“Recognizing our deepest feelings, we cannot know live fully with suffering, invisibility, and dehumanization. Our resistance to oppression is our right to breathe fully, without the force of a hand or foot or knee on our throats constantly draining the life out of us. By watching Black and brown bodies die by police violence without resistance, we slowly die too. We take in resignation, despair, depression, self-denial, and self-effacement, and out bodies become bloated with powerlessness. And perhaps by not resisting, we unwittingly make a choice to allow ourselves to be silenced because we are too afraid to claim and honor the most precious gift we hold, the breath. In the honor of George Floyd and countless others, we vow to breathe. We breathe for the well-being of all sentient beings.”

While I was drawn to this book by its title, cover and synopsis, I could not have foreseen the BEAUTIFUL dedication to George Floyd.

I found this book to be a very necessary exploration of what it means to be Black and Buddhist especially in the face of racism, sexism and an undying effort to transform suffering into freedom. Each of the contributing authors do a great job earmarking how race and Buddhist practice have forged together and are a lasting impact in their work and life. Using anecdotal evidence and personal examples, they explore the overarching theme that there is to be no true freedom until we support one another in being free.

It took me awhile to read this one and yet it was worth the ride! Superb content.

Thanks to NetGalley for the digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Publication date: 12/8/2020

Shambhala has put together a well-written, engaging collection of essays that showcase differing views and voices.