Category: Social Justice
Why I Do Not Bow
For some Black Buddhists in predominantly white sanghas, certain practices harken back to the history of forced subservience to white people. Melvin Christopher Horton explores his experience in a powerful poem.
Asian American and Black Buddhist Teachers Reflect on Racial Solidarity
Three Asian American and Black Buddhist teachers reflect on healing, solidarity, and how Buddhists of color can work together for greater racial justice.
Harvard’s Buddhism and Race Conference Experiences a Radical Re-Orientation
Lion's Roar speaks with the co-organizers of Harvard University’s Buddhism and Race Conference, discussing the "Radical Re-Orientation Speaker Series."
LGBTQ Buddhists: Teachings, Profiles, and Conversations
A collection of teachings from, profiles on, and conversations with LGBTQ folks in Buddhism.
“May We Gather” Buddhist memorial ceremony offers Asian American community space to heal
Lion's Roar associate editor Mihiri Tillakaratne reports on "May We Gather," the national Buddhist memorial Ceremony for Asian American ancestors.
We’ve Been Here All Along
Funie Hsu says it’s time we recognize Asian American Buddhists and address the racism that marginalizes their ongoing role in the dharma in the West.
The Trauma of an American Untouchable
Arisika Razak shares her reflections on trauma, oppression, and healing the wounds of racism.
Searching for Asian American Buddhists
In this excerpt from Chenxing Han’s new book "Be the Refuge," she shares how Asian American Buddhists are often invisible to the mainstream and each other.
Erased No More
After years of painful struggle to fit in, Yenkuei Chuang decides to stand up for her identity, her anger, and the heritage of Asian American Buddhism. She will resist erasure.
How to Be Equanimous in a Racialized World
In a tense moment on a full plane, Ruth King gets a glimpse of the inner strength of equanimity.
Forum: How Millennials Are Reframing the Buddhist Path
In this Buddhadharma Forum, five millenial Buddhists take a look at where Buddhism is, and where it’s headed.
We Cry Out for Justice
There will only be justice in America, says Jan Willis, when we see all people as our equals. She offers an ancient Buddhist meditation to help us do that.
Buddhism in the Age of #BlackLivesMatter
We need to update the traditional narrative of the Buddha’s life, says Pamela Ayo Yetunde, for people who know suffering all too well. She offers some alternative stories for the time of #BlackLivesMatter.
We’re Not Who You Think We Are
Chenxing Han examines the stereotypes marginalizing Asian American Buddhists and reports on the diversity and depth a new generation of practitioners.
Forum: Hear Our Voices
A panel of women teachers from different Buddhist traditions share their insights into being a female teacher and leader in today’s world.
7 New and Classic Buddhist Books by and for People of Color
Can you recommend some Buddhist books by and for people of color? We answer your questions about Buddhism and meditation.
Buddhism’s Next 40 Years: A Time of Reformation
In the fifth issue in our 40th anniversary series, Melvin McLeod imagines how Buddhism may re-vision itself and adapt to meet the challenges ahead.
Liberation: It’s All or Nothing
None of us is free until all of us are free. In America, says rev. angel Kyodo williams, that means outer and inner liberation from white supremacy.
What are some good LGBTQ dharma books?
We recommend some great books by LGBTQ Buddhist teachers and practitioners.
Sharing Trans Joy at the First Residential Retreat for the Transgender and Gender Expansive Community
In September, “Creating Joy In Community” brought together 50 members of the transgender and gender expansive community for a residential retreat.