The Original Black Buddha

Progress - Herbie Hancock, Visits Cambodia

2012-01-17T17:17:00.000-08:00

Twelve years after Black Buddha was published and two years after Rainbowdharma's film, Festival Canceled Due To Heavy Rain, about a pilgrimage to Cambodia's Angkor Monuments, Herbie Hancock visits Cambodia as a goodwill ambassador according to a notice posted on the UNESCO website:

UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador, Mr. Herbie Hancock, Visits Cambodia - Phnom Penh - Mr. Hancock, a driving force of important movements in music since the 1960s, is a renowned jazz musician and the winner of an Academy Award and 14 Grammy Awards. He has been officially designated as ambassador at UNESCO headquarters in Paris on 22 July 2011.

"I first visited the famous temple of Angkor Wat, one of Cambodia’s iconic sights! Built for the king Suryavarman II in the early 12th century as his state temple and capital city, it has always been a significant religious centre. It was founded as a Hindu temple, dedicated to the god Vishnu, then became a Buddhist site. Restoration efforts have been taking place on the Angkor Site since 1995. Maria Santoro, the lead engineer working with UNESCO & the Italian government, explained the main conservation challenges faced at the Angkor Wat temple as well as the restoration techniques used to mitigate these damages. The team here is training young Cambodian professionals too, empowering locals with the skills to protect their own heritage

Afterwards, I visited the Ta Prohm temple that the King Jayavarman VII dedicated to his mother in 1186. I marvelled at two new statues of Buddha (just discovered this October within the temple) by the Archaeological Survey of India and APSARA (Cambodian Authorities for the management of Angkor) Teams. Currently 30 projects involving 14 countries are being conducted on the Angkor site.

Angkor Wat and Ta Prohm left me speechless. I could not imagine the scale of the site before nor the span of time of the Khmer Empire. I am absolutely fascinated. I am also encouraged by the combining efforts of the different countries working in Angkor and coordinated by UNESCO. I am proud to see that various nations in the world are combining efforts to restore the remnants of the history of another country.”

Finally, my day finished with an elephant walk to observe the sunset at the Phnom Bakheng temple, one of the first capitals of the Khmer Empire. It was a beautiful day! And it was made possible by this global team here whose work is in many ways a model for the kind of efforts necessary to preserve our heritage but also a model for global peace building and sustainable development.

Angkor showed me today that human beings need each other to move forward. It shows that we cannot do things alone." Source

Weighing in on MLK Day and more....

2012-01-16T16:06:00.000-08:00

Each year on Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday, I make a statement on behalf of Black Buddhists who have been shunned by their Christan family members and friends. I feel that we must recognize the King legacy is defined by Christianity in the Black community, which is today without much regard for Buddhists globally, and African American Buddhists especially. This year is poignant considering the American Buddhist community's similar problem welcoming Black Buddhists into their ranks. It's time to connect some dots.

The fact is religions of Abraham (Christianity, Judaism, Islam) have assailed the Black mind since the Roman Empire. Abrahamic impact on the Black mind in Africa and America lies just below the surface of what appears to be religious pluralism. This includes the American Buddhist community and its people of color allies who have of late been wrestling with the, "Why is Western Buddhism so white issue?" issue. The issue requires broader critique than that which is mustered by LGBT, feminist, and intellectual Buddhists of color who benefit from keeping the homophobic, misogynist, underclass of Black converts from swelling their ranks.

The dot to be connected is how a culture of dominance migrated from Abrahamic birth religions into American Buddhism to serve at its helm with impunity.

Rainbowdharma has been devoted to the identification of this problem. Our first contribution to the discussion a decade and a half ago was, "American Buddhism: What Does it Mean to People of Color?" Certainly not the first to express concern, we have at least tried to maintain its voice without capitulating to the powers that be. Subsequent articles, interviews, books and an award winning film have kept the discussion present on the Rainbowdharma table. The cost has been high, including being treated with the same disdain as those whose voices we've represented. Nevertheless, I take pleasure in announcing final edits of a 500 page tome on the subject is underway.

The book dispenses with concern for dominant culture issues. Black Buddhists in America are not responsible for fixing what they didn't break. Nor, do they have any responsibility whatsoever to perpetuate a Christian biased African American legacy that marginalizes them. Instead, Secret Escape from the Plantation of the Mind, is a call for introspection and revisioning of the African American Buddhist mindscape. It's the doctrine of a Spiritual Underground Railroad whose purpose is to do for the Black Mind what Tubman's work did to physically liberate slaves. A more detailed description of the book will be available soon. Its publication date will be in the next few months on the Rainbowdharma imprint exclusively. There will be a ten day window of initial publication at cost. This is on behalf of those with limited budget who wish to plan ahead. Thereafter, the book will be sold at market rate. Those interested in updates prior to release can write a note of interest to: SecretEscape@rainbowdharma.com. Again I thank you for your years of interest.

Looking forward to deepening the 2012 discussion of
what's best for our community and country,

Lama Rangdrol

Chinese Propoganda Replaces Boston's Historic R&B Radio Programming

2011-07-01T13:26:00.000-07:00

On June 1, 2011, without much fanfare Michael Eric Dyson, Al Sharpton, Gospel programming, Tom Joyner and a lot of other folks found themselves tossed on their heads at Boston's historic Wild-AM station with the flip of a switch in China. 1090 AM, "Where Information Is Power, made real the subtext to this blog when Chinese-related programming under a lease agreement between Radio One and China Radio International began running without them. As a result, all news/talk, Classic Soul and Gospel programming that was heard on WILD were silenced, ending the station's 38 year legacy of serving Boston's African-American community. While China invests hundreds of billions in Africa they're slowly squelching the voice of African America. Black pundits and leaders, afraid of the Original Black Buddha's wisdom because of their ties to the Christian ideal, find out what's going on the hard way. Ouch!

Host: We'll be right back after the commercial break. (Silence.....)

"Radio one, the Washington, D.C.-based corporate owner of WILD, has leased 1090 AM to China Radio International, a Beijing-based Chinese government-sponsored media aimed at fostering better understanding between the people of China and the rest of the world.
“It’s a sad day in the city of Boston,” says lifelong Roxbury resident Kim Janey..WILD was a local, black-owned station from 1973, when it was acquired by the late Kendall Nash, until 1999, when his widow Bernadine Nash sold the station to Radio one. Ask any Roxbury native who grew up in the ‘70s, ‘80s or ‘90s, and you’ll get an ear-ful about what for many was the prime source for R&B..
China Radio International’s foray into the Boston market is part of a $6.6 billion initiative undertaken by the Beijing government to burnish China’s image in the international community..“The people who are now determining what’s news for us ain’t necessarily us,” Depass says. “In fact, they’re not even in this country. We now have robot stations where there’s no one in the studio.” Article

R.I.P

Meet Lama Rangdrol

2011-02-04T16:28:00.001-08:00

A Few Thoughts on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and the Buddhist Community

2011-01-17T12:26:00.000-08:00

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Despite today's nationwide discussion of religious freedom and tolerance African Americans continue to be ostracized by their community for converting from Christianity to Buddhism. In the Black community MLK day does not include endorsement of African Americans exercising religious diversity, i.e. conversion. Belying freedom ringing hoopla is a persistent marginalization of young men and women pursing Buddhism as a chosen faith. To be openly Black and Buddhist is as unwelcome at church as it is in many family gatherings on this auspicious day.

Whether being verbally accosted or simply getting the stink eye from friends and family, the experience of a black Buddhist on MLK day can be very different from their Christian counterparts. Many people don't realize, "All of God's children, black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics," is often interpreted literally in the Black community. Some black people, especially clergy, rationalize if Dr. King wanted to include Buddhists he would have done so. They could care less that King's theory of non-violence is deeply rooted in Eastern religion and philosophy. To be Black and Buddhist is considered by some to be a traitor to the Christian Civil Rights legacy of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Amen.

Because of these unresolved issues Buddhists who are black often experience disenfranchisement from their families, friends, and community. Spending MLK day away from family, away from the church, away from childhood Christian friends and/or quietly tucking oneself in a public MLK celebration is not unusual. Black Buddhists are more likely to be “prayed for” rather than accepted as legitimate spiritual beings. Without openness in the Buddhist community Black adherents can feel their is nowhere to turn. This is their dilemma, marooned between worlds.

In support of building receptive Buddhist communities, I call on Buddhist teachers, centers, and organizations to once again recommit themselves to serving the spiritual needs of African American converts. This can be done simply by creating “place” for them even if it challenges existing comfort zones.

Dharma community is a place where feminism and patriarchy can and should find common ground, the wealthy and poor can hold Dharma treasure equally, parents can heal otherwise intractable differences with their children, descendants of oppressors and the oppressed can find common purpose, LGBT polity can have civil and constructive discourse with homophobic dominance, and so on. If not, then how is the Dharma community different from other failed attempts to reconcile difference? This is our challenge, our cause.

Every new person seeking refuge in Dharma is entitled to vestiges of misogyny, racialized perspectives, patriarchy, anger, fear, heterosexism, misunderstanding, extreme views, self-sabotage and intolerance just as patients are entitled to illness in a hospital. If an African American comes through the door with all the above, hopefully they've come to the right place. Dharma is the medicine and those living an authentic Buddhist life are the healers. Most Buddhist believe and act in this way. The philosophy and practices of boundless tolerance, boundless patience, boundless, love, and boundless equanimity are only radical to those who mistake comfort zones for Buddhist philosophy and practice.

Diversity without inclusion of Black people as human beings and human beings as Black people lacks veracity. Examining xenophobic fears about one another is inseparable from the Buddhist ideal. Kudos to Buddhist organizations and leaders who’ve worked diligently to increase openness towards the Black community. The next step is to work more deeply “with” converts seeking refuge in our midst.

Black Guerrilla Filmmakers: A Tradition, a Validation

2010-12-06T16:21:00.000-08:00

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I found inspiration in the rather direct comments on film making made by writer/producer Sam Greenlee, whose 1973 film Spook Who Sat By the Door was effectively banned for thirty years. What an incisive string of commentary is presented in this brief montage, beginning with: "It was an adventure." "We had to shot it guerrilla style because that was necessary." "I want people to look at the movie and [leave] thinking." I can relate to this.

On being ostracized he gives this advice and insight, "If we're gonna be outsiders man, take advantage of being outside. If you want to be a rich ho' then go to Hollywood. If you want to want to say something true about black people then do what we did. Raise the money from the black community then shoot want you want." Word.

He goes on to say, "If you don't belong someplace, get the hell out. There's no excuse now for black people not to be making' there own films. With modern technology you can shoot a film that ten years ago would have cost ten million dollars..." Final Cut Pro, Yes!

Part of my reciprocity practice for having been raised in the grass roots of the black community has been to teach Buddhism in the grass roots of Oakland's black community. Accolade or even appreciation for my work has been hard to come by from the black elite. This coupled with my work as a controversial black filmmaker brought me close to the cold-shoulder of what Greenlee calls "some of the richest Nig**rs...". I feel a consistency of truth when he says, "I feel a definite sense of elitism today. I don't believe our so-called leaders have any connection with the people viscerally, intellectually or otherwise. In fact I think they're frightened of us. They are afraid of ordinary grass roots black people, yet they still pretend to speak for us..."

Greenlee's account is not for those satisfied by ghost written glossy celebrity books about the struggle of emerging from street life to Hollywood success. He's the real deal, and fully capable of telling truth in his own words.

As a final signature of authenticity he speaks of the joy in having not been destroyed for daring to give unadulterated, unsanctioned, and institutionally unedited social commentary, "I'm goin' to get the last laugh on all those people, the whites and the blacks who tried to break me... I'm healthy and happy and having a good time. And, if I never make another film..look at the film I made." Hmm...sounds good to me. Check it out.

Although my film, Festival Canceled, lacks the historical or artistic significance of Spook, still, I find great inspiration in this wonderfully affirming message from a black filmmaker who knows the struggle of making black cinema as an outsider.

I guess it's fitting to thank the maintstream Buddhist community for "come-uppin's" they offered by pushing me to the fringe. What a blessing it was to be "dis-invited" to teach at major Buddhist centers. To be erased from the roster of organizations I served dutifully. To be deemed irrelevant by Buddhist publishers, publications and scholars. To be de-institutionalized for being too radical for the Buddhist left because I dared use black as adjective. To remain undermentioneded by the American Buddhist elite. To be snubbed by Buddhist film festivals as well as black festivals in the Bible belt. Thank you for these credentials that offer such revealing insights into the nature of our community.

And, thank you Mr. Greenlee for helping me to appreciate the currency and validation of being ostracized by the wealthy, powerful, and politically disinterested among the American Buddhist community. In retrospect, what I thought to be mistreatment could not have been a greater boon. Audacity, daring, and at times even unmitigated gall are also expressions of many great Tantric Buddhist's. I feel in good company.

And what's shallow about being black?

2010-12-01T16:55:00.000-08:00

Why we must continue.....

2010-11-20T19:11:00.000-08:00

Being an African American teacher of Tibetan Buddhist peace has never been a quest for popularity. Indeed, it has been a burden to bear. How many times can a person walk into a room only to witness people confused by the face and tall stature of someone who is obviously not Tibetan? Answer: As many times as it takes. Why? Because there are simply things His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the legion of Tibetan teachers in the world cannot do. They cannot look into the face of the American black community and say, "I've lived the legacy of black America." So together we must stand, all of us, on the great frontier of what must be done; keepers of the light. Special thanks to Gwen Pierce and all those who make The Chocolate Voice happen. Your work helps our community to continue healing from the injury of slavery. Also, thanks to my late teacher, Khempo Yurmed Tinly who taught me how important it was to teach the Dharma just as I am.

(click to read, pg. 24-25)

Where permission to be a Black Buddhist must come from...

2010-04-09T03:04:00.000-07:00

China, DNA, African origin, in their own words...

2010-03-15T18:06:00.000-07:00

Perhaps we should all reflect on this....

The meeting. The Inevitable - at last....

2010-02-19T01:00:00.000-08:00

Slide Show ........................................ The Issues

Fourteen years ago I began discussing the need for greater connection between African Americans, Asia, and Buddhism. A decade ago I wrote about it:

"The economic reality for African Americans is that we must reestablish a meaningful connection with Asia...To not be in accord with that growth is to be left behind." (Black Buddha, Lama Rangdrol, Rainbowdharma, 2000, pg 12-13)

Truth be told. Nuff said...

Kudos to those who heard the Black Buddha message when it was first presented. Welcome to those who are coming to a better understanding of its critique, vision and contribution.. Peace - LR

Black History Month Buddhist Offering

2010-02-02T13:34:00.000-08:00

In honor of Black History Month, I offer a month-long online viewing of "Festival Canceled Due to Heavy Rain," the award-winning film about my life. The film charts my journey from the sixties in urban Los Angeles, to my profound experience of healing in the Cambodian jungle last year.

Please watch the film, offer what financial support you can, and share with friends, family, and members of the press. My hope is to continue to highlight the important connection between African Americans and the Buddhist experience so we all can share in mutual understanding.

VIEW FILM

(may take a moment to download)

African American, Buddhism, China, center stage...

2009-11-15T11:59:00.000-08:00

"(Chinese Official): 'Dalai Lama is the chief of feudal serfdom. China abolished serfdom in 1959. ... This is the same with Lincoln's abolition of the black slavery system in the U.S.,' said Mr. Qin. 'President Obama should be more able to understand the stance of the Chinese government against Tibet independence and Dalai's international activities to break up his motherland.'" Article

An interesting article recently appeared in the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) about the growing awareness of China's racism towards black people. The article mentioned Obama's African American persona on Chinese consciousness, discrimination against mixed race (Black/Chinese) Chinese citizens, high profile African American celebrity visits to China, African political discord (a riot) in China, and the national embarrassment of Black/Chinese mixed race beauty contestant Lou Jing. All of these and other related issues have been covered by Rainbowdharma's on-line discussions over the years,

A decade ago combining the words Black and Buddha into one identifying phrase was considered racist. There were people within and outside the Buddhist community who felt American Buddhism should remain a "race free" zone. I wondered how anything American could possibly be free of a discourse on race, power, class, gender and so on considering our unique history? Despite advice from Buddhist insiders, I pursued the discussion of diversity and inclusion. As some advisers predicted, I paid a price for my critique of Buddhist elitism.

The audacity of responding to complaints of racism in American Buddhism precipitated the end of my acceptance in its varying communities. On one occasion, whites at a Dharma center even told the Lama/spiritual advisor I had a gun. His fear of "Black man with a gun" prompted him to cosign on my eviction from the spiritual community. The fact I had a newborn baby and sick wife was inconsequential. On another occasion a prominent Black Christian leader who, in addition to preaching damnation towards any Black Buddhists was quoted as saying "an African American interested in Eastern Spirituality is a traitor to his community." My invitations to speak at American Buddhist centers dwindled. A reporter at a black newspaper shared that he was threatened with bodily harm if he wrote another Buddhist friendly editorial. I was treated to several ball-busting rounds of undermining and subterfuge from Buddhist lesbian and Feminist leaders. My manuscript for Black Buddha, the book, was rejected by every Buddhist publisher I submitted to.

In fairness I must acknowledge Buddhist Peace Fellowship was initially kind enough to publish an interview I gave on African Americans and Buddhism in their Turning Wheel Magazine. Buddhdharma magazine also featured Black Buddha, the short volume, during that period but I've not heard from either since. All things considered I appreciated getting my voice out in a few venues but had much more to say than emerging adverse polity would allow.

In retrospect, being sidelined and/or pummelled by various communities was as inspirational as it was daunting. Rainbowdharma is the response and it has served many over its decade-long sojourn to resonance with ideas and views now echoed in WSJ. In 2006, Rainbowdharma surpassed 2 million hits from 100 countries and 400 academic institutions worldwide. And, I've been able to chronicle a few travels in Europe and Asia as well as produce a film.

Amidst the tumult of growth and search for voice I have experientially come to a personal view Buddhist leadership, particularly for people of color in America. Leadership is not merely about conforming to the views of the politically and financially dominant. It is not concentrism with white egoism for the right to sit at their table. Leading human beings to liberation and freedom cannot go forward while suppressing the voice of people of color.

Buddhist liberation will only land on our shores is through transcentrism. That is, the act of going beyond our comfort zones on behalf of our mutual interest in building a better life, community, society and world.

Powerful forces shape and obstruct the Buddhist experience in America. It's possible to shake off the psycho-emotional paralysis that sets in when the reality of obstacles to change the American Buddhist community become clear. We need not be afraid of those who consider themselves at the helm of our community. However well-intentioned there are simply a few folks in power doing to Buddhism what we as Americans have always done: appropriate, assimilate, and take what we need then throw the carcass to the side. Indigenous people know this, descendants of slaves know this, former employees of bankrupt corporations know this, people who've lost their homes to foreclosure know this, people released from prison after being convicted of a crime they did not commit know this, hard-working people laid off from their job who can't find another know this, the chronically poor, underhoused, indigent, and sick folk of our country living without healthcare know this. There is no shame in embracing its truth.

Every voice for peace and egalitarianism in our community is of tremendous value. If we must face frightening ideas in order to liberate ourselves so be it. The Dharma cannot be harmed by troubling ideas. Unchallenged assumptions of the intellect and ego are far greater threats than the tousling of one's reputation or status. A community must be able to confront its need for change, otherwise it is of no use in modernity.

Again, I thank all of our readers and supporters for the great memories that we've shared over the years. Thank you, thank you, thank you. I don't expect kudos from WSJ but for those who would like to deepen their research and understanding of the surging importance of the relationship between Africa, China, Buddhism, and African Americans visit Asia and U S.
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Lama Rangdrol to give public teaching in San Diego and San Francisco

2009-10-20T11:08:00.000-07:00

A great time to meet:

San Diego:
November 4, 2009
Indigo Village
1054 Second Street, Suite B
Encinitas, CA 90024

San Francisco:
November 6-8

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

2009-10-03T13:02:00.000-07:00

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.

2008 Radio Interview, Slavery Monument, Amsterdam

2009-10-02T19:59:00.000-07:00

In 2008 I had the good fortune to visit Amsterdam. It was a relief to be in the city where so many African Americans found refuge as part of their exit from the hyperscrutiny of American popularism. Amsterdam is a place where anyone can get lost, become invisible, and be left alone for as long as they wish. There is an anonymity available that is hard to describe from the American point of view. People simply mind there own business, sometimes quite literally.

I felt very far away from predatory Dharma teachers and centers and competitors ready to discredit my work and voice. American Buddhism, particularly in the SF Bay Area, is known for its less than friendly reception to Black Buddhism as a critique of its white inspired people of color movement. I recall the mean-spirited critique and secret undermining strategies by individuals who now claim to represent the very ideas they disparaged. Amsterdam was a refreshing relief. A place where one's guard can be up or down without consequence.

During my visit I gave a radio interview on conversion issues African Americans face when exiting their Christian/Civil Rights legacy. I did not go into the rank and file LGBT Buddhist of color leadership that has wedged itself into the heart of "of color" Buddhist identity. Then of course there are the aging peace-loving feminists who see no place whatsoever for straight male leadership except in subordinate or neutered roles. I speak of none of this. Rather the interview was a wonderful opportunity to present a straight forward discussion on issues of conversion, separation, and survival as a Buddhist in Black America.

So in a country deeply rooted in transatlantic slave trade, not to far from a slavery monument I shared the following thoughts in an interview that begins with a one minute introduction in Dutch.

Interesting thoughts on the Slavery Monument -

Academics slow but coming ...

2009-01-28T01:36:00.000-08:00

Although the work of Rainbowdharma and its inclusion of Black Buddha connecting the African American community to the global Buddhism as well as Afro Asian relevance to Buddhist history is in its tenth year, academia (Buddhist Studies) has been slow to acknowledge the work or its inspirational leadership. Still, it is as comforting as it is validating to see scholars beginning to discuss these truisms outside the so-called "Diversity Model" that has done little to stem American Buddhist resistance on this subject. Congratulations to those who realized the common sense truth of Black Buddha in their hearts long before it became popular to do so.

Perhaps someday the ivory tower will finally realize black Buddhists have incarnated in America as we go about our work with or without their acknowledgment or support. We have long abandoned our wood block press for cyberspace, web 2.0 and social networking. These are our tools today and we are ahead, very far ahead, of what for some will be a rude awakening to our presence in their midst.

Our work is on behalf of all human beings without regard to ethnic or racial identity. Until our relevance more deeply strikes their hearts I hope my academically inclined Rainbowdharma friends will take note of this honorable mention of a black Buddha in Tibet as well as the implications of his work on Feminism then and now.

Ethnicity as an Issue ‎(Tibetological‎): "In this paper, I propose to consider in a limited way what roles ethnicity played in the Tibetan-Indian interface. In effect, we will consider the area of Tingri in the decades around the year 1100 as something like what would nowadays be termed a ‘culture contact zone,’[1] although given the nature of our sources and the types of information they were designed to supply we can perhaps only hope to come to conclusions of some sophistication or depth. Even so, our main source is a relatively rich one, and for this we ought to be grateful. After a few brief words about this main source, we will immediately look into the life of Padampa as a South Indian, very likely a native speaker of Telugu, touching on the significance laid by Tibetans on his blackness...The texts of the Peacemaking Collection accept Padampa’s Indian ethnicity, his Atsara-hood, his blackness and his role as spiritual teacher as a single package worthy of reverence. One interesting passage (P: V 205) states that everyone who met him underwent remarkable behavioral transformations. Some cried, others laughed, some were frightened, some were driven insane, had samādhis, felt strong faith or renunciation, had great faith or exceptional realizations. "

Universal principles...

2009-01-13T12:59:00.000-08:00

Many people believe that the concept of Black Buddha, as I have defined it, is a narrow idea. This is as a result of unfortunate misinformation promulgated during the 1960's -80's by the dominant culture in American Buddhism. There has never been a reason for African Americans to adopt dominant culture or Asian culture as a means getting a foothold in the Buddhadharma.

Buddhism is an approach to the human mind that transcends any particular culture or religious predisposition. People all over the world not only understand Black Buddha but seek and even yearn to connect with it's universal truth. Here is a recent note I received from a Buddhist student in Poland. In it he shares Buddha's universal principles that provide all Buddhists with an understructure of equanimity transcendent of cultural, racial, and social differences:

Nie wierzcie w jakiekolwiek przekazy tylko dlatego, że przez długi czas obowiązywały w wielu krajach. Nie wierzcie w coś tylko dlatego, że wielu ludzi od dawna to powtarza. Nie akceptujcie niczego tylko z tego powodu, że ktoś inny to powiedział, że popiera to swoim autorytetem jakiś mędrzec albo kapłan, lub że jest to napisane w jakimś świętym piśmie. Nie wierzcie w coś tylko dlatego, że brzmi prawdopodobnie. Nie wierzcie w wizje lub wyobrażenia, które uważacie za zesłane przez boga. Miejcie zaufanie do tego, co uznaliście za prawdziwe po długim sprawdzaniu, do tego, co przynosi powodzenie wam i innym."

loose translation:

Do not believe in any religion simply because it stood for a long time in many countries. Do not believe in anything just because people have repeated it many times. Not only revere scripture due to the fact that someone else said that it supported the authority of wise men or a priests, or that it is written in a holy writing. Do not believe in anything just because it is likely. Do not believe in visions or ideas just because they are considered to be revealed by a God or Goddess. Have confidence in what appears to be true after a long verification, what brings success to you and others.

Wszystkie buddystów rozumiem tego. Cudowny!

(All Buddhists understand this. Wonderful!)

The Way It Was (Part 1) - Black Women First

2009-01-11T14:57:00.000-08:00

I've decided to write a series of posts titled, "The Way It was." The series will include my recollections on past situations that occurred during my evolution of Black Buddha. For example, many people don't know that black women were involved with leadership in the American Buddhist community long before I came on the scene.

For the sake of confidentiality I won't mention names. Suffice it to say for the most part that they had taken refuge from homophobia and misogyny in black culture. Early on Buddhism offered civility and peace to Lesbian and bisexual women who found little or no solace from the black Christian churches that infused judgement, criticism, and condemnation between them and the eyes of God. Interracial couples, mixed race commune dwellers, and biracial individuals were not uncommon either, primarily as a result of the Hippie movement's alternative to the radicalized Marxist/Leninist black power and black theology empowerment movements.

1960's-70's Indian and Tibetan gurus cultivated an affinity with peace loving hippies that endures as an understructure of convert Buddhism practiced today. American Buddhism is an Asian export catered to the American taste for Dharma-lite, an approach to Buddhism that quiets the nerves in non-offensive, non-confrontational, moderately spiritualized psycho-emotional "mental bites." Graduated change without the clamour of deep introspection and seizure like revelations is the rule of the day. Silent retreat is preferred by most except for the brave hearts who can endure the clashing of cymbals, pounding of drums, squealing horns and resonant mantric incantations of Tibetan egoistic beast slaying.

Voiceless black women and a smattering of men lay in the wash of this East/West symbiosis as it merged into definitive communities of American Buddhist traditions. Even as late as the mid nineties the term "Black Buddha" was seen as an offensive oxymoron while the unquestioned moniker "American Buddhism" forged on in a state of determined institutionalism.

The day I entered my first service to a Buddhist retreat center there was a young black woman sitting close to me at puja. She seemed upset as the lama approached her saying, "please don't leave." I never saw her again but the story was she had arrived with a black husband but was departing alone. Another interracial couple broke up while I was there and eventually my discussion of Black Buddha landed me on the "disinvited" list as well.

The American Buddhist environment was not a stable place for black love or lovers but for some black women its was better than eternal condemnation under God in African American Christendom. That's the way it was.

Lama Rangdrol wins film award

2009-01-03T17:35:00.001-08:00

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Festival Canceled Due to Heavy Rain, a film about Lama Choyin Rangdrol's spiritual journey to Cambodia has been awarded the Aloha Accolade Award for Excellence in Filmmaking at the 2009 Honolulu International Film Festival.

The award notice said, "...judges felt that your film demonstrated superior and standout filmmaking and is deserving of one of our our most esteemed awards. Your film was among the very best of the several hundreds of films submitted from over 30 countries around the world."

Our HBCU world premiere was well received in America's bible belt at Nashville's International Black Film Festival and we are screening again at the Pan African Film Festival in Magic Johnson's theaters in South Central Los Angeles. An award from the film community of Honolulu, city of multi-generational Buddhists as well as hometown of president elect Obama, adds an exciting dimension of contemporary relevance to Rainbowdharma's achievements.

The award will be presented at the Closing Night Awards Ceremony to be held 10:00 pm March 8, 2009 at the beautiful and historic Hawaii Theatre in the heart of Honolulu. Join us! And if you can't make it, consider making an offering to help cover Lama's attendance. A donation of any amount, large or small, is a pure offering that supports the goal of promoting diversity, and spiritual health in America at a time it needs it the most.

We'd like to thank those who have supported Lama Rangdrol's work over the years. If you are new to the Rainbowdharm experience, we look forward to adding your name to our growing list of supporters, and keeping your informed about the film's progress.

make offering here:
https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_donations&business=MB4JLJWL9R4FG&lc=US&item_name=Rainbowdharma&currency_code=USD&bn=PP%2dDonationsBF%3abtn_donateCC_LG%2egif%3aNonHosted
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Festival Canceled

Buddhism and the comdey of soul

2008-12-30T10:41:00.000-08:00

Every once in a while I come across an expression of soul that speaks to me as a Buddhist practitioner from the streets. I remember days when the only thing keeping us sane was the funny ni*ga. I mean the person who could slice through time and space with a humor so true that it took the edge off of tension everyone was feeling. There were so many talented people back in the day and I miss them all.

There were days when all I had to survive on was the whimsy, farce, or biting comedy of the funny ni*ga. Today I have Buddhist peace that will never end. Still, my appreciation remains unwavered for the comedy that saves lives, expresses truisms, and plumbs the depths of soul with satire. Becoming a Buddhist does not mean one abandons the realities of black culture. In fact the experience deepens as one awakens to the realities of impermanence.

Rasheed Thurmond passed away a while ago but his humaness lives on in this unique comedy clip. I share it with you as an example of what an urban yogi looks like to me:

About the language and style of my books

2008-12-30T08:28:00.000-08:00

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To date I have authored and self-published seven books whose language and style cater to the African American middle and lower classes. The reason for this is the 1980-90's dash many American Buddhists contrarily made to mainstream publishers catering to white, educated, upper middle class readers. The mad dash to be published in the mainstream was borne of quests for status, marketing viability, and sales. Hence, Dharma readers, organizations, and American Buddhist centers swelled with whites eager for more information, study and practice while blacks struggled for place in their midst.

Several African American writers broke through but they were primarily limited to college professors, black exotics willing to shave their heads in far away lands, and LGBT community members seeking refuge from patriarchal homophobic God centered religious dogma. Most of these authors were edited by whites on behalf of their white publishers and readers. However eloquent the finished product, their writing style spoke to the need of appropriation by a growing community of white centrism in the American Buddhist community. Addressing the need of downtrodden black folk including the million plus incarcerated in American jails and prisons was not seen as a viable publishing adventure. The catch phrase, "They don't read," was used to assuage writing to, for, or about them.

I made a different choice that included a writing style that would seem base by mainstream standards. The quasi-intellectual lexicon of my work comes from years of working in black communities, literacy, programs, prisons, and on urban streets where intellectualisms are expressed in post-Ebonics layered with phraseology resistant to dominant culture appropriation. It was always a great joy to see street intellectuals read my work and return with a glistening smile. Many of tem recognized the language pattern as one familiar to their sensibilities and for the first time saw Buddhism as accessible. It is for them and those who see them as a community survival resource that my work sings, and I'm good with that. It makes me feel happy and more human.

Although I have suffered many indignities for my choice to write for the people, I feel the work of bringing Dharma to ordinary black people has been served. I am educated in classical music and theater at the graduate level, and hold certificates of study from the National Shakespeare Company (New York) and the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (London). I could have written Black Buddha in high prose and scored it with symphonic music but that would not have served the community I came from. I grew up on the streets of suburban Los Angeles during the tumult of 1960's and revolutionary ideals.

I apologize to my family for making the less economically viable choice to self-publish my unique works. I had the same hard choices to make as any other writer. My sense is my writings will stand the test of time, particularly since mainstream publishing has changed its field of interest under increasing economic pressures. Three years ago I saw a first edition of Black Buddha for sale on-line as a rare book priced at quadruple to its original cost.

I felt then as I do now that the black masses have few to serve their needs and even fewer who can or are willing to sacrifice status, economic viability, and mainstream appeal on their behalf. There is nothing noble about taking less than your efforts and talents can command. I simply did what I thought was right at the time.

Outside of blogging, my black Buddha writing period has come to an end. I've written enough to satisfy my commitment to the urban street elders who set me on a path away from the destructive intrigues of street life. In the end I have found Buddhist peace as well as eternal thanks to those who read and understood the intention of my work over the years.

Thank you all,
Lama Rangdrol
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The Dalai Obama

2008-11-14T14:46:00.000-08:00

This is why I wrote the book Black Buddha years ago, and continue to advance the discussion. It was inevitable that the two worlds meet. Thank all of you who "kept it real" by supporting the original Black Buddha over the years. My fellow pioneers. You know who you are.

Question: But do think these two leaders will recognize their mutual global history?

What people say about Buddhism

2008-09-01T11:53:00.000-07:00

Voices of Faith: Aug. 30, 2008 : Religion : Redding Record Searchlight

"Because Buddhism is not a revealed religion, it does not include the concept of prophets, per se, but rather great beings (mahasattvas).

Great beings are people who embody compassion and wisdom in action. They appear throughout history in all cultures and religious traditions as saints, mystics, philosophers, poets, and humanitarians; such as: Hillel the Elder (Jewish), Rumi (Muslim), Albert Schweitzer (Christian), Black Elk (Native American), Bodhidharma (Buddhist), Mirabai (Hindu female mendicant and poet), and Pete Seeger (folk singer/environmental activist).

There have been amazing connections between some great beings. The American Transcendentalist Henry David Thoreau, influenced by Buddhism and Hinduism, writes Civil Disobedience. The Hindu Mahatma Gandhi influenced by Civil Disobedience brings about the independence of India from Great Britain through the practice of satyagraha (nonviolence, literally "the firmness of truth"). The Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. influenced by Gandhi advances civil rights in America.

Current Buddhist mahasattvas might include the Dalai Lama, Thich Nhat Hanh, Henepola Gunaratana, and westerners like Pema Chodren, Jack Kornfield, and Joanna Macy — all of whom have written wonderful books.

The Buddha teaches that we are all innately empowered to be moral and enlightened. We should not base our conduct simply on tradition, scripture, logic, philosophy, common sense, our existing opinions, authorities or experts (prophets), our teachers, or even the Buddha. But what is skillful, non-harming, and conducive to the liberation and happiness of ourselves and others, that we should do.

May the merits of our diverse spiritual practices benefit all beings and bring peace."

American Music/ American Buddhism

2008-08-15T01:05:00.000-07:00

Sometimes the music says more than words can ever say. To date, Buddhism has been isolated within certain groups in the American experience. If you are white, Lesbian or Gay, middle class and educated you are more likely to be familiar with the Dalai Lama's books, videos, teachings, and circumstances than a person who is black or latino, uneducated, and poor in America.

The philosophy of Buddhist peace does not have these class, race, or sexuality limitations. Buddhist peace is as open as good soul music. It easily passes between people who have an openness to its message. When Buddhist peace is shared freely with the American people it will flow as freely as this mixed band of musicians shares the beautiful message of Marvin Gaye's timeless lyrics.

Enjoy,
Lama Rangdrol

What's Goin' On
Michael McDonald (feat. Billy Preston)

Leadership in Challenging Times

2008-08-09T15:44:00.000-07:00

Leadership sometimes means acceptance of circumstances today as a means of creating potential for change in the future:

Dalai Lama's Message on the Olympics

Published: Tuesday, 5 August, 2008

I would like to offer my greetings to the People's Republic of China, the organizers and the athletes participating in the forthcoming Olympic Games in Beijing.

Right from the time of China's application to hold the Olympic Games, I have supported China's right to host the Games. This is a moment of great pride to the 1.3 billion Chinese people. These Games should contribute to promoting the Olympic spirit of friendship, openness and peace.

I send my prayers and good wishes for the success of the event.

THE DALAI LAMA

Olympic Ceremony

2008-08-09T15:38:00.000-07:00

We must all consider this carefully:

By Barry Garron

Aug 9, 2008

Sure, money talks, but it can also buy quite a bit of silence, or so it seemed during NBC's Friday night telecast of the Opening Ceremony of the Summer Olympics from Beijing. Having shelled out $894 million for the U.S. rights, the Peacock was not about to squawk about many of the controversies that surround these Games.

You could tell where this was going when, at the outset, legendary news anchor Tom Brokaw, referring to the current Chinese regime in a taped piece, said protest "is not welcomed."

Not welcomed? Hiccups are not welcomed. Protests and protesters are crushed, beaten, jailed, charged with treason and carted off to serve as examples of the futility of fighting repression. Not welcomed indeed.

Yes, the focus of the telecast was supposed to be on the Opening Ceremony and not an in-depth news documentary on life in China (which, by the way, you could have seen on Discovery with Ted Koppel as host last month). But this is the broadcast that sets the stage for everything that is to follow.

For that reason, broadcasting the Opening Ceremony requires more than just pretty pictures of colorful dancers, children in costumes, goose-stepping soldiers, video artistry and eye-popping fireworks. NBC, as it has in the past, manages that part flawlessly with incredible shots from every conceivable angle, as well as the more mundane Parade of Nations.

Like it or not, though, this also is where NBC needs to introduce viewers to the context in which the Games are held, both culturally and politically. That means fully reporting on significant issues -- particularly when they threaten both the Games and the integrity of how they are reported, as is the case here.

Given China's abysmal record on human rights, which received almost no mention, and its disgraceful record in Darfur, which didn't come up until Sudanese athletes entered the National Stadium, there's room for debate over whether China's selection as host was not, in retrospect, a mistake.

While you might not necessarily expect NBC to entertain that discussion, it is remiss in not pointing out how China has taken measures to prevent journalists from even fleeting contact with dissidents and how the nation broke its promise to permit full Internet access for visiting journalists. Or how it has developed an enormous city of informants and electronic Internet eavesdropping in every hotel room.

Instead, we get Joshua Cooper Ramo, NBC's China analyst, telling us how the Chinese are "reaching their hands out to the world in an unprecedented way."

"This is an Olympics unlike any other," said co-host Bob Costas. True, but for many reasons virtually unmentioned in the opening broadcast. Like the air, for example. It's so bad in Beijing that athletes from around the globe are worried it will cause them permanent damage.

American track and field athletes trained in the eastern port city of Dalian while coaches warned runners to wear dust masks in Beijing. Australia's track and field team skipped the Opening Ceremony to avoid breathing the air.

Neither Costas nor co-host Matt Lauer had much to say about Beijing's air, though there was time enough for Lauer to tell viewers that Malawi was the country from which Madonna adopted a child.

It's a worrisome start, but it could get worse, particularly if demonstrators somehow manage to penetrate, even briefly, the tight net of Chinese security. Will NBC break in during gymnastics or risk embarrassing its Chinese hosts? The opening broadcast offers not much hope of that.

NBC Sports
Executive producers: Dick Ebersol, David Neal; Director: Bucky Gunts; Hosts: Bob Costas, Matt Lauer.

Black Buddha, Love, and Soul Music

2008-08-08T14:55:00.000-07:00

Things have never been easy for black love. But there was a time when a positive message of togetherness was everywhere. The idea of happiness and black love in the face of great challenges is consistent with the teachings of Buddhism. The spirit of this short clip strikes me as inseparable from the goals of Buddhist philosophy and belief.

Marvin Gaye and Tami Tammi Terrel: "Ain't no Mountain High Enough"

About CNN's: Black in America

2008-07-25T23:59:00.000-07:00

Dear Soledad,

Crack, crack, crack, poverty, blissful interracial healing, crack, prison, crack, church, downtrodden saved by Ivy League Samaritans (hopefully). Okay I get it. Maybe these are all expressions of the same problem.

Why is the Dalai Lama smiling while so many black leaders are frowning?

Black Buddhists have something to say about what works for them:

http://rainbowdharma.com/festivalscreening/theater1.htm

About CNN's: Reclaiming the Dream

2008-07-23T02:58:00.000-07:00

Kudos for a noble attempt.

My concern is that leadership in black community seems to always be portrayed as Christian, economically savvy, aspiring to be well educated and Ivy League if possible. I'm not sure what the goal is, a nation of Oprahs and Obamas?

I grew up in a Crips neighborhood and found that Buddhist peace offered me a way out. Today I teach Buddhism in the black community and would like to say that, "I too am black in America."

Bones and Stones (part 1) - Harihara

2008-07-18T00:37:00.000-07:00

From time to time I will share images of the Afro-Asian experience that bring to mind the message of enduring legacy sent by those from the distant past. The bones of these ancient statues tell of a time when civilizations knew their ephemeral existence. The symbolism of statuary was one of authority and determinism in their present as well as a powerful thrust of iconic imagery into the future.

In order to receive the power of the message African Americans must be willing to see through the effects of their recent enslavement, colonization and evangelism in the West.

Harihara

This exquisite piece is not of a Pharaoh of Egypt. Rather he is the personification of both Vishnu (Hari) and Shiva (hara) combined into one Supreme Deity. His bilateral crown denotes the unification of these two powerful energies inseparable as one.

This 7th-8th Century Cambodian masterpiece is a unique departure of the traditional representation of haria with two 'half-faces.' Rivaling any Greco-Roman artistry this image suggests the Pharaonic style and could only have been commissioned from Cambodian artisans by the political and religious authority of the Southeast Asian ruling elite.

Trouble in Vihear, oblivious African America . . .

2008-07-17T13:54:00.001-07:00

While African Americans remain myopically mesmerized by the possibility of a Christian black president in the United States, Cambodians stand ready to defend to the death any encroachment on sacred Afro-Asian religious sites in their country by the Thai government.

African Americans remain unaware that their global legacy is under assault by Thailand's descendants of China. The Thai (Cambodian) kingdom who ruled all of what is known today as Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Burma, and Cambodia. The Thai remained people were once Chinese refugees seeking shelter from Mongol invaders. They appealed and were granted sanctuary by the then powerful Khmerendogamous, marrying within their own ethnic and cultural group over centuries. Eventually they created an insurgency that warred against it's hosts until they were able to seize land and autonomous power from the Khmer. Today Thailand is a diverse society with strong nationalistic sentiments.

Over centuries however, Afro-Asian heritage was subsumed by the more Chinese culture within Thailand. Today many Thai people feel that all of Cambodia belongs to them and hostility between the two nations has remained even during the worst of the Killing Fields era.

Although the majority of the magnificent artifacts have been stolen from Cambodia, the Khmer people still defend the land and its holy sites with intense loyalty.

Currently, Thai troops have crossed the border into Cambodia promoting literal face off in the Cambodian border temple Preah Vihear. UNESCO recently awarded responsibility of the temple to Cambodia ending a long dispute over propriety. The Thai reportedly crossed the border and entered the temple in response to UNESCO's decision.

Nothing whatsoever has been reported about this in the African American press that has spent most of its time focusing on whether Barrack Obama is truly Christian.

Thai Buddhism is father of the Vipassana Buddhist community in America. A community that, because of their spiritual and political connections with Cambodia's adversaries, has done little to raise consciousness among its African American adherents about the Khmer Afro-Asian heritage.

Lesson From The Past

2008-07-14T22:23:00.000-07:00

During my recent journey to Cambodia I witnesses first hand evidence of the last war we pulled out from. Ethnic cleansing occurred in the form of the killing fields, which we as a nation have never seen as anything other than a Cambodian problem. Today, thirty years later, many Cambodian people remain without clean water, electricity, or medical care.

Fortunately they are not hostile towards America. They are a Buddhist country unlike the current participants in our global conflagrations. Let us not forget them as we we look to our next president for sane policies that can bring conflicts abroad to an end:

New Yorker's Cover Exposes Unresolved Issues

2008-07-14T02:17:00.000-07:00

The suggestion that the Obama's are anything other than devout Christians is not only offensive to their supporters but dangerous for Barrack's candidacy. Distancing from Jeremiah Wright was not enough and represents only the first of a number of predicaments, insults, responses and manuevers that will surely take place in the upcoming months.

To be seen as black and non Christian in America is to be considered out of touch at the very least, and an enemy to those who see Christianity as an expression of patriotism. There is nothing new here.

Stereoptypic images using exaggerated body parts such as oversized heads, noses, lips teeth and so on prey on the same historical fears presented during the "Yellow Peril" of the second world war.

Yellow Peril images were used to incite and justify the internment of tens of thousands of Japanese Americans.

During post Civil War Reconstruction reparations were in part avoided through the use of images depicting blacks as inherently inferior and unworthy. The use of stereotypes such as the mammy, black buck, mulatto, Uncle Tom, and Coon were invaluable to the campaign against reparations. Images from that era have become ingrained in American consciousness.

Women and children have never been spared in this visual assault.

These images are not partisan and have served a larger issue globally. To the left we find an image of a Mullato woman knifing a Latina as a pickinny cheers her on. The right image is of Condeleeza Rice from an anti-American Middle Eastern source.

Asian and black stereotypes have been pitted against one another historically as a means of creating a unique dissension that serves neither group.

The coming months in this charged political environment will surely birth incarnations of America's unresolved past. We as a nation must find peace along the way as some of our demons are exposed and hopefully exorcised. Tolerance and mutual respect for others are important now more than ever. This is consistent with the Buddhist ideal.

Read more about the story of Asian Buddhist and Christian Black communities:

Requiem for O.G. system

2008-07-12T23:21:00.000-07:00

I was saddened recently to hear about young gang members abandoning respect for O.G.'s. Many people, particularly those who have never had direct contact with the gang experience, are simply unaware of the significance of this moment in the devolution of gang organizational architecture.

Without the intention of romanticizing gang life, I describe the shift as one of organized activity degrading to a level of marauding. That is, armed angry young black who see themselves as responding to nothing other than the raw emotion of any given moment.

The elder system has fallen from grace and no one can really say where things will go in terms of impact on the black community. The idea of addressing this problem cannot be countenanced from the broad scope of healthcare issues, tax relief, or combating global terrorism.

No presidential candidate has risen from the institutional life of gangs so the national platform has no real assessment or strategy for the situation.

I spent some time teaching Buddhism in small store fronts in gang neighborhoods. I'd sit quietly as pants sagging young men with pockets drooping from heavy handguns sauntered in and out of the tiny niches. A small alter with Bodhidharma, the founder of Zen, flickering in candle light was the only sign of peace in the tense environ.

I learned quickly that my moody young friends weren't listening to the Dharma. They were simply tolerating my presence as a way of showing respect for the fleeting moment of peace talk I could muster.

How do you speak of the potentials of a peaceful life to those who aren't sure tomorrow will come? Racked with the pressures of ever-present violence and death around them, my words seemed distant and ineffectual to everyone present including me.

All I knew is that without the O.G.'s who invited me and stood by as my protectors there would be no possibility of having contact with these young black Americans.

I also knew that what people call American Buddhism, including the famous glossy Buddhist magazine cover celebrities and their spacious Dharma center operations, had no chance whatsoever of connecting with this base of neighborhood suffering.

The O.G. system in its redemptive state served as both watchdog and optimistic conduit to pre-prison black youth. Some of the better community programs encouraging young people to transcend gang mentality are run by O.G.'s. Unfortunately, the same system in its unhealthy state served to worsen everything and as San Quentin death row inmates Steve Champion and Anthony Ross write, "(O.G.'s) abused their status by exploiting and manipulating younger homeboys....where the big homie/little homie relationship is only about superiority, control, and someone else doing the dirty work."

In some respects the latter has subsumed the former creating an unrecoverable generational breakdown that has affected a system wide disillusionment of the relationship.

A few years ago I shared the community service award stage along with mothers who's children were been slain in gang violence. I wrote a symphony titled, "Rainbowdharma Symphony for World Peace: Lullaby for Mothers." I offer it again here as a requiem for the loss of the O.G. system. It runs about 9 minutes, please take a moment to listen and reflect.

Obama Buddha? wishful thinking . . .

2008-07-12T02:00:00.000-07:00

Inside Obama's Christian Crusade

Every once and a while I Google 'Obama and Buddhist' just to see if he is a secret Buddhist. So far nothing has come up. What I did note is that there were a number of Buddhists blogs, organizations, and individuals who see Buddhism in Obama's approach to listening, problem solving, patience, tolerance, and so on. Great.

But, what is the real possibility for a Buddhist, especially a black Black Buddhist to run for the highest office in the land? Impossible.

The presidency seems to be policed by some of America's most powerful protestant Christians. One might remember that JFK, a Catholic, barely squeezed through amid a flurry of controversy and debate. So the idea of 'Obama Buddha' for all intents and purposes is nothing more than a yearning on the part of optimistic American Buddhists.

The truth is that Senator Obama is under intense pressure to authenticate himself as a devout Christian. So much so that he apparently preferred his June 10th meeting with thirty of America's most powerful Evangelists to remain off the record.

News accounts report that in the meeting, "Franklin Graham, son of the evangelical icon Billy Graham and head of the international Christian aid organization Samaritan's Purse, was seated next to Obama at the meeting." Making the best of an opportunity the younger Graham was said to have, "...directly confronted Obama about his supposedly Muslim background and Christian authenticity," and repeatedly demanded to know if the senator believed that "Jesus was the way to God or merely a way."
The psycho-spiritual melee that ensued during the meeting will perhaps go do in history as the inquisition that never happened. You can read more about it in the above link.

As an America and beneficiary of democracy I feel it is appropriate for a presidential candidate to meet privately with religious leaders if he or she chooses. I also believe that the candidate can and should be forthright about their religious beliefs and convictions if they choose to discus the mater at all.

What the Original Black Buddha wants to know is when will a meeting between presidential aspirants and Black Buddhist leaders occur? It won't because no such leadership exist in part because not only is the presidency policed by powerful Christians, but the black community itself is also rife with patterns of historical policing by the black Church. African American Buddhists are seen at about the same level as gays and lesbians in terms of suitability for leadership.

Personally, I remember receiving calls from two reporters associated with a black newspaper heavily advertised by black churches. The first reporter told me he had been threatened with bodily harm if he wrote and more editorials highlighting my work in the black community. The second called me in the middle of the night with a cryptic message suggesting I participate in an underground cable television show that would allow me to speak without being censored. The former reporter was murdered in the early morning on the way to work allegedly over a dispute about his coverage of another non Christian religious organization.

The Dalai Lama is my guide in these matters. He is guarded by America's most elite security service for a reason. His life is one fraught with danger as he joyfully inspires millions of people across the world with a message of peace.

It is unimaginable for most people to believe that being a black male Buddhist leader could be life threatening in a community of color in need of positive role models and teachings on humanism and compassion. But the fact is that the black community, in addition to its profound contributions to our society, can also be a very dangerous place.

I support my Buddhist friends who see the Buddha in Obama, but I hope they will also consider the deeper story of what it means to be a Buddhist leader in the black community as well. Otherwise, Obama may be credited for work at the community level that he has not done--and that others have performed dutifully at great risk to themselves and their families.

Special Reports - Black in America

2008-07-06T17:12:00.000-07:00

CNN Special Reports - Black in America

As African American Buddhists gear up for what promises to be another pounding of "Black America as Christian Nation," I again ponder a historical issue I raised my book Black Buddha.

Both slaveholders and abolitionists argued their positions based on the bible. Whether a slave remained in bondage or was "freed" their only faith choice was Christianity. The dominant religion in the black community has no origin other than this.

From then until today a black person who choses any faith practice or lifestyle not sanctioned by the black Church is considered to have "strayed" not only from the church but the interests and survivability of the black community itself.

To be black and Buddhist is to be seen by some as one who shows contempt for the African American covenant with Christianity, the legacy of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the Civil Rights movement. In black America every Sunday from 10am to 2pm being Buddhist and Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, or polyamorous is to be considered misguided at the very least and in extreme cases a navel-watching race traitor.

There are some exceptions such as when spending money in black businesses or being courted for the vote. But where does the child of a black Buddhist family fit into the Christian solution for Black America? How does the Buddhist parent explain the chant, "One nation under God," to their child in a so called secular non-denominational school?

How can the potential of a black Christian president provide so much hope for America yet a duly elected black Buddhist Congressman remain relatively unnoticed?

Can CNN handle the responsibility of inclusion and objectivity around issues important to the black Buddhist community?

I'll be blogging daily on each installment of this series.