Christopher S. Kilham - The Lotus and the Bud

To Zoe
Who has aided and encouraged me greatly. The journey just gets better.

A great many people have aided, guided, taught, and otherwise inspired me on the yogic path. To all of them I am profoundly grateful. I wish in particular to express my most heartfelt appreciation for Herakhan Babaji, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, Swami Rudrananda, Swami Vedavyasananda Saraswati, Yogiraj Vethathiri Maharaj, Charan Singh, Lama Thubten Yeshe, Lama Zopa Rinpoche, Sri Chinmoy, Marahari of Jaipur, Maharaji of Ranikhet, and Rastri Yogi. You all loom large in my life. You all have inspired me and touched me deeply. I wish to express gratitude and thanks to Linda Sparrow, Lord Nelson, Andy Levine, Robyn Griggs Lawrence, John and Susan Sheldon, Ariipaea Salmon, Zachary Gibson, the Tribal Council Elders, the One Tribe, the folks at Spirit Plant Medicine, and many others. Thanks to Inner Traditions and all the people there who have helped to bring this book to fruition. Special thanks to ace photographer Jeff Skeirik.

Om Namaha Shivai

THE LOTUS AND THE BUD

It is high time someone wrote a book acknowledging the sacred relationship between cannabis and yoga. This is that book! Chris is one of the coolest people I know and one of the most sincere with his practice of both yoga and cannabis. In the yogic tradition Shiva, the maha (great) yogi, uses the sacred plant in his meditations to accelerate awareness and healing. Chriss book details both the history of the cannabis plant and the role of it in yogic practices in a clear, relatable way. The Lotus and the Bud is a relevant, enjoyable read for those who are curious about cannabis consciousness and yoga practice. A must-read!

NICKI DOANE, INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNIZED YOGA TEACHER

Chris Kilhams masterfully crafted book is a must for anyone interested in the deep mysteries of yoga and cannabis. His thorough explanations about the long lineage of yoga and cannabis are enveloped in delightful anecdotes that both seduce and inform the reader. His easy demeanor is buttressed by a wealth of knowledge and investigative narrative. A beautiful read for those who seek to discover their inner world between the breaths and the puffs.

THE DANK DUCHESS, HASHISH STORYTELLER AND AKER

Chris Kilham is a gentle, grateful, romantic, gigantic genius. His heart loves sharing the comforting knowledge gained in touring planet Earth and the Universe while naturally practicing yoga. His experiences and enthusiasm are welcome joys to all spirited souls who know about existing in a state of bliss. Get yourself cozy, hold on to your hat, and enjoy flying beside Chriss psychonautic mind with his newest, most delightful book focused on always living in enlightenment: The Lotus and the Bud.

LAURENCE CHERNIAK, AUTHOR OF THE GREAT BOOKS OF HASHISH, VOLS. 13

In this book Kilham has applied his abundant wit and wisdom toward multi-disciplinary applications of complementary techniques in pursuit of enlightenment, self-actualization, and a better and more fulfilling life. While few of us will attain nirvana in our current incarnations, I have no doubt that this book will provide worthy paths toward that effort.

ETHAN RUSSO, M.D., FOUNDER AND CEO OF CREDO SCIENCE

Kilham skillfully weaves his personal stories with the history and science of both yoga and cannabis into an instructive resource that pushes our conventional understanding of mind-body medicine. With his doses of heartwarmingly healthy irreverence, Kilham nudges us toward a practice that respects this Earth and our direct experiences with Spirit. This book serves as a great resource for anyone who wishes to rediscover this ancient and profoundly healing combination.

SELMA HOLDEN, M.D., M.P.H., COSMIC SISTER

The Lotus and the Bud captivated my interest on page one and held me enthralled throughout. This is a remarkable treasure trove of lived wisdom and expert guidance on the great benefits of skillfully combining yoga and cannabis. Chris Kilham is ideally placed to deliver this gift to uswith 50 years of yogic practice, a deep understanding of the power and potential of cannabis, and the fluid eloquence of a natural-born teacher and storyteller. A thoroughly agreeable and engrossing read.

STEPHEN GRAY, AUTHOR AND EDITOR OF CANNABIS AND SPIRITUALITY

Like other great explorers through the ages, Chris Kilham takes us into uncharted territory with this eye-opening, soul-searching book. This book interweaves fascinating personal tales with his preternatural knowledge of cannabis, yoga, and the twining of the two. Ethnobotanist, spirit seeker, long-time yogi, world traveler, and visionary, Kilham leads us on an epic journey that we never want to end. Eagerly awaiting a sequel!

RONA BERG, BEST-SELLING AUTHOR OF BEAUTY: THE NEW BASICS

Kilham expresses a unique vision of human energetics that is both stimulating and informative. This work establishes a new paradigm in the field and includes investigation of ancient methods and modern research accessible to a beginner or experienced yogi. For more than half a century, Chris has used his own body and life as a laboratory to explore ways in which the wisdom of the East blends with the science of the West. The end result is a tremendous amount of practical information that can result in greater health, vitality, and well-being for those willing to follow his lead in their own experimentation.

ROSHI AL FUSHO RAPAPORT, FOUNDER OF OPEN MIND ZEN INTERNATIONAL

These two psychic lubricants needed to be brought together under a single roof, and Kilham has done us a favor in doing so. This book contains wisdom based on experienceif you have an interest in either yoga or cannabis, you will gain from reading it. And if you are interested in both subjects, youll want to have it on your shelves.

JEREMY NARBY, AUTHOR OF THE COSMIC SERPENT

With over 54 years of experience with bud, I never exhaledat least not until I learned how from this book. What a relief! Thanks, Chris, for the permission and for showing me the way!

MARK BLUMENTHAL, FOUNDER AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE AMERICAN BOTANICAL COUNCIL

Every so often, you come across a book that bridges the crossroads between mind and bodyThe Lotus and the Bud serves this path well. While the true essence of yoga is to consciously connect to our inner self to attain ultimate fulfillment, I understand and appreciate Kilhams eloquent attempt to link this with the most important botanical on the planetcannabis. Knowing that cannabis feeds our bodys endocannabinoid system that serves as the modulator of inner physiological consciousness, this book brings yoga and cannabis together for both physiological and psychological health. A must-read!

CARL GERMANO, C.N.S., C.D.N., CERTIFIED CLINICAL NUTRITIONIST AND AUTHOR OF ROAD TO ANANDA

AUTHORS NOTE ON SAFE USE OF CANNABIS

Cannabis is by and large a very friendly plant, appreciably safer than alcohol and far less associated with mishap and violence, and used by various civilizations for several thousand years. Cannabis is not especially a gateway drug. Its association with other illicit drugs is due largely to its legal status. In fact abusers of cocaine and heroin typically abuse alcohol more often than cannabis. The eventual national decriminalization of cannabis will relieve an enormous burden on law enforcement, decongest the courts, decrease the U.S. prison population, get a lot of guns off the street, and deflate a large sector of the illicit drug trade.