Ep23: The Secret Yogas of Tibet - Ian A Baker
Ian A. Baker is the author of 7 books, an initiate of Buddhist, Taoist, and Hindu Tantric lineages, an international fellow of the Explorers Club and the Royal Geographic Society, and was joint curator of the 2016 exhibition “Tibet’s Secret Temple” at the Wellcome Collection, London.
In this interview we discuss Ian’s 25 years living in India and Nepal, seeking out the ‘beyul’, the mystical hidden lands of the Himalayas whilst simultaneously pursuing academic studies at Oxford and Columbia Universities.
We discuss the history of the illustrious 6 Yogas of Naropa, and hear about Ian’s research into the monastic re-interpretation (and perhaps even distortion) of these Tantric techniques of India.
We also examine the remarkable overlap between Tibetan completion stage practices, the practices of Shakta Shaivism, and Taoism – including stories about Ian’s own training in these esoteric disciplines.
Topics Include:
0:00 – Intro
1:00 – Initial fasciation with the art and landscape of the Himalayas
04:36 – Ian’s quest for the ‘beyul’, the mystical hidden lands of the Himalayas
07:54 – Remote retreats under the guidance of Chatral Rinpoche
10:12 – Leaving Columbia University to pursue fieldwork in Nepal
14:00 – The integration of academic and spiritual training
19:56 – How to integrate ancient wisdom traditions into modern day life
21:17 – The Dalai Lama’s Secret Temple
23:27 – The unusual story of the 6th Dalai Lama
30:06 – The esoteric murals of the Secret Temple
34:10 – Why were the 6 Yogas of Naropa kept secret?
36:58 – The sanitisation of the Vajrayana by the monastic institutions
40:49 – Commonalities with the Shaiva tantric traditions
42:55 – Heresy or innovation? And the history of the 6 Yogas
1:01:46 – Ian’s extraordinary training in the esoteric Kaula sect
1:09:54 – Falling in love with his consort, Uma Devi
1:13:10 – Is tantric practice dangerous?
1:23:35 – Reactions to Ian’s views in the academic and religious establishments
1:32:29 – Taoist influence on Indian Tantra
1:35:52 – Ian’s training with the Magos of Java, Taoist Master John Chang
1:44:38 – Stories of Kunzang Dorje Rinpoche, Dzogchen and Tsa Lung Master
1:50:51 – Ian’s upcoming projects
To find out more about Ian A Baker, visit:
Published books by Ian A Baker:
Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James