Guru Viking Podcast

• Ep318: Modern Mindfulness - Victor Shiryaev

  In this episode I am joined by Victor Shiryaev a teacher of Buddhist and modern meditation and somatic practices. Victor recounts his childhood in the Soviet Union, early underground exposure to the New Age, and subsequent study of Avaita Vedānta and Ken Wilber’s Integral Theory. Victor details his discipleship under American mindfulness teacher Shinzen Young, reflects on the tension between tradition and innovation, and shares stories of his own awakening experiences. Victor also lays out his disagreements with Shinzen Young’s approach, critiques the Pragmatic Dharma’s use of maps and stages, and presents his own understanding of the spiritual experiences to be expected on the road to awakening and beyond. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep318-modern-mindfulness-victor-shiryaev Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.
 … Topics include: 00:00 - Intro 00:56 - Childhood in the Soviet Union 02:24 - Exposure to the New Age and psychotherapy 07:15 - Studying Chinese History at university 08:07 - Advaita Vedānta and Ken Wilber 09:18 - Unity experience 10:21 - Altered states and psychic phenomena 13:14 - Personal crisis 14:52 - Awakening in Myanmar 17:19 - “I know what I have is working” 19:17 - Meeting Shinzen Young and adopting his model 24:50 - Observational statistics 27:29 - Studying with Shinzen 29:27 - Divorce and launching meditation teaching career 31:00 - Finding a path thru crisis 37:10 - Writing a letter to nature 42:48 - Finding purpose in spirituality 44:15 - Victor’s teaching approach and activities 48:58 - Why go deeper in practice? 51:17 - Creating a culture of openness 58:33 - Shinzen & Ken Wilber vs Victor 01:05:16 - Being a clear conduit 01:19:32 - I am not a Buddhist teacher 01:12:40 - Experience vs faith 01:15:58 - Disagreements with Shinzen 01:17:43 - Disagreements with Theravāda 01:19:32 - Shinzen’s modernism and scientism 01:25:19 - Steve’s understanding of Shinzen 01:28:15 - Victor’s update on Shinzen’s scientism 01:30:50 - Heretics and reformers 01:33:39 - Fundamentalism and the world-centred view 01:30:39 - A world-centred view is also fundamentalist 01:42:50 - Victor on the Pragmatic Dharma movement 01:46:55 - Hypocrisy of Pragmatic Dharma 01:49:29 - Traditional vs modern practitioners 01:58:13 - Critique of maps and stages 02:06:18 - First stage: thoughts to presence 02:09:41 - Second stage: all experience is consciousness 02:12:09 - One taste 02:13:38 - Intimacy with all things 02:15:26 - The consciousness trap 02:18:18 - We shape our experience 02:19:10 - The pregnant void 02:22:32 - Victor’s view of the path To find out more about Victor Shiryaev, visit: - https://victorshiryaev.co/ … For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - www.guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

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• Ep317: Dead Sea Magic - Lama Glenn Mullin & Oded Rahav

  In this episode I host a dialogue between Lama Glenn Mullin and Oded Rahav about the magic of the Dead Sea. Oded shares how he fell in love with the Dead Sea, the power of story and the arts in communicating important messages, and why he believes water is a sacred medium. Glenn reveals the power of sacred places and how they are formed through a combination of geomantic features and human spiritual activity. Glenn and Oded explore the history of the Dead Sea region, trace 10000 years of Western mysticism, and discuss how the area may hold the keys to peace in the region. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep317-dead-sea-magic-lama-glenn-mullin-oded-rahav Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics include: 00:00 - Intro 00:47 - Oded’s world record swim to save the Dead Sea 03:10 - The political complexity of the Dead Sea swim 04:11 - Falling in love with the Dead Sea 05:51 - Meeting Glenn Mullin 06:52 - How to build trust 08:08 - The powerful energy of sacred places 11:03 - The impact of humans on the earth 11:37 - Glenn talks about the Dead Sea 13:02 - How to relate to sacred places 14:19 - A great healing sea 14:55 - The Dalai Lama’s prophecy 15:39 - Saving the Dead Sea 16:48 - A potential peace initiative 18:45 - A million signatures 19:29 - Water is a scared medium 20:24 - Dead Sea stories 22:08 - Biological attributes of the Dead Sea 23:05 - Dead Sea is vanishing 23:38 - 4 main threats to the Dead Sea 27:55 - Water treating 28:55 - Practical solutions to political problems 30:03 - Power places and pilgrimage 32:03 - Magic of the Dead Sea 34:49 - Twin rivers and other initiatives 36:49 - Incentivising capitalism 38:00 - Poems about the Dead Sea 39:34 - Glenn’s history with the Dead Sea 40:27 - Arts initiatives 41:02 - More Dead Sea poetry 41:39 - 10000 years of Western mysticism 42:14 - Glenn’s message to listeners 43:36 - Oded’s invitation to listeners 45:41 - Geomancy vs human mystical infusion in creating sacred places 49:01 - Why save the Dead Sea? 50:04 - A future-oriented perspective 52:03 - How change happens 56:41 - Meditation caves next to the Dead Sea 57:34 - Meditation caves around the world 01:01:03 - Tibetan medicine and healing retreats 01:03:09 - Oded’s documentary 01:04:33 - Rheumatism and skin …
 Previous episodes with Lama Glenn Mullin: - https://www.guruviking.com/search?q=glenn%20mullin 
 Find out more about Lama Glenn Mullin: - http://www.glennmullin.com/ - https://www.facebook.com/Maitripa.Glenn Find out more about Oded Rahav & the Dead Sea Guardians: - https://deadseaguardians.org/team/
 … For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - https://www.guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

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• Ep316: Dharma & the Goddess - Alex W

  In this episode I am joined by Alex W, long term practitioner of Zen, Pragmatic Dharma, and Western Occultism. Alex describes his journey from elite upbringing in Geneva; through NeoPlatonism, Zen practice, and magick; to advanced states of spiritual attainment and insight. Alex tells stories of his discipleships under pragmatic dharma teacher Kenneth Folk and renowned occultist Alan Chapman and details the lead up to, and attainment and after effects of his own experience of enlightenment. Alex recounts his successful operation of the Abramelin Ritual, a powerful kundalini awakening, and his ongoing encounters with spiritual beings such as Kālī Mā and Hecate. … https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep316-dharma-the-goddess-alex-w Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics include: 00:00 - Intro 00:55 - Elite upbringing in Geneva 03:50 - Religious experiences in America 05:39 - Major surgery and turn towards spirituality 08:05 - Immersion in a Hindu religious group 10:25 - First spiritual experiences and power places 12:07 - Interest in philosophy and the Kyoto School 13:05 - Law school and studying mediaeval philosophy 15:52 - Entering Zen Buddhist practice with Deshimaru Taisen 18:14 - Finding a real Zen master & understanding Zen in Japan 21:55 - Observations about Japanese religiosity 24:09 - 1996 financial crisis and internship in law firm 24:58 - Connecting with advanced practitioners online 26:53 - Interest in Chan Buddhism 30:08 - Japan vs Chinese and Korean monasticism 32:15 - Plateau after 15 years of Zen 33:01 - Daniel Ingram & Kenneth Folk 39:09 - No-self experience 39:54 - Become a student of occultist Alan Chapman 45:25 - Scrying the Enochian Æthyrs 48:02 - Visions and esoteric Christianity 50:09 - Abramelin Ritual w/ Alan Chapman 53:50 - Meeting the Holy Guardian Angel 56:32 - Approaching enlightenment 01:02:38 - Achieving enlightenment 01:10:59 - Consequences of enlightenment 01:14:45 - Confirmation by Stuart Lachs 01:18:54 - Massive kundalini experience 01:22:21 - Loss of interest in spirituality 01:23:21 - Spirit encounters in Santeria 01:27:23 - Strategic presentations of Tibetan Buddhism 01:28:13 - Difficulties after awakening 01:29:52 - Post kundalini energetic development 01:31:56 - Loss of fear of death 01:33:15 - Breathwork 01:34:54 - Opening of psychic senses 01:37:40 - Powerful encounters with Kālī Mā 01:45:03 - Meeting other Dark Goddesses 01:48:27 - Synchronicities and initiations 01:49:20 - Alan Chapman’s Magia 01:53:26 - Adventures in Bali 02:03:14 - Chinese Internal Alchemy & Mattias Daly 02:05:25 - Nan Huai-Chin 02:07:31 - Energy rewires for 12 years after awakening 02:09:11 - Neoplatonist theurgy 02:12:31 - Reviving the Western spiritual tradition 02:12:53 - Instructed by Hecate to be interviewed 02:14:31 - Specialties of the Western tradition 02:17:00 - Sacred geography and local deities 02:20:27 - #1 problem in the West 02:23:11 - Karmic connections 02:24:34 - Fall from grace after awakening 02:26:16 - Divine beings care about authenticity 02:28:15 - Sequel plans 02:29:57 - Praise for the Guru Viking Podcast … For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - www.guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

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• Steve James Interviewed on the Mystery College Podcast

  I was recently interviewed by Jake and Alex from the ⁨@mysterycollege⁩ about a wide range of topics. ... Mystery College Shownotes: Join Steve James—host of the acclaimed Guru Viking Podcast and founder of the Movement Koan Method—as he sits down with Jake and Alex Leonhart at the Mystery College Podcast to share his remarkable spiritual journey. Discover Steve’s unique insights gained from years of contemplative study, teaching internationally, and leading retreats at renowned centers, including the upcoming program at the Omega Institute. In this interview, Steve discusses: -His personal path through various spiritual and contemplative traditions -Lessons from years in practice, solitude, and also wilderness survival -The genesis and philosophy behind the Movement Koan Method—a fusion of mindful movement and deep embodiment -Practical advice on meditation and humility Whether you’re a meditation practitioner, a movement enthusiast, or someone seeking wisdom for spiritual growth, Steve’s grounded and experiential teachings offer a wealth of inspiration. Connect with Steve James: Website: https://www.guruviking.com Instagram: / guruviking Movement Koan Method: https://www.guruviking.com/shop Guru Viking Podcast: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast

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• Ep315: Religious Psychosis & Dark Retreat - Dr Caroline van Damme & Lama Justin von Bujdoss

  In this episode I host a dialogue between Dr Caroline van Damme and Lama Justin von Bujdoss. Dr Caroline Van Damme is an adult psychiatrist and family and systemic psychotherapist specialising in chronic psychotic disorders, and co-teacher of Buddhist guru and Sowa Rigpa doctor Nida Chenagtsang.  Lama Justin von Bujdoss is an American Buddhist teacher, dark retreat yogi, founder and spiritual director of Yangti Yoga Retreat Center in Buckland Massachusetts, and author of ‘Modern Tantric Buddhism’. Caroline and Justin discuss the risk of psychosis during extreme religious practices, consider the rewards and dangers of dark retreat, and describe the different forms of hallucination. Caroline and Justin warn about engaging in advanced practices too soon, consider the pros and cons of spiritual ambition, and offer a mental health checklist for those considering intensive practice. Caroline and Justin also reflect on their own biographies, share challenges they have faced, and recount anecdotes of religious psychosis. … Video version: www.guruviking.com Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics include: 00:00 - Intro 01:08 - Justin explains the practice of dark retreat 5:55 - What is the purpose of dark retreat? 06:50 - Obstacles during dark retreat 09:39 - Distracted and disturbed by experience 11:08 - Sensory deprivation induces psychosis and delusional ideation 12:41 - Auditory or visual? 13:16 - Hallucinations in dark retreat vs in schizophrenia 18:51 - Practice prerequisites to dark retreat 21:10 - The purpose of intensive practice contexts 22:42 - Trekchod is the best antidote 23:38 - Justin laments the rush to do advanced retreats and practices 24:35 - Lack of mental health crisis intervention skills in Buddhist sanghas 25:38 - The devastating consequences of psychosis 27:09 - Sensory deprivation as torture and the “White Room” 29:01 - Tantric context of dark retreat and other challenging experiences 31:34 - Gek sel literature and “set and setting” 34:24 - Disastrous outcomes of Vipassana and other group retreats 38:19 - Mystical delusions and the manic state 41:59 - Consent, context, and the need for a guide 46:17 - Practice slowly, arrive quickly 46:51 - Extreme sports practitioners and disregard for tradition 50:24 - - Social pressure to avoid boredom 54:48 - A menu of spiritual materialism 57:10 - Outer, inner, and secret yidam practice 59:50 - Tilopa’s Six Nails 01:00:47 - Śamatha and raw-dogging 01:02:33 - Lojong 01:03:21 - Dream yoga and illusory body practice 01:05:14 - Walking meditation 01:05:28 - Frequency, duration, and intensity 01:08:21 - Spiritual ambition and Justin’s own training 01:13:10 - Ngondro and building a good foundation 01:14:12 - Bodhicitta as context 01:15:44 - A story of temporary insanity 01:17:29 - Health checklist for extreme spiritual adventures 01:20:17 - Dr Caroline’s difficult intake experience 01:22:02 - Spiritual bypass and the role of the teacher 01:24:13 - Long term relationships with patients and students 01:25:40 - John Welwood’s advocacy for psychotherapy 01:29:40 - Today’s lack of a long term relationship with the guru 01:35:22 - The power of relationship 01:40:00 - Justin’s concluding remarks 01:41:56 - Dr Caroline’s concluding remarks … Previous episodes with Lama Justin von Bujdoss: - https://www.guruviking.com/search?q=bujdoss 
 Previous episodes with Dr Caroline van Damme: - https://www.guruviking.com/search?q=caroline … Find out more about Lama Justin von Bujdoss: - https://justinvonbujdoss.com/ - https://www.yangtiyoga.com/ Find out more about Dr Caroline van Damme: - https://www.sowarigpainstitute.org/dr-caroline-van-damme … For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - https://www.guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

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