Ep292: Dharma Reunited - Daniel Ingram and Delson Armstrong 2

In this episode I once again host a dialogue between Daniel Ingram and Delson Armstrong.

Daniel Ingram is an independent Buddhist writer, author of ‘Mastering the Core Teachings of the Buddha’, and co-founder of the Emergent Phenomenology Research Consortium (EPRC).

Delson Armstrong is a spiritual teacher, author of ’A Mind Without Craving’, and founder of the Freedom of Mind foundation.

Daniel offers his response to Delson’s recent renunciations, warns about the power of self hypnosis, and explains why it is so common for people to revise their enlightenment claims.

Delson considers how it was that he mistook the nature of his spiritual achievements, considers the impact of his renunciation on his practice community and students, and looks ahead to his own future as a teacher and guide.

Daniel and Delson address criticisms they have both received for their revisions of important Buddhist doctrines such as the 4 path model of awakening, comment on gatekeeping and fundamentalism in Buddhism, and consider whether advances in contemplative neuroscience may pose a serious threat to traditional religions and their institutions.

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Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify.

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01:51 - The situation
04:36 - Daniel’s response to Delson’s renunciation
07:14 - Early schism in Buddhism
08:20 - Does Daniel feel vindicated?
09:42 - Delson reflects on what he has learned from Daniel
12:34 - The snake has shed its skin
13:29 - Profound not simple
14:26 - Neurodiversity and the spiritual path
16:54 - Hypnotising yourself into believing you’re enlightened
19:17 - How did Delson get his enlightenment wrong?
22:22 - Social factors
24:13 - A gradual process
25:06 - Gatekeepin in Buddhism
27:35 - Jack Kornfield and Christopher Titmuss
30:51 - Social influence on perceptions of spiritual progress
33:35 - Relationships
35:21 - The World Without Sin
38:43 - Can you ever go back? Spoiling the party
40:38 - Delson on negative reactions from his community
43:57 - Attached to models, experiences, and perfection?
46:17 - Stages of development
47:17 - Leading with vulnerability
48:45 - A different type of practitioner
49:55 - The appeal of Vajrayāna
52:21 - Specific criticisms of Daniel and Delson
54:19 - Why do Daniel & Delson revise Buddhism?
56:43 - Delson's critics
59:51 - Transference and counter-transference
01:01:18 - Tantric guru yoga
01:01:47 - When your guru disappoints
01:02:05 - Bhikkhu Anālayo and Daniel's other critics
01:02:27 - Neuroscience and religious orthodoxy
01:06:34 - Will neuroscience destroy Buddhism?
01:10:24 - Praise for the Theravāda
01:11:45 - Theravādan exceptionalism
01:12:37 - Validating or defeating religion?
01:15:43 - Finders’ Course and retrenchment to orthodoxy
01:17:57 - Delson on contemplative neuroscience
01:20:39 - What does Daniel think will next happen to Delson?
01:23:23 - Maturing as a spiritual explorer
01:26:33 - Attachment styles & kalyāṇa-mittatā
01:28:40 - Loss of enthusiasm for practice in advanced practitioners
01:31:18 - Micro-renunciations and disgust for the quest
01:33:42 - When spiritual teachers lose their faith
0135:28 - How Delson keeps his interest in teaching
01:38:20 - Why Daniel decided not to become a teacher
01:40:32 - Delson’s closing remarks
01:40:45 - Daniel’s closing remarks
01:41:04 - Praise for the religious orthodoxy
01:42:21 - Acknowledging critics
01:43:17 - Disagreeing with grace and respect

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Previous dialogue between Daniel and Delson:
- youtube.com/watch?v=znX6w6shQ7c

Previous episodes with Daniel:
- guruviking.com/search?q=daniel

Previous episodes with Delson:
- guruviking.com/search?q=delson

To find out more about Daniel, visit:
- theeprc.org
- integrateddaniel.info

To find out more about Delson, visit:
- delsonarmstrong.com
- youtube.com/@delson999
- freedom-of-mind.org

www.guruviking.com

Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James