Guru Viking Podcast

To support people in this pandemic, I decided to release the full workshop recording of 'Dimensions of the Heart - Exploring Meditation Practices Of Loving Kindness And Compassion'. The video version includes important slides and visual aids, and can be viewed here: https://www.guruviking.com/dimensions-of-the-heart-meditation-practices-of-compassion-full-workshop/ … 'Most people are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.’ - Abraham Lincoln … Everyone likes to feel good. Much of the time how we feel is determined by our environment and circumstances. This can leave our emotions at the mercy of external conditions beyond our control. Many people don’t know that it is possible to deliberately choose to feel good, even in difficult circumstances. … In this 3hr online workshop we explore meditation approaches that cultivate positive states such as compassion and loving kindness. With practice, these natural states can be more readily felt and with greater richness, profundity, and consistenc

In this interview I am joined by Ron Serrano who, after securing financial freedom, turned away from the business world and declared the rest of his life a retreat, turning his full attention to spiritual awakening. Ron is a long time meditation practitioner and co-founder of the online meditation group Dharma Mechanics. We discuss Ron’s rigorous practice schedule, including his advanced lucid dreaming approach, and discover the one technique that increases lucid dreams by 20x. Ron also discusses his close association with Yale neuroscientist Judd Brewer, who scanned the brains of many meditation masters, and reveals the surprising results of those many years of research. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/ep57-ron-serrano-the-dharma-mechanic/ Audio version of this podcast also available on iTunes and Stitcher – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics include: 0:00 - Intro 0:49 - The kundalini yoga of Swami Kripalu 10:10 - Achieving financial freedom and discovering meditation 13:07 - Me

In this interview I am joined by Daizan Skinner, a British Zen Roshi holding lineages in both the Soto and Rinzai schools. We learn about Daizan’s Catholic upbringing, his fascination with the 14th century Christian contemplative text the Cloud of Unknowing, and how a search throughout Asia eventually led him to become a Zen monk for over twenty years. We lift the lid on his traditional training, including intensely painful meditation practice, severe sleep deprivation, and deep emotional catharsis. Daizan also reveals why he emphasises enlightenment in his teaching, lays out a traditional four stage model of awakening, and details his own awakening experiences in accordance with that model. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/ep56-daizan-skinner-zen-and-the-unknowing/ Audio version of this podcast also available on iTunes and Stitcher – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics include: 0:00 - Intro 0:49 - Daizan’s biography 5:37 - Why Zen over Catholicism? 7:10 - Learning meditation from a

In this episode I am again joined by Lorin Roche PhD, meditation teacher and author of ‘The Radiance Sutras’. We begin by discussing Lorin’s career as a writer, and learn why one of his early works triggered a visit from the CIA. We go on to discuss accidental mystical experiences, their positive and negative effects, and the role of practice in integrating such experiences. We learn why so many meditators are stuck and don’t know it, why meditation teachers are often the worst off of all, and what motivates people to become teachers. Lorin also shares his surprising top tips for a thriving personal practice, no matter the discipline. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/ep55-lorin-roche-instinctive-meditation/ Audio version of this podcast also available on iTunes and Stitcher – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics include: 0:00 - Intro 1:31 - Lorin’s life as a writer 7:11 - Visited by the CIA because of Lorin’s writing 8:18 - On creativity 9:43 - Lorin’s process and learning to writ

In this interview I am once again joined by Nyei Murez, personal student and writing collaborator of best-selling author and nagual sorcerer Carlos Castaneda. In this discussion, we learn about the art of dreaming in the tradition of the nagual. Nyei talks about the various different stages and training approaches to the art of dreaming, including how to become lucid - waking up in the dream and even to changing the dream environment. We discuss how to identify beings from other realms, so called ‘dream scouts’, and how to meet and communicate with other people, living or dead, while asleep. Nyei also discusses how to use the dream state to manifest favourable circumstances in the waking world, and how to defend against psychic or energetic attack from other skilled dreamers. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/ep54-nyei-murez-the-art-of-dreaming/ Audio version of this podcast also available on iTunes and Stitcher – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics include: 0:00 - Intro 0:56 -

In this episode I am joined by Paul Linden​ PhD, who has practiced and taught Aikido for 50 years and out of that has developed body-based ways of teaching power and compassion. He has applied this in peace-making, conflicts between ethnic groups, and with victims of severe trauma. He summarises his work: Power without love is brutality. Love without power is ineffective. We learn about Paul’s early days in the martial arts, and how a lack of coordination forced him to completely re-engineer his physical learning process. We discuss Paul’s precise use of language, his love of operational definitions, and the remarkable insights he has gained living with Parkinson’s for 17 years. Paul discusses his work in Germany and comments on multi generational trauma in both descendants of holocaust survivors and of German war criminals, and leads a series of live exercises to unlock personal power. Paul also gives his advice on the protests and riots occurring the America, including how to act effectively and what

In this episode I am once again joined by Dr Ben Joffe, anthropologist and scholar practitioner of Tibetan Buddhism. This episode is the third part of a series in which we explore Ben’s PhD dissertation about the ngakpa of the Himalayas, or as Ben calls them ‘wizards and socially engaged yogis’. In this episode we explore the realms of gender and sexual orientation, in both textual and social contexts. Ben discusses the complex situation of female spiritual practitioners in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, looking at terms such as ‘khandroma’, ‘dakini’, and more. We learn about the role of the sangyum, or sexual consort, and find out why Ben’s teacher and co-author Dr Nida Chenagtsang dedicated their book on sexual yoga to abuse victims, particularly those who have been abused in religious contexts. And finally we discuss the heteronormative / heterosexual perspective of traditional tantric texts, and hear Ben’s thoughts on how to practice sexual yoga in other orientations. … Video version: https://

In this episode I am once again joined by Tibetologist, author, and Tantric Buddhism teacher Glenn Mullin. We discuss references to the extra-terrestrial origin of humanity in Mongolian shamanism and Buddhist Abhidharma. We explore the differences between a lineage and a sect, and the impact of the Tibetan diaspora on sectarian attitudes. Glenn reveals how it was he first began to teach, what makes a lineage holder, and how to relate to a tantric guru. We learn about why Glenn’s approach to samaya is very different to some other teachers, and examine the real world application of the 14 danshig or root vows. And finally we explore the tradition of secrecy in tantra - why it is prescribed and what is its purpose? … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/ep51-glenn-mulin-ufos-lineage-holders-tantric-secrecy/ Audio version of this podcast also available on iTunes and Stitcher – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics Include 0:00 - Intro 0:50 - The extra-terrestrial origin of humanity in Mongolia

In this interview I am joined by Nyei Murez, personal student and writing collaborator of best-selling author and nagual sorcerer Carlos Castaneda. We discuss who Castaneda was, and Nyei gives a detailed history of his lineage up to the present day. We find out how Nyei first met Castaneda, and explore her intensive course of study and training under his personal guidance. We learn about Castaneda’s writing process, including stories of Nyei’s close collaboration with him on several best selling books. Nyei also talks on the nature of power, and shares insights into the current geo-political situation. … https://www.guruviking.com/ep50-nyei-murez-scribe-of-carlos-castaneda/ Audio version of this podcast also available on iTunes and Stitcher – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics include: 0:00 - Intro 0:45 - Meeting Carlos Castaneda and Florinda Donner 20:21 - The history of the lineage 49:38 - Nyei’s training with Carlos Castaneda and Florinda Donner 57:46 - Why did Nyei call Nyei a ‘genius’

In this episode we explore the life story of Dr Nida Chenagtsang, master of Tibetan Medicine and lineage holder of the spiritual teachings of the Yuthok Nyingthig. We learn about Dr Nida’s childhood as a nomad on the high grasslands of Tibet and the lessons he learned immersed in nature. We follow him to Lhasa, where he trained as a doctor of Tibetan medicine, and engaged in private spiritual training in lineages such as the Longchen Nyingthig, Dudjom Tersar, Yuthok Nyingthig and more. We hear Dr Nida’s critique of the tulku system of locating and enthroning the reincarnations of spiritual masters as children, and discuss why it is that Dr Nida offers previously secret teachings so openly to the public. This is the first in a series with Dr Nida, and future episodes will examine topics such as dream yoga, Tibetan medicine, karmamudra, and more. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/ep49-dr-nida-chenagtsang-heart-of-a-nomad/ Audio version of this podcast also available on iTunes and Stitcher –

In this episode I am once again joined by Dr Ben Joffe, anthropologist and scholar practitioner of Tibetan Buddhism. This episode is the second part of a series in which we explore Ben’s PhD dissertation on the ngakpa of the Himalayas, or as Ben calls them ‘wizards and socially engaged yogis’. In the previous episode, we met the scholar, exploring Ben’s life as well as looking at his research methodology. In this episode we begin by defining the ngakpa, both in terms of traditional definitions as well as how the ngakpa exist and function today. We explore the various tantric vows associated with the highest yoga tantra yidam empowerments, including common misinterpretations about samaya, and how hair and clothing styles are often used as on outer expression of inner or secret principles. We look at how ngakpa develop their magical powers (siddhi), why they have often been viewed with suspicion by the religious and state authorities, and finally Ben recounts a story of a magical duel between sorcerers

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