Social Engagement and Practicing in the World
The Buddha’s primary concern was the liberation from suffering. Consequently, all programs at Brooklyn Zen Center are developed with this as the ultimate aim. Though our efforts are fundamentally focused on the self-addicted mental habits that ultimately cause human suffering, the intention in the area of social engagement is to address this suffering as it manifests as broader social concerns.
Our hearts and minds can only fully awaken together with others. Centered in this truth, we hope to allow the dharma and our meditative practice to support us and the world as we address socially, politically, economically, and religiously-conditioned suffering and injustice. In doing so, we believe that we not only honor the Buddha’s request to attend to the suffering of the world, but also that this meeting of hearts deepens our understanding of the dharma and our path.
Though limited resources make it impossible to address all of these areas, Brooklyn Zen Center is committed to the following:
- A space for other religious, professional, and community groups to host independent meditation retreats, co-create programs with BZC, and facilitate dialogue.
- Programs that bring meditation and mindfulness training to those living and working in prisons, homeless shelters, hospices, hospitals, schools and other difficult institutional environments.
- Education and support groups for those working in helping and education professions whose work is informed by the dharma, meditation and mindfulness techniques.
- Diversity efforts so that the dharma is available to all who wish to take up the practice.
If you are interested in outreach, please contact us by clicking here to get involved.