"Human Nature, Buddha Nature, in a Time of Crisis" this Sunday with Jean Haley at Minneapolis Insight

Dear Community,

Sunday 10am Community Practice & Discussion

Stephen Fulder, the founder and guiding teacher of Israel’s largest Insight community, Tovana, said recently in a conversation with Donald Rothberg:

We really need to take seriously the fact that we’re in a world of crisis. Is our dharma practice and spiritual life developing the resources we need and how do crises challenge our dharma practice and spiritual life? We are Buddhists; we have both Buddha-nature and human nature. How are they in dialogue together?

You can find the full talk on Dharmaseed here (freely accessible).

Last week Benjamin led us in an exploration of one of the ways this integration can happen – what Matthew Brensilver describes as “surrendering vigilance.” Matthew suggests we practice noticing and letting go of our human propensity to track future threats and be willing to simply stay present – “be willing to die.” This, he admits, is a radical act and “a lot to swallow in a way.”

Almost nothing, however, is more important in this time of crisis than managing our animal nature and connecting to our Buddha nature: to be willing to put down our vigilance and connect to what’s true.

As the Buddha said in the Kalama Sutta:

Be a light unto yourself; betake yourselves to no external refuge. Hold fast to the Truth. Look not for refuge to anyone besides you.

Please join us this Sunday for a time of mutual support, exploration, and practice. All are welcome. Registration and Zoom information available here.

With metta (loving-kindness),
Minneapolis Insight