Against the Stream Buddhist Meditation Society's video: Dharma Talk: Transforming the Demons of Oppression and Privilege

Part one of a Daylong with Lopon Chandra Easton and Karla Jackson-Brewer on how to deal with the emotions that come up around racism. (~2 hours) Part two is here: https://youtu.be/ybRViw01WV4 We are currently reminded again that the illness of Racism – manifesting as the devaluation of people of color in America, and in the expression of ‘implicit bias’ that has influenced the violent actions directed toward many marginalized communities in America – has not been eradicated. The response of anger and frustration by so many people to the injustices that have occurred is impressive. We have a visible sign that Americans are outraged and are willing to take action. But what can we do beyond taking to the streets? How can we also heal the scarred and shadowed areas of our psyches, our emotions, and our thoughts? We can do so by employing ancient Buddhist wisdom to resolve our inner conflict, and to clarify our intentions in order to create skillful social change. Feeding Your Demon® (FYD®) is a groundbreaking technique that was developed by Lama Tsultrim Allione, Founder of Tara Mandala Retreat Center in Pagosa Springs, CO. Lama Tsultrim has introduced this technique in her book entitled Feeding Your Demons®: Ancient Wisdom for Resolving Inner Conflict. She brings an 11th century Tibetan practice to the West in an accessible and effective approach for dealing with negative emotions, fears, illness, self-defeating patterns, and beliefs that hinder our expression of our highest humanity as individuals and a society. What Lama Tsultrim refers to as “demons” are not goblins, ghosts, minions of evil, or the inventions of Hollywood horror films. They are, rather, our own present preoccupations, reactions, and restrictive beliefs, which hinder our sense of peace, courage, and our ability to seek the best actions in our lives, with the greatest benefit for all. FYD® bridges an ancient Eastern practice called Chöd with today’s western psychology. When we fight our problems or demons, we may conquer them with much effort, but usually that victory is short-lived. FYD® is a five-step process that reveals how to transform our emotions into enlightened activity and effective action. FYD® is a powerful way to work skillfully with the trauma of the societal demons of racism and inequality. In this context, “demons” are the internalized projections of hate and racism that block our experience of freedom. This daylong teaching will provide a safe container for us: to practice FYD® to focus on how FYD® can help us work skillfully with individual and societal demons of racism and inequality, to cultivate strong allies to support us in this challenging work. To prepare for this training please ponder these questions: How might mindfulness and compassion practice help to heal the internal wounds of racism and oppression? What is the relationship between individual transformation and collective liberation? How can we as a sangha and individuals help contribute to the momentum of social change brought about by recent events? Karla Jackson-Brewer, MS has been a student of Lama Tsultrim Allione for 28 years. She is a Tara Mandala Authorized Teacher, and has traveled with Lama Tsultrim on Pilgrimage to Tibet & Bali. Karla has been practicing Chöd for 27 years and she has assisted Lama Tsultrim on many Chöd Retreats. She is a certified FYD® teacher and therapist. In October 2012, she received the Chöd Empowerment from His Holiness the 17th Karmapa, Orgyen Trinley Dorje. Karla has developed workshops and academic classes that explore and address the dynamics, and effects of race, gender and class oppression in American society. She has conducted numerous Diversity, Inclusion, and Anti-Oppression trainings with nonprofit organizations in the NYC area. Lopön Chandra Easton is a teacher and translator of Tibetan Buddhism, focusing on the lineage of Machig Labdrön and Lama Tsultrim Allione. She has taught Buddhism and Yoga for 15 years and co-translated Sublime Dharma: A Compilation of Two Texts on the Great Perfection. She is currently on the Tara Mandala Bay Area coordinating committee, through which she teaches and organizes events in the Bay Area. Visit shunyatayoga.com and taramandalasf.org.