Dorje, an American Vajrayana practitioner, discusses his journey from the gay liberation movement to Buddhism amid the AIDS crisis. He shares about grief, death, and helping the dying, highlighting the power of Yamantaka practice and Buddhist teachings in his life.
Dorje discusses his journey from civil rights activism to ordained monkhood, finding peace in Buddhism.
Personal accounts of the devastating impact of the AIDS crisis on Dorje and his friends.
Transitioning from activism to spiritual practice, Dorje emphasizes the importance of compassion and helping others.
Deep dives
Dorje's Childhood and Early Activism
Growing up in the American South, Dorje shares his experiences transitioning to San Francisco in the late 1960s, immersing himself in political movements like the anti-war protests and civil rights actions. He delves into his involvement in the gay liberation movement, particularly prior to Stonewall, highlighting the challenges and progress in acceptance within society. His activism led to significant efforts in political organizing around gay rights and HIV-AIDS issues, showcasing a profound commitment to social change.
Impact of the AIDS Crisis
Dorje candidly recalls the devastating impact of the AIDS crisis in the 1980s, reflecting on the trauma of losing close friends and his own HIV diagnosis. He narrates the emotional toll of witnessing numerous friends succumb to the disease, emphasizing the personal and societal turmoil during that period. As an editor of a gay newspaper, Dorje was on the front lines of reporting on the crisis, showcasing his deep awareness of the unfolding devastation and the urgent need for advocacy and support.
Journey into Buddhism and Monastic Life
Amidst the chaos and stress of his life, Dorje found solace and purpose in Buddhism, leading to his ordainment as a monk for 25 years. He discusses the transformative power of meditation and the philosophical underpinnings of Buddhism in navigating personal and societal challenges. Embracing the monastic path, he shares his experiences in monasteries across different countries, highlighting the role of kindness and the communal support within monastic traditions in fostering spiritual growth and service to others.
Daily Life in the Monastery and Dealing with AIDS Crisis
Living in a monastery brought challenges like adapting to new customs without formal training. The speaker reflected on the AIDS crisis, discussing the widespread lack of awareness and discrimination faced by marginalized communities. Active listening and compassion helped the speaker support friends with AIDS, emphasizing the importance of processing grief and accepting impermanence.
Transition from Monastic Life to Academic Practice & HIV Advocacy
Following a transition from the monastery to academic practice, the speaker expressed a desire to work with newly diagnosed HIV patients, particularly in South Asia. Their focus is on providing support and information to individuals navigating the complexities of living with HIV, facilitating a transformative acceptance of their diagnosis. The speaker's experience and active listening approach underscore their commitment to helping others through challenging transitions.
In this episode, filmed on location in Boudhanath, Kathmandu, I am joined by Dorje, an American Vajrayana practitioner born in 1947.
Dorje recounts his childhood in the American South, his move to San Francisco in 1968, and his involvement in the early days of the gay liberation movement. He recalls the arrival of AIDS in 1981, the traumatic deaths of his close friends, and the impact of his own HIV diagnosis.
Dorje explains his conversion to Buddhism in the midst of a chaotic and stressful life, his 25 years as an ordained monk, the power of Yamantaka practice, and his understanding of the spiritual path.
Dorje also explores the deep relevance of the core teachings of Buddhism to his experience of the AIDS crisis, describes the rhythms of grief and death, and shares what he has learned about helping the dying.
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Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep262-life-of-liberation-dorje
Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.
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Topics include:
00:00 - Intro
01:03 - Dorje’s upbringing
02:07 - Dorje as a boy
02:59 - Career aspirations and becoming a lawyer
04:16 - Arriving in San Francisco in 1968
04:38 - Involvement in the civil rights movement
06:28 Early days of the gay liberation movement
09:13 - The Cockettes
11:48 - Gay political organising in Atlanta
14:02 - Arrival of AIDS in 1981
15:21 - Deaths of Dorje’s close friends
16:10 - Dorje’s HIV diagnosis
16:45 - Stages of grief
18:50 - Dorje’s HIV related legal and political work
20:39 - Activism vs realpolitik
23:06 - Encountering Buddhism
25:08 - Reading DT Suzuki and Evans-Wentz
25:46 - Shamata in a highly stressful of life
28:29 - Drawn to Tibetan Buddhism
30:39 - The life of the Buddha
33:57 - Modern insulation from sickness and death
36:14 - The Buddha’s quest for enlightenment
39:18 - 4 noble truths and the core of Buddhism
42:26 - How to develop wisdom
44:10 - The spiritual path
47:38 - Ordaining as a Buddhist monk
52:12 - The 3 jewels of refuge
54:05 - Challenges of living as a monk
56:14 - Moving to Nepal
57:48 - Why were some people slow to recognise the danger of HIV
01:02:25 - Helping the dying
01:03:27 - The rhythm of grief
01:06:43 - Actors and magicians
01:08:42 - Facing his own death
01:10:01 - The power of Yamantaka practice
01:12:10 - Living with an HIV diagnosis
01:17:06 - Leaving monasticism and solo retreat during Covid
01:19:28 - Aspiration to help those newly diagnosed with HIV
01:23:19 - How to help those with a new diagnosis
01:24:10 - Side effects of medication
01:25:31 - Climate change in Kathmandu
01:25:42 - Hippy trail and changing fashions
01:26:35 - Experimentation with psychedelics
01:27:51 - Unsung heroes of civil rights
01:28:53 - Dorje’s Great Stupa kora practice
01:30:07 - Compassion and the goal of practice
01:31:33 - Kora around the Great Stupa
01:32:34 - Developing compassion for others
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Boudhanath Interviews playlist:
- https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLlkzlKFgdknwvU82dU487LhF_mF4AkGek&si=gFGJpi-fnLtxeyZ5
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For more interviews, videos, and more visit:
- www.guruviking.com
Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James
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