Street art by Alexander Tadlock, San Francisco, 2020. Photo by Sarah C. Beasley
Love and justice are not two. Without inner change, there can be no outer change; without collective change, no change matters. — Reverend angel Kyodo williams*
The heart of Mahayana (and therefore Vajrayana) practice is prayer and practice for the enlightenment of all sentient beings. What is enlightenment? Becoming free from suffering by realizing the true nature of one’s mind. On the ultimate level, this is equally possible and true for all sentient beings to reveal. On the relative level, some of us have more access than others to dal jyor (Tib. freedoms and opportunities) to practice uncovering our mind’s true nature and freeing ourselves from the constraints of the ordinary (unaware) mind. Therefore, when we pray and practice for “myself and all beings,” we must mean it and take action within our sanghas and in the streets to fully help others.
Photo by Perry Grone
I used to believe there was such a thing as “polite racism.” That overt bigotry and violence were more harmful than “polite” forms of racism, such as stereotyping, racial jokes, double standards, or offensive language. But now I realize how the subtleties of violence can be just as harmful over time. For example, the subtle inferences that a person of color has somehow brought about their fate (at hands of law enforcement or otherwise) are forms of emotional and psychological (as well as educational and fiscal) violence that deeply harm people, especially children. These can lead to more outward, dramatic forms of hurt, and the internalized oppression and depression that many people of color experience. Racial or ethnic violence comes in many forms, including repeating stereotypes and making assumptions. Negative body language and exclusionary actions are also very hurtful.
Photo by Alice Donovan Rouse
In our sanghas, we have the opportunity to redesign community dynamics for the most affected and marginalized, letting these voices and experiences lead, and acknowledging the barriers to their engagement in meditation or Dharma leadership. These barriers are real and it is critical for this new process of dismantling racism to confront head-on how, even amid our compassion practice groups, harm is carried out, whether conscious or unconscious.
We begin this process by more deeply examining our minds for subtle biases and for ways we might make others less inclined to join a Dharma group or take on a leadership role. We can also engage by confronting polite and overt racism within our family and friend circles. The exhaustion and emotion I feel in doing so doesn’t hold a candle to what Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) must experience daily, but it is a step toward engendering compassion and connection for everyone.
Confronting our own and others’ ignorance is lifelong work. Ignorance, anger, and desire are our root poisons, so we dig down to the roots and start to loosen them. From the Buddhist perspective, this is evident in every word I chant in puja, recite in prayer, read in scripture. Nowhere does it say, “I will work for the enlightenment of all those I prefer or to whom can easily relate.”
Photo by Thomas de Luze
When we approach education, activism, prayer, meditation, and social interaction from various angles, we begin to see how each is interwoven. A small action here reverberates a little over there and the mandala of healing is strengthened. The seeds of this practice are to truly notice and begin to empathize with everyone: in our sanghas, in our jobs, on our streets, and in our homes.
To be Buddhist is to love: love others, love the path, love awakening. Since “love and justice are not two,” we take them together as our daily practice, that all may benefit.
Sarah C. Beasley (Sera Kunzang Lhamo), Nautilus Gold award-winning author of Kindness for all Creatures: Buddhist Advice for Compassionate Animal Care (Shambhala 2019), has been a Nyingma practitioner since 2000. Sarah is a Certified Teacher, and an experienced writer and artist, with an MA in Educational Leadership and a BA in Studio Art. Sarah spent six years in traditional retreat under the guidance of Lama Tharchin Rinpoche and Thinley Norbu Rinpoche. With a lifelong passion for wilderness, she has summited Mt. Kenya and Mt. Baker, among other peaks. Her book and other works can be seen at www.sarahcbeasley.com.
Sarah C. Beasley (Sera Kunzang Lhamo), Nautilus Gold award-winning author of Kindness for all Creatures: Buddhist Advice for Compassionate Animal Care (Shambhala 2019), has been a Nyingma practitioner since 2000. Sarah is a Certified Teacher, and an experienced writer and artist, with an MA in Educational Leadership and a BA in Studio Art. Sarah spent six years in traditional retreat under the guidance of Lama Tharchin Rinpoche and Thinley Norbu Rinpoche. With a lifelong passion for wilderness, she has summited Mt. Kenya and Mt. Baker, among other peaks. Her book and other works can be seen at www.sarahcbeasley.com.
Creativity and Contemplation is published monthly.
When you login first time using a Social Login button, we collect your account public profile information shared by Social Login provider, based on your privacy settings. We also get your email address to automatically create an account for you in our website. Once your account is created, you'll be logged-in to this account.
DisagreeAgree
Connect with
I allow to create an account
When you login first time using a Social Login button, we collect your account public profile information shared by Social Login provider, based on your privacy settings. We also get your email address to automatically create an account for you in our website. Once your account is created, you'll be logged-in to this account.
DisagreeAgree
0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
Cookie
Duration
Description
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional
11 months
The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy
11 months
The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
FEATURES
Toward Liberation: Dismantling Racism and Bias in the Sangha
Photo by Sarah C. Beasley
Love and justice are not two. Without inner change, there can be no outer change; without collective change, no change matters. — Reverend angel Kyodo williams*
The heart of Mahayana (and therefore Vajrayana) practice is prayer and practice for the enlightenment of all sentient beings. What is enlightenment? Becoming free from suffering by realizing the true nature of one’s mind. On the ultimate level, this is equally possible and true for all sentient beings to reveal. On the relative level, some of us have more access than others to dal jyor (Tib. freedoms and opportunities) to practice uncovering our mind’s true nature and freeing ourselves from the constraints of the ordinary (unaware) mind. Therefore, when we pray and practice for “myself and all beings,” we must mean it and take action within our sanghas and in the streets to fully help others.
I used to believe there was such a thing as “polite racism.” That overt bigotry and violence were more harmful than “polite” forms of racism, such as stereotyping, racial jokes, double standards, or offensive language. But now I realize how the subtleties of violence can be just as harmful over time. For example, the subtle inferences that a person of color has somehow brought about their fate (at hands of law enforcement or otherwise) are forms of emotional and psychological (as well as educational and fiscal) violence that deeply harm people, especially children. These can lead to more outward, dramatic forms of hurt, and the internalized oppression and depression that many people of color experience. Racial or ethnic violence comes in many forms, including repeating stereotypes and making assumptions. Negative body language and exclusionary actions are also very hurtful.
In our sanghas, we have the opportunity to redesign community dynamics for the most affected and marginalized, letting these voices and experiences lead, and acknowledging the barriers to their engagement in meditation or Dharma leadership. These barriers are real and it is critical for this new process of dismantling racism to confront head-on how, even amid our compassion practice groups, harm is carried out, whether conscious or unconscious.
We begin this process by more deeply examining our minds for subtle biases and for ways we might make others less inclined to join a Dharma group or take on a leadership role. We can also engage by confronting polite and overt racism within our family and friend circles. The exhaustion and emotion I feel in doing so doesn’t hold a candle to what Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) must experience daily, but it is a step toward engendering compassion and connection for everyone.
Confronting our own and others’ ignorance is lifelong work. Ignorance, anger, and desire are our root poisons, so we dig down to the roots and start to loosen them. From the Buddhist perspective, this is evident in every word I chant in puja, recite in prayer, read in scripture. Nowhere does it say, “I will work for the enlightenment of all those I prefer or to whom can easily relate.”
When we approach education, activism, prayer, meditation, and social interaction from various angles, we begin to see how each is interwoven. A small action here reverberates a little over there and the mandala of healing is strengthened. The seeds of this practice are to truly notice and begin to empathize with everyone: in our sanghas, in our jobs, on our streets, and in our homes.
To be Buddhist is to love: love others, love the path, love awakening. Since “love and justice are not two,” we take them together as our daily practice, that all may benefit.
* The Radical Buddhism of Rev. angel Kyodo williams (Lion’s Roar)
Sarah C. Beasley (Sera Kunzang Lhamo), Nautilus Gold award-winning author of Kindness for all Creatures: Buddhist Advice for Compassionate Animal Care (Shambhala 2019), has been a Nyingma practitioner since 2000. Sarah is a Certified Teacher, and an experienced writer and artist, with an MA in Educational Leadership and a BA in Studio Art. Sarah spent six years in traditional retreat under the guidance of Lama Tharchin Rinpoche and Thinley Norbu Rinpoche. With a lifelong passion for wilderness, she has summited Mt. Kenya and Mt. Baker, among other peaks. Her book and other works can be seen at www.sarahcbeasley.com.
See more
5 Responses to the Awkwardly Titled “New Face of Buddhism” (Buddhist Peace Fellowship)
Sarah C. Beasley
All Authors >>
Related features from Buddhistdoor Global
Mongolia’s Hope: Baasansuren Khadsuren, the Singing Abbot of Erdene Zuu
Excerpts from The Zen Priestess and the Snake: A Woman’s Path of Transformation and Healing Through Rediscovery of the Great Mother Tradition
From Bangladesh to Hong Kong: Connecting Buddhist Cultures through the Tradition of Annaprashan
Heirs to the Tiantai Tradition: The Tiantai Trilogy, Part 3
Metta’s Walk in the Park
Related news from Buddhistdoor Global
Buddhist Monks Stand in Solidarity with Protesting Indian Farmers, Climate Activist Arrested
Buddhist Temple to Open Tripitaka Koreana to the Public for the First Time
Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche Offers Global Teaching to Mark 200th Birthday of Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo
COVID-19 Leaves Tibetan Buddhist Monk Stranded in Kentucky
Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation Inks Deal to Source COVID Vaccines for Taiwan