Ep171: Taoist Master - Bruce Frantzis

In this episode I am joined by Bruce Frantzis, world renowned Taoist master and author of books such as ‘Opening the Energy Gates of your Body’ and ‘Taoist Sexual Meditation’.
Bruce recalls his turbulent childhood living with a schizophrenic mother, witnessing murders in New York city, and early training in martial arts and meditation.
Bruce recounts a lifetime of adventurous travel and powerful encounters with spiritual and energetic masters in Japan, China, and India.
Bruce describes his induction into a secret Taoist priesthood, his discipleship under Taoist immortal Liu Hung Cheh, and his training under Dzogchen masters such as Namkhai Norbu and Lama Wangdor.
Bruce also discusses the keys to Taoist meditation, the mechanics of mind-to-mind spiritual transmission, and how to heal mental, emotional, psychic, and karmic traumas.
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www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep...
Also available on KZbin, iTunes, & Spotify - search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.
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Topics Include:
00:00 - Intro
01:02 - Bruce’s troubled childhood with his schizophrenic mother
03:10 - Boarding school at 6 and appetite for learning
07:12 - Spontaneous meditation practice as a child and other karmic presages
09:18 - Witnessing violent killings and beginning martial arts
14:13- Participation in the 60s counter culture
17:55 - Facing death at first Zen sesshin
20:03 - The New York scene
23:03 - Intense martial arts training in Japan
26:07 - Shocking meeting with Wang Shujin
30:31 - Adventures travelling in Asia
34:59 - Life changing experiences in India
42:38 - Getting busted in Okinawa
44:32 - Encountering a secret Taoist priesthood and further adventures in America
49:58 - Travelling through Europe
51:47 - Dangerous encounters in the Middle East
54:24 - One year of kundalini practice in a cave in India
58:19 - Surviving hepatitis and travel to Kashmir
01:03:27 - Further studies in East Asia
01:06:02 - Return to the USA
01:06:21 - More Hong Kong anecdotes
01:08:56 - Bagua and challenge matches
01:17:16 - Bruce’s observations about meditation after 60 years of practice
01:19:16 - The problem with the Buddhist valorisation of mothers
01:25:05 - Resolving childhood trauma
01:28:33 - Bruce’s teacher confronts his attitude
01:30:21 - Meetings with survivors of torture
01:42:45 - Essence of spirituality
01:48:08 - Past life karma with Dudjom Rinpoche
01:53:22 - Mental illness in America and impending environmental catastrophe
01:59:11 - The golden age of the baby boomers
02:02:02 - Medical gigong tuina
02:03:37 - Teaching meditation and exploitative gurus
02:06:06 - Taoist view of the spiritual path
02:10:20 - Taoism vs Buddhism
02:13:21 - Dzogchen studies with Namkhai Norbu and Lama Wangdor
02:17:10 - Realisation of clear light
02:19:47 - Advice for those facing difficult times
02:22:57 - Mind to mind transmission
02:25:08 - Understanding the totality of something
02:25:56 - First attain stability of mind
02:27:33 - Nityananda, Muktananda, and shaktipat
02:29:45 - How to do mind-to-mind transmission
02:38:26 - Potential for abuse in mind-to-mind transmission abilities
02:40:36 - Muktanada, Satchidananda, and sexual repression
02:46:00 - Mental vs emotional vs psychic vs karmic traumas
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To find out more about Bruce Frantzis, visit:
- www.energyarts.com/
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For more interviews, videos, and more visit:
- www.guruviking.com
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Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

[@AdamAtman]

I hung out with him in 1985 in Beijing. He spent many hours every day studying with Liu, and many hours every day meditating…..

[@soshyaldistansingh6628]

So tell us about "Liu".

[@arizonaboy59]

I have learned a lot about Taoism from Master Frantzis. His books and video lessons are excellent.

[@dr.davidmiller6682]

I met Bruce (Kumar) in the late 80’s in Berkeley, California. He was teaching internal arts at the time. He was always controversial and had a reputation for being a bit of a BS artist and difficult at times to be around. I personally had no opinions or thoughts one way or another but it was generally known that he could fight. As intrigued as I was by his purported skill sets, I didn’t find his personality at the time attractive, so I didn’t pursue a student teacher relationship. Interesting that he’s still around after all these years.

[@nondualdynamics2098]

I recall fondly the many bizarre and sublime conversations I shared with Bruce. May he live long and his voice echo throughout the universe.

[@PuggiTheGreat]

Woah! What a life this man has led. Fascinating.

[@margaretsmith9637]

I went to a few of his classes in the early 90s. He adjusted my stance a little and I could feel the energy move. I am still impressed.

[@jasonvega9942]

the dissolving nature of the water method has stayed with me for decades. thank you mr. frantzis.

[@michaeldonnelly1037]

Bruce is a treasure,I have been reading his books for years ,such an inspiration.

[@freestylebagua]

Honestly the best interview on KZbin, and one of the only ones worth rewatching I love it!

[@peteyliftsnshxt4]

Steve, thank you so much for this interview. This is my favourite video I have ever watched! Thank you!

[@szymborska]

Was inspired by him and his NY no BS personality to start Qigong and Taiji. Life changing ♥️♥️♥️🙏🙏🙏

[@tedkoch439]

I’ve studied Tai Chi and Qigong under a student of Bruce’s, and it has been immensely valuable to me. My question after hearing this wild interview is this: The 70% rule is central to his teaching. That is, the best way to improve is to consistently put in 70% of your maximum effort. This principle applies to every aspect of the practice. But the habits and ethics Bruce discusses here seem to arise from 24/7 100% turbo charged absolute mania. Can anyone who knows what I’m talking about please explain?

[@DrMARDOC]

In the land of the blind the one-eyed man is king

[@MonacoBlast66]

You're absolutely right. Sometimes I think what they teach is engineered so you don't get what they have and know.

[@emilytraynor8427]

Check out fire method vs water method. You'd need a special kind of constitution to do what Bruce did, I reckon he's teaching a way people can learn without hurting themselves, which is surely a mark of a compassionate teacher.

[@realtaoism]

It isn't easy to grasp that the man, BK is a complex human being, like all of you. The 70 % rule is not a fixed principle; if you can't work out the variables of that rule that he taught then you are looking for a saviour.

[@skipskiperton4992]

the 70% rule is nothing more than doing your best guess-timate, based on your own feeling sense of yourself, of when you are doing something/anything at 100%….then back it off a bit. No one else can tell you what your 70% is…

[@Prueba_Te]

That was interesting. The sequel will be good because he already went through his film-like life. I don't quite understand that he was going into 7 day derp samadhi states but he seemed to have the same temper issues and deep problems with his mother. Anyway as for someone who is into meditation and martial arts, he hinted at it but didn't explain about this experiences of how life and deathly combat (or just martial arts training) are different from releasing samskara thought meditation. The fight/flight/freeze response of the body and how it relates to Enlightenment. Like the famous Mike Tyson quote "everybody has a plan until they get punched on the mouth". Very interesting person!

[@RichLee_laughingblade]

Opening the Energy Gates book was a game changer for me around 30 years ago. The water method / dissolving books are good too. Practical guidance and effective, I still recommend them to people who are beginning with somatic work. Regrettably I didn't get anything insightful or actionable from this. I may have skipped a bit tbh. Would be great Steve if you could arrange a rematch and set it up with BF to get into some focussed content.

[@veronicaandbob1931]

Amazing !(as usual). Thanks for letting him just talk.

[@GuruViking]

Thank you! 🙏

[@richardventus1875]

Thanks for this - I find the Guidelines of Problacism very helpful in keeping my life in balance with the Tao.

[@deborahbayer5798]

Very happy to hear there will be another episode. Worth the effort to listen to the end, so much wisdom in his experiences.

[@baizhanghuaihai2298]

A grand storyteller. Entertaining.

[@acupunctureyoga]

Thanks this was good, it is the best interviews with Bruce I have heard you just let him talk. I have done a few live workshops with him and found him to be an excellent teacher and to be the real deal. I like that he has a good understanding and practical knowledge of Taoism and Dzogchen. His personality is polarizing, but I like it, it is not fake spiritual fluffiness like a lot of teachers.

[@marylewis3311]

Enjoyed that thanks 🙏❤️🙏

[@shaunlindsey6467]

Great interview, the best one I have seen with Bruce. Looking forward to the second interview.

[@delongrob]

Man, I can't believe I made it through almost 2 hours of that. Maybe I have no clue and this guy has some high level cultivation. But I feel what he presented was a whole lot of nothing and he is NOT on the path. Too easy to call people masters these days. Reminds me of Chia. I've been aware of his books and this is the first time I've heard him talk. At least this interview provides me with the insight to stay away. To each his own.

[@kevinjoseph517]

me me me

[@JasonJrake]

I've been doing Qigong for nearly 25 years, read/watched/attended many different teachers, and based on how closely Bruce's (overly) detailed books match the ups and downs of my experiences, I am pretty sure he really did do all of the training he claims.... That said, he is also obviously narcissistic and psychologically unhealthy. Also, having paid for some of his martial arts seminars (recordings, not in person) I believe he's either an inept curriculum organizer, or he is purposely stretching the material out to keep his power dynamic with his students... His 60 hours of Bagua material could be edited down to 5 hours without losing anything except his stories, many of which are fun, but not worth it for the amount of money he charges. But what he does teach is very accurate of you can get past...him 😅.

[@nympholepticmonkey352]

You have no idea how wrong you are about Chia. But his limited understanding of English does hinder his ability to communicate everything perfectly. So maybe that's why you have this opinion of him. But his system and his ability is beyond comparison!. He studied under a taoist immortal! Lineage transmission doesn't get purer than that!! His knowledge, approach and ability are of the highest degree that exists. I suggest you just try to look part the some what confusing language barrier thing. Maybe tty reading his books instead. If you do, you'll soon realise the strength and completeness of his his system 👍

[@joelster23]

I can only advise you that basing yr decision off of two hrs of footage may be too harsh. This guy put in the work and he is a bit out there . But he is being honest with you. You can actually learn all the arts he teaches about on yr own. Just like he did. Its what makes life fun.

[@noself7889]

I agree with you. This is what you get when you cross a narcissist with Taoism. He’s full of it.

[@johnhenrycrossleysanz2117]

Bruce Franczis is an excellent Master teaching the energy arts of Daoism. The results of the techniques render immediate positive RESULTS. I am studying his recent book DAODEJING:THE ORAL TRADITION and has allowed me to understand this complex book and religion. It is a blessing to learn how to self heal using his methods and become a healer. He is a honest guru (shaolin priest and doctor) with the Tradition and Lineage of his Masters.

[@kevinjoseph517]

I knew him long ago--1970s...he was hindu then. he liked living in rishikesh or india elsewhere. 1976-1979. he lived at oshos circa 70s-80s. maybe an osho bodyguard or boxing teacher?????

[@kenmcrae8591]

A FEW MORE TIME STAMPS from this interview: 1:19:50 - After Master Leo is certified as an enlightened Bodhisattva, he converts to Taoism. 1:21:08 - The loose parallel between the Freudian 'ego' concept and the 'heart-mind' in Taoist philosophy. 1:21:27 - Bruce's new 1200 page book on the Dao De Jing. 1:22:30 - The loose parallel between the Buddhist ideas of samsara & nirvana and the Taoist ideas of the human mind & the Tao mind. A FEW QUESTIONS FOR BRUCE: 01. Assuming that attainment of the mind of Tao, in Taoism, is a form of Nirvana, what benefit is there for a spiritual Taoist to take up Dzogchen practice? Is it a faster path to enlightenment? 02. What is the difference between Tibetan Dzogchen and Chan (Zen) Buddhism, in terms of ultimate reality? Is Dzogchen a faster path to enlightenment than Chan? 03. Why didn't Leo adopt Chan Buddhism instead of converting over to Taoism? Did he attain the Taoist form of enlightenment? 04. What does Bruce think about the Mantak Chia Branch of Taoism? How does it differ from Bruce's own branch of Taoism? 05. Did Bruce ever encounter real dragons when traveling in the spirit realm; when on the heights, or the highest reach of the mind of Tao? 06. Who are Bruce's most senior students in the martial arts? And in his Taoist lineage? Is he grooming one to succeed him as the next lineage holder of his Taoist sect? 07. Which are the two best English versions of the Dao De Jing, next to his own? What does he think about Thomas Cleary's translation and notations upon it? 08. What is the scheduled release date for his new book on the Dao De Jing? 09. Will he ever produce a new English translation of the standard Taoist I Ching? With an extended commentary on it?

[@yanjason80]

04 His practices are more fire and it tend to hurt people when they are not careful. present company included.

[@turner373]

This guy's real power is channeling a fever dream I would have had as a 14 year old. I can only imagine Steve trying to do the jump-to breakdown notes. This is Steve's Death Sport!

[@baizhanghuaihai2298]

I watched this interview cum monologue like a Tarantino movie, okay?🤣

[@TimothyOBrien6]

Looking forward to part 2 and the rest of your questions for Bruce.

[@C_Kava]

Would love to see Dr Jerry Alan Johnson on your podcast

[@arystargirl]

Very straightforward. Thank you for sharing.

[@wiwidity]

great stuff mate

[@richardkreidi5566]

I really enjoyed this. Looking forward to Part 2!

[@LightyMiner]

Damn so many cool stories

[@elitestockpicks8212]

I like the way you said they were locked into it like chasing a tail.. When I watch the news, I think "Here we go round the Mulberry bush"

[@joshg8]

I practised yoga for 20 years and was still a wreck... 25 years ago I discovered Bruce's teachings and my whole emotional, spiritual, and physical wellbeing has been transformed. For those who like their gurus suspended on a lily pad emitting fragrance of frangipani, then Bruce is not for you. If you want a plain-speaking human being whose commitment to self-understanding, physical and spiritual development has been relentless, then he might be. He doesn't claim to be superior, but for those commentators below who find his attitude arrogant, anyone with an inkling of what he has achieved will know that he is actually being rather modest.

[@Bodhimamma]

Cool stories bro 😎 I enjoyed the ride, especially the transmission part. Looking forward to episode 2.

[@grounddragonmartialarts]

Ah, nothing like humble narcissism. 😂 This guy has more holes in his stories than a spaghetti strainer.

[@blazingverde]

There's a guy like him at any job I worked at. I wanna believe him but he does make my b.s. senses tingle. Sorry

[@Gieszkanne]

B.S. in which aspect?

[@blazingverde]

@Gieszkanne as in a very rich imagination as some others have said.

[@Gieszkanne]

@@blazingverde So you mean everything is made up?

[@ultraclaveshermetium5709]

Yay! Bruce Frantzis He's such a cool guy, and helpful person! He is one with the Dao!

[@duddersrules]

great channel

[@zamplify]

Made it like 3 minutes. This guy is a trip tho.

[@johnpienta4200]

Listening to him talk reminds me of a certain other famous New Yorker with a... Unique relationship to truth and reality. Almost everything he says comes off as literally unbelievable. Not to say it's not true but it sure seems like he's got an awful lot to prove. I guess that's just the way the spiritual matters go. In some places refinement and "development" is a matter of more and more simplicity and release and in others it's more and more complexity, attainments, achievements, the ornate development of spiritual filigree.

[@szymborska]

Every tantric tradition has devotion as a yogic limb - it's not for everyone, but I understand why it's done.

[@PhoenixDarshan]

I was very infuriated when I bought a "Daoist" music CD off his website and it was all tibetan, not kool. You can see yourself if you dont believe me.

[@Spectre2434]

His books are wonderful.

[@DanyOlaru]

amazing ...can anyone feel the silence even if he talks?

[@ronaldpalmer2831]

The Rise and fall of the Roman Empire at the age of 7!

[@brianpatterson7125]

Great interview ....Thanks to both of you , very interesting stories about his travels !

[@brianpatterson7125]

I especially liked the story of the red eyed brain scramblers !

[@loveudon6972]

Mr Frantzis certainly has a rich imagination.🤣

[@kenmcrae8591]

LMAO! That's the secret to his success. The awakened imagination is full of creative, life changing power. When used properly, there is no limit to what a Bruce Frantzis is capable of achieving with it.

[@user-ic4ce8xb5v]

Yeah I had a hard time understanding half of it, and I didn't believe the other half

[@qilifeacademy]

Is he a Walter?

[@schrodingerskatze2162]

I'm happy to see this comment, but not for the reasons you think 😂

[@keithyoung7]

I am surprised - someone who has spent so much time discovering self awareness should not be boastful or arrogant - this man is both. I cannot imagine a master taking on someone with such a disagreeable character. Other Tai chi masters have always been very humble and have an agreeable and peaceful smile.

[@realtaoism]

This is a common perception of BK. The fact is he is a human being and imperfect, as are you for projecting that people who study these arts benign and grin a lot .. wake up

[@keithyoung7]

@@realtaoism Thanks for the reply - my problem. I have worked with Masters and they have always been very humble people - the exact opposite to BK which provoked my comment. And I don’t think he would agree with your assessment of him being imperfect. By the way - I’m perfectly awake thank you.

[@realtaoism]

I was around BK for 17 years and other notable names. ( No one claimed you are not awake by the way?) . I am not an apologist for BK, yet however flawed you conclude him to be, he does have genuine skill, unlike many parading their wares on the internet, plus he does not teach practices that are harmful, unlike others. Ego aside, you are not enamoured by his persona. Who cares, because he does not. Let it go.

[@realtaoism]

Yes you do see his arrogance, however my experience has not been as benign as your master interface. I have met enough arrogant masters I can assure you. You are lucky to meet humble teachers only. Your very lucky. I have known humble to turn nasty and arrogant to be helpful. Apologies, you certainly are awake but you do not really know the man you comment on.

[@keithyoung7]

@@realtaoism Thanks for taking the time to reply. I am sure he is a warm and helpful person. However, as an ambassador and someone so deeply immersed in the art I was expecting something different. I appreciate you taking the time to reply.

[@joanstone6740]

He learned from Kenny Gong in New York for a while and then had a falling out and had to leave New York

[@equanimitybodymind3161]

Oh Kumar, the stories you make up and tell.

[@georgevockroth8806]

If George Carlin had been a Daoist adept.

[@mrrrrrr3116]

Are there any clinical psychologists who could comment on this guy being cluster B? I'm armchair, but get a strong narcissism vibe to his story telling and lots of hints at casual disregard for killing and maiming.

[@OneSupreme08]

Hollywood should make movie about mr.Frantzis !

[@charlielevett9008]

Way too much content for a movie haha. They could do a 10 part series of his life

[@wiwidity]

@@charlielevett9008 Hollywood?

[@christophercurtis2893]

Everyone is remarkable. He is a human being just like everyone else. The intelligent people are the ones who stay rooted and connected to their homes and community.

[@starshiptexas]

He keeps doing the Trump "Ok" and I don't believe anything he says.

[@varuanda]

Hah, exactly! Got heavy Trump vibes and every few seconds i was thinking either he had one hell of a life or he is one hell of a bullshit artist.

[@thehiddenyogi8557]

Both he and Trump are from NYC and that is the way they talk there.

[@varuanda]

@@thehiddenyogi8557 It's more what he says and the overall attitude really then the uncanny trumpy accent. But i'm not judging, just saying my bullshit detector went off. I've even red one of his books and it was less entertaining but hardly insightful aswell.

[@starshiptexas]

@@thehiddenyogi8557 Listen, I know everything about NYC... OK? :D j/k but is that the way they talk there or is that the way they talk there when they are bullshitting? I dunno... maybe the stories are legit maybe not, it doesn't really matter. It's just a thing I noticed. What really matters is dukkha and the cessation of dukkha.

[@loveudon6972]

@@varuanda My money is on 🐂💩🎨👨‍🎨

[@RocheBrazil]

🤯😵

[@watchtimewatch]

Taoist Master? This man is a lunatic. No "crazy wisdom," just crazy. And his storytelling skills are worse than my 3-year-old nephew talking about Marvel superheroes. He also doesn't seem to be aware there's another person there... He's been talking for an hour and a half straight.

[@MarleneCreatorMaster11]

maybe you need to visit NY. He is great, he doesn’t edit his train of thought, he says it as he sees it in the moment. Love fellow New Yorkers!

[@DafruitYogi]

only a man of truth can speak at these experiences .. this man has lived many lives

[@DTTaTa]

i dont know or care wether he is legit or not. all i can say is that i met him randomly in tso pema without knowing about him and all he did was talk about himself A LOT. definitely not interested🤣

[@watchtimewatch]

@@DTTaTa haha interesting! Good point, even if he was legit, his personality is so terrible I don't see why anyone would study with him

[@N30_Dr.3AM]

0:07 安 爱 安 我 爱你🤟！mi 🧡 đi làm không 0️⃣ là một ☝️ và có 🫡 úa 😹😎💝🙃👍👤🖥️🤟🤟🧸👩‍💻🙋💩💋🔑👻📲✝️🙂🐉✅😄🤖🎲👋🐈‍⬛🐈‍⬛👥🙏👎

[@konsumekel]

3h of huge ego

[@tsaxondale2499]

Does he mention the prostitutes required as part of his workshop deal?

[@fingerprint5511]

Tai Master .... ok. Study means nothing, memory, question is, is he at peace with aging and death? Hes still very attached to the body and mind as ME. The forst 5 minutes i tuned out, too macho.

[@waynehansen9100]

Funny what some people will believe

[@msgoldberg]

Just a couple of points, and not to quibble .... but, when he goes into global warming as something that appears real to him, I would surmise that it's actually not apparent by the actual and very careful temperature studies that have not been skewed by corrupt researchers who've lost the objectivity of scientific study. And the politics of this have gone off the charts. Mind you, it doesn't mean that I can't be wrong, but the facts of the skewing and that being an overwhelming political game seem much much more provable and obvious than his comments about the reality of global warming. He noted the predictions coming true of some of the soothsayers of science- but erhlich has been totally wrong, Rachel Carson and her Silent Spring has been totally wrong. Then he goes on about some political issues- as a sage he opines that the issues of the palestinaians and israelis are not what he assumed when he was a younger man. I would find him grossly deficient in his study of Islamic Jihad as per the teachings of the prophet of Islam and their immutability. Now... there's always room to discuss the ins and outs of this, but why he chooses that bone to pick, as if that were the position of a wise worldly fellow rather than a hard dollar and cents in depth analysis of such an issue shows not sagely wisdom but somewhat lazy utopian whitewashing of real issues of what constitutes freedom, what constitutes Liberty for states, for individuals and what ethics involves and how to evaluate said notions. I think he has lived a large life and it is interesting to hear what he went thru. But he's just a man with his opinions on such matters and not to diminish his learnings but such issues are not his purview.

[@mikeneidlinger8857]

I am the superhuman fighter who kills people. They don't stand a chance against my skill in Silat. This one guy doubted me. Then he said I did have the real skill right before I stomped his anus and his excrement came out of his mouth. I have enough testosterone to defeat 10 Wing Chun fighters using the fist style of Silat. That is why I am considered the best.