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.
“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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