Object Relations, Buddhism, and Relationality in Womanist Practical Theology

This book establishes how Buddhism in the Insight Meditation tradition supports remarkable relational resilience for women who are of African descent and same-sex loving, yet living in a society that often invalidates women, African-Americans, LGBTQ people, and non-Christians. Pamela Ayo Yetunde explores the psycho-sexual experiences of African-American Buddhist lesbians, and shows that their abilities to be in healthy relationships are made possible through their Buddhist practices and communities, even in the face of invisibilizing forces related to racial, gender, sexuality, and religious discrimination and oppression.

Discusses how Buddhism contributes to "remarkable relational resilience" Explores the psycho-spiritual experiences of African-American Buddhist lesbians Contributes to several disciplines, including religious studies, women's studies, psychology, interfaith dialogue and pastoral care

Autorentext

Pamela Ayo Yetunde is Assistant Professor for Pastoral Care and Counseling and Director of the Interreligious Chaplaincy program at United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities, USA.

Inhalt

1. What is Buddhism, and what is Buddhism in the Insight Meditation Community (IMC)?.- 2. Womanism and the Absence of Explicit Black Buddhist Lesbian-Black Christian Straight Interdependence in Foundational Womanist Theological Scholarship.- 3. The Spiritual Practices and Experiences of African-American Buddhist Lesbians in IMC.- 4. Self, No Self, and the Paradoxes of Self and No Self Preservation.- 5. African-American Women Buddhist Dharma Teachers and Writers on Self and No Self.- 6. Object Relations in East and West Self, No Self, The Abhidhamma, and W. R. D. Fairbairn.- 7. Wholeness as Object Liberation The Efficacy of Buddhist Lovingkindness Meditation.- 8. Conclusions and Counseling Recommendations.