We are delighted to share the recording of Episode 07 of Vibe with Venerables, where we get to talk “live” to Buddhist masters together.
In this profound episode, Roshi Joan Halifax explores the intersection of Buddhism and social activism. Drawing from her experiences with teachers like Thich Nhat Hanh and Bernie Glassman, she reveals how the Buddha and historical Buddhist figures were deeply engaged in social reform. Roshi Halifax emphasizes the importance of women’s voices in spiritual leadership and the need for re-humanization in society.
Through personal stories and scholarly insights, she demonstrates how Buddhist principles can inspire social responsibility, highlighting the Buddha’s inclusivity and King Ashoka’s reforms. Roshi Halifax stresses the interconnectedness of compassion, equanimity, and social justice, urging practitioners to address societal suffering and transform individual and collective consciousness, even in the face of their own limitations.
The episode includes an opening prayer by Shantideva from “A Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life”, a short guided meditation, Dharma talk, Q&A and ends with a short blessing and dedication of merit.
Donation
This series is freely offered by Buddhism.net. If you’d like, you may make a donation directly to Roshi’s Upaya Zen Center:
https://www.upaya.org/giving/upayas-general-fund/
We thank you for dāna, the practice of cultivating generosity.
