The Fire Next Time
Unveiling Baldwin’s Humanism Through Buddhist Concepts
Facilitated by Rev. Ali’a Edwards
7:00 - 9:00pm ET, Wednesdays
Oct 30, Nov 6, Nov 13, and Nov 20, 2024
Workshop Credit Cost: 1 credit (Click Here to Purchase a Credit Package)
à la carte Price: General Public - $125.00 general public; One Spirit Alumni - $100.00
“Humanism is the practice wherein we can learn, be, and do care for each other, without which we cannot individually thrive.”
The world needs a refocus on humanism as an engaged, applied practice. This workshop will explore how prevalent these themes are and how necessary their analysis is for the hope of inspiring and maintaining a world with shared health and prosperity.
This workshop bridges the philosophies of Black liberation, Mahayana Buddhism, and humanism. Participants will explore how these interconnected belief systems can be applied to create a more just and equitable world. Through interactive discussions and practical exercises, we will cultivate a deeper understanding of universal dignity, justice, and interconnectedness.
Who this workshop is for
This workshop is for people who believe in justice, people who are interested in the Black arts movement, Black writers, such as Baldwin, Bell, and Angelou, and people interested in the natural overlap with Buddhist philosophy.
What you’ll explore
Discover the humanist voice in James Baldwin’s works
Review tenets of humanist Buddhist philosophy
Find the links between the works of Black liberation writers and Buddhist philosophers
What you’ll experience
Register for this four-part workshop series to experience Lectio Divina in community (sacred listening/sacred reading), contemplation, and transformational dialogue. You’ll create a Self-Liberation Activation Toolkit for your own applied humanist and anti-oppression actions.
Following this workshop, you’ll be prepared for the activation of Buddhist humanist principles into action toward the liberation of all suffering.
Four Sessions | 7:00 - 9:00pm ET, Wednesdays –Oct 30, Nov 6, Nov 13, and Nov 20, 2024
Week 1 | Roots of Liberation: Black Thought and Humanism
Explore the foundational principles of Black liberation thought and humanism, examining their shared commitment to equality, justice, and human dignity.
Sacred listening to prophetic voice of James Baldwin
Contemplation
Sacred dialogue
Week 2 | Buddhist Wisdom for Social Change
Uncover the core teachings of Mahayana Buddhism and its relevance to contemporary social issues, focusing on compassion, interconnectedness, and the potential for transformation.
Sacred reading and discussion
Contemplation/meditation
Journaling
Week 3 | Interweaving Paths: Black Liberation and Buddhism
Examine the surprising parallels between Black liberation thought and Buddhist philosophy, discovering how these two traditions can complement and enrich each other.
Sacred reading
Transformation dialogue
Week 4 | Cultivating Compassionate Action: A Call to Action
Apply the insights gained to develop practical strategies for creating positive change, fostering a community committed to justice, equity, and human flourishing.
Contemplation/discernment practice
Creative practices - build a self-liberation toolkit
Group discussion
About the Facilitator
Rev. Ali’a Edwards (she/her/hers) is a dynamic spiritual leader and artist. A 2012 graduate of the One Spirit Interfaith Seminary program, Rev. Ali’a is following her ancestor’s guidance into full revelation of her gifts and talents. A devotee of the Mystery of life, she oozes joie de vivre while diligently striving to activate her full potential.
Where can I access the workshop?
All One Spirit workshops are hosted on Hylo - our online community platform. Workshop access will be provided via email after registration is complete. Please check your spam and/or promotions folders for your confirmation email from One Spirit. You will be guided to create a Hylo account, if you don’t already have one.