I’m preparing for tomorrow’s “The Dharma’s Transmission to the West” seminar and I’ve never been more excited to teach a topic in my life lol. While the workshop traces the emergence of Buddhism in the US by initially Chinese and then later Japanese immigrants, a large part of my lecture will focus on how “contemporary Buddhism” came into being and the wrestling and negotiations convert-Buddhists must make as we co-create Buddhism in the West in realtime. I am particularly interested in post-colonial/modern/secular interpretations of the dharma and the role we all have as practitioners and teachers in being aware and countering larger oppressive systemic and cultural forces at play as the dharma continues to be “transmitted” in the West.

*While some folks might indicate that the secular mindfulness movement is distinct from Western Buddhism, I purposely collapse that divide (which I’ll get into in the workshop tomorrow, 4/30 6-8pm ET). As you can likely tell, I am very passionate about this subject 😂 Come join us! The replay will also be available after the session.