Black Buddhist Teachings and Practices

3 credits · Divinity School

This course introduces students to the variety of Black Buddhist scholars, teachers, and practices. Attention is given to the historical development of Blacks' engagement with various lineages of Buddhism, the reality of racism in white predominant Buddhist centers, and contemporary Black Buddhist voices. Of particular interest are Black Buddhists who are multi-religious practitioners. Students will gain knowledge of the movement of Buddhism to Western contexts, development of Buddhist ideas, texts, institutions and practice most practiced by Black Buddhists, and the influence Black Buddhists are having on Buddhism in the West including interpretation, practices, and relationship to society. Finally, students will learn how to see the world through Buddhist perspectives. [3]