OSU's Contemplative Studies Initiative in partnership with the Hundere Endowed Chair in Religion and Culture present the Contemplative Practices for the Greater Good Series.  Special thanks to the Corvallis Public Library for purchasing Lama Rod's book/eBook: Love and Rage for local loan and Grass Roots Bookstore for acquiring several books for purchase. A copy of the eBook is available for OSU students, faculty and staff through The Valley Library

 

The Birth and Caretaking of a Violent Thought

A Talk and Practice Session with Lama Rod Owens

This event occurred on 11/12/2020. You can view the recording below!

This event is made possible by the generosity of donors. If you'd like to pass on the goodwill, you can contribute to our ability to sponsor future events like this by donating to the Contemplative Studies Initiative. Donations of all sizes are immensely appreciated and support a sustainable and thriving contemplative community. 


Racist and other harmful thoughts can be some of the most intense thoughts to examine -- especially if we have made a commitment to engage in anti-racist or anti-oppression thinking and behaviors. Thoughts that emphasize power over others through judgment and prejudice are natural if we consider how ego functions in our everyday lives as a sense of an existing self that needs to be protected through the maintenance of self and other often through elevating the self over others. While this may be a natural function of ego, it is our belief and reaction to the thought that creates violence for ourselves and others. How can we begin the work of undoing the violence of racism and other systems of dominance? In this talk, Lama Rod will guide participants through meditation practices and dialogue to reveal this imperative path of decreasing violence.

Accommodation requests can be made by emailing ContemplativeStudies@oregonstate.edu or calling 541-737-4785.

 

 

About Lama Rod

Considered one of the leaders of the next generation of Dharma teachers, Lama Rod Owens has a blend of formal Buddhist training and life experience that gives him a unique ability to understand, relate and engage with those around him in a way that’s spacious and sincere. He invites you into the cross sections of his life as a Black, queer male, born and raised in the South, and heavily influenced by the church and its community. Lama Rod was officially recognized by the Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism after receiving his teaching authorization from his root teacher the Venerable Lama Norlha Rinpoche when he completed the traditional 3-year silent retreat program at Kagyu Thubten Chöling Monastery (KTC) outside of New York City.  Since coming out of retreat he has completed his Master of Divinity degree at Harvard Divinity School.  He is the co-author of the book Radical Dharma: Talking Race, Love & Liberation and he recently released the book Love and Rage: The Path of Liberation through Anger.