Words and Silence in Spiritual Inquiry: Going Beyond Opinion and Belief

Time: Oct. 7, 2019, 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Location: Peter Graham Scholarly Commons, 114 Bird Library

Wildecy Fatima de Jury (East Bay Meditation Center, New York)
Imani Gayle Gillison (Brooklyn Zen Center, New York)

Gillison and Jury, Buddhist Dharma teachers of color and members of the LGBTQ community, examine uses of silence and suitable speech. Both are crucial in deconstructing oppressive mental and social paradigms. As an example, people in spiritual communities sometimes keep silent about the abusive behaviors of some leaders. Then, this presentation will explore how silence and right speech can help to create communities that cultivate generosity, compassion, forgiveness and unity.

Related activities:

October 2, 5:30-8 p.m
Interfaith Dialogue Dinner at Hendricks Chapel's Noble Room
Teachers and students engage in dialogue (tentative topics: "Silence, Power, and Spiritualities: Queer Liberation" or "Queer Spiritualities and Liberation") while participating in an inclusive dinner jointly presented by Hendricks Chapel, Burton Blatt Institute's Office of Interdisciplinary Programs and Outreach and the Intergroup Dialogue Program.

October 5, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
All Day Retreat in Sims 123
Together, participants explore how Buddhist teachings on silence and right speech can help create communities that cultivate generosity, compassion, forgiveness and unity. Lunch will be served. This theme will also inform their public presentation on Oct. 7. RSVP to Bonnie Shoultz by Oct. 1 and include any requests for accommodations.

Additional supporters:

• Contemplative Collaborative
• Religion Department
• Hendricks Chapel
• Zen Center of Syracuse

Bonnie Shoultz, Associate, Hendricks Chapel