Diggin' the Dharma The Future of American Buddhism? With Special Guest Upayadhi
Jul 10, 2022
Explore the intriguing future of American Buddhism as Upayadhi shares her insights from a recent conference. The discussion tackles the complexities of 'American Buddhism' and the challenges of representation. Key themes include the divide between immigrant and Western practitioners, and the need for inclusivity in defining Buddhist identity. There's a focus on the importance of Asian American voices and how they influence the conversation. The conference atmosphere emphasized care and action, sparking tough yet necessary dialogues for the path ahead.
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Title And Legitimacy Were Contested
- The conference's title "The Future of American Buddhism" raised immediate questions about scope and who gets to define that future.
- Organizers tried to avoid an agenda but faced critique due to their institutional ties and history.
Who Organized The Gathering
- Upayadhi attended the Garrison Institute hybrid conference in early June 2022 with about 120–130 in-person and many online participants.
- She noted heavy involvement from Naropa, the Frederick Lenz Foundation, and Lion's Roar in organizing and funding the event.
Make Convenings Representative And Affordable
- Organizers should convene diverse, representative stakeholders to authentically chart Buddhist futures.
- Prioritize accessibility and subsidize attendance for marginalized and younger participants.
