About Us
As Nichiren Buddhists of African Descent, we created this association to examine, share, study and practice Buddhism through our African-centric cultural lens.
Our Mission
An Invitation
Na(mu) myoho renge kyo!
We invite you to join us on an exciting, nourishing, fortifying African-centered Buddhist journey. As we chart this course together, we will learn, grow and manifest. Onward...toward true emancipation and freedom of Black minds, Black bodies, and Black spirits.
To provide space and build community sanctuaries for people of African descent worldwide to explore Buddhism as a profound force for spiritual, physical, emotional, mental liberation.
To infuse our Buddhist practice with social-cultural reflections and elements (including language, art and philosophy, literature and music, song and dance and more from throughout the Diaspora) that serve to reinforce and sustain us.
To root our practice in the wisdom of our ancestors, scientific knowledge, and the evolutionary teachings of Nichiren Buddhism.
To support the continuous activation of our original enlightenment such that we may rise and serve as radiant, potent forces for justice, creativity, and happiness within our communities and society.
OUR BODHISATTVA PLEDGE
Daily enhancing our clarity, compassion, and capacity we apply these principles in our lives to bear witness to our inherent, shared Buddhahood and to make this land the Buddha land.
In the spirit of Umoja (UNITY)
We make the determination to be in the forefront repairing our relationships, appreciating our diversity, eliminating the hatred that has separated us from ourselves and has severed our life-to–life bonds. Ashe!!
In the spirit of Ujamaa
(CO-OPERATIVE ECONOMICS)
We make the determination to overcome our greed, anger, and stupidity in order to actively support and build those initiatives and institutions that will function to sustain our community in a healthy, productive way. Ashe!!
In the spirit of Imani (FAITH)
We make the determination to never forget we possess Buddhahood, to defeat whatever enemies arise, and to be confident that our Buddha nature will emerge as surely and gracefully as the lotus flower from the muddy swamp. Ashe!!
In the spirit of Kujichagulia (SELF DETERMINATION)
We make the determination to boldly look for our mistakes, see the areas to improve and to take action, even if unpopular or painful, to make correctives. Ashe!!
In the spirit of Nia (PURPOSE)
We make the determination to use our practice to bring out our inherent beauty and to utilize every instant to make our thoughts, our words, and our actions create good effects now and into the future. Ashe!!
In the spirit of Ujima (COLLECTIVE WORK AND RESPONSIBILITY)
We make the determination to work tirelessly and endlessly to transform our lives, our families, our communities, and our society to bring about peace, justice, and happiness in this world. Ashe!
In the spirit of Kuumba (CREATIVITY)
We make the determination to live energetically to create value, beauty, and goodness wherever we are and to build a culture that will enhance and glorify our Buddha nature. Ashe!!