Category: Social Justice
The Ethics of Abortion: A Black Mama’s Wise Contemplation
Zenzele Isoke offers her commentary on the overturning of Roe v. Wade, and why we must collectively establish a new set of political ethics that are peaceful, compassionate, wise, and loving.
Rhonda Magee: The Dharma of Racial Justice
Lindsay Kyte profiles law professor Rhonda Magee, who teaches mindfulness and other contemplative practices to help us do the inner and outer work of creating racial justice.
Celebrating Juneteeth 2022 with Reflections on Martin Luther King, Jr.
African American Buddhist practitioners Jan Willis, Thomas Davis IV, and Larry Ward reflect on Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. through the lens of the dharma.
The Spiritual Leadership of Malcolm X
For Malcolm X Day, four Buddhist practitioners and teachers offer their commentary on Malcolm X's spiritual journey.
Awakening Through Audre Lorde
Four Buddhists explore how the life and work of the Black, feminist, lesbian poet Audre Lorde serves as a gateway to the dharma
Awakening Fueled by Rage
As a dharma teacher, says Zenju Earthlyn Manuel, she’s told she shouldn’t feel or express rage, but she disagrees.
Remembering Roshi Merle Kodo Boyd, the first fully transmitted African American Zen teacher in the United States
Roshi Merle Kodo Boyd was the first fully transmitted African American Zen teacher in the United States and co-founder of the Lincroft Zen Sangha in New Jersey.
Yes, She Was a Powerful Woman! A Dedication to bell hooks
Pamela Ayo Yetunde, Aishah Shahidah Simmons, Kamilah Majied, Lori Perine, and Zenzele Isoke reflect on the profound life and legacy of bell hooks.
The Traveling Nunk: Sister Clear Grace and Pamela Ayo Yetunde in Conversation
Pamela Ayo Yetunde talks to Sister Clear Grace about the journey to becoming a Buddhist nun and hitting the road in a temple on wheels.
The Time for Black Sanghas Has Arrived
Vimalasara (Valerie) Mason-John explores the obstacles and opportunities presented by all-Black sanghas.
The Maras of Privilege
Scholar and practitioner Ann Gleig on the backlash she and others experience against their work for racial justice in Buddhism.
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.
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.