Skillful Means: Working with Interpersonal and Structural Conflict
3041 Broadway
New York, NY 10027
USA
Date: Friday, March 6, 1:00 – 6:00 pm; Saturday, March 7, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Instructor: Shanté Paradigm Smalls
RSVP: Sold Out
In Tibetan Buddhism, especially in the Nyingma and Kagyu Schools, there is a great deal of emphasis on working with the environment, the elements, and the phenomenal world. As a practice, philosophy, or religious practice, the Four Karmas (Pacifying, Enriching, Magnetizing, and Destroying) refer both to esoteric elemental practices and practical ways of working with our own minds, as well as with difficult interpersonal, individual, and structural challenges. How do we apply that to our contemporary moment when we are dealing with a resurgence and intensification of anti-Black violence and racism, the continuance of Indigenous dispossession, and the stronghold of patriarchy and misogyny finally being challenged in a genuine way? This introductory course will combine tantric Buddhist wisdom with undoing interlocking structural oppressions. It will focus on sitting meditation instruction (shamatha), walking meditation, discussion groups, short readings, and light physical movement.
This course is one in a series of courses offered as part of Thich Nhat Hanh Program for Engaged Buddhism.
About the Instructor
Dr. Shanté Paradigm Smalls is a student, practitioner, and teacher in the Tantric (Vajrayana) Buddhist tradition. Shanté began studying and practicing Buddhism at age 17 and has practiced in Zen, Sokka Gakkai International, Shambhala, and Bhumisparsha communities. Shanté trained from 2009 to 2015 as a teacher and was authorized to teach meditation and buddhadharma in 2015. Shanté is focused on the healing impact of meditation in Black & Indigenous communities, People of Color communities, LGBTQ+ communities, and incarcerated and recovery communities. Shanté is a Teacher on the Liberate App and teaches regularly on Weekly Dharma Gathering Online which they co-founded and curate.
Shanté’s root guru is The Kongma Sakyong, Jamgön Mipham Rinpoche*. Shanté is currently studying with Lama Rod Owens and Lama Justin von Budjoss co-founders of Bhumisparsha and Karla Jackson-Brewer, Sangha Leader at NY Tara Mandala.