Donald Rothberg: Guided Meditation: Exploring Emotions and Thoughts Connected to Contemporary Social and Political Events

(Aloka Earth Room) Short Reflection & Guided Meditation | Earthworm Practice for the Anthropocene III | Online Wednesday-Mornings.

(Spirit Rock Meditation Center) We first explore in general the relationship of core teachings and practices to the social and political dimensions of our lives. We see that Buddhist practice in the West has commonly emphasized meditation and inner practices, often neglecting or marginalizing the ethical training that traditionally is one of the three dimensions of training, even though the Buddha did often give social commentary (e.g., on the caste system) and at times social interpretations of the ethical precepts ("Let one not destroy life nor cause others to destroy life and, also, not approve of others’ killing. . . . Let one not cause to steal, nor approve of others’ stealing.'). We explore a vision of individual and collective awakening, inspired in part by more contemporary traditions of socially engaged Buddhism initially developed by pioneers like Thich Nhat Hanh, Sulak Sivaraksa, A.T. Ariyaratne, Dr. Ambedkar, Joanna Macy, and Robert Aitken. Then we give some attention to how to connect inner and outer practices, particularly focusing, as we did in the guided meditation, on practicing with challenging emotions and thoughts, and clarifying ways to act in the world. The talk is followed by discussion and ends with the setting of intentions.

(Spirit Rock Meditation Center) After about 25 minutes of lightly guided practice, to settle with concentration and/or mindfulness practice, we explore in several ways some of the emotions and thoughts that have been present related to the current state of the society and world. We first relive a recent experience and then bring mindfulness to the somatic, emotional, and mental dimensions of experience. We then work with Kristen Neff's three-step self-compassion practice, leading to developing intentions for how to practice with such experiences in the future.

(Insight Meditation Society - Forest Refuge) Equanimity can be a dynamic balancing between the ups and downs of our lives. We also explore working with worry and the joy and wonder of equanimity.

(True North Insight)

(True North Insight) Guided meditation strongly inspired by Joseph Goldstein’s Big Mind meditation

(True North Insight) Talk and instructions, guided meditation and Q&A

(Uncontrived)

(Uncontrived)

(Uncontrived)