ONLINE EcoSattva Training – Series 3: An Online Course for Aspiring EcoSattvas In the backdrop of a pandemic and state actors actively hostile to science, ecological breakdown looms. The potential for overwhelm is real. While we take steps to demand racial justice, protect voting rights, or defend ecosystems, we can also invest in our inner …
Some bhikkhuni news from around the world
Sri Lanka Bhikkhuni Kusuma passes away 28 August 2021 The internationally acclaimed Buddhist monastic, scholar, and vocal advocate for full female monastic ordination Venerable Dr. Bhikkhuni Kusuma Devendra died of Covid complications late on Saturday in Sri Lanka. She was 92 years old. photo from Sakyadhita International Association of Buddhist Women Some personal reflections on meeting Bhikkhuni …
Exploring the Heart of Freedom
Exploring the Heart of Freedom is a sixteen-month program designed to cultivate our understanding of the core teachings of the Buddha, deepen our meditation practice, and help us to embody the dharma in spiritual friendship and community. Jointly offered by IMS and the Barre Center for Buddhist Studies (BCBS), the program consists of five residential retreats in Barre, MA, which …
A few resources for resilience
Feeling stretched? As the bad news continues and intensifies in various parts of the world, I've started collecting news articles, books and courses to turn to when I need some inspiration. Below are just a few suggestions - let me know if you have any favourites of your own! Chipmunk between fenceposts, Barre, Massachusetts Finding …
A Few More Anti-Racism Resources
United States White and Awakening Together An online course run by Spirit Rock starting August 2 Description:This is a time in America when white people’s awareness of the terrible impact of racial injustice has increased dramatically in the context of the pandemic and following the murders of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor. How …
Can you hear these voices?
Can you listen as if it was your sister speaking? Your grandson? Your niece? Your father? Your aunt? Kimberley Jones, US Black Lives Matter Activist https://youtu.be/E46uaDCcT9Y In the Buddha's teaching, all beings have been our mothers and fathers at some point in the past ... Trevor Noah, South African comedian https://youtu.be/v4amCfVbA_c Whether or not we …
The Police Killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis
Wherever you are in the world, you may have seen the recent video from 26 May of police officers standing over an unarmed black man lying on the ground. One of those police officers kneels on the neck of the black man, George Floyd, for at least nine minutes, preventing him from breathing. He dies …
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Karuna-virus
In the Buddha's teachings, karuna is a Pali word that means compassion. There's a lot going on around the world right now, and due to coronavirus, many people are navigating intense suffering on multiple levels simultaneously: The suffering of health challenges, food insecurity, financial distress, longer-term economic uncertainty, separation from friends and family - or …
Continuing compassion
[Forest and wildlife officer Lachlan Clarke checks a koala for injuries - photo courtesy of the Guardian] In my last newsletter and last post here, I've been exploring compassion as a resource to navigate all the various global challenges happening right now. Just today there was a moving photo essay about all the efforts that …
Compassion for all beings affected by the Australian bushfires
Season's greetings from Waipu, New Zealand I'm unexpectedly having to spend more time here in New Zealand, after my nine-day retreat outside of Sydney over New Year was just cancelled due to the bushfires in Australia. The Blue Mountains has been a kind of second home to me, so I've been staying in contact with …
Continue reading Compassion for all beings affected by the Australian bushfires
Jill Shepherd: insight meditation 