Gathering Dharma with Joan Halifax & Matthew Kozan Palevsky: Where Practice and Politics Meet

In this session of Gathering Dharma, Roshi Joan Halifax begins with a heartfelt reflection on the moral call to engage with the suffering of the world. She emphasizes the connection between Buddhist practice and global social-political issues, focusing on themes of mindfulness, compassion, and responsibility. Roshi stresses the importance of not turning away from pressing global challenges like war, injustice, and suffering, and invites us to reflect on our personal hopes and fears in relation to politics and the broader world.

Sensei Kozan describes the Bodhisattva’s vow to fully understand and embrace suffering, rather than seeking to end it, as a sacred approach to life. This mindset, especially during the chaos of election season, helps us navigate the flood of political stories and external pressures. Kozan emphasizes the importance of recognizing the election process as a powerful collective ritual, one that transcends mere voting and represents the nation’s moral imagination. The session concludes with comments, questions, and stories from participants.

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