Episode 39: Guru Viking

02/15/22 • 85 min

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In this episode, Rupert speaks with Steve James, aka Guru Viking, who is based in the United States and works globally with elite athletes and performing artists on matters of high-performance as well as spiritual introspection.

To frequent listeners of Rupert’s podcast conversations, this episode with Steve will likely strike them as a bit different. Rather than being asked at the outset about the topics he generally speaks and writes about, Rupert is invited instead to share about his earlier life experiences – growing up, then establishing himself as a renowned ceramic artist. He recounts in depth about his childhood, upbringing and education, both at school and later as Michael Cardew’s apprentice, which led to his understanding of the spiritual nature of art.

Previous Episode

Episode 38: Mark Vernon (Second Conversation)

Rupert Spira and Mark Vernon met for a second conversation, beginning with one of William Blake’s great exclamations of nondual awareness:

“Awake! awake O sleeper of the land of shadows, wake! expand! I am in you and you in me, mutual in love divine I am not a God afar off, I am a brother and friend; Within your bosoms I reside, and you reside in me: Lo! we are One”

They discussed the meanings of suffering and death that feel so needed and neglected in our times; different possibilities for the experience of time and the value of disagreement, similarly overlooked; the role of the erotic, play and the imagination on this path; and the reality of angels and the guidance of myths.

Next Episode

Episode 40: Jonny Wilkinson

What do the highest achievers do when they can’t achieve anymore? How do they deal with it? Jonny Wilkinson, a professional rugby star, whose sporting prowess could not have been higher at the peak of his career, has found the integrity and courage to face this question head-on. He has acknowledged that emergence from a mental health crisis has led him to a personal exploration of a broadly spiritual nature.

Wanting to bring his new perspective to the coaching of younger players, he travelled to Oxford to talk to Rupert. Their conversation ranges from the deepest meaning of ‘being in the zone’ to a definition of ‘a life well lived’; and they bring to light how an understanding of our true, essential nature is as relevant to athletes’ issues as it is for all of us.