Black Folk Don't: Practice Buddhism 

OK. I saw the image of the black women chanting together and started crying. I've been living in Thailand now for about 9 months working on health issues. The first issue was my anxiety. I spent ten days of meditating with monks and I was cured. So now I want to know everything Buddhist. I have such peace now.

I’m black and Buddhist as well.

I am African American and I practice Tibetan Buddhism...both our peoples know what it means to face oppression, and keep the faith in the face of tyranny. Long live HH the Dalai Lama

I was born and raised as a Christian, but I haven't felt such a consistent sense of peace, happiness, and contentment until I began practicing Buddhism as a Nicherin Buddhist.

I’m African raised Catholic, and as an adult I converted to Buddhism. The best decision I’ve made for my mental health and understanding of others and the world we live in 😀

My husband is Buddhist, and he would regularly attend Temple in Silver Spring where there were plenty of black folks in attendance.

buddhism will teach you about the nature. living with nature is amazing. it makes all happiness in the life. I'm sri lankan buddhist

I'm new to Buddhism and the Buddha's teaching but I'm loving every part of it.

I just recently reintroduced myself to Buddhism after hopping around from baptist to catholic to wicca. I'll say as I've aged, Buddhism aligns with me. Ever since I've started reading and practicing my stress has been lowered which also helps with my blood pressure and anxiety. 🖤

Everyone should practice Buddhism, it's long overdue going viral.

I am Black and have practiced Buddhism for 33 years (Soka Gakkai International) I love my practice.

Siddhartha Gotama realize Enlightenment and teachers Dhamma to people for overcoming their own sufferings. His teachings later become a religion. Buddhism teachers the way out of sufferings. We create our own heaven and hell. If anger arises in you then you are in hell. If your heart is full of love and peace then you are in heaven. It all exists within our own heart.

Buddhism is the path, because it teaches you to look within for all one’s answers.

I'm practicing Thervada Buddhism. Christianity has never done anything for me. I feel so free with buddhism. I believe there is a Creator who lets us think for ourselves.

I was born Christian become a Muslim and now looking into Buddhism. And I do have to say is buddhist gives you so much peace and not hatful people they don’t judge you like other religion dose

Nice to see this discussion. I am an African American male and I am the President of the Buddhist Council of New York, recently elected and a personal member of Rissho Kosei Kai. Peace, Love and Compassion.

I’m not black, but am SGI and practice Nicherin Buddhism. I enjoyed this video and seeing the perspectives and lessons offered. Thank you!

I came to Buddhism thru Thich Nhat Hanh (Zen) and Dalai Lama (Tibetan) in 2006. 12 years.

I have been interested in Buddhism for a long time, especially after seeing "What's Love Gotta Do With It" 😄 Its nice to see African Americans that are Buddhist 🧘🏿‍♂️

Buddhism has changed my life. Six years in the practice is beautiful

NMRK, NMRK, NMRK! I've been practicing Nichiren Buddhism for 48 years BECAUSE I WANT TO PRACTICE, not because it was forced upon me! Yes, I live in a country that has religious freedom as a part of its Constitution (USA) Oh yeah, I'm 66 years YOUNG!

Overjoyed to see our black friends availing teachings of Buddha. May Buddha’s teachings flourish to save humanity from endless confusions and sufferings.

Love from India friends.. Love Buddhism make your life happy

I was born and raised as a Thai Theravada Buddhist. Not only does BUDDHISM offer you wisdom and space to self explore which are causes & effects of your sufferings and resolutions for your issues but also frees your minds and broadens your perspectives, spirituality and mentality to be increasingly more logical, practical and more compassionate on everything you have experienced, thus gaining more insights, balance and peace in your life at the end. Glad to know that there are plenty of people of colors practicing a religion of wholistic wisdom, peace and compassion like Buddhism. 🙇🙇🙇💓👍 Sadhu... Anumodhami 🙏🙏🙏

Black people DO practice Buddhism--Nichiren Buddhism in the Soka Gakkai International. I have been practicing consistently and will celebrate 50 years of practice and benefit in December of this year.

Buddhism to me is about learning from the enlightened one and less about ceremonies, worship, chanting and rituals. Buddha teaches us the truth and the path to experiencing that truth ourselves. I believe this can only be done by learning about Buddha's original teaching in Buddhist texts, especially Theravada Buddhist texts. It's also improtant to learn from senior buddhists who have read and understoodthe text as they can be quite abstract and difficult to understand.

I’ve been a practicing Nichiren Buddhism bwith the SGI since I was 5 years old, it was actually Nichiren Shoshu of America back then (NSA). I know MANY other black people that practice as well.. I love this video♥️😁

It is SO refreshing to hear intelligent discourse! I will miss this show.

I am Buddhist SGI have been practicing for 33 years.

I am an Asian American from Southeast Asia, I been here in Florida over 30 years I never knew black practice Buddhism

I'm from Chicago the low end but I now stay in mississippi/ I be on the road I'm a truck driver. This video just came to me and it crazy because I've been interested in learning about Buddhism and I don't know where to start. I didn't even know black people practiced this. This made me feel better and motivated

Buddhism is actually the reason I am a practicing kitchen witch. It is also the foundation of my practice to this day and is the reason I no longer harbor negative thoughts about Christianity or those who are Christians. It really freed me to be that compassionate wild child I have always wanted to be.

Black buddhist here. Don’t really have a particular sect I follow :P

I am a 30 year Buddhist member of SGI USA my mother began practicing in Oakland California, there are many Black Buddhists.

I'm Buddhist and have even taken Bodhisattva vows. Chan Buddhist.

Well you can be a Christian and Buddhist. Many monks told me this. Hell one told me "I like that Jesus guy, he would of been a great friend of the Buddha"

Hello this is pooja from india. I love you guys and I love this video also. I m Buddhist from india. Lets study on Buddhism and make world happy. Love you again guys.love you from heart🙏

I remember when I officially gave up on Christian Church and I would sit and think and I had came up with my interpretation of life and then I stumbled on Buddhism, I was like oh snap that's how I think.

I'm a member of SGI. Me and my family practice Buddhism. It's amazing, I love it.

Of course we all know that the Buddha is any color you want and he is located right about where your heart is beating.

I practice Buddhism for 20 years !! And I would like to quote from his Holiness Dalai Lama !! Looking with in The very purpose of Religious is to Control Yourself not to Criticize others !! Rather we must criticize ourselves how much am I Doing to my anger ? About my Attachment ? About my hatred pride jealously ? THIS ARE THINGS WHICH WE MUST CHECK IN DAILY LIFE !! TAKING YOUR OWN BODY AND MIND AS THE LABORATORY !! Exame the POSSIBILITY OF MAKING POSITIVE HANGES WITH IN YOURSELF !! Namaste 🙏🙏🙏❤️❤️

Nice to know some Americans getting interested in practicing Buddhist teaching. Especially, African American and best wishes to your path of spiritual searching.

Im a black theravada buddhist monk living in and ordained in thailand and have been here for some time...!

I personally know many people who practice Buddhism ,white and black at the Temple in west Chicago,il

Glad to see more black Buddhists

Next year I will be celebrating my 40th year of practicing Buddhism…SGI-USA!!!

1. What is the goal of Buddhism? - Freedom from suffering. 2. What is suffering (dukkha)? - (1) physical and mental discomfort, (2) transience of all conditioned reality, (3) unsatisfactoriness caused by desire and clinging to the idea of self, and (4) aggregates of clinging/birth/ body and mind, all which are themselves the cause of suffering, regardless of whether the mind has craving or not. 3. What is the cause of suffering? - Suffering is caused by (1) non-fulfillment of wishes, (2) craving, and (3) ignorance of the Noble Truths. 4. The path to freedom from suffering - The only path to freedom from suffering is the Noble Eightfold Path, or morality, concentration and wisdom. In brief it is mindfulness practice, or constant observation of one’s body and mind, until the mind gets insight into the truth that this body and mind are the root of all suffering. Only then will the mind eradicate craving, clinging (intense craving), the mental process of becoming (mental formation), rebirth (acquisition of sense-organs), and become liberated.

Watching the Tina Turner movie 'what's love got to do with it' put me into Buddhism when I was a teen

Yes, we do 🎉 I have been chanting for 32 years ..

I'm Black and practice Buddhism as well

“All people are equal. All are members of the human family. This is the teaching of Nichiren Buddhism, …” President of the Soka Gakkai International (SGI) Daisaku Ikeda, "The New Human Revolution, Volumen 30, Chapter 1

I am Asian wondering around of life...studied most major religions...I came back to Buddhism again it has answers of all my questions.

In NJ we have amazing black sgi members!! So many they are so loving and caring!! Love them all!!

Tina Turner,Buster Williams, Herbie Hancock,Cory Glover. Bobby McFerrin and so many more

I have been a member of SGI-USA since 1971, a great practice. This a "value creating society."

I just started studying last week. when i was a kid back in the 90s , i watched the Tina Turner movie & when she started chanting nam myoho renge kyo. I would always chant along with her ,it felt so good to say. I watch the the movie again last week & that part stuck with me, so i decided to learn more. i have been learning the gongyo & i am going to attend an SGI meeting, which i found out is a block away from my house. also a few weeks ago, i was running an errand & saw a Buddhist temple 5 mins from my house, so i take it as a sigh.

I'm pretty sure that Herbie Hancock is a very famous Buddhist from Chicago

As a buddhist, I feel happy for all black people who feel safe space in buddhism, May buddha bless you all

Just wanted to say this is so amazing to see black people mediating to one consciousness. I live in Chicago but im not really sure where i can go to mediate with people who think like me.

Unlike Christianity or Islam, Buddhism has ALWAYS opposed slavery, castes, and racial discrimination from the very beggining. Christians and Muslims often try to dismiss passages of their holy books which condone slavery and teach how to deal with slaves by appealing to "historical context". There is NO context that justifies slavery. It was as wrong then as it is now. The Buddha's teachings have always been right, not because of his authority, but because their principles have stood the test of time and can be verified and confirmed by logic, practical experience and meditation.

I'm Buddhist.............. I'm proud to feel.

I am pleased to watch this. Peace be with you all in this conflicting world of religions.

I am Indian Buddhist ...Buddha taught Love, peace ,equality ,and rationality

I'm Black and a Buddhist Nichiren Shoshu.

Nice to see black people starting to follow the teachings of Buddha instead of turning to Islam.

Im an Afro Carribean Londoner I practice Nichiren Buddhism

I am so happy to see my fellow black brothers and sisters accepting the teachings of our beloved lord buddha. 💓🙏🙏🙏🕉️

I needed this so bad! Thank you for making this!

Buddhism is the Right Religion

Buddhism brings my life better, i want to get rid of suffering

I love this video sharing the hope and success of nam myoho renge kyo! Atlanta Rocks! I need to get back to regular practice. I started when i gave up alcohol 29 years ago... thru 12 step AND chanting. Amazing life

I am Brazilian and I was born in a Buddhism family. I am 36 years old, and I have always been a practitioner of Buddhism. I am a black man and my whole family practices Nichiren Daishonon Buddhism. (S.G.I)

Also: bell hooks, Ven. Dr. Pannavati, Joanna Harper, Leslie Booker, Devin Berry, Herbie Hancock

Buddhism doesn't have a god but doesn't stops one from believing in god or gods like the Japanese, Koreans & Chinese. But even in India (also Indonesia in the past) Buddhists practice Buddhism but continue believing in Hindu gods & goddesses without any issue.

Great piece! Definitely provided reassurance in my choice to join SGI💪🏾❤

I have genes from Africa. I am a Black Buddhist with the SGI.

I am Black and a Nirvanist!

Gautam Buddha was born in Lumbini , now Nepal . Blessing from Land of Himalayas.

Buddhism never make war or slaves of anybody. The only creed to be able to formulate a code of ethics and religion that was universally and valid for all regardless of culture, race, religion/atheist & gender/LBGTQI.

I've begun a journey of exploration. I'm glad I found this.

I started practicing Zen in the late nineties. As a Veteran it really helped with my PTSD. As a Black Homosexual man (not gay) I could never worship a god that says he hates me in the first place.

Good to Choose Buhdism. Being us peaceful and happiness, just sharing with you a brief story, from the last two years I had a bowel cancer as stage 3, since that I had fate reading through buhda taught and I practice, then I was think I had fate with Buhda. That time time I was very depressed and very stress because I think my life will end, then I put myself practiced and read alots of audio books, then now I feel really calm and peaceful and I become more brave no longer frightened of death. Because I understand that we will reborn and all we done is Karma. Now my sickness been recovered and iam healthy now. I felt buddha is spiritual and so a miracle. Reading buhda taugt and practice will bring your mind more wisdom and intelligent and improved your thinking positive. Thanks you Buhda NAM MO BON SU THICH CA MO NI PHAT 🙏🙏🙏

Even though I'm half black i think i still count, I'm Jodo Shinshu Buddhist and both me and my wife are members of Wahiawa Hongwanji Mission

I’m an atheist but I’m interested in becoming a Buddhist.

I am very very new to chanting...I'm learning about Nichiren Buddhism. It's been about two weeks now. Thanks for the video.

to quote Ambedkar Buddhism is the what us oppressed communities should revive to #JaiBheem

I've been practising Theravada Buddhism almost my whole life but only recently I found peace within myself after doing meditation and practising detaching :)

Theruwan saranai! I am from Sri Lanka a Theravada buddhist. I felt so happy watching this vdo.

No matter who you are , black , white , poor or reach Buddha said you have Punna ( memorize, recognize ) you understood the Language then you can practice Buddhism! Buddha taugh about the god a lot, not say god god only he said the Name of god the level of god where do they love, But i think maybe not god in meaning of Christian.

I think the Lady who said that we all have capacity to be happy sums it all.

The great thing about buddhism is that you can be a christian/islamic AND STILL BE A BUDDHIST. (This doesnt apply to Mahayana buddhism as thats almost a completely different religion compared to original buddhism which Theravada is the closest modern remnant). Under Theravada buddhism Gautama buddha at no point says "follow me or you go to hell". There are no gods in buddhism infact Gautama Buddha explicitly asks his followers to NOT worship him as an idol (ironically people have started doing this all over the place today which is technically wrong). All budhism asks you to do is to live a life worth living and to tame your ego. If anyone wants to learn more about this beautiful way of life consider travelling to SRI LANKA and researching.

great and inspiring video. My Buddhism is a deeper form of anger management. I came to it from that vector. I'm eager to learn what brings people to the practice.

I took my refuge vow in 1997

ALL HUMANS HAVE BUDDHA NATURE !!! MAY ALL LIVING BEINGS FIND THERE HAPPINESS !!! SEEN AND NOT SEEN !!!!

I started in SGI at 3 but then my family converted to Christianity when I was 12. I struggled with the guilt and judgement of leaving the church for a couple of years, I feel much more aligned with my life now that I’m back with my SGI family 💚

I’m learning to practice medicating 🧘🏾‍♂️ Pathway to start my journey.

We welcome all black and white brothers and sisters to Buddhist religion Don’t think about you colour. You are nice, strong people ❤️🙏🏽

I'm black

Nicherin Buddhism is a wonderful practice. So glad I’m black and Buddhist!

I'm a Buddhist from Nepal. Whether you're a Buddhist or not, there are great historical sites, like in Lumbini, Buddha's birthplace, and other Hindu and Buddhist temples and monasteries in Nepal that I suggest you make a visit. You feel really peaceful visting these places.