Workshop with Aspi Mistry: 5th, 6th May, CED
An introduction to Buddhist concepts, and the connection to social action
Pioneered by the Vietnamese monk Thich Nhat Hanh in the 1970s, “Engaged Buddhism” brings a Buddhist perspective to the ongoing struggle for social and environmental justice.
Some observers may associate Buddhism, and especially Buddhist meditation, with turning inward away from the world. However, many argue that the Buddhist tradition, with its emphasis on seeing clearly into the nature of suffering and, thus, cultivating compassion, has a strong impetus for active involvement in the world’s struggles.
This activist stream of Buddhism came to be called “Engaged Buddhism”— Buddhism energetically engaged with social concerns
We would also be discussing the possible answers to...
Some of these perplexing and complex questions:
Is Buddhism a Philosophy or a Religion?
Did the Buddha really say, "Everything is suffering?”
Is Buddhist philosophy totally pessimistic?
Do labels like “Buddhism” matter? Do I need to "convert" to practice?
If there is no soul, what is it that takes rebirth?
Is everything a result of karma?
Rituals, mantras, prayers… Are they ’culture’ or ‘mind training’ or ‘spiritual practice’?
If the Buddha is omniscient, can there be anything like ‘Free Will’?
If there is no Creator God, how do we explain the existence of the universe, life and...?
What is the nature of ultimate reality? Are all our experiences mere illusion? Just maya?
What is the meaning of life?
Aspi Mistry one of the founders of VISTAS in 1973, CED in 1975, and a co-founder of the Dharma Rain Sangha, Mumbai. He has been a practitioner since 1992 and associated with the the Deer Park Institute, Bir, Himachal Pradesh, since its inception in 2006 and has conducted regular teachings there. He is a student of Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche and a Board member of Siddhartha's Intent Society, the organisation that runs Deer Park in Bir and Buddhapada in Kalimpong. Over the last 12 years and more he has been giving teachings, leading retreats, and conducting workshops on Buddhism and Buddhist themes all over the country.
With his background as an activist, and his over 40 years’ experience in communications and development, he brings refreshing new insights into the study and practice of spiritual traditions. This workshop will be particularly of interest and useful to activists, students, teachers, caregivers, therapists, working professionals, entrepreneurs, and householders to systematically study the teachings of the Buddha, against the background of a world in turmoil, with so many of us facing existential crises.
Cost: Free. Donations for the teacher will be welcome. There will be a donation box.
Venue: Centre for Education & Documentation (CED), 3 Suleman Chambers, 4 Battery Street,
Behind Regal Cinema. Mumbai
Dates: Friday, 5th May & Saturday 6th May2023
Time: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm – With tea & lunch breaks.
5:00 pm to 7:00 pm – Film screening and discussion.
RSVP Needed. Please fill up this form
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfQj75qdN78ywvMP-P8XOfd17aAnNWrn0BcyU-PPhXlgBkh_Q/viewform