Buddhist Geeks

i hadn’t planned on listening to this particular episode because i have definitely been on a break from watching and/or listening to more conversations about the tragedy and trauma concerning race in America. I’ve just had enough of giving my attention to the horrific and devastating TELEVISED MURDER of men who look like my father, brother, cousins. I just feel so drained...like my actual body can’t take any more. It’s so deep because as traumatic as this is to see on television, this blatant disregard for my humanity (based on my skin color) has been present in a million different ways my entire life. For example I was fortunate to have attended private schools growing up. I was ALWAYS one of only a handful of black students in school. I experienced So MANY incidents of Indirect discrimination, ignorant racist comments, hurtful prejudice assumptions and constant subtle reminders that I was “different” and “other” because I was black. That dynamic was part of my daily reality.....period Living that kind experience daily embedded a specific contracted sensation that i can only describe as the feeling deep betrayal and humiliation and shocking whiplash combined. And with every situation and every comment I felt forced to try to just “deal with it”.....SILENTLY!!! and at least not appear hurt... It is only recently I have begun to acknowledge and heal the vestiges of trauma that are always a part of what it means to be black in this country. Its conversations like these....the ones where I hear a genuine willingness to listen to my experiences (and my pain) without eye rolling and/or belittling or by accusing me of the using the infamous “race card” that assist with healing. It just means so much to be heard in this kind of space. I appreciate the warmth and authenticity that you offered in this episode. It’s necessary and it’s healing!.... Thank you!

More left leaning political garbage. Not for me.

I can’t believe I’m hearing propaganda from a so-called Buddhist podcast. Saying that Obama era was one of peace and prosperity. Really?. The housing crisis, bombing seven countries, building the detention centers for immigrants that are being used, don’t forget Obama was the DePorter in chief. I thought this was a Buddhist podcast not a propaganda podcast. Did you know that Trump started no new wars he’s bringing troops home he’s brought industry back to the United States, he’s funded black colleges, he’s made new opportunity zones in black neighborhoods,He’s made animal abuse a federal crime. There’s so much more Maybe you don’t know it because the media doesn’t cover it because it’s so biased.Being Buddhist has nothing to do with supporting the Democrats. Talk about living in an illusion.

I appreciate Vince and Emily Horne, not just as compassionate teachers (introducing me to Hokai Sobel), but also their commitment to inclusion and humility. Newest stuff on Ken Wilber is very promising. Listen to 405. Real deal. Thanks for letting me in the online class for what I could afford all those years ago, Vince. It was a transformative course for me, with Hokai stressing the integral connections that moved me forward. Michael Hallett, Florida