The urgency of Karma

Breathe space for people of colour- 

Time: 6.00-7:30pm (GMT) OR 12-1:30  (EST) 

Fundamentally we like to investigate through dialogue both personal and collective karma, "cause and effect", and how systematic oppression and racism is best examined through this lens? We have invited five renowned Buddhist teachers from around the world to explore and discuss their view points, life experience around what we critically need to think about to navigate our lives from survival, and healthy choices which keep us safe. 

“Kamma (Skt. Karma)” is the main teaching of Buddhism, especially in Theravada tradition. This makes Theravada different from other Buddhist traditions. Kamma is the key teaching of the Buddha. However, it covers and affects all beliefs, faiths, creeds and colours as all actions; mental, verbal and physical result in kamma. It may be different in definition or context based on your belief and culture. This will be mentioned and clarified in this talk.

Hosted by Imani Sorhaindo is a qualified Holistic Health Practitioner,  MIndfuness Trainer, Author. She has been practicing Mindfulness and Meditation for over 17 years, primarily through an ancient Kamitic system which has become an integral part of her everyday living as as Ausarian. Imani holds a BA Hons in Anti-Racist Education, a PGCE in Adult Education, and Dipomas is Holistic Health and Mindfulness. She has worked extensively in the Community Development and Well-Being field for over 35 years, working with marginalised indiividuals, groups and communities to help build confidence, self-love and inner resilience.

Our Guest Speakers

Bhante Sumano (he/him) is a Buddhist monk, raised in Jamaica but now living in the United States. He is interested in using the ancient discourses and the wisdom of contemporary teachers as an aid to develop compassion and wisdom—to open the heart while helping others to do so as well.

Sensei Alex Kakuyo is a Buddhist teacher and breathwork facilitator. A former Marine, he served in both Iraq and Afghanistan before finding Buddhism through a series of happy accidents. He holds a B.A. in philosophy from Wabash College.  Alex is the author of Perfectly Ordinary: Buddhist teachings for Everyday Life. Learn more at www.thesameoldzen.com.

Dr Bernadette (Guhyasakhi) Carelse grew up in Sudan, Nigeria and Zimbabwe and works in London as a Senior Educational Psychologist and Yoga and Mindfulness Teacher. Her doctoral research focused on children’s experiences of mindfulness and her picture book, “My Mindful Little One: Bedtime”, helps parents and children practice mindfulness together. Guhyasakhi is a member of the Triratna Buddhist Order and engaged in activities for People of Colour.

Dr Valerie (Vimalasara) Mason-John M.A (hon.doc) is an award-winning author of 8 books, including her debut fictional memoir Novel, Borrowed Body, and  Detox Your Heart, Meditations for Emotional Trauma, and Eight Step Recovery Using The Buddha’s teachings to Overcome Addiction. She is co-founder of the secular 8-week course Mindfulness-Based Addiction Recovery MBAR and is one of the new leading  African Descent Voices in the field of Mindfulness Approaches for Addiction. 

Dr Sangthong Dhammacaro (PhD), whose background and expertise are Buddhism, Asian way of life, culture and education. He was a Buddhist monk in Thai Theravada tradition for 25 years. In line with this, he received extensive experience in teaching Dhamma (the Buddha’s teachings) and meditation, this coupled with his rigorous and academic education; MSc in Religious Studies at University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland and PhD in Theology and Religious Studies at St Mary’s University, Twickenham, London, England, gives him a deep and thorough understanding of interdenominational faiths and religions.

1. What are the questions the arise when thinking of Karma in relation to your gender or race/ethnicity ?

2. Is 'race' a product of Karma? 

3. How do we participate as citizens within discriminatory laws

 Come and share, exchange and heal through this incredible Mindful space dedicated to People of Colour.