Episode 4 of Redesigning The Dharma by Sahaja Soma features a conversation with Lama Justin von Bujdoss from Yangti Yoga. Justin is an American Buddhist teacher and chaplain ordained in the Karma Kamtsang tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. Deeply invested in the preservation and adaptation of Tantric Buddhist tradition in the West, Justin shares his experiences as an ordained Repa, a position emphasizing householder tradition. He discusses his past work at the New York City Department of Corrections, the use of plant medicines in spiritual practice, and the importance of integrating meditation into everyday life. Justin also talks about his efforts in preserving Tantric Buddhist tradition through innovative methods, one of which is his aligning of Vajrayana teachings with social justice causes and environmental activism.

Episode Highlights:

• 00:00 Introduction and Justin’s Background
• 04:44 The Role of Monasticism and the Alternative As A Householder
• 11:46 The Paradox of Renunciation in Householder Practice
• 19:03 The Power of Tantra and Its Contrast with Dzogchen and Mahamudra
• 23:19 The Profundity of the Ordinary Moment in Practice
• 35:19 Integrating Teachings with Plant Medicines such as Iboga
• 42:49 The Role of Plant Medicine in Vajrayana Buddhism
• 55:53 The Importance of Shorter Meditation Sessions in the Integration of Practice In Daily Life
• 01:03:00 The Inevitability of Death and the Practice of Dharma

Guest Bio:

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.

From 2012 until 2017 Justin served as the resident-lama and executive director of New York Tsurphu Goshir Dharma Center, an urban dharma organization which functioned as an affiliate of Palchen Chosling Monastic Institute, Ralang, Sikkim, India. Up until last year, Justin worked as the first dedicated Staff Chaplain for the New York City Department of Correction, providing spiritual support for the 13,000 employees, both uniformed and non-uniformed, who work through out the New York City Corrections system.

Justin is the author of Modern Tantric Buddhism: Authenticity and Embodiment in Dharma Practice published by North Atlantic Books, and a contributor to Buddhism and Whiteness: Critical Reflections published by Lexington Books. He is also a co-founder of Bhumisparsha, an experimental Buddhist sangha along with Lama Rod Owens, and Yangti Yoga, a retreat center rooted in the practice of dark retreat along with Dr. Nida Chenagtsang.

CONNECT WITH JUSTIN

JUSTIN’S WEBSITE

BHUMISPARSHA SPIRITUAL COMMUNITY

YANGTI YOGA RETREAT CENTER

ROOT HEALING PORTUGAL RETREAT