(2 credits) In the safety and sanctity of this Buddhist environment, this class will explore the deep and troubling issues of race and racism in Oregon, the United States, and in our lives, from the founding of the nation through civil rights and equity movements. The class will begin with histories of race as a social construct, and, drawing upon a variety of media, recognize the harm that racism continues to cause to all. How does Buddhism help us to recognize and work with our biases? How does it provide meaningful solutions and resiliency? Buddhist teachings — on the truth of suffering, cause, cessation, and path, on overcoming the delusion of an independently existing “I”, and the bodhisattva vow to obtain liberation for and with all sentient beings — are echoed in the teachings of Indigenous, Black, and Brown social justice activists as well as Buddhists who stress that our liberations are not separate but intimately interconnected. We will explore the application of Buddhist tools such as the four noble truths, dependent arising, bodhicitta, and equanimity to the truth of the sufferings of systemic racism and colonialism, its causes, and our roles in its perpetuation and cessation. We will all be learning together in this course through listening cohorts and discussions, and no prior study or experience is required. All are welcome to join regardless of race or background.