Ecological Narcissism: Acknowledging Egocentricity and Reawakening Our Ecological Self - A Virtual Dharma Talk

As the realities of our climate crisis have moved from a distant future to the very present, our society is still enmeshed in a false reality that numbs out ecological and social concerns and instead focuses on our small, often self-centered needs. Our small cocoons keep us safe from the larger chaos around us, yet are damaging to ourselves, our communities, and to the Earth. 

Within this EcoDharma talk, we will look at our trend of narcissism, the growing self-centeredness within our society, how this relates to our collective narcissism, and how this is harming all beings of Earth. In particular we will work with shifting from egocentricity to our many relational selves, particularly our ecological self. The talk will be mixed in with short, guided meditations and there will be space at the end for questions and comments. Participants should anticipate the surfacing of heavy emotions as well as to engage sitting and moving meditation. 

This talk will be offered via the Zoom platform. It will take place on Saturday, February 5, 2022 at 10:00am-12:00pm MT. Please use this link to see how this daily schedule translates into your timezone.

Who Should Attend? 

• This talk is open to everyone

Suggested Reading to Accompany this Dharma Talk

Returning the Self to Nature: Undoing Our Collective Narcissism And Healing Our Planet – (forthcoming, 2022)

Ecological and Social Healing: Multicultural Women’s Voices (2017) edited by Jeanine M. Canty

Globalism and Localization: Emergent Solutions to Ecological and Social Crises, edited by Jeanine M. Canty

What is A Virtual Dharma Talk?

Virtual Dharma Talks are part of Tara Mandala’s Virtual Retreat offerings:  At-Home intensive retreats, teachings and in-depth workshops during which practitioners receive dharma teachings, engage in guided practice, experience hands-on learning, and connect with other participants through an easy-to-use online platform (Zoom) during consecutive days (with few exceptions) and daylong offerings. This modality of learning is appropriate for practitioners who are able to create a practice container of their own, setting aside a dedicated retreat space, removing themselves from social media, and taking care of necessities with the mind of compassion in action for the specific dates and times that the teachings occur. 

Tiered-Prices

Tara Mandala is working to expand opportunities for access to Buddhist teachings and practices while offering an equity-informed fee structure when possible. With our new tiered pricing, we strive to make the Dharma more accessible to all while furthering the important conversations that must happen around current structures that inhibit equal access to underprivileged communities. We encourage you to select the registration tier at the highest level within your capacity to assist Tara Mandala in covering the costs of offering these wonderful teachings while also benefiting from access to the recordings of the teachings post-retreat. We thank you in advance for your support and your practice!

$25 – Access Level (includes access to recordings of all sessions for up to 7 days from the end of the retreat)
Registration at this level is offered 35% below the cost of holding this retreat to assist participants with financial limitations and encourage the exploration and practice of dharma.

$49 – Tier 1 (includes access to recordings of all sessions for up to 30 days from the end of the retreat)
Registration at this level covers the basic costs for this retreat and allows Tara Mandala to maintain sustainability.

$65 – Tier 2 (includes access to recordings of all sessions for up to 1 year from the end of the retreat)
Registration at this level covers the program costs for this retreat and provides additional support for the year-round work of Tara Mandala.

Choosing the Tier 1 or Tier 2 levels allows Tara Mandala to continue to make dharma teachings accessible and inclusive while also allowing its year-round operations to continue and expand while being a repository for wisdom literature, a center for translation, a beacon for the feminine in Buddhism. Tara Mandala is an  active dharma organization and retreat center that provides refuge for deep practice and transformation. There are many ways to support and engage with Tara Mandala’s worldwide activities. Click here to learn more. We appreciate your support and generosity! 

Offering dana to the teacher: The practice of offering dana, which means “generosity,” is the traditional offering the student makes to the teacher as a symbol of appreciation, gratitude, and reciprocity for receiving the precious teachings. Information on offering dana to the teacher will be provided during the virtual retreat. To learn more about dana and suggested dana ranges, please click here. 

Payment Plans and Financial Assistance

Tara Mandala has two scholarship funds and offers deferred payment plans as resources for anyone with financial limitations. For more information and to apply, visit our Scholarships and Financial Assistance Page. 

Sustaining Sangha:
If you are currently a member of our Sustaining Sangha, you may apply your retreat discount to this program.

Click Here for Our Cancellation and Refund Policy