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. In episode 136, “Meeting of the Dharmas”, I hosted a dialogue between Daniel and Delson in which they compared their enlightenment claims. At that time, Delson claimed a version of enlightenment that included a permanent freedom from negative emotions such as fear, anger, and desire. Two years later, in episode 280, Delson renounced this and all other claims to spiritual attainment. Now Daniel and Delson meet again 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. … https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep292-dharma-reunited-daniel-ingram-and-delson-armstrong-2\ Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … 00:00 - Intro 01:51 - The situation 04:36 - Daniel’s response to Delson’s renouncing of claims 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 but not simple 14:26 - Neurodiversity and the diversity of the spiritual path 16:54 - Hypnotising yourself into believing you’re enlightened 19:17 - How did Delson get his enlightenment wrong? 22:22 - The impact of contact with society 24:13 - A gradual process of changing mind 25:06 - Gatekeeping and fundamentalism in Buddhism 27:35 - Jack Kornfield and Christopher Titmuss 30:51 - Social influence on perceptions of spiritual progress 33:35 - Relationships and karma 35:21 - Oscillation and 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 - How to approach those who are 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 and Delson revise Buddhism? 56:43 - Delson on his critics 59:51 - Daniel on transference and counter-transference 01:01:18 - Tantric guru yoga 01:01:47 - When your guru disappoints you 01:02:05 - Daniel on Bhikkhu Anālayo and his other critics 01:02:27 - Neuroscience as a challenge to religious orthodoxy 01:05:34 - Delson on neuroscience 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’s thoughts about contemplative neuroscience 01:20:39 - What does Daniel think will next happen to Delson? 01:23:23 - Maturing as a fellow spiritual explorer 01:26:33 - Attachment styles and 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 ... Previous dialogue between Daniel Ingram and Delson Armstrong: - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=znX6w6shQ7c Watch previous episodes with Daniel Ingram: - https://www.guruviking.com/search?q=daniel - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLlkzlKFgdkny_MJSecHyvKHPpvxTskBAC Watch previous episodes with Delson Armstrong: - https://www.guruviking.com/search?q=delson - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLlkzlKFgdknxiWzbRXNY29pSwlAcDYF_r To find out more about Daniel, visit: - https://theeprc.org/ - https://integrateddaniel.info To find out more about Delson, visit: - https://www.delsonarmstrong.com/ - https://www.youtube.com/@delson999 - https://www.freedom-of-mind.org/ … For more interviews: - www.guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James