Meditation for Decolonization

In this weekly course we will engage in the practice of MEDITATION AND EXPLORE HOW TO APPLY THE WISDOM AND COMPASSION DEVELOPED THROUGH SITTING PRACTICE TO IDENTIFY AND LIBERATE OURSELVES FROM COLONIAL CONDITIONING TO CREATE MORE JUST AND PEACEFUL COMMUNITIES. Richard Torres M.Div., HTP, is a clinical Chaplain, instructor of Philosophy and Religion at Chemeketa Community College, and a trainer and consultant on the application of Mindfulness Meditation practices to promote empowerment and social justice in institutional contexts. He is the author of numerous articles, most recently contributing to the book “The Arts of Contemplative Care: Pioneering Voices in Buddhist Pastoral Care and Chaplaincy” by Wisdom Publications. Richard received his Master of Divinity from Naropa University and was ordained at the Great Mountain Zen Center in Lafayette, Colorado by Gerry Shishin Wick, Roshi. Richard completed his Clinical Chaplaincy Training at the University of Wisconsin Cancer Center in Wausau, Wisconsin and has served as a Chaplain in hospice, hospital, and corrections settings to include the position of Chaplain at the Oregon State Pentitentiary. Richard is also an initiated Beike (Spiritual mentor) in the Caney Indigenous Spiritual Circle as taught to him by Taino elder, Miguel Saboako Koromo. Richard’s approach to teaching meditation is deeply informed by his immersion in both Native American and Zen Buddhist traditions. Mondays 6-8pm  Donation Suggested