Ep43: Métsal Wangmo - Vajra Romance

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 Rinpoche and Khandro Déchen 11:18 - Childhood meditation experiences 12:04 - Pragmatism vs magical thinking 18:28 - Drala teachings of Vajrayana 19:44 - The Apprenticeship Model of the Aro gTér 27:24 - General Aro gTér curriculum and Métsal’s special interests 36:34 - The teaching style and example of Ngakchang Rinpoche and Khandro Déchen 40:02 - The death of Métsal’s first apprentice 48:59 - Meeting and falling in love with her now teaching-partner Jayür Dorje 51:31 - Choosing to be single for many years 58:43 - Adjusting from single life to being in a relationship 1:04:01 - Reconciling the inner male and female aspects 1:11:56 - ‘Unrequiteable gender needs’ 1:15:17 - Relationship as practice 1:19:25 - Resolving emotional neediness and finding exponential appreciation To find out more about Métsal Wangmo, visit: - https://www.facebook.com/Takrig/ - http://arobuddhism.org/lamas/lama-metsal-wangmo.html For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - www.guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James