What do you think?
Rate this book
Dharma, Color, and Culture: New Voices in Western Buddhism
For the first time ever, the words of Western Buddhist practitioners of color are recognized and gathered together in one groundbreaking anthology. Alice Walker, Maxine Hong Kingston, Charles Johnson, Thich Nhat Hanh, and twenty-five other contributors share their unique perspectives on the fundamental Buddhist concepts of suffering and the path to the cessation of suffering. Together they represent the entire spectrum of Buddhist tradition.
Thought-provoking and passionate, Dharma, Color, and Culture forges a new path in our understanding of the simple truths of Buddhism and their relevance for all of us. Essays by Latino, Asian, African-American, and Native American Buddhist practitioners, lay people, and Dharma teachers address the connection between diversity, racism, and Buddhism at four the personal, the interpersonal, the institutional, and the cultural. Recognizing that attention to the pain of racism is essential, the overarching theme of this work is how the Dharma becomes an effective antidote to the suffering and a vehicle for healing and liberation.
Thought-provoking and passionate, Dharma, Color, and Culture forges a new path in our understanding of the simple truths of Buddhism and their relevance for all of us. Essays by Latino, Asian, African-American, and Native American Buddhist practitioners, lay people, and Dharma teachers address the connection between diversity, racism, and Buddhism at four the personal, the interpersonal, the institutional, and the cultural. Recognizing that attention to the pain of racism is essential, the overarching theme of this work is how the Dharma becomes an effective antidote to the suffering and a vehicle for healing and liberation.
240 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2004
4 people are currently reading
142 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
April 30, 2009
Wow, this was an excellent view of Western Buddhism and its applicability to ending the internal suffering of people of color who survive(d) through racism. Loved it!
I also would recommend Jan Willis' book "Dreaming Me: Black , Baptist, and Buddhist" if you enjoyed "Dharma, Color, and Culture" as well as Earthlyn Manuel's "Seeking Enchantment"
I also would recommend Jan Willis' book "Dreaming Me: Black , Baptist, and Buddhist" if you enjoyed "Dharma, Color, and Culture" as well as Earthlyn Manuel's "Seeking Enchantment"
May 30, 2022
A much needed collection of thoughts and essays about what it means to be a Buddhist in the West from a POC perspective.
If you are a POC Buddhist living somewhere in the western world, chances are you don't need to be told why this is so important. If you aren't, chances are the idea of this book might give rise to aversion within you--why is there a need for a book like this, when Buddhism is "colorblind"? Isn't the beauty of Buddhism the fact that we don't need to worry about race or racism within the Sangha?
Honestly, the best way to demonstrate why this is a flawed response is to simply read these stories and essays and appreciate the very personal journey they describe. Telling someone race doesn't or shouldn't matter is an unskillful answer to a fellow being who is seeking your understanding and compassion by telling you about their suffering. Listen first before deciding you know what should or shouldn't matter to their Dharma path.
One of the essays in this book is actually titled "Dharma has no Color." Instead of waving away the concerns of POC Buddhists with the usual moderate liberal messaging of unity and "colorblindness," the writer points out that Buddhism is supposed to be about having a _whole_ understanding of the Truth. This means looking for gaps in your own understanding and recognition of samsara for others. How can you truly know the suffering of your fellow beings if you won't even acknowledge that it exists? How can you help them end this suffering by telling them to essentially ignore it? The Buddha's great contribution to humanity was to tell us not to ignore our suffering, to look it squarely in the face and recognize it--only then can any of us do something about it.
If you are a POC Buddhist living somewhere in the western world, chances are you don't need to be told why this is so important. If you aren't, chances are the idea of this book might give rise to aversion within you--why is there a need for a book like this, when Buddhism is "colorblind"? Isn't the beauty of Buddhism the fact that we don't need to worry about race or racism within the Sangha?
Honestly, the best way to demonstrate why this is a flawed response is to simply read these stories and essays and appreciate the very personal journey they describe. Telling someone race doesn't or shouldn't matter is an unskillful answer to a fellow being who is seeking your understanding and compassion by telling you about their suffering. Listen first before deciding you know what should or shouldn't matter to their Dharma path.
One of the essays in this book is actually titled "Dharma has no Color." Instead of waving away the concerns of POC Buddhists with the usual moderate liberal messaging of unity and "colorblindness," the writer points out that Buddhism is supposed to be about having a _whole_ understanding of the Truth. This means looking for gaps in your own understanding and recognition of samsara for others. How can you truly know the suffering of your fellow beings if you won't even acknowledge that it exists? How can you help them end this suffering by telling them to essentially ignore it? The Buddha's great contribution to humanity was to tell us not to ignore our suffering, to look it squarely in the face and recognize it--only then can any of us do something about it.
September 5, 2015
Very strong recommendation for anyone interested in Buddhism. As a devout Buddhist practitioner and one committed to racial justice, this book is of tremendous importance. Racism, white supremacy, and white privilege are major problems in the authentic reception and practice of the dharma among convert Buddhists. This book has inspired a deepening national, multi-community discussions and organizing, including a people of color group in my own Shambhala Buddhist center. This book absolutely needs to get read and debating by all English-speaking Buddhists across differently racialized communities. I also hold the editor in a great deal of respect for her work. She provides a really good example of how one can be completely uncompromising in making a decisive, strategic, and cutting critique, and yet acting without aggression or hatred.
The actual essays are a mixed bag, as one could expect. While I think everyone should read it, I like some of the specific pieces more than others. We need a lot more anthologies just like this one, and a lot more books seriously thinking about Buddhism and racial justice together.
The actual essays are a mixed bag, as one could expect. While I think everyone should read it, I like some of the specific pieces more than others. We need a lot more anthologies just like this one, and a lot more books seriously thinking about Buddhism and racial justice together.
March 19, 2022
what a fabulous anthology aaaa. i love spiritual literature with narrative aspects... i've been practicing buddhism secularly for months now and have been curiously digging for more black voices in it- so interesting to see how other poc apply the dharma to analyze the reality of the racist condition and navigate the world with/to peace. v fulfilling read
March 23, 2018
Such a fantastic book! Many heartfelt stories from many different perspectives on the power and practice of Buddhism. Not sure what else to say other than it's totally worth the read, and it's a delight to do so!
October 30, 2013
This is a unique book on what it is to be Buddhist and to seek the end of suffering which can is a part of the human condition. The book looks at the perspectives of several different people from different cultures and races including Latinos, Asians, Native Americans and Americans of different races. Each journey is different and yet Buddhism helped each to find a path to the end of suffering which is the goal. The book is full of optimism and hope. I found it to be a slow and meditative type of book. You cannot skim through it and get much from it. You must read a bit and think about it, then perhaps read it again. I learned much from it and would recommend it to anyone who is looking for a happier life experience.
August 15, 2011
I'm so glad I read this practical book. Western Buddhism needs People of Color. I need to see how others have applied Buddhist practice to real problems so I can bring healing to my life and Sangha. I know some of the contributors.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews