Justin Whitaker

Thank you for visiting! I look forward to sharing important topics, events, ideas, and more with you and hearing back from patrons/readers across the world. Since 2004 I have been blogging at American Buddhist Perspectives. I've become part of amazing communities of fellow writers and digital explorers of Buddhism. Readers, supporters, commenters, collaborators, and friends have meant the world to me over that time. In 2012 I started my first 'regular' part-time teaching job during my Ph.D. studies in Buddhist Ethics. I continue to do that work, but I'm hoping to step out of the "adjunct trap" and possibly academia entirely in order to focus on serving my local community and deepening my bonds to you, my blog readers, through growing our mutual commitments to understanding and practice. Buddhism has changed my life and I hope it has yours too; but these days I think truth is bigger than the label "Buddhism" and is found in philosophy, in mindfulness practice, in supportive community, in seeking out the good life. Why become a patron? 1: access to the patron-only material  2: to support the work here. Big newspapers like the Guardian request donations from readers in every story. Others give you a few stories each month or have permanent paywalls. Renowned writer Nicholas Kristof lamented recently that "our old business model has collapsed, and we simply must find new ways to raise money and pay for journalism." Academia is in much the same crisis and while I, and others, seek to work that out (I'd still love a steady full-time job!), models like this allow work to go on and compensation to come back.  3: Build the gift economy. The work of providing new perspectives on Buddhism, philosophy, mindfulness, and so on is precious to me. I can't put a price tag on it because I don't want to restrict it from anyone. Your support ensures that I can put the time and effort into reaching out to people, building connections, doing research, writing, editing, and sharing these perspectives.

Free

At just $1 per month, you will get my personal gratitude (and a thank you!) from me.

For just $3 per month, you will get access to Patreon-only content. This will include videos, blog posts-in-development, potential book sections and ideas, and so on.

At just $5 per month, you will become an American Buddhist Perspectives Insider. <ul><li>American Buddhist Perspectives Insider membership</li><li>Your name will be added to a special page that thanks you for your support</li><li>20% discount on all paid activities (retreats, talks, books)</li><li>One FREE high quality photo download from the photography page per year</li></ul>

At just $10 per month, you will get everything from the $5 level plus... <ul><li>Four FREE high quality digital images from the photography page per year (a total of 5)</li><li>A FREE book! With the option to wait until mine comes out or send me your interests and I'll pick out a winner for you.</li></ul>

At just $25 per month, you will get everything from the $10 level plus... <ul><li>EXCLUSIVE access to weekly video discussing topics in Buddhism for the week and discussion WITH YOU in comments </li><li>A direct line to ME to suggest and discuss important topics for the blog</li></ul>

At $100 per month, you will be made a blog Executive and get everything from the $25 level plus... <ul><li>A book per month: let me build your personal Buddhism library</li><li>Monthly meeting with me alone to discuss the blog, life, philosophy, whatever</li></ul>

Choose your membership