In this dynamic session Roshi Joan, Dekila Chungyalpa, and John Dunne dig into the ethical dilemmas, mindfulness practices, and nuances of engaged Buddhism. The group explores some difficult questions around the necessity of sometimes engaging in negative actions to prevent greater harms, reflecting on historical and hypothetical scenarios where difficult decisions had to be made. The conversation also highlighted the importance of intention and the impact of actions within the context of Buddhist ethics, emphasizing the need for skillful means and wisdom in decision-making processes. The discussion also touched on broader social issues, like the role of activism and the challenges of implementing systemic change while maintaining ethical integrity. Participants were encouraged to reflect on how to make these ideas real by walking into the tangle of moral action to solve real conflicts in their own life.
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The Bodhisattva’s Activism (6 of 8)

The Upaya Dharma Podcast features Wednesday evening Dharma Talks and recordings from Upaya’s diverse array of programs. Our podcasts exemplify Upaya’s focus on socially engaged Buddhism, including prison work, end-of-life care, serving the homeless, training in socially engaged practices, peace & nonviolence, compassionate care training, and delivering healthcare in the Himalayas.

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Kazuaki Tanahashi and Peter Levitt’s discussion on Haiku delves into the depth and nuances of this poetic form, exploring its historical context, cultural significance, and the intricacies of its composition. They discuss the story of a young female poet who impressed one of Basho’s main students with her Haiku, demonstrating the longstanding tradition of Haiku as a revered art form.
Peter Levitt’s portion of the talk shifts to the writing aspect of Haiku, describing it as “poetry of the glance” – a moment captured in a brief yet profound way. He highlights the unpredictable yet truthful nature of Haiku, where the juxtaposition of elements brings forth an authenticity that resonates with both the writer and the reader.
To access the resources page for this program, please sign up by clicking here.

The Way Of Haiku: Waking Up Through Writing (5 of 9)

Kazuaki Tanahashi and Peter Levitt’s discussion on Haiku delves into the depth and nuances of this poetic form, exploring its historical context, cultural significance, and the intricacies of its composition. They discuss the story of a young female poet who impressed one of Basho’s main students with her Haiku, demonstrating the longstanding tradition of Haiku as a revered art form. Tanahashi emphasizes the importance of sound, visual effect, and seasonal elements in Haiku. He explains that the beauty of Haiku often lies in the unexpected pairing of elements that creates a sense of surprise or a clash, leading to a deeper insight or image.
The summary for Peter Levitt’s portion of the talk is provided in the next part (#5).
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The Way Of Haiku: Waking Up Through Writing (4 of 9)

Beth Howard’s talk at a Haiku retreat delves into the transformative power of Haiku writing, both as a practice of mindfulness and as a tool for activism. She shares her own journey with Haiku, integrating this with her appreciation for Haiku’s capacity to capture and appreciate fleeting moments of beauty and peace, even in times of personal or global crisis. Howard also discusses her work with Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, highlighting how Haiku has helped her maintain balance and focus in her advocacy against gun violence. She stresses the importance of finding common ground in legislative battles, using precise and effective communication, a skill honed through her Haiku practice.
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The Way Of Haiku: Waking Up Through Writing (3 of 9)

Natalie Goldberg’s talk on Haiku delves into the life of the famous Haiku poet Matsuo Basho, particularly focusing on Basho’s years of suffering, meditation under the guidance of a Zen priest, and the profound impact this had on his ability to perceive and interact with the world. Goldberg emphasizes Basho’s philosophy of staying awake to the moment, transcending the quest for complete enlightenment to find beauty in the everyday.
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The Way Of Haiku: Waking Up Through Writing (2 of 9)

In this opening session Roshi Joan outlines the schedule for the weekend. The faculty then discusses the transformative power of Haiku and shares personal experiences of haiku practice. The themes of each introductory talk highlights the significance of Haiku in its ability to capture moments, describe the natural world, and unlock deep intimacy with ourselves. The conversations also reveal the connections between Zen practice, the art of Haiku, activism, and personal resilience.
To access the resources page for this program, please sign up by clicking here.

The Bodhisattva’s Activism (6 of 8)

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