Classical Buddhist traditions have focused on psychological tendencies of misperception and mis-reaction –delusion, greed, and ill will–as primary causes of suffering. Such traditions have provided contemplative, ritual, and ethical practices to liberate people from those inner causes of suffering. Christian liberation theologies have identified oppressive social systems as primary causes of suffering and have provided historical analysis and social activism to empower people to liberate themselves from those systems. In this retreat we will draw on strengths of both traditions to explore practices for personal and social awakening.
Lama/Professor John Makransky will lead meditations of innate compassion and wisdom that he adapted from Tibetan Buddhism (Nyingma-Dzogchen) to empower modern Buddhists, Christians, and people of other faiths to access a liberating power of love, compassion, and wisdom that can become increasingly self-replenishing, unconditional, and inclusive. Reverend/Professor Melanie Harris will draw on the deep spirituality of African-American Christian life and practice, together with those aspects of Buddhist practice, to help retreatants explore connections between healing spiritual practices and racial, intersectional, and environmental justice work. Melanie and John will alternate practices and perspectives of Buddhism and Christianity in ways that bring each other and the retreatants into deepening inter-religious practice and learning.
Online Course: Our intention is to build sangha and provide meaningful virtual interactions with each other and teachers in our online courses. When registering for an online course, please note that you should plan to commit to attending all scheduled sessions. The schedule of Zoom meetings for this course (shown in US Eastern Time) is as follows:
Friday, January 29
7:00 pm – 8:30 pm, Opening Session
Saturday, January 30
9:00 am – 12:00 pm, Morning Session
2:00 pm – 5:00 pm, Afternoon Session
7:00 pm – 8:00 pm, Evening Session
Sunday, January 31
9:00 am to 12:00 pm, Closing Session
Please check the time of the group meetings in your timezone here, and please note that sessions will not be recorded.
Registration fees for online courses are nonrefundable after the course start date. Cancellations prior to the start date of the course will incur a $50 admin fee. Thank you for your understanding.
