Following Liberation: A Dialogue Across Buddhist Traditions, participant Sue Brown shared this reflection on the experience of hearing teachers from different traditions explore liberation through dialogue, practice, and shared inquiry. Her reflection speaks to the openness, humility, and inspiration that emerged over the course of the retreat.
“On one level, the conversation between the teachers from different traditions deepened my understanding of and appreciation for the various Buddhist traditions that have developed, and how the path of each reveals truths about the nature of reality and of our own individual experiences. But on a more fundamental and experiential level, there was a sense of direct transmission of clear seeing, selflessness and freedom.
As the teachers explored both shared and unique perspectives of the nature of liberation, the openness, curiosity, humility and joy in the room was palpable. It was so heart- and mind-opening that many moments of freedom—empty of self and full of wisdom and compassion became accessible to me. I came away with a renewed embodied sense of joy and inspiration, knowing that liberation, through whichever tradition we might follow, is possible.”
We extend our deep gratitude to Dhammadīpā, John Dunne, Joseph Goldstein, Guo Gu, Anne C. Klein (Rigzin Drolma), and William Edelglass for their generosity, wisdom, and participation in this remarkable offering. Through their collective support of this dāna-based event, the program became not only a space for learning and practice, but also an expression of generosity in action.
