OCHA DHARMA:
Indigenous African-based & Yogic Buddhist PracticeOCHA DHARMA:
a way of spiritual practice based in Lucumi (a Yoruba-based, West African spiritual tradition, via Cuba) and Tibetan Vajrayana & Bön Buddhism.
It is offered to those who currently practice or are interested in practice at the intersection of Yogic Buddhist and African-based lineages.
It is an approach to practice based in the views of Dzogchen (our innate, undauntable freedom and natural enlightenment), & Bodhicitta (the loving, fierce and wise nature of reality and our own heart-minds).
Our methodologies include Shamanic, Sutric, Tantric and Dzogchen styles of practice in both lineages.
We offer:
Teachings/training, speaking and writing on OCHA DHARMA approaches to practice from one or both systems, for experienced practitioners (*Available upon request by groups; see details on “Offerings” page.)
Occasional Gatherings (for general practitioners and for teachers/lineage holders)
1-on-1 mentorship in spiritual practice (by request)
Community public & private ceremonies & events
We welcome multiracial, multi-gendered, multigenerational and multi-lineage practitioners and aspirants. We offer the material on this site to all who resonate with our goals and interests.
WATCH:
Lucumi and Vajrayana Buddhism, Deep Equity and Systems Change with Dr. James Bae
WATCH:
An Interview on Buddhist Yoga with Dr. James Bae.
WATCH:
Returning to Goodness: Sheryl Petty on Tantric Buddhist Practice, Compassion, and Healing, with Dr. Joe Loizzo
WATCH:
An interview on Weekly Dharma Gatherings with Dr. Shanté Paradigm Smalls.
OFFERINGS & GATHERINGS
Seasonal Gatherings
Occasional, seasonal gatherings for practitioners and teachers at the intersection of African-based and Yogic Buddhist wisdom.
Gatherings
Natural Elements, Emotions & Wisdom Beings
Foundations of Practice
Physical Movement as ‘Medicine’
Healing through Sound
Pranayama & Tsa Lung
BOOK
OCHA DHARMA: The Relationship Between Lucumi, an African-Based Tradition, & Buddhist Practice
OCHA DHARMA: The Relationship Between Lucumi, an African-Based Tradition and Buddhist Practice
Many Buddhist practitioners and others are unaware of African-based traditions, or have negative mythology about these systems. Many practitioners of African-based traditions have limited exposure to various forms of Buddhism. Lucumi is an indigenous tradition evolved from the Yoruba people of West Africa. The community and its sister traditions have tens of millions of practitioners worldwide, are on at least five continents and include people of African, Latin American, Asian, Pacific Island and European descent. The book is offered to support expanded awareness of Lucumi and more forms of Buddhism. It hopes to deepen understanding, dispel mythology, and provide exposure for those interested in these beautiful systems of practice, by placing Lucumi and Yogic Buddhism in dialogue as wisdom traditions.
(*Search for it at your local bookstore OR click on the link below.)