Opening Our Eyes: Honouring the Sacred Feminine, Confronting Patriarchy (#2)
“Opening Our Eyes: Honouring the Sacred Feminine, Confronting Patriarchy” is a bi-monthly gathering, open to all, focuses on the experience of men in relation to patterns of patriarchy in our culture and in our lives. Select this link for an overview of this series.
The following are notes from our second gathering.
In this gathering Acharya McLellan connected Tara practice to the theme of gender, and briefly explored the imaginative qualities of visualization to the non-substantiality of identity.
He shared from the Vimalakirti-Nirdesa Sutra: Tara says,
“In this life there is no such distinction as ‘male’ and ‘female,’ self-identity,’ ‘a person,’ nor any perception (of such). Therefore, attachment to the idea of ‘male’ and ‘female’ is quite worthless. Weak-minded worldlings are continually deluded by this.”
However, the sutra goes on to record her vow:
“There are many who wish to gain enlightenment in a man’s form, and there are but few who wish to work for the welfare of sentient beings in a female form. Therefore, may I, in a female body, work for the welfare of beings until samsara has been emptied.”
After practice, we were joined by Kate and Frank from South House, Sexual and Gender Resource Center, and had a rich and lively discussion on gender and oppression.
Here are some helpful resources for orienting toward current modes of thinking in regard to gender in society:
- The Genderbread Person: www.genderbread.org
- The Gender Tag – Authentic Gender Expression: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VjzpRvXNh7Q
Next Gathering on October 11th
Presentation and discussion with Robert Wright
Robert Seymour Wright is the founder of ManTalk, a professionally supported, educational and emotionally supportive group for male victims of sexual abuse. Robert is a respected advocate in Nova Scotia. He is an experienced social worker, and was the ambassador of the Halifax Pride parade this past summer.
More information on this program series available here.
Reminders
Each session is drop in! No previous attendance necessary.
Please support these offerings with generosity. All gatherings are by donation.
A portion of proceeds will be donated to Avalon Sexual Health Centre.
