Ep355: The Accidental Buddhist - Doug Nurnberg

In this episode, filmed in Sarnath, India, I am joined by Doug Nurnberg, a close student of Tarthang Tulku for over 50 years and project manager and board member of the Sarnath International Nyingma Institute (SINI). Doug recalls his childhood in a conservative farming family in Kansas, how an out of body experience saw him embark on a search for meaning, and why he sometimes thinks of himself as an “accidental Buddhist”. Doug describes his 50 year discipleship under Tarthang Tulku; recounts stories of conflict, trust, and unusual teaching methods; and reveals his impressions of the personality and capabilities of Tarthang Tulku the man. Doug also reflects on work ethic as a path to enlightenment, why he has deferred meditation practice to preserve Tibetan culture and further the aims of his teacher, and the role of esoteric geomancy in the building of grand stupas and statues around the world. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep355-the-accidental-buddhist-doug-nurnberg Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics include: 00:00 - Intro 01:02 - Tour of the Sarnath International Nyingma Institute 09:45 - Library and scripture collections 12:54 - Books by Tarthang Tulku 13:27 - Revelations of Mind 14:39 - Deferring practice to preserve the Tibetan culture 16:30 - Setting up a printing press at Ratna Ling 17:55 - Doug’s childhood in Kansas 19:47 - Accidental Buddhist 20:30 - Excellence in athletics 21:39 - Winning the national championship and an out of body experience 24:16 - Searching for meaning 25:41 - Meeting Tarthang Tulku 28:29 - Conflicts during construction projects for Tarthang Tulku 34:29 - Horses and Tarthang Tulku’s teaching methods 37:59 - Permaculture projects 42:17 - Work ethic as a path to enlightenment 46:04 - Tarthang Tulku’s individualised teaching style 48:37 - Why such grand scale projects? 52:36 - Geomancy and sacred building projects 56:29 - Difficult relationship with Tarthang Tulku 01:01:33 - Leaving in frustration for 10 years 01:03:22 - Family obligations 01:05:37 - Political instability in America 01:08:12 - Family concern about Doug’s involvement with Tarthang Tulku 01:10:40 - Tarthang Tulku the man 01:14:59 - Devotion to the guru 01:17:19 - Tarthang Tulku’s unusual capacities 01:21:21 - Doug’s understanding of Buddhist doctrine 01:27:36 - Gratitude to Tarthang Tulku 01:29:56 - Thinking about death 01:31:14 - Does Doug want to be enlightened? 01:33:19 - Buddhism is a natural state … To find our more about Doug Nurnberg, visit: - https://www.sinibridge.org/team-member/doug-nurnberg/ For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - https://www.guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

In this episode I am once again joined by Dr Francisco José Luis, scholar of Indo-Iranian Studies and Comparative Religion trained at the Sorbonne, Paris and SOAS, London. Francisco shares his research into the links between Indian and Tibetan tantric practices and the mystical teachings of Shi’ite Islam, reveals the prevalence of lucid dreaming techniques in antiquity, and emphasises the importance of the Silk Road in transmitting esoteric knowledge between civilisations. Francisco discusses the Islamic yogi, Jâbir ibn Ḥayyān; traces the historical tensions between the scholarly, jurist factions and mystics within Shi’ism; and asserts that Iranian Buddhism was a key part of the Islamic Golden Age. Francisco also argues for significant Islamic influence on Buddhism, the need for a sense of civilisational greatness, and why he believes the time has to come to reignite sacred chivalry. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep354-islamic-mysticism-tantric-buddhism-francisco-jose-luis Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics include: 00:00 - Intro 01:02 - Lucid dreaming techniques in a 19th century Shi’ite text 03:34 - The focal point of the Shi’ite tradition 04:28 - 4 volume Shi’ite encyclopaedia of dreams 06:21 - Links between Tibetan and Shi’ite dream yoga techniques 08:01 - Silk road, Gandhāra, and the internationalisation of Buddhism 09:07 - Jâbir ibn Ḥayyān, the Islamic alchemist and “Buddhist yogi” 11:06 - Iranian Buddhist influence on the Golden Age of Islam 14:26 - The rise of the scholar 16:20 - Islamic influence on Buddhism 17:04 - Practice over dogma in Oḍḍiyāna 19:11 - The influence of Classical Greece 19:51 - Lucid dreaming in antiquity 22:27 - Hesychasm: a Christian breath, body, and mind meditation 25:16 - A prophet is always awake 26:19 - Rosary and the influence of Christianity on Islam 28:01 - Lucid dreaming and the Desert Fathers 31:54 - Sleep deprivation to achieve mystical states 37:51 - Bardo ideas and the Iranian worldview 40:49 - Monastic routine and lucid dreaming 42:57 - Tasks to complete in the dream 43:28 - Angelic possession and contacting the Imam in dreams 50:28 - Is mystical Shi’ism practiced today? 58:22 - Francisco’s initiation and anti-mystical, Occidental materialism 59:20 - Political Shi’ism 01:01:41 - Attachment to matter to the detriment of spirit 01:02:07 - The need for the spirit for civilisational greatness 01:04:13 - Francisco’s mentoring 01:07:14 - Reigniting sacred chivalry 01:08:07 - Plato, Evola, and Traditionalism 01:10:19 - Use of the letter “a” in Shi’ite mysticism and other tantric similarities 01:11:13 - Entheogen use in Iranian mysticism 01:12:06 - Francisco’s mushroom trip 01:13:23 - Francisco’s aims 01:15:22 - Reading recommendations: Henry Corbin and Mostafa Vaziri 01:19;18 - Buddhism in Iran … Previous episodes with Dr Francisco José Luis: - https://www.guruviking.com/ To find our more about Dr Francisco José Luis, visit: - https://www.instagram.com/hludvig_tradicionalista For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - https://www.guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

In this episode I am once again joined by Rebekah Sturgill, mother, school teacher, and convert to Orthodox Christianity. Rebekah discusses the contemplative methods of Orthodox Christianity; shares one of the tradition’s core practices, the Jesus Prayer; and discusses the importance of the liturgical year. Rebekah explorex the phenomenology of a felt sense of Christ, explains the ideal of theosis, and reveals why the imagination is discouraged in Orthodox practice. Rebekah also details the Orthodox view on demons, compares it to popular depictions in books and films, and offers her own experience of the supernatural dimensions of the spiritual war for the human will. … Video version: www.guruviking.com Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics include: 00:00 - Intro 00:48 - Practice of Orthodox Christianity 03:37 - Time, community, and individual practice 10:51 - Learning how to be an Orthodox Christian 13:50 - The Jesus Prayer 16:11 - Against the imaginal 17:11 - Breathing practice in the Jesus Prayer 18:51 - Focusing on Christ 22:17 - A felt sense of Christ 24:38 - Phenomenology of meditation 26:49 - False vision and dangers of the imagination 29:50 - Warnings and special experiences 32:29 - Community as a check on spiritual pride 33:52 - Theosis and the goal of Orthodox Christian practice 38:36 - The heat of God 40:42 - Ethics and positive behavioural change 44:57 - The ethical ideal of Christ 47:18 - Angels, demons, and supernatural entities 51:08 - Screwtape Letters and the ontology of demons 53:59 - Theories of demonology 55:35 - War for the human will 58:56 - Levels of understanding 01:01:41 - How much should catechumens be taught about demons? 01:06:00 - Orthodoxy is in vogue 
… Previous episode with Rebekah Sturgill: - https://www.guruviking.com/search?q=sturgill For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - https://www.guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

In this interview, filmed at Oxford University, I am once again joined by Prajwal Ratna Vajracharya, a 35th generation tantric priest in a centuries old Newar Buddhist family lineage and master of the religious dance tradition of Charya Nritya. Prajwal explains the use of mudrā and movement to embody enlightenment and teaches a full sequence of movement and mantra to use in daily practice when taking refuge. Prajwal explains the four levels of Mahāmudrā in Newar Buddhism, offers methods to build compassion in community, and gives his advice on how to practice well. Prajwal also shares Jātaka tales for every day wisdom and reveals the role of magic in Newar Buddhism. … Video versions: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep352-mahmudr-of-newar-buddhism-prajwal-ratna-vajracharya Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics include: 00:00 - Intro 00:51 - Newar Buddhism and what Prajwal has been doing at Oxford University 03:03 - Dancing and singing for enlightenment 04:33 - Embodying enlightenment 08:02 - Methods of enlightenment 09:04 - Mahāmudrā in Newar Buddhism 23:25 - 4 levels of Mahāmudrā 25:45 - Body as mudrā 31:55 - Integrated mudrā 32:37 - Mudrā in the Buddha’s life 35:30 - How to practice well 40:10 - Compassion is built in community 43:49 - Prajwal explains the mudrā sequence used in taking refuge 52:21 - Demonstration of refuge mudrā and chant practice 54:14 - 5 emotions 55:04 - Further reflections on mudrā and Mahāmudrā 57:07 - Jātaka tale + everything is a mudrā 01:00:58 - Encouragement to practice 01:03:13 - Newar magick 01:05:27 - Anuttarayogatantra … Previous episodes with Prajwal Ratna Vajracharya: - https://www.guruviking.com/search?q=prajwal To find out more about Prajwal Ratna Vajracharya, visit: - https://www.dancemandal.com/ 
For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - www.guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

In this episode I am once again joined by Alana Fairchild, spiritual teacher, psychic, and author of the best-selling Kuan Yin Oracle Deck. Alana recalls her spiritual apprenticeship, initial failed attempts to work as a psychic, and what it takes to make it as a new age entrepreneur. Alana describes the tension between following one’s intuition and getting things done, why even spiritual teachers need to work when they don’t feel like it, and how she deals with negative feedback. Alana also discusses her love of myth, a return to matriarchy, and her deep connection with Kālī Mā and the Dark Feminine. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep351-psychic-entrepreneur-alana-fairchild Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics Include: 00:00 - Intro 00:45 - Apprenticeship under a psychic 03:00 - Initial work as a psychic 04:21 - Early challenges 05:31 - Spiritual intuition vs getting things done 09:06 - Business success in spirituality sector 09:36 - Alana’s creative and business process 13:04 - Intuition vs whim when getting things done 17:41 - Working even when you don’t feel like it 19:37 - Trope of the ”full body yes” 20:06 - Divine masculine and feminine 25:27 - Dealing with negative feedback 26:09 - Triggered by masculine energy 27:06 - Polarised by Mother Mary 30:51 - Myth and anthropology 31:45 - Return to matriarchy 33:48 - Which myths resonate with Alana? 35:33 - Alana’s mother complex 38:05 - Alana’s masculine energy 39:38 - Failed attempts to become a professional psychic 42:08 - Overcoming the fear of financial insecurity 44:!4 - Career success as a psychic, spiritual teacher, and author 46:05 - Commodification of spirituality 50:35 - Connection with Kālī Mā and the Dark Feminine 01:02:55 - How Alana communicates with Kālī Mā 01:07:18 - Concluding remarks … Previous episode with Alana Fairchild: - https://www.guruviking.com/search?q=fairchild To find our more about Alana Fairchild visit: - https://www.alanafairchild.com/ For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - https://www.guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

In this episode I am once again joined by Victor Shiryaev a teacher of Buddhist and modern meditation and somatic practices. Victor traces a contemplative history of modern Russia from the days of the esotericism and Orientalism of the Russian Empire, through the religious restrictions of the Soviet Union, the New Age spiritual fervour of the 1990s, and the Westernisation of recent times. Victor considers whether Russia was a mission field for spiritual groups such as the Diamond Way, details the different Buddhist sects active in the country, describes how meditation is viewed in Russian culture today, and reflects on the relationship between globalist Buddhist sects and heritage Buddhist groups of the region. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep350-contemplative-history-of-modern-russia-victor-shiryaev-2 Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.
 … Topics include: 00:00 - Intro 00:49 - Why a contemplative history of modern Russia? 05:49 - Russian interest in the East and esotericism 07:54 - Buddhist regions of Russia 08:39 - Catherine the Great and empire 10:08 - Persecution of religion under the Soviet Union 11:14 - New Age and spiritual revival in the 1990s 15:22 - Current scene 16:30 - Westernised spirituality in Russia 21:58 - The self publishing movement 23:32 - How the scene became Westernised 27:12 - Shambala and post-Soviet Russia as a mission field 36:21 - Tibetan Buddhism in Russia today 39:40 - Other Buddhist and mindfulness groups in Russia 41:43 - Vipassana and the lack of a retreat scene 45:41 - Heritage Buddhists vs the new Buddhists 56:21 - Russian esotericism and the Soviet Union 01:04:41 - How is meditation viewed in Russia today? 01:12:06 - Modern mindfulness in Russia 01:13:00 - Russian Orthodox Christianity and the future of Buddhism in Russia Previous episode with Victor Shiryaev: - https://www.guruviking.com/search?q=shiryaev 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

In this episode I am once again joined by Alex W, long term practitioner of Zen, Pragmatic Dharma, and Western Occultism. Alex takes a deep dive into the world of magick to compare esoteric systems from around the world including Western Occultism, Tibetan Buddhism, Indian Tantric and Goddess systems, Santeria and more. Alex gives a history of the development of Western Occultism, exploring the Egyptian mysteries, Neoplatonism, Catholic mysticism, Kabbalah, Shi’ism, Wicca, the Golden Dawn, Thelema, Chaos Magic and beyond. Alex discusses esoteric techniques such spellcraft, opening the psychic senses, working with entities, mantra, yantra, alchemy, astrology, and divination. He considers the tension between natural talent and practiced skill, reviews strategies for protection against curses and entity oppression, and recounts his own path as a practitioner of the occult. … Full episode: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep349-deep-dive-into-magick-alex-w Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.
 … Topics include: 00:00 - Intro 01:09 - History of magick 06:08 - Christianity as a reinterpretation of Egyptian mysteries of Osiris 06:40 - Syncretism of the Golden Dawn 08:48 - Thelema 09:50 - English vs French magick 11:10 - Wicca 12:55 - Chaos Magic 16:04 - Belief and manifestation 19:26 - Theory vs practice 20:52 - Neoplatonism 22:54 - Kabbalah 29:09 - Shi’ism, Sufism, and the Church fathers 30:42 - Renaissance 32:36 - Not superstition? 33:53 - Alex’s magick path 35:32 - Training under Alan Chapman 38:21 - Scrying and the Holy Guardian Angel 40:10 - What is the HGA? 46:04 - The real initiation of Western Occultism 47:37 - Santeria and spirits 51:16- Exploring the Renaissance grimoires 54:56 - Catholic mysticism, angels, and saints 56:25 - Spellcraft 57:25 - Hinduism and Buddhist magick 01:03:33 - Mantra 01:07:29 - Yantras and Indo-European astrology 01:10:15 - Tantra as a ritual process to effect change and invoke spirits 01:11:34 - Ramnath Aghori Baba  01:12:51 - How Goddess traditions work 01:19:13 - Initiated by Kālī and the Dark Feminine 01:25:21 - Opening the psychic senses 01:27:19 - Kālī, Chinnamastā, and the Dark Feminine 01:30:41 - Hecate 01:33:10 - Dark spirits, ḍākinīs, and the 64 yogis 01:37:19 - Network of friends 01:41:06 - Past lives 01:42:38 - Astrology 01:46:12 - Which practice is right for you? 01:47:42 - Alchemy 01:48:46 - Why practice magick? 01:53:14 - Divination and protection against curses 01:54:28 - 3 magickal self defence methods 02:02:10 - How common are curses? 02:05:26 - Why seek the Western Tradition? 02:12:08 - Indian vs Tibetan tantra 02:15:29 - Is magick well understood? 02:20:34 - Talent, lineage, and technique 02:22:44 - Crowley’s birthchart 02:27:32 - Alan & Duncan’s relationship 02:29:08 - Dangers 02:35:089 - Spiritual psychosis 02:37:50 - Devotion … Previous episodes with Alex W: - https://www.guruviking.com/search?q=alex For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - www.guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

In this episode, I am joined by Jensen Martin, a scholar-practitioner and PhD student at the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, California. Jensen recalls how his childhood experiences playing the World of Warcraft and reading fantasy books awakened a deep longing for real experiences of magick and shamanism, how reading spiritual biographies inspired him become a live-in member of the Self Realisation Fellowship, and how trips in India drew him to the practice of bhakti. Jensen recounts powerful visions of Narasiṃha and Egyptian gods, transformative darśanas with Indian gurus such as Amma the Hugging Saint, and experiments with the power of mantra recitation. Jensen also describes his deep dive into psychedelic use, reveals his extensive experience with ayahuasca, and details his journey to a full-scholarship PhD at the Graduate Theological Union. … Video version: www.guruviking.com Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics include: 00:00 - Intro 01:07 - Narasiṃha 01:52 - Jensen’s childhood 02:50 - Drawn to shamanism through World of Warcraft 04:41 - Reading about shamanism and pagan religion 06:17 - Inspired by fantasy and World of Warcraft 09:48 - Lucid dreaming practice and animal totems 12:42 - Reading “Autobiography of a Yogi” 14:35 - Move to Humboldt county to pursue samadhi in nature 15:45 - Experimenting with substances 16:48 - Living at the Self Realisation Fellowship and time in India 20:55 - Masters degree in Yoga Studies 21:36 - Thirst for magickal experiences 27:50 - Living hand to mouth 29:33 - Jensen’s practice regime 32:00 - Hassidic Judaism, Orthodox Christianity, and Amma Sri Mātā Amritānandamayī Devi  35:35 - Academic studies 37:09 - Powerful darśana from Amma Sri Karunamayi 40:38 - Further trips to India and practicing bhakti 42:36 - Encounter with Narasimha 46:38 - Attending the 2019 Kumbh Mela 50:00 - Dream of Egyptian Narasimha connections 54:41 - Extreme sickness and vision of Narasimha 01:02:52 - Meeting Dhruva Gorrick 01:04:37 - Powerful encounter with Amma the hugging saint 01:08:52 - Why not to share significant spiritual experiences 01:10:00 - Going deep with ayahuasca and other psychedelics 01:23:18 - Mantras coming alive 01:24:54 - High frequency of psychedelic trips 01:25:58 - Work as park ranger 01:26:54 - Negative ayahuasca experiences and magickal attack 01:39:47 - Encountering Narasimha on ayahuasca 01:49:37 - A new theme for Jensen’s ayahuasca ceremonies 01:57:02 - Lineage spirits commanded Jensen to stop ayahuasca 01:57:38 - Further visions 01:59:05 - Encountering Vishnu and further pleas to stop taking ayahuasca 02:07:27 - Return to Amma and Narasimha initiation 02:08: 42 - Receiving a PhD scholarship to study Narasimha 02:15:41 - Still drinking ayahuasca 02:19:52 - Uniqueness of the human body 02:21:02 - Borrowing psychic power and astral contracts 02:29:46 - Why does Jensen keep using ayahuasca despite warnings? … To find our more about Jensen Martin visit: - https://www.instagram.com/jensen_sudarshan/ For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - https://www.guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

In this episode I host a dialogue between Buddhist teacher and doctor of Tibetan Medicine Dr Nida Chenagtsang and adult psychiatrist and family and systemic psychotherapist Dr Caroline Van Damme. Drs Nida and Caroline reflect on a half decade of collaboration in which they have explored the meeting of Western psychology and psychiatry with Tibetan medical and Buddhist models. They discuss the strengths and weaknesses of each others’ systems, consider placebo as an explanatory mechanism for traditional health systems, question the benefits of an over-therapised culture, and contrast Tibetan and European approaches to knowledge. Drs Nida and Caroline also discuss the role of traditional ideas of spirit possession in today’s clinical contexts, share anecdotes of exorcisms and psychosis, and offer their best insights and techniques to truly nurture the mind. … Link in bio. Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics include: 00:00 - Intro 01:04 - How did their collaboration begin? 02:38 - Dr Nida’s long standing interest in Western Psychology 06:38 - Meeting Dr Caroline 08:30 - Sowa Rigpa Counsellor Course 13:23 - The power of individualised therapy 16:14 - Reflections on Buddhist psychology and Sowa Rigpa 22:23 - Trauma and childhood conditioning 23:52 - Tibetan vs European ways of thinking 28:50 - Industrial revolution, scientism, and mind-body dualism 30:43 - Open-mindedness when working with psychotic patients 33:04 - Family therapy 36:57 - Weaknesses of Tibetan medicine 42:59 - Traditional medicine leans into placebo 45:46 - Do malevolent spirits cause psychological illnesses? 46:54 - African cultural ideas about spirits and black magic 47:40 - Do exorcisms cause further trauma? 53:12- Dr Nida reflects on the strengths of Western Psychology 57:05 - Too much digging for trauma 58:49 - European Garden vs Tibetan Forest 01:03:23 - Psychological illness from a spirit-influence perspective 01:05:04 - Exorcism rituals as a psychological tool 01:08:01 - Machig Labdron and the greatest evil spirit 01:08:40 - Using spirit-beliefs to encourage personal hygiene 01:09:23 - Exposure therapy 01:11:53 - A Canadian account of possession 01:14:32 - Dr Nida’s African patients 01:15:33 - A ghost story case study 01:21:04 - Duty of care 01:23:00 - The importance of sleep 01:27:54 - Nurturing the mind 01:33:42 - Blaming parents 01:36:55 - Compassion vs positivity 01:39:30 - Attributing everything to childhood trauma 01:42:09 - “Nurturing the Mind” online course … To find out more about “Nurturing the Mind: A Dialogue between a Psychiatrist & a Yogi“, visit: - https://www.sowarigpainstitute.org/course/nurturing-the-mind … Previous episodes with Dr Nida Chenagtsang: - https://www.guruviking.com/search?q=nida Previous episodes with Dr Caroline van Damme: - https://www.guruviking.com/search?q=caroline … Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

In this episode, I am joined by Dr Christopher “Hareesh” Wallis, a Sanskritist and scholar-practitioner of Classical Tantra. Christopher recounts his unusual upbringing, early meetings with Osho and Muktananda, early shaktipat experiences, and powerful spiritual awakenings. Christopher traces his educational journey under professors such as Douglas Brooks and Alexis G. J. S. Sanderson, offers his opinions about optimal pedagogy for Sanskrit language study, and questions lineage claims made in Tibetan Buddhism. Christopher also considers the tension between religious faith and academic skepticism, explains why he thinks it is possible to receive spiritual benefit from corrupt gurus, and descries why he believes spiritual awakening leads to a deep trust in the unfolding of life. … Video version: www.guruviking.com Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics include: 00:00 - Intro 00:57 - An unusual family of origin 03:28 - Mother’s conversion to Hinduism 03:50 - Meeting Osho and Swami Muktananda 05:17 - Awakening experience at 16 years old 05:55 - Attraction to Tantric Shaivism 07:35 - Academic training and intellectual infatuation 09:00 - Multiple teachers 10:13 - Seeing through intellectual ego 12:57 - Teenage rebellion and psychedelics 14:44 - Love of sci fi and fantasy 17:05 - Siddha yoga shaktipat 18:33 - Gurumayi Chidvilasananda 20:33 - Heart opening shaktipat 24:01 - Saint or psychopath? 28:26 - The guru’s shadow 30:18 - Transmission from a disgraced guru 32:25 - No single objective reality 35:32 - No doubts despite guru’s flaws 38:18 - Has Christopher missed the point? 39:53 - Parsing subjective certainty 41:55 - A belief but not really 43:21 - Innate intelligence and trusting the unfolding of life 46:50 - Harmonising with the pattern 50:17 - Don’t pretend to be more enlightened that you are 51:56 - The same awakening as the Buddha’s 54:22 - Waking up out of your tradition 55:32 - Agnosticism about reincarnation 57:29 - BA at Rochester 01:00:53 - Alexis G. J. S. Sanderson 01:05:40 - Great professors at Rochester 01:08:22 - Learning Sanskrit 01:11:12 - Art of translation 01:13:27 - Sanskrit pedagogy 01:16:42 - Christopher’s approach to teaching Sanskrit 01:21:19 - Why learn Sanskrit? 01:24:10 - Parallel primer method 01:26:06 - Does academia ruin religious faith? 01:30:39 - Mantra disillusionment 01:34:40 - Disillusionment with saints and siddhas 01:38:10 - Religious professors 01:39:13 - Debunking tantric lineage claims 01:42:05 - Did Tibetan Buddhists fabricated their lineages? 01:43:10 - Tantric Shaivism as a living tradition 01:46:16 - Is Christopher a lineage holder? 01:48:04 - Critique of lineage holders and lamas … To find our more about Dr Wallis visit: - https://hareesh.org/ For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - https://www.guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James