Modern Tantric Buddhism: Embodiment and Authenticity in Dharma Practice

A guide for practitioners, dharma teachers, chaplains and clergy who want to understand and apply Vajrayana (tantric) Buddhism in the context of contemporary life

Western Buddhists are faced with the unique challenge of comprehending Vajrayana (tantric) teachings and incorporating them into their daily lives. Tantra originated in 7th century India before migrating to Tibet, Mongolia, Nepal, Bhutan, China, and Indonesia, ultimately landing in the West in the early 20th century. Today, a new generation of Buddhists are searching for ways to adopt this esoteric practice while staying true to its historical legacy. Modern Tantric Buddhism is the first book of its kind to unpack the principles and practices of the Vajrayana in a manner that is accessible and meaningful. Lama Justin von Bujdoss challenges our assumptions about what it means to be a socially engaged Buddhist. Taking a traditional Tibetan pedagogical approach, he divides the book into three thematic sections- Body (as it applies to physicality and embodiment), Speech (ethical action), and Mind (contexts of awakening). Tantra is an ideal vehicle for critically examining today’s most pressing social issues, while also confronting the inherent shortcomings within Buddhism itself, such as patriarchy, sexism, colonialism, and racism. By planting the seeds for a contemporary Vajrayana, Westerners can deepen their relationship to this uniquely authentic and embodied practice. Appropriate for all levels of practitioner, the book is an invaluable guide for clergy and caregivers who wish to access the wisdom of the tantric Buddhist tradition as means to bolster their work.