Ep159: Meeting of Ngakpas - Lama Glenn Mullin & Dr Nida Chenagtsang

In this episode I host a dialogue between Tibetologist and Tantric Buddhist Lama Glenn Mullin and doctor of Tibetan Medicine and Yuthok Nyingthig spiritual teacher Dr Nida Chenagtsang. Lama Glenn and Dr Nida discuss impact of three key revolutionary figures in Tibetan Buddhism from historical and doctrinal perspectives - Padmasambhava, Atisha, and Tsongkhapa - and paint The discussion extends to include the history and evolution of the famous 6 Yogas of Naropa. Both Lama Glenn and Dr Nida are known to teach these hitherto secretive practices relatively openly, and they discuss the issues that have influenced them to do so, including prophecy, the true meaning of secrecy, and the importance of including the body in religious practice. Lama Glenn and Dr Nida also discuss subjects such as the geomancy of Samye and the surrounding areas, the pros and cons of the multiplicity of religious sects in Tibet, similarities between Buddhist lineages and Western psychological schools, and more. … Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics include: 00:00 - Intro 01:10 - Jimi Hendrix and Je Tsongkhapa 03:29 - 3 revolutionaries: Padmasambhava, Atisha, Tsongkhapa 09:38 - Tsongkhapa’s 5 stages of the Dzogrim vs 6 Yogas of Naropa 14:13 - Padmasambhava’s big breakthrough 18:07 - Civil war, religious persecution, and Muslim invasion 20:08 - Why was Atisha special? 21:09 - Sect consciousness 21:41 - Tsongkhapa and the Sarma Renaissance 23:27 - Importance of historical perspective in understanding Tibetan Buddhism 26:16 - Samye College & the 5 Perfections 29:27 - Similarities with psychology schools 31:07 - Milarepa and experiential learning 35:38 - Core of all the schools 37:24 - Pros and cons of many schools 41:16 - The geomancy of Samye and Tibet 48:26 - Geomancy and dream yoga 51:36 - Historical evolution of the 6 Yogas of Naropa 56:34 - Why secrecy? 59:06 - Experiential vs academic learning 01:04:07 - Completion stage secrecy doesn’t make sense 01:08:08 - Body liberation is essential in tantra 01:12:47 - Physical activity is important 01:15:07 - Subtle body yogas of vajrayana 01:23:29 - Glenn’s closing remarks on the pros and cons of recent spread of Buddhism 01:33:19 - Nida’s closing remarks on social awareness and finding balance in Buddhist teaching 01:41:14 - The need for female teachers 01:43:32 - BONUS: Lama Glenn & Dr Nida’s first meeting (in Tibetan) … Previous episodes with Lama Glenn Mullin: - mullin Previous episodes with Dr Nida Chenagtsang: - … To find out more about Lama Glenn Mullin, visit: - - To find out more about Dr Nida Chenagtsang, visit: - - … For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James