A Conversation with the Author of “Psychedelic Buddhism: A User’s Guide to Traditions, Symbols, and Ceremonies”
Lama Mike Crowley is a unique figure in the world of Buddhism. Born in 1948 in Wales, he moved to London in 1967, where he befriended a Tibetan Lama and became his student. He became and upasaka (ordained layman) of the Kagyud lineage on May 1st, 1970 and was ordained as a lama on January 1st, 1988. Known for his expertise in the intersection of psychedelics and Buddhism, Crowley has lectured worldwide on the topic and recently released his book, “Psychedelic Buddhism: A User’s Guide to Traditions, Symbols, and Ceremonies.” In this podcast, we delve into Mike’s journey and discuss his book’s exploration of psychedelics and Buddhist practice.
The Journey to Buddhism
Mike Crowley embarked on his journey to Buddhism in 1967 when he met a Tibetan Lama in London who would become his mentor. After years of diligent study, he received the Psaka (Layman) ordination in May 1970 in the Kagyud lineage of Tibetan Buddhism. In 1987, he became a fully ordained Lama, cementing his commitment to Buddhist teachings and practices. To further his studies, he learned Sanskrit, Tibetan, and Mandarin Chinese. He has shared his expertise through lectures at institutions such as the Museum of Asia and the Pacific, Warsaw, and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. His work has been published in respected publications such as Time and Mind: The Journal of Archaeology, Consciousness, and Culture, and Psychedelic Press UK. In 2016, he received the R. Gordon Wasson Award for his outstanding contributions to the field of entheobotany. Currently, he serves on the advisory board of the Psychedelic Sangha, a group of psychedelically-inclined Buddhists based in New York, and teaches at the Dharma Collective in San Francisco.
Psychedelic Buddhism: A User’s Guide to Traditions, Symbols, and Ceremonies
Crowley’s book, “Psychedelic Buddhism: A User’s Guide to Traditions, Symbols, and Ceremonies,” serves as a comprehensive guide for those interested in exploring the intersection of psychedelics and Buddhist practice. The book presents guidance and techniques for Buddhists looking to incorporate psychedelics into their practice, as well as for psychonauts who are interested in the inner space maps provided by Buddhism.
The book explores the use of psychedelics in Buddhist practice, sharing the types of spiritual experiences that can be gained with each. Crowley also describes meditation techniques, with special attention given to the generation of the Four Positive Attitudes.
A Conversation with Lama Mike Crowley
In our conversation with Mike, we discuss his book and learn more about his unique Buddhist lineage. Mike shares insights into the integration of psychedelics into Buddhist practice, the potential benefits of combining these two powerful forces, and the importance of proper guidance and preparation for such experiences.
Lama Mike Crowley’s work brings together the worlds of Buddhism and psychedelics, offering valuable insights for both Buddhists and psychonauts alike. His book, “Psychedelic Buddhism: A User’s Guide to Traditions, Symbols, and Ceremonies,” is available now on Amazon and from all good booksellers. For those looking to explore the intersection of these two transformative practices, Crowley’s guidance and wisdom serve as a valuable resource.
The book –
https://www.amazon.com/Psychedelic-Buddhism-Traditions-Symbols-Ceremonies/dp/1644116693/ref=sr_1_1
