Description
Awakening at the Edge of Collapse: Dharma as Refuge and Response
We are living through a profound pivot point. The old myths of our civilization–endless growth, rugged individualism, and “us first” hierarchies are crumbling. In their place, fear, division, and the architecture of fascism are rapidly rising. As the Jungian analyst Edward Edinger warned, when a central myth breaks down, meaning drains away, and primitive forces rush in.
The Buddha also lived in a world burning with greed, hatred, and delusion. He challenged the systems of his time, endured attempts on his life, negotiated peace between warring factions, and even stood before armies bent on destruction. In the Sakka-pañha Sutta, when asked why beings who wish for peace end up in rivalry and violence, he pointed to the root: the mind entangled in papañca, the web of proliferating stories that harden separation.
How then do we understand this immense historic moment? We can take courage from the Buddha. He didn’t always succeed. Even with his wisdom and compassion, he could not prevent the destruction of his own people. Yet he still stood before armies, still spoke truth, and still acted with courage. Even when outcomes are uncertain, we too are called, at this time, to step forward with clarity, compassion, and steadfastness.
Together we will explore how to bring the medicine of the Dharma into this moment of profound challenge, not as escape, but as a path of right action, refuge, and renewal.
Thanissara’s Dharma training was in various meditation centers in the UK, EU, Myanmar and India, including 12 years as a monastic in the Ajahn Chah Thai Forest Tradition. She has taught in-depth meditation retreats in many countries over the last 35 years. She co-founded, with her husband, Kittisaro, Dharmagiri Sacred Mountain Retreat and Public Benefit Organization in South Africa in 2000 where they also co-initiated and supported several rural Community Development non-profits.
During this time they also forged a synthesis of core Theravada and Mahayana teachings and practices, with a particular focus on the Kuan Yin Dharmas. In 2017, they co-founded Sacred Mountain Sangha Non-Proft in California, which facilitates retreats, classes, and trainings. In 2022 Thanissara co-launched PAEAN: Peoples Alliance for Earth Action Now, as well as Mind Our Democracy with Konda Mason and Tara Brach.
Thanissara has an MA in Mindfulness-Based Core-Process Psychotherapy from the Karuna Institute UK and is author of several books, including Time to Stand Up: An Engaged Buddhist Manifesto for Our Earth. Thanissara has been a climate activist for many years through her writings, teachings, workshops and involvement in direct actions on the streets, at Standing Rock, at climate marches, and through enabling various climate initiatives. She currently lives in Sebastopol, CA, and is on the Teacher Council at Spirit Rock Meditation Center.
No registration is necessary. You are welcome to attend just the sit, just the talk, or both. Please note that the doors to the meditation hall will be closed at 6:35 pm for the Evening Sit and at 7:35 pm for the Dharma talk.
Schedule
- 6:30 pm – 7:15 pm: Evening Sit
- 7:15 pm – 7:30 pm: Mindful Break
- 7:30 pm – 8:45 pm: Dharma Talk