The formal SGI Buddhist organization where I got a lot of my training had many masterful and clear-cut ways of dispersing Buddhism and they have excellent books and teachings if you can navigate your way and also maintain a spiritual practice as taught by the Nichiren Shoshu Priesthood. The Nichiren Shoshu Priesthood teachings are very fundamental and strict and it is very difficult for the average person to reach the secondary level due to their strict and culturally insensitive policies that the average American could not understand. In my opinion the temples in America are too esoteric and it is difficult for the average person to navigate his or her way to understanding the teachings. It was my suggestion that our Priest grasp some Buddhist Black history and develop an understanding of Black history to covey the Buddhist teaching. More importantly if Buddhism is to grow in the African/American community it must be taught in a culturally relative fashion.

This website kind of takes he edge off of the strictness and explains Buddhism in a common sense language and method. Let me explain to you about my practice and how Buddhism is practiced natural way for me and my family. This morning my wife and I are about to go jogging and I am teaching my wife that Buddhism is life and as the Gosho the Gift of rice explains; “The true path lies in the affairs of this world. The Golden Light Sutra states, “To have a profound knowledge of this world is itself Buddhism.” The Nirvana Sutra states, “All of the non- Buddhist scriptures and writings in society are themselves Buddhist teachings, not non-Buddhist teachings.” Buddhism is a religion of “Common Sense” that includes all teaching even if you are a Christian or Muslim the profound teachings of Buddhism can explain any teachings and via Buddhism you can find a common ground of peace and harmony.

Many other religions often treat life in an abstract manner only dealing with God, Jesus or heaven. Buddhism deals with your everyday life. We all need food, shelter, clothing, and a healthy quality life and this is what Buddhism teaches.

Everyday when we sit down and have a meal we express a sincere appreciation. Showing appreciation, respect and gratitude is a part of our Buddhist practice as it is often written in the Gosho. The Gosho letter to Niike reads; “The Great Teacher Dengyo states that the otter shows its respect by offering up the fish it has caught, 14 the crow in the forest carries food to its parents and grandparents, the dove takes care to perch three branches lower than its father, wild geese keep perfect formation when they fly together, and lambs kneel to drink their mother's milk. He asks: if lowly animals conduct themselves with such propriety, how can human beings be so lacking in courtesy.”


This morning my wife an I are about to go jogging and I tell her that this is our Buddhist practice in that exercise is way to build a strong body and mind. Further our running together builds an exciting harmonious relationship. Also rarely in our neighborhood do you see a Black men and Black women running together. The point is the fact that there is a tremendous value in doing simple things and true happiness is in this world that we live in and not in a heaven that we can see or know one has ever returned to verify that it exists.

As publisher of the African and African/American Proud Black Buddhist website I hold no authority in Buddhism, I represent no organization, I hold no position and I only represent myself. In my personal circumstances me in my wife life the most happiest and joyful circumstances available.

I would venture to say that we invite more people to our home for African culture events and dinners than any other household in America. Our home is the first all African home in America and I would also venture to say we have allowed more strangers to eat and associate with us than perhaps any home in America.

I would also venture to say that I own the most extensive and contemporary African wardrobe than any person in the world. Just as the Gosho reads; “ This passage means that, if one dyes something repeatedly in indigo, it becomes even bluer than the indigo leaves. The Lotus Sutra is like the indigo, and the strength of one's practice is like the deepening blue.” My Buddhist practice is like the Indigo plant more Bluer than the original indigo leaves.

The life that I had before becoming a Nichiren Shoshu Buddhist only intensified and via my Buddhist practice I have become a better and happier human. If you happen to meet me you will find that I will invite you to our home for dinner and talk your ears off about African Culture and history and sometimes Buddhism, but the way that I live is my Buddhist practice

Anthony Elmore doing his Buddhist Chanting to his African made Altar at his home in Memphis, Tennessee.
Anthony Elmore still wearing African styled clothing in Memphis, Tennessee.