Black Buddhists and the Black Radical Tradition: The Practice of Stillness in the Movement for Liberation

Black Buddhists and the Black Radical Tradition explores how Black Buddhist teachers and practitioners interpret Western Buddhism in unique spiritual and communal ways, highlighting the importance of Black cultural frameworks for understanding Buddhist teachings. The book emphasizes the healing of intergenerational trauma and provides a foundation for Black liberation, with a focus on devotional practices and the validation of non-binary, gender non-conforming, and transgender practitioners. It also uplifts the voices of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and queer Black Buddhists.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 22 March 2022
Publisher: New York University Press

In her groundbreaking work, Black Buddhists and the Black Radical Tradition, Rima Vesely-Flad delves into the profound ways in which Black Buddhist teachers and practitioners interpret Western Buddhism in unique and spiritually enriching ways. Through extensive interviews with forty Black Buddhist teachers and practitioners, Vesely-Flad compellingly argues that Black Buddhists bring a distinctive perspective to their interpretation of Buddhist teachings, aligning them closely with Black radical thought.

The volume makes a compelling case that given their experiences with racism, both in society at large and within predominantly white-oriented Buddhist organizations, Black cultural frameworks are essential in illuminating the Buddha's wisdom. Vesely-Flad's research reveals that Buddhist teachings, through their emphasis on healing intergenerational trauma, provide a vital foundation for achieving Black liberation. She demonstrates that Black American practitioners of Buddhism emphasize different aspects of the religion compared to their white convert counterparts, with a greater focus on devotional practices to ancestors and community uplift.

The book also includes insightful discussions of the Black Power movement, the Black feminist movement, and the Black prophetic tradition. It delves into a nuanced exploration of how the Black body, which has historically been subjected to revilement, is reclaimed as a vehicle for liberation. By uplifting the voices of non-binary, gender non-conforming, and transgender practitioners of African descent, the book ensures that their experiences are validated within the Black Buddhist tradition.

Moreover, Black Buddhists and the Black Radical Tradition celebrates the diversity of Black Buddhist voices, uplifting the perspectives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and queer Black Buddhists. This unique volume underscores the importance of Black Buddhist teachers' insights into Buddhist wisdom and their ability to align Buddhism with Black radical teachings, thereby contributing to a more inclusive and transformative understanding of the religion. Through her meticulous research and compelling storytelling, Vesely-Flad has made a significant contribution to the field of Buddhist studies, offering valuable insights into the intersection of race, culture, and spirituality.

Weight: 528g
Dimension: 151 x 229 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781479810499