Make The World A Better Place - Compassionate Activism
with Venerable Robina Courtin
Offered via Zoom. Advance Registration required to attend this teaching.
Offered via Zoom. Advance Registration required to attend this teaching.
Friday, May 1st
7pm-9pm
"Compassionate Activism: Make The World A Better Place" with Venerable Robina Courtin
It's a commonly held misconception that Buddhism and activism conflict. In fact, the logical consequence of spiritual practice is action for the sake of others; it just naturally follows.
But our actions – helping our next-door neighbor or helping stop the destruction of the planet – need to be grounded in wisdom. As the Dalai Lama says, “Compassion is not enough; we need wisdom.”
In other words, we need to work on our own minds first. We need to recognize our own suffering and how it’s caused by our own attachment and anger the other unhappy emotions. Taking responsibility for these and wanting to change, based upon having compassion for ourselves, is what causes us to go beyond the narrow sense of self and realize we’re all in the same boat.
This brings optimism and confidence that every small action counts and we develop the courage to never give up. The great bodhisattvas are fierce in their determination to never give up on sentient beings: they “think in terms of eons,” as His Holiness the Dalai Lama says.
About Ven. Robina Courtin
Since being ordained as a Buddhist nun in the late 1970s, Ven. Robina has worked full-time for Lama Thubten Yeshe and Lama Zopa Rinpoche's FPMT. Over the years she has served as editorial director of Wisdom Publications, editor of Mandala Magazine, executive director of Liberation Prison Project, and as a touring teacher of Buddhism. Her life and work with prisoners have been featured in the documentary films Chasing Buddha and Key to Freedom.
7pm-9pm
"Compassionate Activism: Make The World A Better Place" with Venerable Robina Courtin
It's a commonly held misconception that Buddhism and activism conflict. In fact, the logical consequence of spiritual practice is action for the sake of others; it just naturally follows.
But our actions – helping our next-door neighbor or helping stop the destruction of the planet – need to be grounded in wisdom. As the Dalai Lama says, “Compassion is not enough; we need wisdom.”
In other words, we need to work on our own minds first. We need to recognize our own suffering and how it’s caused by our own attachment and anger the other unhappy emotions. Taking responsibility for these and wanting to change, based upon having compassion for ourselves, is what causes us to go beyond the narrow sense of self and realize we’re all in the same boat.
This brings optimism and confidence that every small action counts and we develop the courage to never give up. The great bodhisattvas are fierce in their determination to never give up on sentient beings: they “think in terms of eons,” as His Holiness the Dalai Lama says.
About Ven. Robina Courtin
Since being ordained as a Buddhist nun in the late 1970s, Ven. Robina has worked full-time for Lama Thubten Yeshe and Lama Zopa Rinpoche's FPMT. Over the years she has served as editorial director of Wisdom Publications, editor of Mandala Magazine, executive director of Liberation Prison Project, and as a touring teacher of Buddhism. Her life and work with prisoners have been featured in the documentary films Chasing Buddha and Key to Freedom.
Registration
Your generous donations are essential for the continuation of programs like this. No one turned away due to lack of funds. Ordained Sangha (monks and nuns) are always welcome.
Your generous donations are essential for the continuation of programs like this. No one turned away due to lack of funds. Ordained Sangha (monks and nuns) are always welcome.