One way of understanding Buddhist teachings on anatta (non-self) is that our constructed sense of self is haunted by a sense of lack. In reaction, money, fame, power, romance/sex., etc., become vehicles to make ourselves feel more real. But nothing in the world can ever fill up the bottomless hole at our core. This is more than a personal problem. When institutionalized, our collective sense of self motivates consumerism, militarism, ecological destruction, and so forth. How can we understand the Buddhist solution to our sense of lack? What does that solution imply about how we might work together to address our social problems?

David Loy is the Besl Professor of Ethics/Religion and Society at Xavier University and a Zen lay teacher in Sanbo Kyodon. He was a professor in Japan for many years. His books (all of which can be found in AZC's library) include:

• Nonduality: A Study in Comparative Philosophy.
• Lack and Transcendence: Death and Life in Psychotherapy, Existentialism and Buddhism.
• A Buddhist History of the West: Studies in Lack.
• The Great Awakening: A Buddhist Social Theory.
• The Dharma of Dragons and Daemons: Buddhist Themes in Modern Fantasy.
• Money, Sex, War, Karma: Notes for a Buddhist Revolution.

Schedule.

Saturday
9:20 - 9:50 Meditation
10:00 - 12:00 Lecture/Discussion
12:00 Lunch Break
2:00 - 2:20 Meditation
2:30 - 4:30 Lecture/Discussion

Sunday
9:20 - 9:50 Meditation
10:00 - 12:00 Lecture/Discussion
12:00 Lunch Break
2:00 - 2:20 Meditation
2:30 - 4:30 Lecture/Discussion

Evening schedule in preparation.

Fees: $80.00 Members $100.00 Others. Dana for teacher is encouraged.

Registration and more info: Sign up online here.