A new dharma talk has been been added to the GBF website, podcast and YouTube channel:
The Hard Work of Ethical Conduct – Daigan Gaither
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In a world rife with violence and intolerance, how do we embody Buddhist ethical practice that balances compassion, wisdom, and courageous action?
When we feel overwhelmed by the state of society, Daigan Gaither suggests focusing on ethical behavior as a foundation for meaningful action. He reminds us that:
- Buddhist practice comprises three interdependent trainings: ethical conduct (Shīla), concentration (Samādhi), and wisdom (Prajñā).
- Ethical conduct demands we actively oppose oppression and intolerance rather than remaining neutral.
- Meditation allows us to explore the lived experience of difficult emotions, allowing them to empower rather than control us.
- Compassion does not require tolerating harmful behavior; sometimes it means setting boundaries or “loving from a distance.”
- Sustained engagement requires self-care and community support, guided by the wisdom meditation cultivates.
- Real-world Buddhist practice involves supporting justice work, educating oneself, and responding appropriately to present circumstances, even if outcomes are uncertain.
As we wrestle with the tension between compassion and confronting harm, Daigan encourages us to balance loving kindness with discernment. His dialogue with the sangha further explores how small acts, rooted in ethical intention, collectively contribute to change.
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