Explores how Black Buddhist Teachers and Practitioners interpret Western Buddhism in unique spiritual and communal ways In Black Buddhists and the Black Radical Tradition Rima VeselyFlad examines the distinctive features of Blackidentifying Buddhist practitioners arguing that Black Buddhists interpret Buddhist teachings in ways that are congruent with Black radical thought. Indeed the volume makes the case that given their experiences with racismboth in the larger society and also within largely whiteoriented Buddhist organizationsBlack cultural frameworks are necessary for illuminating the Buddhas wisdom. Drawing on interviews with forty Black Buddhist teachers and practitioners VeselyFlad argues that Buddhist teachings through their focus on healing intergenerational trauma provide a vitally important foundation for achieving Black liberation. She shows that Buddhist teachings as practiced by Black Americans emphasize different aspects of the religion than do those in white convert Buddhist communities focusing more on devotional practices to ancestors and community uplift.The book includes discussions of the Black Power movement the Black feminist movement and the Black prophetic tradition. It also offers a nuanced discussion of how the Black body which has historically been reviled is claimed as a vehicle for liberation. In so doing the book explores the experiences of nonbinary gender nonconforming and transgender practitioners of African descent are validated within the tradition. The book also uplifts the voices of lesbian gay bisexual and queer Black Buddhists. This unique volume shows the importance of Black Buddhist teachers insights into Buddhist wisdom and how they align Buddhism with Black radical teachings helping to pull Buddhism away from dominant white cultural norms.