Ray Buckner is a PhD Student in Religious Studies at Northwestern University. His research examines sexual violence in American Buddhism and transgender experiences with Buddhism in the United States. Ray’s article, “Buddhist Teachers’ Responses to Sexual Violence: Epistemological Violence in American Buddhism” (2020), was published in The Journal of Global Buddhism. Ray’s article, “Zen in Distress: Theorizing Gender Dysphoria and Traumatic Remembrance within Sōtō Zen Meditation” (2020), was published in Religions.
Ray Buckner
Recent Articles
Our Shared Struggle
Ray Buckner reflects on the recognition of our shared experience of suffering. And how, through acknowledging this interconnectedness, we find strength and purpose in working collectively to alleviate suffering for ourselves and others.
Finding Home on My Path of Transition
On the Transgender Day of Visibility, Ray Buckner shares his journey to find home on both the Buddhist path and the path of transition.
Phoebe Bridgers: Her Music as Meditation
Ray Buckner on how Grammy nominee Phoebe Bridgers’ music is a spiritual friend, a path forward into the unknown.
The Murder of George Floyd Must Be a Wake-Up Call for White Buddhists
In this commentary from Ray Buckner, they urge white Buddhists to see the call for the end of white supremacy as a Buddhist call to "make this life livable for all sentient beings."
The Undefended Heart
The way to helpful communication in difficult situations, says Ray Buckner, is by pausing, creating space, and listening to your body and mind.