Reflections on what it means to walk the path of Dharma in America in 2017, examining the key practice of taking refuge as a support for meeting the challenges of our times.

We explore ten ways of responding, internally and externally, to “opponents,” particularly those with radically different views, whether a family member, co-worker, or fellow community member, on the one hand, or those in the public realm.

Shaila Catherine gave the fifth talk in a speaker series titled "Living Wisely in the World: Caring for Mind, Family, Society, and Planet." She pointed out that feelings and emotions can be rather seductive, especially when we are not mindful of them, because they can unconsciously propel us into action. When feelings are pleasant, the response very often moves the mind towards craving and grasping. When feelings are unpleasant, the response is often aversion. Therefore, feelings should be investigated and understood, instead of being the basis upon which impulsive decisions are made.