Social & Climate Justice

Affinity Group

JOIN

If we could surrender to Earth’s intelligence, we would rise up rooted, like trees.

Rainer Maria Rilke

This group focuses on broad social justice and progress in managing climate justice issues within the context of Buddhist practices and teachings. Ours is a safe and supportive place where participants can explore their experiences and practices while appreciating others’ points of view and concerns. Through these dialogues, we strive to develop a more ethical and compassionate perspective of our current cultural milieu.

Upcoming meetings are being held virtually. Sign up below to receive weekly updates with more information.

We meet on the first Monday of each month from 6:30-8:00 pm.

Current Focus

We are currently reading Awakening Joy – Ten Steps to Happiness, by James Baraz and Shoshana Alexander with a focus on applying the teaching and exercises to social and climate justice. You are encouraged to read the book along with us. However, you are welcome to attend without having read the book. Coming in 2025 we will be reading Awakening Together: The Spiritual Practice of Inclusivity and Community by Larry Yang.

ABout the Group

Our sangha comes together to study Buddhist teachings relevant to social and climate justice, listen to each other and share our thoughts and feelings as we explore, learn, and talk about our concerns, individual practices and actions that support us. This group is an accepting and welcoming environment.

**What some of our participants saying:

"I attend SCJ where other activists understand my values and struggles. We share our deepest pain but also the hope that we are rebuilding the damaged earth little by little.”

"Participation in the SCJ Group has enriched my understanding and diversified my personal practices and activism. Group members provide a welcoming, deeply curious and nonjudgmental environment in which to examine the intersection of Buddhism and SCJ issues."

MEETINGS

Meetings are being held virtually. Sign up below to receive updates and Zoom meeting invitations.

We meet on the first Monday of each month from 6:30-8:00 pm. Our meetings begin with a 20 minute meditation followed by a personal check-in and a conversation based on readings or brief talks via audio teachings. We close our meeting with a brief meditation. New members are warmly welcome to join us at our next meeting.

Questions? Question? Please contact Alby at alby@insightsd.org.

Is There a cost to join this group?

Following a 2,500-year tradition in which the community financially supports the offerings provided, the teachings and meditation sessions in this group are offered on a generosity (Dana) basis. No one is turned away because they cannot give. We are encouraging members to give what their budget and hearts of generosity allow, and/or to sign up for monthly giving on our donations page. By entering your information, you will be included in our Google Groups and email notification system.

Social & Climate Justice Group Registration Form

Please indicate your level of interest.

Feel free to leave any questions or comments.