When dealing with issues as pervasive as social or environmental injustice, it is imperative that we focus on our own health as well. In the long run, however, this is not conducive to growth. It is easy for one to ignore their own suffering momentarily and become distracted by a larger cause.

With this, I realized the importance of caring for myself while working on environmental issues. His openness and frankness opened the space for those of us in the audience to openly confront our own suffering and trauma. In his discussion he candidly talks about how he was experiencing severe depression during this time. Lama Rod’s early work as an activist in Boston attempted to get to the roots of homelessness, hunger, and instability. Lama Rod promoted facing one’s own trauma before dealing with that of others. He spoke of the trauma shared by humans, such as feelings of self doubt, isolation, anger, and depression.

Lama Rod emphasized caring for oneself before attempting to address external issues surrounding social justice. It was clear from the beginning what a wealth of knowledge and wisdom he had surrounding self-care, community activism, anti-racism, and connection to the natural land, as he thoughtfully approached each topic and related it to his own life. In the first half of the seminar, Lama Rod spoke about his life both inside and outside of the Monastery. Although we were all just tiles on a screen, there was a feeling of togetherness as all the participants meditated and learned from Lama Rod’s wisdom. I especially appreciated this sense of connection during these times of isolation surrounding COVID. As a black, queer male, who was born and raised in the south, Lama Rod’s unique life experiences provided an equally unique experience of learning, meditation, and connection both with him and the other participants attending the seminar. Lama Rod was recognized officially by the Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism after completing a traditional three-year silent retreat at Kagyu Thubten Chöling Monastery, located outside of New York City. On November 12th, I attended a seminar and guided meditation led by Lama Rod Owens, a Dharma teacher and community leader.

Lama rod owens kagyu