Radical Dharma: Talking Race, Love, and Liberation - Softcover

9781623170981: Radical Dharma: Talking Race, Love, and Liberation
View all copies of this ISBN edition:
 
 
Igniting a long-overdue dialogue about how the legacy of racial injustice and white supremacy plays out in society at large and Buddhist communities in particular, this urgent call to action outlines a new dharma that takes into account the ways that racism and privilege prevent our collective awakening. The authors traveled around the country to spark an open conversation that brings together the Black prophetic tradition and the wisdom of the Dharma. Bridging the world of spirit and activism, they urge a compassionate response to the systemic, state-sanctioned violence and oppression that has persisted against black people since the slave era. With national attention focused on the recent killings of unarmed black citizens and the response of the Black-centered liberation groups such as Black Lives Matter, Radical Dharma demonstrates how social transformation and personal, spiritual liberation must be articulated and inextricably linked.
 
Rev. angel Kyodo williams, Lama Rod Owens, and Jasmine Syedullah represent a new voice in American Buddhism. Offering their own histories and experiences as illustrations of the types of challenges facing dharma practitioners and teachers who are different from those of the past five decades, they ask how teachings that transcend color, class, and caste are hindered by discrimination and the dynamics of power, shame, and ignorance. Their illuminating argument goes beyond a demand for the equality and inclusion of diverse populations to advancing a new dharma that deconstructs rather than amplifies systems of suffering and prepares us to weigh the shortcomings not only of our own minds but also of our communities. They forge a path toward reconciliation and self-liberation that rests on radical honesty, a common ground where we can drop our need for perfection and propriety and speak as souls. In a society where profit rules, people's value is determined by the color of their skin, and many voices—including queer voices—are silenced, Radical Dharma recasts the concepts of engaged spirituality, social transformation, inclusiveness, and healing.

"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.

About the Author:
Rev. angel Kyodo williams is an author, activist, master trainer, and founder of the Center for Transformative Change. Her critically acclaimed first book, Being Black: Zen and the Art of Living with Fearlessness and Grace, was hailed as "a classic" by Buddhist pioneer Jack Kornfield. Ordained as a Zen priest, she is one of the only two black women Zen "Senseis" or teachers. 

In 2011, Lama Rod Owens was authorized as a lama in the Kagyu School of Tibetan Buddhism. He then moved to DC and ran his own center for over two years. Later, he returned to Boston to begin his divinity degree in Buddhist studies at Harvard Divinity School.

Jasmine Syedullah holds a PhD in politics with a designated emphasis in feminist studies and history of consciousness from University of California, Santa Cruz, and a BA from Brown University in religious studies with a focus in Buddhist philosophy. Syedullah is currently a Visiting Assistant Professor of Sociology at Vassar College.
Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.:
     It wouldn’t be an overstatement to say that the discovery and assertion of Siddhartha Gautama, the historic Buddha—that every human being, irrespective of caste, race, creed, or birth has within them the potential for waking up to the ultimate nature of reality—is one of the most radically life-altering propositions for human life on and in relationship to the planet. One that we need right now.
     Yet, at this time when the Dharma is needed more acutely than ever—a time when our very existence is threatened as a result of our socially embedded greed, hatred, and ignorance— its expansive potential to liberate us from suffering is in danger of being rendered impotent because it is held in subjugation to the very systems that it must thoroughly examine.
Thrust into the Western socioeconomic framework that puts profit above all and coupled with a desire to perpetuate institutional existence at the expense of illuminating reality and revealing deeper truths, the Dharma has become beholden to commodification as inescapable and de rigueur. Authenticity and integrity are thus compromised.
       Much of what is being taught is the acceptance of a “kinder, gentler suffering” that does not question the unwholesome roots of systemic suffering and the structures that hold it in place. What is required is a new Dharma, a radical Dharma that deconstructs rather than amplifies the systems of suffering, that starves rather than fertilizes the soil of the conditions that the deep roots of societal suffering grow in. A new Dharma is one that insists we investigate not only the unsatisfactoriness of our own minds but also prepares us for the discomfort of confronting the obscurations of the society we are individual expressions of. It recognizes that the delusions of systemic oppression are not solely the domain of the individual. By design, they are seated within and reinforced by society.
     We must wake up and cut through not only individual but also social ego. This is not only our potential, but we now each have it as our collective responsibility. As dharma communities—this includes people belonging to white-led, Western communities of convert Buddhists, but also next-generation yogis, Advaitins, Sikhs, and adopters of other Eastern traditions—we must also do so strategically, and with great haste.

There is No Neutral

     We are at a critical moment in the history of the nation, as well as within the Buddhist teaching and tradition in America. This is the “back of the bus” moment of our time. Fifty years after civil rights laws were laid down, it is clear that they were enshrined within a structure that continues to profit from anti-Black racism. The necessary bias that the system requires in order to be perpetuated has permeated our sanghas—our spiritual communities—and in this very moment, we are called to put aside business as usual. If you have ever wondered how you would have shown up in the face of the challenge put before white America when Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat, upending the accepted social order, now is the time you will find out. For Western-convert Buddhist America, this is the time when we will actually embody our practice and teachings, or not.
     Our inability as a nation to honor the theft of these lands and the building of wealth, power, and privilege on the countless backs and graves of Black people is our most significant obstacle to being at peace with ourselves, thus with the world. The Buddhist community is a mirror image of this deep internal conflict that arises out of a persistent resistance to playing its appropriate societal role even as we have available to us rigorous teachings to the contrary. This is a clarifying moment about who we are as individuals but also who we have been thus far as a collective of people laying claim to the teachings of the Buddha, waving the flag of wisdom and compassion all the while.
     As demographics shift, ushering in increasingly racially diverse pools of seekers, this reluctance promises to be our undoing. We simply cannot engage with either the ills or promises of society if we continue to turn a blind eye to the egregious and willful ignorance that enables us to still not “get it” in so many ways. It is by no means our making, but given the culture we are emerging from and immersed in, we are responsible.
White folks’ particular reluctance to acknowledge impact as a collective while continuing to benefit from the construct of the collective leaves a wound intact without a dressing. The air needed to breathe through forgiveness is smothered. Healing is suspended for all. Truth is necessary for reconciliation.
Will we express the promise of and commitment to liberation for all beings, or will we instead continue a hyper-individualized salvation model—the myth of meritocracy—that is the foundation of this country’s untruth?
The work being done in Dharma communities is the same work being done by the America that wants to live up to its promise of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Collectively, we must kick the habit of racism, cultural dominance, and the upholding of oppressive systems. More poignantly, our challenge, our responsibility, our deep resounding call is to be at the forefront of this overdue evolutionary thrust forward. Why? Because we choose to position ourselves as the standard-bearers of an ethical high ground. And we have the tools and teachings to do so.

There is no neutral.

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.

  • PublisherNorth Atlantic Books
  • Publication date2016
  • ISBN 10 1623170982
  • ISBN 13 9781623170981
  • BindingPaperback
  • Number of pages248
  • Rating

Other Popular Editions of the Same Title

9781525242274: Radical Dharma: Talking Race, Love, and Liberation

Featured Edition

ISBN 10:  152524227X ISBN 13:  9781525242274
Publisher: ReadHowYouWant, 2017
Softcover

  • 9780369361813: Radical Dharma: Talking Race, Love, and Liberation (16pt Large Print Edition)

    ReadHo..., 2017
    Softcover

Top Search Results from the AbeBooks Marketplace

Stock Image

Williams, Rev. Angel Kyodo; Owens, Lama Rod; Syedullah Ph.D., Jasmine
Published by North Atlantic Books (2016)
ISBN 10: 1623170982 ISBN 13: 9781623170981
New Softcover Quantity: 1
Seller:
ZBK Books
(Carlstadt, NJ, U.S.A.)

Book Description Condition: new. Seller Inventory # ZBM.183IX

More information about this seller | Contact seller

Buy New
US$ 9.97
Convert currency

Add to Basket

Shipping: FREE
Within U.S.A.
Destination, rates & speeds
Stock Image

Syedullah Ph.D., Jasmine,Owens, Lama Rod,Williams, Rev. angel Kyodo
Published by North Atlantic Books (2016)
ISBN 10: 1623170982 ISBN 13: 9781623170981
New Paperback Quantity: 13
Seller:
Ernie's Books
(WIndsor, CT, U.S.A.)

Book Description Paperback. Condition: New. Brand new copy! Delivery Confirmation with all Domestic Orders !. Seller Inventory # mon0000091951

More information about this seller | Contact seller

Buy New
US$ 6.99
Convert currency

Add to Basket

Shipping: US$ 3.99
Within U.S.A.
Destination, rates & speeds
Stock Image

Williams, Rev. angel Kyodo; Owens, Lama Rod; Syed
Published by North Atlantic Books (2016)
ISBN 10: 1623170982 ISBN 13: 9781623170981
New Softcover Quantity: 16
Seller:
Lakeside Books
(Benton Harbor, MI, U.S.A.)

Book Description Condition: New. Brand New! Not Overstocks or Low Quality Book Club Editions! Direct From the Publisher! We're not a giant, faceless warehouse organization! We're a small town bookstore that loves books and loves it's customers! Buy from Lakeside Books!. Seller Inventory # OTF-S-9781623170981

More information about this seller | Contact seller

Buy New
US$ 7.60
Convert currency

Add to Basket

Shipping: US$ 3.99
Within U.S.A.
Destination, rates & speeds
Seller Image

Williams, Rev. angel Kyodo", "Owens, Lama Rod", "Syedullah Ph.D., Jasmine"
Published by North Atlantic Books (2016)
ISBN 10: 1623170982 ISBN 13: 9781623170981
New Soft Cover Quantity: 10
Seller:
booksXpress
(Bayonne, NJ, U.S.A.)

Book Description Soft Cover. Condition: new. Seller Inventory # 9781623170981

More information about this seller | Contact seller

Buy New
US$ 11.67
Convert currency

Add to Basket

Shipping: FREE
Within U.S.A.
Destination, rates & speeds
Seller Image

Williams, Angel Kyodo; Owens, Lama Rod; Syedullah, Jasmine, Ph.D.
Published by North Atlantic Books (2016)
ISBN 10: 1623170982 ISBN 13: 9781623170981
New Softcover Quantity: 5
Seller:
GreatBookPrices
(Columbia, MD, U.S.A.)

Book Description Condition: New. Seller Inventory # 26155735-n

More information about this seller | Contact seller

Buy New
US$ 9.71
Convert currency

Add to Basket

Shipping: US$ 2.64
Within U.S.A.
Destination, rates & speeds
Stock Image

WILLIAMS, REV. ANGEL KYODO
Published by Penguin Random House (2016)
ISBN 10: 1623170982 ISBN 13: 9781623170981
New Softcover Quantity: > 20
Seller:
INDOO
(Avenel, NJ, U.S.A.)

Book Description Condition: New. Brand New. Seller Inventory # 1623170982

More information about this seller | Contact seller

Buy New
US$ 8.86
Convert currency

Add to Basket

Shipping: US$ 3.99
Within U.S.A.
Destination, rates & speeds
Stock Image

Williams, Rev. Angel Kyodo; Owens, Lama Rod; Syedullah Ph.D., Jasmine
Published by North Atlantic Books (2016)
ISBN 10: 1623170982 ISBN 13: 9781623170981
New Softcover Quantity: 1
Seller:
GF Books, Inc.
(Hawthorne, CA, U.S.A.)

Book Description Condition: New. Book is in NEW condition. Seller Inventory # 1623170982-2-1

More information about this seller | Contact seller

Buy New
US$ 12.95
Convert currency

Add to Basket

Shipping: FREE
Within U.S.A.
Destination, rates & speeds
Stock Image

Williams, Rev. Angel Kyodo; Owens, Lama Rod; Syedullah Ph.D., Jasmine
Published by North Atlantic Books (2016)
ISBN 10: 1623170982 ISBN 13: 9781623170981
New Softcover Quantity: 1
Seller:
Book Deals
(Tucson, AZ, U.S.A.)

Book Description Condition: New. New! This book is in the same immaculate condition as when it was published. Seller Inventory # 353-1623170982-new

More information about this seller | Contact seller

Buy New
US$ 12.95
Convert currency

Add to Basket

Shipping: FREE
Within U.S.A.
Destination, rates & speeds
Stock Image

Owens, Lama Rod; Williams, Rev. angel Kyodo; Syedullah Ph.D., Jasmine
Published by North Atlantic Books (2016)
ISBN 10: 1623170982 ISBN 13: 9781623170981
New Paperback Quantity: 1
Seller:
Ergodebooks
(Houston, TX, U.S.A.)

Book Description Paperback. Condition: New. Seller Inventory # DADAX1623170982

More information about this seller | Contact seller

Buy New
US$ 13.29
Convert currency

Add to Basket

Shipping: FREE
Within U.S.A.
Destination, rates & speeds
Stock Image

Williams, Rev. Angel Kyodo; Owens, Lama Rod; Syedullah Ph.D., Jasmine
Published by North Atlantic Books (2016)
ISBN 10: 1623170982 ISBN 13: 9781623170981
New Softcover Quantity: 9
Seller:
Lucky's Textbooks
(Dallas, TX, U.S.A.)

Book Description Condition: New. Seller Inventory # ABLING22Oct2018170202554

More information about this seller | Contact seller

Buy New
US$ 10.95
Convert currency

Add to Basket

Shipping: US$ 3.99
Within U.S.A.
Destination, rates & speeds

There are more copies of this book

View all search results for this book