Gordon Bermant, Ph.D. J.D., is a multifaceted scholar and teacher who has contributed to the fields of psychology, law, and Shin Buddhism.
Professional Background
Dr. Bermant’s career has bridged the gap between behavioral science and the legal system.
- Academic Teaching: He has taught undergraduate and graduate students at the University of California Davis, the University of Washington, the University of Washington, the University of Pennsylvania, and the Institute of Buddhist Studies, Berkeley CA.
- Legal & Judicial Work: His research and writing have covered aspects of the jury system, the impacts of technology on courtroom practice and procedure, and the importance of chapter choice for consumer debtors filing for bankruptcy.
- Leadership: He served as President of the American Psychology-Law Society (AP-LS) from 1982 to 1984 and played a key role in the merger of the society with APA Division 41.
Spiritual Leadership and Teaching
- Organizational Leadership: In 1986, Inspired by Reverend Kenryu T. Tsuji, Dr. Bermant took refuge in Shin Buddhism. Over the years, he has contributed to leadership at the local, regional, and national levels, and was elected President of the Buddhist Churches of America (BCA, Nishi Hongwanji) for a two-year term in 2006.
- Buddhist Psychology: Dr. Bermant has taught Buddhist Psychology to seminarians (Institute of Buddhist Studies, Graduate Theological Union, Berkeley CA) and lay undergraduate and graduate students (University of Pennsylvania).
- Invited Lectures and Workshops: Dr. Bermant has given lectures and participated in workshops for diverse audiences on topics that included but were not limited to a Shin Buddhist perspective.
Education
- Ph.D. in Psychology: Harvard University (1961).
- J.D.: George Mason University School of Law (1991).
- Undergraduate: A.B. from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) (1957).