You’ve got a lot going on. This is the part where you can plug your gigs, releases, merchandise, yoga classes etc. Maybe hand out a coupon for free international shipping.
Well all is good we are working hard and rehearsing and playing a lot. Recently we played with Atheist. Also Giann and I are writing new material already for Aghora III. I am still teaching Pencak Silat Serak Kilat , and Qi gong. Other than that teaching guitar and staying busy with my family.

What’s up with the hand gesture? No not that one. Actually it looks more like ummm…cock and balls. Is that the tool symbol? Or is it some secret yoga mudra?
The hand symbol in picture? That is a MANDALA offering. Secret Offering to the creator, protectors, teachers, enlightened ones, and less fortunate.

Ok now that we’ve got that cleared out, can you tell us where the Hindu Buddhistconnection started? What drew you to Tantric beliefs?
I guess it all started when I read Siddartha. The tantric concept of life, universe and transformation or alchemy made sense to me. I always felt a connection to it.

Enlightening. What’s on your playlist? Anything inspiring?
Beatles SG. Pepper

Walk us through a typical day in the life of Santiago Dobles. You can leave out the dirty bits. Or not.
Wake up take a DEEP breath. I find the Swara in my flow of the breath in my nostrils and then I take my first step with the foot that corresponds with which nostril is “Active”. And I start my day that way. I usually go outside first to get some fresh air and I do some Qi Gong Excercises. Then I check email and get to work. Usually “work” is teaching guitar, filming or video editing stuff (Guitar instructionals, Martial arts etc), or I am producing recording, mixing in my studio for a client or clients. Currently I am producing 4 bands. After that I eat when I feel hungry. Everyonce in a while I put on my 40lb weighted vest and walk around my neighborhood doing “jurus” small hand forms from Silat or Qi Gong excercises to move “Chi”. After my walks either solo or with my 2 dogs. I spend time with my family. and then usually at night I go teach Silat. Every Monday & Wednesday I go rehearse with Aghora at 10pm till 4 am. Through out the day I take small breaks to do short meditations either in stillness or motion (walking qi gong etc). Late late at night i do some shamanism practices from Buddhist & tantric traditions (fire offerings pujas, smoke offering pujas, Mantra chanting, Prana mudra. Usually for the objective of Karmic purification, Universal healing and healing the Earth & all sentient beings, also to pacify all deconstructive energies. Sometimes I perform these rituals for friends and family upon request. Also I do a lot of Energy work for myself and for friends and family (Qi Healing & Reiki). This is the first time I ever talk about this in public. Very few know of what i actually “Do”.

Have you ever used any psycho-active compounds (*cough* LSD * shrooms *cough*) while meditating? I’ve heard it’s quite a “mind-expanding” experience.
Yes used some “powerplants” common in shamanism for specific meditations and ritual. However I will tell you this from my experience….I have found I don’t need such “devices” to achieve a “Samadhi” or a state of “Oneness” or “Bliss”. I believe everything you need is in your energy system and your own body. Learn to breath properly and to activate Kundalini and circulate chi and your glands will take care of you in ways that drugs can not.
Even though I do not use drugs I don’t think drugs are bad if used properly and with the right view or intent. Some of them have very good qualities for mind expansion & Healing but ultimately you should be able to do or have the same effect with out a plant, herb, or a chemical. If you want to know how to use them seek out a real shaman.

Have you ever been to India? Would you consider touring India with Aghora?
No my father has been 2 times. I plan to go when family, life and money permits. I would love to go to India and to take the band there.

Name a musician you’d most like to work with. Consider re-animation a possibility.
Chuck Schuldiner, Allan Holdsworth, Peter Gabriel, Sting, Eddie Van Halen, Stravinsky, Zappa

What do you think of the following music genres:
o Black metal – some of it has interesting moments at time
o Porno-Grind – Never heard of it…
o Ambient (Electronic) – Some of it is wonderful
o Hip hop – Some is ok but usually it sucks…
o Vedantic metal – VERY COOL!

Tell us which music you like listening to while
o Holding insanely difficult yoga positions. YES
o Meditating on cosmic unreality. YES
o Kicking ass silat-style. YES
o Taking a dump. NO
o Making the nasty! YES YES YES YES YES YES

Face-off! Choose your combatant FTW.
o iTunes vs. CDs I TUNES
o Pot vs. Booze PLUM WINE!
o Mac vs. PC MAC
o Single life vs. Married life MARRIED
o Lord Shiva vs. Buddha Buddha would say Lord Shiva…..But Lord Shiva would say MAHASHIVA OR MAHASHWARA

Rate the following bands on a scale of 1-10 where 1 is soulless crap and 10 is cosmic bliss:
o Lacuna Coil
o Evanescence
o To-mera
o Otep
o Dream Theater
I don’t listen to any of them however….To – mera is VERY talented.

Thanks for your time, Santi. Congratulations on becoming a two-time father. How about a positive message to all the ites out there.
Enjoy good music enjoy a good life and take care of all your friends, family & loved ones!
Don’t take anything to seriously!

Tantric tips..
1) Keep your tongue against the roof of your mouth
2) Breath from your Lower Belly
3) Learn to smile ALWAYS
4) Circulate your energy daily.
5) Make offerings to family, friends, universe etc…
6) Learn Mantras
7) Learn to exchange energy with a partner
Master Kegel Excercises!
9) Learn Qi Gong
10) Learn SILAT so you can whoop ass if need be : )
Thanks for the support!
Peace

Interviewer: mouth4war (mouth4war@gmail.com)