Anti-Racism Trainings at Vipassana Center

“If Vipassanā is the art of living and we want to make that available to as wide an audience as possible, then we as a community have to look at the structural barriers to allowing that to happen. That's where you get this sense of convergence between what's going on in the world and what’s going on at our centers."

These are the words from a recent podcast with Clyde Ford, who is not only a corporate anti-racism trainer but also a dedicated vipassana meditator in the tradition of S.N. Goenka. These courses have gained popularity worldwide and have been offered in numerous centers, providing individuals with an opportunity to deepen their meditation practice.

As an anti-racism trainer, Clyde has been actively working to open up the practice of vipassana to individuals from diverse backgrounds who may have historically faced barriers to access. His training session at Dhamma Kunja in Washington state, which explored topics such as spiritual bypass, proactive outreach to communities of color, inclusivity in vipassana centers, and the appointment of Black teachers, indicates his commitment to promoting social justice within the context of mindfulness practice.

By addressing issues of racial inequality and inclusivity, Clyde's work aims to create a more welcoming and diverse environment within vipassana centers. This effort is crucial in ensuring that marginalized communities have equal opportunities to engage in the transformative practice of vipassana meditation. His work demonstrates a dedication to bridging the gap between spiritual practice and worldly affairs, acknowledging the interconnectedness between personal growth and social justice.