Evolving Dharma: Developmental Models in Meditation Practice | Chicago

at Insight Chicago, Ravenswood Therapy Group Office
4636 North Ravenswood Avenue
Chicago, IL

This is a talk about the evolution of evolution. In traditional Asian settings, insight meditation is often taught according to a linear model of development, with various “attainments” along the way. In the West, however, a different notion of evolution has evolved. Not only is there less emphasis on enlightenment, stages, and progress, but often, such “goals” are seen as impediments to growing wiser and more compassionate.

How do these different conceptions of the path impact our practice? What might be the benefits, and risks, of each? And does our concept of evolution itself evolve over time?

Dr. Jay Michaelson is a writer and activist who has practiced Theravadan Buddhist meditation for twelve years. He is the author of five books, including God vs. Gay? The Religious Case for Equality (Beacon), a 2012 Lambda Literary Award finalist and Amazon.com bestseller, and Everything is God: The Radical Path of Nondual Judaism (Shambhala).  His new book, Evolving Dharma: Meditation, Buddhism, and the Next Generation of Enlightenment (North Atlantic Books, 2013) has been called “intelligent and compassionate” by Publisher’s Weekly and “a must-read” by Deepak Chopra. His writing appears regularly in the Daily Beast, the Forward, Tricycle, and the Huffington Post.

For more information or questions regarding this event, and to RSVP:

http://insightchicago.org/2013/10/14/nov-3rd-talk-by-dr-jay-michaelson/

*** Please note that the building has a locked entrance. A member of the sangha will be outside to let you in only until 7:00. If you arrive after that time, you will not be able to enter the building.