Episode 7 of Redesigning The Dharma by Sahaja Soma features a conversation with Dr. Ian Baker from The Vajra Path, renowned Vajrayana Buddhism scholar, yogi, explorer, and author. They explore the origins, practices, and transformative potential of Tantra within both the Vajrayana Buddhism and non-dual Shaiva Shakta traditions. Dr. Baker breaks down the concept of Tantra, touching on its definition, historical emergence, and the non-dual essence of practice. Additionally, they touch on the use of psychoactive plants in tantric practices and the exciting potential for Vajrayana's future as it intersects with contemporary culture and beyond.

Episode Highlights:

• 00:00 Introduction and Guest Background
• 01:35 Overview of Tantra: Origins, Definition, Practices, Misconceptions, and Creative Essence
• 09:27 Exploring Sahaja: The Innate Bliss and Its Relevance
• 19:47 Karmic Knots and Tantric Practices for Transformation
• 40:36 Psychoactive Plants in Tantric Traditions
• 49:52 Vajra Path: Bridging East and West through Pilgrimages

Guest Bio:

Dr. Ian Baker holds a PhD in History and a MPhil in Medical Anthropology from University College London, following earlier graduate work in Buddhist Studies at Columbia University and English Literature at the University of Oxford.

He is the author of seven critically acclaimed books on Himalayan and Tibetan cultural history, environment, art, and medicine including, Tibetan Yoga: Principles and Practices, The Dalai Lama’s Secret Temple, The Heart of the World, The Tibetan Art of Healing, and Buddhas of the Celestial Gallery, with introductions by the H.H. the Dalai Lama and Deepak Chopra.

Recognized by National Geographic as one of seven ‘Explorers for the Millennium,’ he has conducted extensive field research in Tibet’s Tsangpo Gorge region, and currently leads private journeys and travel seminars in India, Tibet, and Bhutan.

Baker has studied under Tibetan Buddhist luminaries, such as Chatral Sangye Dorje Rinpoche, Dudjom Jigdral Dorje Rinpoche, and Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche and is also the co-founder of The Vajra Path with Dr. Nida Chenagtsang.

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