Taking Freedom to Extremes: Teachings for Responsible Social Action
Thu, Dec 12
|Barre Center for Buddhist Studies
Four day (3 night) study and practice retreat based on the Buddha's suttas to
Time & Location
Dec 12, 2019, 3:00 PM – Dec 15, 2019, 12:00 PM
Barre Center for Buddhist Studies, Barre, MA, USA
About The Event
What instructions does the Buddha offer as we seek an appropriate response to the challenges and complexities of our social and political lives? Through the close reading of two suttas, “What Do You Think About Me?” and “The Simile of the Saw,” we will explore the Buddha’s teachings on the social allocation of power. In these texts, the Buddha instructs practitioners on how to enact responsible social action. He offers advice about allyship: when to speak out or not. He gives direction on how to deal with unruly others. He suggests basic attitudes and practices to stay in balance and at peace when we do enter into conflict. These are practical teachings to support us in caring for others who are enduring intolerable situations. Through meditation, reflection, and discussion, we will investigate our own attitudes and reactions as we rub up against these often demanding instructions. We will connect with others to collectively gain clarity that will support us as we engage in liberation practices for the sake of all beings.