Dharma Bum Buddhism
This column is a deep dive into what we might call “American Buddhism.” In addition to analyzing the pulse of modern spirituality in the West, Dharma Bum Buddhism aims to demystify the Dharma and present the Buddha’s teachings as practical, grounded practices that have the potential to transform the lives of all people, regardless of background. Coming from the unique lens of a young American who is still in the early years of understanding and incorporating the Dharma into her life, the perspective of Dharma Bum Buddhism brings a fresh and relatable dimension to the teachings.
Kassidy Evans is a recent San Diego State University graduate with a major in English and Minor in philosophy. In college, she was the president of Delta Beta Tau, the nation’s first and only co-ed Buddhist fraternity. She has worked and volunteered at the Dharma Bum Temple in University Heights, helping with temple outreach and leading a weekly meditation class for the community. She currently works at the non-profit Meals on Wheels San Diego as a Fundraising Coordinator and lives in the San Diego college area.
Dharma Bum Buddhism is published monthly.
Kassidy Evans examines the power of generosity and how doubling down on altruism will lead to more fulfilment and self-growth
Kassidy Evans explores how Buddhist practice and philosophical reflection can help us honor our anger without allowing it to overwhelm us
How we can seek truth, together, in a bitterly divided and polarized US society in the age of monetized misinformation
Kassidy Evans explores the famous overlaps and the subtle distinctions between Buddhist meditation and Western psychology
How Buddhist values reinforces activism and can help make both Asian and Western approaches to bringing positive change more effective
Kassidy Evans examines how social media has amplified the false sense of self in young people—and the Buddhist antidote
By unraveling some of the mistaken views of karma that many people hold, Kassidy Evans helps us see more clearly how karma works in Buddhism and in our lives
Dharma Bum Temple’s Engaged Buddhist Training Program provides an eight-week long initiative ending with refuge and vow ceremonies
How a local Buddhist temple in San Diego is bringing the heart of authentic Buddhist practice to American seekers
How a local Buddhist temple in San Diego is bringing the heart of authentic Buddhist practice to American seekers
Kassidy Evans tells the story of the first Buddhist fraternity in an American university and its unique contribution to American Buddhism
