In this episode I am joined by Justin Von Bujdoss, an American Buddhist teacher and chaplain.

Justin recalls his upbringing in Soho, Manhattan as the son of a multi-generational family of painters, immersed in the New York art scene, attending a specialist high school, and engaging in study abroad programs across Europe and Asia.

Justin recounts his childhood dreams of saints and spiritual masters, and his early fascination with Ancient Egypt and Western Occultism, which saw him transcribing magickal texts and engaging in rituals of evocation and divination.

Justin explains why his conversion to Buddhism was inevitable, describes his meetings with great masters, and shares his passion for Vajrayogini practice and Mahamudra meditation. 

Justin also reveals why conducting dark retreat and studying Ati Yoga under Dr Nida Chenagtsang has brought him to an experience of the nature of mind so powerful that he has departed from many of the views expressed in his book ‘Modern Tantric Buddhism’, as well as reduced his interest in propagating the Repa lineage in which he is ordained.

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Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep196-modern-tantric-buddhism-justin-von-bujdoss

Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.

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Topics Include:

00:00 - Intro

01:10 - Upbringing in Soho, New York

03:35 - Intense childhood spiritual interest

05:28 - Fascination with Ancient Egypt and Western Occultism

09:20 - From Western Occultism to Vajrayana

10:11 - Magickal ritual practice

13:41 - Practical success with Ancient Egyptian magick

16:37 - Childhood dreams of mahasiddhas

18:26 - Past life visions of connections with Tibetan Buddhism and early Indian Tantra

22:11 - Comments on the tulku tradition

24:34 - Attending a specialised high school and Antioch college

27:43 - Travels to India, meeting masters,

32:42 - Affinity with India and Tibet and converting to Buddhism

37:45 - Why Justin did not learn Tibetan or Sanskrit

39:52 - Learning Mahamudra from Tsunma Dechen Zangmo

41:56 - Passion for Vajrayogini practice

44:10 - Learning how to practice and juggling multiple lineages

52:19 - Signs of progress in Justin’s practice

59:30 - Infantilisation of American students in Tibetan Buddhism

01:02:30 - Justin’s critique of the Tibetan Buddhist culture and tradition

01:04:38 - Learning culture vs getting enlightened

01:06:05 - Why Justin ordained as a Repa

01:13:36 - Moving away from the Repa lineage

01:17:44 - Ordaining to make a point

01:19:30- To whom was Justin making a point?

01:23:50 - Losing interest in importing Buddhism to the USA

01:25:45 - Learning Ati Yoga from Dr Nida Chenagtsang

01:28:45 - How experiencing the nature of mind revolutionised Justin’s religious life

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To find our more about Justin Van Bujdoss, visit:

- https://justinvonbujdoss.com/

For more interviews, videos, and more visit:

- https://www.guruviking.com

Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James