Social justice
Our dharma is to facilitate connection, protecting the right to life and authenticity,
and learning from our differences.
Social justice efforts
Our philosophy begins within the individual. We find that often folks want to make a difference, but begin “out there,” which tends to ignore the inner work necessary in order for outward efforts to be appropriately impactful. For example, we start our work dismantling White supremacy by first exploring it within ourselves, no matter how “woke” we think we are. In doing so, we become educated and healed members of our families and communities. Sometimes this calls for activism like protesting, and sometimes this means being the one person in the class that asks why BIPOC perspectives were not included in an ecology syllabus, or confronting someone who has misappropriated Hindu themes and traditions for profit. In all efforts, we pursue decolonization and true settler allyship, and welcome the truth-telling necessary to learn how to approach these beliefs appropriately and impactfully.
Social justice projects that begin inward are approached as healing projects. During winter, we focus on this inner work before transitioning to more outward work in the warmer seasons. Examples of this work include the following upcoming projects:
Dismantling White supremacy book club: This work is required for any individual, especially White folks, wishing to participate in our community. Together, we will support each other through the difficult work of unpacking the subtle and pervasive ways White supremacy exists within and around us, and learn ways we can combat it in everyday life.
Positive Masculinity Discussion Group: What does it mean to be a good man? This group will come together monthly to discuss topics and challenges related to the healthy experience and expression of masculinity. Participants will be able to offer and seek support from each other in the work of unpacking toxic masculinity and in pursuit of the freedom and strength of a healthy masculine identity.
Settler Ally Group: This discussion group will explore the work of becoming a true ally to indigenous peoples in northern Minnesota. We will learn from the examples and experiences of others, explore this in the context of social and ecological justice and dharma, and discuss ways to actualize true settler allyship where we live.
Honoring our tradition: Just by being a part of this community and experiencing this faith tradition we’re called to educate ourselves on the history of colonization, especially in India and the United States. Colonization has impacted all aspects of life in India, including the way spiritual traditions have evolved and been shared with the world. Likewise, the heavy misappropriation of these traditions perpetuates the violence of colonization. As practitioners, we learn how to be responsible devotees not separate from this painful history, but in working to be part of its healing.