Modern Tantric Buddhism, Justin von Bujdoss
Modern Tantric Buddhism, Justin von Bujdoss
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Modern Tantric Buddhism
Embodiment and Authenticity in Dharma Practice

Author: Justin von Bujdoss, Lama Rod Owens

Narrator: A'rese Emokpae

Unabridged: 14 hr 58 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 06/04/2024

Synopsis

This essential guide to socially engaged Tantric Buddhism reveals how modern practitioners can use the wisdom of the Vajrayana to confront systems of power and abuse.

Today, a new generation of Buddhists searches for ways to adopt Vajrayana while staying true to its historical legacy. Modern Tantric Buddhism unpacks the principles and applications of this esoteric practice in an accessible and meaningful manner, connecting its roots to a socially engaged, modern-day dharma. Taking a traditional Tibetan pedagogical approach, Lama Justin von Bujdoss divides the book into 3 thematic sections:
 
• Body, as it applies to physicality and embodiment
• Speech, or ethical action
• Mind, the context of awakening
 
Von Bujdoss challenges assumptions about what it means to be a socially engaged Buddhist, and presents Tantra as an ideal vehicle for critically examining today’s most pressing social issues while confronting the structural inequities of patriarchy, sexism, colonialism, and racism within Buddhist institutions.

About The Author

Justin von Bujdoss is an American Buddhist teacher and chaplain. He was ordained as a repa in the Karma Kamstang tradition of Tibetan Buddhism by His Eminence Goshir Gyaltsab Rinpoche in 2011 and given the name Repa Dorje Odzer. Justin is passionate about the preservation of the tantric Buddhist tradition in a way that meets the needs of, and simultaneously challenges, the modern western way of life. From 2012 until 2017 Justin served as the resident-lama and executive director of New York Tsurphu Goshir Dharma Center and is presently the first dedicated Staff Chaplain for the New York City Department of Correction. In March 2018 Justin was appointed Executive Director of the Division of Chaplaincy and Staff Wellness for New York City Department of Correction and leads all wellness initiatives for the agency.

Reviews

Goodreads review by Bob on January 07, 2023

Parts of this book are really exciting. Lama Bujdoss proposes placing Tantric Buddhism in an American context and not blindly following Tibetan cultural constructs. That is cool and fresh, especially after the series of scandals that have rocked the community. Additionally, he wants the practices to......more

Goodreads review by Nicole on June 14, 2020

Adopting a religion and spiritual path from another culture is fraught. We are all hopelessly steeped in our own culture, for better or worse. Regardless of how broadminded our perspective on the world is, we all contain a bit of a blind spot as to how we view our own culture and others. This was my......more

Goodreads review by Karin on December 09, 2021

presents a fresh and compelling view for tantric buddhism in the west that can be socially engaged and grappling with race, class, privilege, as practice. I learned a lot and was inspired by this book.......more

Goodreads review by Palmo on January 25, 2023

I suspect this book will become as important as Cutting Through Spiritual Materialism by Chögyam Trungpa is now in the coming years. I don't have much of a background in Dzogchen so some of the concepts were fairly unfamiliar, but even people who do practice this particular school will be impressed......more

Goodreads review by Elizabeth on April 28, 2024

Loved it. This is a perfect read for someone who has the basics of Buddhism down and has done some study or has awareness about Theravada, Mahayana and Vajrayana already - Lama Justin has a very approachable and appealing writing style, so its readable for all however many sections will be confusing......more

Quotes

“Modern Tantric Buddhism reads like an extended late-night conversation, wherein Western Buddhists can discover the authentic essence of tantra and develop confidence in its relevance to their own lives and spiritual aspirations. Lama Justin exemplifies an urban yogi who embodies the creative blaze of tantra amidst the grit and turmoil of a great city.”
—CHAGDUD KHADRO, spiritual director of Chagdud Gonpa centers in South America

“Modern Tantric Buddhism steps into bold new territory, offering heartfelt accounts while presenting Buddhist reflections on the great issues of our time. Lama Justin invites readers into the brave exploration that has been his life. He offers a stirring presentation of teachings on death as seen through the eyes of a chaplain in hospice work. Captivating as it is instructive, this book is a potent contribution to the development of American Buddhism.”
—PEMA KHANDRO RINPOCHE, founder and spiritual director of Ngakpa International

"Lama Justin represents a younger generation of well-trained Buddhist teachers who encourage American Tantric Buddhists to trust the power of their practice, find their authentic voice, and express wisdom in the modern world. Modern Tantric Buddhism demonstrates that the wisdom of Tantric Buddhism is as relevant and powerful in the streets of Brooklyn as it was in the remote caves of Tibet. A must-read for the modern tantrika!"
—LAMA WILLA MILLER, founder of Natural Dharma Fellowship and coauthor of The Art of Contemplative Care: Pioneering Voices in Buddhist Chaplaincy and Pastoral Work

"Interweaving lived religious experience, tantric texts, and critical theorists, von Bujdoss shows how Western tantra can transform the structural afflictions of colonialism, whiteness, and patriarchy. For academics, he provides instructive and valuable primary data to theorize the multiple forms that Vajrayana Buddhism is taking after  and beyond  modernity.”
—ANN GLEIG, associate professor of Religion and Cultural Studies, University of Central Florida, and author of American Dharma: Buddhism Beyond Modernity

"Modern Tantric Buddhism realigns us with tantra’s original core values of integrity, authenticity, and true empowerment. Lama Justin von Bujdoss—scholar, yogi, householder, and chaplain—shows us what tantra is really all about and how to meet the immediacy of our everyday experiences with greater wisdom and compassion. 
—DR. MILES NEALE, author of Gradual Awakening

  “Lama Justin von Bujdoss offers us an introduction to Vajrayana Buddhism unlike any other of which I am aware. Arising from his courageous application of tantric insights to hospice work, prison ministry, and the task of ‘healing the earth,’ this book has a unique freshness of approach that will engage a broad spectrum of readers. 
—REV. FRANCIS V. TISO, author of Rainbow Body and Resurrection

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