Ep248: Esoterica & Academia - Dr Justin Sledge

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/ Audio version of this podcast also available on iTunes and Stitcher – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … 0:00 - Intro 1:00 - Nicki’s childhood in the Himalayas 4:32 - Childhood meditation in the Sahaja Yoga System 8:36 - Kundalini energy and transmission in Sahaja Yoga 15:27 - Moving to Australia and Nicki’s spiritual epiphany 21:15 - Facing hardship and challenge as a practice 23:59 - Nicki’s passion for evolution and growth 24:42 - Motivation for the business side of music 28:30 - Childhood exposure to Indian Classical Music 31:24 - Returning to the UK and launching her career 34:10 - Touring and collaborations with Nitin Sawhney 36:52 - Working on Khyentse Norbu’s 2013 film ‘Vara - A Blessing’ 40:33 - The story behind the name ‘Turya’ 43:51 - Creative process for the next album 45:14 - Nicki’s 2019 album of spiritual songs called ‘Shloka’ 48:20 - Nicki sings and explains ‘Vishuddhi’ 52:08 - We play and discuss ‘Rivers to Sea’ 59:19 - We play and discuss ‘When It Goes Quiet’ 1:03:57 - More about Nicki’s spiritual path and Sahaja yoga 1:07:50 - Stories of introducing others to Sahaja Yoga 1:10:17 - Subtle body awareness 1:11:07 - More about Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi 1:12:26 - Nicki’s personal time with Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi ... To find out more about Nicki Wells, visit: - https://www.turyamusic.com For Nicki’s Covid Calm series, visit: - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHaSV06sze6EpZlsl_QEfAg The meditation site Nicki mentioned is: - www.wemeditate.co For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - www.guruviking.com Intro and Outro Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

22 Apr 20201h 14min

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 Nyingma over Karma Kagyu 33:47 - Jayür’s interest in trulkhor 38:40 - Stories about Kunzang Dorje Rinpoche 43:39 - The beginning of his relationship with Métsal Wangmo 46:05 - A sticky previous relationship 48:55 - Working with strong emotions 51:55 - Differences in trulkor lineages 54:14 - Jayür’s interest in hidden yoginis 55:45 - More stories about Kunzang Dorje Rinpoche 1:00:04 - Wim How and the tsa lung/chöd combination 1:02:19 - A day in the life at Drala Jong ... To find out more about Jayür Dorje, visit: - https://www.facebook.com/Takrig/ For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - www.guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

17 Apr 20201h 6min

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 25:55 - Western vs Buddhist mind training 28:35 - Ben’s personal development in the occult 38:33 - Tibetan studies as Ben’s ‘nerd rebellion’ 52:45 - Teaching himself the Tibetan language 1:04:32 - Ben’s other languages 1:08:00 - The importance of language in tantric traditions 1:11:42 - An overview of Ben’s dissertation 1:15:14 - The research process 1:39:37 - Wang and the methodological and ethical challenges of being a scholar practitioner 1:51:37 - Where to find Ben’s work … Ngakpa series with Dr Ben Joffe: - https://www.guruviking.com/ep44-dr-ben-joffe-ngakpa-the-occult-and-anthropology/ - https://www.guruviking.com/ep48-dr-ben-joffe-2-siddhi-samaya-and-duels-of-magick/ Ben’s dissertation - https://pqdtopen.proquest.com/doc/2335180529.html?FMT=ABS&fbclid=IwAR3bXYiUmC6YcOgR09-GuSiC_UwwXYuTcLJ-kce_tI3-8e-smZS99wy1HMY To find out more about Ben, visit: - https://perfumedskull.com/ - http://www.skypressbooks.com/ For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - www.guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

13 Apr 20201h 55min

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

9 Apr 20201h 23min

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 depth of meditation? 1:07:37 - Susan’s meme about the meaning of life 1:08:36 - Zen Master communication Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/susan-guner-interviews-steve-james-about-meditation/ Audio version of this podcast also available on iTunes and Stitcher – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. ... To find out more about Susan, visit: - https://www.warrioroflove.co.uk/ For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - http://www.guruviking.com My Meditation Livestreams: - https://www.facebook.com/guruviking/

5 Apr 20201h 11min

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 – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. Topics Include: 0:00 - Introduction 0:55 - Tukdam, suspended animation of the body after death 11:54 - The death of Glenn’s guru, Namgyel Khensur Rinpoche 18:53 - Being a role model to others 20:57 - Cultural attitudes towards death 27:25 - Chakrasamvara Tantra teachings on death 31:12 - Rainbow body, another way to die 35:09 - Tukdam vs rainbow body, and relics (ringsel) of a deceased master 39:38 - Communicating with deceased masters through their relics 47:32 - The relics of the Buddha 50:54 - Phowa, consciousness projection at the time of death 55:39 - Drong juk, the forceful projection of consciousness into a corpse 1:01:00 - Ancient civilisations and pan-Asian energy techniques 1:02:27 - Death rituals of the Lamas 1:04:30 - Tantric methods of foretelling one’s own death 1:10:08 - Glenn’s personal approach to divination 1:12:08 - Listening to messages from birds, clouds, and nature …. Previous Glenn Mullin episodes: * https://www.guruviking.com/guru-viking-interviews-ep9-glenn-mullin/ * https://www.guruviking.com/ep19-glenn-mullin-guru-viking-interviews/ * https://www.guruviking.com/ep26-glenn-mullin-illusory-body-yoga-of-waking-sleep-and-death/ * https://www.guruviking.com/ep28-glenn-mullin-dream-yoga-solo-retreat-guide-and-unlocking-the-human-potential/ To find our more about Glenn, visit: * https://www.runawayjourneys.com/ * http://www.glennmullin.com/ * https://www.facebook.com/Maitripa.Glenn For more interviews, videos, and more visit: * http://www.guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

4 Apr 20201h 23min

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 Lay Sleeping’ From Bill and Jasmine’s show notes: Hope you enjoy! Find more or get in touch at: https://awake-in.com We cover all sorts with Steve, but here are some highlights: Learnings from the amazing guests he’s interviewed Steve’s meditation practice explained 3 ways – To a child To an adult To an experienced meditator His summer ‘part-time retreat’ – 4 hours of meditation a day Bill’s experience of Jhānic meditation Jasmine’s experience doing 3 hours a day of meditation for an entire year Thoughts on how to deal with the current COVID-19 crisis Books referenced: Daniel Ingram’s Mastering the Core Teachings of the Buddha and Fire Kasina Leigh Brasington’s Right Concentration Antonio Machado’s Last Night As I Was Sleeping Check out the amazing Guru Viking podcast and follow Steve’s other work at: https://www.guruviking.com/

1 Apr 20201h 32min

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 beyond it. … 00:55 - Guidance for those who are anxious, afraid, or panicked. 14:21 - Guidance for those who are sick. 18:28 - Guidance for those who are dying. 22:40 - Guidance for supporting those who are sick or suffering. 27:18 - Guidance for those in isolation. 
… To find our more about Dr Nida, visit: https://www.facebook.com/DoctorNida/ For more interviews, videos, and more visit: – www.guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

31 Mars 202033min