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Collective Liberation

  • Mountain Rain Zen Community 2016 Wall Street Vancouver, B.C. Canada (map)

Zenju Earthlyn Manuel is a Soto Zen priest, author, and poet. A dharma heir of the late Zenkei Blanche Hartman in the Shunryu Suzuki Roshi lineage, her practice is also influenced by Native American and African indigenous traditions.

Beginning in May, we are exploring selections of Zenju Earthlyn Manuel’s most recent book: Opening to Darkness.


Collective Liberation is peer-led sitting group is created by and for *racialized folks to foster mutual support and understanding for those who identify as a racialized person and who find inspiration in the practice of Buddhism. We strive to provide an inclusive space that reflects intersectional experiences. It is open to all meditators regardless of experience. The group’s intention is to provide safety and belonging to meditate and explore contemplative practices.

We meet the last Thursday of the month (in person at Wall Street Zendo) from 7:30–9:00 PM.

 Our monthly sitting generally/typically includes:

o   Seated meditation

o   Walking meditation and/or stretching

o   A dharma reflection from a selected reading

o   A sharing circle

o   Community announcements

* In recognizing that “race” is a social construct, we are using the term “racialized person” or racialized group, instead of what may be considered less accurate terms such as “racial minority”, “visible minority”, “person of colour” or “non-White”. We are also mindful that, when it comes to “race” and the terms one uses to self-identify, using a broad term to describe a group is equally as challenging and there is no one-size-fits-all language.