Hi, my name is...

In an attempt to fulfill my lifelong plot of taking over the entire universe one blog at a time, I have successfuly convinced Raymo to allow me to contribute to this here blog about teeny-bopper Buddhists. My plans are working out perfectly. Cue evil laugh...

No, really, thanks for having me. My name is Kourtney Mitchell and I'm just your average 23-year-old black kid sifting through this swampland of samsara trying to find my way out. So far, not so good.

I grew up in Illinois (Chicago and Springfield), went to school and worked in Missouri for six years (haven't yet graduated, unfortunately) and now I'm chilling with my family in Georgia.

I've been practicing Buddhism for a bit over two years now. I started with Theravada and gained interest in Zen, and I've been back and forth between the two. Right now I'm planning on settling on the Elder Path, but knowing my unbelievably fickle mind, it'll be changed before too long.

I come from a Christian family and grew up in church. Although Buddhism is my chosen path, I have an interest in interfaith study and try to learn as much as I can about other practices. I've explored Sikhism (even practiced for a while, turban and all), New Age, Mystical Christianity, Kabbalah, Gnosticism, Hinduism, Islam...pretty much everything. I find religion and spirituality to be infinitely fascinating.

Politically, I consider myself radical, though recent bad decisions of mine have caused me to take a step back and assess my attachment to self-views and labels. I would like to see a world that is anarchist/social libertarian, but I'll settle for peace and happiness in whatever form it takes.

I love Buddhism. I find it to be the most relevant and accessible path for myself. And I'm also not afraid to say that it's for everyone. Others might disagree, but I don't think Buddhism leaves anyone out the way other faiths do. I would encourage Buddhist practice for anyone without exception.

Most of my posts will deal with politics, social activism, daily practice, insights from scripture study, and the like. I will also try to deal with issues of diversity and racism within the American Buddhist scene.

I don't claim to be right or knowledgeable about anything I discuss, but I will try to be as honest and open as possible. I greatly encourage criticism and dialogue, and please correct any mistakes I make.

Thanks. The universe will be mine in no time!

Anjali,
Kourtney aka Dharmakid