Ep115: Jhana, Ego, & Orgasm - Leigh Brasington, Shinzen Young, Chelsey Fasano, & Dr Sanguinetti

This episode of the Guru Viking Podcast sees the return of one of my absolute favourite guests, Glenn Mullin. Glenn is a Tibetologist, translator, and Tantric Buddhist meditation teacher, who studied for many years in Dharmsala with the Dalai Lama’s own gurus. In our last conversation, way back in Episode 9, we talked all about this fascinating period of Glenn’s life. We ended that podcast just beginning to touch on the inner yogas of Tantric Buddhism. In this episode we dive deeper into the completion stage practices as we discuss tummo (tsa lung tigle), the balancing of the male and female energies, clear light yoga, and we enter the realms of karmamudra, or ‘Tantric sex’, as it is presented in the Six Yogas of Naropa. Video version of this podcast: https://www.guruviking.com/ep19-glenn-mullin-guru-viking-interviews/ …. Topics include: - Producing heat with tummo practices - Tests of tummo practice in old Tibet - Demonstrations of energy control - The three qualities of inner bliss - The real purpose of tummo practice - Samayamudra, karmamudra, mahamudra, and dharmamudra - Esoteric nutrition practices of chu len - Magic pill, stone, and starlight - the 3 types of chu len practice - Solo vs group retreat in Tibetan Buddhism - Glenn’s training in chu len - 21 Day Flower Essence Fast - Magic pill recipe of the 2nd Dalai Lama - The effect of past life karma on practice - Are retreats necessary? - The teacher-student relationship in Tantra - The role of Guru Yoga in the 6 Yogas - Glenn’s spiritual friendship with Ling Rinpoche - Balancing the male and female energies in the body - Glenn’s Korean Zen student - The eternal radiance of the soul - Natural encounters with the mother clear light mind - The death process - Death yoga and assisting the dying - Tummo as a death simulation process - The 4 mudras - Karmamudra controversies - Problematic attitudes towards sex in the West - Comments on Dzogchen and Mahamudra - Consequences of balancing the male and female energies - Tantra and the office supplies salesman - Expressing Buddha nature in daily life - The Yoga of the Playful Deity - Dangers in tummo practice - Tantric love-making in the Tibetan tradition - Secrecy in tantric practice - How widespread is genuine karmamudra today? - The meaning of monastic vows of celibacy - The forbidden nature of eroticism - Glenn’s training in karmamudra - The superiority of the female body in tantra - Is monogamy preferable? - Male dominated cultural trends - Semen retention techniques in the 6 Yogas of Naropa - Do both partners need to be trained? - 3 different types of karmamudra partner - Problems with bringing Tibetan Buddhism to the West - ‘One lama, one student’ - Manifesting from the natural radiance of your stream of being … Previous Glenn Mullin episode: https://www.guruviking.com/guru-viking-interviews-ep9-glenn-mullin/ To find our more about Glenn, visit: http://www.glennmullin.com/ https://www.runawayjourneys.com/ https://www.facebook.com/Maitripa.Glenn For more interviews, videos, and more visit: www.guruviking.com Music 'Deva Dasi' by Steve James

8 Okt 20191h 45min

Ep18: Leigh Brasington - Guru Viking Interviews In this episode I am joined by Leigh Brasington, Buddhist meditation teacher and author of ‘Right Concentration, A Practical Guide to the Jhanas’. Leigh talked about how he transformed from a self described pot-head to a serious meditation practitioner in his very first retreat. We learn how learning the jhanas - 8 altered states of consciousness, brought on by deep meditative concentration - from meditation master Ayya Khema radically changed his life’s direction. We discuss stream entry for non-monastics, why most people underestimate their meditation potential, Leigh’s controversial take on Western Dharma teachers who claim full awakening, and why the Siddhis, or supernormal powers, are so associated with the practice of jhanas. Let me know what you think in the comments section below! 00:21 - How Leigh first became interested in meditation 00:57 - Chögyam Trungpa, Ayya Khema, and Leigh’s first meditation retreat 02:20 - Pot head to yogi - giving up heavy pot use after the retreat 03:01 - Buddhist practice vs Buddhist religion 04:25 - How Leigh quit pot 05:05 - Ayya Khema, Leigh’s first teacher 06:48 - The importance of following instructions closely 09:03 - Discovering the first jhana in Thailand with Ajahn Buddhadasa 11:16 - Further studies and learning all 8 jhanas from Ayya Khema 12:46 - Insight training with Ayya Khema 15:25 - Did Ayya Khema use the 4 Path Model? 20:00 - Leigh on Stream Entry and gradual vs sudden awakening 23:46 - Is awakening achievable by non-monastics? 25:38 - Leigh’s controversial take on Western Dharma teachers who claim full awakening 27:52 - Sutta criteria for an arhat 30:45 - Did Ayya Khema become an arhat before her death? 32:45 - Learning Rigpa practice from Tsoknyi Rinpoche 37:19 - How Leigh uses the rigpa state in his own practice 40:51 - Comparisons between Tummo and the Jhana practices 44:14 - What are the jhanas and how are they practiced? 51:23 - Are the jhanas necessary for insight practice? 54:33 - Surprising obstacles to learning the jhanas and the role of talent. 1:01:16 - Why most people underestimate their concentration potential. 1:03:01 - The role of lifestyle and sexuality in meditation success 1:08:10 - Leigh’s take on the Siddhis, supernormal powers, achieved through concentration practice 1:16:16 - Considering anecdotes about the siddhis of teachers like Guru Ma and 16th Karmapa 1:18:45 - The current frontiers of Leigh’s personal practice 1:25:41 - The Buddha’s most important teaching 1:27:51 - Nagajuna and the Suttas Video version of this interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o9xP28pzQAA To find out more about Leigh, visit: http://leighb.com For Leigh’s book, ‘Right Concentration’, visit: http://rc.leighb.com/index.html For more interviews, videos, and more visit: www.guruviking.com Music: ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

12 Aug 20191h 30min

In this episode I talk with Stephen K Hayes, martial arts master and ex security advisor to the Dalai Lama. We discuss Stephen’s early interest in the martial arts and his journey to Japan in search of the Ninja. We learn about his training and relationship with the iconoclastic sensei Masaaki Hatsui, and how it was the Stephen first met the Dalai Lama. Stephen then gives a detailed analysis of the Dalai Lama’s skill in social engagements, as well as the lessons learned serving in the close protection field. Topics Include: 0:00 - Steve’s Intro 0:30 - A childhood interest in martial arts 03:42 - Stephen’s early spiritual leanings 06:03 - Disillusionment with Episcopal Christianity 07:44 - Stephen’s take on reincarnation 11:34 - University experiences studying theatre and speech at Miami University 14:24 - Learning Tang Su Do and opening his first school 16:30 - Stephen’s incongruence with the 70s American martial arts scene 18:06 - Why Stephen describes himself as an oddball guy 20:46 - Travelling to Japan and searching for the Ninja 27:50 - Meeting Masaaki Hatsumi 34:18 - Fame and fortune as a martial arts author 37:43 - Hatsumi’s dojo schedule and curriculum 39:28 - The essence of what Stephen learned from Hatsumi 43:16 - Travelling to Tibet in search of the dob-dob fighting monks 47:28 - Meeting the Dalai Lama in New Dehli 50:01 - Intelligence and spiritual transmission 53:43 - The Dalai Lama’s emotional impact on Stephen 57:29 - Stephen’s role as a security advisor to the Dalai Lama 59:56 - The Dalai Lama’s skill in social engagements 1:06:32 - Western attitudes vs pre-invasion Tibet 1:09:23 - What Stephen learned from the Dalai Lama 1:13:58 - Final words of advice To find more about Stephen, visit: http://www.stephenkhayes.com/ For more interviews, videos, and more visit: www.guruviking.com Music 'Deva Dasi' by Steve James

14 Maj 20191h 14min

In this episode I travel to the deepest Wales to meet Ngakpa Chögyam and Khandro Déchen, English Lamas and lineage holders in a non-celibate Tantric Buddhist order. For the video version of this Episode, click here: https://www.guruviking.com/ep16-ngapka-chogyam-and-khandro-dechen-guru-viking-interviews/ I interviewed Ngakpa Chögyam about his early life and training with Kunzang Dorje Rinpoche way back in Episode 8, which was one of the most discussed and downloaded of the series so far. Here, we gain an intimate glimpse into their lives as they open their home, shrine room, and writing space. Ngakpa Chögyam reveals the art and practice of clothing and we learn why the Fender Telecaster is a doorway to compassion. The Lamas talk candidly about the skepticism of their authenticity, we hear stories about Mahasiddhas and Crazy Wisdom masters, and we discover Ngakpa Chögyam’s second religion in a live blues jam! Topics: 0:00 - Steve’s intro 0:01:20 - The house tour 0:01:43 - Tour of the shrine room and sacred objects 0:06:43 - Tsa lung energy practices, Tummo, and Phowa 0:11:12 - Retreat practice for non-monastics 0:14:13 - The art and practice of clothing 0:22:07 - Becoming an individual 0:26:42 - Ngakpa Chögyam’s 1850s revolvers 0:32:33 - Thinking for yourself 0:37:27 - Appreciation and the Fender Telecaster 0:38:38 - The coach house 0:39:26 - ‘The 84 Mahasiddhas’ and the Mahasiddha principle 0:51:41 - Working 1-1 with students 0:54:10 - Appreciation, compassion, and Vajra Romance 1:10:22 - ‘Come back ego, all is forgiven’ 1:13:36 - Romance and selflessness 1:22:25 - Bringing a student to a realisation of emptiness 1:23:23 - The practice of silent sitting 1:27:23 - Stories about studying with Chi’imed Rinpoche 1:39:54 - Crazy wisdom and abuse 1:44:52 - Stories about Chi’imed Rinpoche’s crazy wisdom behaviour 1:51:51 - The effect of being around a crazy wisdom master / becoming a professional human being 1:58:26 - Stories about Drukpa Kunley 2:03:59 - Sogyal Lakar vs Drukpa Kunley 2:07:34 - The previous incarnations of Ngakpa Chögyam and Khandro Déchen 2:11:42 - Receiving the Aro gTér lineage in a mystical experience 2:15:52 - Childhood visions and dreams of Aro Lingma 2:22:03 - Skepticism about Ngakpa Chögyam’s authenticity 2:30:54 - Dudjom Rinpoche’s request 2:33:21 - The future of Buddhism 2:35:26 - Singing the blues for Dudjom Rinpoche 2:38:44 - An education in blues music from Mr Love 2:41:12 - Ngakpa Chögyam and Steve play the blues Click here to listen to my first interview with Ngakpa Chögyam: - https://www.guruviking.com/guru-viking-interviews-ep8-ngakpa-chogyam/ To find out more about Ngakpa Chögyam:- arobuddhism.org/- www.instagram.com/doctor_togden/ For more interviews, videos, and more visit:- www.guruviking.com

6 Maj 20192h 45min

In this episode I interview Godfrey Devereux, yoga and meditation teacher of over 45 years experience, and author of several books - including ‘Dynamic Yoga’ and ‘Yoga Unveiled’, a translation and commentary of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras. In this fascinating conversation we discuss how watching his uncle, an Anglican minster, pray in tree-pose sparked an overwhelming sense of reverence, how Godfrey’s teenage attempts at learning from books produced surprising results, why meeting his Indian yoga guru heroes left him unimpressed, and how the rigorous discipline of Zen - and the insight of a particular Zen Roshi - changed Godfrey’s life forever. This interview was particularly enjoyable for me because Godfrey is the man who trained me in the practice and teaching of yoga in my mid-twenties. Topics include: - Godfrey’s first encounter with yoga - The power of reverence - Early days learning from books - Meeting an Iyengar yoga teacher - Yoga in England in the 70s - Travelling to Italy and training as a Montessori teacher - Clashes with the school management - Experimentation with vast amounts of LSD - Insights gained from psychedelics - Moving to America and working in the natural food movement - Encountering Ashtanga vinyasa yoga in Hawaii - Contacting a deep internal awareness - Testing what you’re taught; does it work, is it valid? - Are some people more suited to self enquiry? - Realising yoga wasn’t really working - Travelling to India - Disappointment when meeting the great yoga gurus - Activation of anandamayakosha, the bliss body - India’s special geology and culture - Was BKS Iyengar a sadomasochist? - Meeting the advaita teacher Ramesh Balsekar - Turning to Zen - Godfrey’s first sesshin - Sitting in full lotus - Why does it have to hurt so much?! - Becoming one with pain - Studying with Genpo Roshi - Koan study - Commenting on Genpo Roshi’s sexual scandal - A guru-chela relationship with Kali - Godfrey’s tantric encounters - Self improvement vs self enquiry - 4 most common mistakes in yoga - Effortless yoga posture practice - The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali - Godfrey’s take on the 5 Yamas - Godfrey’s experiments with pranayama - Medieval pranayama vs Patanjali’s approach - What is spiritual practice? - The issue of authority - Knowledge vs experience - Steve’s training with Godfrey - Why Godfrey has decided to stop training yoga teachers - Advice for those facing catastrophe To find our more about Godfrey, visit: www.dynamicyoga.com

 Godfrey on Yogavinyasakrama: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nkU5k03runI For more interviews, videos, and more visit: www.guruviking.com Music 'Deva Dasi' by Steve James

10 Apr 20191h 22min

New episode! In this interview I am joined by meditation teacher and author Daniel Ingram. Daniel sparked great controversy when in 2008 he published his first book ‘Mastering The Core Teachings Of The Buddha: An Unusual Hardcore Dharma Book’, signing it as the Arahant Daniel Ingram. Naming himself an arahant, which is one of the highest attainments in Buddhism, flew in the face of cultural taboos against disclosing one’s enlightenment. In this fascinating conversation we delve into Daniel’s childhood mystical experiences and how he overcame a lack of meditational talent to embark upon a life of intense retreat and practice. We discuss his meditation challenges and accomplishments, and lay out the stages of awakening and how to traverse them. At the end, Daniel turns the tables on *me* and questions my own experience and motivations! I hope you enjoy this one! - Daniel’s childhood mystical experiences - Crossing the arising and passing away in a dream - Daniel’s first retreat and overcoming a lack of meditation talent - ‘Learning to feel my feet’ - Travelling to India - Coming face to face with sickness and poverty in the slums of Calcutta - Learning a powerful meditation technique in Malaysia that changed everything - How an old Burmese monk introduced Daniel to a map of insight - How to find the right meditation path for you - Lead through strength but don’t get stuck - How Daniel used personal pride as an aid on the path - Dark Night of the Soul and the Dhukka Nanas - A summary of the cycle of insight - Daniel’s dark night - Achieving stream entry - The God-Gerbil - Aftershocks of awakening - Why Daniel believes in disclosing attainments - Rapid fire practice guide - I want to attain stream entry, what do I do? - I have attained stream entry and I want to attain 2nd, what do I do? - I have attained 2nd path and I want to attain 3rd, what do I do? - I have attained 3rd path and I want to attain 4th, what do I do? - I am an arrant - now what? - Daniel turns the tables on Steve - Where do Steve’s questions come from? - What is his experience of map theory? - How does Steve use maps when teaching meditation? For the video version of this interview visit: https://www.facebook.com/guruviking/videos/386877215223610/ To find our more about Daniel, visit: http://integrateddaniel.info For more interviews, videos, and more visit: www.guruviking.com Music 'Deva Dasi' by Steve James

25 Feb 20191h 29min

In this episode I am joined by John Yates, PhD, aka Culadasa. Culadasa is a meditation master with more than four decades of experience in the Tibetan and Theravadin Buddhist traditions. A former professor, he taught physiology and neuroscience for many years, and later worked in the field of complementary and alternative medicine. His book ‘The Mind Illuminated’ has been described as ‘a rare and valuable treasure’ and has been enormously popular among dedicated meditators for it’s incredible clarity and usability even to very advanced stages of practice. In this interview we talk about how Culdasa’s traumatic upbringing led to him to being homeless on the streets at 15 years old and why even years in Catholic seminary didn’t provide the answers he was looking for. We discuss his initially frustrated attempts at meditation practice, the colourful cast of characters of his teachers, and the one key discovery changed everything. - Culadasa’s traumatic upbringing - Running away from home at 15 and the search for truth - Entering Catholic seminary in search of the truth - Experiments with psychedelics in the 60s - Early attempts at meditation and learning Transcendental Meditation - Discovering Buddhism - What was lacking in the seminary - Doctrinal disagreements with Catholicism - Virtuoso Buddhism vs village Buddhism - Living on the streets and recovering from a traumatic childhood - Achieving a PhD with no high school education - Glimpses of emptiness - Meeting Upasaka Kema Ananda in Winnipeg, Manitoba - Encountering Namgyal Rinpoche (aka George Dawson) - Blending Kagyu and Theravadan practice - Struggles with the Mahasi meditation technique - Introduction to shamata (calm-abiding) practice - Common misunderstandings about shamata - Key distinctions about attention and awareness - Revisiting Mahasi-style meditation - Stages of samadhi - Culadasa’s personal journey of insight - How Culadasa attained stream entry - Falling away from meditation and taking up shamanism - Further path attainments - Second path practice and meditation on mind states - Craving and dissatisfaction - Mara I have seen you! - The mechanics of path attainments - The two edged sword of the human mind - Developing compassion - Waking up, cleaning up, and growing up - Implications of facing death For the video version of this interview visit: https://youtu.be/roTWZ9GcBMY To find our more about Culadasa, visit: https://dharmatreasure.org/ For more interviews, videos, and more visit: www.guruviking.com Music 'Deva Dasi' by Steve James

15 Feb 20191h 18min

37-year old Bhante Jason is an Australian monk who left a career in law to wander the countryside as an aescetic Buddhist monk. Ordained in the Theravanda tradition in Sri Lanka over eight years ago, he lives outdoors without possessions except for his robes and begging bowl. Seeing hypocrisy in much of modern Buddhism's approach, Bhante Jason describes his approach to Buddhist practice as 'Classic' and chooses to live as closely as he can to the strict monastic rules of the historical Buddha. For the video version of this interview, including footage of Bhante's retreat caves, please click here: https://youtu.be/B9W4SUepWOQ I travel out to his rain season retreat cave in the Blue Mountains to meet this unusual and charismatic wanderer. - A tour of Bhante Jason's meditation caves - The 8 Precepts that allow lay people to temporarily practice as a monk - Bhante Jason's early interest in Buddhism and his teenage preoccupation with the problem of suffering - Disillusionment with Zen practice in New York - The influence Bikkhu Bodhi's translations of the early Suttas  - How reconnecting with the historical Buddha ignited Bhante's inspiration to become a homeless monk - Travelling to Sri Lanka for ordination and training  - The hypocrisy of later Buddhist doctrinal developments  - Abuse of authority by Buddhist leaders - The safety mechanism of asceticism  - The moral authority of purity  - Bhante's first experiences in Sri Lanka and his love for the culture - Novice initiation, monastic camaraderie, and getting painted in tumeric  - Bhante's monastic vows  - Going beyond the monastic training to become a wandering monk - Early lessons in surviving outdoors, finding water, and avoiding mosquitos - Bhante's training in meditation and his unique personal approach - Meditation vs walking your dog - Bhante's 2-step meditation instruction - Training your body to become stronger in the face of negative emotion - Using posture, breath, and thoughts to train the body - The dangers of Darth Vader meditation  - Living as a homeless monk in Australia - Surviving long journeys through the bush - Choosing his meditation cave - Bhante's daily practice routine - Sexuality and celibacy on the monastic path - Bhante's poem about sexual energy For more interviews, videos, and visit www.guruviking.com.  For the video version of this interview, including footage of Bhante's retreat caves, please click here: https://youtu.be/B9W4SUepWOQ Music 'Deva Dasi' by Steve James

4 Okt 201841min