Ep25: Paul Cavel – Taoist Energy Arts – Guru Viking Interviews

In this episode I am once again joined by Daizan Skinner, a British Zen Roshi trained in both the Soto and Rinzai schools. Daizan reveals the iconic Zen training technique of the Koan, and explains its manifold uses within the tradition. Dazian explains how waking up works, how he diagnoses his students’ enlightenments, and why he is very demanding on his trainee teachers’ psychological maturity. Daizan also discusses how awakening relates to moral purification, why so many famous Zen teachers have engaged in abusive behaviour, and reveals the esoteric energy and health practices of the Rinzai Zen lineage. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/ep75-daizan-skinner-esoteric-energy-practices-of-zen/ Audio version of this podcast also available on iTunes and Stitcher – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics include: 0:00 - Intro 0:42 - The Koan system of Zen 11:03 - How waking up works 18:36 - How Daizan diagnoses his students’ stream entry and spiritual attainments 22:19 - What to watch for during the waking up process 23:15 - Does enlightenment produce moral perfection? 24:16 - Recognising enlightened people 30:27 - How Daizan relates to morally flawed students 34:48 - How Daizan trains his trainee teachers in morality 36:42 - How Zen teachers can damage their students 37:53 - The significance of Inka transmission in Zen 43:17- Why Daizan has never given Inka transmission to a student or named a successor 44:48 - Does Daizan miss monastery life? 49:15 - The story of Hakuin and the energy practices of Zen 58:52 - Rikan and Naikan, the two wings of practice 1:00:53 - Daizan’s experience of the Zen energy practices … Previous Daizan episodes: - https://www.guruviking.com/ep56-daizan-skinner-zen-and-the-unknowing - https://www.guruviking.com/ep63-daizan-skinner-chaos-temple/ ... To find out more about Daizan, visit: - www.zenways.com For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - www.guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

1 Jan 20211h 6min

In this episode I am once again joined by Dr. Ian Wickramasekera, Bön Buddhist practitioner and associate professor of Mindfulness Based Transpersonal Counselling at Naropa University. We learn how a mirror divination from a mysterious Lama, and a powerful lucid dream, saw Ian travel to Sikkim in search of the monastery of his previous incarnation. Ian discusses the similarities between the Western tradition of hypnosis and the system of Dzogchen, and why he considers hypnosis to be the best means to approach and apprehend Buddhist thought. Ian reveals why gurus are so often surrounded by high-hypnotisable people, to what extent hypnotic language can be used by spiritual teachers to induce religious conversion and enhance their followers’ devotion, and what the Dharma has to learn from Western hypnosis. … https://www.guruviking.com/ep74-dr-ian-wickramasekera-gurus-hypnosis-toxic-devotion/ Audio version of this podcast also available on iTunes and Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics Include: 0:00 - Meeting a Dharma Guardian in a lucid dream 0:51 - Dream yoga and Ian’s past life as a monk in Sikkim 11:11 - Tenzin Wangyal’s lucid dreaming advice 13:38 - Visiting Sikkim to find his past life monastery 24:34 - Reflecting on Lama Dawa’s divination for Ian’s life 27:22 - Meeting hypnotists and Bon Buddhism teacher Daniel P Brown 28:29 - Hypnotism is the best means to integrate Western thought with Buddhism 37:30 - The Default Mode Network and the sense of self 41:24 - The similarities between the views of hypnosis and Dzogchen 49:52 - The possibilities of combining a realised Dzogchen master and a master hypnotist 54:18 - Common misunderstandings about Vajrayana 57:33 - What is a high-hypnotisable person? 1:01:16 - Hypnotism in marketing and propaganda 1:07:49 - Toxic guru devotion and spiritual materialism in Dzogchen 1:12:40 - Religious conversion phenomena and powerful state experiences 1:19:48 - Is high hypnotic ability required to experience the deepest meditation teachings? 1:25:02 - Do spiritual teachers deliberately use hypnosis to induce conversion and devotion? 1:36:40 - Teaching hypnosis to a Vietnam veteran with a catastrophic spine injury 1:38:54 - The tradition of open skepticism 1:43:43 - Different teachings suit different personality types 1:48:46 - How gurus use the hypnotic voice in meditation instruction 1:52:56 - Can you be hypnotised against your will? 1:56:44 - Ian’s powerful near-death experience … Previous episodes with Ian: - https://www.guruviking.com/ep61-dr-ian-wickramasekera-devolving-the-self/ - https://www.guruviking.com/ep67-dr-ian-wickramasekera-tummo-hypnosis-realising-rigpa/ To find our more about Ian, visit: - https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ian_Wickramasekera2 - https://www.naropa.edu/faculty/ian-wickramasekera.php … For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - http://www.guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

26 Dec 20202h

Susan Guner recently interviewed me again for her 'Fireside Chats', a series of conversations for her 21 Day Meditation Challenge Community. https://www.guruviking.com/steve-interviewed-by-susan-guner-of-fireside-chats/ Audio version of this podcast also available on iTunes and Stitcher – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. 0:00 - Intro 1:00 - Why livestream meditation? 5:30 - Steve's meditation biography 11:55 - What kind of meditation does Steve practice? 14:47 - Susan's meditation journey 17:37 - How plant medicine transformed Susan's meditation practice 20:10 - 3am meditation, night sitting, and lucid dreaming 26:35 - Gradual vs sudden awakening 27:31 - Why does Steve meditate? 31:23 - How to get more people to meditate? 35:16 - How our culture validates meditation 37:03 - Trauma and the limits of meditation 39:46 - Different reasons people meditate 42:37 - Teaching at Esalen 44:36 - Did Esalen run secret plant medicine ceremonies? 46:30 - Meditation myths and 'Stealth Buddhism' 50:31 - Bias and unaware meditation teachers 54:38 - The courtship phase and advice for beginning meditators 1:00:14 - What has Steve noticed about meditation in the pandemic? 1:04:08 - Closing comments ... To find out more about Susan, visit: - https://www.facebook.com/groups/susanguner/ For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - http://www.guruviking.com ... Resources: - Non Linear Movement Method: https://www.michaelaboehm.com/the-non-linear-movement-method-2/ - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeysiegel

21 Dec 20201h 6min

In this interview I am once again joined by Daniel Ingram, meditation teacher and author of ‘Mastering The Core Teachings Of The Buddha’. In this episode Daniel responds to Bikkhu Analayo’s article in the May 2020 edition of the academic journal Mindfulness, in which Analayo argues that Daniel is delusional about his meditation experiences and accomplishments, and that his conclusions, to quote, ‘pertain entirely to the realm of his own imagination; they have no value outside of it.’ Daniel recounts that Analayo revealed to him that the article was requested by a senior mindfulness teacher to specifically damage Daniel’s credibility, to quote Daniel quoting Analayo ‘we are going to make sure that nobody ever believes you again.’ Daniel responds to the article’s historical, doctrinal, clinical, and personal challenges, as well as addressing the issues of definition and delusion regarding his claim to arhatship. Daniel also reflects on the consequences of this article for his work at Cambridge and with the EPRC on the application of Buddhist meditation maps of insight in clinical contexts. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/ep73-daniel-ingram-dangerous-and-delusional/ Audio version of this podcast also available on iTunes and Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics Include: 0:00 - Intro 1:11 - Daniel explains Analayo’s article’s background and purpose 17:37 - Who is Bikkhu Analayo? 24:21 - Many Buddhisms 26:51 - Article abstract and Steve’s summary 32:19 - The historical critique 41:30 - Is Daniel claiming both the orthodox and the science perspectives? 49:11 - Is Daniel’s enlightenment the same as the historical arhats? 58:30 - Is Mahasi noting vulnerable to construction of experience? 1:03:46 - Has Daniel trained his brain to construct false meditation experiences? 1:10:39 - Does Daniel accept the possibility of dissociation and delusion in Mahasi-style noting? 1:18:38 - Did Daniel’s teachers consider him to be delusional? 1:23:51 - Have any of Daniel's teachers ratified any of his claimed enlightenment attainments? 1:34:03 - Cancel culture in orthodox religion 1:38:40 - Different definitions of arhatship 1:43:08 - Is the term ‘Dark Night of The Soul’ appropriate for the dukkha nanas? 1:47:29 - Purification and insight stages 1:54:00 - Does Daniel conflate deep states of meditation with everyday life experiences? 1:59:00 - Is the stage of the knowledge of fear taught in early Buddhism? 2:09:37 - Why does Daniel claim high equanimity can occur while watching TV? 2:12:55 - Does Daniel underestimate the standards of the first three stages of insight? 2:16:01 - Do Christian mystics and Theravada practitioners traverse the same experiential territory? 2:21:47 - Are the maps of insight really secret? 2:28:54 - Why are the insight stages absent from mainstream psychological literature? 2:33:36 - Does Daniel’s work over-emphasise the possibility of negative meditation experiences? 2:37:45 - What have been the personal and professional consequences of Analayo’s article to Daniel? … Check out my previous interviews with Daniel: - https://www.guruviking.com/ep14-daniel-ingram-guru-viking-interviews/ - https://www.guruviking.com/ep40-daniel-ingram-pandemic-edition-guru-viking-podcast/ - https://www.guruviking.com/ep68-daniel-ingram-magick-the-occult-summoning-demons/ To find out more about Daniel, visit: - integrateddaniel.info - firekasina.org - https://theeprc.org/ Articles Referenced: - Anālayo, B. Meditation Maps, Attainment Claims, and the Adversities of Mindfulness. Mindfulness 11, 2102–2112 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12671-020-01389-4 - Anālayo, B. The Insight Knowledge of Fear and Adverse Effects of Mindfulness Practices. Mindfulness 10, 2172–2185 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12671-019-01198-4 … For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - http://www.guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

18 Dec 20202h 41min

I recently appeared on the ‘I Am Paulius’ podcast. Paul is an incisive interviewer and we talked in some detail about my early life, including martial arts, my apprenticeship to a Christian mystic, money & business, and more… Check out 'I Am Paulius' channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTxywX9Qn0gzu9kbjhmezhA ... From the 'I Am Paulius' shownotes: We talk to with Steve James known as Guru Viking, who teaches self-development, has vast experience in contemplative disciplines, outdoor survival and what it's like living on a boat. He is also currently collaborating with Shinzen Young on 11-Day Virtual Retreat. 🌐 Find Steve/GuruViking: https://www.guruviking.com/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuVI... https://www.instagram.com/guruviking/ FOLLOW IMPAULIUS: https://www.instagram.com/impaulius/ (coming soon) impaulius.com 🎵Music: https://soundcloud.com/saintebarbemusic Song: H2O

13 Dec 20201h 55min

In this episode I host a conversation between Shinzen Young, a meditation teacher and neuroscience research consultant, and Chelsey Fasano, a Columbia University neuroscience student. We take an inside look as Chelsey consults Shinzen on her current research project, a review of the neuroscience literature that examine states of self-identification and non-dual awareness. In the course of the discussion, Shinzen details the many meanings and connotations of the word ‘tantra’ (including its connection to karmamudra) and discusses the importance of definitions. Chelsey asks if all traditions lead to the same end, or if different techniques lead to different types of enlightenment, and Shinzen reveals what the gurus of the world must learn from the culture of science. ... https://www.guruviking.com/ep72-shinzen-young-and-chelsey-fasano-tantra-neuroscience-and-true-enlightenment/ Audio version of this podcast also available on iTunes and Stitcher – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. ... Topics Include: 0:00 – Intro 0:52 – Chelsey introduces her research project 2:20 – Shinzen asks Chelsey about herself 4:14 – Chelsey’s background in meditation and academia 8:20 – Chelsey’s ultimate dream 10:26 – Shinzen discusses the importance of words 13:40 – Shinzen on the adjective ‘tantric’ 17:39 – What does Chelsey mean by the word ‘tantra’? 19:38 – Shinzen describes Buddhist tantra’s central innovation 28:31 – The s*xual practices of Buddhist tantra 29:55 – What isn’t tantra, and tantra’s cultural context 36:41 – Do all traditions lead to the same end point or not? 40:03 – How Shinzen clarifies his thinking and teaching 43:12 – What the gurus have to learn from science 44:56 – Liberation and service, the two sides of practice 50:16 – Studying states of nondual awareness in advanced practitioners 51:51 – Is it possible to resolve the terminology issue? 54:09 – Chelsey’s five theories ... Previous Interview with Shinzen Young: - https://www.guruviking.com/ep37-shinzen-young-pandemic-edition-guru-viking-podcast/ To find out more about Shinzen, visit: - www.shinzen.org To find out more about Chelsey, visit: - www.chelseyfasano.com For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - www.guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James 
Books mentioned:

- ‘Good Sex: Getting Off Without Checking Out’ - Jessica Graham

11 Dec 202056min

In this episode I am once again joined by Dr Nida Chenagtsang, master of Tibetan Medicine and spiritual teacher of the Yuthok Nyingthig, to discuss karmamudra: Buddhist spiritual s3x. Dr Nida reveals his own training in karmamudra, under the Aku Lhamo, the so called ‘h0rny professor’, and the Longchen Nyingthig nun Ani Ngawang Gyaltsen. We learn about the difference between karmamudra and kamasutra, the role of tummo and tsa lung trulkor training, and the purpose of tantric feats such as vajroli mudra, sucking milk and bodily fluids through one’s genita1s. Dr Nida talks about s3xual abuse by Tibetan Lamas, the prevalence of spiritual gold diggers, and shares his advice for young tulkus facing the temptations of fame. Dr Nida also discusses pollution of the energy channels through p0rnography and promiscuity, how to heal s3xual trauma, and why he chose to make these once secret teachings available to the public. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/ep71-dr-nida-chenagtsang-karmamudra/ Audio version of this podcast also available on iTunes and Stitcher – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics include: 0:00 - Intro 1:01 - Dr Nida’s Karmamdura teacher, the h0rny professor 8:14 - Tibetan er0tic poetry
 11:46 - Specifics of Nidra’s private Karmashastra and Karmamudra education 16:51 - Kamasutra vs Karmamudra 23:24 - 6 Yogas of Naropa and Tummo as a preparation for Karmamudra 27:22 - Karmamdura and Jnanamudra 28:35 - Why Karmamudra is not taught publicly today 35:27 - Tsa Lung Trulkor Karmamudra vs Ati Yoga Karmamudra 43:36 - Purpose of Vajroli Mudra and p3nis suction techniques 50:33 - Similarities between Tummo and Indian Hatha Yoga 56:44 - Has Dr Nida seen a yogi draw back their urine mid-flow and other miracles? 1:01:35 - The role of teacher-student sex in karamamudra 1:06:25 - Spiritual gold diggers and s3xual abuse 1:20:02 - Dr Nida’s advice for famous young tulkus with little social and relational experience 1:25:29 - Porn addiction and s3x education 1:30:28 - Criticisms of Dr Nida’s book 1:31:44 - Pollution of the energy channels from p0rnography and multiple partners 1:38:01 - Healing s3xual trauma with Karmamudra 1:44:13 - Dr Nida asks for Steve’s view on the book 1:46:54 - Bridging the traditional and modern views 1:49:36 - Dr Nida’s views on s3men retention … Previous Interviews with Dr Nida: - https://www.guruviking.com/ep49-dr-nida-chenagtsang-heart-of-a-nomad/ - https://www.guruviking.com/ep41-dr-nida-chenagtsang-pandemic-edition-guru-viking-podcast/ To find out more about Dr Nida, visit: - https://www.facebook.com/DoctorNida/ - http://www.skypressbooks.com/ For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - www.guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James 
Studies mentioned:

 - Chan WFN, Gurnot C, Montine TJ, Sonnen JA, Guthrie KA, Nelson JL (2012) Male Microchimerism in the Human Female Brain. PLoS ONE 7(9): e45592. 
- Ronald S. Immerman & Wade C. Mackey PhD (1999) The Societal Dilemma of Multiple Sexual Partners, Marriage & Family Review, 29:1, 3-19, DOI: 10.1300/J002v29n01_02

4 Dec 20201h 58min

In this episode I am once again joined by Stephen Snyder, a 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 new book ‘Buddha’s Heart’ a modern presentation of the Brahma Viharas, Buddhist heart meditations, from the perspective of Absolute Reality/ Awake Awareness. Stephen reveals how deficiencies in his early practice and the inaccessibility of his heart saw him engage these powerful heart practices derived from early Buddhism. Stephen discusses the damage done in the Americn Zen community by deeply enlightened masters with undeveloped hearts who abused students, embezzled money, and more. Stephen lays out the two routes to awakening, and how combining the brahma viharas with deep jhanic absorption can lead to profound spiritual insight. Stephen also talks about the counter-intuitive power of forgiveness, and his own journey in awakening the heart. ... Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/ep70-stephen-snyder-buddhas-heart/ Audio version of this podcast also available on iTunes and Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. ... Topics include: 0:00 - Intro 1:05 - Writing two books at once and other writing projects 2:49 - What are the brahma viharas? 4:20 - How to do brahma vihara meditation 6:28 - Head, heart, and belly centres of spiritual practice 8:02 - The deficiencies of Stephen’s early practice 9:42 - Do heart practices translate to improved relationship skill? 10:55 - How the heart practices transformed Stephen’s behaviour 12:40 - The disaster of deeply enlightened masters with no heart 14:36 - Witnessing cruelty in the Zen world 15:42 - Stephen’s mastery of deep jhanic practice 17:16 - Combining super-concentration with brahma vihara practice 20:20 - The two routes to First Awakening 24:37 - Kensho vs Satori in the Zen tradition 25:57 - Common resistances to the brahma viharas 28:56 - How to work with resistances in heart meditation 32:41 - The power of heart practice to reveal and release negative emotion 35:02 - Stephen’s journey with forgiveness 39:23 - The counter-intuitive power of forgiveness 41:37 - Are heart practices relevant to awakening? 45:02 - Stephen’s 12 month mentorship program 47:01 - Stephen’s legacy 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/ Purchase 'Buddha's Heart’: - https://www.amazon.com/Buddhas-Heart-Meditation-Developing-Well-being/dp/1734781025/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=buddha%27s+heart+snyder&qid=1606403777&sr=8-2 
To contact Stephen Snyder, please email: - stephendharma108@yahoo.com For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - https://www.guruviking.com/ Music 'Deva Dasi' by Steve James

27 Nov 202048min