Category Archives: Asian Cultures

10 Green Tea Benefits

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Green tea, rich in antioxidants and caffeine, offers several potential health benefits, including alleviating anxiety and stress, enhancing memory, and reducing high blood pressure and cholesterol. Drinking a few glasses of green tea daily can further boost your health, making it a simple yet effective addition to your routine. Available in various forms such as beverages, dietary supplements, and topical ointments, green tea can be easily incorporated into your lifestyle. Keep reading to discover more about its benefits, risks, and how to include it in your diet.

  1. Alleviates Anxiety and Stress
    Green tea contains L-theanine, an amino acid that helps reduce anxiety and stress, promoting relaxation. However, the amount in tea is lower than in supplements, so consult a healthcare provider before starting high-dose L-theanine supplements.
  2. Helps Protect Against Cognitive Decline
    Drinking green tea may help protect against neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, thanks to its high antioxidant content that helps prevent cell damage.
  3. Supports Bone Health
    Green tea may reduce the risk of osteoporosis by enhancing bone formation and preventing bone mass loss, making it beneficial for postmenopausal individuals at higher risk.
  4. Improves Longevity
    Green tea’s polyphenols, which act as antioxidants, may have anti-aging effects, such as reducing inflammation, minimizing oxidative stress, and decreasing signs of aging.
  5. Lowers Cholesterol
    Consuming green tea may help lower LDL (“bad”) and total cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of heart attack and stroke.
  6. Enhances Memory
    The L-theanine in green tea may improve working memory and brain function, although more research is needed to confirm these effects.
  7. Manages and Prevents Type 2 Diabetes
    Green tea’s antioxidants may help reduce insulin resistance, a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes, making it a potential aid in managing and preventing the condition.
  8. Lowers Stroke Risk
    Moderate daily consumption of green tea may reduce stroke risk by at least 21%, possibly due to lifestyle factors associated with green tea drinkers.
  9. Supports Weight Loss
    Green tea’s catechins may increase metabolic rate and fat breakdown, aiding in weight loss, though its effects are likely minimal without a balanced diet and regular exercise.
  10. Reduces Blood Pressure
    Green tea may lower blood pressure, especially in those at high risk of heart disease, by reducing inflammation and dilating blood vessels to improve blood flow.

With its numerous health benefits, from reducing anxiety and supporting memory to lowering blood pressure and cholesterol, green tea is a simple yet powerful addition to your daily routine. Whether you’re looking to improve your overall well-being or just want a moment of calm in your day, enjoying a glass of green tea can be a refreshing way to support your health. So why not pour yourself a cup and experience the soothing effects of this ancient remedy? Your body and mind will thank you!

Reference:https://www.health.com/nutrition/benefits-green-tea

Cultivating Compassion Amidst Struggle

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As BIPOC Buddhists, we navigate a world where systemic racism, oppression, and trauma are daily realities. In the face of such adversity, it’s easy to be consumed by anger, pain, and resentment. But there is a transformative power within us—an ancient, yet ever-relevant practice that can help us rise above the suffering we endure. This power is metta, or loving-kindness. Metta is more than just a feeling; it’s an active force of compassion that we cultivate towards ourselves, our communities, and even those who perpetuate harm. In a society that often devalues our very existence, the practice of metta becomes an act of radical self-care and empowerment.

Metta allows us to confront our pain and the injustices we face with a heart full of compassion rather than bitterness. When we practice loving-kindness, we are not denying the harsh realities of systemic racism or minimizing the trauma that has been inflicted upon us. Instead, we are choosing to approach these challenges with a mindset that seeks healing and connection, rather than division and despair. By sending metta to ourselves, we affirm our own worth and humanity in a world that often seeks to strip us of both. By extending metta to others, even those who oppose us, we break the cycle of hatred and violence, refusing to let it take root in our hearts.

In the BIPOC Buddhist experience, metta serves as a powerful tool for resilience. It empowers us to hold space for our own suffering while also maintaining a sense of hope and possibility for the future. Through the practice of metta, we can transform our pain into a source of strength, our trauma into a wellspring of compassion. In this way, metta becomes not just a personal practice, but a revolutionary act—a way to reclaim our power, heal our communities, and create a world where loving-kindness can thrive in the face of adversity.

“Irrigators channel waters; fletchers straighten arrows; carpenters bend wood; the wise master themselves.” Buddha

Jarrelle (杰遨）

Ancestors and Zen: Words from A Black Buddhist

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Africa and Asia both share a rich history of indigenous practices that are deeply rooted in the reverence for nature, life, culture, and one’s own ancestors. These traditions have always emphasized respect for one’s lineage and the offering of food and prayers to those who have transcended this world. Unfortunately, both African and Asian indigenous faiths have often been misunderstood and labeled as pagan, satanic, or evil by outsiders who view them as foreign. Despite this, these ancient practices have been pillars of strength for communities, providing healing, nourishment, and hope to those in need. In the journey of self-discovery as BIPOC individuals, recognizing these shared traditions can be a profound way to connect, heal, and embrace our cultural heritage. As someone who has studied Mahayana Buddhism, a branch from East Asia, I’ve found a deep connection to these principles through my visits to temples, teachings, and extensive readings. The grace and peace of the monasteries have touched me deeply, resonating with my own cultural roots.

Many people may not realize it, but the act of giving offerings is a powerful form of medicine that helps heal the traumas of war, slavery, and oppression. It allows us to be present with ourselves and our ancestors, offering a space to grieve and celebrate their lives. When we give offerings, we not only honor our ancestors but also pray for all victims of injustice. As a Black man, this practice resonates with me profoundly. Every time I give offerings, I think of my ancestors, envision them, and surround them with love and light. In doing so, I mend a part of my heart that has been broken. Buddhism, which has gained significant popularity in the West, is known for its peace and non-violence teachings. Figures like Thich Nhat Hanh and the Dalai Lama have introduced many to these life-saving teachings. Even the iconic Tina Turner found solace in Buddhism during her darkest moments, embracing the Buddha’s teachings as a gem. Buddhism encourages acceptance of cultural differences and provides mindfulness and compassionate approaches to solving complex issues, offering a path that aligns with indigenous practices of honoring one’s roots and embracing love.

Despite making up just 3% of the American Buddhist community, according to the Pew Research Center’s Forum on Religion and Public Life, Black Buddhists are finding a meaningful connection with Buddhism. It is my hope that in the future, more Black seekers will explore meditation, engage with the Buddha’s sutras, and build a community founded on peace and love. The teachings of Buddhism not only align with the values of our ancestors but also offer a spiritual path that encourages unity and understanding across different cultures. As more individuals from diverse backgrounds discover the beauty of these teachings, there is potential for a harmonious blending of traditions that honors our shared history while providing community and healing in our multicultural world.

一切唯心造 – Everything is created by the mind.

Bao Jieao (Jarrelle)

Celebrating Diversity – a personal bi(multi)cultural story

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I grew up surrounded by a mosaic of cultures and beliefs, rooted in a Southern Black Baptist and Muslim family. My family’s cultural and religious diversity laid a rich foundation for my own journey, though I stand apart as the only Buddhist among them. As the son of a Muslim father and Christian mother, I began my spiritual journey early, eventually becoming a deacon in the Christian church before finding my calling as a Buddhist monk. I’ve always been a seeker of “Truth,” or perhaps a more fitting term would be “More”—more understanding, more depth, more connection. From a young age, I felt that there was something greater to life than what could be captured in words or confined to a single path. When I discovered Buddhism at 16, it was a turning point that forever changed my perspective and direction in life.

Photo: Jarrelle Barton

At the time of my discovery, I was grappling with a diagnosis of Marfan Syndrome, a rare genetic condition that left me feeling vulnerable and self-conscious. The stares and whispers about my tall, slender frame often made me want to disappear, to hide from a world that seemed to focus more on my appearance than my essence. During these challenging times, my godmother, a wise and kind woman from Beijing, introduced me to Buddhism. She taught me about compassion, inner stillness, and tranquility, offering me a new way to see myself and the world around me. Her guidance provided a sense of belonging and peace that I had been searching for, a healthy escape where I could find solace amid the storms of life. Even as I spent many days in hospitals, which the doctors joked had become my second home, Buddhism became a sanctuary where I could retreat and renew my soul.

Through this lens of compassion and acceptance, I began to celebrate diversity in all its forms. My great-grandmother’s tales of her parents’ journey from slavery, my own experiences as a Black kid exploring Zen, and the friendships I’ve formed within the AAPI communities have all shaped the way I see the world. These diverse experiences have taught me that celebrating diversity is about living authentically—embracing your heart, dreams, and true self while encouraging others to do the same. As a person of color, I believe in the power of unity and shared experiences, and I hope that by coming together on our common grounds, we can build a stronger, more inclusive future for generations to come.

Bao Jieao ( Jarrelle )

Healthy Eating

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Cultural foods, or traditional dishes, are a delicious representation of the traditions, beliefs, and practices of different regions, ethnic groups, and religions around the world. These dishes often reflect a community’s culture and can include unique ways of preparing and using specific ingredients. Passed down through generations, cultural foods are central to our identities and family connections. They also play a big role in religious celebrations and bring people together. Take Asian traditional dishes like sushi, dumplings, and curry, for example; they highlight the rich flavors and diverse customs that show just how important food is to culture.

In the U.S., people often follow the USDA guidelines to eat healthily, which recommend eating a variety of fruits and veggies. While they do mention some cultural foods like bok choy, taro leaves, mung beans, and lotus root, there’s still a lot of room to explore the diverse selection of healthy foods from different cultures. Food is a big part of culture, and it plays an important role in all communities. By incorporating traditional cultural foods into our diets, we not only enjoy a wider range of flavors but also gain the health benefits that come with eating a variety of nutritious foods. Eating this way can help keep everyone healthy and connected to their cultural roots.


Incorporating a variety of cultural foods into our diets not only adds exciting flavors but also provides a wealth of health benefits. While Western health websites often spotlight foods like kale and quinoa, traditional foods such as Gailan, water spinach, rice, and soybeans offer similar nutritional value. Embracing these diverse, nutritious options highlights the importance of food in cultural identity and community well-being. By expanding our healthy eating guidelines to include more traditional cultural foods, we can promote better health for everyone and celebrate the rich culinary heritage that different cultures bring to the table.

Reference:https://www.dietaryguidelines.gov/sites/default/files/2021-11/DGA_2020-2025_CustomizingTheDietaryGuidelinesFramework.pdf

Artist Teo Nguyen’s

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Born to a glass painter and a poet, Teo Nguyen is a remarkable Vietnamese-American artist living in Minnesota. Teo is creating breathtaking new art that captures the beauty of real-life scenes, nature, solitude, struggle, and identity. His work showcases a deep connection to both his heritage and his surroundings, revealing layers of meaning and emotion in each piece.

Teo Nguyen’s artistry is a testament to his unique perspective as both an immigrant and an artist. He says, “As an immigrant and an artist, I have learned to embrace the American spirit of freedom that says if you see a road that interests you, go ahead: venture down it. Even so, I am always a stranger to what I see; always slightly outside, finding in what is ordinary to others something tender and strange.”

Nguyen finds much of his inspiration by immersing himself in nature. He begins his creative process by sketching outdoors, capturing the essence of his creations before transforming them into larger-scale works in his studio. His photorealistic pieces are so meticulously crafted that, at first glance, they could be mistaken for photographs. The balance of light and space in Nguyen’s work is masterful, creating stunning scenes that leave viewers in awe.

Teo Nguyen’s art not only reflects the physical beauty of the world but also invites us to see the extraordinary in the ordinary. Through his eyes, familiar landscapes become tender and strange, offering a new perspective on identity and existence.

Photo:Teo Nguyen

Photo:Teo Nguyen

Photo:Teo Nguyen

Reference:https://www.teonguyen.com/studiob#/galleryt3/

https://new.artsmia.org/exhibition/teo-nguyen-viet-nam-peace-project

St. Paul’s own, Kid $wami

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Kid $wami, an Asian American rap artist, has risen to prominence as a contemporary hip hop sensation in St. Paul, Minnesota. Known for his unique blend of cultural influences and innovative beats, he has carved out a distinct niche in the music scene. Kid $wami’s journey from local talent to celebrated artist has been marked by his ability to connect deeply with a diverse and devoted fan base. His groundbreaking music, characterized by insightful lyrics and dynamic rhythms, is not only breaking new ground but also challenging the norms of the hip hop genre. With each release, Kid $wami continues to redefine what it means to be an Asian American artist in the ever-evolving landscape of contemporary hip hop.

Photo: Kid $wami

Kid $wami uses his music platform to address crucial issues that resonate deeply with him, drawing from his personal experiences to craft songs that touch on themes such as social justice, mental health, and self-expression. His lyrics reflect his journey and the struggles he has faced, making his music a powerful tool for advocacy and change. By candidly discussing these topics, Kid $wami not only highlights important societal challenges but also empowers his listeners to speak out and share their own stories. His message has become a beacon for those seeking to have their voices heard, fostering a community of resilience and solidarity through the transformative power of music.

Kid $wami stands as a beacon of authenticity and courage in the world of contemporary hip hop, using his music to champion social justice, mental health awareness, and the importance of self-expression. Through his deeply personal and impactful lyrics, he not only connects with his audience on a profound level but also inspires countless others to find their own voice and stand up for what they believe in. As he continues to break new ground and resonate with listeners across diverse backgrounds, Kid $wami’s artistry remains a testament to the transformative power of music and the enduring strength of the human spirit.

Reference:https://www.viberate.com/artist/kid-swami/

The Art of Asako Hirabayashi

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Born in Japan, Hirabayashi began her musical journey at the age of 7, composing and playing the piano. She later graduated with a degree in composition from a Japanese college. During her studies, she discovered the harpsichord, an instrument that suited her small hands and her passion for rare instruments. In the 1990s, she moved to the United States to further her education in harpsichord performance and composition at the Juilliard School. Hirabayashi earned her doctorate from Juilliard with a dissertation focused on “Ornamentation in the Harpsichord Music of William Byrd.”

In the early 2000s, Hirabayashi moved to Minnesota, becoming an active member of the Japan America Society of Minnesota. She performs locally, nationally, and internationally, while composing and teaching. Her notable compositions include an opera, a Concerto for Four Harpsichords and Strings, and various solo harpsichord and chamber pieces. Hirabayashi’s interest in historical instruments led to her collaboration with violinist Margaret Humphrey, resulting in the formation of the duo Cerulean Fire in 2012, dedicated to high-quality music and increasing public appreciation for historical instruments. In 2014, she began producing the “Music and Flower” show with the Sogetsu Ikebana Group, a project initiated by her friend Eiji Ikeda of the Minnesota Orchestra. Regularly performing at the Baroque Room in Minneapolis and other global venues, including Japan, Carnegie Hall, and London, Hirabayashi collaborates with various string players and performers. She also teaches at her studio in the Saint Paul Conservatory.

Awards

  • Multiple McKnight awards
  • Minnesota Arts Board grants
  • 2004: Solo Category Winner of the Aliénor Harpsichord Composition Competition
  • 2008: Honorable Mention for the Duo Category Winner of the Aliénor Harpsichord Composition Competition
  • 2010: CD The Harpsichord in the New Millennium was selected as one of the five best classical CDs of the year
  • 2018: Gold Medal Award from Global Music Awards 2018

Asako Hirabayashi’s music is a testament to the power of artistic storytelling, where light and refreshing melodies blend masterfully into a vivid musical painting. Her compositions, including an opera, a Concerto for Four Harpsichords and Strings, and various solo harpsichord and chamber pieces, showcase her ability to creatively use sound to tell a story. Influences from her rich background and collaboration with historical instrument enthusiasts, such as her duo Cerulean Fire with violinist Margaret Humphrey, add depth and nuance to her work. Through her performances at prestigious venues like Carnegie Hall and the Baroque Room in Minneapolis, and her teaching at the Saint Paul Conservatory, Hirabayashi inspires AAPI creatives by demonstrating how cultural heritage and innovation can harmoniously intersect to produce powerful, evocative music.

Reference:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UQLLdG7j2p4 https://www.asakohirabayashi.com/bio

Ricky Sim

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Ricky Sim never envisioned a career in standup comedy during his youth due to his fear of performing onstage. “I was really scared to be onstage,” he recalled. Like many first- and second-generation immigrants, Sim’s concern over financial stability led him to practice law for five years. Today, however, the Queens-based writer and standup comedian uses his platform to challenge norms and address the underrepresentation of queer Asian comedians.

Photo: Andrew Max Levy

Despite starting his career in the industry around 12 years ago, Sim chose to take a hiatus due to the lack of Asian representation in comedy, which often resulted in blatant racism disguised as humor. Reflecting on that period, he recalls that most open mic nights were predominantly attended by white men, who would mockingly greet him with lines like, “Oh, look. The delivery guy is here,” whenever they saw an Asian participant.

Sim faced additional challenges due to his sexuality in a predominantly homophobic environment. Despite this, his desire to share his story, particularly about his mother and the gay Chinese-Malaysian experience, helped him overcome the scarcity mindset and embrace the uncertainties of a challenging career. “This is what my heart is telling me to do,” Sim remarked, deciding to follow his passion. In 2023, he performed at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, where he presented his one-man show, “Coming Out To Dead People.” The show’s success continued at London’s Off-West End Soho Theatre and recently debuted Off-Broadway at Soho Playhouse, before returning to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe as an EdFringe OffFest Finalist.

Reference:https://www.aaartsalliance.org/magazine/stories/how-ricky-sim-found-freedom-in-comedy

The Artist Bumpei Usui

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Bumpei Usui (碓氷文平 Usui Bunpei, 1898—1994) was a remarkable Japanese-born American painter celebrated for his social realist cityscapes and urban life scenes. His body of work also included interiors, flower studies, and still lifes. In 1935, a critic praised his style as “cultivated realism,” while others lauded his masterful use of color, textures, and spatial values. Some even noted elements of Precisionism in his cityscapes. Usui’s paintings of people showcased both the humorous and harsh realities of city life.

Despite a period of obscurity following his death, Usui’s legacy was revived in 2014 when the Metropolitan Museum of Art acquired one of his paintings and featured it prominently in a major exhibition. In addition to his painting career, Usui was a skilled custom frame maker, furniture designer, and lacquering craftsman. He also had a passion for collecting antique Japanese swords and breeding Siamese cats, reflecting the diverse range of his talents and interests.

Photo:Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Regis Corporation

Photo:Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art

The art of Bumpei Usui beautifully captures his unique vision, seamlessly blending Eastern and Western influences to create a distinct style that highlights the achievements of AAPI artists. His works, which reflect his personal experiences, have become an integral part of art history, touching the hearts and souls of people worldwide. Bumpei’s legacy endures, celebrating his contributions and ensuring his impact on the art world remains timeless.

Reference: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bumpei_Usui. https://americanart.si.edu/art/highlights/asian-american