In a profound and timely discussion, Buddhist teachers and community leaders recently explored the transformative potential of mindfulness practices for Black liberation and healing. The conversation centered on Sangha House NOLA, a new Buddhist center in New Orleans dedicated to serving the Black community and allies in their spiritual journeys.
Venerable Dayananda, founder of Sangha House NOLA, set the tone by emphasizing the inherent spiritual wisdom within the Black experience. “As a Black body, that intuitiveness… you come into existence observing the mind of others, observing the ways of the world. So it’s already a dharmic experience,” she explained. This perspective reframes the challenges faced by Black individuals as opportunities for deep spiritual insight and growth.
Brother Reimoku, another spiritual leader in the community, shared his insights on the practical application of Buddhist principles in daily life. He emphasized the importance of seeing the divine reflected in every interaction: “Every moment, every being is a reflection of ourselves, is a reflection of God, is a reflection of the totality.” This perspective encourages a radical shift in how we perceive and interact with the world around us.
Addressing current societal divisions and violence, the teachers advocated for careful observation of one’s own mind and reactions. Venerable Dayananda cautioned, “We have to protect the mind and the sixth sense basis because it’s really easy at this particular time where the divide is being sent to us in every moment of our feed.” This advice is particularly relevant in an age of constant digital stimulation and polarizing media narratives.
Brother Reimoku added, “I encourage anyone who’s listening to be mindful of those energetic hooks…that give us this sense of power, that create these divisions between self and other. There’s no such thing.” This teaching challenges us to transcend artificial divisions and recognize our fundamental interconnectedness.
The conversation also touched on the practical aspects of building a spiritual community by promoting an upcoming grand opening event for Sangha House NOLA on August 17th at 2004 Laperouse Street in the 7th Ward. We encourage community support through attendance, donations, and spreading awareness of applying Buddhist wisdom to Black liberation and healing.
Olori Lolade, founder of noirpress, emphasized the importance of supporting Black-led spiritual initiatives. “Pay your black tithe,” she urged, encouraging us to financially support organizations like Sangha House NOLA, King’s Culture, and Cakes, Cones, and Cuisines, which are all partnering to bring spiritual resources to the community.
The work of Sangha House NOLA and its partners represents a growing movement to make ancient spiritual wisdom accessible and relevant to contemporary Black experiences. As these teachings take root and spread, they offer a path towards individual and collective healing, resilience, and liberation.
