Episodios

  • Ep356: Awakening to Wholeness - Ken Wilber

    Ep356: Awakening to Wholeness - Ken Wilber
    Apr 10 2026
    In this episode I am joined by Ken Wilber, contemporary philosopher, author, and founder of Integral Theory. Ken recounts his biography and intellectual development including prodigious early reading, major spiritual experiences, and his models of spiritual and psychological development. Ken reflects on his rise to fame, his deeper motivations for writing, and whether or not his Integral Institute made the impact he had hoped for. Ken also gives a detailed account of his association with controversial American spiritual teacher Adi Da, weighs the good and bad of Da Free John’s career, considers the source of Adi Da’s shaktipat power, and reveals why he almost joined the guru’s inner circle. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep356-awakening-to-wholeness-ken-wilber Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics include: 00:00 - Intro 00:51 - Steve’s favourite Ken Wilber book 02:01 - Difficulties writing “One Taste” 05:39 - Adolescent interest in developmental psychology 08:53 - Major spiritual experience at 13 years old 09:55 - Comparing stage models 12:24 - Zen Buddhist practice 13:47 - Ken’s first theoretical discovery 15:57 - Different types of wholeness 17:19 - Waking up 17:55 - Growing up 19:00 - Opening up 21:15 - Cleaning up 23:47 - Showing up 24:43 - 4 perspectives of person 28:51 - Ken’s fiction reading and the types of truth 31:11 - Marquis de Sade 32:45 - Why Ken wrote 39:39 - Why participate in the Great Conversation? 41:29 - Who you really are 43:32 - Universal mysticism 45:00 - Two types of religion 53:15 - Dealing with the audience response 56:22 - Being noticed in public 57:50 - Did Ken have collaborators? 01:00:05 - Integral group gatherings and conferences 01:04:22 - Ken’s assessment of the overall impact of Integral theory and the Integral gatherings 01:07:58 - No regrets 01:09:39 - Ken’s opinion of Steve’s work 01:12:23 - Ken’s history with Adi Da 01:17:10 - Invited to be part of Adi Da’s inner circle 01:19:57 - Meeting Adi Da 01:20:59 - When Ken decided not to join Adidam 01:21:57 - Sadness at Adi Da’s death 01:23:53 - William Tsiknas 01:25:22 - Falling in love with Adi Da 01:28:35 - Source of Adi Da’s power 01:28:41 - Ken on Adi Da’s relationship with his teachers 01:32:59 - Adi Da’s pranic transmission 01:35:38 - Muktananda + why Adi Da was drawn to Rudi 01:40:16 - What is shaktipat? 01:43:15 - Post-death contact and ethical controversies 01:45:04 - Feeling the heart transmission of Adi Da 01:47:17 - Ken’s disappointment in Adi Da’s controversial conduct 01:50:54 - Good vs bad of Adi Da … To find our more about Ken Wilber, visit: - https://kenwilber.com/ For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - https://www.guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James
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    1 h y 55 m
  • Ep355: The Accidental Buddhist - Doug Nurnberg

    Ep355: The Accidental Buddhist - Doug Nurnberg
    Apr 3 2026
    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
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    1 h y 37 m
  • Ep354: Islamic Mysticism & Tantric Buddhism - Dr Francisco José Luis

    Ep354: Islamic Mysticism & Tantric Buddhism - Dr Francisco José Luis
    Mar 27 2026
    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
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    1 h y 24 m
  • Ep353: Mysticism and Demonology in Orthodox Christianity - Rebekah Sturgill

    Ep353: Mysticism and Demonology in Orthodox Christianity - Rebekah Sturgill
    Mar 20 2026
    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
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    1 h y 8 m
  • Ep352: Mahāmudrā of Newar Buddhism - Prajwal Ratna Vajracharya

    Ep352: Mahāmudrā of Newar Buddhism - Prajwal Ratna Vajracharya
    Mar 13 2026
    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
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    1 h y 6 m
  • Ep351: Psychic Entrepreneur - Alana Fairchild

    Ep351: Psychic Entrepreneur - Alana Fairchild
    Mar 6 2026
    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
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    1 h y 9 m
  • Ep350: Contemplative History of Modern Russia - Victor Shiryaev 2

    Ep350: Contemplative History of Modern Russia - Victor Shiryaev 2
    Feb 27 2026
    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
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    1 h y 22 m
  • Ep349: Deep Dive Into Magick - Alex W

    Ep349: Deep Dive Into Magick - Alex W
    Feb 20 2026
    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
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    2 h y 41 m