Dr. Kamilah Majied is a contemplative inclusivity consultant and author dedicated to merging Buddhism with social justice. She discusses how personal growth through Buddhism can influence societal changes and the importance of cultural respect. Dr. Majied highlights the power of language in shaping our reality and the history of the phrase 'stay woke.' With insights on grief and joy amid activism, she emphasizes the need for community and the transformative nature of meditation in pursuing equity and healing.
The podcast explores the intertwining of Buddhism with social justice, emphasizing the importance of recognizing interconnectedness in addressing societal issues.
Dr. Majied highlights how joy can emerge from confronting injustices, demonstrating that resilience and advocacy often arise from deep emotional experiences.
Deep dives
The Impact of Buddhist Practice on Personal Growth
Practicing Buddhism for over 42 years has provided profound clarity on living a meaningful life. This journey has not only allowed for personal growth but has also opened numerous avenues to contribute positively to society. The concept of dependent origination highlights the interconnectedness of all things, affirming that nothing exists in isolation— an important realization for tackling social justice issues. As a result, understanding this interconnectedness fosters the motivation to alleviate suffering and deepen one’s practice as a contributor to the world.
Joy as a Result of Overcoming Injustice
The podcast emphasizes the relationship between joy and justice, presenting the idea that true joy often arises when individuals face and overcome injustice. Personal stories of family members who survived significant discrimination exemplify how joy can coexist with suffering, leading to a spirited resistance against oppression. This concept reinforces that joy is not merely derived from the absence of struggle but can be more profound when paired with acts of defiance against inequality. Understanding this connection allows people to harness their experiences of pain and transform them into a source of strength and joy in their pursuits for justice.
Cultural Wisdom and the Need for Deep Engagement
Cultural wisdom, especially from Black traditions, is recognized as an essential aspect of spiritual practices that can often be overlooked due to societal biases. The podcast calls for engaging authentically with these cultural practices, moving beyond superficial appropriation to a deeper appreciation and learning. It highlights the significant contributions of Black musicians, artists, and authors, connecting their work to larger sociopolitical contexts that enrich our understanding of humanity. Emphasizing gratitude and relationality with these shared cultural experiences allows for more profound insights and a fuller appreciation of their wisdom.
Combining Grief and Joy Through Collective Action
The discussion addresses the paradox of experiencing grief alongside joy, particularly in the context of social justice movements. Individuals can transform their feelings of sorrow into constructive action toward supporting marginalized communities, showing that advocacy can emerge from deep emotional experiences. Engaging in collective action not only honors the memory of those who suffer injustice but also taps into a shared sense of joy rooted in community efforts. By recognizing that our own liberation is intricately tied to the liberation of others, individuals can find deeper fulfillment and joy through acts of solidarity and resistance.
Dr. Kamilah Majied, MSW, PhD, is a contemplative inclusivity and equity consultant, mental health therapist, clinical educator, researcher, and internationally engaged consultant on building inclusivity and equity using meditative practices.
She is the author of Joyfully Just: Black Wisdom and Buddhist Insights for Liberated Living(Sounds True, 2024), and has authored many articles and chapters, including in the second edition of Advances in Contemplative Psychotherapy: “Contemplative Practices for Assessing and Eliminating Racism in Psychotherapy.”