Meet Lama Rod: A queer, Black Buddhist who wants to free you
Time:2024-05-21 16:35:13 Source:worldViews(143)
ROME, Ga (AP) — Instead of traditional maroon and gold Tibetan Buddhist robes, Lama Rod Owens wore a white animal print cardigan over a bright yellow T-shirt with an image of singer Sade, an Africa-shaped medallion and mala beads — the most recognizable sign of his Buddhism.
“Being a Buddhist or a spiritual leader, I got rid of trying to wear the part because it just wasn’t authentic to me,” said Owens, 44, who describes himself as a Black Buddhist Southern Queen.
“For me, it’s not about looking like a Buddhist. It’s about being myself,” he said at his mother’s home in Rome, Georgia. “And I like color.”
The Harvard Divinity School -educated lama and yoga teacher blends his training in the Kagyu School of Tibetan Buddhism with pop culture references and experiences from his life as a Black, queer man, raised in the South by his mother, a pastor at a Christian church.
Previous:Philippines blames China for loss of giant clams in disputed shoal and urges environmental inquiry
Next:Everybody may love Raymond, but Ray Romano loves Peter Boyle
You may also like
- Six killed in a 'foiled coup' in Congo, the army says
- Chinese Embassy in Britain celebrates UN Chinese Language Day to promote cultural exchanges
- China, Thailand to cooperate in lunar exploration missions
- Lebanon's Hezbollah launches attacks targeting Israeli positions: statement
- Russian theater director and playwright go on trial over a play authorities say justifies terrorism
- Bookstore makes reading accessible to rural areas in Inner Mongolia
- Western 'overcapacity' accusation is typical double standard: China's commerce ministry
- The Suns built a superteam with Durant, Booker and Beal. It produced zero playoff wins
- NBA playoffs: Edwards leads Wolves to 98