Be Here Now Network Guest Podcast Ep. 05 – Roshi Joan Halifax - Sacred Catastrophe
Nov 25, 2016
Roshi Joan Halifax, a Buddhist teacher and abbess of Upaya Zen Center, shares her insights on the concept of 'blessed catastrophe' as a transformative journey through suffering. She discusses how these challenging experiences cultivate resilience and connect us to our Buddha nature. With personal anecdotes, she highlights the power of breath and intention for self-awareness. The conversation also delves into navigating life's uncertainties and the importance of altruism amidst personal insecurity, emphasizing growth through profound engagement with life's raw experiences.
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Blessed Catastrophes Reveal True Nature
- Life's blessed catastrophes act like a crucible, burning away faults to reveal our true nature.
- Both suffering and openness to the divine are essential to resilience and transformation.
Serve with Detachment and Awareness
- Serve others without attachment to identity or outcome to cultivate genuine altruism.
- Keep questioning, "Who am I really?" to deepen self-awareness and purpose.
Childhood Blindness Shaped Inner Vision
- At age four, Roshi Joan lost her sight temporarily and experienced the world inwardly, developing inner vision.
- This shaped her deep understanding that perception goes beyond physical senses.
