Refuge In the Storm: An Activist Perspective

When the tides rise, how do we continue staying afloat? Living in a world where too clearly “there is always suffering,” where are the off-ramps for cessation of suffering? What is the interwoven relationship of the Four Noble Truths that provides refuge in the storm? In this discussion we explore the gifts that we each are - to ourselves, to one another and to the world.

Caroline Durham, founder of Mindful Justice, grounds into the dharma from a foundation of engaged Buddhism. A creative, visionary, and changemaker, Caroline interweaves the dharma with 25+ years service as a public defender and community organizer focused on healing the structural racism underlying the criminal legal system. Committed to healed, thriving communities through engaged Buddhism, her practice is grounded in the lineage of Thich Nhat Hahn through her dear mentor and friend Cherie Maples. Working on local and national level to bring about an end to the carceral state, she focuses on supporting community activists and people with lived experience with the criminal legal system and strengthening communities in the South.

Caroline understands the impact of second-hand trauma, system-created burnout, and brings to light ways the teachings of the Buddha serve as a salve for healing, strength, and action. Since 2005, she has led wellness trainings for public defender offices, bar associations and community social justice organizations. Having studied mindfulness and wellness practices for more than twenty years, Caroline developed a comprehensive, thoughtful approach to the dharma and the power of refuge within it.
The Mindful Justice Lineage Mindful Justice honors the work of Cheri Maples. A dharma teacher ordained by Thich Nhat Hahn, Cheri served as a police officer and then prosecutor in Madison, Wisconsin. A peace activist, she joined the Order of Interbeing in 2002 and was ordained as a dharma teacher by Thích Nhất Hạnh in 2008. Cheri founded the Center for Mindfulness and Justice. Mindful Justice’s name is an homage to Cheri’s work, mentoring and friendship.

We will be lead in a 30 minute meditation followed by a 30 minute Dharma Talk with 30 minutes left to have a group discussion, ask questions or reflect on this offering.

Refuge In the Storm: An Activist Perspective with Caroline Durham

Saturday Morning Dharma: Online Meditation, Dharma Talk and Discussion