Ep42: Glenn Mullin – Death, Divination, And Sacred Relics

In this episode I am once again joined by Tibetologist, author, and Tantric Buddhism teacher Glenn Mullin. We discuss tukdam and rainbow body, the mysterious after-death phenomena in which accomplished yogis can remain in suspended animation for days or weeks after death or dissolve their bodies into their elemental constituents. We hear about the remarkable death of one of Glenn’s own gurus, which he witnessed first hand, as well as discuss the means of communicating with deceased masters through relics and dreams. We also discuss the practices of phowa, consciousness projection at the time of death, and drong juk, the forceful projection of one’s consciousness into a fresh corpse. And finally we discuss the Tibetan tradition of reading omens about the time of one’s own death, and how to listen for signs and guidance from the natural world. Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/ep42-glenn-mullin-death-divination-and-sacred-relics/ Audio version of this podcast available on iTunes and Stitcher – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. Topics Include: 0:00 - Introduction 0:55 - Tukdam, suspended animation of the body after death 11:54 - The death of Glenn’s guru, Namgyel Khensur Rinpoche 18:53 - Being a role model to others 20:57 - Cultural attitudes towards death 27:25 - Chakrasamvara Tantra teachings on death 31:12 - Rainbow body, another way to die 35:09 - Tukdam vs rainbow body, and relics (ringsel) of a deceased master 39:38 - Communicating with deceased masters through their relics 47:32 - The relics of the Buddha 50:54 - Phowa, consciousness projection at the time of death 55:39 - Drong juk, the forceful projection of consciousness into a corpse 1:01:00 - Ancient civilisations and pan-Asian energy techniques 1:02:27 - Death rituals of the Lamas 1:04:30 - Tantric methods of foretelling one’s own death 1:10:08 - Glenn’s personal approach to divination 1:12:08 - Listening to messages from birds, clouds, and nature …. Previous Glenn Mullin episodes: * https://www.guruviking.com/guru-viking-interviews-ep9-glenn-mullin/ * https://www.guruviking.com/ep19-glenn-mullin-guru-viking-interviews/ * https://www.guruviking.com/ep26-glenn-mullin-illusory-body-yoga-of-waking-sleep-and-death/ * https://www.guruviking.com/ep28-glenn-mullin-dream-yoga-solo-retreat-guide-and-unlocking-the-human-potential/ To find our more about Glenn, visit: * https://www.runawayjourneys.com/ * http://www.glennmullin.com/ * https://www.facebook.com/Maitripa.Glenn For more interviews, videos, and more visit: * http://www.guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James