of spiritual protection employed by institutions and public figures. … Video version: www.guruviking.com/podcast/153-mary-shutan-kundalini-and-the-occult Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics include: 00:00 - Intro 01:03 - Prolific publications 01:41 - Mary’s writi
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Ep152: Voice of Bhutan - Ashi Kunzang Choden
03/06/2022 Duración: 01h12minIn this episode I travel to the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan, where I visit world renowned Bhutanese author Ashi Kunzang Choden at her family seat of Ogyen Choling in the Tang Valley, Bumthang. Ashi gives a tour of her home, which her family have occupied for hundreds of years, including a rare look into a remarkable multi-story temple with rich religious frescos, sacred artefacts, and entire floors dedicated to Tara and Guru Rinpoche. Ashi also recounts her remarkable life that embodies so much of Bhutan’s recent history. Ashi was born into a family of feudal lords, witnessed the reformations of the 1950s, was educated in Catholic convents in India, and worked for the United Nations, before returning to her family home which she now runs as a cultural centre and guest house. Ashi also recalls the spiritual advice given to her by Dudjom Rinpoche, reveals why her exposure to Christianity opened her up to the heart of Buddhism, and discusses the impact of feminist thought on her perspective of Bhutanese c
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Ep151: Scottish Mystic - David McMurdo
27/05/2022 Duración: 01h25minDavid recounts his upbringing in Scotland, and how a lifetime of frustrated spiritual seeking was resolved in a profound spiritual experience that changed everything. David details the results of this transformative experience and discusses themes such as religiosity, the zeal of the convert, falling into the spirit of God, advice for prayer and meditation, and the mystic’s view of identity. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/151-scottish-mystic-david-mcmurdo Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics include: 00:00 - Intro 00:37 - David’s upbringing in Scotland 03:50 - David’s love of the Scottish town of Thurso 05:56 - Frustrating spiritual seeking 07:57 - A life-changing spiritual experience 10:56 - Piercing the roof of the intellect 12:32 - Jesus Christ 15:43 - The Mystery 18:01 - Changes in David after the experience 20:06 - Gnosis and experiential spirituality 21:55 - Zeal of the convert 26:50 - Disagreement with the doctri
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Ep150: Art of Retreat - Dr Nida Chenagtsang
20/05/2022 Duración: 01h21minIn this episode I am once again joined by Dr Nida Chenagtsang, master of Tibetan Medicine and spiritual teacher of the Yuthok Nyingthig tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. Dr Nida reveals why in 2021 he withdrew from public teaching to take an extended personal retreat lasting the year, and details the overall structure, daily routine, and practices that he engaged. Dr Nida recalls the obstacles he encountered and how he overcame them, and shares the powerful experience towards the end of his retreat that caused lasting significant change in his personality and activity. Dr Nida also discusses the danger of ego inflation and narcissism in spiritual practice, the serious psychological risks of rigorous training, and offers his advice on those who wish to embark on meditation retreat. … Video version: www.guruviking.com Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics include: 00:00 - Intro 00:56 - Why did Dr Nida go on retreat? 04:31 - Longchenpa on life’s busyness 06
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Steve James Interviewed About Magic
15/05/2022 Duración: 58minLian Brook-Tyler recently interviewed me about magic and the esoteric for her ‘Primal Happiness’ podcast. Topics include: 00:00 - Steve is a muggle 03:07 - Who is Daniel Ingram? 08:29 - Musing on magic 18:04 - Cheat code or apotheosis? 19:46 - Magic as listening 22:22 - Dream yoga 25:00 - Lian on magic 26:55 - Siddhi and special powers 28:48 - Magic in modern culture 35:02 - Lian’s journey with magic 42:18 - Lian’s magical evolution 47:21 - Magical dark night 49:30 - Advice for those interested in magic 51:59 - Seeing beyond yourself 56:11 - Lian and the rose Lian’s ‘Primal Happiness’ Show - https://www.youtube.com/c/WakingTheWild Other times I have been interviewed: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/category/Steve+Interviewed
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Ep149 - Deconstructing Yourself - Michael Taft
13/05/2022 Duración: 01h22minIn this interview I am joined by Michael Taft: maverick meditation teacher, bestselling author, host of the ‘Deconstructing Yourself’ podcast, and founder of the Alembic community. Michael recounts his lifelong meditation journey, describes his initial reluctance to teach meditation, the writing of ‘Mindful Geek’, and his divergence from Shinzen Young. Michael reveals his troubled upbringing, crippling teenage anxiety, and intense experimentation with LSD and the occult. Michael also shares a transformative mystical experience in Japan, his practice of classical Hindu tantra, and details experiences of seeing other dimensional entities in daily life. … Link in bio. Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics include: 00:00 - Intro 01:57 - Looking back at ‘Mindful Geek’ 03:09 - Reluctance to teach 04:49 - Secular mindfulness 10:09 - Diverging from Shinzen Young 12:52 - Michael’s troubled upbringing 17:32 - Crippling anxiety attacks and discovering me
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Ep148: Wake Up To Sleep - Charlie Morley
06/05/2022 Duración: 01h51minIn this interview I am joined by lucid dreaming teacher and best-selling author Charlie Morley. Charlie recounts a trip to South Africa to see his Buddhist guru Lama Yeshe, and recalls a mystical experience he had there while on retreat with Dr Daniel P Brown. Charlie reveals his most effective lucid dreaming techniques, explains why meditation can be bad for trauma, details his work with veterans with PTSD, and demonstrates a powerful breath technique to regulate the nervous system. Charlie also speaks openly about his recent life struggles, including the terminal diagnosis of his mother, the end of his marriage, and an emotional breakdown that led to suicidal ideation. Charlie shares how these struggles have profoundly transformed every aspect of his life and clarified his life mission to help others. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep148-wake-up-to-sleep-charlie-morley-2 Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics include: 00:00 -
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Ep147: Falling Open - Amoda Maa
29/04/2022 Duración: 01h22minIn this interview I am 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 how her troubled upbringing including secretive paternity, abuse, and financial instability, saw her fall into a profound depression with multiple suicide attempts. Amoda Maa discusses how psychedelic experimentation led her to leave her PhD and embark on 7 years of homelessness and consciousness exploration in the London drug scene, experiencing mystical states and healing her trauma through therapies and personal practice. Amoda Maa recounts her travels in India, joining Osho’s ashram, and subsequent awakening which she describes as ‘falling into the abyss of being’. Amoda Maa also reveals why she thinks the egoic state of humanity has comets a peak, and why each person must hold the line of presence and openness in an increasingly divided world. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep147-falling-open-amoda-m
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Ep146 - Surpassing the Master - Rupert Spira & Henry Shukman 2
22/04/2022 Duración: 01h31minIn this episode I host part 2 of an ongoing dialogue between Rupert Spira: a teacher of the direct path method of Advaita and an internationally acclaimed ceramic artist; and Henry Shukman, Zen teacher and award winning poet and writer. Rupert and Henry discuss the path of deep training in both art and spirituality, why traditional forms are repositories of generational understanding, and the meaning of spiritual friendship. Rupert reflects on how art points to truth, and Henry discusses Koan training as a means to stabilise awakening. Rupert and and Henry also reflect on what it takes to create effective art and why it is vital for the apprentice to surpass the master. … Video version: www.guruviking.com Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics include: 00:00 - Intro 00:47 - Rupert on Henry’s zen memoir 03:46 - Henry on Rupert’s books 06:01 - Evolution of Rupert’s art from ceramics to language 13:00 - Discipline teaches the process of art 15:42 - T
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Ep145: Living Open Space - Gregory Blann 2
15/04/2022 Duración: 01h24minIn this interview I am once again joined by Gregory Blann: mystic, artist, author, and initiate of the Inayati and Halveti-Jerrahi orders of Sufism. Gregory discusses his latest book on the remarkable life of Lex Hixon, aka Sheik Nur, the influential American mystic, author, and broadcaster who was initiated into several of the world’s mystery traditions and was a key figure in inter-faith dialogue. Gregory recounts his own encounters with Lex Hixon, and reveals why he decided to write a biography of his old friend and colleague. Gregory also discusses the heart of the Quran, the power of the feminine, and why Swami Vivekananda said ‘American women will be the salvation of the world’. Gregory and his wife Silvia end the episode by singing two Turkish Ilahis of the Sufi Tradition. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep145-living-open-space-lex-hixon Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics Include: 00:00 - Intro 00:52 - Meeting Lex Hixon
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Ep144: Hardcore & The Body in Spiritual Practice - Guo Gu 2
10/04/2022 Duración: 01h25minIn this interview I am once again joined by Guo Gu, Chan Buddhist teacher, author, and scholar of Buddhism. Guo Gu describes how ongoing bullying and violent confrontations as a teenager led him to form influential music groups Death Before Dishonor and Judge. Guo Gu reveals why a feeling of hypocrisy as a monk led him to study social work and eventually obtain a PhD from Princeton University's Department of Religion on self-inflicted violence in Chinese religions Guo Gu also reveals why he became Straight Edge, considers the role of religious asceticism and the body in today’s world, and comments on what others have called a meaning crisis in today’s society. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep144-hardcore-and-body-in-spiritual-practice-guo-gu Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics include: 00:00 - Intro 00:43 - Bullied as an adolescent 08:53 - Meeting Mike Ferraro and getting good at fighting 14:29 - Imprint of his violent
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Steve James on the J Brown Yoga Talks Podcast
05/04/2022 Duración: 01h52minJ Brown recently interviewed me for his Yoga Talks Podcast. … Video version: www.guruviking.com/podcast/j-brown-yoga-talks-interviews-steve-james- Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics Include: 00:00 - J’s Intro 06:22 - J meets Steve 07:49 - J’s alter-ego 10:18 - Living on a boat 15:43 - Outdoor survival and unraveling the mystery 19:57 - Facing fear 22:12 - Altar boy and martial arts 26:52 - Yoga training with Godfrey Devereux 27:18 - Pranayama 32:15 - The context of doing 38:19 - Steve’s influences 39:57 - Shinzen Young 44:05 - Movement vs Sitting Meditation 51:05 - Working with Michaela Boehm 54:20 - Non-Linear Movement Method® 01:01:20 - Structured vs non-linear practice 01:07:30 - Long meditation sitting 01:13:43 - Why meditate? 01:20:32 - Mystical and supernatural experiences 01:33:43 - Experiences of profundity 01:38:32 - The mystic and structure 01:43:59 - J’s concluding comments … J Brown Yoga: https://www.jbrownyoga.com/ Othe
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Ep143: Psychiatry & Religious Experience - Dr Caroline Van Damme
01/04/2022 Duración: 02h07minIn this interview I am joined by Dr Caroline Van Damme, an adult psychiatrist and family and systemic psychotherapist specialising in chronic psychotic disorders, and co-teacher of Buddhist guru and Sowa Rigpa doctor Nida Chenagtsang. Caroline discusses the cultural complexity of being raised in Belgium, how an early interest in the mind saw her train as a psychiatrist, and the reasons for her specialising in chronic psychosis. Caroline also recounts her first encounters with Buddhism, including a meeting with a mysterious Lama, and the story of her collaboration with Dr Nida Chenagstang to train counsellors informed by both Western psychology and traditional Tibetan medicine. Caroline draws on her professional experience to reveal rapport building skills for clinicians, as well as discussing religious experience as a form of psychosis, and the the pros and cons of the religious mind. … Video version: www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep143-dr-caroline-van-damme-psychiatry-religious-experience Also availabl
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Peace Meditation - Stephen Snyder - Bonus Episode
29/03/2022 Duración: 38minStephen Synder, meditation teacher and author of many books including ‘Demsystifiyng Awakening’ and ‘Buddha’s Heart’, offers a ‘guided meditation into the unmanifest Absolute to contact and abide in the deep peacefulness there’. Stephen’s students have found this meditation helpful when working with the fear and anguish of the war in Ukraine, and Stephen generously offered to share it here. … Video version: www.guruviking.com/podcast/peace-meditation-stephen-snyder-bonus-episode Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics include: 00:00 - Intro 03:46 - Guided meditation ... Check out my previous interviews with Stephen: - https://www.guruviking.com/ep24-stephen-snyder-a-stroke-of-realisation-guru-viking-interviews/ - https://www.guruviking.com/ep33-stephen-snyder-pandemic-edition-guru-viking-podcast/ - https://www.guruviking.com/ep70-stephen-snyder-buddhas-heart/ - https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep141-demystifying-awakening-stephen-snyder Purcha
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Ep142: Science & the Enlightened Self - Dr Jud Brewer, Shinzen Young, C Fasano, & Dr Sanguinetti
25/03/2022 Duración: 01h33minDr Jud Brewer - pioneering psychiatrist, neuroscientist, and New York Times best-selling author - returns to once again join the ongoing conversation featuring: - Shinzen Young, meditation teacher and neuroscience research consultant - Chelsey Fasano, a Columbia University neuroscience student - Dr Jay Sanguinetti, Assistant Director for the Center for Consciousness Studies and Research Professor at the University of New Mexico In this episode, the group take a deep dive into concepts of the ‘Self’, comparing and contrasting religious models with the latest theories in neuroscience and psychology. Shinzen rethinks Early Buddhist craving and aversion doctrines in the light of modern mathematics and Jud considers the clinical implications of neuro-modulation and psychedelics. The group also discusses the typical learning curve to enlightenment, as well as the role of connection and communion in contemplative endeavours. … Video version: www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep142-science-the-enlightened-self
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Ep141: Demystifying Awakening - Stephen Snyder
18/03/2022 Duración: 01h36minIn this episode I am once again joined by Stephen Snyder, 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 latest book ‘Demysifying Awakening: A Buddhist Path of Realization, Embodiment, and Freedom’. Stephen gives detailed comparisons between the maps of Theravadan and Zen Buddhism, explains the difference between Kensho and Satori, and reveals why it is so easy to stall after an initial awakening experience. Stephen also shares techniques to open the Wisdom Eye, loosen allegiance to the body, and transcend the superego; and reveals how he assesses others spiritual experiences and how an individual can self-assess their own level of awakening. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep141-demystifying-awakening-stephen-snyder Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics include: 00:00 - Intro 00:51 - Why is Stephen
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Ep140: Quest for A Life of Meaning - Ralph White
11/03/2022 Duración: 01h58minIn this interview I am joined by Ralph White holistic learning pioneer, international speaker on cultural transformation and the history of the Western tradition, and co-founder of the New York Open Centre. Ralph reveals his difficult upbringing in working class England, and how his intellect served as his escape route, emigrating to America as a Fulbright scholar in 1970. Ralph shares a life-changing spiritual experience on Route 66, reflects on the role of psychedelics in raising consciousness, and details his personal path as a nature mystic heavily influenced by Western Esotericism. Ralph recounts his adventures throughout Canada, hitch hiking to Machu Picchu, getting streetwise in Columbia, and eventually landing in New York to co-found the world-famous Open Centre. Ralph also reflects on what years of booking spiritual teachers taught him about spotting spiritual fakes, what it means to be in the third of act of one’s life, and shares his vision for the future of world culture … Video version: