Lama Rod Owens (@lamarod1) holds the space for vulnerable conversation to unfold. I was going to write a spot-on bio, but the one posted on his website mirrors my experience and understanding of him:
“Considered one of the leaders of the next generation of Dharma teachers, Lama Rod Owens has a blend of formal Buddhist training and life experience that gives him a unique ability to understand, relate and engage with those around him in a way that’s spacious and sincere. His gentle, laid-back demeanor and willingness to bare his heart and soul makes others want to do the same. Even when seated in front of a room, he’s next to you, sharing his stories and struggles with an openness vulnerability and gentle humor that makes you genuinely feel good about who you are, with all your flaws and foibles, you’re lovable and deserving of happiness and joy. He invites you into the cross sections of his life as a Black, queer male, born and raised in the South, and heavily influenced by the church and its community.” (from lamarod.com)
In this episode we cover Lama Rod’s journey into Tibetan Buddhism, issues of race in American Buddhism, sexuality, his contemplative practice and his thoughts on sex education.
Lama Rod Owens is a teacher, activist and author of Radical Dharma: Talking Race, Love and Liberation. You can learn more about him through his website, lamarod.com, Instagram, Soundcloud and Twitter.
Subscribe to Contemplify via iTunes, Stitcher or Google Play
EPISODE SHOW NOTES
Book by Lama Rod Owens
- Radical Dharma: Talking Race, Love and Liberation by Rev. angel Kyodo Williams and Lama Rod Owens
Books and Resources Mentioned
- Cave in the Snow: A Western Woman’s Quest for Enlightenment by Vicki MacKenzie
- The Seven Storey Mountain by Thomas Merton
People
- Catholic Worker Movement
- Dorothy Day
- Peter Maurin
- Lama Norlha Rinpoche
- Donald Trump
- Adolf Hitler
Contemplative Practices (1h07m)
- Mindfulness of mind and body, lovingkindness and compassion
Drinks Pairings
- Rum punched
Highlights
1m30s What is Radical Dharma?
6m15s How is Radical Dharma being received by white Buddhists?
9m30s How did the experiences of your life prepare you for writing Radical Dharma?
25m10s Lama Rod’s journey
40m What impact has your primary teacher had on you?
43m Difference between liking and loving everyone
58m If you were in charge of teaching sex education, how would you go about it?
1h05m What book would you gift a budding contemplative?
1h07m30s What is your primary contemplative practice?
Photo credit: Death To Stock Photo
You must be logged in to post a comment.