Lingzhao's Helping - Hidden Lamp 83

How can we bridge the gap between serene meditation experiences and our world’s ongoing climate and social crisis?

In this thought-provoking talk given on the last day of a Zen retreat, Sensei Kanko (Dr. Kritee) invites us to consider life beyond the retreat. She emphasizes the necessity of grounded compassion and encourages a broader understanding of Zen beyond the usual Western interpretations. She illustrates the importance of carrying the fruits of our meditation practice into our day-to-day lives. By comparing our modern materialistic lifestyles with the simple rural community oriented traditional Buddhist and indigenous lifestyles, Kanko highlights what we can learn much from the traditional/indigenous approaches. She articulates her vision of a more inclusive, community-focused Buddhism/Spirituality that actively addresses pressing societal matters such as climate crisis, social injustices, and animal suffering. She probes the intricate balance between meditation practice and the real challenge - applying these teachings in the exterior world to confront our polycrisis. Without this active engagement, she asserts, there can be no genuine Buddhism or spiritual practice.

Sensei Kanko gave this talk on the final day of Zen retreat in May 2023.

Thank you for listening to the Boundless in Motion podcast. You can access more information about our programs and retreats by going to www.boundlessinmotion.org or www.kriteekanko.com