Mushim Ikeda says it's not enough to help others. You have to take care of yourself too. At the end of January, one of my close spiritual friends died. A queer Black man, a Sufi imam “scholartivist” (scholar–artist–activist) and professor of ministry students, Baba Ibrahim Farajajé died of a massive heart attack. He was sixty-three, and I’m guessing he had been carrying [...]
A Story for Buddhists in the ICE-raid Era
Mushim Patricia Ikeda shares a small piece of Buddhist history that she’s never forgotten, and that she hopes, in this age of ICE raids and the debate about DACA, we’ll always remember too. Here’s a true story that, I think, all U.S. Buddhists should know. Back in 2000, I was guest editor of the “Buddhists of Asian Descent in the USA” issue of the Buddhist Peace [...]
In Light of DACA Controversy, a Simple Way for Buddhist Communities to Be of Service
Buddhist teacher Mushim Patricia Ikeda has what she thinks is a great new way for Buddhists to be of service -- by getting their various communities to offer a simple item that helps them assert their rights and feel less vulnerable. She explains: I live and teach in California, which is home to more than 25% of the 800,000 young DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) [...]
A Meditation for Working with Post-Charlottesville Stress
There's a growing sense of anxiety and fear in our society, and in our hearts. But we're not helpless. Mushim Patricia Ikeda gives instruction in Metta meditation, which can help us foster feelings of loving-kindness, or good will. [...]
Stand Against Suffering: A Call to Action by Buddhist Teachers
Thirteen prominent teachers explain why Buddhists need to be be politically engaged at this crucial time in the country’s history, in this statement published in Lion’s Roar magazine and co-signed by more than 140 Buddhist leaders. As long as a society protects the vulnerable among them, they can be expected to prosper and not decline. —The Buddha, in the Mahaparinirvana [...]
Conversations With My Son
Mushim Patricia Ikeda traces her path as a parent through some of the humorous, poignant and penetrating conversations she's had over the years with her young son, Joshua. To be a mother is sweet, And a father. It is sweet to live arduously, And to master yourself. O how sweet it is to enjoy life, Living in honesty and strength! —The Dhammapada One summer morning in [...]
