Diversity matters
at the
North London
Buddhist Centre
Racial Diversity and Inclusion at NLBC
On 23 June 2020 the governing council of the North London Buddhist Centre charity released this statement:
“Racism and racial injustice have no place within the Dharma or Buddhist values, and as a centre we aim to create an environment that is open and welcoming to people of all races. All we offer as a centre aims to support deepening awareness, wisdom and compassion, for ourselves and others, rooted in and resonating with the world.”
The Racial Diversity and Inclusion Kula
That same summer, a few of us who love the Dharma (the Buddha's teachings) and feel that the North London Buddhist Centre and Sangha (the community of practitioners) are close to our hearts, came together to form a group called the Racial Diversity and Inclusion (RDI) Kula. We are a group of people from different racial heritages, all involved in a range of activities around the Centre and all wanting to see the Centre grow and flourish. Our aim is to explore what we can do to create a context where people of all races feel they are welcome and can explore the Dharma in relevant ways.
We believe exploring racial conditioning as a Dharmic activity can help us overcome the delusion of self and other and get closer to the Bodhisattva Ideal - the ultimate in compassionate activity to help all beings.
We'd love to hear from you with any ideas, suggestions and comments. Please email nlbcrdikula@gmail.com
In support of the RDI Kula’s initiatives, the NLBC will be organising events and courses throughout the year. Please see below for more details of what is currently planned:
Events for People of Colour within the Triratna Community in the UK: Click HERE to access
People of Colour day at the North London Buddhist centre here.
Monthly Racial Affinity Group for white and white-presenting people - part of the NLBC Racial Diversity and Inclusion (RDI) Initiative dates tbd.
Check out these resources compiled by the RDI Kula…
Welcoming Liberation: A space for thriving BIPOC/BAME Dharma and community connection:- Click HERE to access
Courageous conversations about race, hosted by the Buddhist Centre Online:- Click HERE to access
Awareness is revolutionary: Talking about race and Buddhism - Suryagupta and Subhuti:- Click HERE to access
A way forward? race, bias and freedom - Suryagupta and Subhuti:- Click HERE to access
Talk given by Vijayatara on the experiences of BAME people in Triratna:- Click HERE to access
Letter from London-based Black and Asian Order Members:- Click HERE to access
The NLBC RDI Kula would like to thank Triratna’s Future Dharma Fund for their support in enabling our initiatives to come into being. For more on the work of Future Dharma Fund click here
If you have any questions or would like to get involved, please email the RDI Kula at nlbcrdikula@gmail.com