Satipatthana in Dialogue with Suffering and Oppression

Instructor(s): Kate Lila Wheeler, Lama Rod Owens

Program Description:

Satipatthana means “foundations of mindfulness.” As the Buddha originally taught this, mindfulness and clear comprehension are offered as the most helpful, liberating way to relate to four areas of experience: body, feeling tones, mind, and Dharmas or psychophysical patterns. Contemporary mindfulness, as widely practiced in many different engagements, tends to emphasize the internal or personal aspects of satipatthana. Yet the Buddha’s instructions ask that we practice ‘externally’ too. During this program we will present a traditional understanding of satipatthana, and place it in dialogue with challenges many of us face in our daily lives. Can satipatthana be a helpful, liberating way to relate to racism, class, ableism, patriarchy, sex, environmental violence, and body shame? How do we move toward freedom?

About the Instructor(s):
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  Lama Rod Owens

  Lama Rod Owens was recognized by the Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism after receiving his teaching authorization from his root teacher the Venerable Lama Norlha Rinpoche upon completing the traditional 3-year silent retreat program at Kagyu Thubten Chöling Monastery (KTC) outside of New York City.  Since coming out of retreat he has completed his Master of Divinity degree at Harvard Divinity School. Lama Rod also practices, studies, and teaches secular mindfulness and is a teacher with Inward Bound Mindfulness Education (iBme) where he is also a faculty member for the organization's teacher training program. He is also heavily engaged in social change activism and has authored a book with Rev. angel Kyodo williams and Jasmine Syedullah  entitled, Radical Dharma, Talking Race, Love and Liberation. His most recent books areLove and Rage (2020) and The New Saints: From Broken Hearts to Spiritual Warriors (2023).