About Us...
From the Beat writings of Jack Kerouac and illustrative thoughts of Alan Watts to modern authors like Brad Warner and the work of the Dharma Punx, Buddhist practice has had its share of counter-culture voices. With the rise of Hip-Hop in the last part of the 20th century came greater awareness and appreciation of Buddhist ideas through the influence of mainstream icons such as Bruce Lee and The Wu Tang Clan. Just as Bruce did by inspiring fans to connect entertainment and athleticism with his philosophies, RZA and The Wu linked martial arts and the need for mastering an individual style on the battlefield of Hip-Hop. Under the guidance of Shifu Shi Yan Ming and the USA Shaolin Temple, the RZA has taken further strides to integrate Buddhist practice with his universal truth into the philosophy: The Tao of Wu. Add to all of this the pronounced effect of the Beastie Boys’ Adam Yauch’s efforts to shine a light on Tibetan Buddhism, including his musical interpretation of the Bodhisattva Vow, and you have but a few glaring examples of how Buddhism and Hip-Hop can elevate each other.
We are a group of Buddhist Monks, MC's, DJs, B-Boys and Street Artists dedicated to sharing Buddhist thought and practice through Hip-Hop culture.
We get it. Most people just don’t put these things together and we are here to change that.
- Hoodie Monks