Buddhism in Action
What: A Curious Soul Philosophy workshop
Where: Online via Zoom
When: 3 Saturdays, new dates TBA
What Time: 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. Pacific Time
Workshop Description:
Buddhism is often thought of as a contemplative, passive philosophy, in which we retreat from the world to go on an inward journey. This popular assumption can leave the aspiring Buddhist wondering how they should handle relationships with others, and the broader social-political landscape that is often full of pain, suffering, and injustice. How can we let go of attachments and peacefully accept this world as it is, while also working to change or improve it? In this workshop, we will explore Buddhist approaches to interpersonal relationships and social justice, and learn to speak and act effectively with compassion, curiosity, and openness.
About Philosophy Workshops
Philosophy Workshops emphasize discussion, life experience, and practical application. They are led by philosophy professors committed to accessible language and open conversation. No prior philosophical training is necessary . . . just an open mind, a respectful approach to others, and a sense of humor!
About Your Workshop Leader:
Curious Soul is thrilled to welcome Danielle LaSusa as our guest leader for the Buddhism workshop!
Danielle LaSusa, PhD is a Philosophical Coach and Consultant, helping individuals and organizations to think clearly, choose wisely, and live purposefully. She is the co-creator of Think Hard podcast, which brings philosophical conversation to everyday issues in culture, politics, art, and society. Danielle also teaches philosophy at Portland Community College in Portland, OR. In addition to philosophy, she loves dancing, cooking, and hiking with her husband and two-year-old daughter.
The Theory and the Lab:
There are two portions of this discussion-based workshop: 1) the Theory, and 2) the Lab.
In the Theory portion of the workshop (the first half of each session) we’ll work to understand key concepts from our reading for the day and from supplementary mini-lectures given by the workshop leader. In the Lab portion of the workshop (the second half) we will reflect on the ways in which the theory applies to our own personal and political struggles. We will devise “experiments” for putting key concepts into practice in our lives, and we will discuss with each other how our experiments work out.
Book to Purchase: Our conversations will be informed by The Art of Happiness in a Troubled World (Harmony, 2009), which is a collaboration between the Dalai Lama and American psychiatrist Howard C. Cutler, M.D. Be sure to order your book early to account for delivery time.
Calendar:
Week 1: We’ll consider our relationships to others, how and why we see differences between us, and how we can overcome our prejudices. Reading: Chapter 2: “Me and We” p. 25-44, Chapter 4 “Overcoming Prejudice” p.67-96
Week 2: We’ll consider human nature, whether it is fundamentally cooperative or adversarial, why we react violently towards others, and how to cope with this violence and apparent hatred. Reading: Chapter 6: “Human Nature Revisited” p. 110-125, Chapter 8: “The Roots of Violence” p. 137-155, Chapter 10: “Coping with a Troubled World” p. 183-202
Week 3: We’ll consider ways that we can cultivate positive emotional responses to a violent and adversarial world and the connection between inner happiness and positive social change. Reading: Chapter 12: “Inner Happiness, Outer Happiness, and Trust” p. 245-263 and Chapter 15: “Empathy, Compassion, and Finding Happiness in our Troubled World” p. 303-336.
Preparation:
For each meeting, participants should read the selection we’ll be discussing in advance, consider some questions Danielle offers to help us focus and dig into our conversation, and come with some marked passages they’d like to talk about.
Cost per person: $200 (for three 2-hour philosophy sessions)
- The workshop has limited space. Register today to save yourself a spot!
- Deadline to register: TBA
- Register by clicking the button below and following instructions to use PayPal. If you do not have a PayPal account, PayPal still allows you to pay using a credit card.
Registration is now closed.