Integral Perspectives: From Kashmiri Shaivism to Tibetan Buddhism with Sean K. MacCracken

Dec 20, 2025

Sean K. MacCracken, an adjunct faculty at the California Institute of Integral Studies and an expert in Kashmir Shaivism, discusses the shift toward contemplative, integrative practices in religious studies. He emphasizes the importance of meditation and ethics in cultivating awareness. MacCracken also explores the intersection of Tibetan Buddhism and transhumanism, critiquing reductionist tendencies. He advocates for a holistic understanding of humanism through Tantric insights, promoting philosophy as a transformative path for ethical engagement in today's world.

Ask episode

AI Snips

Chapters

Transcript

Episode notes

ANECDOTE

Designing A Course From Student Needs

Sean describes designing a semester course titled 'Kashmir Shaivism: Supreme Non-Dualism' from student interests.
He corrected initial shorthand that dropped 'supreme' and reintroduced nuance about Parama-Advaita.

INSIGHT

Higher Non-Dualism Reframes Reality

Kashmiri Shaivism reframes non-dualism as Parama-Advaita, a more inclusive 'higher non-dualism'.
It embraces phenomenal diversity instead of negating the world as illusion.

INSIGHT

From Textualism To Living Practice

Tantric studies in the academy are shifting from pure textualism to cognitive science and living practice.
Machine translation advances make experiential and practitioner-focused methods increasingly vital.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

Get the app

In this episode, Sean MacCracken reflects on his experience at the American Academy of Religion, noticing a shift toward more participatory, contemplative, and integrative approaches in religious studies. He discusses his course, Kashmiri Shaivism: Supreme Non-Dualism, highlighting how meditation, contemplation, and embodied practices cultivate awareness, ethical self-reflection, and creative engagement with the world.

Sean also explores how his study of Indian philosophy and Tantric traditions opens broader, integral ways of knowing that move beyond reductionist frameworks. He discusses his article, “Regarding Humanism: Some Observations Concerning the Tibetan Buddhist and Transhumanist Dialogue,” showing how Buddhist and Tantric insights deepen our understanding of humanism, development, and collective ethical responsibility.

This episode offers listeners a glimpse into how contemplative and Integralist approaches can reshape learning, thinking, and living—showing philosophy as a path toward grounded, ethically engaged, and transformative ways of being in the world.

Sean K. MacCracken is adjunct faculty at California Institute of Integral Studies. He recieved a M.A. and Ph.D in Asian and Comparative Studies from CIIS, and a M.A. in Religious Studies from University of Virginia.

“Regarding Humanism: Some Observations Concerning the Tibetan Buddhist and Transhumanist Dialogue”

https://processcenturypress.com/unprecedented-evolution-continuities-and-discontinuities-between-human-and-animal-life-and-the-future-of-humanity/

The EWP Podcast credits

Connect with EWP: Website • Youtube • Facebook
Hosted by Stephen Julich (EWP Core Faculty) and Jonathan Kay (EWP PhD grad)
Produced by: Stephen Julich and Jonathan Kay
Edited and Mixed by: Jonathan Kay
Music: Mosaic, by Monsoon on the album Mandala
Introduction Voiceover: Roche Wadehra

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network