Ep260: Boudhanath Kora with Lama Glenn Mullin

Guru Viking Podcast

During a recent trip to Nepal, I met with frequent podcast guest Lama Glenn Mullin, spiritual teacher, Tibetologist, and author of over 30 books on Buddhism. Glenn was in Kathmandu to lead a group of over fifty pilgrims into tantric retreat in the nearby mountains and graciously agreed to film with me at various sacred sites before and after their retreat. In this video, we join Glenn before his retreat as he carries out his early morning circumambulation of the Great Stūpa of Boudhanath. As we walk, Glenn explains the story and significance of the renowned holy site, reveals the esoteric symbolism of stūpa design, and discusses the healing and spiritual power of pilgrimage. Glenn also reflects on his own life experiences in Kathmandu, recalls his early dharma training, interacts with people around the stūpa, and considers the implications of Kālacakra prophecies for recent history and current events. … Link in bio. Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics include: 00:00 - Intro 01:06 - Glenn’s early dharma training 02:54 - The sacred land of Nepal 03:28 - Movement of Buddhist masters and lineages from India through Nepal 04:30 - A local offering ritual 04:59 - History of Boudha 05:53 - History of the Tibetan exile community in Nepal 10:22 - Shechen Gompa and Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche 11:44 - An enlightened being 12:26 - Walk to the stūpa 13:16 - Stūpa architecture and its symbolism 16:59 - Morning circumambulation 17:43 - Glenn and students 18:53 - How to do kora circumambulation 22:59 - Kora in Dharamsala 24:21 - Why morning kora? 25:51 - Clockwise or counterclockwise? 28:51 - Healing power of pilgrimage 31:32 - Anecdote of life extension through kora 33:24 - The power of pilgrimage 33:49 - The meaning of ‘ani-la’ 34:49 - Many temples of Boudhanath and city migration 38:02 - Kangyur recitation 39:11 - Cakravartin or spiritual teacher? 41:45 - The story of the Great Stūpa 43:32 - An auspicious lineage 44:12 - Misconceptions about Buddhism in Tibet 45:37 - Damage and renovation of stūpa 47:08 - Making a donation 48:45 - Walking around the stūpa 49:50 - Prophecy of Buddhism coming to the West? 54:37 - Kālacakra prophecy about age of darkness or golden age 55:56 - Buddhist and Newari art 01:01:46 - Glenn’s favourite monastery in Boudhanath 01:03:25 - Walking around the stūpa … Previous episodes with Lama Glenn Mullin: - https://www.guruviking.com/search?q=glenn%20mullin To find out more about Lama Glenn Mullin, visit: - http://www.glennmullin.com/ - https://www.facebook.com/Maitripa.Glenn … For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - www.guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James