Can We Talk?

by Larry Steele —

What do you care about? Global warming? GMO foods? Hunger and poverty? Learning how to “do something” about the big questions that speak to us is an essential teaching on the Shambhala Buddhist path.

An example of this energy was evident during the Harvest of Peace celebration at Seattle Shambhala. A member of our community expressed her belief that Shambhala should play a more activist role in our serious climate issues. Suddenly, the shrine room was filled with energy — all kinds of emotions and ideas about environmental and social issues filled the space.

What should we “do” with this kind of energy?

“I hope everyone who is asking these questions will come to our event on December 13th,” said Center Director Tom Gaylord. “It’s called Convening Conversations That Matter: The Art of Asking Powerful Questions.” (click here for info: http://seattle.shambhala.org/program-details/?id=194716 ) “This is a great opportunity to learn how to engage with difficult issues from a place of curiosity, which can then lead to wise action,” said Tom.

JoAnn Schindler, co-teacher for this class, added, “We’re starting this series with a focus on inquiry because a powerful question can be a doorway into personal and social change. Anyone can ask a question. However, learning to ask powerful questions that can make a difference is an art and skill.”