Buddhism, a religious tradition founded in South Asia, has been increasingly embraced by Black practitioners in the United States. Over the span of 2,600 years, Buddhist teachings emerged, consolidated, and spread from South Asia to China and Japan and, in the seventh century, to Tibet. Later, Buddhist teachings of these respective traditions moved westward to Europe and the Americas. In the twentieth century, Buddhism’s distinctive teachings on suffering, impermanence, and enlightenment began to attract many Black adherents. Today, Buddhist thought is well-known among popular Black musicians, artists, scholars, and activists. 

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One Japanese-based lineage in particular, Nichiren Buddhism, draws large numbers of Black lay practitioners. Nichiren Buddhism teaches that Buddhahood or a Buddha-nature is inherent in and permeates all beings and things. It further emphasizes wisdom and compassion in action to bring about a harmonious society. Nichiren Buddhists chant the Japanese title of the Lotus Sutra – Myoho Renge Kyo – as a central part of their practice to activate this innate Buddhahood, to be in total resonance with it, and to manifest true liberation and happiness as effects in their daily lives and within society at-large. Engaging in this practice through a Black or Afri-centric lens has fueled transformative experiences for Black Nichiren Buddhists. This podcast series uplifts the voices of these Buddhists and makes visible the distinctiveness of Black Nichiren Buddhist experience within the landscape of American Buddhism.

 

This podcast series furthermore illuminates how engaging the experiences of Black Nichiren Buddhists contributes to the study of Black religions. It uplifts narratives of religious seekers who clarify how collective chanting in Nichiren Buddhism—in contrast to Buddhist lineages that privilege silence—offers a distinctive draw for Black practitioners who came of age singing in Black churches. The interviewees in this podcast series also emphasize the practice of cultivating notions of Black humanity while institutionalizing social justice. By internalizing a narrative of innate Buddhahood, and by adhering to a Buddhist lineage that is committed to improving social conditions, Black Nichiren practitioners express how daily ritual Buddhist practice has served their mental liberation and commitment to Black freedom.

 

In episodes 1 to 4, I speak with Black scholars and teachers about the teachings and practices of Nichiren Buddhism. In episodes 5 to 8, I profile a growing national community of Nichiren practitioners: Buddhists of African Descent (BAD). It was formed in the early 1990s as an affinity group, within an international lay Buddhist organization, in order to help Black practitioners break through the cultural barriers that impeded embrace and practice of Buddhism. Over the past decade, BAD has become an independent entity, an association of Black practitioners who are not directly affiliated with any particular Nichiren sect. Today, they focus more intentionally on the cultural relevance of their Buddhist practice, using it to consciously celebrate their identity, heal from collective trauma, and exert their power in the world. BAD continues to evolve in response to participants’ needs. Currently it facilitates in-person and remote chanting/discussion sessions, a weekly Nichiren Buddhist-focused study session, and a monthly remote Second Saturday Gathering, which provides a variety of activities to enrich and invigorate people’s practices. BAD also hosts an annual Kwanzaa celebration, regional Meet-Ups, and an in-person annual Retreat.