Dates/Times: February 9 (1-6pm) and February 10 (9am-5pm)
Location: In Person – Union Theological Seminary
Instructor: Shanté Paradigm Smalls (they/them/theirs)
Registration Deadline: January 26, 2024

Registration Closed

This course offers how we might manifest the qualities of healer, liberator, companion, and visionary for ourselves, others, and the planet? During this course, we will discuss Harriet Tubman’s legacy, the efficacy of using Western bodhisattvas (awakened beings). We will work in small groups and do directed writing. There are typically three main practice components of a Sadhana: a. Mudras (sacred gestures) b. Mantra (sacred speech) c. visualization. Over the course of the weekend, we will begin each session with shamatha meditation (peaceful abiding) and end with simply resting in space (Dzogrim). We will practice the Sadhana practice I have written and read short excerpts from Spring Washam’s The Spririt of Harriet Tubman (Penguin Books, 2023). The weekend will also include small discussion groups, writing exercises, and walks.

Shanté Paradigm Smalls 

Dr. Shanté Paradigm Smalls (They/Them) is a teacher and student in Vajrayana/Tantric Buddhism. They currently study under Lama Rod Owens and Lama Justin von Bujdoss, co-founders of Bhumisparsha. Shanté began studying and practicing Buddhism at age 17 and has practiced in Zen, Sokka Gakkai International, Shambhala, and Bhumisparsa communities. They began on the teaching path in 2009 and were authorized by the Shambhala lineage to teach meditation and buddhadharma in 2015. Shanté is focused on the healing impact of meditation in Black, Indigenous communities, and People of Color communities, LGBTQ+ communities, and incarcerated and recovery communities. Shanté is a Teacher on the Liberate App and is a former Lead Teacher on Weekly Dharma Gathering, which they co-founded and curated until 2022 when WDG went on indefinite hiatus. Shanté identifies as a Black person descended from enslaved and trafficked African Indigenous people. Shanté is queer and genderqueer. They live on Canarsie Munsee Lenapehoking Territory (Brooklyn, NY).

For their teaching schedule and podcasts/youtube videos, please see: https://linktr.ee/shanteparadigm