Bad gurus, tosh gurus and good gurus

Bad gurus, tosh gurus and good gurus

Author: Alex Wilding September 4, 2024 Duration: 23:51
A heavy criticism of the whole "Shambhala" cult, describing the behaviour of Chogyam Trungpa and his chief defender, Pema Chodron, recently went viral on the net. I had intended to express some thoughts about these issues sometime, so it seemed like the time had come. I reveal nothing new here - this is just stuff to think about. Trungpa's "wedding" to his Nth wife Words or phrases you might want to look up: Pema Chodron Cassidy and Zeoli Mahasiddha Lakshminkara Tilopa Sogyal Lakar Robert Spatz Ole Nydahl Vajrayana   #Buddhism #Vajrayana #Tibet #DoubleDorje #cult #abuse In the early weeks of this podcast I included an approximate script, not particularly well edited, on a blog page. For the episode dropped on 4 September entitled “Bad gurus, tosh gurus and good gurus” and for episodes due to be dropped from 18 September onwards, starting with “Jyekundo / Yushu: travelling in East Tibet” there is a transcript file which is much closer to the actual words used. Note that other distribution platforms do not necessarily pass this on, and if you want to read it you may need to listen on podbean. YouTube has been making its own transcript, which was an unholy mess.  I think I have now deleted all of these "auto-generated" scripts, but it will not be possible to retrospectively add properly edited transcripts to episodes prior to September 2024.

Hosted by Alex Wilding, The Double Dorje: Modern Vajrayana Buddhism explores what it means to walk a tantric path today. This isn't a theoretical study, but a grounded conversation about integrating profound teachings into everyday life. The focus here is often on the lay practitioner's journey, delving into the roles and experiences of Ngagapas-householder yogis-and the living traditions of the Nyingma school. Each episode grapples with the real questions that arise when ancient practices meet contemporary complexities, from managing relationships and work to navigating doubt and discovery. You'll hear discussions on scripture, ritual, and meditation, but always through the lens of practical application. The aim is to demystify Vajrayana without diminishing its depth, offering a space for sincere exploration. This podcast serves as a companion for those curious about how these potent teachings can transform not just one's inner world, but the way we move through the modern one. It’s for anyone who has ever wondered how the esoteric becomes embodied in the ordinary.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

The Double Dorje: Modern Vajrayana Buddhism.
Podcast Episodes
What the tsok? What to expect. [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:53
Tsok pujas are a big feature of Tibetan-style Buddhism as it is actually practiced, but newcomers often don't have a blind clue what's going on - explanations are hard to find. So here is a rundown with a bit of backgrou…
Secret Teachings in Tibetan Buddhism [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:14
When secret teachings are spoken of in Tibetan Buddhism, the word "secret" is much closer in meaning to "sacred" or "holy" than it is to the meaning of "unknown to outsiders". When the 15th Karmapa, Khakhyab Dorje, refer…
Pilgrimage. And did those feet... [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:31
How does pilgrimage fit into the Buddhist way of doing things? Plus the Guru Rinpoche mantra sung to a tune you might not have expected. Words or phrases you might want to look up: Walsingham Hajj Kumbh Mela Lumbini Bodh…
Cut and chop, cut and chop! Yes, it's Chöd. [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:44
Chöd - a vast stream of Buddhist practice! Here is a taste. Chöd Chödpa - (images of) Jamgön Kongtrül Treasury of Knowledge Rimé Sakya Kadampa Kagyu (Marpa and Shangpa) Nyingma Kalachakra Machig Labdrön - Machik’s Comple…
Lost and lonely in samsara [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:04
Refuge, the Three Jewels and the Bodhisattva vow... Words or phrases you might want to look up: Refuge (Buddhist) Dharma Sangha Three Jewels Bodhisattva Bodhicitta Perfect Conduct – Ascertaining the Three Vows (by Dudjom…
The Four Revolting Thoughts [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:11
More often called the "Four Thoughts to Turn the Mind": precious human birth, impermanence, karma and suffering. Something to think about Approximate text at the Blue Sky blog Words or phrases you might want to look up:…
The Mantra of Guru Rinpoche - with tunes! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:03
Four tunes and one brief explanation of the mantra. Buddhism #Vajrayana #Tibet #DoubleDorje #tantra #mahamudra #dzogchen #lama #mantra #meditation #nyingma #kagyu #GuruRinpoche #mantra #tune
Tantra - is it all about sex? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:48
There is indeed a sexual aspect to Buddhist Tantra - but it is much less important than you might at first think. #Buddhism #Vajrayana #Tibet #DoubleDorje #tantra #mahamudra #dzogchen #lama #mantra #meditation #nyingma #…