DIVISION
WITHIN
HUFFINGTON
03.17.13
BUDDHISM’S
STRUGGLE TO FIND RACIAL
HARMONY
By JAWEED KALEEM
Photographs by MICHAEL CLINARD
SEATTLE
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They came from near and far
for an unusual gathering in the city’s chic Capitol Hill neighborhood, a place known for its vibrant
restaurants, art galleries and gay bars, not for its
diversity. They were nervous, confused and a bit
scared. Should they — seven women of AfricanAmerican, Native American and Asian descent —
even be here? ¶ None of them would use the same
words to describe their race, but they were united
around the colors of their skin. They entered a small
church hall, sat in a circle, closed their eyes and
faced their teacher, hungry for Buddhist wisdom.