Buddhism: Beyond Race and Caste (Conference for People of Color)

BUDDHISM: BEYOND RACE AND CASTE
Saturday APRIL 26TH 2008

Conference for PEOPLE OF COLOR 10am-5pm (bringing together people of
color in solidarity)

This one day conference examines the life and mission of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar.
(1891-1956) an Indian scholar, first law minister of Independent India, and
a political leader of the former so-called "untouchable caste." A Buddhist
revivalist, Ambedkar decided that in order to escape the oppression of caste,
he would need to leave Hinduism behind. After considering his options,
Ambedkar converted to Buddhism and millions of his followers also converted and
today that act continues to unfold as a living, dynamic movement.

Conference participants will assess and explore the possibilities of
applying Dr. Ambedkar's unique understanding of Buddhism as a path to human
liberation. The event will also look at what the African American,
People of Color,
Black and Asian experience of Buddhism has been in the West.

HONORARY GUEST SPEAKERS FROM INDIA
Mangesh Dahiwale, Dr. BR Ambedkar and Methods of Emancipation
Dhammacharini Karunadipa, Dalit Agendas: Emancipation, Citizenship and
Empowerment

Dhammachari Maitreynath, Social Action through Buddhism- New Experiments
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

Lama Rangdrol, The Three Vehicle Approach to Global Buddhism
Angel Kyodo William, Ambedkar and X: Black & Brown Buddhists
Responsibility to Social Transformation
Anchalee Kurutach, Buddhist Temples and Their Roles in the Southeast Asian
Immigrants' Communities
Angana Chatterji, Learning from, and alliance with, Dalit Struggles

Sliding scale ($50-$15)
Limited spaces available-- for people of color.
Pre-register soon at http://www.sfbuddhistcenter.org

LATER THAT NIGHT...Cultural celebration FOR ALL (white allies welcome) 7-10pm
Multi-media, storytelling, songs, and an energizing Indian dance party,
Indian food snacks
Sliding scale $10-$5
Plenty of space for everyone.