The Magic of Vajrayana: a Morning with Author Ken McLeod

September 30th

Date details +
    Price:
  • $35 Program Price
  • $50 Patron Price
  • $25 Limited Income Price
  • Pay what you can afford: type amount in the space
Room: Online Program
Program Registration is Closed.

ONLINE VIA ZOOM Presented by the Berkeley Shambhala Center


The Berkeley Shambhala Center is pleased to offer this rare opportunity to see and engage with Ken McLeod on his recently published book, The Magic of Vajrayana. (Along with Reflections on Silver River and A Trackless Path, The Magic of Vajrayana completes a trilogy of experiential instruction in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition.)

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.


As an introduction, enjoy this video clip about the book
The Magic of Vajrayana:

This book is intended for three groups of people —
Those currently practicing Vajrayana, those interested in practicing Vajrayana, and those whose lives have cracked open. For the first, I offer my experience and understanding in the hope that it will clarify your own practice. For the second, I give you a taste of what practice in this tradition may involve. For the third, whether you experienced some kind of awakening, your life took an unexpected turn, or you are lost beyond words, another’s path may unveil something that speaks to yours.

It is highly recommended that attendees be reading or have read the book before the program. The Magic of Vajrayana is available in hardback, paperback and ebook on Amazon and other booksellers. Discounts are available to center’s ordering 10 or more copies from [email protected].


photo of Ken McLeodAbout Ken McLeod

Ken McLeod is a senior Western translator, author, and teacher of Tibetan Buddhism. He received traditional training mainly in the Shangpa Kagyu lineage through a long association with his principal teacher, Kalu Rinpoche, whom he met in 1970.

Under Kalu Rinpoche’s guidance, McLeod learned the Tibetan language and completed two traditional three-year retreats (1976–1983). In the years that followed, he traveled and worked with Kalu Rinpoche on various projects, and became a prominent translator of Buddhist texts, including a landmark translation of The Great Path of Awakening by the first Jamgon Kongtrul, a key text in the teaching of lojong (“mind training”). 

Ken McLeod is described as one of the more innovative Buddhist teachers today and is known for his poetic translations, clear explanations and his pragmatic approach to practice. He is one of the first generation of Western teachers in the Tibetan tradition and one of the few authorized to transmit the full scope of these teachings. Read more on Ken’s website: unfetteredmind.org


zoom logo

ABOUT ZOOM  This program will be presented on the Zoom platform. It is available for computers, smart phones, and tablets. You will need to download the free app on your device before joining the session. Once it’s loaded, click the link and follow the prompts to join the session. Please join us at least 5-10 minutes in advance so that you’re set up when the program begins. And, make certain that your mic is muted when you join to avoid background noises which are multiplied with many participants. Learn more about Zoom here: https://zoom.us You can find a list of Zoom FAQs at this link.


The Magic of Vajrayana: a Morning with Author Ken McLeod

Saturday, September 30 • 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
Online via Zoom

  • $35 Program price
  • $50 Patron price
  • $25 Seniors, students, limited income price
  • Pay what you can afford: write in dollar amount in space

NOTE: the program will be recorded, and a link provided, post-program for all who have registered, whether they are able to attend “live” or not. 

Questions? Please contact Faith Miller: fomiller55 [at] aol [dot] com

Program Policy

In-Person Attendance  Please be vaccinated and boosted for the safety of yourselves and others. The meditation hall is large, well-ventilated and served by two very high quality air filters. Seating will be well-spaced. Masks are optional and available.
Registration  Please register and pay online in advance of programs that require registration in order to make certain you receive all communications including the link for the program. Our online payment system is set up to accept payment through PayPal. You do not need a PayPal account to pay via your credit or debit card for a program.
Generosity Policy  The Berkeley Shambhala Center is funded solely by your membership and program donations. Thank you for your generosity as you consider what you can pay for each program at our Center. We strive to price our programs in a way that accurately reflects the financial need of our Center and the cost to us of producing the program. We are committed to offering our programs to everyone, regardless of their financial situation. Most programs include a base program price as well as a sliding scale. If you need to reach a member of the Shambhala Center Staff, email shambhalaberkeley [at] gmail [dot] org with your inquiry.
What is the Patron Price?  The other aspect of our Generosity Policy is our Patron Price. Those who are able to offer more than the regular program price can select the Patron Price option. By selecting this option, your generosity is helping to cover the costs of those who may not be able to pay the full price of the program. Thank you for your consideration, and for helping all to receive the treasure of the Shambhala Dharma. We appreciate you registering and paying online. This helps us not only to plan for the program, but speeds up the registration line on the day of the program.
Work Study  We depend on volunteers to make all of our programs happen. If you are interested in offering your support in this way, please contact shambhalaberkeley [at] gmail [dot] org. We would be very grateful. Please note that we have limited work-study options for online programs.
Refund Policy  If you are unable to attend a program for which you have pre-registered and paid, and contact us to cancel participation at least one week (seven calendar days) prior to the start of the program, you are entitled to either receive a refund less the cost of processing the payment, or you can apply the full payment amount to the cost of an upcoming program of your choice. If you cancel your participation within the week prior to the program, you can apply those funds to another upcoming program of your choice. No refunds will be given for cancellations after a program has begun.
Non-Discrimination  The Berkeley Shambhala Center is open to everyone, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, age, height, weight, physical or mental ability, veteran status, military obligations, and marital status.
Membership  For information about becoming a Berkeley Shambhala Member, please visit this link.
Visitor Information  Visit this link for information for directions and parking.