Finding Steadiness in Times of Trouble: A Buddhist-Christian BIPOC Retreat

Instructor(s): Kaira Jewel Lingo, Melanie L. Harris

Program Description:

In this Buddhist-Christian program for those who self-identify as Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, we will explore contemplative mindfulness practices that support us to touch freedom, come home to ourselves, and deepen ancestral connections. Together, we will engage in spiritual practices and meditations informed by engaged Buddhism, African American social protest songs, and Christian mysticism. Honoring the importance of breath, and emphasizing the innate worth and dignity of all beings, this program will help participants cultivate awareness and grow compassion for the individual and community. We will deepen our practice through singing, poetry, and teachings from both Buddhist and Christian traditions which nourish self, communal, and planetary care. All BIPOC practitioners are welcome, beginners as well as experienced meditators. 

“Oh Freedom!” (African American spiritual)

Oh, freedom, Oh, freedom

Oh freedom over me

And before I'd be a slave

I'd be buried in my grave

And go home to my Lord and be free

Noble Silence:

Noble silence will be observed following each evening session through breakfast the following morning.

Experience Level:

Suitable for beginning and experienced practitioners.

About the Instructor(s):
• 

  Kaira Jewel Lingo

  Kaira Jewel Lingo began practicing mindfulness in 1997, teaching Buddhist meditation, secular mindfulness, and compassion internationally. After living as an ordained nun for 15 years in Thich Nhat Hanh’s monastic community, Kaira Jewel teaches in the Zen lineage and the Vipassana tradition, at the intersection of racial, climate and social justice with a focus on activists, Black/Indigenous/People of Color, artists, educators, families, and youth. Now based in New York, she offers spiritual mentoring to individuals and groups. She is author of the forthcoming We Were Made for These Times: Skilfully Moving through Change, Loss and Disruption (Parallax, November 2, 2021)

• 

  Melanie L. Harris

  Dr. Melanie L. Harris is Founding Director of African American and Africana Studies and full Professor of Religion and Ethics at TCU. A graduate of the Harvard Leadership Program, she is an educator and community leader whose passion is linked to a commitment to social justice.  Dr. Harris is also a Womanist scholar of Religious Studies. Her research engages Buddhist-Christian Dialogue, Critical Race Theory, Religion and Environmental Ethics. Melanie has been a practitioner of Buddhist meditation for many years, and integrates this work into her life as a Christian clergy leader, retreat guide, and yoga instructor.