Fresh “Lev” White, Justin Miles and Dawa Tarchin Phillips
Blackness, Buddhism, and Masculinity
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What You'll Learn
Among the growing population of Western Buddhists, it is notable that the majority are women or female-identified, though gender demographics vary from community to community. What does Buddha Dharma have to offer to men, and in particular Black men, and what do Black men bring to contemporary Buddhism and Buddhist communities? In this panel discussion, three Buddhist teachers of African descent discuss the intersections of Blackness, Buddhism, and masculinity in their lives, their teaching activities and practices.
About Fresh “Lev” White
You can learn more about Lev on his website and connect on LinkedIn.
About Justin Miles
You can learn more about him on his website and find his work on Hip Hop Alive and BandCamp.
About Dawa Tarchin Phillips
You can learn more about his work on his website and download a free Awakening Presence meditation here.
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Some societies are patriarchal. Others are matriarchal. What is the problem?
Wow. So much intersectional practicality for all my dharma work. Gratitude to all of you.
As much as I dislike mentioning my dissatisfaction with the first two days of the Black Buddhist Summit, I must acknowledge my surprise and pleasure of the third day. Being a 69 year old Black Women who grew up “poor” in the hood (and still poor in the hood) Subsconsciously I was always seeking a “teacher” not to be found in my neighborhood. After a long and tremendously challenging journey I found myself in 99% white buddhist surroundings. This new years I found myself listening to my zoom buddhist sanga talking about yachting trips/ and retreats abroad etc. I was mentally taken back to the childhood where I was told in many ways I would never “fit in. I gave nyself permission to leave and continue with my self-study. In my opinion the first two days were filled with authors selling books and academically achieved individuals who could afford months long retreats in Peru etc. I know for a fact that there are multitudes of “everyday ordinary black folks” caught in suffering
who need and long for approachable teachers. Fresh “Lex” White literally took me back to my painful childhood, and experience the suffering from a mature black buddhist perspective and move on – that is what the dharma is about to me. Thank you Lex for your freeing honesty. In my opinion the world needs more Fresh White’s as Dharma Teachers. Your honesty and vulnerability enabled me to post this comment. Organizers: This type of summit is very much needed please continue. Again, Fresh “Lex” White, THANK YOU for being my true representative of a qualified Black Buddhist Teacher.
the problem is when a system is based on oppression
I agree with comment above. For those of us not familiar with some of the presenters and their work – I felt left out to a degree. Do I have to buy the book? I probably need to. That being said – I do admire people who give up everything to do these month, year long retreats. Even if I had the money – my work did not allow the time. Not so much an issue now that I’m retired but now I don’t have the money. For this session I enjoyed the detailed introductions and the practical steps at the end.
One thing that COVID has shown us is that there will need to be a virtual componet to these presentation.
Kudos to this group for not charging a fee!
Wonderful!!! Sahdu
D3 talk. There was a rich balance of experience that made this talk for me very accessible and insightful. Thank you!
Thanks so much this was so informative and helpful, we need more groups like this .👍🏽
Masculinity:
Justine and Lay:
Single parents that Dad mom or Mom Dad – its wonderful explanation – and this called back the Samkhya’ one of the six orthodox school of India, talks about the Purush and Prakruti. As well as Shaivism present Shiva in the concept of the masculinity both is in Shiva and Shakti. So I feel masculinity is beyond any gender, its means it is part of every living being, so the body is the outer perception for the other. So Dharmma is beyond this perception and one should not feel either way. Good luck for both of you and you are on the right path of Dhamma. Keep going good luck.
Thank you, Dawa, Justin and Lev for that deeply educative discussion.
What a great conversation with three wonderful teachers. Thank you. It is so uplifting to hear and experience the light you men bring to this world and to our communities. Thank you!
This has been a completely revelatory and healing experience for me to listen to these men discuss the difference between masculinity and patriarchy. I found Lev White’s observations particularly insightful and healing for me as he wove his unique viewpoint on the spectrum of personal power and gender. I am very grateful to be a witness to this discussion, skillfully led by Lama Dawa Tarchin Phillips.
Wonderful sharing today!!!!!!!!!! This is turning into the richest month of the lockdown. Outstanding online teaching for those in states (like Illinois) who have been socially isolated by fear (v. contagion). Thank you for assembling summit. How i wish the prisoners i used to volunteer/visit with (BC. before covid) were listening! Awesome discussion. Our journeys are stunning. I’ll be listening to a zoom Shuso Hossen Ceremony shortly. Imagine that a year ago! Warm bow of Gratitude, jth
Excellent, comprehensive conversation! Loved It! Many bows!
I enjoyed this discussion. I was not sure if I would be interested in what men had to say but they brought a lot of unexpected insight. I have asked why continue to distinguish between the races when we are looking at a time to heal. Separating the races and focusing on our separateness does not seem to help. I get it that there needs to be a safe place to go for what Blacks are going through or feeling but the key to all of it is empathy and healing which I feel should be the focal point.
I just want to give the biggest thank you for this Day 3 talk. I received so much life surround this timely topic as it’s been on my mind. I also want to give a special thanks to Fresh “Lev” White. I rarely see trans masculine teachers let alone of with African ancestry. I really appreciate hearing about other trans experiences!
As a very privileged white male who has had so many doors open to me, there is so much for me to learn. I have learned some over the years and have a longer journey ahead. The deep honest sharing by Justin and Lev who are so wise and self aware was so moving. I understand much more on a deep and emotional level and my compassion has been stretched enormously. Thank you both so much for sharing yourselves and your journeys so honestly.
On point
Inspiring conversation, great to embrace our masculine and feminine aspects of our human bodies. Thank you 🙏
Thank you, it was a great talk
This was a beautiful conversation. I was interested in hearing the Black masculine perspective.. one that isn’t heard often.. at least not for me. I really love the invitation to “upset the system.”
Very much appreciate being able to listen to and be with this conversation. Thank you!
Very rich. Deep bow of respect and appreciation for these two presenters and their knowledge, their practice, and the ways in which they have each skillfully woven their intelligence, their life experiences, their healing, and their gifts to be of benefit to individuals and to the positive shifts occurring in this world today.