Spiritual Radicals: The Engaged Spirituality of Buddhist and Christian Saints and Bodhisattvas

Spiritual Radicals is an online daylong spiritual gathering that brings Buddhist and Christian contemplative practice to the question of how to act in a troubled world. It is led by Kaira Jewel Lingo and Father Adam Bucko and hosted by Spirit Rock Meditation Center of Woodacre, California. It is open to anyone drawn to meditation, prayer and engaged spirituality, whether or not they come from either tradition.

What to Expect

The day runs from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm Pacific Time on Zoom. It begins from a plain observation: climate emergency, war and polarization can make it hard to face the world with an open heart. The teachers invite participants to find inner spaciousness and to let contemplative practice lead into action.

The teaching draws on contemporary Buddhist and Christian saints and bodhisattvas, including Thich Nhat Hanh, Desmond Tutu, Dorothy Day, Dipa Ma, Matthew Fox and Joanna Macy. Through meditation, prayer and intimate conversations, participants turn toward what the organizers call the "mystic heart," where the wisdom of Buddha and Christ meet. The day also explores how to discern a personal calling and meet these times with integrity, resilience and love.

About Kaira Jewel Lingo

Kaira Jewel Lingo is a senior Dharma teacher in the Plum Village Zen lineage and also teaches vipassanā in the Insight tradition. She is a member of the Plum Village North American Dharma Teachers' Council of Elders. She has practiced mindfulness since 1997 and has taught since 2007. An author and mentor, she teaches meditation and compassion internationally at the intersection of racial, climate and social justice, with particular attention to activists, artists, educators, families, youth and Black, Indigenous and People of Color. She was born into an interracial family within a residential Christian community in Chicago devoted to simplicity and service to the poor and marginalized.

About Father Adam Bucko

Adam Bucko is an Episcopal priest, spiritual director, activist and interfaith pioneer. Born and raised in Poland under a totalitarian regime, he was shaped early by exposure to spiritual activism. He is considered one of the leading voices in a movement for the renewal of Christian contemplation and new monasticism.

Before You Go

The program is held online only, in English, and welcomes all levels, from people new to contemplative practice to long-time meditators and those who pray regularly. Registration includes unlimited access to a recording, which becomes available about ten days after the program.

Pricing is on a sliding scale, and paying at the highest rate you can afford helps fund scholarships and support for the teachers. Scholarship rates are offered for BIPOC participants, for Mudita/Karuna requests and for young adults. No one is turned away for lack of funds, as space allows. Registration closes on the morning of the program, and a waiting list is created if it fills early.