Awareness In Action: Meeting The World with Life-Giving Hands – Actualizing Unfaltering Engaged Practice In Our Time

In this session of Awareness in Action, Roshi Joan Halifax, Sensei Kozan, and Dr. Wendy Lau explore how direct engagement with social issues emerges naturally from Buddhist practice. The discussion examines Buddhist practice not as a means of escape, or quietism, but as a path toward addressing systemic violence and injustice in contemporary society. The teachers emphasize that genuine practice naturally lifts us towards engagement with suffering in all its forms – personal, social, and structural. Through meditation guidance and discussion, they explore how Buddhist principles can be applied to contemporary challenges like economic inequality, racism, environmental crisis, and political upheaval. The teachers stress that Buddhist practice isn’t just about personal wellbeing but about developing the awareness and compassion needed to address systemic suffering. Throughout the conversation, they weave together fundamental Buddhist concepts including Right View, the Four Noble Truths, and the importance of seeing reality clearly without the filters of greed, hatred, and delusion. To access the resources page for this program, please sign up by clicking here.