Katsuryu Bill Cooper
Bellevue Dharma
May 4, 2026
Charles Johnson, Taming of the Ox, 2014. pp103-109.
Ethnic dualism sounds challenging. Idealistic. But this is what is being asked of us.
I do not have much experience with people of color, nor do I propose to speak for them here.
Johnson implies that the idea of race is pernicious. (Harmful, hidden manner.)
Suffering for Black Americans is something that shocks me. “Seismic blows to self esteem,” People relegated to Untouchables.
Johnson’s: perspective: 3 Jewels of Buddhism can be “a clarifying refuge from white racism.” As well as hegemony (cultural predominance of one group over another).
2 books by Black authors:
Jan Willis, Dreaming Me: An African American Woman’s Spiritual Journey.
Some background: born near Birmingham Alabama, 1948. Experienced violent racism as a child. Schooling, later in an “advanced” program. Telluride.
1965: Cornell. Became active in Black Students Association (BCA). She wrote the constitution for BSA.
As a reaction, or no reaction from the University to a nearby cross burning across from a house with several Black students–BSA decided to take over student union hall at Cornell. 36 hours.
Vietnam War. Jan Willis curious about Buddhism, especially, monks who had immolated themselves. Eventually she traveled/studied in India and met her teacher of 15 years until his death, Thubten Yeshe.
In the beginning of her practice, she states she could not see past the harm done to her and others.
Deity yoga practice: visualizing oneself as infinitely compassionate. Gives one the ability to sit right down in the middle of our problems.
He encouraged her to return to her studies in the US, which she did, achieving PhD in Indic and Buddhist Studies from Columbia University. She was a Wesleyan professor from 1977-2013.
Several books. Current blog: On Faith.
“Being Black: Zen and the Art of Living with Fearlessness and Grace,” by Angel Kyodo Williams. Born 1969. Nazareth University.
Describes self as writer, activist, maverick, zen priest.
Johnson: “Glancingly brief discussion of the dharma.” “Oprah style.” “Truth as merely perspectival.”
p. 108-109, What I do have a problem with…
There is no monolithic anything. in Buddhism, it seems to me.
Kyodo Williams’ next book: “Radical” Dharma.” Might be worth studying together.
Appreciation to Courtney Potts, Cornell Chronicle, Jan 26, 2006.