Community
The Community page is where sangha members can post self-organizing sangha participant activities such as hikes, picnics, outings, other practice opportunities, resources, etc. These activities are not initiated nor officially sponsored by Upaya Sangha of Tucson LLC.
If you would like to post an event, please send an email to Sensei Al Genkai Kaszniak with the title, event description, date of the event, where to meet, how to contact you, etc.
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Bill Thompson’s Art & Poetry
Click here to see Bill Thompson’s art and read his poetry.
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New Announcements:
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Tucson Dharma Friends Study Group
This peer-led group meets Thursday mornings to promote engaged practice and Dharma discussion in an informal, friendly, and contemplative atmosphere. On the 1st and 3rd Thursday morning of each month, we meet via Zoom at 10am. For these Zoom discussions, we focus on chosen books.
In February, we will begin reading and engaging in the practices in the book A Whole Life Path : A Lay Buddhist’s Guide to Crafting a Dhamma-Infused Life, by Gregory Kramer. This book is a profound yet eminently practical guide to bringing every part of our lives onto the Noble Eightfold Path. For those unfamiliar with the author, you can check out his website: https://gregorykramer.org/
On the 2nd & 4th Thursdays of the month, we typically meet in-person. We often meet at a park for a 30 minute group meditation, followed by time to check-in with one another. Alternately, sometimes we go for walks along the Rillito River Parkway.
We have regular members who are lifelong practitioners, as well as those new to Buddhism. All are welcome! For more information, please contact Dawn Messer at timdawnmesser@gmail.com.
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Outdoor Meditation/Hiking Club
To provide an opportunity for our members to explore eco-dharma by practicing in a natural setting, sangha participants have independently initiated an outdoor meditation club. We meet periodically (weather permitting) to go on a walk or hike, with about 30 minutes dedicated to silent walking or seated meditation. Please contact Dawn Messer at timdawnmesser@gmail.com for more information about location and exact meeting times.
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Anti-Racism & Dharma Resources Submitted by Upaya Sangha of Tucson Participants
Angel Kyodo Williams (2000). Being Black: Zen and the Art of Living with Fearlessness and Grace. New York: Penguin Compass.
Angel Kyodo Williams & Lama Rod Owens (2016). Radical Dharma: Talking Race, Love, and Liberation. Berkeley, CA: North Atlantic Books.
Zenju Earghlyn Manuel (2015). The Way of Tenderness: Awakening Through Race, Sexuality, and Gender. Boston: Wisdom Publications.
Hilda Gutierrez Baldoquin (Ed.) (2004). Dharma, Color, and Culture: New Voices in Western Buddhism. Berkeley, CA: Parallax Press.
Resmaa Menakem (2017). My Grandmother’s Hands: Racialized Trauma and the Pathway to Mending Our Hearts and Bodies. Las Vegas, NV: Central Recovery Press.
Tricycle, Jan 31, 2017 presient article “Teachings for Uncertain Times” by Wendy Joan Bittlecombe Asgar. It presents a video series with 13 Buddhist teachers of color. I especially love the Feb. 6 one by Mona Chopra: a METTA MEDITATION for BLACK LIVES MATTER.
Aspen Ideas Festival <https://www.aspenideas.org/articles/aspen-ideas-festival-2020-schedule?fbrefresh=1593194111>
21-Day Equity Building Habit Challenge <https://www.eddiemoorejr.com/21daychallenge>
James Baldwin’s fiercely true (1965) UK speech why Black Lives Matter. The subjugated and the master: <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vbj0oZYucKs>
James Baldwin’s talk before the National Press Club (1986) about distorted myths and the truth of our interdependence (CSPAN). During Q&A at 40 minutes into this, James Baldwin gets to the heart of it.
Land Loss and Black America <https://theconversation.com/land-loss-has-plagued-black-america-since-emancipation-is-it-time-to-look-again-at-black-commons-and-collective-ownership-140514 utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Latest%20from%20The%20Conversation%20for%20June%2018%202020%20-%201654815923%20UPDATED&utm_content=Latest%20from%20The%20Conversation%20for%20June%2018%202020%20-%201654815923%20UPDATED+Version+B+CID_b0f697ba9778dd1d4339d644b7c6fc0f&utm_source=campaign_monitor_us&utm_term=might%20address%20this%20vestige%20of%20slavery>
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Sangha Care Support Volunteers
While there are many resources both for hire and as formal volunteer programs through Neighbors Care Alliances across Tucson (contact Pima Council on Aging 520-790-7262), a few of our regular sangha participants have offered their limited availability to help their fellow sangha participants if something unexpected arises where they need some additional help which might include a friendly visit or phone call, assistance with errands, meal delivery, etc. Please send an email to <tucsonupayasangha@gmail.com> with questions or requests. We might be able to help you either find existing community resources or do a little limited assistance. Take care.
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