Black Buddhist Community in America

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Black Buddhist Community in America is the first organization to propagate Buddhism specifically among persons of black or African descent in the United States. While its primary goal has been to admit African-Americans into the practice of Buddhism, the Community encourages a diverse membership in regard to race. The organization interprets its use of the term "Black Buddhist" as descriptive of Buddhism outside the social constructs of race, caste, gender and nationality.

[edit] Doctrine

The Black Buddhist Community in America does not self-identify as a religion in the usual sense; it holds to no religious dogma, does not require belief in a supernatural God or gods and teaches no concept of an after life. In lieu of religious dogma, the organization subscribes to personal experience and Mindfulness.

The Community advocates the doctrine of Vibhajjavada (Pali), literally "Analysis Teachings." This doctrine holds that Mindfulness or clear awareness is realized by way of experience rather than by belief, concentration or intellect. However, the Community emphasizes heeding the advice of the wise and considers such advice to play an important role in personal development.

The Black Buddhist Community in America maintains that the Buddha is a supremely gifted yet mortal teacher, and does not consider the Buddha a divine or a divinely inspired teacher. Rather, the Community regards the Buddha, Siddhartha Guatama as the clearest of the more recent exponents of a culture as old as humanity itself. According to Black Buddhist doctrine, Buddhahood is the state of being mentally wide awake; of knowing things as they are and acting accordingly.

[edit] Practices

The organization considers Mindfulness and living in accord with the Noble Eightfold Path as central to its practices and employs meditative exercises in the pursuit and attainment of these goals. The principles and practices of the organization comprise the Black Buddhist school of Buddhism.