Buddhism in Action
Where:
World Cup Coffee, 1740 NW Glisan St., Portland, OR
When:
Saturdays, September 8, 15, 22, 2018, 1:00-3:30 p.m.
Description:
Buddhism is often thought of as a contemplative, passive philosophy, in which we retreat from the world to go on an inward journey. This popular assumption can leave the aspiring Buddhist wondering how they should handle relationships with others, and the broader social-political landscape that is often full of pain, suffering, and injustice. How can we let go of attachments and peacefully accept this world as it is, while also working to change or improve it? In this workshop, we will explore Buddhist approaches to interpersonal relationships and social justice, and learn to speak and act effectively with compassion, curiosity, and openness.
World Cup Coffee, 1740 NW Glisan St., Portland, OR
When:
Saturdays, September 8, 15, 22, 2018, 1:00-3:30 p.m.
Description:
Buddhism is often thought of as a contemplative, passive philosophy, in which we retreat from the world to go on an inward journey. This popular assumption can leave the aspiring Buddhist wondering how they should handle relationships with others, and the broader social-political landscape that is often full of pain, suffering, and injustice. How can we let go of attachments and peacefully accept this world as it is, while also working to change or improve it? In this workshop, we will explore Buddhist approaches to interpersonal relationships and social justice, and learn to speak and act effectively with compassion, curiosity, and openness.
About Philosophy Workshops:
Philosophy Workshops emphasize discussion, life experience, self-examination, and practical application. They are led by philosophy professors committed to accessible language and open conversation. No prior philosophical training is necessary . . . just an open mind, a respectful approach to others, and a sense of humor!
There will be two portions of this discussion-based workshop: 1) the Theory, and 2) the Lab
The Theory:
From 1:00-2:30, the Theory portion of the workshop will focus on exploring and discussing the concepts and principles of Buddhism in social action. We will discuss short texts that we read in advance, and work together to understand the philosophical ideas that lay the foundation for the Buddhist approach to the world.
The Lab:
After a 10-15 minute break, the Lab portion of the workshop will be an additional 45-50 minutes devoted to reflecting on how we can put theory into practice and integrate what we've learned into our everyday experience. The Lab will be a space for personal reflection, meditation, and connection with others surrounding questions of how these principles and concepts can be applied to our personal struggles. We will devise “experiments” for trying out Buddhist principles in practice, and we will discuss with each other how they have worked, or haven't worked, during the week.
Is this your first philosophy workshop? Learn more about what to expect.
Philosophy Workshops emphasize discussion, life experience, self-examination, and practical application. They are led by philosophy professors committed to accessible language and open conversation. No prior philosophical training is necessary . . . just an open mind, a respectful approach to others, and a sense of humor!
There will be two portions of this discussion-based workshop: 1) the Theory, and 2) the Lab
The Theory:
From 1:00-2:30, the Theory portion of the workshop will focus on exploring and discussing the concepts and principles of Buddhism in social action. We will discuss short texts that we read in advance, and work together to understand the philosophical ideas that lay the foundation for the Buddhist approach to the world.
The Lab:
After a 10-15 minute break, the Lab portion of the workshop will be an additional 45-50 minutes devoted to reflecting on how we can put theory into practice and integrate what we've learned into our everyday experience. The Lab will be a space for personal reflection, meditation, and connection with others surrounding questions of how these principles and concepts can be applied to our personal struggles. We will devise “experiments” for trying out Buddhist principles in practice, and we will discuss with each other how they have worked, or haven't worked, during the week.
Is this your first philosophy workshop? Learn more about what to expect.
About Your Workshop Leader:
Curious Soul is excited to welcome back Danielle LaSusa as our guest leader for Buddhism in Action!
Danielle LaSusa, PhD is a Philosophical Coach and Consultant, helping individuals and organizations to think clearly, choose wisely, and live purposefully. She is the co-creator of Think Hard podcast, which brings philosophical conversation to everyday issues in culture, politics, art, and society. Danielle also teaches philosophy at Portland Community College in Portland, OR. In addition to philosophy, she loves dancing, cooking, and hiking with her husband and two-year-old daughter.
Curious Soul is excited to welcome back Danielle LaSusa as our guest leader for Buddhism in Action!
Danielle LaSusa, PhD is a Philosophical Coach and Consultant, helping individuals and organizations to think clearly, choose wisely, and live purposefully. She is the co-creator of Think Hard podcast, which brings philosophical conversation to everyday issues in culture, politics, art, and society. Danielle also teaches philosophy at Portland Community College in Portland, OR. In addition to philosophy, she loves dancing, cooking, and hiking with her husband and two-year-old daughter.
Book to Purchase: Our conversations will be informed by The Art of Happiness in a Troubled World (Harmony, 2009) which is a collaboration between the Dalai Lama and American psychiatrist Howard C. Cutler, M.D.
Inexpensive copies can be purchased through Amazon. Be sure to order your book early to account for delivery time.
Calendar:
Week 1: Saturday, September 8:
Week 2: Saturday, September 15:
Week 3: Saturday, September 22:
Preparation:
For each meeting, participants should read the selection we'll be discussing in advance, consider some questions Danielle offers to help us focus and dig into our conversation, and come with some marked passages they'd like to talk about.
Cost: $199 (for three afternoon philosophy sessions)
Inexpensive copies can be purchased through Amazon. Be sure to order your book early to account for delivery time.
Calendar:
Week 1: Saturday, September 8:
- Week 1 will consider our relationships to others, how and why we see differences between us, and how we can overcome our prejudices.
- Chapter 2: "Me and We" p. 25-44, Chapter 4 "Overcoming Prejudice" p.67-96
Week 2: Saturday, September 15:
- Week 2 will consider human nature, whether it is fundamentally cooperative or adversarial, why we react violently towards others, and how to cope with this violence and apparent hatred.
- Chapter 6: "Human Nature Revisited" p. 110-125, Chapter 8: "The Roots of Violence" p. 137-155, Chapter 10: "Coping with a Troubled World" p. 183-202
Week 3: Saturday, September 22:
- Week 3 will consider ways that we can cultivate positive emotional responses to a violent and adversarial world and the connection between inner happiness and positive social change.
- Chapter 12: "Inner Happiness, Outer Happiness, and Trust" p. 245-263 and Chapter 15: "Empathy, Compassion, and Finding Happiness in our Troubled World" p. 303-336.
Preparation:
For each meeting, participants should read the selection we'll be discussing in advance, consider some questions Danielle offers to help us focus and dig into our conversation, and come with some marked passages they'd like to talk about.
Cost: $199 (for three afternoon philosophy sessions)
- The workshop has limited space. Please register soon to save yourself a spot!
- Registration closes on Saturday, September 1st.
- Register by clicking the button below and following instructions to use PayPal. Thanks!