Gathering Dharma with Joan Halifax: The Eight Realizations

Roshi Joan Halifax emphasizes the profound suffering caused by wars and genocides around the world, advocating for deep dialogue, recognition of humanity, and the importance of addressing the structures that perpetuate suffering. Highlighting John Peacock’s article, she stresses that if Buddhism doesn’t challenge these structures, it becomes detached from the realities of global suffering. Roshi encourages reflection on personal well-being, the rare and precious human life, the inevitability of impermanence, suffering, and the consequences of actions, urging mindfulness and the transformation of suffering for the benefit of all.