In this interview I had the pleasure of talking with my good friend Lorin Roche. Lorin is an author, a translator, and has been teaching meditation since 1968. In our discussion we cover the multi-dimensional meanings of Sanskrit, Lorin’s early years as a renegade meditation teacher in the 60s, the possibilities and dangers of meditation, the oppressed spiritual genius of women, and why each individual has a unique, personal doorway to the meditative state. Topics Include: - Lorin’s philosophy of translation - The many dimensions of meaning and the music of the Sanskrit language - The range of possible meanings of the word ‘Yoga’ - The 112 doorways to meditation offered by the Vijnana Bhairava Tantra - Meditation as a natural state - How to find your personal doorway to meditation - Why so much meditation practice is an unknowing echo of childhood relationship patterns - How the inner critic disguises itself as spiritual teaching - The dangers of meditation - Lorin’s early years as a renegade meditation teacher in the 60s and 70s - Why very few meditation teachers actually listen to their students - How Lorin learned to meditate - Why a lot of people are doing the wrong kind of meditation for them - Teaching meditation vs practicing meditation - The pros and cons of the ancient lineage model - Structures of authority and the open space of live teaching - Lorin’s filters for evaluating the ancient traditions and their techniques - The renunciate’s contempt of householders - The problems of householders adopting monk and nun teachings - Living out the path of desire as a spiritual path - Why monastic teachings harm young people - Meditation as a celebration of a life of fullness - The spiritual genius of women - Traditional doctrines of the inferiority of women - How to filter out the oppressive elements of the ancient traditions - The many natural gateways to meditation - How to build your own approach to meditation - Working with Lorin To find out more about Lorin visit: lorinroche.com radiancesutras.com meditationtt.com Visit www.guruviking.com for more interviews, audios, and articles. Music 'Deva Dasi' by Steve James