We face a number of interlocking challenges such as racial, gender, and income inequality; ecocide and climate collapse. Each of these issues can be tied back to a crisis of disconnection—to self, other, and nature—that result in a commoditization and exploitation of people and resources. The teachings of the dharma and other contemplative practices help us see through this disconnection and prioritize selfless service for all beings. We imagine this being open to secular groups, all faiths and lineages and communities that share the view of applying contemplative practices to these challenges.
The scale of this crisis is unprecedented in human civilization and will require all of us to come together to change our current trajectory. The aim of the mahasangha is to unite individual practitioners and practice communities who are in common cause to create a more just, equitable, and sustainable world.
Potential goals:
Create a larger community of practice, harmony and loving-kindness
Learn, cooperate and take skillful action on climate justice related issues
Establish a regenerative and resilient community to sustain us over the long term
The idea, that would kick off on this Earth Day, is to gather as many communities of people that do this work (e.g., contemplative practice in the service of justice & climate justice) in a big group (or mahasangha) and practice & learn together & then leave space for each of the groups to meet in their own smaller affinity groups for their own purposes & then to rejoin afterwards for more connection and learning!
Groups attending/supporting (so far!):
EcoSattva Affinity group of Brooklyn Zen Center - Matthew Menzies & Nobuko Hori
Wake Up NY Sangha / Riverside Sangha - Max Weidmann
Aware & Awake / Mama Sangha / Curanderismo Group - Gala Narezo
Racial Justice + Dharma - Joy Gutierrez
Greenfaith NYC - Rev. Chelsea McMillan
Students of Fire Lotus Temple (NYC) - Dan Donohue
New York Insight Meditation Center - Sacred Earth Sangha - Tom Carling
Extinction Rebellion NYC Mindful Rebels - Mark Graham (212) 960-8414 (text/voice)