Ep290: Answering Critics & Kriya Yoga - Delson Armstrong

In this episode I am once again joined by Delson Armstrong, spiritual teacher, meditation virtuoso, and author of ‘A Mind Without Craving’.

In this interview, Delson responds to criticism and answers questions about his recent renunciation of attainments and revision of the Buddhist 4 path enlightenment model. Delson reflects on the pros and cons of questioning established religious doctrines and on the role of direct experience in challenging fixed views.

Delson comments on a recently leaked interview, shares his current position on Bhante Vimalaramsi and his TWIM meditation method, and compares Buddhism to traditional yoga.

Delson also recalls his own training in Kriya yoga, details the features of the particular lineage which he has begun to teach, and reveals methods of working with karma, chakras, and forgiveness.

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Video version: guruviking.com/podcast/ep290-answering-critics…

Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.

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Topics include:

00:00 - Intro
01:00 - Responses to Delson renouncing his spiritual attainments
02:56 - Criticism of Delson
04:08 - Has Delson abandoned the 10 fetter model and the 4 attainments?
05:18 - Delson’s leaked interview
07:58 - Breach of trust and betrayal of friendship
09:32 - Why redefine the Buddhist doctrines rather than reassess oneself?
12:46 - Delson’s experience vs cultural consensus
13:50 - Is Buddhist doctrine beyond cultural?
16:25 - Going beyond maps and Integral Theory
17:35 - Challenging fundamentalism and fixed views
18:43 - The jīvanmukta and other mystical traditions
20:22 - Transcending doctrinal chains of imprisonment
21:37 - Daniel Ingram’s revisions
23:07 - Delsonism vs Buddhism
24:44 - Should Delson leave the traditions alone?
26:09 - The role of tradition and Delson’s contribution
27:31 - Comments on TWIM
28:32 - Drawing on different traditions
30:03 - Current view
32:05 - Delson’s current opinion on TWIM and Bhante Vimalaramsi
36:26 - Delson’s training in Kriya yoga
40:16 - Which Kriya yoga lineage does Delson teach?
42:17 - Anyone can do Kriya yoga
44:09 - Short learning curve to samadhi
45:03 - Relaxing into awakening
46:39 - What is the point of the jhanas?
48:13 - Chakras and siddhi powers
51:37 - Deities and chakras
53:26 - The Yoga Sutras on siddhi power
55:07 - Karmic acceleration and misconceptions about chakra work
58:00 - How to release karma
01:00:03 - Kriya yoga approach to work with chakras
01:00:34 - The power of forgiveness
01:01:51 - TWIM vs Kriya, Yoga vs Buddhism
01:07:37 - Delson’s recent experience teaching Kriya yoga
01:11:35 - Initiation in Kriya yoga and tantra
01:15:51 - Secrecy as a marketing tool
01:17:17 - Delson reflects on his teaching career
01:19:23 - Scientific tests on Delson, can he still meditate?

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Watch previous episodes with Delson Armstrong:
- guruviking.com/search?q=delson

Find out more about Delson Armstrong:
- Personal Site: delsonarmstrong.com
- YouTube Channel: youtube.com/@delson999
- Delson's Foundation: freedom-of-mind.org

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For more interviews, videos, and more visit:
- guruviking.com

Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James