Ep304: Crumbs from the Parrot’s Beak

In this episode I am joined by Tulku Sherab Dorje, Buddhist teacher, translator, and author of scholarly and popular books about Tibetan Buddhism.

Tulku Sherdor reflects on the changes in the spiritual journey over a lifetime, whether or not the world is becoming more turbulent, and the effects of ageing on yogic practice and view.

Tulku Sherdor explains why mind training is superior to mystical experiences, emphasises the reality of impermanence, and shares the best tests of successful retreat and spiritual growth.

Tulku Sherdor also warns about the prognosis of tulkus who do not conduct extensive retreat; critiques the shortcomings of the 3-year retreat model as conducted in the West; and details the temptations for dharma teachers in pleasure, profit, praise, and popularity.

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Video version: guruviking.com/podcast/ep304-crumbs-from-the-p…

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

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Topics include:

- Intro
- Crumbs from the Parrot’s Beak
- The spiritual journey and the phases of life
- Is the world becoming more turbulent?
- The effects of ageing on spiritual practice
- How to relate to physical limitations
- Ambition for enlightenment
- This is more fundamental than Bodhicitta
- Reality of impermanence
- The unique challenges of intensive practice and retreat
- Distinguishing appearance from substance
- The title “lama” is not a guarantee of quality
- The best proof of progress
- The role of a demanding retreat schedule
- Mature practice
- Tulkus must conduct extensive retreat but sometimes don’t
- Prognosis for high lamas who don’t do extensive retreat
- Hopes for corrections in the tulku system
- The Tibetan Buddhist tradition is unique and precious
- Signs of a successful retreat
- Completing a 3 year retreat is not a guarantee of quality
- Substandard Western 3 year retreats
- Pre-1950s Tibet and the renunciate yogi system
- Today’s economic challenges when practicing the dharma
- Mind training is superior to glimpses of the nature of mind
- The best test of success in practice
- Does practice ever get easier?
- The 4 payoffs: pleasure, profit, praise, popularity
- Guru devotion and the guru relationship
- A story about Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche
- Peace Prayer Gathering in June 2025

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Previous episode with Tulku Sherdor:
- guruviking.com/podcast/ep276-canadian-tulku-tr…

To find our more about Tulku Sherdor, visit:
- blazingwisdom.org/tulku-sherab-dorje
- dharmakayacenter.org/all-programs/2637/sadhana…

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

Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

Ep304: Crumbs from the Parrot’s Beak - Tulku Sherdor

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