The evening will begin with a guided meditation, followed by a talk in our series on the Eight-Fold Path. Tonight's talk will focus on wise speech. While integrally related to and supportive of other factors in the Path, wise speech bears especially on personal integrity. It presents an ongoing challenge to practitioners, calling on us to be mindful of our intentions in the ever-changing circumstances in which we live. Susan Stone will explore the Buddha's guidelines to wise speech and give special attention to the connection between wise speech and lovingkindness. She will also discuss the guidelines in terms of two cultural assumptions--patriarchy and white privilege. When unexamined,these assumptions hinder communications no matter how sincerely the wise speech guidelines are practiced, and they can oblige women and people of color to express in accommodating ways that aren't consistent with wise speech. Informal discussion may follow the talk.
An evening for all, whether you are new to meditation or a seasoned practitioner.