Who is Ken McLeod?

Ken McLeod is one of the more innovative teachers of Buddhism today. Known for his ability to explain difficult and subtle teachings, “he distills the nature and purpose of Buddhism to make it accessible for any newcomer without dumbing it down.” (Phil Catalfo, Yoga Journal, July 2001 in a review of Ken’s first book Wake up to Your Life).

Formerly a translator for Kalu Rinpoche and other lamas, Ken has taken the same innovative approach to translation, consistently going beyond traditional terminology to express Buddhist teachings in clear, precise, contemporary English.

Ken’s private practice model of one-on-one consultations roiled the Buddhist world in the ‘90s only to become an accepted way of working with students. He has pioneered new retreat formats, integrating daily individual interviews and practical application exercises with traditional meditation and teaching. And, recently, he set up a development program for teachers who want to work outside established centers and institutions.

Ken began his studies in 1970 under the tutelage of the late Kalu Rinpoche. After completing two three-year retreats, he was appointed to teach in Los Angeles. In 1990, he established Unfettered Mind through which he teaches classes and retreats and sees people individually. In recent years, he has worked as a corporate consultant, advising senior executives at the highest levels of corporate America. With degrees in mathematics and years of experience in traditional Tibetan Buddhism, Ken is uniquely able to bridge the gap between contemporary life and traditional approaches to spiritual practice.