OCHA DHARMA:

a way of spiritual practice based in Lucumi (a Yoruba-based, West African spiritual tradition, via Cuba) and Tibetan Vajrayana & Bön Buddhism.

It is offered to those who currently practice or are interested in practice at the intersection of Buddhist and African-based lineages.

It is an approach to practice based in the views of Dzogchen (our innate, undauntable freedom and natural enlightenment), & Bodhicitta (the loving, fierce and wise nature of reality and our own heart-minds).

Our methodologies include Shamanic, Sutric, Tantric and Dzogchen styles of practice in both lineages.

We offer:

• Teachings, writings and training on OCHA DHARMA approaches to practice from one or both systems

• Gatherings (for general practitioners/aspirants and for teachers; alternating months) 

• 1-on-1 mentorship in spiritual practice

Going forward, we would like to offer healing ceremonies, public community and private events. We welcome multiracial, multi-gendered, multigenerational and multi-lineage practitioners and aspirants, with a focus on Black and Brown communities. We offer the material on this site to all who resonate with our goals and interests. 

*Watch an interview on Weekly Dharma Gatherings.

OCHA DHARMA: The Relationship Between Lucumi, an African-Based Tradition and Buddhist Practice

Many Buddhist practitioners and others are unaware of African-based traditions, or have negative mythology about these systems. Many practitioners of African-based traditions have limited exposure to various forms of Buddhism. Lucumi is an indigenous tradition evolved from the Yoruba people of West Africa. The community and its sister traditions have tens of millions of practitioners worldwide, are on at least five continents and include people of African, Latin American, Asian, Pacific Island and European descent. The book is offered to support expanded awareness of Lucumi and more forms of Buddhism. It hopes to deepen understanding, dispel mythology, and provide exposure for those interested in these beautiful systems of practice, by placing Lucumi and Yogic Buddhism in dialogue as wisdom traditions.

(*Search for it at your local bookstore OR click on the link below.)