In this session, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho speak with Kaira Jewel Lingo, teacher, author, and former nun whose work integrates the traditions of Zen and Vipassana with a focus on social, racial, and environmental justice (http://www.kairajewel.com/).
00:00:00 Introduction
00:01:38 Discussion on the dichotomy of softness and directness in teaching
00:02:35 Personal history: Growing up in spiritual and international communities
00:03:05 Key moments leading to Buddhist faith and ordination
00:07:41 The search for spiritual community after leaving childhood home
00:08:22 First encounter with Plum Village and Thich Nhat Hanh
00:09:53 Early inspirations from Catholic nuns in Kenya
00:10:33 Specific resonances of Buddhist teachings compared to Christianity
00:12:37 Transition from yoga and meditation to practical Buddhism
00:13:54 Mindfulness as a common language for international community
00:14:05 Impact of reading Old Path White Clouds and learning about Thich Nhat Hanh
00:16:38 The practice of curiosity and mindfulness in daily activities
00:20:09 Building trust through shared practice in diverse groups
00:22:32 Overview of the Five Mindfulness Trainings and gatha practice
00:24:44 A portrait of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh's life and work
00:26:12 The origin and application of Engaged Buddhism
00:28:12 Thich Nhat Hanh's commitment to peace and nonviolence despite exile
00:30:10 Foundations of the Plum Village lineage and core sutras
00:31:44 Interfaith respect and the unification of spiritual traditions
00:33:40 Adapting mindfulness for secular contexts and specific groups
00:36:48 Advice on finding and building community in a modern age
00:40:20 Creating a sangha in families and local groups
00:41:51 Deep dive into the Five Mindfulness Trainings as a North Star
00:45:19 Why Thich Nhat Hanh reframed precepts as Mindfulness Trainings
00:48:29 Navigating ethical dilemmas and nourishing compassion
00:52:49 Addressing race, privilege, and inclusion in Buddhist spaces
00:56:46 Understanding privilege as part of the spiritual path
01:01:18 The path of downward mobility and perspective of monastics
01:01:47 Sharing daily gatas for waking, mirrors, and sweeping
01:03:32 Reflecting on the end of the day and diligence in practice
01:04:11 Closing remarks and future connections
Kaira Jewel Lingo's Biography:
Kaira Jewel Lingo is a senior Dharma teacher in the Plum Village Zen lineage and a Vipassana teacher, and a member of the Plum Village North American Dharma Teachers Council of Elders. Her work continues the Engaged Buddhism developed by Thich Nhat Hanh, drawing inspiration from her parents’ lives of service and her father’s work with Martin Luther King, Jr. After living as an ordained nun for 15 years in Thich Nhat Hanh’s monastic community, Kaira Jewel now teaches internationally in the Zen and Vipassana traditions, as well as in secular mindfulness contexts. Her teaching focuses on the intersection of racial, climate, and social justice, with particular care for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color communities, as well as activists, artists, educators, families, and youth. Based in New York, she offers spiritual mentoring and is faculty in a Buddhist Eco-Chaplaincy training, and one of the guiding teachers of One Earth Sangha. She is the author of We Were Made for These Times: Ten Lessons in Moving Through Change, Loss, and Disruption, and co-author of Healing Our Way Home: Black Buddhist Teachings on Ancestors, Joy, and Liberation. More information about Kaira's teachings and events can be found at http://www.kairajewel.com/
Mindfulness Training Gathas: https://mindfulgatha.wordpress.com/gathas/
Tune in with fellow practitioners for Clear Mountain’s weekly online and hybrid events!
- Wednesday Evening Teaching & Discussion (6:00 – 7:30 pm PT, YouTube then Zoom)
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- Sunday Evening “Mission Majjhima!” Sutta Teaching & Discussion (5:00 - 6 pm PT, Online)
See https://www.clearmountainmonastery.org/ or visit https://linktr.ee/clear_mountain_monastery for details. Welcome!
