Choosing Kindness: Empathy, Emptiness, and Empowerment in Challenging Times
with Venerable Amy Miller
Tuesdays, Jan 31, Feb 7, 21, Mar 14, 28 & Apr 4, 7–8:30pm EDT ONLINE
In our daily lives, we are often bombarded by external experiences that show cruelty and heartlessness. We are influenced by these situations and begin to believe that in order to be happy we need to follow a particular behavior, obtain an array of material items and/or attain a certain status. Little by little, the natural authentic dynamic flow of who we really are gets blocked and instead manifests as something more constrictive, negative, hostile or fearful. So we escape, blame or numb ourselves to what is really happening. Then the ruminating mind takes over deepening a false veil on our perceptions. This is the perfect time for practice!
How can we use our vulnerability to generate a strong wish to emerge from our confusion and separation and spark a deep experience of compassion for others? This program explores a practical path of transformation by being present with our pain, fear, and aversion. Mindfulness exercises and emptiness meditation are included along with reminders of how the Buddha practiced to help us move through these less than comfortable states.
Open to all levels.
Important Note
This is an online-only event that is administered using Zoom.
After registering, the system automatically sends a confirmation and/or a receipt email that contains the Zoom meeting link and/or other instructions. If you don’t immediately receive the system email(s) or you have any other questions, please contact us at registration@shantidevanyc.org.
*Zoom is an interactive video-conferencing tool that allows participants to see one another and ask questions. You will need a computer, a tablet or a smartphone with the Zoom application to attend. If you are using Zoom for the first time, please login earlier to allow any necessary installations on your device.
Registration
Suggested: $20 per session, or $108 for all 6-weeks of the course
Other offering options: free, $5, $10, $30
The suggested amount helps support teacher offerings and expenses, direct costs and rent. Shantideva member discounts or benefits will be applied automatically if you have a membership in MindBody.
Shantideva Center may publish recorded sessions in the public domain (e.g., on YouTube). By registering for this event, you are agreeing to give your consent to this process. To protect your privacy, we recommend being conscious about any personal information you share during the sessions. To further enhance anonymity, you may want to consider turning off video or naming yourself using abbreviations.
Time zone: US Eastern Standard Time (GMT/UTC-5)
For questions regarding registration, please email registration@shantidevanyc.org for assistance.
Recording
Dana for the Teacher
About the Teacher
Venerable Amy Miller has been teaching extensively since 1992 and was ordained as a Buddhist nun in June 2000 by the great Tibetan master, Venerable Choden Rinpoche. She has previously directed several FPMT centers and projects for decades and has completed a seven-month solitary retreat. Her teaching style emphasizes a practical approach to integrating Buddhist philosophy into everyday life. She is happy to help people connect with meditation and mindfulness in an effort to gain a refreshing perspective on normally stressful living. Venerable teaches and leads retreats and pilgrimages around the world. Her teaching schedule and other information can be found at www.AmyMiller.com.
