In this session, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho speak with Kaira Jewel Lingo, teacher, author, and former nun whose work integrates the traditions of Zen and Vipassana with a focus on social, racial, and environmental justice (http://www.kairajewel.com/). 00:00:00 Introduction 00:01:38 Discussion on the dichotomy of softness and directness in teaching 00:02:35 Personal history: Growing up in spiritual and international communities 00:03:05 Key moments leading to Buddhist faith and ordination 00:07:41 The search for spiritual community after leaving childhood home 00:08:22 First encounter with Plum Village and Thich Nhat Hanh 00:09:53 Early inspirations from Catholic nuns in Kenya 00:10:33 Specific resonances of Buddhist teachings compared to Christianity 00:12:37 Transition from yoga and meditation to practical Buddhism 00:13:54 Mindfulness as a common language for international community 00:14:05 Impact of reading Old Path White Clouds and learning about Thich Nhat Hanh 00:16:38 The practice of curiosity and mindfulness in daily activities 00:20:09 Building trust through shared practice in diverse groups 00:22:32 Overview of the Five Mindfulness Trainings and gatha practice 00:24:44 A portrait of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh's life and work 00:26:12 The origin and application of Engaged Buddhism 00:28:12 Thich Nhat Hanh's commitment to peace and nonviolence despite exile 00:30:10 Foundations of the Plum Village lineage and core sutras 00:31:44 Interfaith respect and the unification of spiritual traditions 00:33:40 Adapting mindfulness for secular contexts and specific groups 00:36:48 Advice on finding and building community in a modern age 00:40:20 Creating a sangha in families and local groups 00:41:51 Deep dive into the Five Mindfulness Trainings as a North Star 00:45:19 Why Thich Nhat Hanh reframed precepts as Mindfulness Trainings 00:48:29 Navigating ethical dilemmas and nourishing compassion 00:52:49 Addressing race, privilege, and inclusion in Buddhist spaces 00:56:46 Understanding privilege as part of the spiritual path 01:01:18 The path of downward mobility and perspective of monastics 01:01:47 Sharing daily gatas for waking, mirrors, and sweeping 01:03:32 Reflecting on the end of the day and diligence in practice 01:04:11 Closing remarks and future connections Kaira Jewel Lingo's Biography: Kaira Jewel Lingo is a senior Dharma teacher in the Plum Village Zen lineage and a Vipassana teacher, and a member of the Plum Village North American Dharma Teachers Council of Elders. Her work continues the Engaged Buddhism developed by Thich Nhat Hanh, drawing inspiration from her parents’ lives of service and her father’s work with Martin Luther King, Jr. After living as an ordained nun for 15 years in Thich Nhat Hanh’s monastic community, Kaira Jewel now teaches internationally in the Zen and Vipassana traditions, as well as in secular mindfulness contexts. Her teaching focuses on the intersection of racial, climate, and social justice, with particular care for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color communities, as well as activists, artists, educators, families, and youth. Based in New York, she offers spiritual mentoring and is faculty in a Buddhist Eco-Chaplaincy training, and one of the guiding teachers of One Earth Sangha. She is the author of We Were Made for These Times: Ten Lessons in Moving Through Change, Loss, and Disruption, and co-author of Healing Our Way Home: Black Buddhist Teachings on Ancestors, Joy, and Liberation. More information about Kaira's teachings and events can be found at http://www.kairajewel.com/ Mindfulness Training Gathas: https://mindfulgatha.wordpress.com/gathas/ Tune in with fellow practitioners for Clear Mountain’s weekly online and hybrid events! - Wednesday Evening Teaching & Discussion (6:00 – 7:30 pm PT, YouTube then Zoom) - Saturday Morning Meditation, Teaching, & Coffee Social (9:30 - 11 am PT, Online & In-Person) - Sunday Evening “Mission Majjhima!” Sutta Teaching & Discussion (5:00 - 6 pm PT, Online) See https://www.clearmountainmonastery.org/ or visit https://linktr.ee/clear_mountain_monastery for details. Welcome!
