Many of us in the Twin Cities Metro area are experiencing trauma from Operation Metro Surge. Even if this Surge is winding down (and it's an open question about whether that's actually true), there is much harm that has been done and it will be a long road to recovery.

One of the core teachings of Buddhism is often misunderstood as an invitation to escape pain. In truth, Buddhist practice asks us to do something far more courageous: to lean into discomfort with awareness, compassion, and steadiness. Rather than turning away from what is unpleasant, we are invited to stay—especially now.

Buddhist practice has a place within the storm of this moment, not outside it. There is no “outside” to be in. Our practice together, nourished by and embodying the teachings, allows us to be the open and awake eye of the storm, an eye of stillness and compassionate truthtelling–of commitment to the alleviation of suffering for all people. 

A spiritual friend is someone who walks beside you when the path narrows, who reflects your goodness back to you when you forget it, who challenges you toward liberation rather than comfort.

What we can do collectively and strategically to effectively resist and turn back this onslaught of dehumanizing policies and actions of the Trump administration?

This article aims to summarize and make widely available information about Buddhist organizations in the Twin Cities of St. Paul and Minneapolis. As a road-map to local Buddhisms, this information should empower readers to go out and encounter the Dharma (Buddhist teaching) themselves.

I must admit, some of my offerings, whether financial resources, time, or material goods are at times entangled with a hint of obligation, social pressure, guilt, or a mixture. Rarely do I give, just to give and wholeheartedly. On that rare occasion I feel full and complete

I'm interested in how we can stand up to injustice, racism, and the stripping away of the social safety nets without fueling the flames of anger until it's out of control. I would like us to explore how to receive our anger, and allow its spark to nudge us to action, while at the same time not burning out. 

The poetry of sangha members at Clouds in Water.

I invite us to practice extreme joy together, as a sangha. Consider giving to ourselves, to others, to the earth itself. Remember that the root of the practice of many of the precepts is "being satisfied with what I have."

By being really present with the feedback my body is giving me in zazen and in daily life, I can make decisions based more on what is actually here rather than
what I was hoping would be here. Zen training is life training.

Just because anti-Asian whitewashing happened in this profession, in this practice, in this country, doesn’t mean we need to keep doing it. We can get curious, learn more, and take appropriate action.

Dharma is not a doctrine—it is a living current, a sacred rhythm that pulses through all things. It is the whisper of perfect wisdom that reminds me I am both the seeker and the sought.

I take a deep breath and receive all of the terrible things, and also receive the sunshine, flowers and tea.

There is some evidence from other countries that have faced authoritarian takeovers that it takes 3.5% of the population to resist in a public and organized way to turn the tide and prevent the solidification of authoritarianism in a country.

Living life from a zazen place—rooted in our bodies, completely present, curious, and open—can help us maintain, and increase, our “response ability.”