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White Buddha                                          

Do the ends justify the means?

A way out of racial dominance in American Buddhism                                                          by Lama Choyin Rangdrol

A decade ago, Rainbowdharma.com received the following supportive comment:

"I believe it is through work by people of color within faith groups that more positive racial change most often comes about. And this change helps those of us who are European American to regain our humanity. I wish you the best in your mission." Jeff Hitchcock, Executive Director Center for the Study of White American Culture.

This note meant a lot to me, and yet I was also aware of the more  skeptical advice given by others. I was told repeatedly that attempts  to bridge American Buddhism and the African American community could lead to being marginalized in both communities. Fortunately, Mr. Hitchcock's inspiration prevailed and the rest is history.

My writing on African Americans and Buddhism was initially met with resistance, but now receives recognition for its sincerity of intent. However, my work of encouraging openness among white people in the American Buddhist community has been slower in acceptance. It is not easy, as an African American, to address the dominant culture of whiteness that controls American Buddhism. But as a human being and teacher of the Dharma I feel the work is very important. I offer the following questions as well as my essay, "White Buddha," in support of sincere practitioners who see the potential for positive change.

• Is recognizing oneself as white important?
  

• Is a self-assessment of racial prejudice worth checking out?

• Should white people be concerned about fearing people of color?

• Does white guilt have consequences?

• Is denial an issue?

• Does being “White” mean something to people of color?

• What does it feel like to be alienated in a White Buddha sangha?

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Very Best Wishes,                                                                                                                                                     Lama Choyin Rangdrol

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