Rev
Vajra Karuna is a
25-precept Dharma teacher who
lives and works outside the
International Buddhist Medication Center.
He teaches IBMC classes, gives dharma talks and provides
for pastoral counseling. His B.A. and M.A. degrees are in
anthropology with specialties in linguistics, Oriental
cultures and folk religion. He teaches at both the
elementary and the college level.
Politically active in issues concerning the gay community,
he is the founder and first president of the Gay Teachers
of Los Angeles. He was also a founding member and first
vice-president of the ACLU Gay Rights chapter and a
liaison between the police department and the gay
community in North Hollywood.
Rev.
Vajra's interest in Buddhism dates back to his teen years.
He took upasika precepts in 1981, sramanera precepts in
1992, and Dharma teacher vows in 1997; all at the IBMC. He
has been the teacher for the Gay Zen Group of Los Angeles
since 1986.
Rev.
Vajra is a published poet. In addition to his studies of
various cultures, he has travelled extensively throughout
the world.
