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

In this episode I’m joined by Dr Miles Neale Buddhist psychotherapist and author of Gradual Awakening. When Dr Neale contacted me to offering appear on the podcast, I was intrigued by his impressive list of mentors - including Columbia University’s Professor Robert Thurman and Geshe Tenzin Zopa. Miles recounts how an affluent but disturbed childhood with alcoholic parents and a narcissistic father drove him to self harm and dissatisfaction, and how he found solace and healing in religious practice and a series of influential mentors. Miles tells a remarkable story of a supernatural experience with a reincarnated child master, a ‘tulku’. Miles goes on to addresses the conflicts between the view of his Western therapeutic training, which prizes healthy parental attachment, and his religious affiliation with Tibetan Buddhism, in which specially chosen boys as young as three years old are removed from their homes to undergo rigorous training to become avatars of their lineage tradition. Miles discusses the cultural and religious context of this practice, and the possible developmental impacts on the young boys. Miles reveals the secrets to being a good mentee, discusses the ups and downs of his relationships with his own mentors, and candidly discusses his own path as a practicing Buddhist and professional therapist. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/ep69-dr-miles-neale-buddhas-tulkus-narcissists/ Audio version of this podcast also available on iTunes and Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics Include: 0:00 - Intro 1:24 - Miles’ childhood with alcoholic parents and a narcissistic father 7:32 - Consequences of being raised by addicts and a narcissist 22:51 - How Miles was able to received healthy reparenting from his mentors 29:01 - Miles discusses the developmental consequences of the tulku system in young boys 31:58 - Miles’ supernatural experience with a young tulku 35:16 - The cultural and religious context of removing young tulkus from the family home 44:59 - Does the cultural and religious context shield the child from developmental damage? 51:08 - Miles asks Steve why he asked about tulkus 54:17 - The role of mentorship and apprenticeship in human flourishing 59:00 - What makes Miles such a good mentee? 1:03:28 - Miles’ 20 year mentorship under Dr Joe Loizzo 1:11:33 - Miles’ schism with Joe Loizzo 1:15:21 - Why Miles’ and Joe’s relationship ruptured 1:18:36 - Miles’ peer relationship with Geshe Tenzin Zopa 1:21:57 - A sense of coronation at Miles’ book launch 1:26:20 - Miles’ relationship with Professor Robert Thurman 1:34:22 - Negative experiences with Geshe Michael Roach community … To find out more about Miles, visit: - https://www.milesneale.com/ … For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - http://www.guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

20 Nov 20201h 48min

In this episode I am once again joined by Daniel Ingram, meditation teacher and author of ‘Mastering The Core Teachings Of The Buddha’. Daniel is best known for his controversial claim to arhatship, one of the highest levels of enlightenment in Buddhism. Less well known is Daniel’s lifetime of practice in magick and the occult. In this interview Daniel reveals his magical biography, and comments on various systems including Goetia, Enochian, Kabbalah, Castaneda, Buddhist Magick, and more. Daniel shares his encounters with demons, astral entities, mythical beings, and entering into magickal combat with angry magicians who had cursed him. Daniel also critiques the modern mindfulness movement for its suppression of information about the magickal aspects of its own tradition, and gives advice on ethics and the accumulation of psychic power. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/ep68-daniel-ingram-magick-the-occult-summoning-demons/ Audio version of this podcast also available on iTunes and Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics Include: 0:00 - Intro 1:59 - Daniel’s view of conscious vs unconscious magick 8:43 - Confessional and purification practices 10:38 - The role of penance in confessional practices 13:35 - Insight value of confession and purification practices 16:40 - Daniel’s magical biography 20:18 - Encountering Buddhist magic 22:42 - Introduction to Western Occultism 24:59 - Unlocking the powers in retreat 31:46 - Magick vs Insight practice 38:42 - Black magick in the Dark Night of the Soul 42:20 - Seeing demons and ghosts 44:16 - What does Daniel mean by ‘seeing’? 46:30 - Encounters with ‘lower astral nasties’ 50:19 - Seeing a Garuda in Daniel’s bedroom 51:38 - Has knowledge of the powers been suppressed in Western Buddhism? 58:58 - ‘Waking up light’ and the advertising strategies of modern mindfulness teachers 1:01:18 - Sinister skilful means 1:02:02 - Remarkable stories of the magick of Dipa Ma 1:04:49 - Daniel’s take on Goetia Magic and conjuring demons 1:07:57 - Daniel asks for Steve’s take on Goetia Magic 1:08:54 - Daniel on the ethics of Goetia and his own conjurations 1:11:32 - Steve clarifies his position on Goetia Magic 1:13:07 - Daniel’s take on Enochian Magic 1:14:14 - John Dee and the origin of Enochian Magic 1:19:01 - Daniel on Kabbalah 1:21:40 - How useable are the widely available magickal texts? 1:26:29 - Daniel’s take on Carlos Castaneda’s system 1:30:20 - The key to Buddhist Magick 1:35:26 - The downsides of Buddhist Magick 1:36:26 - Dungeons and Dragons list of the powers 1:41:05- What are Daniel’s natural psychic gifts and siddhis? 1:45:56 - Daniel’s dream template 1:50:02 - Magickal combat, curses, and Daniel under attack 1:54:13 - Why did people try to curse Daniel? 1:55:56 - What is Daniel’s library of archetypal symbols? 1:57:51 - Are powerful people of today magickal practitioners? 2:03:17 - Is magick consciously used in the corridors of power? 2:06:42 - Power accumulation and semen retention … 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/ To find out more about Daniel, visit: - integrateddaniel.info - firekasina.org … For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - http://www.guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

13 Nov 20202h 12min

In this episode I am once again joined by Dr. Ian Wickramasekera, Bön Buddhist practitioner and associate professor of Mindfulness Based Transpersonal Counseling at Naropa University. We learn how a divination from a Tibetan master radically changed the direction of Ian’s life, and how he encountered the man who would later become his teacher, Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche. Ian recounts how, on an intense tummo meditation retreat, he attained to the Dzogchen spiritual realisation known as rigpa, and its profound consequences in his life. Ian also discusses how he uses energy practices such as tsa lung and Tibetan yoga in his clinical practice to treat personality problems, substance abuse, and more. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/ep67-dr-ian-wickramasekera-tummo-hypnosis-realising-rigpa/ Audio version of this podcast also available on iTunes and Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics Include 0:00 - Intro 0:46 - Receiving a personal mirror divination from Lama Dawa 9:30 - Ian’s previous life as a monk at Tashiding Monastery in Sikkim 10:50 - Trying to meet Namkhai Norbu 13:09 - Encountering the Bon master Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche 15:02 - Meeting Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche and learning lucid dreaming 19:41 - Personal interactions with Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche 26:40 - Choosing to follow the Bon path 30:30 - Taking refuge with Ato Rinpoche 36:42 - Advice for studying in dharma and hypnosis 40:20 - Learning Tummo from Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche in retreat 45:38 - Realising Rigpa 50:11 - Was this a glimpse or an abiding shift? 55:02 - Did tummo practice directly cause Ian’s realisation? 56:40 - The mind-body effect of tummo and chakra practice 1:05:57 - About Daniel P Brown 1:08:48 - Directly experiencing the subtle body anatomy 1:10:04 - The experience of rigpa and devotion 1:14:37 - Empowered to teach tsa lung and shiné 1:15:51 - The effect of rigpa on cognitive work 1:20:22 - Criteria for combining dharma and hypnosis 1:24:25 - Rigpa, tsa lung, the personality structure, and substance abuse 1:32:12 - How Ian uses Tibetan yoga and tsa lung in his therapy practice 1:36:55 - Confirming Ian’s realisation with Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche 1:44:01 - Receiving pointing out instructions from Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche 1:46:26 - Similarities between Dzogchen and hypnosis 1:48:28 - Ian’s opinion about NLP 1:51:37 - Humility on the spiritual path 1:53:52 - Ian’s prophecy cliffhanger … Audio version of this podcast available on iTunes and Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Previous episodes with Ian:
- https://www.guruviking.com/ep61-dr-ian-wickramasekera-devolving-the-self/ To find out 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

7 Nov 20201h 56min

In this episode I am once again joined by Tibetologist, author, and Tantric Buddhist Lama Glenn Mullin. We learn how a mystical vision at Tibet’s oracle lake Lhamo Latso directed Glenn to move to Mongolia for 10 years, where he would eventually receive the nation’s highest honour, the Mongolian Star. We discuss Glenn’s encounters and friendships with the great Shamans of the Steppes, Himalayan Oracles, and the last Princess of Mongolia. Glenn reveals the inner workings of Mongolian Shamanism including the training of apprentices, 99 Spirit channeling, ritual and trance practices, and more. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/ep66-glenn-mullin-the-great-shamans-of-mongolia/ Audio version of this podcast also available on iTunes and Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics Include 0:00 - Intro 0:47 - How Glenn came to live in Mongolia 4:28 - Troubles in Nepal 6:18 - Mystical visions at Tibet’s oracle lake 11:58 - Traveling through China and Mongolia to seek the mountains seen in Glenn’s vision 16:51 - Meeting a Mongolian princess and securing a long-term visa 24:19 - Communist oppression of Buddhism and Shamanism in Mongolia 25:46 - The special training of a Mongolian Shaman and channeling the 99 Spirits 30:04 - Meeting Byampadorj, the state Shaman 36:19 - Glenn’s friendship with Dorje Yudronma, a Tibetan Oracle 39:55 - Meeting more Shamans and presenting papers at the International Shamanism Conference (check name) 42:02 - The similarities between Tibetan Buddhist Tantra and Mongolian Shamanism 45:52 - Did Glenn either engage in channelling? 47:30 - Glenn’s remarkable experiences consulting Tibetan Oracles 57:24 - Attending Mongolian seances and receiving the Mongolian Star Of Honour 1:03:53 - Byampadorj’s rituals for a broken foot 1:09:03 - The influence of negative spirits as a cause of health problems 1:13:25 - How to relate to the ghosts, gods, and the spirit world 1:16:03 - The use of wrathful mantras and light vs dark magic 1:22:14 - ‘Reflections of a Mongolian Shaman’ book 1:25:58 - Byampadorj’s mother’s death 1:29:39 - What makes a good Shaman and right use of power … Audio version of this podcast available on iTunes and Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … 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/ - https://www.guruviking.com/ep42-glenn-mullin-death-divination-and-sacred-relics/ - https://www.guruviking.com/ep47-glenn-mullin-tales-of-translation/ - https://www.guruviking.com/ep51-glenn-mulin-ufos-lineage-holders-tantric-secrecy/ - https://www.guruviking.com/ep58-glenn-mullin-mystics-psychosis-madame-blavatsky/ ... To find out more about Glenn, visit: - http://www.glennmullin.com/ - https://www.facebook.com/Maitripa.Glenn Glenn’s video on the Mongolian Shaman Festival:- https://youtu.be/33bBm4frSbA ... For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - http://www.guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

31 Okt 20201h 40min

In this episode I am joined by Khandro Déchen, Lineage Lama, alongside her husband and teaching partner Ngak’chang Rinpoche, of the Aro gTér tantric house holder tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. We learn about Khandro Déchen’s upbringing and career in nursing, and how working with the sick and dying prepared her for her role as a spiritual teacher. Khandro Déchen recounts her first meeting and subsequent courtship with the man who would later become both her teacher and husband, Ngak’chang Rinpoche. We learn about Khandro Déchen’s practice in the hidden places of the Himalayas and her contact with great Lamas such as Kunzang Dorje Rinpoche . Khandro Déchen also discusses power differentials between teacher and student, females teachers and the patriarchy, her love of Kum-Nye physical practices, and more. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/ep65-khandro-dechen-english-ngakma/ Audio version of this podcast also available on iTunes and Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics include: 0:00 - Intro 0:59 - Khandro Déchen’s upbringing and meeting Ngak’chang Rinpoche 7:04 - Why Buddhism was so appealing to Khandro Déchen 8:40 - Khandro Déchen’s nursing career 11:53 - Principles for working with the sick and dying 15:15 - How Khandro Déchen works with spiritual students 17:28 - Khandro Déchen’s sisters conversion to Buddhism 19:57 - Early days of the Aro gTer 20:55 - Beginning a romantic relationship with Ngak’chang Rinpoche 27:14 - The power differential between teacher and student and its implications 34:04 - Chimé Rigdzin Rinpoche making the relationship public 36:40 - Meeting Kunzang Dorje Rinpoche 41:12 - Stories about Kunzang Dorje Rinpoche and Jomo Samphel Dechen 44:54 - How Kunzang Dorje Rinpoche viewed Ngak’chang Rinpoche 47:05 - Why Kunzang Dorje Rinpoche didn’t have many students 48:52 - ‘King of the Universe’ 50:22 - Where did Kunzang Dorje Rinpoche’s charisma come from? 51:01 - Khandro Déchen’s practice in the hidden places of the Himalayas 58:18 - Meeting the current incarnations of Dudjom Rinpoche 1:00:39 - Navigating being both the wife and student of Ngak’chang Rinpoche 1:02:47 - Considerations as Lamas raising children 1:09:58 - Khandro Déchen’s work in yidam drawing 1:14:12 - The physical practices of Kum-Nye 1:18:34 - Do female teachers bring a unique perspective? 1:23:24 - Gender politics over Khandro Déchen’s lifetime 1:27:44 - The end result of practice 1:28:33 - Patriarchy as male power ... Check out my previous interviews with Khandro Déchen: - https://www.guruviking.com/ep16-ngapka-chogyam-and-khandro-dechen-guru-viking-interviews/ - https://www.guruviking.com/ep39-ngakchang-rinpoche-and-khandro-dechen-pandemic-edition/ To find out more about Khandro Déchen, visit: - -http://arobuddhism.org/ For more interviews, videos, and more visit: – www.guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

23 Okt 20201h 32min

In this episode I am joined by Nathaniel Menninger, creator of the documentary film ‘The Porter’ which follows him on an 11-day trek to Everest base camp, living and working alongside the Tamang porters. When tourists climb Everest, they don’t carry their own equipment. That job is done by local porters who, in difficult conditions for minimal pay and out of the site of the clients, carry loads of up to 100kg each. We learn about Nathaniel’s experiences immersing himself in this world, carrying the same loads and living in the same conditions as the Tamang porters. We discover how Nathaniel, who speaks 6 languages, initially taught himself Nepali to study meditation in the Himalayas, and why his life of blending adventure and art made this project so personally significant. We learn about the physical and psychological challenges of the shooting process, as well as the profound identity crisis that Nathaniel suffered in its aftermath. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/ep64-nathaniel-menninger-the-porter/ Audio version of this podcast also available on iTunes and Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics include: 0:00 - Intro 2:15 - Nate’s previous adventures and how ‘The Porter’ began 6:51 - Nate’s 6 languages 7:42 - Nate’s language learning approach 10:52 - Language improvement after meditation retreat 13:49 -Studying meditation in Nepal 18:44 - Where does Nate’s drive come from? 21:40 - Who’s achievements does Nate admire? 22:52 - Living exactly as the Tamang porters lived 28:56 - Nate’s awakening and the effect of the project on his psyche 34:47 - Nate’s crisis of identity 40:00 - Tensions on how best to represent the porters in the film 46:32 - The gruelling physical demands of carrying loads with the namlo headband 51:53 - How Nate endured the pain to complete the project 58:32 - The positive reception to the film and the effect of becoming well known 1:04:16 - Nate’s next adventures ... To watch The Porter, visit: - www.theporterfilm.com … For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - www.guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

16 Okt 20201h 9min

In this interview I am once again joined by Daizan Skinner, a British Zen Roshi trained in both the Soto and Rinzai schools. We learn why seeing so many senior monks become exhausted and ill sent Daizan on a search to Japan for the secret energy practices of Zen Master Hakuin. Daizan reveals why he left the Soto school to join controversial Rinzai Roshi Shinzan Miyamae, who’s motto was ‘First priority is kensho, second priority is kensho, third priority is kensho’. Daizan recounts stories of studying with Shinzan Roshi in Japan, practicing Koan on a mountain, and the chaotic lifestyle at Gyokuryuji temple. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/ep63-daizan-skinner-chaos-temple/ Audio version of this podcast also available on iTunes and Stitcher – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics include: 0:00 - Intro 1:18 - Why Daizan left the Soto school of Zen 1:47 - Energy practices to mitigate health problems of long-term Zen practice 19:11 - Meeting Shinzan Miyamae Roshi and joining Gyokuryuji temple 28:16 - The life story of Shinzan Miyamae Roshi 53:42 - Major fire at Gyokuryuji temple 1:04:09 - The effect of the chaos at Gyokuryuji on Daizan … Previous Daizan episode: - https://www.guruviking.com/ep56-daizan-skinner-zen-and-the-unknowing/ ... 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

10 Okt 20201h 11min

In this episode I am joined by Cinthia Font Zorilla - polyglot, translator, and chief Spanish interpreter for Mindrolling Jetsün Khandro Rinpoche. We learn about Cinthia’s remarkable upbringing as the daughter of a diplomat, raised a citizen of the world and becoming fluent in 7 languages. We discover how, when her father was stationed in India, an introduction to Lopon Tsechu Rinpoche by the King of Nepal would change Cinthia’s life forever. Cinthia recounts her close personal relationship with Lopon Tsechu Rinpoche, as well as the transformative effects of interpreting for her current guru, Mindrolling Jetsün Khandro Rinpoche. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/ep62-cinthia-font-dharma-polyglot/ Audio version of this podcast available on iTunes, Spotify, and Stitcher – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics Include 0:00 - Intro 0:44 - Cinthia’s upbringing as the daughter of a diplomat 3:41 - Meeting her guru, Lopon Tsechu Rinpoche 5:09 - How many languages does Cinthia speak? 5:42 - How Cinthia became a polyglot 8:30 - Different personalities in different languages 9:31 - Other shaping effects of an international upbringing 12:21 - How to maintain a high level in 7 languages 13:52 - Cinthia’s conversion to Buddhism after meeting Lopon Tsechu Rinpoche 17:31 - Taking refuge 21:20 - Becoming a personal student of Lopon Tsechu Rinpoche 24:55 - Taking Bodhisattva vows and practice during Cinthia’s parents’ divorce 29:22 - Practice in difficult life circumstances 32:01 - The death of the Guru and finding Mindrolling Jetsün Khandro Rinpoche 37:11 - Who is Mindrolling Jetsün Khandro Rinpoche? 42:15 - What is it like to be a personal student of Mindrolling Jetsün Khandro Rinpoche? 44:24 - The evolution of Cinthia’s spiritual practice 47:15 - Cinthia’s demanding daily practice regime 48:43 - Different sitting postures for meditation 51:25 - Training to be a become a Lama under Mindrolling Jetsün Khandro Rinpoche 55:04 - Learning the Tibetan language 1:06:38 - The surprising key to being an excellent interpreter 1:09:48 - Language interpreting as devotion to the guru 1:13:57 - The transformative experience of interpreting for one’s personal guru 1:18:09 - What unlocks for practitioners of Buddhism when learning Tibetan? 1:22:32 - The importance of the oral lineage of a native speaker … Audio version of this podcast available on iTunes, Spotify, and Stitcher – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … To find our more about Cinthia, visit: - skycinthia @ gmail . com - https://www.linkedin.com/in/cinthia-font-ba363111 … For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - http://www.guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

3 Okt 20201h 24min