Inspired by Andrew Harvey's book A Guide to Sacred Activism. The journey of transformation, both personal and global, includes our hearts opening to all the suffering we encounter and letting our heart be shattered and break open to new possibilities. This is a natural and essential component of true awakening. This process is explored on different levels: our own dharma practice, the classical Progress of Insight and what Harvey calls "The Dark Night of the Species."

This talk views the ecological dis-ease of our planet through the lens of our evolutionary unfolding. We explore the egoic trance that has precipitated the destruction of our environment, and the inner practices of presence that enable us to respond from love and wisdom.

The inter-relationship between inner and outer. Knowing that we belong as a basis for meeting and responding to the suffering of our world, both inner and outer.

Mindfulness is so much more that attention. Supporting wholesome qualities like patience and equanimity, Right Mindfulness specifically develops wise action in our lives and in the world.

How our dharma practice can turn this difficult situation onto an opportunity for practice and awakening.

A four-part series inspired by the Spring 2012 issue of Inquiring Mind, entitled 'Earth Now.'

Knowing your refuge. Cultivating resilience. Alignment with authentic response.

2013-04-20 (1 day) Spirit Rock Meditation Center

2014-04-20 (1 day) Spirit Rock Meditation Center

Observed changes in the climate system, attribution of climate change, Buddhist perspective, Buddhist response to climate change.

For Earth Care Week we review the three aspects of ignorance examined last week - personal (or psychological), social, and universal. We focus on the social roots of ignorance with attention mostly to understanding and responding to the climate crisis.

At the time of Earth Day, we pose a a dilemma and challenge. Dharma practice is so compelling. The climate crisis is so compelling. Which do we choose? Both, in our own ways. We look at the ways that our practice (and principles of generosity, compassion, ethics, interdependence, and wisdom) call us to regard and that those responding deeply need spiritual practices and principles to meet the great need.

Continuing our exploration of ethical practice during earth care week. We examine, through the frame work of the Four Noble Truths, the question of the nature of climate change and how to respond as individuals, as communities, nationally and internationally.

There are precise and profound parallels between what Buddhism says about our usual individual predicament and our collective ecological predicament today.

There are precise and profound parallels between what Buddhism says about our individual predicament and our collective predicament today in relationship to the rest of the biosphere.

An impassioned talk that includes a little known story from the suttas about the dangers of and suffering caused by the notion of private property. During the talk, winds of 45 mph buffeted the monastery, emergency sirens sounded in the distance, and three power outages occurred. Ends with a lively discussion with the sangha.

Through silence and song, sitting practice. Dharma talks, and interactive exercises, we will affirm our capacity to take part in the healing of our world. Each of our lives is played against a backdrop of war-making, hunger, mass extinctions and increasing climate chaos. The Buddha's teachings show how we can respond to the suffering of our time in ways that bring courage, gladness, and deep community. Our day together will draw on the Work That Reconnects, developed by Joanna over the last 35 years, and on Jennifer's soul-expanding music, that has empowered activists the world over. Joanna Macy is known worldwide as a Gaian teacher whose trainings strengthen movements for global justice. Her books include Dharma and Development, Coming Back To Life, Mutual Causality in Buddhist Teachings and Systems Theory, and her memoir Widening Circles, as well as translations of Rilke's poetry. Jennifer Berezan is a renowned singer/songwriter whose work is informed by Buddhist and indigenous teachings as well as her adventures at the forefront of social change. Her concerts and recordings include Praises for the World and her most recent release In These Arms, a Song for All Beings, based on practices of loving kindness and compassion.

This series of five conversations with dharma teachers was held October 5 through November 3, 2014.