“Southern Queen” Lama Rod Owens to speak at Convocation

February 24, 2005

By Brooke Donley

BEREA, Ky. – Best-selling author, Buddhist minister, spiritual abolitionist and self-described ‘Southern Queen’ Lama Rod Owens will speak at Berea College Convocation at 3 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 27, as part of the College’s Convocation series. 

During the past 11 years, Owens has worked to become an active voice in a new generation of Buddhist teachers. 

A graduate of Harvard Divinity School, Owens serves as an educator, author, activist, authorized lama and yoga instructor. 

His newest book is “The New Saints: From Broken Hearts to Spiritual Warriors.” Through his own personal experience, Owens shares practical teachings and instructions for pursuing a path that leads to spiritual exploration and wiser action.

Owens speaks frequently about difficult subjects through his Tantric Buddhism. Media outlets including NPR, CCN, Good Morning America, BBC, The Washington Post, PBS and Ebony have given Owens a place to share his unique perspective. 

This convocation is sponsored by the bell hooks center, which honors bell hooks’ legacy by giving historically underrepresented students a space to belong on campus. The bell hooks center is committed to following the radical teachings of bell hooks. 

Since its inception, Berea College Convocations has made lectures and the performing arts available without charge to both Berea College students and the public. Persons wishing to contribute to the endowment fund for Convocations are invited to contact the Development Office at (800) 457-9846.

Berea College Convocations are held in the College’s Phelps Stokes Auditorium, which is accessible to persons with disabilities. Wheelchair access is available through the west entrance facing the art building. 

We kindly ask you to email us at convo@berea.edu or phone (859) 985-3965 prior to the day of the convocation to let us know if you’re planning to attend and need special accommodations.