Compassion & Equity: The Buddha's Approach to Social & Political Life (SF3G24)

Registration will close at 12:00pm (US Pacific Time) prior to the fourth class on September 26, 2024. A waiting list will be created if the program fills early. A recording* will be available within 48 hours following each class.

Description:
The Buddha was not just a meditator and renunciate who created a monastic order known for its love of solitude, wilderness, and deep states of meditation. He was also born a member of the ruling class, intentionally cultivated relationships with kings, bankers, and other powerful people, and became a prominent social critic and philosopher who advised rulers and businesspeople on appropriate responses to difficult social and political situations.

In this 5-week class, part of our ongoing Refuge of Dhamma study series, we look at teachings from the Pāli Canon that reveal the insightful and still valuable approach the Buddha took to issues like caste, commerce, inequality, militarism, and the web of relationships and hierarchy that defines our place in the social order. We will explore how to bring our practices of intention, ethics, and mindful action into engagement with the world, with compassion and wisdom as our guide.

Online Only: We are offering this program online via Zoom.

Class dates are: September 5, September 12, September 19, September 26, October 3; all classes are held on Thursday from 1:00pm – 3:00pm US Pacific Time.

Sliding Scale: Our sliding scale options for this program include financial support for our teachers. Please consider paying at the highest rate that you can afford: your generosity supports the teachers as well as Spirit Rock and your fellow practitioners who need to pay less.

Benefactor – $108
Sustainer – $50
Basic – $30
Scholarship Rate (BIPOC, M/K) – $15
No fees – $0

*Recording Note: If you would like access to the recordings, you must register by the deadline above. You will have ~90 days from the original program date to view the recordings of this program.