In this episode I talk with Tina Rasmussen Ph.D, a meditation teacher and author who is best known as being the first Western woman to master the virtuoso-level shamata meditation system of Pa Auk Sayadaw. In this interview we learn about Tina’s life-defining quest for enlightenment which inspired her 1-year solo retreat in which her practice of Dzogchen triggered not only massive energetic phenomena but also a profound spiritual awakening. We hear all about Tina’s training and authorisation under the notoriously rigorous Pa Auk Sayadaw, culminating in mastery of all 8 jhanas, with all ten kasinas, and much more. We also discuss issues such as integration of awakening in professional life, romantic relationship after enlightenment, and s3xual scandal among meditation teachers. Topics Include 0:00 - Intro 00:53 - Learning meditation at 13 years old 03:19 - Rediscovering the spiritual path after divorce 07:10 - Discovering a natural faculty for deep meditation experiences 10:31 - Straddling deep practice and high end business consulting 14:11 - Why Tina outed herself as a meditator in her professional life 18:36 - Effects of Tina’s spiritual practice on her romantic relationships, and meeting Stephen Snyder 24:10 - Rewired romantic life after enlightenment and Tibetan Tantra 29:20 - Tina’s 1 year solo retreat 40:55 - Extreme energetic experiences and DIY Tummo 44:21 - Tsoknyi Rinpoche and subtle body trauma 50:38 - The challenges of working with very popular teachers 55:33 - Finding mentors as an advanced practitioner 58:52 - Tina’s dream yoga practice and 24hr meditation 1:02:31 - Tsoknyi Rinpoche and Mingyur Rinpoche 1:03:24 - Tina’s Dzogchen practice 1:06:53 - Mastering shamata meditation under Pa Auk Sayadaw’s instruction 1:20:14 - Which is more difficult, shamata or awakening? 1:22:06 - The consequences of jhana mastery 1:27:14 - Scandals among spiritual teachers, levels of awakening, and personality material 1:33:21 - Defining ‘Do No Harm’ and the need for psychological understanding 1:43:20 - Working with Tina To find out more about Tina Rasmussen Ph.D, visit: - http://www.awakeningdharma.com/ For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - www.guruviking.com Music 'Deva Dasi' by Steve James