Less than stellar outreach to blacks in America from current or future Tibetan leadership?

Although I have the good fortune to appreciate tacit support from some close to His Holiness the Dalai Lama there's been no official acknowledgment or support between myself and his office. Admittedly, I have not put much effort into the task of making such a connection. And, when given the opportunity I shied away rather than impale myself on the throngs of politicized and ambitious supporters that fervently police his immediate surroundings. In general the Dalai Lama's connection with black America has been limited to an elite and powerful group of representatives whose support of Buddhism in their respective communities has been marginal if not bleak. I've often been asked why His Holiness visits the grand stage of San Francisco while never touching ground in the grass roots of adjacent Oakland where so much history and suffering of black people has taken place. This is perhaps a fair question that is not for me to answer.

Baby-faced 22-year-old Ogyen Trinley Dorje, the 17th reincarnated head of Tibetan Buddhism's Kagyu sect is recognized as the Karmapa, Tibetan Buddhism's third-ranking personage. Some consider him to be Tibet's next great hope to inherit the Dalai Lama's position. But what hope does this rising star of compassion and human integrity hold for those in black America who seek to free themselves from the spiritual shackles of bygone up-from-slavery legacies? What new direction does he hold in the persuasion of African American leadership to accept their distinguished history as relatives of Africans in Asia who were present well before the founding of Buddhism? Will we ever see the story of black contributions and tribulations in Asia taught in public schools like those of America's European ancestors? What global Buddhist personage has gravitas to influence our nation in this profound way? All I can say is none thus far despite the magnanimous awards, notoriety, and support that has been given to so many Buddhist leaders who've sought refuge in the American way of life.

I was glad to read the Karmapa's comment :

He wants to be a "21st century religious leader," reaching beyond those of his faith. "My work is not going to be conducted only among other Buddhists," he said, "but to help everyone." Article

But what does it mean, really? Who is everyone? And, through what lens will African Americans be viewed differently than what has already transpired? Will there be continued inundation of DVD's from mass public teachings whose audiences are consistently devoid of black people? Has anyone gotten the message, or perhaps what we are seeing is the message? Time will tell.

What we do know is China has and will continue to invest tens of billions of dollars in shoring up its relationship with black people throughout the world. Africa, the psycho-spiritual nexus of American black consciousness is experiencing a metamorphosis of appreciation for communism China-style. Let's also not forget the Black Panther party deeply rooted itself in the Communist Manifesto and literally began its fundraising campaign by selling Mao's Red Book to grass root adherents.

My role as Buddhist practitioner is to simply state the obvious in hopes of avoiding a detente between future Tibetan leadership and grass roots black consciousness in America. Those who think this issue will not be an issue in the future are mistaken. I truly believe good work can be done on behalf of Buddhism, the Tibetan people, and African Americans. Why would someone not believe this?

I wish the Karmapa well and hope he will become aware of opportunities available to bridge communities in a way that strengthens America's sense of mutuality. Thurman suggests a skillful approach that I agree with:

Robert Thurman, an expert in Tibetan Buddhism and a longtime friend of the Dalai Lama's, says Dorje could indeed become the next "face" of his people. But he warns against pressuring the young monk into too much travel and teaching too soon. "He needs a period of practice and study to manifest his full strength," says Thurman. "When I met the Dalai Lama when he was 28, he did not have the level of charismatic power that he does now." Article

Today is a good time to begin thinking bout what we, the American people, will do after His Holiness is gone.