Orientation for Awakening to the Delusion of Whiteness: Using the Dharma to Dismantle Oppression

Date: December 17, 2023

Time: 2 p.m - 4 p.m. Pacific Time

Location: Online or at Heart of Wisdom Zen Temple

Address: 6401 Northeast 10th Avenue, Portland, OR, USA

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Orientation for Awakening to the Delusion of Whiteness: Using the Dharma to Dismantle Oppression

December 17, 2023

2 p.m - 4 p.m. Pacific Time

“Without inner change there can be no outer change. Without collective change, no change matters.”
― angel Kyodo williams

  • Online orientation (required) is Sunday, December 17, 2023 at 2 p.m.
  • Classes (in person and online) are once a month for six months: January 28 – June 23, 2024, 2 to 4 p.m. Pacific time
  • Signup closes January 14, 2024.

WHAT IS IT?

Awakening to the Delusion of Whiteness is structured as an “affinity group” for white people to investigate their karma and explore the elements that have contributed to the often unconscious identity as “white.” We explore in this way with an understanding that our own liberation/awakening is intimately bound to one another. Participants in the ADW affinity group will learn about whiteness, privilege, and racism as well as turn inward to engage in deeply reflective spiritual practice.

Affinity groups are one way to lay groundwork to enlarge our understanding and prepare us to build authentic relationships and alliances. Buddhist author and educator Ruth King eloquently describes the value of affinity groups for white people as follows:

“White people need to see race and understand themselves as racial beings with roots and a collective history of power and privilege. In a racial affinity group, white people can discover together their group identity and discern its privileges and impact without the aid of and dependence on people of color. Together, whites cultivate racial solidarity and compassion for themselves and support each other in sitting with the discomfort, confusion, and numbness that often accompanies racial awakening.”

This course is not limited to Buddhists. The course  is guided by practicing members of the Zen Community of Oregon who are graduates of Awakening to the Delusion of Whiteness.

WHEN & WHERE?

Monthly on Sundays, both online and in person at Heart of Wisdom Zen Temple, 6401 NE 10th Ave., Portland, OR 97211. Sessions are 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Pacific time. The complete schedule is as follows:

  • December 17, 2023, 2 to 4 p.m. Required online orientation
  • January 28, 2024, 2 to 4 p.m.
  • February 25, 2 to 4 p.m.
  • March 24, 2 to 4 p.m.
  • April 28, 2 to 4 p.m.
  • May 19, 2 to 4 p.m.
  • June 23, 2 to 4 p.m.

HOW DO I SIGN UP FOR THE ORIENTATION?

RSVP on this page for the Orientation (required) on December 17, 2023 from 2 to 4 p.m. Pacific time.

The orientation is important to help you understand the structure and the guidelines for the course that help create a strong container for what can be deep personal work.

Prior to the December 17 orientation please read:
Healing the Broken Body of Sangha
White Anti-Racism Affinity Groups: I Used to Be a Skeptic, But Now I’m an Evangelist

HOW DO I SIGN UP FOR THE FULL COURSE?

After the orientation or watching the recording (it will be posted after December 17) – you decide whether to participate in the six month curriculum.

After December 17  you will be able to register for this Awakening to Whiteness course by signing up via this Google Forms link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1V3K5SBNwWR4Si3iMV9l3bVG9yIJ0iFL5f3nl_bapEf4/edit

Sign up closes January 14, 2024

If you have questions about the course please email adw@zendust.org