The Ground Path and Fruition of the B-Boy/BGirl/BThem Bodhisattva: Pt. 1
Begintro
At the heart of Mahayana Buddhism is the Bodhisattva—a figure devoted to achieving enlightenment not just for themselves, but for the sake of all beings. This archetype represents the ultimate union of compassion, wisdom, and commitment to others. Interestingly, a parallel figure exists within Hiphop culture: the B-Boy, B-Girl, or B-Them. While traditionally seen as a breakdancer, the concept of the B-Boy has expanded over time to signify a deeper, more profound dedication to Hiphop itself.
The idea of what it means to be a B-Boy has evolved alongside Hiphop. It’s no longer confined to dance; it encompasses a broader sense of living in alignment with the values of Hiphop—values like self-expression, creativity, community, resistance, and resilience. As KRS-One famously said, "Rap is something you do, Hiphop is something you live." This deeper, lived commitment to Hiphop resonates with the Bodhisattva’s dedication to serving others and alleviating suffering.
Recently, Hiphop culture has faced challenges and debates that mirror the tensions seen in spiritual traditions. The controversy surrounding B-Girl Raygun at the Olympics, for instance, reflects the ongoing negotiation within Hiphop between staying true to its grassroots and embracing new forms of expression. These challenges echo the complexities Bodhisattvas face, balancing their personal practice with a broader commitment to the welfare of all beings.
Both the Bodhisattva and the B-Boy embody a path of action guided by values that transcend individual concerns. The parallels between these two identities become clearer when viewed through the lens of the Six Paramitas (a Sanskrit word describing six qualities or “perfections” that a Bodhisattva cultivates to achieve enlightenment and benefit all beings) —generosity, ethical conduct, patience, diligence, meditation, and wisdom—each of which offers a way to connect the spiritual principles of Buddhism with the cultural imperatives of Hiphop.
Hiphop, much like any living tradition, is in need of healing and transformation. Our community struggles with systemic issues like violence, addiction, and exploitation. The figure of the Bodhisattva offers a model for how to approach these challenges with compassion and purpose. Just as the Bodhisattva is committed to the enlightenment of all beings, those within Hiphop have the potential to act as Bodhisattvas for their own communities—using their art to uplift, inspire, and create change.
The connection between the Bodhisattva and the B-Boy/B-Girl/B-Them is not just symbolic; it's a call to action rooted in the lived reality of Hiphop culture. In both traditions, there is an understanding that personal practice cannot be separated from the well-being of the larger community. The Bodhisattva’s path is defined by the commitment to serve others, to engage with the world, and to transform suffering into liberation. Similarly, a true B-Boy, B-Girl, or B-Them is more than an artist; they are a cultural warrior, someone who uses their talents not just for personal gain but for the upliftment and empowerment of their community.
This idea is reflected in the words of Hiphop pioneer Afrika Bambaataa (whose legacy is complicated by serious allegations of sexual molestation brought forward by several men who claim he abused them when they were minors), who saw Hiphop as “a positive force for change.” He envisioned it as a means for marginalized communities to reclaim their voices, their stories, and their dignity—a mission strikingly similar to that of the Bodhisattva. The B-Boy/B-Girl/B-Them who engages in any of the elements of Hiphop is not just performing; they are enacting a form of resistance that says, “I exist, I matter, and I am free.”
Just as the Bodhisattva path is guided by the Six Paramitas, or perfections, the values of a Hiphop practitioner can align with these principles, bringing depth and purpose to their art and activism. Generosity, ethical conduct, patience, diligence, meditation, and wisdom are not just spiritual ideals; they are practical tools for anyone committed to making a difference in the world. When applied to the context of Hiphop, these Paramitas provide a framework for understanding how to live and create in a way that is both authentic to the culture and beneficial to all.
Hiphop today is at a crossroads. The culture has grown and expanded beyond its origins, but it has also faced challenges: the pull of commercialization, the lure of materialism, and the ongoing cycles of violence and self-destruction that plague many of its communities. Yet within these challenges lies an opportunity—a chance to embrace the principles of the Bodhisattva and to reimagine what it means to be a B-Boy, B-Girl, or B-Them in a world that so desperately needs compassion, creativity, and courage.
The Hiphop Bodhisattva is one who understands that the culture itself is suffering, that its practitioners are hurting, and that there is work to be done. As the RZA of Wu-Tang Clan once said, "We must elevate our mental, spiritual, and physical beings. Hiphop is more than music; it is a culture of wisdom." To embody this wisdom is to step onto the path of the Bodhisattva, to commit to a practice that serves not just oneself but all of humanity.
In this way, Hiphop finds its own Bodhisattvas—warriors who use their art to heal, who see the interconnectedness of all life, and who understand that their craft is a form of spiritual practice, a way to bring light into the world. And as long as there is suffering, there will be a need for those who choose this path, whether they are seated in meditation or spinning on their heads. Perhaps, through the emergence of these Hiphop Bodhisattvas, the culture can find new life, new purpose, and a deeper sense of its own potential to transform and transcend.
A B-Boy’s Alpha State: Buddha Nature
Buddha nature is a fundamental concept in Mahayana Buddhism, suggesting that all beings inherently possess the potential for enlightenment. It is the pure, undefiled essence present in every sentient being, often obscured by ignorance, attachment, and delusion. To recognize one’s Buddha nature is to realize that enlightenment is not something outside or separate from oneself; it is an innate quality waiting to be uncovered.
This notion of Buddha Nature is captured in the title of legendary underground Hiphop group Cannibal Ox’s song “A B-Boy’s Alpha.” The term “Alpha” evokes a primary state of being, an original essence that represents the core of what it means to be a B-Boy. This “Alpha state” reflects a deeper truth—a return to the unconditioned, fundamental nature of the self. It speaks to the spirit of resilience, creativity, and authenticity, values at the heart of Hiphop culture. Intriguingly, this idea of an “Alpha state” correlates with the Buddhist concept of Buddha nature, the innate potential for enlightenment that exists within every being.
Just as Buddha nature represents the pure, undefiled essence within each of us, the B-Boy’s Alpha state is an expression of the original, raw spirit that drives one to be fully present and alive through art, movement, and culture. Both concepts encourage a return to one’s true nature, a state beyond societal conditioning or external pressures. In this way, the paths of the Bodhisattva and the B-Boy/B-Girl/B-Them intersect, suggesting a shared journey of self-discovery, resilience, and service.
In the same way, “A B-Boy’s Alpha” can be seen as pointing toward an essential, original state—the core of what it means to be a B-Boy, beyond all external definitions or labels. This alpha state is not merely the act of dancing or performing but represents a deeper, intrinsic connection to Hiphop’s values: authenticity, self-expression, community, resilience, and truth. A B-Boy's alpha state is their true essence—their unconditioned and untamed spirit that expresses itself through the raw, honest creativity and the drive to survive and thrive against all odds.
Cannibal Ox’s lyrics in “A B-Boy’s Alpha” reflect themes of survival, self-reliance, and the search for meaning in a world that often feels cold and hostile. In many ways, this is a metaphor for the spiritual journey of recognizing Buddha nature. The lyrics depict a harsh environment where one's true self must emerge amidst chaos and confusion. The B-Boy must confront and navigate the outer forces of societal pressure, marginalization, and personal struggle while maintaining a core sense of identity and purpose.
Similarly, the recognition of Buddha nature involves seeing through the illusions and suffering created by the conditioned mind. Just as a B-Boy, B-Girl or B-Them finds their alpha state through the authenticity of their art and their relationship with the culture, a practitioner on the Buddhist path uncovers their Buddha nature by looking past the layers of ego and illusion to recognize their innate potential for awakening.
The Path of the Hiphop Bodhisattva: Recognizing the Alpha State as Buddha Nature
In Buddhist terms, the B-Boy’s alpha state could be seen as analogous to the “primordial ground” of Buddha nature—the original state of being that is pure, complete, and whole. This state, like Buddha nature, is not something that can be attained or achieved in the conventional sense; it is something that is already present, waiting to be realized. The journey of the B-Boy, as depicted in Cannibal Ox's track, is one of struggle and self-discovery, a constant process of peeling back the layers of conditioning to find that core, original state of being.
When Vast Aire and Vordul Mega rap about the streets, pain, and the rawness of existence, they aren’t merely telling stories—they are tapping into a deeper existential quest for authenticity, for meaning in a world that can often feel devoid of it. In their exploration of what it means to be a B-Boy, they are also exploring what it means to be human. This aligns with the Buddhist understanding that life is inherently filled with suffering (dukkha), and it is through recognizing and understanding this suffering that we begin the journey toward enlightenment.
If the alpha state of a B-Boy represents an original, unconditioned state of being, then the Hiphop Bodhisattva is someone who recognizes this nature—not only within themselves but within all beings. They understand that everyone possesses an “alpha state,” a Buddha nature, that is often buried beneath societal conditioning, trauma, and struggle. Just as the B-Boy or B-Girl expresses their truth through the rawness of their art, a Bodhisattva expresses their realization through compassionate action.
The recognition of this alpha state is, in essence, a call to see through the surface to the heart of things, to appreciate the innate value and potential of every person within the culture. A Hiphop Bodhisattva knows that the path to this realization involves creativity, resilience, and an unyielding commitment to truth, whether that truth is expressed in the breakbeats of a track or in the silence of meditation.
The Path of the Hiphop Bodhisattva: Embodying the Six Paramitas
The parallels between the Bodhisattva and the B-Boy/B-Girl/B-Them reveal a shared path of compassionate action, grounded in the recognition of suffering and a commitment to transformation. The Bodhisattva cultivates the Six Paramitas, or perfections—generosity, ethical conduct, patience, diligence, meditation, and wisdom—to serve others and alleviate suffering. A B-Boy, in their Alpha state, embodies these same values through the lens of Hiphop culture:
Generosity (Dana): In Hiphop, generosity is seen in sharing skills, knowledge, and opportunities. A B-Boy/B-Girl/B-Them who teaches their craft, who helps others find their voice, practices Dana by nurturing creativity and fostering community.
Ethical Conduct (Sila): Ethical conduct in Hiphop involves respecting oneself, others, and the culture, resisting the temptations of violence, drugs, and exploitation. KRS-One’s call for “edutainment” (education through entertainment) exemplifies Sila in action, using Hiphop to elevate rather than degrade.
Patience (Kshanti): The path of a B-Boy involves enduring hardship, whether through mastering an art form or navigating life’s struggles. Patience is also necessary to channel anger and frustration into creative expression, a cornerstone of Hiphop’s resilience.
Diligence (Virya): The Alpha state requires relentless effort—practicing one's craft not just for personal gain but for community upliftment. This mirrors the Bodhisattva's tireless dedication to the welfare of all beings.
Meditation (Dhyana): The focused presence of a dancer, a DJ, or an MC during their art is a form of meditation—a state of mindfulness and flow that connects deeply with the moment and those around them. Hiphop becomes a path to self-awareness and clarity.
Wisdom (Prajna): Wisdom in Hiphop is the ability to see beyond the surface, to recognize deeper truths within the culture, and to use art to challenge oppression and foster connection. This wisdom aligns with the Bodhisattva's understanding of interdependence and the true nature of reality.
Hiphop Needs Bodhisattva Warriorship
The concept of the B-Boy’s Alpha state reveals the spiritual potential within Hiphop culture. It calls for a return to an original state of being, embracing creativity and authenticity as tools for resistance, healing, and renewal. In the same way, Hiphop needs Bodhisattva warriors who are committed to the welfare of their community, who recognize the suffering within the culture, and who work to transform it.
A "Hiphop Bodhisattva" sees the interconnectedness of all life and uses their art to alleviate suffering. They understand that the struggles faced by the community—poverty, racism, violence, and self-destruction—are forms of dukkha that require both inner transformation and collective action.
Just as the Bodhisattva vows to liberate all beings, a B-Boy, B-Girl, or B-Them in their Alpha state commits to uplifting their community, protecting Hiphop’s values, and creating spaces for creativity and expression to flourish. This is warriorship—not aggression, but the courage to stand firm in truth and act with compassion.
Devotion in Hiphop means staying true to its roots and purpose, even amid commercialization and conformity. It means fostering community, nurturing creativity, and fighting for justice and truth. Just as the Bodhisattva remains devoted to the enlightenment of all beings, the Hiphop practitioner remains dedicated to the culture’s mission of empowerment, unity, and transformation.
The B-Boy’s Alpha state and the Bodhisattva path both call for a return to one’s true nature, a recognition that within each person lies the potential for awakening, healing, and transformation. Hiphop needs Bodhisattvas—those who are not only skilled in their craft but also dedicated to the welfare of their community. Committed Hiphop Bodhisattvas can use the Six Paramitas to guide their actions, embodying generosity, ethical conduct, patience, diligence, meditation, and wisdom to heal and transform the culture from within.
Both paths, the path of the Bodhisattva and the path of the B-Boy, involve recognizing and embodying one’s true nature. Whether seated in meditation or spinning on a dance floor, as long as there is suffering, there will be a need for those who choose this path. Through the emergence of Hiphop Bodhisattvas, the culture can rediscover its roots and continue to be a force for creativity, freedom, and truth.
In a world where both inner and outer struggles persist, Hiphop culture finds itself at a crossroads, challenged by the pressures of commercialization, violence, and disconnection from its original purpose. Just as the path of the Bodhisattva calls for an unwavering commitment to awakening and compassion, the path of the B-Boy demands a return to authenticity, creativity, and resilience. As long as suffering exists—whether on the streets or in the hearts of individuals—there is a profound need for those who will walk this path with courage and dedication. A practice that merges these traditions can help cultivate Hiphop Bodhisattvas, guiding the culture back to its roots and empowering it to remain a powerful force for freedom, truth, and transformation in the world.
~ Justin F. Miles, Hiphop Alive