James

James grew up in Los Angeles, specifically in East LA and El Monte, about ten miles east of LA. He is a second-generation Angeleno, with his parents and grandparents having deep roots in the area. His grandparents immigrated in the 1940s, his maternal side from Mexico and his paternal side from Ecuador. His parents grew up during the Civil Rights era, experiencing significant societal changes, including school segregation and inequality, which influenced their distrust of the public education system. Consequently, James’ parents worked extra jobs to send him and his siblings to Catholic schools.

James’ father served in the military, being drafted to Korea, and his uncles served in Vietnam, adding to the family’s diverse experiences. James attended Catholic schools from first grade through high school, which instilled discipline and a sense of community but also imposed a rigid and fear-based religious education. This environment did not support James’ exploration of his sexual orientation, leading to internal conflict and fear.

It wasn’t until college that James began to reconcile his identity, discovering and embracing Chicano, African American, Native American, and queer histories, which he had not been exposed to in his earlier education. This period of self-discovery was both exciting and challenging, as it led to difficult conversations with his parents, who viewed his newfound perspectives as rebellious.

James’ search for a spiritual home led him to explore Buddhism in his 20s. Initially self-taught through books and videos, he was particularly drawn to the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh. It wasn’t until 2018-2019 that he discovered Won Buddhism, which resonated deeply with him. The inclusive and non-judgmental community at the LA temple and the One Institute Graduate Studies program provided a safe space for James to explore his identity and spirituality freely.

Today, James practices Won Buddhism, finding it a nurturing environment that allows him to grow spiritually and authentically.

James is the only Buddhist in his Latino Chicano family in Los Angeles, a city deeply rooted in the Latino Spanish-speaking community and Catholic traditions. Many people in his personal and professional circles are curious about his attraction to Buddhism, as it is culturally uncommon for Mexicans or Ecuadorians to be Buddhists. James appreciates cultural Catholicism, particularly its iconic figures like the Virgin Mary, but he doesn’t practice Catholicism.

James explains that Buddhism has taught him to live his best life by being present and letting go. Buddhism, for him, is about awakening and being mindful of the present moment, rather than being consumed by worries about the past or future. He emphasizes that constantly dwelling on past mistakes or future uncertainties prevents one from truly experiencing life. By practicing mindfulness, James has learned to fully engage with and appreciate each moment, whether it’s a simple task like washing dishes or a more significant activity like spending time with loved ones.

James reflects on his journey with meditation and Buddhism, particularly the early years in his 20s and 30s when his practice was inconsistent and undisciplined. He lacked a clear understanding of meditation’s purpose and benefits and felt a strong need for guidance and a teacher.

James wants to dispel the common misconception that Buddhism requires extreme renunciation or isolation from society. Instead, he highlights that Won Buddhism, founded by Zen Master Sotasan in rural Korea in the early 1900s, embraces scientific innovation and materialism.