• Anything from a few sentences to two paragraphs will suffice. Using the speaker’s own words is nice, but feel free to paraphrase.
• Leading off with a question sometimes works to help listeners understand what will be addressed and answered by the speaker.
• Some speakers start right off by announcing the subject of their talk; others share introductory remarks or quotes that set the stage and get into the real topic. You may need to listen to at least 15 minutes of the talk in this case. But of course, if you listen to the entire talk you will have an even better sense of the theme and all that is covered.

Is our practice merely a way to stay calm during the crises around us?
Or is it something more, a way to help formulate a response to these difficult times?

Donald Rothberg believes that our dharma resources are fundamental to the future of humanity.

He explores how we can connect our inner work with community and social responses that are crucial now, by asking:

– How do we sustain mindfulness in the middle of community organizing?
– How do we employ wise speech?
– Can we use our inner resources to cut through the social conditioning of racism, sexism, and homophobia?
– Do we see how greed, hatred, and delusion manifest in our systems and institutions?

In this rich talk and discussion, he helps us explore how we can see the world through spiritual eyes by starting with equanimity and compassion.