The Journey to Become a Buddhist

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. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep196-modern-tantric-buddhism-justin-von-bujdoss 
Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … 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 … 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