In an age of unprecedented strain on the Earth’s systems, it’s clear that there’s no shortage of work ahead of us. An emphasis on action on behalf of life is admirable and appropriate—and at the same time, without deep understanding of ourselves as part of the planet’s life force, our efforts may be misguided or counterproductive.
In this EcoDharma Exploration, Thanissara invites us to connect more deeply with the felt, direct experience of being within the sacred web of life. From this place of belonging, we can move into ceremonial relationship with nature, from which we’ve never been separate. Situated in relationship, both viscerally and symbolically, we can find the time and space to atone for harms done while contacting a clearer sense of voice, advocacy, and solidarity with the living Earth community.
This EcoDharma Exploration took place on February 26, 2023. Watch the recording below.
Thanissara embodies the integration of the contemplative with the activist. Trained in the Ajahn Chah Forest Tradition, she was a monastic for 12 years. She and husband Kittisaro founded Dharmagiri in South Africa where they integrated activism on AIDS with hosting Theravadan retreats. As senior teachers at Spirit Rock, Thanissara and Kittisaro later co-founded Sacred Mountain Sangha based in California. Last year Thanissara co-launched PAEAN: Peoples Alliance for Earth Action Now, as well as Mind Our Democracy with Konda Mason and Tara Brach. She has an MA in Mindfulness-Based Psychotherapy from the UK, and is author of several books, including Time to Stand Up: An Engaged Buddhist Manifesto for Our Earth — The Buddha’s Life and Message through Feminine Eyes.
Support this Offering
One Earth Sangha and our featured speakers offer these explorations on a donation basis, with no required registration fee. We invite you to participate in the tradition of offering dana, or generosity. Your support makes these gatherings possible, and any amount offered is greatly appreciated.
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Recordings
The full recording of the exploration can be found below. And here is a direct link to the guided practice shared by Thanissara during the program: Calling on Compassion
