ROME, Ga (AP) — Instead of traditional maroon and gold Tibetan Buddhist robes, Lama Rod Owens wore a white animal print cardigan over a bright yellow T-shirt with an image of singer Sade, an Africa-shaped medallion and mala beads — the most recognizable sign of his Buddhism.
“Being a Buddhist or a spiritual leader, I got rid of trying to wear the part because it just wasn’t authentic to me,” said Owens, 44, who describes himself as a Black Buddhist Southern Queen.
“For me, it’s not about looking like a Buddhist. It’s about being myself,” he said at his mother’s home in Rome, Georgia. “And I like color.”
The Harvard Divinity School -educated lama and yoga teacher blends his training in the Kagyu School of Tibetan Buddhism with pop culture references and experiences from his life as a Black, queer man, raised in the South by his mother, a pastor at a Christian church.
With Djokovic awaiting the winner, Murray trails Hanfmann at rain
Mexico's likely next president would be its first leader with a Jewish background
Heavy rainstorms kill 4 people in southern China. Ten others are missing
European Space Agency adds 5 new astronauts in only fourth class since 1978. Over 20,000 applied
US overdose deaths dropped in 2023, the first time since 2018
4 Germans caught marking Hitler's birthday outside Nazi dictator's birthplace in Austria
Nets hire Jordi Fernandez as coach. Fernandez was Kings' associate head coach for two years
American defender Sergiño Dest injures a knee. His Copa América availability is in doubt
Siblings trying to make US water polo teams for Paris Olympics
Children of Flint water crisis make change as young environmental and health activists
Analysis: Larson enters conversation with Verstappen as best drivers in the world
Injured sent to Thai border hospital following Myanmar clash — Radio Free Asia