How does karma affect what you have experienced, and are experiencing, in your life? How can we influence our destiny to have a better future?

Most of us know karma as, basically, the concept that our thoughts and actions have consequences, whether immediately or at some future time. Although that statement captures the basic principle of karma, there is significantly more to karma than that.

Another important teaching of Zen and Buddhism is the Four Immeasurables, which can be seen as a solution for creating good karma, leading to liberation. To find our true freedom we need to use our higher capacities as human beings, which help us break free from limitations and pain.

Actions that are "clean", and do not create bad karma, help us toward our own and others' liberation.

Our higher capacities allow us to cultivate a mind that frees itself from following past negative karma, gradually breaking those chains. By connecting to one's unlimited mind rather than to the narrow mind, we can help free ourselves and others from painful complications in living.

During and after the presentation we will discuss and practice these principles, and enjoy community.

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The teacher, David B. Alexander, has practiced Zen since 1970, with teachers at the New York Zen Center in the 1970s and 1980s, and most recently has been active at the Zen Mountain Monastery in Mt. Tremper, NY.

He has been encouraged to share his knowledge by two leading Zen masters in New York City, and has also been practicing and teaching Tai Chi Chuan, a mind / body practice, since 1978. David is an active psychotherapist using gestalt therapy, existential therapy, and nonviolent communication (NVC) in his work with individuals, couples, and business leaders.

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Note: if any attendee does not wish to join in the discussion after the presentation, but prefers to observe and absorb, that preference will be respected.

The webinar meeting will take place online via Zoom. The webinar can be joined via ordinary phone, but for a full experience use of a computer will allow observing other attendees and those who are speaking.

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For this event, there is a short formal presentation introducing the basic concepts of Nonviolent Communication. After that, we will be applying and sharing those concepts in an unscripted conversation. I will guide and facilitate the conversation to deepen the connections while also protecting the boundaries and needs of participants.

Each participant can introduce themselves. Depending on the flow of questions and on the preference of the participants, we will have short, enjoyable exercises, interwoven with discussing situations brought in by participants, or else sample situations I provide that we can discuss together.

Many of my readers have participated in past events together. These past events which I facilitated explored communication in various environments, especially using principles of Nonviolent Communication (also known in my own terminology as Heart-Wise Communication).

For this confidential event, bring your own personal questions, or bring up issues that have been on your mind regarding relationships, society, and any aspect of communication that is important for you.

Those who wish to observe are also welcome. Participation can be an enjoyable experience, but is not required.