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Right Action In The Face Of Climate Change: Can we practice non-harming?

Before he went forth, Siddartha Gautama had a palace for the cold season, one for the hot season, and one for the four months of the rainy season. He lived over two and a half millennia ago during the Holocene epoch. We now live in what has been called the Anthropocene epoch, in which global warming is occurring and disrupting the seasonal patterns that had been relatively stable since Gautama’s time. This disruption, and the extreme weather events that go along with it, pose threats to all living beings. Tonight’s talk will explore the concept of non-harming, right action, and the three marks of existence in the context of a world in which activities that involve fossil fuel perpetuate or worsen climate disruption.

JENNIFER DUNGAN began her meditation practice in 2003 with a mindfulness-based stress reduction course (MBSR) and has been practicing the dhamma since joining IMSB in 2006. For nearly thirty years, she has worked as a scientist at NASA Ames Research Center, studying satellite imagery of Earth with a specialty in mapping vegetation patterns and how they are affected by human activity and climate change. This talk will bring together her experience in both arenas to explore the implications of climate change on a spiritual path.


 

Insight Meditation South Bay offers two weekly meditation groups—Tuesdays in Mountain View, and Thursdays in Saratoga.

This group meets every Tuesday evening for a sitting and Dhamma talk in Mountain View. The principal teacher is Shaila Catherine and guest speakers are featured regularly. Thematic series are periodically presented, but whether or not a topic has been advertised in advance, Shaila or a guest teacher will lead the sitting and offer teachings. See also weekly sitting.

Newcomers are always welcome. To help newcomers get acquainted with mindfulness meditation and IMSB, a senior member or teacher offers a beginner’s orientation beginning at 6:30 on the first Tuesday of each month.

IMSB relies upon the generosity of participants to support our teachers and cover organizational expenses. Dana is a word in the ancient Pali language that describes donations, offerings and generosity. Two bowls will be available at an event to practice dana for the teacher and IMSB; we encourage you to give joyfully and generously, according to your resources and means. IMSB is a 501(c) (3) organization. All donations are tax deductible as permitted by law.

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