The Lotus and the Bud

Cannabis, Consciousness, and Yoga Practice

By: Christopher S. Kilham, Robyn Griggs Lawrence - introduction

Narrated by: Christopher S. Kilham

An in-depth guide to blending the practice of yoga with cannabis

• Examines the physical, mental, spiritual, and energetic effects of cannabis and yoga, including their effects on the nervous system and chakras

• Explains how yoga practice offers a way to tune the human nervous system and how, through the endocannabinoid system, cannabis harmonizes a multitude of functions, from respiration to pain control, in ways that enhance yoga

• Offers an illustrated sequence of cannabis-yoga asanas (postures) developed to awaken kundalini, open energy channels, accelerate healing, and unlock access to unbounded states of consciousness

In India, both yoga and cannabis are considered gifts from the Hindu god Shiva. They are seen as twin currents of wisdom and enlightenment, allies for healing and consciousness expansion. As ethnobotanist and yogi Chris Kilham explains, when wisely and thoughtfully combined, cannabis and yoga offer profound benefits for body, mind, and spirit. Kilham examines the history and lore of both cannabis and yoga, with a special focus on the role of cannabis in Indian and Himalayan yoga traditions where it has been used for thousands of years. He investigates cannabis and yoga’s effects on the chakras and energy body and how they assist in opening energy channels and awakening kundalini energy. He explains how yoga practice offers a way to tune the human nervous system and how, through the endocannabinoid system, cannabis harmonizes a multitude of functions, from respiration to pain control, in ways that enhance yoga. He looks at the effects of both THC and CBD as well as the different methods of consuming cannabis, with advice on selecting the right method for your yoga practice.

In addition to instructions for breathwork and cannabis meditation practices, Kilham offers an illustrated guide to his own system of cannabis yoga, a sequence of asanas (postures) developed to arouse the kundalini, open up energy channels throughout your body, and unlock access to unbounded states of consciousness. Sharing his experiences combining yoga and cannabis around the world, the author shows that the fusion of cannabis and yoga dissolves the boundaries of the mind, accelerates healing, and imparts a greater understanding of the intrinsic unity of all things.

Critic reviews

“Wise, reverent, and enlightening, The Lotus and the Bud expresses the joy, peace, and deep satisfaction that await those who commit wholeheartedly to the practice of cannabis-infused yoga.”--

“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. Chris’s 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!”

“Chris Kilham’s 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.”

“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 Chris’s psychonautic mind with his newest, most delightful book focused on always living in enlightenment: The Lotus and the Bud.”

“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.”

“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.”

Really Informative!

I greatly enjoyed this book. Chris Kilham does a wonderful job explaining why yoga and marijuana go so well together. He does this by providing a history of each and giving examples of how the benefits are synergistic.

It is a great introduction to both yoga and marijuana for those new to these modalities, as well as a great refresher course for those with prior experience. I have been doing Kundalini yoga for several years, and am no stranger to the health-giving benefits of marijuana, however, I had never thought to combine the two. Doing so has opened up a new dimension to my practice. Chris provides quite a few recommended yoga asanas, some edible recipes, as well as some personal background as to how he got started with both yoga and ganja. I particularly enjoyed this part as some of Chris’s path mirrored my own: Richard Hittleman; Autobiography of a Yogi; Carlos Castenada; UMass Amherst and Cushing Academy. As a matter of fact, we were at Cushing at the same time, but reading this book made me realize Chris was having a lot more fun there than I was! At any rate, this is such a well-researched and informative read, with many little tips and tricks Chris has learned along the way, especially the one about substituting “feeling” energy for “visualizing” it.
Highly recommended, along with his great book on Ayahuasca.

Incredibly knowledgeable

Chris is one of the most intelligent individuals in the field of herbal medicine, mindfulness, and yoga practice. In addition, I highly recommend his website medicinehunter.com

I'm thrilled that two of his many wonderful books are on Audible.