Gaia: Shambhala Path of Social Engagement

Socially Engaged Shambahla - New social networking site

http://zenpeacemaker.gaia.com — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 01:47:43 GMT

Hi everyone. Please check out the new Socially Engaged Shambhala social network/online community site: http://sociallyengagedshambhala.ning.com

Shambhala and Buddhist Social Engagement Program

http://seek2know.gaia.com — Thu, 15 Feb 2007 15:13:36 GMT

We had an excellent two day program named "How Can I help? Buddhism and Social Engagement" with Maia Duerr (ED of BPF.org), David Loy, and Richard Reoch (president shambhala International) and organized by Lance Brunner. My entry to Shambhala, Lexington KY is through activism and Buddhism by birth in India.

I was able to attend only one day, as I was coincidentally giving another workshop next day that involved the message of comming out of the cocoon and being a butterfly. The program involved talks (practicing peace in the midst of war by Richard, Reflections and Group discussion after that and what brings us to the program and such. Another talk was on compassionate listening and creating space in the middle of conflict by RR. David Loy spoke on his paper in Turning Wheel, "What the Buddha would Do." Maia talked about Mindful Action: work of Buddhist peace fellowship, showing video clips of BPF participation in Washington Peace rally in sep2005....a huge and successful rally not covered by media.

This whole program created lot of enthusiasm among 30 or so participants. So much so that we are in the process of opening a BPF chapter here. Some of us are quite active in the community and we participated in the local peace rally to support the national effort on Jan 27 at Washington DC, in which many BPF members also participated. More than 150 went to DC from KY. I capture some of it in my BLOG.

We are planning to use the “Dialogue” mode of conversation in our
Buddhist Peace Fellowship meetings. There is great value in using
dialogue to create greater team empowerment, respect for all views and
creating greater shared understanding so we can build a culture of
peace inside out.

I am also a firm believer that Peace and
Freedom cannot be kept with our ignorance and fear intact. So becoming aware of
systemic and political hidden forces that incite and promote war to
serve the interest of few at the expense of All needs to be brought out
to daylight and public awareness.

I am doing just that in my Peace Blog

Shambhala way of ;-)
Fearless Peace~
mita

Fleet Maull interview on Chronicles of Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche

http://dawachoga.gaia.com — Mon, 29 Jan 2007 21:19:11 GMT

Please listen to this wonderful interview of Fleet by Julia Sagebien at http://www.chroniclesradio.com/index.html

Re: Sacred Activism

http://seek2know.gaia.com — Sun, 14 Jan 2007 20:14:23 GMT

I don't see a way to post new topic like peace work. Here is an example of sacred activism, where someone puts everything in line and standing for what one believes in his/her heart.

See this inspiring press conference by Iraq war resister Darell Anderson

Also I am going to a local peace group meeting soon as a representative for Buddhist Peace fellowship to see what we can do locally to support the peace effort nationally this Januray 27th

I encourage everyone of you reading this to get out on January 27 and stand united for peace everywhere!

Metta
mita

Re: Going Beyond Bias

http://zenpeacemaker.gaia.com — Thu, 30 Nov 2006 07:27:33 GMT

IThis progam is great news! It might be helpful to look at the diversity and inclusion work that has been done by the Buddhist Peace Fellowship and Spirit Rock Meditation Center to inform your planned program in Baltimore. How much is available on their websites or by googling the issues, I'm not sure.; but both organizations have done considerable work in this area.

Buddhist Peace Fellowship: www.bpf.org

Spirit Rock Meditation Center: http://www.meditation-center.com/

Diversity Project at BPF: http://www.bpf.org/html/current_projects/diversity/diversity.html

Going Beyond Bias

http://activecompassion.gaia.com — Wed, 29 Nov 2006 14:05:27 GMT

Active Compassion, www.activecompassion.org, is putting together a confrence in Baltimore, entitled "Going Beyond Bias," in the spring exploring race and diversity and how it applies to social engagement. Baltimore is majority African American and yet we are a mostly white sangha, most of the activists in Baltimore are white, and many of the politicians have been white. We are hoping to put together a weekend based in mindfulness practices that opens up a very frank discussion about race. Acharya Gaylon Ferguson has agreed to lead the weekend. We are still working on a date. We are also putting together a scholorship fund for people of color. This resulted from a report on Diversity in Buddhism that came from Harvard University that stated that Buddhist communities that provided free retreats increased attendence and participation of people of color dramatically. I will send more info when it becomes available.

Take care,
s

Re: ZPC Street Retreat in Shambhala

http://lisafer.gaia.com — Sun, 17 Sep 2006 21:15:26 GMT

This reply to Fleet's posting is in hopes of helping others whom, like myself, may want to organize a Street Retreat, but haven't done something like this before - may my questions and the replies below be of service. I will continue posting here as receive more information.
Lisa Hill [Vancouver, BC]

From: Hope Malkan [Austin,TX]
Hi Lisa! I've been out of town and just got your email. Is it too late for my input to be of use? Truthfully, though I'm happy to answer any questions, I'm guessing Stephan is by far the more experienced organizer and a wealth of information compared to me. I'm happy to tell you what I can. And I do have a couple of observations that may prove worthwhile.

My first (unsolicited!) observation is that August in Vancouver sounds more like a vacation than a Street Retreat. We chose to do the retreat here in August because the temperature is in the triple digits every day at that time of year. If not for the brutal heat with which we were forced to contend, I cannot really imagine how we could have gone so deep. Breaking through preconceived limitations, dealing w/ intense discomfort, confronting the "cocoon"--these are all things that have come up in the interviews I've done w/ participants since doing the Retreat. Intense physical adversity seems to me a necessary ingredient.

My other observation is that I did not properly understand the "raising a mala" practice until just last week when I read Bernie Glassman's book, "Bearing Witness." I would handle this aspect of the retreat completely differently now, with what I know. It is a big deal, and I didn't get that. We're actually each supposed to raise $3,024.

The other part has to do w/ the difficulty of promoting the Retreat discreetly to the right potential participants. This is a difficult and time consuming task. Perhaps Stephan could be of help in making recommendations?

I wish you a lot of luck. It was a fabulous experience and one which we are already talking about making an annual event here in Austin. Please contact me w/ any questions that may arise. I'll do my best to be of assistance.

cheers,
Hope Malkan

From Hope Malkan [Austin,TX]:
I just read another email in which you asked about a framework. What I can tell you is that I coordinated w/ the Zen Center here, and we emailed out to every sangha in Austin. With the replies we got back, we began a listserve which we communicated with regularly. I sent articles about past retreats, and I sent guidelines and info. We had information sessions for curious potential participants. I would have begun coaching about Mala Raising way back when, had I known.

Then I did a BIG p.r. push, trying to get radio people interested in doing interviews, and local magazines or papers in doing articles. I was marginally successful. Anyone who did respond to these articles got put on the listserve and sent a bunch of info. I also put up flyers at other sangha's meeting places and attended a couple of there meetings to talk about the Retreat. Promoting this is very time consuming. The sooner you start, the better.

That's all I can think to tell you at this moment. I tried to promote the retreat w/ people who work w/ the homeless social services--interestingly enough, I got no response from them. It might be different in Canada, though.

I wish you the best of luck. Let me know if I can be of further help.

hope

From Stephan Clarke [Baltimore, MD]:
Greetings,

I hope this finds everyone well. Having a place that people could see what is needed to organize a street retreat and that people could share resources would be great. I have organized 7 retreats, leading 3 of them. Attached is three documents that were created by Genro, myself and/or people who helped me advertise. They may prove a little helpful.   Also is attached an article written by a British journalist that accompanied us on one of the Montreal retreats.

The Retreat in Ottawa, from the flier attached, was canceled until the spring.  A local Shambhala inspired social activist group is putting on a Street Retreat in Baltimore in the beginning of October that I am leading.

The first retreat in Montreal, I lead an introductory day long retreat where we raised money and the money was donated on behalf of the center to a local charity. The Shambhala center then helped collect money for the full street retreat. The Montreal Center was very supportive.

A year later I tried to organize one in Baltimore. The Baltimore Center would not touch it because of liability. They still won't get near it. American Centers may not be as easy to have retreats unless an outside organization like the Peacemaker community, etc. take responsibility for it.

Let me know if you need anything else.

Take care,
steph

From Stephan Clarke [Baltimore, MD]:
Hi Stephan,

Thanks once again for your mail and the attachments, all were very useful and very much appreciated.
If you have time, I have a few more specific questions to ask:

1) I received the following from Hope Malkan:
The other part has to do w/ the difficulty of promoting the Retreat discreetly to the right potential participants. This is a difficult and time consuming task. Perhaps Stephan could be of help in making recommendations?
I was wondering if you could address this for me? People are either interested or not. It is pretty self selecting. This kind of retreat and fundraising brings up a lot of fear for people.
The thing with advertising is to get as many people as possible interested because undoubtedly people drop out before the retreat begins. Many people really want to do it, but can't bring themselves to ask others for money, or their kids get sick or a professor assigns a lot of work that week.   What ever the reason, people can't do it.

2) Can you tell me specifically what the requirements of the mala practice were on the retreats you organized. From reading "Bearing Witness" to reading what was required to be raised for the Austin retreat, it seems to vary. Hope mentions:
My other observation is that I did not properly understand the "raising a mala" practice until just last week when I read Bernie Glassman's book, "Bearing Witness." I would handle this aspect of the retreat completely differently now, with what I know. It is a big deal, and I didn't get that. We're actually each supposed to raise $3,024.   Everyone that leads the retreats has different requirements for the mala. Genro has people raise $300 for a 3 day retreat. He leads the most of anyone I know. Bernie and Fleet are more traditional with the mala requirements.  I have followed Genro's example with the shorter retreats and less money required.  I am starting to lead one day retreats and require $108. I have reaised over $3000 for a retreat and it was fine, and have raised $300 and this also seems fine. The amount is not the important thing. It is just an arbitrary number. The leader sets the amount. It is important that people raise it before coming to the retreat, and that the coordinator is firm in the amount asking for. Many people don't do the retreat just because of the Mala practice. But this practice really sets the stage for the retreat.

3) The money raised for the mala, does this differ from the money raised that is donated to the social services used by the participants on the retreat? Is the money that is donated to street resources, the money raised while on the streets begging or is it raised beforehand as well? Is there a specific amount raised and donated by each participant? The money raised for the mala is what is donated. Every participant has to raise a mala. I have had people raise money through begging on street corners, writing letters to friends and families, asking their sangha to support them. What happens to the money raised while on the street is determined by the people on the retreat. Sometimes we give it to other people we meet, and sometimes we have bought food.

4) Since you led the retreats you've been involved with i'm not sure if you can answer this for me, but there is the airfare and honorarium to pay for the person leading the retreat - is this paid for from the mala, by the shambhala centre, by the individuals participating in the retreat, other? The coordinator buys the airfare out of the money raised. Typically there is no honorarium. Mostly what happens is 1/3 of the money raised is donated to the organization the leader is coming from. This supports them and also the mission of their organization. 2/3 are then donated to homeless services.

5) the following was from Hope as well:
What I can tell you is that I coordinated w/ the Zen Center here, and we emailed out to every sangha in Austin. With the replies we got back, we began a listserve which we communicated with regularly. I sent articles about past retreats, and I sent guidelines and info. We had information sessions for curious potential participants.
I'm wondering if this is similar to what you did? If not, please explain. If so, how far in advance of the retreat did you start approaching varying sanghas, etc.? This is a great idea. I emailed every sangha in each of the cities closest to the city we held the retreat in and in that city. getting on Listserves is the best idea. Yahoo has a bunch of listserves that local groups use. You send out one e-mail and get thousands of people. Having information sessions almost seems essential, if you have someone that can lead it. I would recommend trying to partner with many different religious organizations as well. Churches, temples etc are great places to post flyers. I would approach people as far in advance as possible. You need to get allies that can help you put the word out.

6) I believe I read that 15 people is the max. allowable to participate in this type of retreat. Was this the group size on your retreats? Did you find you had a lot more people wanting to participate than the allowable amount, or was it a struggle to find people wanting to participate in such a retreat? There is no maximum number allowed, per se. It is set by each leader. I personally would not take more then 10 people out by myself. If there is over a certain number, a second or thrid leader can be found. I honestly like smaller numbers of retreatants. My favorite retreat comprised of two leaders of three participants. I felt as though we really blended into our environment. With large numbers, you tend to stick out like a sore thumb.

Re: Active Compassion

http://seek2know.gaia.com — Sat, 16 Sep 2006 00:59:51 GMT

Jamie, thanks for the reconciliation link and your kind support. I admire the work you are doing at organizational level. About the money issue, I am advocating knowledge and higher level thinking to remove misperception and ignorance regarding nature, access and issue of money. It is THE most urgent issue facing the planet today, since our unconscious participation in this money system is fueling many dysfunctions and wars.

Until now this issue was not possible to discuss publicly due to huge fear and insecurity even among few academics, progressives and activists who know about this. I am forcing this issue at the cost of my life, so to speak. See my blog on what David Korten said while I spoke in a community meeting.

Also I had a chance to talk briefly about it to Michael Shuman who also gave a wonderful presentation on his book Small-mart Revolution a month later organized by local chapter of SustainableC.N.
____________________________________
Please join the discussion in my minipod
”What the Bleep do we know about Money”

Peaceful solution is already available but people need to be aware. Awareness is critical.
According to Buddhist 8 fold middle path, the first step is to develop right (wholesome) view of things (see note on this under seek2now vision ). A monetary sytem based on wholesome view of money would inspire and encourage right intention, right speech, right livelihood and such and ensure the welfare of all life.

Peace and metta (loving friendlness)
mita

Sacred Activism

http://seek2know.gaia.com — Sat, 16 Sep 2006 00:21:20 GMT

Andrew Harvey, Oxford scholar and visionary, believes that our survival depends on Sacred Activism, a fusion of profound mystical awareness, passion, clarity and sacred practice with wise, dedicated, radical action. This fusion, he warns, may be the sole key to preservation of man and nature.

If you are involved in any kind of Sacred Activism, please post your work examples here.

I have been involved in cyber activism for past 7 years, to connect and catalyze positive initiatives and groups and people engaged in diverse work nationally and globally, expose false agendas and untruths wherever I find them and currently focusing more into building positive community networks, hospice and prison initiatives and participate in diversity and multi-faith dialogues.

Cheers

Re: Learning Diversity Online Tool

http://seek2know.gaia.com — Tue, 12 Sep 2006 17:48:23 GMT

I am reposting here another post as it touches on embracing our diverse human experience through a genuine desire to understand and listen to each other, acknowledge all experiences by moving beyond fear to genuine compassion. I recommend the movie "Color of Fear" as a great tool to strart conversation and healing race relations locally.

--------

Re: What is your burning question? from WIE pod

Jo asks

“How do we create more equity in this world without completely dismissing historically unfair acts? it seem that the conflicts are always reactions to perceived injustices that have not been resolved properly.”

First of all we need not dismiss anything in the past, yet if we are stuck in the past “perceived injustices” that is what we will keep recreating and repeating - acknowledging and then getting free of past is the begining of personal and collective transformation.

Also History or “His Story” taught in schools is only one version of many versions (minority or commoner's views often suppressed) that happened. That version is written by whoever is ruling or holding power at the time. For example “jewish holocaust” is not the only “holocaust” in histoay. Millions of women (majority of mankind) were witchhunted and burned during middle ages, and killed and suppressed even today around the globe.

Do people know how many millions were Killed in the invisible third world war or unlikely to be enslaved. If this is happening in recent times, can you imagine how much glorious history of humanity/christianity/Black and non-white civilizations has been distorted or suppressed, by burning the Libraries like the ancient library of Alexandria or kept hidden under secret vatican archives. Truth is relative.

And who amongst us can say that we have never been subjected to blame, false accusations or injustice? Even Buddha and Christ could not escape it. When the movie Color of Fear was shown in a diverse community group, I was surprised that all white partcipants except one stood up along with all non-white when asked this question. BTW this is a great movie to promote awareness and create opportunities for healing dialogues locally.

If you buy history books in a developing country and compare same events or periods in the developed country you will see how different they are. I just attended a local intiative of Christian-Muslim dialogue recently. It was quite revealing in that some women from islamic background who lived in Iran under saddam, mujahaddeen or in Beirut were giving a different version of events than reported here in media.

What we need to do is perhaps is to emphasize the perennial philosophy and essence of all religions …is to love and respect all humanity above superficial differences of cultureying, gender /race and recognize our universal brotherhood as human beings.

"Being human" is different than just intellectually identifying with the term “human”. Being human is to be able to relate with all human beings, and all human experiences, having a genuine desire to understand and listen to other perspectives, breaking barriers within one's own mind, perception, unexamined behaviors and attitudes.

Being human is to go deep within one's own sadness, separation and pain, feel things at a deeper level and coming to acceptance, then clarity and finally becoming compassionate and whole authentic human beings.

We have suffered enough, hurt each other enough, blamed and judged each other enough, because we have not allowed us to go within our own pain and suffering, and acknowledged the anger, hurt, sadness and alienation we all felt at times.

The voices of moderation and wisdom must be recognized, encouraged, empowered and listened to above those politicians, pundits and demagogues that blame, divide and incite violence. Now we need to make the evolutionary shift in our human consciousness from tribal perspective to planetary even cosmic perspective by fully integrating our rich and diverse human experiences.

Peace

Inside Out

Thu, 07 Sep 2006 17:09:54 GMT

My name is Don, I believe things can change because I have changed and I am still changing today. Most people are trying to learn, I found that I had to unlearn and when ever I unlearned something I learned something at the same time. Kind a like picking up a dirty rock and cleaning it off and find that it was really a piece of gold. Today when I see a person that looks like a dirty rock I know that there is really a piece of gold under that dirt, they may not know it but I do. And this is helping not only them but myself , more later about changing.
Your Friend, Don

Re: Active Compassion

http://ivysea.gaia.com — Thu, 07 Sep 2006 00:05:38 GMT

Greetings, Mita!

It's so nice to see you here. And I'm always glad to see you sharing word about your work. It's incredibly important.

The unhealthy attitude about 'money' and the way the current monetary system is set up is but a symptom of an underlying disease of heart -- a poverty of spirit, if you will. I think this is why Mssrs. Gandhi, King and Ariyaratne, for example, focused on 'change from within' -- a change of spirit and thus of mind and all that spills from it -- and nonviolent action. The Fellowship of Reconciliation web site offers many excellent articles on this subject.

This is one of many reasons that the Shambhala Path, and other engaged-spirituality or mystic activism paths, are vital at the moment.

So much more we could share on that subject, no doubt. In any case, I highly recommend your writings and message to all who want to 'be the change'.

Wishing you all very well.

Sincerely,
Jamie

Re: Active Compassion

http://seek2know.gaia.com — Wed, 06 Sep 2006 19:51:25 GMT

Hi Jamie, I am back from Toronto. My current focus is creating conscious Money. We cannot create compaasionate or enlightened society by remaining unconscious and ignorant about the realities of current monetary system which is based on greed, deception and people's misperception.

My focus is educating people about What the Bleep Do you Know about Money

Imagine every aware and conscious person here at Zaadz, if not planet gets peacefully involved in focusing their energy for a few moments, days or a week to the possibility of creating a new kind of money based on collective trust and agreement of the people

....consciously created money system that becomes a consciously designed tool of the people by the people for pursuit of holistic LIFE, Liberty and Hapiness, the greatest medium for good than evil in society

and bring this issue to World's attention by Voting and commenting here till September 9. Hurry

Also Visit my blog on Radical Shift and Conscious Capitalism.

"While economic textbooks claim that people and corporations are competing for markets and resources, I claim that in reality they are competing for money - using markets and resources to do so. Greed and fear of scarcity are being continuously created and amplified as a direct result of the kind of money we are using.

For example, we can produce more than enough food to feed everybody, and there is definitely not enough work for everybody in the world, but there is clearly not enough money to pay for it all. In fact, the job of central banks is to create and maintain that currency scarcity. Money is created when banks lend it into existence When a bank provides you with a $100,000 mortgage, it creates only the principal, which you spend and which then circulates in the economy. The bank expects you to pay back $200,000 over the next 20 years, but it doesn't create the second $100,000 - the interest. Instead, the bank sends you out into the tough world to battle against everybody else to bring back the second $100,000."- Bernard Lietaer, Former Central Banker, developer of Euro and author of Future of Money".

Peace & joy
Mita

ZPC Street Retreat in Shambhala

http://zenpeacemaker.gaia.com — Wed, 30 Aug 2006 23:12:57 GMT

A number of Zen Peacemaker street retreats have been organized in recent years within the Shambhala Community mandala.

Longtime Shambhala Community member and teacher Fleet Maull is also a Dharma Holder and ordained priest in the Zen Peacemaker Community (ZPC).   Both Fleet and his ZPC friend and colleague Sensei Grover Genro Gauntt have been empowered by ZPC founder Roshi Bernie Glassman to lead Zen Peacemaker Street Retreats and train others to do so.

The street retreat offers a deep plunge into the practices of Not Knowing, Bearing Witness and Loving Action, the Three Tenets of the Zen Peacemaker Community, which have their correlates in all wisdom traditions, inlcuding traditional Buddhist teaching and the Shambhala teachings.

Fleet and Genro have led street retreats in association with or organized by Shambhala Community members or centers in Austin, Denver, and Montreal. A street retreat is currently being planned in conjunction with the Vancouver Shambhala Center. Sensei Genro has lead street retreats in many cities throughout North America and Europe.

Fleet has led a street retreat in Denver connected with one of his Naropa University classes for the past five years.

Fleet and Genro recently co-led a street retreat in Austin, TX organized by Shambhala Community member and Peacemaker Institute IPT (www.peacemakerinstitute.org) graduate Hope Malkan in collaboration with the Austin Shambhala center and the Austin Zen Center.

Sensei Genro has led two street retreats in Montreal organized by Shambhala Community member Stephan Clarke (now of the Baltimore Shambhala Center).

Lisa Hill and Leta Goldwynn of the Vancouver Shambhala Center are currently organizing a street retreat to be led by Senei Genro Guantt some time next year.

Resources and Contacts:
Colorado Peacemaker Institute: www.peacemakerinstitute.org
Zen Peacemaker Community: www.zenpeacemakers.org
Fleet Maull: fleetmaull@comcast.net
Sensei Genro Gauntt: grovergauntt@att.net
Stephan Clarke: gyurmesangpo@hotmail.com
Hope Malkan: hmalkan@earthlink.net
Lisa Hill:   lisa@skullskates.com
Leta Goldwynn:   velvetdharmagirl@yahoo.ca
Austin Street Retreat Participants: streetretreat@austinbuddhist.org

Re: Active Compassion

http://ivysea.gaia.com — Wed, 30 Aug 2006 21:50:58 GMT

Hey there, Kate.

Thanks for sharing the Active Compassion link. Organizational and community transformation has been one of several major threads weaving through my livelihood tapestry.

Based on my previous work with larger organizations, I (like others) concluded that surface changes were cosmetic, and that for real change to occur (at least of the type that's really needed for the wellbeing of the planet and the beings on it) there would also need to be the sort of Shambhala principles and pathways being included in any 'change strategy'.

Of course, this assumes that large, traditional systems actually want change; and most don't, because change would shift the fundamental nature, focus, values, etc. That's why window-dressing is a lot safer.

However, Shambhala principles applied to a transformation of large-scale organizations doesn't actually have to be formalized or even sanctioned by organization leaders. It can be a self-organizing influence of those who are affected by a corporation's unhealthy practices (including people representing other beings and the Earth Herself), so long as they focused intentions, visualizations, prayers, meditations, etc. on the alternative healthy vision of what's possible.

I've written and spoken about this kind of approach -- including non-traditional, Indigenous, ancient wisdom, etc. as a part of transformation strategies. And while a few select leaders and employees may practice it individually or in small groups, I've not yet seen it organized and implemented on grander scales (to corporate change) like it has been on community crime/safety, etc.

There are a few ideas sparked by your Active Compassion post! :)

Sincerely,
Jamie

Power Under: Trauma & Nonviolent Social Change

http://peacemakerboulder.gaia.com — Sun, 27 Aug 2006 19:02:30 GMT

a Book by Steven Wineman. Highly recommended. Available to read or download online:

http://www.traumaandnonviolence.com/

Active Compassion

http://peacemakerboulder.gaia.com — Sun, 27 Aug 2006 18:59:17 GMT

Active Compassion
Active Compassion seeks to create an environment of genuine spiritual and social inquiry. It seeks to make available the methods taught within the Shambhala-Buddhist tradition, such as meditation and to stimulate and participate in a broader dialogue in which the vital wisdom of other traditions can be brought to light and collectively inform the journey of those who would work to uplift and empower the people of Baltimore in particular and improve the condition of life in this world altogether.

ww.activecompassion.org

Learning Diversity Online Tool

http://peacemakerboulder.gaia.com — Sun, 27 Aug 2006 18:16:56 GMT

ok, i'm going to try once again to generate some discussion here!

This website has some interesting vignettes for white folks to contemplate online. Would anyone be interested in doing these together as a group online and discussing??

I would be willing to post one and then we could discuss. anyone interested?

Re: Let's get something going....

http://peacemakerboulder.gaia.com — Sun, 27 Aug 2006 18:05:21 GMT

hey jaimie, thanks for posting and introducing yourself!

i too have noticed that the 'pod' idea here at zaadz is sometimes not exactly 'happening'. i guess you have to get a critical mass involved and then get some topics stirred up. not quite sure how to do that.... but im trying!

and i totally agree about spirituality landing in engaged activism.

i am currently working with the peacemaker institute in boulder. we do a series of trainings involving the 'contemplative approach' to social action.

i am always very interested in finding more 'skillful means' and ways that my buddhist practice can show up in the world to benefit . i've been a buddhist for over 30 years....i met chogyam trungpa at naropa university in the first summer sesssion in 1974.

i also run the prison dharma network and teach yoga and meditation in local prisons and jails.

currently i'm writing a workbook for incarcerated youth based on our peacemaker training entitled "the path to freedom".

today i'm working on the session for 'groups' which is a large topic...groups, families, communities and in particular gangs...... how they form, why they form and what needs they meet, how to turn conflicts in groups into creativity, how to deal with inclusion issues, choice points, etc.

Ive been researching 'gang' life and seeing that they meet..... or at least promise to meet alot of unmet needs for these kids...and that those needs are valid but the gang strategy is most times pretty misguided..... I'm looking for ways to language or inspire the possiblity of finding other ways to meet those needs than harmful behavior. but 'membership' or belonging or feeling a part of a larger group or community. with shared values..these are pretty strong needs that need to be addressed.

i watched an inspiring segment on msnbc last night's 'lockdown' series with a woman who is teaching shakespeare ...macbeth in particular ....to men in a maximun security lockup and how inspired these men are by shakespeare...they are rewriting macbeth in their own words and then doing theatre pieces and music. very creative way to let people be heard, inspire insight, and to make use of a horrible situation for the better. one man said..and i paraphrase here "if i can walk out of here not hardened like these concrete walls ....but softened like the grass i will someday walk on....then i'll be ok".

kate

Re: Let's get something going....

http://ivysea.gaia.com — Sun, 27 Aug 2006 17:36:03 GMT

Hey there, Kate.

Many of the discussion forums here seem pretty latent, despite growing membership, so thanks for trying to get some connection and dialogue started.

Per your inquiry:

Intro: My profile gives a proper introduction, but the snapshot is that I'm an 'in the world' mystic and lover of the Beloved. My 'Planet Earth' vocation is writing and consulting to right-livelihood and/or 'living economies' entrepreneurs, healers, and leaders who want to align who they truly are, how they are, and what they do in the world.

I've been inspired for a couple of years by the teachings of Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche, and engaged spirituality and mystic activism just make a lot of sense. No teaching is complete or truly understood until it is embodied, or 'engaged'. If it's just intellectual, there's more work to do!

And you?

Sincerely,
Jamie