The Ecology of Self can help participants consider their unique gifts, backgrounds, and life situations to envision actionable steps towards promoting a more socially and ecologically harmonious world.

We will explore themes around climate anxiety, the harm of individual and collective narcissism, connecting to the awakened consciousness of the earth as well as the sky, and developing renewed visions for climate change organizing and activism based on the recognition that all systems of violence intersect with climate change work. We will be relying on Lama Rod’s newest book, The New Saints, along with ancient Buddhist based practices.

Join Mark Coleman and explore how nature evokes not only profound insight but also opens the heart to a profound love for the earth and all species. This love is the fuel for and inspired action in these ecologically challenging times.

Dalit American activist Thenmozhi Soundararajan puts forth a call to awaken and act. She ties Dalit oppression to fights for liberation among Black, Indigenous, Latinx, femme, and Queer communities, examining caste from a feminist, abolitionist, and Dalit Buddhist perspective.

This retreat is a chance for us to offer our solidarity and care to people who have been significantly let down by humanity. We all have much to learn about what it is like to have to leave all of your life behind you; your home, your country, your family and friends... We also have much to learn about what it is like to be seen as an unwanted element in your new country.

The 2024 teaching will be guided by Roshi Joan Halifax, Troy Fernandez, Sensei Wendy Johnson, Roxanne Swentzell, Porter Swentzell, and Alonso Méndez. The time together will be grounded in daily meditation and socially engaged Buddhist training infused with the dynamic teachings of Native seedways and Traditional Ecological Knowledges. Hybrid retreat.

This retreat draws on both the liberating practices of the Insight Meditation tradition as well as nature-based practices and rituals. The intention is to deepen our understanding of the human mind and heart as well as our sense of belonging to the larger web of life. Virtual sessions also available.

The 2024 Mind and Life Summer Research Institute (SRI) will bring together researchers, practitioners, contemplatives, and changemakers to collaboratively address global challenges.

Dekila Chungyalpa and Jonathan F.P. Rose will discuss psychological and emotional aspects of the environmental and climate crises. Dekila and Jonathan will also consider frameworks for inner, community, and planetary resilience.

Walking through the Fire is a quarterly gathering that will be facilitated on-line but could also be offered in local centers. In these gatherings, we will incorporate ritual, contemplations, discussion, art, writing and other ways of representing what we feel and know. This will provide an opportunity for communal witnessing of our felt responses to the environmental suffering that is taking place all over the world, and especially in the lives of marginalized populations.