Exploring Dharma Together

In this unique and powerful Wednesday Night Dharma Talk, Roshi Joan Halifax displays the poise and clarity of practice. Unexpectedly, she turns the talk into a dialogue with the audience as she reflects on the profound circumstances we find ourselves in as sentient beings today. With the main theme of how to hold up the Three Treasures—Buddha, Dharma, Sangha—Roshi candidly points out our inseparability with everything around us: “We belong to the structures of violence in our society… we also belong to the structures of possibility… we belong to the yeast that raises our bread” and “we belong to Putin.” Roshi reflects on questions from the audience, discussing topics of politics, parenting, acceptance, and motivation. Responding clearly and compassionately, Roshi navigates rough waters wearing a smile of understanding. In a time so fertile and thirsty for action, Roshi says “…motivation is a reflection of our values, of our character [in which] actions are actualized in solidarity with others.” This genuine expression of Dharma and Sangha sincerely considers questions of restitution, healing, solidarity, belonging, and ultimately our true face of practice.