Sinopsis
Steve travels internationally teaching somatic practices, meditation, yoga, as well as leading explorations in contemplative, mystic, & relational realms.
Episodios
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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:
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Ep139: Peace Magic - Dr Thomas Clough Daffern 2
10/03/2022 Duración: 01h35minIn this interview I am joined by Dr Thomas Clough Daffern philosopher, educator, peace activist, and peace officer for the Council of British Druid Orders. Most widely known as a peace activist and academic, Dr Daffern is also an esotericist and in this episode he reveals his system of peace magic which draws on a wide range of occult systems. Dr Daffern explains the difference between a peace magician and a war magician, warns of the dangers of magical practice, and gives advice for navigating today’s information landscape. Dr Daffern also gives a series of case studies of his own career in peace and reconciliation, including work in Ireland and the Middle East, before giving his detailed analysis of the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. … Video version: www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep139-peace-magic-dr-thomas-clough-daffern-2 Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics Include: 00:00 - Intro 00:50 - What are magi and druids? 05:16 - What is peace magic? 07:28 -
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Ep138: Trained as a Nun - Beth Upton
04/03/2022 Duración: 01h11minIn this interview I am joined by Beth Upton, a meditation teacher, ex-nun, and student of renowned meditation master Pa Auk Sayadaw. Beth reveals why reading economics at Cambridge caused her to fracture with today’s economic system and eventually led to her ordaination as a nun in Myanmar. Beth details her rigorous training under renowned meditation master Pa Auk Sayadaw, addresses skepticism of the Visuddhimagga, and criticises so called ‘soft jhana’ teachings as watered down dharma. Beth contrasts popular soft jhana teachings with how she was trained at Pa Auk, discusses the 10-fetter model of enlightenment, and explains how samadhi can be used to remember past lives and generate siddhi such as the ability to see devas and ghosts. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep138-trained-as-a-nun-beth-upton Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics Include: 00:00 - Intro 00:51 - Upbringing and and reading economics at Cambridge 03:56 - The p
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Ep137: Kundalini Awakening - Tara Springett
25/02/2022 Duración: 01h42minIn this episode I am joined by Tara Springett, a Buddhist psychotherapist who specialises in treating Kundalini Syndrome. Tara recounts emerging from a troubled childhood to experience her first of several spiritual awakenings through a type of consciousness expansion known as kundalini. Tara shares the diverse consequences of these experiences in her own life including a reckoning with her unconscious mind, a life-changing yearning for the divine, and paranormal encounters. Tara recounts her conversion to Tibetan Buddhism and time spent with teachers such as Rigdzin Shikpo and Garchen Rinpoche, who would both go onto encourage her to teach Buddhism. Tara details learning a range of Buddhist practices including compassion meditation, manifestation wish practice, and the inner yogas of tummo. Tara also shares her experiences channeling White Tara, and reflects on her understanding of the process of spiritual awakening and karmic purification that working with kundalini energy is said to bring about.
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Ep136: Meeting of the Dharmas - Daniel Ingram & Delson Armstrong
18/02/2022 Duración: 02h22minIn this episode I host a dialogue between Daniel Ingram and Delson Armstrong. Daniel Ingram is an independent Buddhist writer, author of ‘Mastering the Core Teachings of the Buddha’, and co-founder of the Emergent Phenomenology Research Consortium (EPRC). Delson Armstrong is a spiritual teacher, author of ’A Mind Without Craving’, and the star student of Bhante Vimalaramsi. Daniel and Delson discuss the similarities and differences between their doctrinal positions and personal experiences of the 4-path model of Buddhist enlightenment, which ranges from stream entry to arhatship. In this collegial yet rigorous dialogue, Daniel and Delson engage in detailed debate on the differences in their positions and draw on personal experience, scriptural examples, and issues of scientific verification. They also discuss the effect of enlightenment on psychopathy and other personality disorders, reflect on which meditation methods best fit different personality types, and conduct in-depth analysis of the phenome
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Ep135: How To Wake Up - Dhammarato (Bonus episode)
13/02/2022 Duración: 51minIn this bonus 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 footage was recorded right before a dialogue about the Mahasi Method between Dhammarato and Daniel Ingram. Due to a scheduling miscommunication, Dhammarato and I arrived to the recording one hour early. It wasn’t long before Dhammarato began sharing his insights with his characteristic humour and precision and so we decided to release this informal exchange as a bonus episode. Dhammarato discusses the role of story and how to wake up from it, what stream entry really is and how can it be verified, and the difference between sati and psychological repression. Dhammarato also teaches a coffee meditation, talks about mindfulness in daily life, and reveals the real practice of anapanasati. … Video version: www.guruviking.com Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. ... 00:00 - Intr
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Ep134: Tibetan Yoga - Alejandro Chaoul 2
11/02/2022 Duración: 59minIn this episode I am once again joined by Alejandro Chaoul PhD to discuss his latest book ‘Tibetan Yoga: Magical Movements of Body, Breath, and Mind’ published by Wisdom Publications. Alejandro tells the story of the creation of this book, describes its textual sources, and explains his decision not to include images of the sacred movements. Alejandro reveals the different uses of Tibetan Yoga movements, including physical healing, clearing obstacles, enhancing meditation, and spiritual advancement. Alejandro also discusses personality typologies, the flavour of Dzogchen awakening, the importance of the full lotus posture, and compares Buddhist tummo techniques to the inner heat methods of the ‘Iceman’ Wim Hof. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep134-tibetan-yoga-alejandro-chaoul Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics Include: 00:00 - Intro 00:50 - The story of Alejandro’s new book 08:04 - Textual sources and Alejandro’s use of im
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Ep132: Student of the Mysteries - Dr Thomas Clough Daffern
28/01/2022 Duración: 01h11minIn this interview I am joined by Dr Thomas Clough Daffern, poet, historian, philosopher, educator, and peace officer for the Council of British Druid Orders. Thomas recounts an unusual upbringing, a love affair with classics and poetry, and dropping out of school at 15 to pursue philosophical enquiry. We learn of Thomas’ immersion in study of the world’s religious and mystical traditions, and his early tantric and druidic initiations. Thomas discusses the Ancient Greek mystery schools, the cultural consequences of their closure, and what it would take to revive them in the world today. Thomas reflects his time as a celibate, why every student of the mysteries should have a brahmacharya phase, and why a sense of duty and civic responsibility eventually saw him marry and start a family. Thomas also talks about reconciling the schools of Islam, compares Eastern and Western enlightenments, and reveals the inspiration behind his relentless intellectual curiosity. … Video version at https://www.guruviking.co
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Ep131: Art & Spirituality - Rupert Spira & Henry Shukman
21/01/2022 Duración: 01h22minA 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. Well known as influential spiritual teachers, both men have also had prestigious careers in the arts, and in this episode they discuss the intersection of art and spirituality. Rupert and Henry consider such issues as the true purpose of art, narrative as a healing device, art as interruption of the subject object distinction, the darshan of Rembrandt, and how Chekov relates to the Vedantic witness. Rupert and Henry also reflect on their own artistic careers, including the importance of mentors, finding one’s unique voice, and the relationship between discipline and spontaneity. … Video version at: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep131-art-spirituality-rupert-spira-henry-shukman Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics include: 00:00 - Intro 00:56 - Art and