The authors of this heartfelt discussion on racism, white privilege, and the dream of liberation are Rev. angel Kyodo Williams, an author, activist, master trainer, and founder of the Center for Transformative Change; Lama Rod Owens, an activist, organizer, poet, and graduate of Kagyu Thubten Choling Monastery; and Jasmine Syedullah, who holds a PhD in politics with a designated emphasis in feminist studies and history of consciousness from University of California, Santa Cruz. Their book emerged from open community conversations about the stunningly complex task of "unraveling a massive social-habit pattern of and addiction to violence and injustice."
Radical Dharma sets out to apply Buddhist ideals and principles to the plight of African-Americas who persistently seek liberation from marginalization and other prisons imposed on them by bigoted advocates of sexism, homophobia, and transphobia. The authors invite us into thought-provoking questions, like "What does liberation look like, and where does it live?" They recognize the importance of loving and supporting each other, of remembering lineage, and of awakening the determination to reject violence as a way.
Throughout the book, prayers intermingle with dialogue, personal stories, and reflections on societal liberation. These two Tibetan prayers can help in tense situations:
"May all beings be granted with the strength, determination, and wisdom to extinguish anger and reject violence as a way."
"May all suffering cease and may I seek. find, and fully realize the love and compassion that already lives within me and allow them to inspire and permeate my every action."
Be sure to check out the valuable glossary. It defines essential Buddhist terms along with Black Liberation Movement, Black Lives Matter, cisgender, class maintenance, race, transgender, white privilege, white supremacy, and other terms relevant to the Black prophetic tradition.
