Ep285: Swayambhu Stūpa - Lama Glenn Mullin

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, Glenn and I travel to Swayambhu Stūpa, a sacred monument venerated by both Buddhists and Hindus. First, we circumambulate the base of the hill. Then Glenn is joined by some of his students and ascends the hill to the main stūpa.

Along the way, Glenn explains the history of the site as well as the symbolism of its architecture, sacred statues, and inscriptions. Glenn also discusses Shaivite and Tantric Buddhist relations and their shared power centres, the three kāyas and the tulku tradition, and the use of psychoactive substances such as soma in spiritual practice.

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Topics include:

00:00 - Intro
01:10 - History of Swayambhu
04:07 - Recent development at Swayambhu
07:32 - Glenn jokes with the ladies of the cleaning team
09:29 - Legendary origins of the Tibetan people
10:52 - The Tamang people
11:28 - Maoist mountain guerrilla activities
14:51 - Je Tsongkhapa statue
15:28 - The death of the Buddha and the 8 Great Stūpas
16:54 - Glenn explains mantras of compassion, wisdom, and power
17:45 - Sang offerings and sang kilns
19:50 - On Bodhi trees
20:52 - Shaivite and Buddhist relationships and shared power centres
22:29 - Shiva Babas, chillum smoking, and use of drugs in spiritual practice
24:04 - 5 ways to generate clairvoyant power
24:38 - Buddhist use of mind-altering substances and sacraments
26:00 - Bengali masters in Swayambhu
26:56 - Religious exclusivity
29:01 - Use of substances such as soma in tantric Buddhism
31:08 - Nagi Gompa and Tulku Urgyen’s sons
33:10 - Circumambulating a perimeter stūpa
35:09 - The cultural significance of circumambulation
36:00 - Bönpo Triten Norbutse Monastery and dark retreat
37:02 - Teaching on the 3 kāyas
39:29 - Explanation of the tulku tradition
43:44 - Further explanation of the 3 kāyas in terms of method and enlightenment
46:53 - Meaning of offering butter lamps
48:45 - Glenn’s practice of giving money to beggars
51:10 - The monkey temple
52:05 - Exponential merit during Saga Dawa
53:52 - Ritualised scripture recitals
55:01 - Carving sacred mantras and symbols on slate
57:17 - The power of statues and temples
59:07 - The meaning of “Swayambhu”
01:01:11 - Explanation of stūpa design
01:02:36 - Explanation of dharmaśālās
01:05:10 - Buddhas past, present, and future; and the spread of Buddhism
01:10:14 - Teaching on the 5 animals
01:13:04 - Circumambulating the main stūpa
01:15:02 - Mantra and prayer offering site for protection of babies
01:16:14 - Teaching on the five elements and transforming emotions
01:18:07 - Challenging spiritual elitism
01:19:42 - Legends of previous Buddhas’ visits to Swayambhu

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Previous episodes with Lama Glenn Mullin:
To find out more about Lama Glenn Mullin, visit:

For more interviews, videos, and more visit:

Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

[gyanbanks]

Respect for restoring the historical aspect of Buddhism and its connection to Nepal.

[i_love_tibet]

I think Pilgrimage ( Nekhor in Tibetan) is a must for all Buddhist practioners, its a gate way to the wholesome blessing experience of lifetime.
Its very blessing to see these sacred site again. 🙏☸️🪷😇

Great content with many blessing stories from Lama Wonderful and happy learning.🙏💖
Blessings to all beings. 🙏🪷☸️

[anipema]

I go to Nepal every year. I would so like to meet Lama Glenn Mullin there

[maxsmith]

Miss Lama Glenn's unique humor 🙂, thanks for sharing!

[nyimagyaltsen]

What a beautiful walk through interview with great Buddhist practional.
Thanks for making this beautiful interview, and I game lots of knowledge from him.
Thuk Che Che
🙏🙏🙏

[tashideleg]

Glen Mullin is a great Buddhist scholar. I am a Buddhist practioner since birth but Mr Glen Mullin is not less than many or rinpoches.

[alexandrarencoret]

Wonderful interview and with my dear Korean dharma friends, I should be there next year. Thank you very much! 💖

[benwoolsey]

such a clear and infinite light... sadhu, sadhu, sadhu.

[tenzinthomasmasami]

Wondering if this was before or after the Gaspe for breath and clutch of chest, but anyway good to see Lama Glenn up and about as always...💙🙏📿🙇🌻

[TheSamuiman]

Been there some 50 years ago, how that place has been changed, in fact the whole of Kathmandu has changed dramatically, all is constant change and like the praying wheels hardly ever stand still...

[utpalbania]

Circumambulating Swayambhu is also traditional religious deed for Newar budhists in Kathmandu.

[adamkosmos]

Guru Viking please make interview with former consort of lama Ole Nydahl Caty Hartung please 😮

[lobsangwangkhang]

Where was Buddha born...historical debate. i believe Buddha was neither born in Nepal nor India as these both countries did not exist then.