James A. Kline

Although there have been reported sightings of Kline at various locations around the world, e.g., Afghanistan, Brazil, Ethiopia, Mexico, Northern California, and he is reputed to have climbed Kilimanjaro, Nanga Parbat, and the Mexican volcano, Popocatepetl, it is unclear how many of these stories are apocryphal.

Dr. Kline (if he is, in fact, the rightful holder of such a title) is believed to have authored at least six books - those listed above plus a workbook entitled Enhancing Creative Potential. He is also reputed to be the author of a series of essays entitled, Buddhism for Beginners, although some believe these were actually authored by his long-time friend and fellow author, Richard Platz. Some observers propose that Kline is currently working on two more books, one entitled, Brainwashed, and another to be called Ancestors.

There are those who contend that Kline was born and raised in the American Midwest. Others believe that he was raised by an enclave of Sufis in Canada. He is reputed to have degrees from Northwestern University and the University of Colorado, but there are those who have suggested that these degrees may be less than authentic.

Kline is best known for his unconventional and iconoclastic approach to everyday topics. He has, for example, in his book, The Whole Truth about Domestic Violence, challenged conventional ideas that battering is the exclusive form of domestic violence; and in his classic, Essays on Religion, he impeaches prevailing ideas about the origin of religion. He has also been a champion for the importance of Eastern Psychology and the need for its integration into Western Psychology.

Kline's current whereabouts is unknown, although some believe that he spends at least part of his time on Colorado's Western Slope. A few expect that he will appear at the Telluride Mushroom Festival in the near future, but, generally speaking, Kline remains an enigma.