Compassion in Action - Buddhism in Times of Terrorism

A series of talks on Friday evenings, presented by western scholars who will explore their work through Buddhist eyes.

Compassion in Action - Buddhism in Times of Terrorism

August 15, 22, 29, September 5, 12, 19, 26, October 3

Our second speaker is Robert Hattam, who is an Associate Professor at the Hawke Research Institute in the University of South Australia. Robert will be giving a series of talks on how we might think about Buddhism in terms of a tradition that is socially engaged rather than world-denying. He will draw on scriptural sources, and cases of famous socially-engaged Buddhists.

The talks will have the following titles:
1. Introduction to the idea of socially-engaged Buddhism
2. Scriptural justification for engaged Buddhism
3. The Dalai Lama and universal responsibility
4. Thich Naht Hanh and and the Tiep Hien Order
5. Sulak Sivaraksa and a Buddhist vision for renewing society
6. Western reinterpretation of socially-engaged Buddhist praxis: Stephen Batchelor and the Think Sangha
7. The Beats
8. Living a socially-engaged Buddhist life?

Robert's research interests include school reform, social justice in education, critical pedagogy and socially engaged Buddhism. He has recently published various papers on Buddhism and the book: Awakening-Struggle: Towards a Buddhist Critical Social Theory.

Facility fee: $15 per session, $100 for all sessions in the series.
Chai and cake included.