Q&A: Is Buddhism a legitimate faith for descendants of slaves in America?
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Posted By: Lama Choyin Rangdrol on September 20, 2009 A group member asked the question "How?” or perhaps why an African American descendant of slavery could become a Buddhist. Here are some answers: My Story: Bio: http://www.rainbowdharma.com/FullBio.htm Book: http://www.lulu.com/content/588614 Buddhist Contemplations for Black Men Blog: http://buddhismforafricanamericanblackmen.... Book: http://www.lulu.com/content/582724 Liberating Black Anger Blog: http://abcblackanger.blogspot.com/ Book: http://www.lulu.com/content/592863 I think it might also be fair to ask why an African American descendant of slavery would uphold the religion of those who enslaved his or her ancestors? Let me know your thoughts, Lama Rangdrol If you enjoyed this article, Join BlackInAmerica.com today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
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Lama Choyin Rangdrol
From Maui, HI Member Since July 2008 |
Comments
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That's a good question Lama Rangdrol. I practice Buddhism "in da hood" and it's very difficult to encourage my members to practice 100%. They still hold on to that belief that their "has to be" something outside of themselves. They dont believe they are powerful. They believe things will never change. I was first attracted to the sound of daimoku; it felt like I had come home and next was the idea that I could be in the driver not passenger seat of my life. That it was all up to me. I had one woman tell me, she could not handle the responsibility. The gosho On Attaining Buddahood...is my favorite because it starts with ...."if you want to free yourself from the sufferings of birth and death you have endured since time without beginning and to attain without fail unsurpassed enlightenment in this lifetime, you must perceive the mystic truth that is originally inherent in all living beings. This truth is Myoho-renge-kyo. Chanting Myoho-renge-kyo will therefore enable you to grasp the mystic truth innate in all life" .... I think it's really hard for Black folks to practice Buddhism 100% because they haven't "freed themselves" from beliefs about themselves that go back to slavery. That's just my opinion. Thank you for this type of thought provoking dialog. Greta Monday, May 10th 2010 at 4:40PM |
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Hello Ms. Greta, It was I that asked the question how it is that a Black American, a new breed or race of people that has emerged out of the ashes of slavery to be a Buddhist practitioner when Buddha was of India. In other words, Buddha is of one race and Black Americans are of another race. In addition, we know that God rose up prophets among their own race, so why would a Black American believe that Buddha would have what their own prophet would not have to give them? Without any hard feelings, you Black American Buddhist practitioners needed to have more common sense and wisdom than you do presently have. The same go for the Muslims, Christians and any Black American that does not know their own prophet and religion that they would have to God through other people’s religion and pay homage other prophets that are not of their race. Am I making any sense with you? Incidentally, the sites that were giving as an answer to my question by Mr. Lama are not answers. I am looking for an answer out of Mr. Lama’s mind and not from some websites. Tell me what you think. Saturday, May 15th 2010 at 12:05PM |
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