Ken McLeod ~ The Magic of Vajrayana

Ken McLeod, author of the Buddhist classic Wake Up to Your Life, is joined in conversation with Many Rivers & Tea co-founder Robert Schmidt for a discussion of The Magic of Vajrayana. The book is available from Banyen: https://www.banyen.com/item/h64fHeq3a...

Help support these programs to be free for all. Donate to Banyen Books here: https://www.banyen.com/events/donate

The Magic of Vajrayana opens new doors and immerses you in one of Tibetan Buddhism’s most vibrant traditions of mystical practice. Written in simple clear English, the book bridges the gap between classical instruction and idealized descriptions of spiritual insights and understandings. It shows you how to bring a traditional practice text to life for each of Vajrayana’s three pillars: Teacher, Deity, and Protector. This intimate portrait of Vajrayana practice is in effect an empowerment. It plants seeds in the reader which, if nurtured, grow into spiritual insight, non-referential compassion, and a changed relationship with life.

“If you want to touch the wild, beating heart of Vajrayana– including empowerment, ngöndro, mantra, guru and deity yoga—I can’t imagine a more helpful book than Ken McLeod’s The Magic of Vajrayana.”—Michael Taft

“Rather than telling you what Vajrayana is, Ken McLeod shows you what it is.” —Stephen Batchelor

Ken McLeod is the author of several books, including the quintessential Buddhist classic, Wake Up to Your Life. He is known for his ability to explain deep and subtle teachings in clear and simple language. In 1970, Ken McLeod met his principal teacher, Kalu Rinpoche, and served as Kalu Rinpoche’s interpreter during his first two North American tours. After Ken completed two three-year retreats, he was appointed to teach in Los Angeles. In 1990, he established Unfettered Mind where he continues to teach today. Ken has a graduate degree in mathematics, has trained intensively in Eastern disciplines (including Buddhism, tai chi and other martial arts), and has decades of experience consulting and leading retreats.
https://unfetteredmind.org

Dr. Robert Schmidt is the co-founder of Many Rivers Books & Tea (a kind of sister bookstore to Banyen!) in Sebastopol, CA. He is the spiritual director of Tayu Meditation Center, and the co-host of the acclaimed podcast, The Mystical Positivist. Schmidt holds a Ph.D. in anthropological archaeology from UC Berkeley, and is known for his many collaborations and dialogues with practitioners from diverse spiritual traditions, including his work in the co-creation of the Conscious Family Festival in Santa Rosa, California.
https://www.manyriversbooks.com and http://mysticalpositivist.blogspot.com

Banyen Books is Canada's most comprehensive bookstore specializing in spirituality and healing. Located in Vancouver, Canada, since 1970, Banyen is open for in-person browsing as well as web & mail orders. Visit for books, products, and upcoming events. https://banyen.com

Event Host & Producer: Jacob Steele