Guru Viking Podcast

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

In this episode I am once again joined by Tibetologist, author, and Tantric Buddhist Lama Glenn Mullin. We learn how a mystical vision at Tibet’s oracle lake Lhamo Latso directed Glenn to move to Mongolia for 10 years, where he would eventually receive the nation’s highest honour, the Mongolian Star. We discuss Glenn’s encounters and friendships with the great Shamans of the Steppes, Himalayan Oracles, and the last Princess of Mongolia. Glenn reveals the inner workings of Mongolian Shamanism including the training of apprentices, 99 Spirit channeling, ritual and trance practices, and more. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/ep66-glenn-mullin-the-great-shamans-of-mongolia/ Audio version of this podcast also available on iTunes and Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics Include 0:00 - Intro 0:47 - How Glenn came to live in Mongolia 4:28 - Troubles in Nepal 6:18 - Mystical visions at Tibet’s oracle lake 11:58 - Traveling through China and Mongolia to seek the mountains seen in G

In this episode I am joined by Khandro Déchen, Lineage Lama, alongside her husband and teaching partner Ngak’chang Rinpoche, of the Aro gTér tantric house holder tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. We learn about Khandro Déchen’s upbringing and career in nursing, and how working with the sick and dying prepared her for her role as a spiritual teacher. Khandro Déchen recounts her first meeting and subsequent courtship with the man who would later become both her teacher and husband, Ngak’chang Rinpoche. We learn about Khandro Déchen’s practice in the hidden places of the Himalayas and her contact with great Lamas such as Kunzang Dorje Rinpoche . Khandro Déchen also discusses power differentials between teacher and student, females teachers and the patriarchy, her love of Kum-Nye physical practices, and more. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/ep65-khandro-dechen-english-ngakma/ Audio version of this podcast also available on iTunes and Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics include:

In this episode I am joined by Nathaniel Menninger, creator of the documentary film ‘The Porter’ which follows him on an 11-day trek to Everest base camp, living and working alongside the Tamang porters. When tourists climb Everest, they don’t carry their own equipment. That job is done by local porters who, in difficult conditions for minimal pay and out of the site of the clients, carry loads of up to 100kg each. We learn about Nathaniel’s experiences immersing himself in this world, carrying the same loads and living in the same conditions as the Tamang porters. We discover how Nathaniel, who speaks 6 languages, initially taught himself Nepali to study meditation in the Himalayas, and why his life of blending adventure and art made this project so personally significant. We learn about the physical and psychological challenges of the shooting process, as well as the profound identity crisis that Nathaniel suffered in its aftermath. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/ep64-nathaniel-menni

In this interview I am once again joined by Daizan Skinner, a British Zen Roshi trained in both the Soto and Rinzai schools. We learn why seeing so many senior monks become exhausted and ill sent Daizan on a search to Japan for the secret energy practices of Zen Master Hakuin. Daizan reveals why he left the Soto school to join controversial Rinzai Roshi Shinzan Miyamae, who’s motto was ‘First priority is kensho, second priority is kensho, third priority is kensho’. Daizan recounts stories of studying with Shinzan Roshi in Japan, practicing Koan on a mountain, and the chaotic lifestyle at Gyokuryuji temple. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/ep63-daizan-skinner-chaos-temple/ Audio version of this podcast also available on iTunes and Stitcher – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics include: 0:00 - Intro 1:18 - Why Daizan left the Soto school of Zen 1:47 - Energy practices to mitigate health problems of long-term Zen practice 19:11 - Meeting Shinzan Miyamae Roshi and joining Gyokuryuj

In this episode I am joined by Cinthia Font Zorilla - polyglot, translator, and chief Spanish interpreter for Mindrolling Jetsün Khandro Rinpoche. We learn about Cinthia’s remarkable upbringing as the daughter of a diplomat, raised a citizen of the world and becoming fluent in 7 languages. We discover how, when her father was stationed in India, an introduction to Lopon Tsechu Rinpoche by the King of Nepal would change Cinthia’s life forever. Cinthia recounts her close personal relationship with Lopon Tsechu Rinpoche, as well as the transformative effects of interpreting for her current guru, Mindrolling Jetsün Khandro Rinpoche. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/ep62-cinthia-font-dharma-polyglot/ Audio version of this podcast available on iTunes, Spotify, and Stitcher – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics Include 0:00 - Intro 0:44 - Cinthia’s upbringing as the daughter of a diplomat 3:41 - Meeting her guru, Lopon Tsechu Rinpoche 5:09 - How many languages does Cinthia speak? 5:42 -

In this episode I am joined by Dr. Ian Wickramasekera, Bön Buddhist practitioner and associate professor of Mindfulness Based Transpersonal Counseling at Naropa University. We discuss how a violent, childhood near-death experience propelled Ian onto the path of meditative exploration, and how psychedelics played a part in unraveling deep seated racial conditioning. We learn how early encounters with Glenn Mullin and Robin Kornman profoundly shaped Ian’s contemplative and academic trajectories. Ian recounts his first meditation retreats with the Shambala organisation, his opinion of the Sakyong, and why he left that lineage. Ian also explores dualistic and non dualistic epistemologies, the intersection of psychology and religion, and his academic work in the field of hypnosis. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/ep61-dr-ian-wickramasekera-devolving-the-self/ Audio version of this podcast also available on iTunes and Stitcher – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics Include 0:00 - Intro 0

In this episode I am joined by Taiwanese Youtube Fitness star Frank Yang who on May 25th 2020, declared himself to be an arhat - the highest level of enlightenment in Theravada Buddhism. Frank discusses his intense spiritual quest, from his early days as a bodybuilder struggling with sex addiction, to a multi-year deep dive into Buddhist meditation practice. We learn about Frank’s initial awakenings, kundalini phenomena, encounters with entities, and journeys to astral dimensions. Frank lifts the lid on his successful Youtube channel of over 160k subscribers, and shares his personal advice for all those who seek enlightenment. … https://www.guruviking.com/ep60-frank-yang-full-natty-arhat/ Audio version of this podcast also available on iTunes and Stitcher – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics Include: 0:00 - Intro 0:46 - The collective dark night of the pandemic 1:46 - Bodybuilding, sex addiction, and beginning meditation 8:33 - Plato and the link between physical training and meditation 10

In this episode I am joined by Sang-gyé A-tsal, an ex-dancer, jazz club owner, and Brevet Lama in the Aro gTer lineage of Tibetan Buddhism. We discuss Sang-gyé’s personal journey through Santeria, Sufism, and Vedanta before meeting her future teacher, Ngak’chang Rinpoche. Sang-gyé discusses her transformative time spent in Nepal with Kunzang Dorje Rinpoche, and recounts her completion of the esoteric practice of phowa under the guidance of Jomo Sampel. We learn about how to practice Vajra Romance outside of a partnership, and explore Sang-gyé’s passion for the physical practices of Kum Nye. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/ep59-sang-gye-a-tsal-santeria-to-sang-gye/ Audio version of this podcast also available on iTunes and Stitcher – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics Include: 0:00 - Intro 0:42 - Sang-gyé’s childhood meditation parties and explorations of spiritual traditions 3:47 - ‘Sleepy Shiné’ and learning to meditate 7:29 - Vedanta, Sufism, and Santeria 10:45 - Unusual exper