Ep304: Crumbs from the Parrot’s Beak - Tulku Sherdor

In this episode I am joined by Paul Linden​ PhD, who has practiced and taught Aikido for 50 years and out of that has developed body-based ways of teaching power and compassion. He has applied this in peace-making, conflicts between ethnic groups, and with victims of severe trauma. He summarises his work: Power without love is brutality. Love without power is ineffective. We learn about Paul’s early days in the martial arts, and how a lack of coordination forced him to completely re-engineer his physical learning process. We discuss Paul’s precise use of language, his love of operational definitions, and the remarkable insights he has gained living with Parkinson’s for 17 years. Paul discusses his work in Germany and comments on multi generational trauma in both descendants of holocaust survivors and of German war criminals, and leads a series of live exercises to unlock personal power. Paul also gives his advice on the protests and riots occurring the America, including how to act effectively and what he would do if he was in President Trump’s shoes. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/ep53-paul-linden-phd-aikido-power-and-generational-trauma/ Audio version of this podcast also available on iTunes and Stitcher – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics include: 0:00 - Intro 0:58 - Paul’s unusual childhood 2:15 - First encounter with Aikido and insights about physical education 5:21 - Paul’s childhood reading and 60s counter culture 10:10 - What is Aikido? Paul demonstrates. 16:05 - Paul’s journey from angry young man to a kinder person 20:56 - Paul demonstrates moving with Parkinson’s Disease 23:04 - Early symptoms and initial Parkinson’s diagnosis 24:45 - Secrets to working with negative emotions 27:34 - Paul teaches Steve power, compassion, and stability 31:31 - Enforcing a personal boundary with love 33:37 - Paul’s unique work with victims of severe abuse 42:22 - Dealing with complex and early trauma such as childhood abuse 46:53 - The ‘Noun-ish Fallacy’ 49:26 - Multi-generational trauma in descendants of holocaust victims and prison guards 51:29 - Paul comments on the American protests and riots of June 2020 52:09 - How to act effectively and what Paul would do if he was in President Trump’s shoe 1:00:18 - ‘Love without power is ineffective, power without love is brutality’ - unlocking personal power 1:04:16 - Power, love, and operational definitions … To find out more about Paul, visit: - https://www.being-in-movement.com/ For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - www.guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

7 Juni 20201h 10min

In this episode I am once again joined by Dr Ben Joffe, anthropologist and scholar practitioner of Tibetan Buddhism. This episode is the third part of a series in which we explore Ben’s PhD dissertation about the ngakpa of the Himalayas, or as Ben calls them ‘wizards and socially engaged yogis’. In this episode we explore the realms of gender and sexual orientation, in both textual and social contexts. Ben discusses the complex situation of female spiritual practitioners in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, looking at terms such as ‘khandroma’, ‘dakini’, and more. We learn about the role of the sangyum, or sexual consort, and find out why Ben’s teacher and co-author Dr Nida Chenagtsang dedicated their book on sexual yoga to abuse victims, particularly those who have been abused in religious contexts. And finally we discuss the heteronormative / heterosexual perspective of traditional tantric texts, and hear Ben’s thoughts on how to practice sexual yoga in other orientations. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/ep52-dr-ben-joffe-3-dakinis-consorts-beyond-heteronormativity/ Audio version of this podcast also available on iTunes and Stitcher – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics include: 0:00 - Intro 1:08 - Ngakma, dakinis, and female practitioners of Tibetan Buddhism 15:55 - The dakini in traditional and new-age contexts 25:52 - Thoughts on the tantric prohibition against disparaging women 34:31 - The role of the sangyum (tantric consort) 51:52 - Sex with the tantric guru vs Western ethical trends 1:20:30 - Thoughts on practice of sexual yoga in contexts other than the heteronormative … 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/ - https://www.guruviking.com/ep52-dr-ben-joffe-3-dakinis-consorts-beyond-heteronormativity/ 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

31 Maj 20201h 36min

In this episode I am once again joined by Tibetologist, author, and Tantric Buddhism teacher Glenn Mullin. We discuss references to the extra-terrestrial origin of humanity in Mongolian shamanism and Buddhist Abhidharma. We explore the differences between a lineage and a sect, and the impact of the Tibetan diaspora on sectarian attitudes. Glenn reveals how it was he first began to teach, what makes a lineage holder, and how to relate to a tantric guru. We learn about why Glenn’s approach to samaya is very different to some other teachers, and examine the real world application of the 14 danshig or root vows. And finally we explore the tradition of secrecy in tantra - why it is prescribed and what is its purpose? … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/ep51-glenn-mulin-ufos-lineage-holders-tantric-secrecy/ Audio version of this podcast also available on iTunes and Stitcher – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics Include 0:00 - Intro 0:50 - The extra-terrestrial origin of humanity in Mongolian shamanism and Buddhist Abhidharma 4:34 - Lineages vs sects, and the impact of the Tibetan diaspora on sectarian attitudes 10:36 - How Glenn began to teach 12:00 - Discipleship in the Buddhist tradition 14:02 - Enlightened teachers and lineage function 17:50 - Tibetan vs Western guru devotion 31:12 - The origin of samaya vows and choosing a teacher 49:08 - What to do when someone ‘does you wrong’? 57:42 - Parallels between Buddhism and modern psychology 1:05:04 - The purpose of secrecy in tantra 1:13:59 - Discretion and the non-obvious … Audio version of this podcast available on iTunes and Stitcher – 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/ 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

24 Maj 20201h 16min

In this interview I am joined by Nyei Murez, personal student and writing collaborator of best-selling author and nagual sorcerer Carlos Castaneda. We discuss who Castaneda was, and Nyei gives a detailed history of his lineage up to the present day. We find out how Nyei first met Castaneda, and explore her intensive course of study and training under his personal guidance. We learn about Castaneda’s writing process, including stories of Nyei’s close collaboration with him on several best selling books. Nyei also talks on the nature of power, and shares insights into the current geo-political situation. … https://www.guruviking.com/ep50-nyei-murez-scribe-of-carlos-castaneda/ Audio version of this podcast also available on iTunes and Stitcher – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics include: 0:00 - Intro 0:45 - Meeting Carlos Castaneda and Florinda Donner 20:21 - The history of the lineage 49:38 - Nyei’s training with Carlos Castaneda and Florinda Donner 57:46 - Why did Nyei call Nyei a ‘genius’ + change in teaching style 1:01:54 - Time as a chacmool or ‘fierce guardian’ 1:05:30 - The purpose behind Nyei’s training 1:13:52 - Castaneda’s writing process and Nyei’s time as his scribe 1:24:15 - Scanning people energetically 1:33:31 - More on writing with Castaneda 1:48:08 - The death of Carlos Castaneda 1:59:25 - Castaneda’s widespread influence in today’s culture 2:1428 - Insights on the nature of power 2:22:38 - Nyei on the pandemic and immunity 2:30:31 - Nyei’s current work ... To find out more about Nyei Murez, visit: - www.creationinflow.com For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - www.guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

18 Maj 20202h 34min

In this episode we explore the life story of Dr Nida Chenagtsang, master of Tibetan Medicine and lineage holder of the spiritual teachings of the Yuthok Nyingthig. We learn about Dr Nida’s childhood as a nomad on the high grasslands of Tibet and the lessons he learned immersed in nature. We follow him to Lhasa, where he trained as a doctor of Tibetan medicine, and engaged in private spiritual training in lineages such as the Longchen Nyingthig, Dudjom Tersar, Yuthok Nyingthig and more. We hear Dr Nida’s critique of the tulku system of locating and enthroning the reincarnations of spiritual masters as children, and discuss why it is that Dr Nida offers previously secret teachings so openly to the public. This is the first in a series with Dr Nida, and future episodes will examine topics such as dream yoga, Tibetan medicine, karmamudra, and more. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/ep49-dr-nida-chenagtsang-heart-of-a-nomad/ Audio version of this podcast also available on iTunes and Stitcher – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics include: 0:00 - Intro 1:14 - Nomad childhood in Amdo, Tibet 7:19 - Learning from nature 9:38 - A special encounter and becoming a doctor 20:28 - Training in Lhasa 22:52 - Studying Longchen Nyingthig with Ani Ngawang Gyaltsen 25:04 - The importance of female gurus 27:14 - Yearning for retreat and medical practice hopes 29:57 - Studying Dudjom Tersar with Chonyi Rinpoche and Semo Dechen 30:39 - Dr Nida’s other gurus and further studies 33:46 - Learning mantra healing privately 38:34 - Dr Nida’s critique of the tulku system 44:30 - How to choose an authentic teacher 53:24 - About the Yuthok Nyingthig and spiritual experiences on retreat 1:08:36 - Samaya, preliminaries, and secret teachings 1:10:19 - The importance of karmic connections 1:15:55 - Teaching ‘Flight of the Garuda’ 1:16:32 - The importance of guru yoga 1:19:12 - Dr Nida’s wild nomadic karmamudra teacher 1:22:40 - Learning and teaching many things 1:24:08 - Tibetan geomancy 1:25:21 - Future interview topics … Previous Interview with Dr Nida: - 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

11 Maj 20201h 26min

In this episode I am once again joined by Dr Ben Joffe, anthropologist and scholar practitioner of Tibetan Buddhism. This episode is the second part of a series in which we explore Ben’s PhD dissertation on the ngakpa of the Himalayas, or as Ben calls them ‘wizards and socially engaged yogis’. In the previous episode, we met the scholar, exploring Ben’s life as well as looking at his research methodology. In this episode we begin by defining the ngakpa, both in terms of traditional definitions as well as how the ngakpa exist and function today. We explore the various tantric vows associated with the highest yoga tantra yidam empowerments, including common misinterpretations about samaya, and how hair and clothing styles are often used as on outer expression of inner or secret principles. We look at how ngakpa develop their magical powers (siddhi), why they have often been viewed with suspicion by the religious and state authorities, and finally Ben recounts a story of a magical duel between sorcerers over local occult jurisdiction. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/ep48-dr-ben-joffe-2-siddhi-samaya-and-duels-of-magick/ Audio version of this podcast also available on iTunes and Stitcher – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics include: 0:00 - Intro 1:07 - Who are the ngakpa? 23:58 - Tantric vows and the complex issue of samaya 54:22 - How ngakpa develop and use magical powers (siddhi) 1:09:18 - Ngakpa Yeshe Dorje’s magical duel with local sorcerers … 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

4 Maj 20201h 17min

In this episode I am once again joined by Tibetologist, author, and Tantric Buddhism teacher Glenn Mullin. In this fascinating, story-filled episode we focus on Glenn’s career as an author and translator. Glenn has authored over 30 books on Tibetan Buddhism, which themselves have been translated into many languages. He has translated an extremely wide range of classical Tibetan literature from some of the greatest minds of that tradition, including many Dalai Lamas, Tsongkhapa, and more. We discuss Glenn’s personal journey with the Tibetan language, from gaining fluency in the bars and tea houses of 1970s Dharmsala to studying classic texts with Geshes and Tulkus in exile. We explore the fascinating history of the art of translation in Tibet, and the evolution of the Tibetan writing system. Glenn also reveals his stylistic influences as an English language writer, and lays out his process when approaching a new work of translation. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/ep47-glenn-mullin-tales-of-translation/ Audio version of this podcast also available on iTunes and Stitcher – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics Include: 0:00 - Intro 1:00 - Glenn’s beginnings as translator in Dharamsala 18:03 - Glenn’s work translating the Dalai Lamas 23:59 - Influences as an English-language writer 28:35 - History of Tibetan language and translation 47:12 - Difficulties learning colloquial Tibetan 49:15 - Unusual advice and gaining fluency 54:10 - Tibetan humour 58:49 - Glenn’s process for approaching a new translation 1:16:13 - Working closely with lineage holders 1:21:11 - The intellectual greatness of Ling Rinpoche, Trijang Rinpoche, and Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche 1:23:52 - The effect of intense meditation on memory power 1:25:15 - How great masters retain multiple lineages 1:35:22 - Glenn’s favourite of his translations 1:41:55 - Glenn’s opinion of translators today … Audio version of this podcast available on iTunes and Stitcher – 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/ 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

30 Apr 20201h 45min

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