The Mystical Positivist - Radio Show #412 - 18MAR23

Mar 19, 2023

Join the conversation with Ken McLeod, a visionary Buddhist teacher, as he shares insights on Vajrayana Buddhism, the modernization of traditional practices, embodying deities in rituals, exploring faith versus belief, and the concept of 'samaya'. Dive into the mystical realm of prayer, deity practices, and the importance of poetry in spiritual growth. Connect with the essence of student-teacher relationships, translation nuances, and contrasting approaches to practice in Western culture.

Ask episode

Chapters

Transcript

Episode notes

Introduction

00:00 • 3min

Exploring the Magic of Vajrayana Buddhism

02:41 • 20min

Unsurpassable Buddha's Way and Chaos Magic in Contemporary Western Magic

22:42 • 29min

Exploring Faith and Belief

52:00 • 12min

Embodying Deities in Magical Ritual Work

01:03:50 • 26min

Exploring the Concept of Samaya in Vajrayana Buddhism

01:30:11 • 16min

Exploring Wisdom Through Modern Mathematics and Pre-Modern Buddhism

01:46:02 • 19min

Exploring the Mystical Realm of Prayer and Deity Practices

02:04:33 • 19min

Embracing Poetry and Symbolic Stories for Deeper Understanding

02:23:52 • 30min

Exploring Connections and Lineage in Teaching Traditions

02:53:44 • 2min

Exploration of Translation and Spiritual Depth

02:55:23 • 4min

Exploring Contrasting Approaches to Practice

02:59:50 • 6min

Challenges and Reflections on Dharma Centers in Western Culture

03:06:18 • 2min

Exploring Permeability, Timeless Awareness, and Integration with the Body

03:07:54 • 3min

Exploring the Student-Teacher Relationship and the Importance of Clarity in Spiritual Practice

03:10:48 • 5min

An Exploration of Ken McCloud's Book, The Magic of Vajrayana

03:15:35 • 3min

Podcast:

This week on the show we feature a pre-recorded conversation with Ken McLeod, author of the newly released book, The Magic of Vajrayana. The Magic of Vajrayana weaves original translations of instructions, insightful commentary and context about key practices, and authentic personal experiences into a powerful transmission of this vibrant tradition of mystical practice.

One of the more innovative Buddhist teachers today, Ken McLeod is known for his clear explanations, poetic translations, and pragmatic approach to practice. He is one of the first generation of Western teachers in the Tibetan tradition and one of the few to be authorized to transmit the full scope of these teachings to students. In particular, his approach resonates strongly with those whose path lies outside established institutions.

After graduating with a degree in mathematics, Ken cycled across Europe to Istanbul and then continued his journey overland to India. In 1970 he met his principal teacher Kalu Rinpoche at his monastery near Darjeeling. There Ken began a study and practice in Tibetan Buddhism that lasted more than twenty years. He completed the traditional three-year retreat program two times, translated for many teachers, and helped set up Buddhist centers in Canada and the United States. After his teacher's passing, Ken moved away from the hierarchical structures of Asian Buddhism to explore new approaches.

In 1990, he founded Unfettered Mind in Los Angeles. His approach of one-on-one consultations roiled the Buddhist world in the early '90s, but was quickly recognized as a viable way to teach and guide students in the West. He made individual interviews a central feature of the many retreats he taught in California, New Mexico, and British Columbia. Through numerous small groups in Southern California, he developed the materials that became the encyclopedic meditation manual, Wake Up to Your Life.

Now retired from formal teaching, he lives in Northern California where he hikes and writes. His writings and translations include The Great Path of Awakening (1987), Wake Up to Your Life (2001), An Arrow to the Heart (2007), Reflections on Silver River (2014), A Trackless Path (2017), and The Magic of Vajrayana (2022), as well as a corpus of articles and translations in Tricycle and other Buddhist magazines.

After the main podcast conversation, we include a recording of a book event that Ken McLeod gave at Many Rivers Books & Tea in Sebastopol, CA, on March 23rd, 2023. The event includes an extended moderated question and answer segment with a live audience.

More information about Ken McLeod's work can be found at:

Unfettered Mind website: www.unfetteredmind.org.