Be The Refuge: A Celebration of Asian American Buddhist Voices – A Conversation with Chenxing Han

Be the Refuge centers the perspectives of Asian American Buddhists from a wide range of ethnic and religious backgrounds. It's a book that's built on conversations—and a book that hopes to encourage frank conversations about race, representation, and inclusivity among Buddhists of all backgrounds. In a starred review, Publisher's Weekly writes, "In this impressive debut, [former] Buddhist chaplain Han offers an illuminating analysis of the intersection of race and privilege within American Buddhist communities.” IMCW founder Tara Brach writes, "This important, insightful book focuses on the experience of Asian American Buddhists and calls us toward a Western Buddhism that offers refuge in a truly inclusive way."

The event will be a conversation and celebration of Chenxing Han's book Be the Refuge: Raising the Voices of Asian American Buddhists. Chenxing will be in conversation with Luana Long and Anna (Annamma) Johns (Co-Founders of IMCW's Asian Sangha) and Trisha Stotler (IMCW Executive Director of Programming). The conversation will be followed by audience Q&A, which will be moderated by La Sarmiento (Guiding Teacher of IMCW's BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ Sanghas). Sound healing and vocals will be provided by local artist Urana Heart.

To order Be the Refuge directly from the publisher, visit https://www.northatlanticbooks.com/shop/be-the-refuge/ and use the coupon code imcwsangha35 for 35% off (expires 4/25/2021). Other ways to order the book can be found here.

This event is co-sponsored by IMCW's Asian Sangha and BIPOC Sangha.