About this event
This month’s Sangha gathering: Tuesday, August 13th, 5:30-7:30 pm MDT
Aspirational & Engaged Buddhism:
Join us for a moderated conversation between Justin Kirkwood (Namchak translator and teacher, Tibetan Buddhist scholar) and Joshua Gorman (author, changemaker, Namchak student) on how Tibetan Buddhist teachings can inform and inspire action in the world. This event will explore the intersection of spiritual practice and social engagement, providing practical insights and inspiration for individuals seeking to apply Buddhist principles in their daily lives and community activities.
Location: Online or in person in Missoula, MT
This conversation can be attended either online or from the Missoula office. For those located in Missoula, you are welcome to join a group who will be gathering together at the Namchak office. For those unable to join in person, the teaching will also be live-streamed via Zoom.
About Justin Kirkwood
Justin Kirkwood is a dedicated dharma student and teacher with over 20 years of experience in studying and practicing Buddhism. Formally trained in monastic universities in India, Justin had the privilege of studying and practicing with many renowned Tibetan masters. He has also worked as a Tibetan translator and interpreter for over fifteen years, deepening his understanding of the sacred texts. Justin is a vital member of the Namchak Foundation, serving as a translator of texts, an interpreter for Namchak Khen Rinpoche, and a teacher.
About Joshua Gorman
Joshua Gorman is a changemaker, youth organizer and community builder living in northern California. He founded Generation Waking Up, a nonprofit empowering diverse young changemakers, and is a co-founder of the Thrive Network, an organization building beloved community for these times. Joshua worked closely with Namchak on the creation of the Compassion in Action Network, and as a student at Namchak, he recently graduated from the AWE program and is working to complete the Ngondro. As a practitioner of Engaged Buddhism, Joshua seeks to uplift the many efforts of Buddhist and mindfulness practitioners who are connecting their spiritual practice with social action in the world.
About One Community
For one evening each month, we come together as a community to deepen our understanding of the dharma and connect with our fellow sangha members. Each gathering is facilitated by a different Namchak teacher, thought leader, or staff member and will revolve around our month’s theme. These gatherings are two hours in total. The first half will consist of a dharma talk, and the second half will offer an opportunity for participants to reflect on the teachings through small group discussions in short break-out sessions. These group discussions will be followed by a Q&A session with the teacher. Participation in small group discussions is encouraged but not required. You can always sit these out! We encourage Learning Circles and meditation buddies to attend together. Inviting friends, partners, family members, neighbors, and co-workers is always welcome.
Address and Zoom Link
Missoula address and Zoom link will be provided upon registration.
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Our Community Commitments
In order to co-create a brave, inclusive, anti-oppressive and learning centered space, in our community we each agree to:
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- Be inclusive of diverse opinions and backgrounds through treating each other with respect and appreciation.
- Commit to words and actions of non-harm within our group interactions.
- Learn by immersing in and committing to the practices at hand.
- Hold personal sharing in confidence.
- Be present, practice mindful listening, and not offer unsolicited advice.
- Allow and invite for equal sharing of voices as well as the right to pass.
- Take care not to speak for others in the group.
- Assume good intent and come from a place of curiosity and care.
- Come as we are with permission to be “raggedy.”
- Be mindful of and take personal and collective responsibility for our own biases including the use of language that may “other,” “cancel,” or dehumanize any person, groups of people, and/or their experiences.
- Ask for consent before hugging or initiating physical contact during in-person gatherings.
- Use the “Ouch/Oops” tool to address hurtful comments and language in the moment and to allow space for repair.*
We aspire for this sangha to be a place of refuge
*Ouch/Oops . This is a tool for addressing hurtful comments/language in the moment. If someone says something hurtful, anyone can bring attention to it in the moment by saying “Ouch” and then explaining what was hurtful. If it is a word choice issue, be sure to give the first speaker the chance to rephrase and try again (remember, it’s okay to be raggedy, and we are all assuming good intent!) When someone says something that comes out wrong or hurts someone else, they should start with “Oops” – first, acknowledge the impact of their words, and then try again. This can also be done outside of the event if someone feels an “Ouch,” but does not feel comfortable sharing it with the group at that time. We aspire for this sangha to be a place of refuge.