Regular events

Dharma Monday

Social change and non-violent opposition

This evening is the 3rd in a four week series. And we are fortunate to have a guest speaker (Rowan Brooks) with us tonight, a NZ Buddhist involved with many protest movements and efforts to create positive social change in New Zealand.

Meditation practice allows us to notice more clearly what is going on in our experience and give insights into the relationships shaping our world. From this awareness we can move from reactivity and habit, to responsiveness. But what is a skillfull response when our awareness becomes full of the needs of the world?

When we notice pervasive inequality and exploitation, notice how quickly we race towards environmental collapse, what then? The act of responding can quickly become loaded with attachment and craving, with wanting to change and fix things. Can we bring wisdom to those moments?

Through becoming active in doing what we can in service of the world there lies opportunity to enrich and develop the practice of being fully present. And through bringing insights and skill from dharma practice into social action, there is the opportunity to open and deepen opportunities for social change.

This talk will be an exploration of the potential of integrating dharma practice and an activist engagement with the world. It will share reflections from a life of doing what I can to make change, while also learning to rest in things as they are. It will also offer an opportunity for attendees to reflect on the edge where their spiritual practice meets the needs of the world.

Dharma night is suitable for those who would like to learn more about Buddhism. It is also a popular night for regular friends to drop in and practice together. If you are a beginner but can't get to/or have just started one of our meditation classes, you are still welcome to come and join in.

The usual program for the evening is a talk or discussion on some aspect of Buddhism, tea break, then group meditation to end the evening.

When

Cost