The Way Of Haiku: Waking Up Through Writing (8 of 9)

Upaya Zen Center's Dharma Podcast - A podcast by Joan Halifax | Zen Buddhist Teacher Upaya Abbot

In this impassioned talk, Jimmy Baca shares deeply personal experiences to illustrate the transformative power of writing and the significance of engaging with the present through art. He recounts his journey from being “just a number” as an inmate to becoming a profound voice for the marginalized. He tells of realizing a gift and using it to capture emotions and experiences in words to connect deeply with others and transcend barriers. Baca emphasizes the importance of using one’s talents not for self-aggrandizement but to serve and uplift those around them, embodying the spirit of giving back to the community that supported his own transformation. The talk shifts towards the relevance and application of Haiku in today’s world, advocating for its evolution from a venerated tradition to a dynamic, inclusive medium that resonates with contemporary issues and audiences. To access the resources page for this program, please sign up by clicking here.