8 Fridays February 2-April 20 6:30pm-8:30pm (no class February 16, March 9, or March 16)
Pre-registration required!
As people who are white-identified, we can feel powerless when seeing the suffering caused by white privilege. Oppression against people of color has been happening for centuries, and while we may not consider ourselves racists, we still benefit from white privilege. Spending time educating ourselves and coming to terms with our privilege in white spaces can help us stay socially engaged and allow us to process challenges relating to our social position in a safe space.
Francis E. Kendall in her article “Understanding White Privilege” defines white privilege as, “White privilege is an institutional (rather than personal) set of benefits granted to those of us who, by race, resemble the people who dominate the powerful positions in our institutions. One of the primary privileges is that of having greater access to power and resources than people of color do; in other words, purely on the basis of our skin color doors are open to us that are not open to other people.”
Diamond Light Tibetan Buddhist Group is holding a 8 week circle to support our education about white privilege, process difficult feelings and emotions, and transform our understanding surrounding this topic so we can make more skillful choices when navigating differences. We will look at racism through our personal experiences and well as historical and institutional lenses. This circle is not to mobilize political action, but for personal transformation so we can create more authentic relationships with people of color. The circle will include readings, mindful sharing, meditation, and Buddhist practices.
This class is for people who are white identified and are interested in increasing their awareness about how they unknowingly benefit from and unconsciously reinforce white privilege. Understanding of Buddhist philosophy is not required, but there will be meditation and Tibetan Buddhist practices incorporated into each session.
We will be using curriculum and resources from www.whiteawake.org
at Diamond Light Meditation Center
2417 24th Street Room 14, Sacramento CA 95818 (upstairs)
parking lot in back, ADA accessible
cost: sliding scale $40-$100, scholarships available (please email diamondlight.sac@gmail.com for information). No one turned away for lack of funds. Scholarships available!
Commitment: To create a safe space and a sense of community, this circle is limited to 12 people. We ask that you commit to participating in all circles, readings and homework. Difficult emotions and conflict may come up during the circle, and we ask that everyone stays mindfully engaged and are committed to treat all group members with respect.
Application process: Please fill out the following application: https://goo.gl/forms/QnfACxMSlylczmW33 You will get a confirmation email once you are selected. If you can no longer participate, please let us know so we can allow another person to join. Applications are due by January 15, or until class is full.
Email diamond light.sac@gmail.com for any questions!
We understand the great suffering for communities of color that has been caused by white privilege. Diamond Light would like to invite groups that support healing of communities of color to use Diamond Light Meditation Center at no cost. Please email diamondlight.sac@gmail.com for availability.