About Otherism

Otherism refers to the habitual perception and treatment of individuals as fundamentally different or separate from oneself, based on characteristics such as race, gender, or social status. This view fosters division and conflict, obscuring the truth of interdependence and interconnectedness that Dharma teachings emphasize. Overcoming otherism involves cultivating awareness and compassion through practices like Zen, which reveal the illusory nature of separateness and promote a more inclusive, harmonious understanding of self and others.
Rochester Zen Center