Gathering Dharma with Joan Halifax, Konda Mason & Matthew Kozan Palevsky: Why Voting Matters?

In this session of Gathering Dharma, Roshi Joan Halifax emphasizes the importance of courage, community, and compassionate engagement in turbulent times, encouraging people to transform fear into an ally and pursue joy and justice. She shares the story of Ahu Darya, an Iranian student who defied hijab policies, illustrating authentic engagement with the world. Sensei Matthew Kozan Palevsky leads a meditation on rootedness and compassion, while Konda Mason highlights voting as a civic duty, especially for marginalized groups, informed by her Buddhist practice. The event underscores the power of personal actions to promote justice and compassion in society.

Konda Mason and Matthew Kozan Palevsky lead a discussion emphasizing compassion, resilience, and civic engagement in challenging times. Konda shares insights on embracing desires and letting go, encouraging participants to relax physical tension and connect with intentions, such as kindness. She urges voting as a duty, embodying collective love for the world. Kozan highlights the long-term nature of social justice, referencing Konda’s work supporting Black farmers and the decades-long efforts to restore salmon in Northern California. Together, they emphasize showing up wholeheartedly, even without attachment to outcomes, and inspire collective action rooted in compassion and community.

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