Guru Viking Podcast

Guru Viking

The Guru Viking Podcast specialises in in-depth interviews with remarkable figures in the fields of meditation, spirituality, and religion.

  1. Ep368: Aristocracy of the Soul - Dr Francisco José Luis

    5d ago

    Ep368: Aristocracy of the Soul - Dr Francisco José Luis

    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 describes the religious and philosophical view of Traditionalism, tracing the ideas of figures such as René Guénon, Julius Evola, and Henry Corbin to give a sense of the different strands of this increasingly influential system of thought. Francisco explains what he sees as the importance of uniting spiritual and martial disciplines, recounts his own experiences of receiving death threats during his academic research, and argues for an aristocracy of the soul. Francisco also addresses criticisms that associate Traditionalism with the political far right, various forms of ethnic and cultural chauvinism, and imperialism; compares and contrasts different caste and class systems from around the world; and outlines his objections to Plato’s ideas about education. … Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search “Guru Viking Podcast”. … Topics include: 00:00 - Intro 01:06 - First encounter with Traditionalism 06:03 - René Guénon 10:11 - Devotion to Indian saints 12:05 - Concern for the working class 15:51 - At odds with society’s direction 16:55 - Beyond René Guénon 17:50 - Debates are a competition between egos 19:30 - Julius Evola and the aristocracy of the Soul 22:45 - Who was Julius Evola 26:02 - Warriors, Brahmins, and merchants 28:07 - Corruption of the Brahmin class 29:51 - Evola’s theory of the body, soul, and spirit 33:05 - Evola and fascism 34:58 - Trial of Evola 36:31 - Francisco’s favourite Traditionalist 37:15 - Where does religion and mysticism fit into Traditionalism? 42:30 - Elites should practice a spiritual discipline 44:03 - Critique of institutional Catholicism 45:17 - Warrior spirituality 47:33 - Why Francisco is attracted to Sikhism 48:45 - Spiritual warfare 51:39 - Sikh Khalsa 52:17 - Francisco’s interest in the martial arts 55:13 - Receiving death threats 57:37 - Facing death like a samurai 59:38 - Embodiment 01:01:13 - Limitations of Henry Corbin 01:05:41 - Is Traditionalism far right? 01:20:34 - Cultures should respect each other 01:25:31 - European vs American cultures 01:26:44 - Pros and cons of American culture 01:31:55 - Warning about the language of Traditionalism 01:32:48 - Spirituality and politics 01:34:37 - Warrior spirituality is not for everyone 01:41:28 - Dangers of warrior spirituality 01:42:24 - Francisco’s spiritual path 01:43:11 - Francisco’s therapy journey 01:45:15 - Setting boundaries without hatred 01:47:13 - Why discuss the application of religion to politics? 01:48:52 - Plato’s views on education 01:50:55 - Francisco’s disagreement with Plato 01:53:18 - Francisco’s suggestion for education 01:55:15 - Waldorf education 01:55:59 - Speculum principum … Previous episodes with Dr Francisco José Luis: - https://www.guruviking.com/search?q=francisco 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

    1h 57m
  2. Ep367: Life Extension & Inner Alchemy - Martin Faulks

    Jun 26

    Ep367: Life Extension & Inner Alchemy - Martin Faulks

    In this interview I am once again joined by Martin Faulks: author, hermeticist, meditation adept, and memory expert. Martin discusses the recent death of his mother, reflects on the profound power of her positive support in his own life successes, and describes the surprising consequence of her loss in his own mindset and practice. Martin discusses his latest book “Long Livers”, a new edition of a work published in 1722 by English alchemists Thomas and Rebecca Vaughan. Martin explains the text’s methods of life extension, shows their links to spiritual and moral practice, and reflects on his successful participation in the Rejuvenation Olympics. Martin also muses on the appeal of high demand religious groups, espouses the virtues of philosophical Freemasonry, and compares Western and Eastern methods of spiritual alchemy. … Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics Include: 00:00 - Intro 00:59 - Long Livers editions 02:24 - Martin’s current daily practice 03:55 - Interest in esoteric rejuvenation methods 07:23 - How to measure effectiveness of rejuvenation? 08:00 - Martin’s 2hr daily regime to slow the ageing process 11:16 - Setbacks 12:06 - Death of Martin’s mother 13:36 - Ascetic or English gentleman? 14:56 - Aftermath of Martin’s mother’s death 17:44 - Don’t let anything pull you out of who you are 18:33 - Sending well wishes to his mother 19:43 - The power of supportive observers 25:07 - Martin summarises his progress 26:41 - Authorship of “Long Livers” (1722) 28:45 - Thomas and Rebecca Vaughan, practical alchemists 31:33 - Anti-ageing advice in “Long Livers” 34:48 - Eccentric techniques 36:39 - Western vs Eastern Inner Alchemies 38:52 - Christian Inner Alchemy 42:31 - Morality and rate of ageing 46:52 - Simulacra of virtue 48:32 - Philosophical Freemasonry 53:22 - Is Freemasonary a good spiritual path? 01:01:48 - An avoidant pattern in Martin’s life 01:03:20 - Detachment vs engagement 01:06:34 - Respect through observation of authenticity 01:07:49 - Skepticism about public spiritual claims 01:09:58 - When spirituality is a distraction from the real challenges of life 01:14:54 - Actions as truth 01:16:37 - Intuition vs intellect 01:19:45 - Unity of complementary opposites 01:20:27 - Jordan Peterson 01:22:56 - Pushing the borderlines of human potential 01:27:00 - A cultural turn to rigorous religion and high demand groups 01:29:16 - Why anti-ageing? 01:30:36 - 5 top anti-ageing tips … Previous episodes with Martin Faulks: - https://www.guruviking.com/search?q=FAULKS To find out more about Martin Faulks, visit: - https://martinfaulks.co.uk/ … 
For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - www.guruviking.com … Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

    1h 37m
  3. Steve James Interviewed on the Clear Mountain Monastery Podcast

    Jun 25

    Steve James Interviewed on the Clear Mountain Monastery Podcast

    I was recently interviewed by Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho from the Clear Mountain Monastery Project. They asked wonderful questions and we talked a lot about the power of listening. ... Their shownotes: In this session, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho interview Steve James, meditation teacher & host of the Guru Viking Podcast (https://www.guruviking.com/). 00:00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:01:32 Formative faith moments and vocation 00:06:18 Life on an English canal boat 00:08:40 The rhythm of travel and interviewing 00:10:59 Interviewing the same guest over time 00:14:20 Most moving and luminous conversations 00:17:21 Handling negative reactivity in conversation 00:22:24 Balancing internal and external awareness 00:23:50 Advice for engaging with teachers and mentors 00:29:50 Finding beauty in people on different paths 00:34:45 Questions that bring out conversational depth 00:41:06 Personal frameworks for organizing experience 00:48:15 Belief alignments and the "pie chart" of faith 00:55:30 Personal relationship to the Buddha 00:59:44 Navigating dual vs. non-dual teachings

    1h 7m
  4. Ep366: Questioning the Buddha - Leigh Brasington

    Jun 19

    Ep366: Questioning the Buddha - Leigh Brasington

    In this episode I am once again joined by Leigh Brasington, Buddhist meditation teacher and author of “Right Concentration, A Practical Guide to the Jhanas”. This episode begins with a brief comment from Leigh about his appearance in “Ep329: Enlightened Politics” in which he explored the relationship between Buddhism and political ideology. After that we discuss Leigh’s new book “On the Way to the Far Shore”, his commentary on the Pārāyanavagga, chapter five of Suttanipāta, one of the earliest sutta collections in the Pali canon. The text takes the form of a question and answer session with the Buddha himself and evidences nascent forms of the doctrines of the four noble truths and the path of gradual training. Leigh considers the pros and cons of formal study of the Pali language, explains the ways in which English translations can be misleading, and muses on why so few Buddhist converts read their own scriptures. Leigh also reveals how his Dzogchen practice helped him understand early Buddhist doctrine, gives advice about how to internalise intellectual ideas through meditation practice, and shares how a profound experience of the nature of mind changed his life forever. … Video version: www.guruviking.com Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics Include: 00:00 - Intro 01:17 - Can there be an enlightened tyrant? 02:49 - Anyone can perform enlightened activity 04:20 - Why Leigh wrote On the Way to the Far Shore 08:13 - Wrestling with the Pali sutta 09:07 - Leigh’s training the the Pali language 11:18 - Struggles to learn foreign languages 12:37 - Is training as a scholar worth it? 14:36 - 4 categories of Pali suttas 17:05 - Why Leigh won’t pursue a PhD 19:17 - Why don’t Buddhists read the Pali canon? 23:14 - Diving into the the Pārāyanavagga, book five of the Suttanipāta 27:50 - Vedanā and āsava - don’t believe the English translations 29:44 - Literal vs meaning translations + implications of grammar 33:40 - Q&A with the Buddha 36:20 - Questions the Buddha refuses to answer 37:46 - Experiencing the world raw 42:27 - The most important insight 44:22 - How to really gain insight 45:24 - Leigh’s Dzogchen practice 46:14 - Leigh’s mind blowing experience of the nature of mind 51:28 - After effects of Leigh’s epiphany 53:56 - Integrating vs losing an insight 55:04 - How to keep an insight fresh 56:31 - How to regard the world so you are not seen by the King of Death 59:17 - How to become “ever mindful” 01:01:30 - This is a different kind of book 01:02:41 - The roots of the Four Noble Truths and the gradual training 01:05:13 - Will Leigh start a Pali sutta discussion group? 01:07:14 - Man in the Light of History of Religion 01:10:02 - Scripture as literature or an instruction manual? 01:12:32 - Leigh’s advice for approaching difficult books 01:13:46 - What do the suttas say about the brahmavihārās? … Previous episodes with Leigh Brasington: - https://www.guruviking.com/search?q=brasington To find our more about Leigh Brasington visit: - http://www.leighb.com/ For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - https://www.guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

    1h 17m
  5. Ep365 : The Last Interview - Lorin Roche PhD

    Jun 12

    Ep365 : The Last Interview - Lorin Roche PhD

    In this episode I am once again joined by Lorin Roche PhD, meditation teacher and author of “The Radiance Sutras”. I first met Lorin at the Summit at Sea conference in 2015 where we were both teaching. We attended each others’ workshops and immediately hit it off. In those days, we both taught on the California conference circuit and were often booked to teach at the same gatherings. Over the years we spent many weeks enjoying extended conversations, raucous dinners, and long evenings of music and poetry. In short, we became true friends. It was a desire to share the rich conversations I was having with friends like Lorin that contributed to my decision to start the Guru Viking Podcast. And so, naturally, I asked Lorin to be my first interview subject. He went on to become one of my most popular, recurring guests. On the 18th of April 2026, Lorin died. What follows is our last interview and conversation, recorded a few months before his passing. The episode covers many of Lorin’s most characteristic teaching themes and I have also included some of the conversation we had before and after the main episode content. There are many poignant and amusing stories from the years of my friendship with Lorin and there is a lot worth saying about his approach to meditation. One day, I might record an episode dedicated to those themes. For now I will say that it is obvious to all that Lorin was a vivacious man - the essence of his approach to teaching meditation was an encouragement to wholeheartedly embrace life. But I can also report that behind the scenes and off the stage Lorin was a generous man, irreverent, funny, and very kind. … https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep365-the-last-interview-lorin-roche-phd Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics include: 00:00 - Intro 01:5 - Boats, geese, and hummingbirds 07:05 - Meditating with the flow of nature 08:14 - Being human is like being president of Earth 11:35 - The miracle of attention 13:51 - Teaching was easier in the 70s 15:15 - Agencylessness is a dumb idea 16:38 - Human reaction time 17:52 - Attending to the inner life 18:44 - Evil meditation teaching 19:58 - Misunderstandings about Patañjali’s Yoga Sūtras 22:55 - Taming the body 26:33 - The genius of yoga 28:01 - Pros and cons of stopping the mind 28:57 - Where meditation went wrong 35:47 - Tuning the instrument 38:56 - Limitations of the “tuning” metaphor 43:24 - Monastic ideas sabotage lay people 45:41 - Religion vs meditation 50:56 - Is Loren’s approach self-indulgent? 56:18 - Peak experiences and enlightenment 59:20 - Loren’s drug experiences 01:02:20 - LA Yoga community’s enthusiasm for drugs 01:04:50 - Loren asks about Steve’s meditation … Previous episodes with Lorin here: - https://www.guruviking.com/search?q=lorin 
 To find out more about Lorin visit:
- www.lorinroche.com 
- www.radiancesutras.com 
- www.meditationtt.com For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - https://www.guruviking.com/ Music 'Deva Dasi' by Steve James

    1h 9m
  6. Ep364: 9 Stages of Consciousness - Tara Springett

    Jun 5

    Ep364: 9 Stages of Consciousness - Tara Springett

    In this episode I am once again joined by Tara Springett, a Buddhist psychotherapist who specialises in treating what she calls “Kundalini Syndrome”. Tara discusses her book "Stairway to Heaven" in which she lays out a 9 stage model of consciousness from innocence to enlightenment. Tara compares psychological ego strengthening to Buddhist ego deconstruction, reflects on her own childhood development and family of origin, and considers the place of kundalini phenomena in her 9-stage model. Tara also reflects on the Tibetan saint Milarepa as a model for spiritual development, gives her assessment of Western Civilisation, and explains why she believes so many people choose the wrong practice for their stage of development. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep364-9-stages-of-consciousness-tara-springett 
Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics Include:
 00:00 - Intro 00:53 - Award for “Stairway to Heaven” 02:42 - Psychological ego strengthening vs Buddhist ego deconstruction 07:15 - Tara’s 9-stage model of consciousness 08:28 - Innocence stage 09:38 - Dominance stage 11:45 - Obedience stage 14:43- Ambition stage 17:36 - Sharing stage 21:21 - Responsibility stage 27:31 - Love stage 29:16 - Bliss stage 30:54 - Enlightenment stage 33:43 - Kundalini awakening vs spiritual awakening 38:14 - Difficulties when having an awakening at a lower stage 41:09 - Tara’s family’s stage 41:56 - Tara’s assessment of Western Civilisation 47:46 - Stage model applied to historical periods 49:53 - Political positions and the stage model 51:44 - Milarepa as an exemplar of stage development 53:41 - The power of stories, fairy tales, and myths 56:25 - Choosing practice according to stage 01:01:19 - Teachings appropriate to all levels 01:02:33 - Reflections on the last 10 years 01:07:12 - Tara’s optimism about the future … Previous episodes with Tara Springett: - https://www.guruviking.com/search?q=springett To find out more about Tara Springett, visit: - https://www.taraspringett.com/ … 
For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - www.guruviking.com

    1h 10m
  7. Ep363: Mythic Descent & the Dark Side of Dharma - Duncan Barford

    May 29

    Ep363: Mythic Descent & the Dark Side of Dharma - Duncan Barford

    In this episode I am once again joined by Duncan Barford, occult practitioner, counsellor, and author of “Occult Experiments in the Home”. Duncan reflects on his training as a counsellor and the difficulties in sharing his occult interests in that context; his deep appreciation of Freud and Jung; and the links between psychoanalysis and mythic figures such as such as Uranus, Oedipus, and Narcissus. Duncan considers whether Buddhism is merely a useful fiction, offers advice for those interested in learning how tp use mythology to gain insight into life, and explains why the emphasis of his spiritual practice has shifted from awakening to psychological wellbeing. Duncan also talks about his new magical novel, “The Going Down”, describes its plot and messages, and reveals why he believes the practice of Pragmatic Dharma can accrue a profoundly dark karmic debt. … Video version: www.guruviking.com Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics include: 00:00 - Intro 00:59 - Duncan’s therapist hated the occult 02:58 - Misconceptions about Jungian therapy 04:19 - Psychopomp as therapist 04:25 - Freud, Jung, Skinner, Piaget, Rogers, and Carlyle 08:48 - Duncan was a fervent Freudian 09:35 - Freud vs trauma therapy 13:13 - What Freud did 15:58 - Buddhism’s useful fiction 19:47 - Where Freud went wrong 21:50 - The castration complex 26:37 - Castration myths 27:58 - Freud and Duncan’s childhood 30:40 - Universal or culturally specific? 32:15 - Oedipus, myth, and psychoanalysis 37:29 - Duncan’s novel 38:36 - Writing “The Going Down” 41:11 - Plot summary 43:07 - A life-changing ancestor working 44:22 - Duncan’s hope for the book 45:53 - Fiction and the occult 48:40 - Alan Chapman’s dismay at the novel 49:22 - The dark, karmic debt of Pragmatic Dharma 54:38 - Meeting a Dark Goddess 56:15 - The myth of Persephone 59:49 - A change in Duncan’s meditation practice 01:00:43 - This is the Underworld 01:02:34 - Bailey’s and Steve’s problems 01:03:55 - The Franklin’s Tale 01:05:30 - How occultists interpret their life situations 01:09:12 - Is everyone psychotic? 01:10:45 - Using depression and panic as portals 01:12:16 - Duncan believes in everything 01:14:00 - Internal vs external integration 01:19:30 - Why you need mythic literacy 01:20:57 - How to learn more about myths 01:22:55 - Should you read myths? 01:25:07 - The myth of Narcissus 01:28:25 - Scholar vs poet 01:32:22 - Finishing a novel 01:34:06 - Narrative fashions in fiction 01:36:01 - Haunting quality 01:37:43 - A companion in the Underworld 
… Watch previous episodes with Duncan Barford: - https://www.guruviking.com/search?q=barford Read “The Going Down”: - https://godsandradicals.squarespace.com/bookstore/p/the-going-down-by-duncan-barford To find our more about Duncan Barford, visit: - https://www.duncanbarford.uk/ … For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - https://www.guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

    1h 43m
  8. Ep362: Goddess Encounters - Delson Armstrong

    May 22

    Ep362: Goddess Encounters - Delson Armstrong

    In this episode I am once again joined by Delson Armstrong, spiritual teacher, meditation virtuoso, and author of ‘A Mind Without Craving’. Delson describes his recent initiation into the goddess tradition of Śri Vidya, recounts his subsequent encounters with deities and supernatural beings, and discusses his latest writings on para-consciousness and nibbanadhatu. Delson explains how to relate to guilt, doubt, and skepticism; how to enter the three gates to cessation; and gives his take on the essence of the spiritual path. Delson also reveals his recent explorations in Western Philosophy, why he has begun writing about world peace, offers his predictions for the future, and shares what he is doing to prepare himself and his family for what is to come. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep362-mirror-beyond-mind-delson-armstrong Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics include: 00:00 - Intro 00:53 - Delson life update 02:24 - Words for the exhausted seeker 04:18 - Why Delson still teaches TWIM 05:50 - Jhana wars 08:28 - Bad doubt vs good doubt 10:06 - What is beyond the fetter of doubt? 18:33- Questioning the doctrine of rebirth 19:46 - Ordinary right view vs supramundane right view 21:39 - Delson’s library of books 23:35 - Exploring Western philosophy 25:57 - The essence of the path 31:20 - Philosophy reading list 36:49 - Lucretius and the Swerve 38:42 - Initiation into Śri Vidya 45:10 - Encounters with Goddesses 50:17 - Deity visitations 54:39 - The Mirror Beyond Mind 58:41 - Para-consciousness and nibbanadhatu 59:01 - Did the Buddha reject the Vedas? 01:03:28 - Zero point of expansion and contraction 01:04:57 - 3 gates to cessation 01:10:25 - How to relate to cessation? 01:15:27 - What happens at death 01:16:47 - The Vakkalisutta 01:18:45 - Life review during meditation and death 01:19:42 - Forgiveness practice 01:22:25 - Teachings of Jesus 01:23:21 - Guilt and how to forgive 01:29:51 - When reconciliation is not possible 01:31:20 - Civilisational utopia thru enlightenment? 01:38:11 - Is world peace unrealistic? 01:39:57 - Can peace come from weakness? 01:44:01 - Why is Delson writing about world peace? 01:46:48 - Predictions about the immediate future of the world 01:50:43 - How Delson is preparing for the future ... Watch previous episodes with Delson Armstrong: - https://www.guruviking.com/search?q=delson Find out more about Delson Armstrong: - https://www.delsonarmstrong.com/events - https://delsonarmstrong.substack.com/ … For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - https://www.guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

    1h 55m
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Ratings & Reviews

4.9
out of 5
13 Ratings

About

The Guru Viking Podcast specialises in in-depth interviews with remarkable figures in the fields of meditation, spirituality, and religion.

Information

  • Creator
    Guru Viking
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    392
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    Guru Viking Podcast

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